Trying to keep up...Don't dance so fast!

Sometimes I feel like I'm on top of the world. I feel like I'm succeeding in my most important roles as wife and mother when my house is clean, the laundry is all folded and put away, I'm helping the Mr. by taking care of things he doesn't have time for, I'm spending quality one-on-one time with each child every day and do learning lessons and activities with them daily, and educational field trips weekly, I'm fixing healthy and tasty meals for my family, I'm perfectly organized and caught up in all of my meal planning, coupon clipping, church calling, service organization, etc responsibilities, my to-do list is completely crossed off, I'm exercising daily, my children never watch TV, I never lose my temper, and, occasionally, I work part-time to bring in income.

Other days, or, recently, weeks, I feel as though the world is caving in on me. No matter how much time I spend cleaning and straightening the house, there is ALWAYS more to do. Before I'm finished folding clean laundry, the dirty hampers are full. It's half an hour before dinnertime and I'm looking through the fridge trying to find something half-way edible to through together for dinner because I can't remember the last time I planned my meals, or even went grocery shopping for that matter. I put Wiggles down for a nap and before I'm even done putting the other two down, she's awake again. I try to take a shower but some catastrophe pulls me out before the shampoo's even rinsed from my hair. I try rising before my children for some peace/quiet/meditation in the morning, but no matter how early I'm up, at least one of them always decides to join me! I find myself snapping at my children, sometimes for very small infractions. As soon as I cross one thing off my to-do list, I have 5 more things to add.Once in a while I even let my kids watch SuperWhy just to be able to 'do my duty' or shave my legs in peace.

Would I trade my life? Never. Not even for a moment. Do the "goods" outweigh the "bads"? A million times over. But lately I'm just wishing I could get back on top of my game. I blame my 'being behind' on our recent big move - but let's be honest, we've been moved in for 2 weeks now. Life must go on! Besides, we'll probably be moving again in just 10 short months, so I can't let moving spin my life out of control.

So, this quote really hit home when I read it today.

"You can have the utmost assurance that your power will be multiplied many times by the Lord. All he asks is that you give your best effort and your whole heart. Do it cheerfully and with the prayer of faith. You will feel at some times, perhaps at many times, that you cannot do all you feel you must...The forces arrayed against you will try not only to frustrate your work but to bring you down...Your obedience to the commandments, your desire to do His will, and your asking in faith will determine how clearly the Master can guide you by answers to your prayers...He chose you..The Lord knows you...He has prepared a way so that He could issue your call." (Elder Henry B. Eyring, Oct 2002)

Forgive the lengthiness of this post, but I love these 2 poems/thoughts as well:
(Author unknown, and I apologize for the plagery - wish I had put it into words so well!)

Some houses try to hide the fact
that children shelter there;
Ours boasts it quite openly...
the signs are everywhere.
For smears are on the windows,
little smudges on the door;
I guess I should apologize
for the toys strewn on the floor,
But I sat down with the children
we played, laughed and read,
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
their eyes will shine instead.
For when I'm forced to choose
the one job or the other
It's good to be a housewife
but I'd rather be a mother!


Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round
Or listened to the rain lapping on the gruond?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight
Or gazed at the un into the fading night?
You'd better slow down - don't dance so fast!
Time is short; the music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask "How are you?" do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chore running through your head?
You'd better slow down - don't dance so fast!
Time is short; the music won't last.

Ever told your child "We'll do it tomorrow"
And, in your haste, not seen his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die
'Cause you never had time to call and say "hi"?
You'd better slow down - don't dance so fast!
Time is short; the music won't last.

When you run so fast to getsomewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day
It's like an unopened gift thrown away..
Life's not a race - please, take it slower;
Hear the music before the song is over!

We're recovering

Don't expect any posts for awhile - Angel is recovering from surgery which means lots of TLC for her, and lots of attention for the other two who are beginning to feel neglected....wish us luck! :)

Happy Birthday Grins!

Dear Grins,
Wow, my son! I can't believe you are 3 years old already! Where has the time gone? I remember the first time I ever laid eyes on you, just seconds after you were born, as though it were yesterday. And now, here you are, a little man. You hold such a special place in my heart! I love you more than words can say.

I LOVE how sweet you are! You are always SO concerned with how others feel, regardless of how they are treating you! Whenever I punish your older sister for being mean to you, you are quick to forgive, and want to go sit with her in time-out, give her the toy she was trying to grab from you, or give her "loves" to cheer her up, when just seconds before she was hitting you. You are the perfect example of 'turning the other cheek' and I learn so much about charity and unconditional love just by watching you.

You are such a lover boy. You love snuggles, kisses, and loves. You will often pause throughout the day, during story time, play time, or anytime, just to give me a kiss. It melts my heart. And every night when I tuck you in, you say "I want you to lay with me!" How can I resist? You are sensitive and sometimes take a little while warming up to things and people, but once you do, you love them fiercely! Your nursery teacher, Krystina, for example. You adore her, and I get the impression the feeling is mutual! You also have many favorites that you cling to:

Favorite color: green
Favorite book: Shortcut (Donald Crews)
Favorite loveys: Puppy, Teddy, Blankie and Magic Blankie (Magic because 'he' protects you from bad guys)

I LOVE your sensitivity! It is so sweet and endearing, and sometimes it also makes me laugh. Automatic flush toilets, for instance, are one of your current 'sensitive spots'. You REFUSE to use the restroom if there is - or even if you THINK there MIGHT BE an automatic flusher. You would honestly rather wet your pants than go in a restroom where the toilet will flush on its own. At least you will finally look to see whether a toilet has a handle, than just avoid going in altogether as you were doing for awhile! :) You are so funny! I love it!

With all your sensitivity, you are definitely all boy! You LOVE trains, tractors, trucks, cars - and have recently discovered the field of swords and 'beating the bad guys' (usually the Lamanites). Since we don't have any weapons in our home, you've become quite proficient at turning anything and everything into a sword - from baseball bats to sticks to hangers? You are so creative! And SO playful! You are ALWAYS laughing, and I rarely see you without a smile on your face! You can make a game out of anything, and you have the most infectious laugh of anyone I know! I smile everytime I think about you!

You have excellent manners - several other mothers have commented to me how much they love that you clear your plate, say 'please' and 'thank you', cover your mouth, etc. all without prompting! You hold the door for me, often ask if you can help me carry things....you are the perfect little gentleman! You are also an EXCELLENT listener - I rarely have to repeat myself when asking you to do things; you are very obedient and I LOVE IT! :)

Sweet boy, I feel SO blessed to be your mother! I don't know WHAT I did to deserve such a special little boy. I feel like you are my little ray of sunlight whenever I am down. You teach me so much more than I could ever teach you. I am so grateful to have you in my life, and for the blessing and honor it is to be your mother. I only hope I can live up to such a noble calling.

I love you, my son. Happy Birthday!

Happy Anniversary, my Love!

Dear Lovey,
Since I probably won't see you (as you're pretty much living at the hospital these days, let me take a moment to wish you a Happy Anniversary! Thank you for treating me like a queen these past 8 years! I appreciate your undying patience, your endless love, your sense of humor, and the respect you continue to show me. I know it's been a roller coaster at times (pregnancy hormones and all :) ) - but I'm so glad we've enjoyed the ride together! You are a devoted husband, a tender father, a gifted musician, a hard-working provider, an intelligent aspiring physician, and a good man. Thank you for choosing me, of all the fish in the sea, to walk beside you in this incredible journey of life. I love you with all my heart. It's our GOLDEN anniversary (the 8th on 8/8!) ~ here's to 8 more! But can we please move less in the next 8 years? Thanks! I love you! Love, Me

Summer Update Cont - the Mayan

If you have never been to the Mayan Restaurant in South Jordan, Utah, you've definitely got to try it! Our kids (and Aunt Abbie) THOROUGHLY enjoyed themselves! They've been talking about it for weeks since then - and even pretending they are divers (though, fortunately, without actually diving!) It is a restaurant with mexican-style cuisine and diving shows every 15 minutes. (Wish I would have thought to photograph them!) Pretty impressive. And very reasonably priced! I highly recommend it (just get reservations!! VERY popular and took us a while to get in!)

Summer Update Cont - This is the Place Heritage Park

I was lucky enough to receive a pass to This is the Place Heritage Park for Mother's Day - this really is the gift that keeps on giving! My kids LOVE it - there is so much to do; crafts, train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, a park...and it's within walking distance from our home which is an added bonus!

This summer, we were fortunate to have Aunt Abbie join us - tons of fun for the kids because they just adore her, and an added bonus for me because she is seriously like a little nanny! I go into withdrawls when she leaves, she takes such great care of the kids! They all had a great time at This is the Place (or, as Abbie called it, "Here's where it's at Park" when she couldn't remember the name. That cracked me up.) despite the heat (as is evidenced by the rosy cheeks!)

Summer Update Continued - Swimming Lessons

Both (the 2 oldest, that is) of our children could not get enough of swimming lesons this year! Next time around we are definitely adding the 'open plunge' option, that is for sure! I put them in the same class so it would be easier to watch both (one of the many benefits of children close together, since they are in the same 'age' category and, for the most part, skill level!) Angel took to the water immediately, whereas Grins needed a little bit more coaxing - but he always got in after a few minutes. Truth be told, after he 'warmed up', he was even more daring than Angel; she still likes to hold her nose, whereas Grins
just jumps right in and then shakes his head like a dog when he comes out of the water. Their favorite games: feeding Charlie (the fish) bubbles, Chop Chop Cherry Tree, Alligator Alligator, and Fishie in the Basket. They had so much fun it hardly seemed like a lesson (the goal at this age, I think!) I was so proud of both of them - initially they were nervous about putting their faces in the water, but they now do it easily, and definitely made good progress in their short 2 weeks of lessons! I think we'll need to do 2 sessions next year! :)

Menu Plan Monday

I've GOT to get back in the habit of planning my meals in advance! I've been just 'winging it' pretty much every night, which has been driving me CRAZY and often results in late dinners because, by the time I finally figure out what to make, dinner time is already long gone! So, I know it makes for a boring post, but if I don't do it here, then where?

Monday: soft taco bar, salad, corn on the cob, red grapes, ice cream sandwiches for FHE treats
Tuesday: spaghetti pie, steamed green beans, sauteed summer squash, canteloupe
Wednedsay: POTLUCK - we'll bring teriyaki chicken kabobs and strawberry spinach salad
Thursday: chicken caesar pasta salad, crusty bread, cucumber salad, fruit salad
Friday: left overs
Saturday: OUR ANNIVERSARY so, if we're lucky (and can find a sitter) - RESERVATIONS
Sunday: GRINS' birthday = his choice (he's still deciding)