Today we had a story time at the nursing home. Natalie (8), Hyrum (6), Ella (4), and Tank (2) accompanied me. My how the elderly love seeing the little ones. The kids are so quick to smile, talk, and hug the residents of the nursing homes and their Great Grandma Butler. They loved sharing their books with all of their "grandparents."
After the kids came home from school we went to the store and bought Benjamin a fishing license, pole, and bait. We took neighborhood friends and all our kids to First Dam. The oldest boys fished while the rest of us fed the ducks and geese.
I've been reading President Monson's biography and listening to Parley P. Pratt's autobiography. Both are inspirational! They inspire me to lengthen my stride, reach out to others, and stand up to be counted.
This evening the kids had their friends over to make banana splits. It's been a great day!!
Jaremy's in Pittsburg on business for ICON. We will go pick him up tomorrow at the airport. I miss him! The kids are out of school tomorrow, so we can hang out a bit in Salt Lake. Looks like tomorrow's shaping up to be another terrific day!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Fast Sunday
I'm so blessed! I've never had to go hungry in my life. Of course, I am hungry on Fast Sunday, but I choose that. I feel so bad for those who are hungry, sick, lonely, and impoverished. I wish I could do more to help them.
The other day we watched a movie about a leper colony. Moroni was so touched by the movie, he withdrew all his money and bought things for the poor. He also gave more money to the church to help poor people. He has a big heart! All my children have big hearts!!! I love them so much. I'm grateful they are tender and caring.
We have begun our training at the American West Heritage Center. Yesterday we shopped for pioneer clothing. It's going to take a ton of work in the next month to finish all the dresses, slips, bonnets, vests, shirts, pants, bloomers, caps, and aprons we need for our pioneer outfits. We are really excited! It's good we have tons of challenging work before spring arrives, because I have spring fever like nuts! Oh, well! It's coming!
Heavenly Father blesses my family with so much!!! I'm so grateful! I will praise His name forever!!!
The other day we watched a movie about a leper colony. Moroni was so touched by the movie, he withdrew all his money and bought things for the poor. He also gave more money to the church to help poor people. He has a big heart! All my children have big hearts!!! I love them so much. I'm grateful they are tender and caring.
We have begun our training at the American West Heritage Center. Yesterday we shopped for pioneer clothing. It's going to take a ton of work in the next month to finish all the dresses, slips, bonnets, vests, shirts, pants, bloomers, caps, and aprons we need for our pioneer outfits. We are really excited! It's good we have tons of challenging work before spring arrives, because I have spring fever like nuts! Oh, well! It's coming!
Heavenly Father blesses my family with so much!!! I'm so grateful! I will praise His name forever!!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sickness
Tank must have something wrong with his immune system in the winter. All this winter and last winter he has caught every cold and cough that has come along. The poor little guy has had a high fever, painful cough, hurting eyes, and runny nose. He has been miserable. Last night I had him sleep in our room so I could keep an eye on him. He woke up many, many times from his fitfull sleep asking for a drink. I have become emotional several times in the last while and not because I'm tired. I've cried out of gratitude. What an honor to be able to comfort these special little ones. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father sent these precious children to me. It is a privilege to comfort them at night. Everyone has to go through childhood illnesses. I wouldn't want my kids to be cared for by anyone else. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father let me care for these amazing souls on such a personal, meaningful way. Attending to someone's basic needs, comforting them when they are weak, nourishing their soul and body are ways to show deep love. It brings about rich bonding and cherishing. I love my children so much! I am humbled to be their mother. They are so patient with me. I sense in a very real way they are my superiors and my teachers. I love them with all my heart.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Morning Challenge
Our mornings are pretty awesome. We get up at 6:00. The kids clean their rooms and get themselves ready for the day. Then they do a couple of simple chores that rotate monthly. Jaremy showers and does laundry. I say my quick prayers and immediately go down to start breakfast (or assist or train the child in charge of breakfast preparations), keep kids on task, and do a few chores myself. Tank (2) usually wakes up slowly. He wants me to cuddle with him while he warms up for the day. If I don't sit and hold him until he is go and ready to get going on his morning he becomes very grumpy and demanding. He throws a fit if I ask someone else to cuddle him. So one of my main jobs each morning is to help Tank feel secure and loved. If I do he is off to a great start! Sometimes it is difficult to remember how important this simple bonding is. It shows him I love him more than attacking my to-do list. I'm so grateful my family is so understanding. They all realize he still needs this time with Mom. They also know that they received the same attention when they were little.
At about 7:00 we have family scripture study. Breakfast is at about 7:30. Then the kids gather up their lunches and book bags. They have us sign last minute papers and then they kiss us good-bye. Jaremy gives me a long kiss then he drives the kids to school. Their school is by his work. Both are about 10 minutes from our home by the Logan Temple.
After they leave the little kids and I finish tidying the house. I then help Ella and Tank with their teeth and hair. Finally, I shower while they play in the bedroom next to the bathroom so I can hear them. After I shower one of the kids combs my wet hair while I read stories to them on the sofa. Next we do school and other various jobs until lunch and naps. The little kids go down to bed. About once a week I take a short nap too. As I've mentioned before this increases my optimism and energy. Hyrum (6) and Natalie (8) do some homework until Jaremy comes home for lunch. Half the time I can greet Jaremy at lunch time with my make-up and hair done. The other half of the time he has to wait until dinner . Today is one of those days.
I love mornings! I just need to be able to accomplish a few more things. First, I want to be able to really pray in the morning. This takes quiet, alone time for at least 15 minutes. Second, I want to be able to get myself completely ready for the day before breakfast. Third, I want to be able to get Tank and Ella ready before breakfast. Fourth, it would be really nice to work out with Jaremy in the morning.
In order to accomplish these things I need to arise at 4:30am. That means I would have to be in bed at 8:30pm. That is not realistic. I usually go to be between 9:30 and 10:00. If I don't get 8 hours of sleep I don't function very well. So what do I do?
Maybe I can skip getting the little ones ready before breakfast. Maybe I can learn to get ready in 15 minutes instead of 30 minutes. That would mean I would have to go to be at 9:00, but maybe that could work. I will try it for a week and see what happens!
At about 7:00 we have family scripture study. Breakfast is at about 7:30. Then the kids gather up their lunches and book bags. They have us sign last minute papers and then they kiss us good-bye. Jaremy gives me a long kiss then he drives the kids to school. Their school is by his work. Both are about 10 minutes from our home by the Logan Temple.
After they leave the little kids and I finish tidying the house. I then help Ella and Tank with their teeth and hair. Finally, I shower while they play in the bedroom next to the bathroom so I can hear them. After I shower one of the kids combs my wet hair while I read stories to them on the sofa. Next we do school and other various jobs until lunch and naps. The little kids go down to bed. About once a week I take a short nap too. As I've mentioned before this increases my optimism and energy. Hyrum (6) and Natalie (8) do some homework until Jaremy comes home for lunch. Half the time I can greet Jaremy at lunch time with my make-up and hair done. The other half of the time he has to wait until dinner . Today is one of those days.
I love mornings! I just need to be able to accomplish a few more things. First, I want to be able to really pray in the morning. This takes quiet, alone time for at least 15 minutes. Second, I want to be able to get myself completely ready for the day before breakfast. Third, I want to be able to get Tank and Ella ready before breakfast. Fourth, it would be really nice to work out with Jaremy in the morning.
In order to accomplish these things I need to arise at 4:30am. That means I would have to be in bed at 8:30pm. That is not realistic. I usually go to be between 9:30 and 10:00. If I don't get 8 hours of sleep I don't function very well. So what do I do?
Maybe I can skip getting the little ones ready before breakfast. Maybe I can learn to get ready in 15 minutes instead of 30 minutes. That would mean I would have to go to be at 9:00, but maybe that could work. I will try it for a week and see what happens!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Free Weekend
I never thought I would enjoy footzoning as much as I do. It's relaxing to listen to soothing music and massage to the rhythm. Of course, it helps the person who is getting zoned. The smells of the coconut oil and essential oils are nice. It's a great way to unwind. I especially like footzoning my family. It's a great way to bond.
This evening Benjamin and Jaremy are going snow caving. Good luck to them! I will think of them when I soak in a hot bath and sleep soundly in my soft, warm bed. Benjamin is excited! Jaremy has gone before and knows it can be miserable. He's such a good sport, never complaining. I hope they stay warm and sleep well.
We were going to head off to Moab this three day weekend, but Uncle Bill changed our plans. We will be going to his funeral instead. Besides, it looks like it will be raining in Moab anyway. It's kind of nice to have the weekend to catch up and breathe a bit. I want to visit Grandma Butler and some widows. I want to walk across the street to the temple and attend a session. I want to bring order to the garage and pantry. I want to watch a movie and eat popcorn. I want to go to bed early. I want to help the kids get caught up on homework. If I can get those few things done anything else will be icing on the cake. If I get to work on compiling my "Mothers in Zion" book or curl up on the couch with a book that would really be something!
Right now I need to go pick up the kids from school and meander over to the park to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. It's another gorgeous day!! Heavenly Father has created the most beautiful, fascinating world! I'm so grateful I can live and enjoy each day!
This evening Benjamin and Jaremy are going snow caving. Good luck to them! I will think of them when I soak in a hot bath and sleep soundly in my soft, warm bed. Benjamin is excited! Jaremy has gone before and knows it can be miserable. He's such a good sport, never complaining. I hope they stay warm and sleep well.
We were going to head off to Moab this three day weekend, but Uncle Bill changed our plans. We will be going to his funeral instead. Besides, it looks like it will be raining in Moab anyway. It's kind of nice to have the weekend to catch up and breathe a bit. I want to visit Grandma Butler and some widows. I want to walk across the street to the temple and attend a session. I want to bring order to the garage and pantry. I want to watch a movie and eat popcorn. I want to go to bed early. I want to help the kids get caught up on homework. If I can get those few things done anything else will be icing on the cake. If I get to work on compiling my "Mothers in Zion" book or curl up on the couch with a book that would really be something!
Right now I need to go pick up the kids from school and meander over to the park to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. It's another gorgeous day!! Heavenly Father has created the most beautiful, fascinating world! I'm so grateful I can live and enjoy each day!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Beautiful Naps
Yesterday we shopped all day! This year I'm trying to only go grocery shopping once a month. It seems to free up a lot of time. It feels great to have a year's supply of essentials like wheat and beans. It feels terrific to have at least a month's supply of vegetables, fruits, meats, salsa, household supplies, and such. It was a big day! I'm so grateful we have our finances set up so we can shop in one big day. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with enough money for food, clothes, and supplies. It costs a lot to raise these little ones, but I feel Heavenly Father helping us. I'm grateful for the blessings of paying our tithes and fast offerings. The windows of heaven have truly opened for us.
This morning I washed windows and walls, put away laundry, cleaned, and baked. I'm ready for a nap. I believe a nap gives you the power of two mornings. It keeps me going strong into the evening. I'm a nicer mom when I take a nap. Of course, now that I'm not expecting or nursing I don't need a nap everyday or more than 20 minutes, but I still like to freshen up. I used to feel guilty for napping, but now I realize it actually increases my productivity, energy, and emotional stability. Your best self might be eluding you on the other side of a nap.
This morning I washed windows and walls, put away laundry, cleaned, and baked. I'm ready for a nap. I believe a nap gives you the power of two mornings. It keeps me going strong into the evening. I'm a nicer mom when I take a nap. Of course, now that I'm not expecting or nursing I don't need a nap everyday or more than 20 minutes, but I still like to freshen up. I used to feel guilty for napping, but now I realize it actually increases my productivity, energy, and emotional stability. Your best self might be eluding you on the other side of a nap.
Monday, February 14, 2011
A Marvelous Monday!
I spent the day in footzoning class here at home. My teacher, Lu Parkin, and two other women came here to the class. It's fun to learn a way to help my family stay healthy or recover from illness or injury. It's a simple way to bring comfort and love to my family.
The class took most of the school day. Then Deborah, Jaremy's mom, and Robert, her husband, stopped by. She wasn't feeling well so I zoned her feet. Zoning is a kind of reflexology massage in case you were wondering.
The kids were put on the back burner today. That rarely happens, but I wanted to make sure they had some sunshine and exercise. So we went to the park a few blocks away.
When we arrived home my sister, Melissa, called. By the time Jaremy got home at about 5:30 I still hadn't figured out dinner yet. So he said let's get in the van and go out to eat. He said it was my Valentine's present not to have to fix and clean up dinner. He's such a sweetheart! He already took me out to the Iron Gate Grill on Saturday night for Valentine's Day. I wish I'd been more prepared, but the day unexpectedly became overbooked. I felt guilty, but we had fun at Chic'Filet. I'll work harder so we don't have to waste money on silliness.
Yesterday I taught the Relief Society lesson. I mentioned my life is so blessed! It's better than I dreamed it would be, and I dreamed big! I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude for the beautiful life Heavenly Father has given me. I feel my challenges are so easy and small compared to thoses around me. I am humbled by the comforts, wonderful people, beautiful surroundings, and love that are constants in my life. I'm so grateful for a loving, talented husband who is the father of our loving, talented children. I'm so grateful for my knowledge of Jesus Christ and His gospel. I don't know why I'm so blessed when others are lonely, sick, afraid, hungry, sad, impoverished, or without the knowledge of God. It makes me want to share what I have. It makes me want to live better, give more, become more. I hope I can. Life is beautiful!! Life is a gift from our Heavenly Father!!
The class took most of the school day. Then Deborah, Jaremy's mom, and Robert, her husband, stopped by. She wasn't feeling well so I zoned her feet. Zoning is a kind of reflexology massage in case you were wondering.
The kids were put on the back burner today. That rarely happens, but I wanted to make sure they had some sunshine and exercise. So we went to the park a few blocks away.
When we arrived home my sister, Melissa, called. By the time Jaremy got home at about 5:30 I still hadn't figured out dinner yet. So he said let's get in the van and go out to eat. He said it was my Valentine's present not to have to fix and clean up dinner. He's such a sweetheart! He already took me out to the Iron Gate Grill on Saturday night for Valentine's Day. I wish I'd been more prepared, but the day unexpectedly became overbooked. I felt guilty, but we had fun at Chic'Filet. I'll work harder so we don't have to waste money on silliness.
Yesterday I taught the Relief Society lesson. I mentioned my life is so blessed! It's better than I dreamed it would be, and I dreamed big! I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude for the beautiful life Heavenly Father has given me. I feel my challenges are so easy and small compared to thoses around me. I am humbled by the comforts, wonderful people, beautiful surroundings, and love that are constants in my life. I'm so grateful for a loving, talented husband who is the father of our loving, talented children. I'm so grateful for my knowledge of Jesus Christ and His gospel. I don't know why I'm so blessed when others are lonely, sick, afraid, hungry, sad, impoverished, or without the knowledge of God. It makes me want to share what I have. It makes me want to live better, give more, become more. I hope I can. Life is beautiful!! Life is a gift from our Heavenly Father!!
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