Today it was very easy to know what I wanted to write about. We received a small miracle today.
Let me start by saying that church has been hard for me lately. It's not that I don't want to go or that my feelings of the church have changed- they haven't at all. It's just that most Sundays I have a really hard time being motivated and excited to go. This is why: It falls right at Abi's naptime which equals a very grumpy kid. Every sacrament meeting we end up fighting Abi the ENTIRE time. The crazy thing about this is that while Abi is a high energy little girl she is also a really good little girl. I very rarely have any problems with her in public. So anyway, we have to pack a church bag full of books, coloring items, toys, and snacks and this still doesn't help. It has got worst lately. So, the point of this is that I never get anything out of Sacrament meeting because I can never pay attention to what is going on.
Then as soon as that meeting is over, I go into Nursery for the next two hours. I love kids- well, I will be perfectly honest and say I love most kids- but sometimes when your life is full of spending every day with a two year old and teaching preschool for your side business it is hard to have your calling in church be with kids as well. So, basically I go to church every week with a tired child and have so much added stress that 3 hours that I don't need and don't get anything out of it. This is my usual experience.
That said, you should get a feel for what I was gearing up for this afternoon as we drove the 20 minutes to the church building. This is where the miracle comes in:
We sat in our seats. I held Abi for a minute while we sang a song and then she wanted to be in her own seat. I hand her a lemon tootsie roll. She eats it. She asks for more. Instead I give her a Lift the Flap Book of Mormon Stories book. She then gets down on the floor putting her book *quietly* back on her chair and spends the next few minutes looking through that book. When she is done with it, she notices Daddy highlighting a conference talk he is looking at and she walks over to him and asks to use it. She draws with the highlighter for a few minutes. I then give her a color wonder book and she sits back next to me and colors. I then give her the I can Be Reverant book and she spends a while looking at it. Then she plays with her little church doll (an old fashioned cloth and lace thing with no face) I then give her the last tootsie roll. She eats it. She asks for more. Instead I give her a Hello Kitty notebook and pen and she draws until the final song begins. She stands up on her chair and says "He has a baton like Leo!" (a Little Einsteins reference) and then sits on my lap for the rest of the song.
There it is. That was like a little miracle- really a huge blessing that reminded me of why I still go even though I find it difficult right now. I felt like Heavenly Father was helping me by giving me one hour where I actually got to listen to some really touching talks. I GOT something out of church today and it was something I needed.
I am so grateful.
*We won't dwell on the 'walk' we went on in nursery where Abi took off and fell off the curb and scraped up her leg real bad*
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Grateful Sunday #9
I feel grateful for many things today but the one I'm going to mention is this:
I have had many pictures on my cell phone for a long time and I didn't know I could email them to myself until Karen mentioned it. So, thanks to you Karen I was able to look at these and actually be able to see what they are....
Abi and Alise 'hiding' during preschool a few months ago- (Abi is on the right)
Abi our first time at the dinosaur museum drawing (with Gabe and Emily in the background)
A little over a year ago when Doug's plane got delayed and Abi and I were stuck at O Hare after our flight got in for about 6+ hours- the lifesaver was that they have a HUGE play area with legos and slides and a big play airplane.
Abi Christmastime 2006
Me a few weeks ago.. do I look tired or what?
I love this picture so so much. It was taken two years ago almost to the day when we were staying with the Jacksons in Illinois. My peaceful sleeping girl. She looks almost exactly the same when she is asleep.
Also taken at the Jacksons house. She couldn't even crawl yet. Awww.. it takes me back.
Me and Abi my little faux hawk girl while staying with the Jacksons. I had forgotten that I had dyed my hair darker for awhile out here.
Abi and me on my 30th birthday. We both have so little hair then. Hers has grown much faster than mine though.
This one was about a year ago while on a walk in our neighborhood. I loved that stroller. It died about a month ago... a wheel broke off.
Well, there you go, a short trip down the last two years of our lives through phone pictures. Thanks again Karen!
I have had many pictures on my cell phone for a long time and I didn't know I could email them to myself until Karen mentioned it. So, thanks to you Karen I was able to look at these and actually be able to see what they are....
Abi and Alise 'hiding' during preschool a few months ago- (Abi is on the right)
Abi our first time at the dinosaur museum drawing (with Gabe and Emily in the background)
A little over a year ago when Doug's plane got delayed and Abi and I were stuck at O Hare after our flight got in for about 6+ hours- the lifesaver was that they have a HUGE play area with legos and slides and a big play airplane.
Abi Christmastime 2006
Me a few weeks ago.. do I look tired or what?
I love this picture so so much. It was taken two years ago almost to the day when we were staying with the Jacksons in Illinois. My peaceful sleeping girl. She looks almost exactly the same when she is asleep.
Also taken at the Jacksons house. She couldn't even crawl yet. Awww.. it takes me back.
Me and Abi my little faux hawk girl while staying with the Jacksons. I had forgotten that I had dyed my hair darker for awhile out here.
Abi and me on my 30th birthday. We both have so little hair then. Hers has grown much faster than mine though.
This one was about a year ago while on a walk in our neighborhood. I loved that stroller. It died about a month ago... a wheel broke off.
Well, there you go, a short trip down the last two years of our lives through phone pictures. Thanks again Karen!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Grateful Sunday # 8
I am grateful for family visits. We have Mark, Callie, and Wendy here right now and it has been so much fun. Abi is loving it. I'll be back on with more blogs when they leave!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Grateful Sunday #7
I am glad I'm not a vampire. Really.
Okay, okay so that's a wierd grateful Sunday post but it's late and I just finished Breaking Dawn.
I would give a detailed review but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.
So, this is what I will say. My emotions while reading it (in order) were:
Excited, Happy, Nervous, SHOCKED, freaked out, confused, pretty much horrified, grossed out, shocked again, sad, confused again, coming around to the idea, nervous, sad, nervous again, impressed, happy.
So, there you have it. This was a wierd book but by the end I liked it. I will read it again to fully be able to appreciate it but not for a while. I need to take a while to read other things.
Have you read it yet? Did you like it?
Okay, okay so that's a wierd grateful Sunday post but it's late and I just finished Breaking Dawn.
I would give a detailed review but I don't want to spoil it for anyone.
So, this is what I will say. My emotions while reading it (in order) were:
Excited, Happy, Nervous, SHOCKED, freaked out, confused, pretty much horrified, grossed out, shocked again, sad, confused again, coming around to the idea, nervous, sad, nervous again, impressed, happy.
So, there you have it. This was a wierd book but by the end I liked it. I will read it again to fully be able to appreciate it but not for a while. I need to take a while to read other things.
Have you read it yet? Did you like it?
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Grateful Sunday #6
I am grateful for good books, my ability to read them, a daughter and husband who understand that when mommy finds a new book I will be camped out for a few hours each weekend day reading it and are cool with that.
Recently (as seen in an earlier post) I discovered the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. I really like these books. They are so much fun to read. I just read the second one. Doug came home Friday afternoon and said 'why don't you go buy the second one.' and proceeded to tell me that he had gone to Target to get it for me but they didn't have it. I thought this was so sweet. So, Abi and I headed up to Racine to Barnes and Noble and got my $7 purchase that entertained me all weekend.
Sometimes I ponder why I love reading so much. I daydream a lot and then when I fall asleep I continue dreams about whatever I want. I usually end up winning the lottery or meeting some famous rich person who wants to bestow many wonderful things upon me.
The most common dreams are ones where I somehow get the money I need to be able to take Abi to Disneyworld for her 4th birthday (yes, I'm planning it this far in advance.. and I've already been planning it for a year! I've told you I'm an obsessive planner. It's how I roll.) My most recent ones have included not only getting the money I need for the trip but also a shopping spree at Barnes and Noble. Yes, that's right. In my dreams I can have anything I want and I want a trip to Disney world and a lot of books. Does this make me a wierd girl? I don't care about shoes. I like clothes but I don't care about expensive brands. I am not a jewelry girl at all. Seriously, if Doug came home with two boxes and one held some amazing diamond bracelet or ring and the other held a book- no contest! Strange.
Anyway, I just went way off topic. Back to Fablehaven. If you haven't read it- do it!! It's a good one for young adults and families. I will read it aloud with Abi eventually for sure.
So, there you go. I am grateful that I can open a book and enter magical places that feel so real, meet people who seem to really live, and never get sick of it!
Recently (as seen in an earlier post) I discovered the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull. I really like these books. They are so much fun to read. I just read the second one. Doug came home Friday afternoon and said 'why don't you go buy the second one.' and proceeded to tell me that he had gone to Target to get it for me but they didn't have it. I thought this was so sweet. So, Abi and I headed up to Racine to Barnes and Noble and got my $7 purchase that entertained me all weekend.
Sometimes I ponder why I love reading so much. I daydream a lot and then when I fall asleep I continue dreams about whatever I want. I usually end up winning the lottery or meeting some famous rich person who wants to bestow many wonderful things upon me.
The most common dreams are ones where I somehow get the money I need to be able to take Abi to Disneyworld for her 4th birthday (yes, I'm planning it this far in advance.. and I've already been planning it for a year! I've told you I'm an obsessive planner. It's how I roll.) My most recent ones have included not only getting the money I need for the trip but also a shopping spree at Barnes and Noble. Yes, that's right. In my dreams I can have anything I want and I want a trip to Disney world and a lot of books. Does this make me a wierd girl? I don't care about shoes. I like clothes but I don't care about expensive brands. I am not a jewelry girl at all. Seriously, if Doug came home with two boxes and one held some amazing diamond bracelet or ring and the other held a book- no contest! Strange.
Anyway, I just went way off topic. Back to Fablehaven. If you haven't read it- do it!! It's a good one for young adults and families. I will read it aloud with Abi eventually for sure.
So, there you go. I am grateful that I can open a book and enter magical places that feel so real, meet people who seem to really live, and never get sick of it!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Thursdays Thirteen: Things I'm thinking about on Pioneer Day
1) All those years watching mom run the Deseret News marathon! I wish I was there today to watch her do the shorter run.
2)My pioneer ancestors like:
C.C.A Christensen - He was the painter of the mormon panorama and you've probably seen his paintings in church buildings. I've usually had one in each of my utah wards and there was one in our seminary building. He also did a lot of the painting in the Manti temple.
and
3. Benjamin Franklin Shepherd: I couldn't find a picture of him but he was a pretty handsome fella. He is one of my favorite ancestors. He is from my dad's side. He once saved a bunch of kids on Utah lake in a storm by breaking a chain rope with his bare hands to free a boat that he used to go rescue them. He lived in the time of polygymy but did not take part in it. His wife and he were so much in love and so devoted to one another that when he died she never married again and was a widow for 28 years. I think their love story was very unusual for the time.
4) Rides with the family that we would take between runs/parade and fireworks. We would usually end up in the Mountains... sometimes in Heber where we would eat at the train (where mom and dad are right now!)
5)Watching the Pioneer Day Parade downtown- especially the time that I camped out with Brent and Karen and the sprinklers got us.
6)My first time in Nauvoo with Doug and Abi two years ago when we first moved out here. It was so cool and it was fun to go with someone who had lived there for a semester (Doug) so he could give me insider information. We didn't spend too much time but we had a lot of fun.
7)My second time in Nauvoo (and the last time I was there) with Mom and Dad and Abi last October. We spent more time and visited almost all the houses and buildings. I learned so much and we had so much fun!
8)The movie Legacy and going to see it all of the time with Jenny when it was still playing downtown because it was free and we were "in love" with the main guy. (This was almost 15 years ago people!)
9)Joseph Smith- an amazing man whom I am still learning about. I have a lot to learn. He is one person I never really studied which seems strange doesn't it?
I would love to see the movie that they play in SLC and Nauvoo about him again. And I would really love to see the movie that is out right now about Emma.
10)Fireworks! I used to love going to see them!!!
11)How much I miss Utah... how much I took Utah for granted while I was there....
12)How blessed I am that these pioneers gave up so much for their faith and how that has blessed my life all these years later.
13)I am so grateful today that although I may be disliked for my faith, misunderstood, and maybe even shunned that I can live where I want and not in fear, that I can drive 15 minutes to church and find others that believe in the same things that I do. That even though we are so far away from family and I grow more homesick every day we have made really great and lasting friendships here.
HAPPY PIONEER DAY!!!
2)My pioneer ancestors like:
C.C.A Christensen - He was the painter of the mormon panorama and you've probably seen his paintings in church buildings. I've usually had one in each of my utah wards and there was one in our seminary building. He also did a lot of the painting in the Manti temple.
and
3. Benjamin Franklin Shepherd: I couldn't find a picture of him but he was a pretty handsome fella. He is one of my favorite ancestors. He is from my dad's side. He once saved a bunch of kids on Utah lake in a storm by breaking a chain rope with his bare hands to free a boat that he used to go rescue them. He lived in the time of polygymy but did not take part in it. His wife and he were so much in love and so devoted to one another that when he died she never married again and was a widow for 28 years. I think their love story was very unusual for the time.
4) Rides with the family that we would take between runs/parade and fireworks. We would usually end up in the Mountains... sometimes in Heber where we would eat at the train (where mom and dad are right now!)
5)Watching the Pioneer Day Parade downtown- especially the time that I camped out with Brent and Karen and the sprinklers got us.
6)My first time in Nauvoo with Doug and Abi two years ago when we first moved out here. It was so cool and it was fun to go with someone who had lived there for a semester (Doug) so he could give me insider information. We didn't spend too much time but we had a lot of fun.
7)My second time in Nauvoo (and the last time I was there) with Mom and Dad and Abi last October. We spent more time and visited almost all the houses and buildings. I learned so much and we had so much fun!
8)The movie Legacy and going to see it all of the time with Jenny when it was still playing downtown because it was free and we were "in love" with the main guy. (This was almost 15 years ago people!)
9)Joseph Smith- an amazing man whom I am still learning about. I have a lot to learn. He is one person I never really studied which seems strange doesn't it?
I would love to see the movie that they play in SLC and Nauvoo about him again. And I would really love to see the movie that is out right now about Emma.
10)Fireworks! I used to love going to see them!!!
11)How much I miss Utah... how much I took Utah for granted while I was there....
12)How blessed I am that these pioneers gave up so much for their faith and how that has blessed my life all these years later.
13)I am so grateful today that although I may be disliked for my faith, misunderstood, and maybe even shunned that I can live where I want and not in fear, that I can drive 15 minutes to church and find others that believe in the same things that I do. That even though we are so far away from family and I grow more homesick every day we have made really great and lasting friendships here.
HAPPY PIONEER DAY!!!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Grateful sunday #5:
I am grateful for mosquito repellant, which had I used it last night before Abi and I went on a walk with a friend, I would not be itching like crazy right now.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Grateful Sunday #4:
I have been promising a grateful sunday about Doug's side of the family since I did my own side a few weeks ago. Having Doug's dad here inspired me to do it this week. So, without further ado, here are some of the things I am grateful for and love about Doug's family.
Dad and Mom:
Dad: As mentioned before, Doug looks up to you so much. You have really been a good example to him and I am enjoying the benefits of that as his wife. You are really fun to be around. I love how you are always trying to learn something new. You are always looking for ways to help us out like asking when you were here if there were any projects around the house that Doug needed help with. I really appreciate the fact that you took the moment the other day to have a tea party with Abi. She loves that kind of stuff. Thank you for raising a good son.
Mom: You are that person that seems to have the energy we all want. You are one of the most selfless people I have ever known or heard of. I am constantly inspired by your amazing ideas for parties/entertaining. I have learned a lot from you and I know I will continue to learn. I know that Doug is understanding of my need for constant projects and ideas and events because he was raised by you... and you understand me too!! I love that you love "old" fashioned things like I do. Thank you for the occasional care packages. Thank you for raising a son that is respectful and appreciative of all that I do as a wife and mother.
Doug's brothers and sisters and their spouses:
Steven (brother) and Samantha:
Steven: You are always so nice. You are such an involved father with your boys- that is one of the first things I noticed about you. I love that you take the time to play Legos with them and I love showing off your Brick of Mormon stories book.
Samantha: You are a great mom. I really enjoyed getting to see that when we rented your basement apartment. You are so talented with scrapbooking and vinyl lettering, etc. I think you have a great laugh!
Robert (brother) and Katrina:
Robert: I love that you are so passionate about your interests whether that be horses, spiders, or motorcycles. You always seem to take the time to learn all about things and I think that is really cool. It is really fun to be able to sit in our family room and see a painting that you created for us.
Katrina: You are so perky! I am amazed by your decorating talent. I will always remember how I immediately felt welcomed by you when we met. You seemed to like me right away for no apparent reason and that made me feel really good. Thank you for always being that way. I also love that you have passed on your love of reading to Strauss.
Wendy (sister):
You have a great smile! I love being around you. Last Christmas when we were out visiting I had the best time with you the night we went to the movies together. I found that we really seem to have a lot in common and how much fun I have with you. I am so excited that you will be here soon. You are a very kind and compassionate person... and very funny!!
Jake and Melinda (sister):
Jake: You and I seemed to click as friends pretty quickly. I liked that I could sit and talk to you and it wasn't just "small talk". I am so grateful to you for the time you have spent (are spending and will spend!) serving our country. You are amazingly intelligent and brave. I love that you love your pets. I think you are a very noble guy.
Melinda: You are such a compassionate, kind-hearted person. You have great ideas and I love your spirit. I love how sensitive you are to everyone and everything. You are truly one of a kind. I know that Doug has always felt really close to you and I love the friendship you share. I am grateful for your willingness to share your husband with the country and I know that it is not easy.
Mark (brother) and Callie:
Mark you are so funny. When I met you I was surprised that a teenage boy could be so polite, smart, kind, and fun to be with. I love being around you and I really loved how you took time to hang out with Abi when she was just a baby and we were living with you guys. I can't wait to see you! Thank you for always making me feel welcome in the family and that you were glad I was in it.
Callie, you are so cute! I know that Mark could not have found a more perfect girl for him. You are so nice and so fun. I can't wait to get to know you better. Thank you for making Mark so happy. I am also so glad that you are a part of my book club and that I can keep up with your life through your blog.
The Kids:
Strauss: You are such a smart boy. Remember the first time we met you stabbed me in the hand with your fork at the dinner table! But, then only a couple of years later you were telling me that I could kiss you because aunts kiss their nephews!! You have always made me laugh.
Taylor: I enjoyed being able to spend time with you when we lived in your basement. You were always happy to see us. You are really great with Legos. You were really helpful with your little brothers the time we babysat you guys for a few days.
Matthew: I think I got to know you so much when you were little because of being your Sunbeam teacher! I will never forget the day you suddenly turned into a robot in the middle of class. That was so funny. You are such a cutie and I really enjoy the time we get to spend together.
Caden: It is really fun to hear you on the phone now. I hardly recognize you. You have grown up so much since we moved away. You are a very funny little boy.
Spencer: I don't know you very well yet.. almost a year old now and I've only been around you a few times last Christmas, but you are so adoreable!!!
Kasandra: Obviously I don't know you yet either... we were only around each other a little bit when you were such a new little baby but I am so glad that Abi has another girl cousin. You are so cute too!
Ian: Well, I haven't even met you yet! I am so glad that you came to your mommy and daddy though. You are so lucky! What a cute boy you are. I can't wait to meet you.
Honorable mention: Sydney- Wendy's "baby": I think you are a cute little dog. I think it was funny how Abi was pretty scared of you but then by the end would kind of pet you while still a little afraid. But then we came home and her little toy dog immediately was named Sydney. Thank you for being such a sweet little baby to our beloved Wendy!
Dad and Mom:
Dad: As mentioned before, Doug looks up to you so much. You have really been a good example to him and I am enjoying the benefits of that as his wife. You are really fun to be around. I love how you are always trying to learn something new. You are always looking for ways to help us out like asking when you were here if there were any projects around the house that Doug needed help with. I really appreciate the fact that you took the moment the other day to have a tea party with Abi. She loves that kind of stuff. Thank you for raising a good son.
Mom: You are that person that seems to have the energy we all want. You are one of the most selfless people I have ever known or heard of. I am constantly inspired by your amazing ideas for parties/entertaining. I have learned a lot from you and I know I will continue to learn. I know that Doug is understanding of my need for constant projects and ideas and events because he was raised by you... and you understand me too!! I love that you love "old" fashioned things like I do. Thank you for the occasional care packages. Thank you for raising a son that is respectful and appreciative of all that I do as a wife and mother.
Doug's brothers and sisters and their spouses:
Steven (brother) and Samantha:
Steven: You are always so nice. You are such an involved father with your boys- that is one of the first things I noticed about you. I love that you take the time to play Legos with them and I love showing off your Brick of Mormon stories book.
Samantha: You are a great mom. I really enjoyed getting to see that when we rented your basement apartment. You are so talented with scrapbooking and vinyl lettering, etc. I think you have a great laugh!
Robert (brother) and Katrina:
Robert: I love that you are so passionate about your interests whether that be horses, spiders, or motorcycles. You always seem to take the time to learn all about things and I think that is really cool. It is really fun to be able to sit in our family room and see a painting that you created for us.
Katrina: You are so perky! I am amazed by your decorating talent. I will always remember how I immediately felt welcomed by you when we met. You seemed to like me right away for no apparent reason and that made me feel really good. Thank you for always being that way. I also love that you have passed on your love of reading to Strauss.
Wendy (sister):
You have a great smile! I love being around you. Last Christmas when we were out visiting I had the best time with you the night we went to the movies together. I found that we really seem to have a lot in common and how much fun I have with you. I am so excited that you will be here soon. You are a very kind and compassionate person... and very funny!!
Jake and Melinda (sister):
Jake: You and I seemed to click as friends pretty quickly. I liked that I could sit and talk to you and it wasn't just "small talk". I am so grateful to you for the time you have spent (are spending and will spend!) serving our country. You are amazingly intelligent and brave. I love that you love your pets. I think you are a very noble guy.
Melinda: You are such a compassionate, kind-hearted person. You have great ideas and I love your spirit. I love how sensitive you are to everyone and everything. You are truly one of a kind. I know that Doug has always felt really close to you and I love the friendship you share. I am grateful for your willingness to share your husband with the country and I know that it is not easy.
Mark (brother) and Callie:
Mark you are so funny. When I met you I was surprised that a teenage boy could be so polite, smart, kind, and fun to be with. I love being around you and I really loved how you took time to hang out with Abi when she was just a baby and we were living with you guys. I can't wait to see you! Thank you for always making me feel welcome in the family and that you were glad I was in it.
Callie, you are so cute! I know that Mark could not have found a more perfect girl for him. You are so nice and so fun. I can't wait to get to know you better. Thank you for making Mark so happy. I am also so glad that you are a part of my book club and that I can keep up with your life through your blog.
The Kids:
Strauss: You are such a smart boy. Remember the first time we met you stabbed me in the hand with your fork at the dinner table! But, then only a couple of years later you were telling me that I could kiss you because aunts kiss their nephews!! You have always made me laugh.
Taylor: I enjoyed being able to spend time with you when we lived in your basement. You were always happy to see us. You are really great with Legos. You were really helpful with your little brothers the time we babysat you guys for a few days.
Matthew: I think I got to know you so much when you were little because of being your Sunbeam teacher! I will never forget the day you suddenly turned into a robot in the middle of class. That was so funny. You are such a cutie and I really enjoy the time we get to spend together.
Caden: It is really fun to hear you on the phone now. I hardly recognize you. You have grown up so much since we moved away. You are a very funny little boy.
Spencer: I don't know you very well yet.. almost a year old now and I've only been around you a few times last Christmas, but you are so adoreable!!!
Kasandra: Obviously I don't know you yet either... we were only around each other a little bit when you were such a new little baby but I am so glad that Abi has another girl cousin. You are so cute too!
Ian: Well, I haven't even met you yet! I am so glad that you came to your mommy and daddy though. You are so lucky! What a cute boy you are. I can't wait to meet you.
Honorable mention: Sydney- Wendy's "baby": I think you are a cute little dog. I think it was funny how Abi was pretty scared of you but then by the end would kind of pet you while still a little afraid. But then we came home and her little toy dog immediately was named Sydney. Thank you for being such a sweet little baby to our beloved Wendy!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Grateful Sunday #3: Good Music
I have a very diverse interest in music going from instrumental (Yanni) to rock like 30 Seconds to Mars. My favorite music to listen to tends to lean toward the alternative rock to classic rock areas. My favorites are definately The Hush Sound right now. But today I want to focus on William Joseph. I first learned about him at Women's Conference at BYU. I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy the concert because I don't tend to get into LDS musicians. I don't know why- it's just not usually very upbeat. I was really tired (didn't know I was pregnant with Abi yet) and hungry. Mom and I grabbed some yogurt shakes and went in. Most of the music was okay but like I said, not my thing. But then they announce William Joseph. He comes out to play on a piano. I didn't immediately think it would be exciting either but I do love piano music (see my love of Yanni!) so I perked up. Then he asks if any of us like rock music. What? He proceeds to play this amazing rendition of KASHMIR!! I couldn't believe it. His music was amazing! So, the next week I went right out and bought his CD which is still one of my favorites. I just recently found out that he has a new CD out and I found this video of him performing on Dr. Phil.
I wanted to share this with everyone who knows and loves this guy and everyone who has never heard of him. Watch this video and be amazed at how fast his hands move! I am thankful for people that have amazing musical talent - I am severely lacking and love to see it in others. I know that ,for me, music is one of the fastest ways to feel something- whether that be the spirit or just another emotion like happiness or sadness. So, watch this and enjoy!
I wanted to share this with everyone who knows and loves this guy and everyone who has never heard of him. Watch this video and be amazed at how fast his hands move! I am thankful for people that have amazing musical talent - I am severely lacking and love to see it in others. I know that ,for me, music is one of the fastest ways to feel something- whether that be the spirit or just another emotion like happiness or sadness. So, watch this and enjoy!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Grateful Sunday #2
While I was pondering the things I have to be grateful for and which of these I should post about today, I found out that just over a week ago Tasha Tudor passed away. If you don't know who she is, she was an amazing childrens book author and illustrator.
I was first introduced to her (even though I had read books of hers unknowingly before this) through my friend Emily. She told me about this book called The Doll's Christmas and how in her family growing up they would read it every Christmas and then have a tea party with their dolls. I knew this was something I wanted to do with Abi.
Then I was reading a book about Victorian traditions and the book kept mentioning Tasha Tudor and how she lived today but still celebrated an old fashioned way of life. I checked out a book about her and was shocked at her lifestyle. She really did live the way people did so long ago in the midst of todays world.
Most people that know me know that I am all about traditions. I have traditions for everything and I love having parties and adventures to celebrate everything. I owe this to my mother. She taught me that life is worth celebrating, even and maybe especially, the little things.
Today I am grateful for the life of Tasha Tudor, for someone who created beautiful stories and pictures for the rest of us to enjoy and share with our children. I am grateful that she created a world where Corgi's gather around the Christmas tree to sing carols and doll's have lives of their own. There are so many things today bombarding our children and so many of us have lost the values and love of family traditions that bring families together that our ancestors held dear. I want everyone to remember this woman that was able to keep these things alive.
If you've never heard of her- go rent a book from the library. Thanks Tasha Tudor for your contribution to this world. This Christmas Abi and I will be having a tea party with our dolls and we will be thinking of you.
I was first introduced to her (even though I had read books of hers unknowingly before this) through my friend Emily. She told me about this book called The Doll's Christmas and how in her family growing up they would read it every Christmas and then have a tea party with their dolls. I knew this was something I wanted to do with Abi.
Then I was reading a book about Victorian traditions and the book kept mentioning Tasha Tudor and how she lived today but still celebrated an old fashioned way of life. I checked out a book about her and was shocked at her lifestyle. She really did live the way people did so long ago in the midst of todays world.
Most people that know me know that I am all about traditions. I have traditions for everything and I love having parties and adventures to celebrate everything. I owe this to my mother. She taught me that life is worth celebrating, even and maybe especially, the little things.
Today I am grateful for the life of Tasha Tudor, for someone who created beautiful stories and pictures for the rest of us to enjoy and share with our children. I am grateful that she created a world where Corgi's gather around the Christmas tree to sing carols and doll's have lives of their own. There are so many things today bombarding our children and so many of us have lost the values and love of family traditions that bring families together that our ancestors held dear. I want everyone to remember this woman that was able to keep these things alive.
If you've never heard of her- go rent a book from the library. Thanks Tasha Tudor for your contribution to this world. This Christmas Abi and I will be having a tea party with our dolls and we will be thinking of you.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Grateful Sunday #1
As I have been learning more about blogs I have been able to see some of the fun things that "seasoned" bloggers do. One of them is doing certain kinds of blogs on different days of the week. Grateful Sunday is one of them that I decided I want to do. So, here we go... my first "Grateful Sunday" entry. It may be long...
I am homesick. Yes, it's true. Miss Independance admits I need my family around! Ha. Like this is a surprise. I think I've mentioned it a few times recently. So, while I have many, many things to be grateful for today, I am going to focus on my amazing family.
My parents:
DAD: You are silly. You are fun. I love that you love being around your kids and grandkids. I love that when I call on a Monday and ask "What's up?" you will almost always say "Just hiding from your mom." because it's cleaning day. I am so grateful that you were one of the brave that fought in Vietnam. I am so grateful that you served our country for so many years in the Navy and gave me the opportunity to travel and live all over the country. You always took care of us.
MOM: What can I say? You are my best friend. You and I are too much alike. Who would have thought that would happen? I love that you have your "normal voice' and "on the phone voice". I love that you have become addicted to scrapbooking too. I love that I know what movies you'll like and am almost always right. I love that you are a Harry Potter fan too. I love that you are reading Twilight. I love that our names were written in the sand and that both times I've been to Prince Edward Island you have been with me. I miss scrapbooking, having Taco Bell, Diet Pepsi, and watching Avonlea with you. I miss going to movies together. I miss being able to spend holidays in the most festive without being cheesy house in the world. I am so grateful that you taught me the joy of family traditions. I wish you were here to experience them with us and Abi.
STEPHANIE: You are one of the most, if not the most, generous person I have ever met. I look in Abi's closet (and mine) and see all the outfits I didn't have to buy, and remember how I came home from the hospital with my new baby to a clean apartment because you were there cleaning it. You gave Abi her first at home bath. You brought a Christmas tree to my hospital room! You took care of me as a kid. I have always looked up to you and wanted to be like you. Almost every day I get these crazy ideas for fun parties and girly get togethers in my head and I wish I lived near you so that I could really do them- I know you would join in! I love that you have showed me how to be a mom to girls by raising the most amazing and beautiful girls I know (besides my own of course!) I still remember thinking you were the most beautiful girl in the world when we were growing up. You are so talented and giving. I miss hanging out with my other best friend!!
BRENT: I love the way you say something funny and then try not to laugh at yourself and do this cool smirking face. I love that you always had time for me. I could come hang out any time and you always made me feel welcome. I love that you are one of the only guys I know who is always with his family. I love how you are an entrapenour (wow I demolished that word... oh well) I am so proud of the fact that you also served in the Navy and how people used to say you looked just like Tom Cruise. I miss hanging out at your house watching tv and playing board games. You are an exceptional artist. You are a great brother.
GREG: I think of you and I remember following you around as a kid and that you actually let me. So many pictures are of us together... me snuggled up to you while you read to me from the Children's bible or played GI Joes. I remember playing Atari with you and then Nintendo in your big raft that mom wouldn't let you use so we blew it up in the basement and would sit in it. And how all my friends wanted to be set up with you when you were on your mission and you wrote to me all of the time. i love the pictures you take of nature and the ones you have taken of Abi. I'm proud of you that you went on a mission.
The Spouses:
DAN: I am so glad that Steph married you. You are a great husband to her and a great father to your daughters. I love that you work so hard and want to always be there for your family. I love that you can be a hunter but still appreciate my wildlife warrior self. I love that you have always treated me like a little sister instead of an in law. I will never forget how you wouldn't let me leave your house that one time until you bought me new tires because you cared about me.
KAREN: I love that you love my brother so much. I have had so much fun with you throughout the years staying up late, eating your good food, watching movies and tv, talking about everything in the world, going to Lagoon, and talking about books. You are so strong and have come through so much. I will never forget how you made me the most beautiful wedding dress that I could never have done for myself or bought anywhere.
ANGIE: You are so very enthusiastic! I remember when you picked me up back when you and Greg were still just writing to each other and did my hair all day in a bunch of different hairstyles. It was so much fun. I enjoyed getting to hang out with you when you lived with us for awhile. Thank you for always doing my hair and having it always look the way I wanted to. I miss that a lot!! I also always appreciated how you never hesitated in showing love to my mom and dad.
The Kids;
ALEX: I remember how excited I was when you were born- you made me an aunt. You have always been so creative and smart. I am sad that I am not there to watch as you are growing into a man but I am proud of the man you are becoming. I love that you play WOW with Doug. I love that you were my little monster boy.
TYLER: You are a funny kid. I love watching you perform Spongebob songs. I will always remember our "date" to the water park and how much fun I had with you. You have always been such a funny kid. Remember the story of when I asked Alex what he wanted for Christmas and he named off a million things and all you wanted was "French fries" and when I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up and he named off a bunch of things and you said "I want to work at Blockbuster." I will always cherish those memories.
MCKENNA: I have never known a 12 year old like you. I would trust you with babysitting Abi before most adults. You have constantly amazed me through the years with your motivation, your maturity, your compassion, and your affection. I really wish that Abi could spend more time with you to see your example. I love that you are into animals and want to work with dolphins like I always wanted to. I hope you can make these dreams come true.
AUSTIN: You were such a special baby to me. You lived with us during a lot of your first year and the first thing I had to do every day was see you. You were my "raptor baby". I always felt like you were such a special boy and I still think there is something that you are meant to do in this world.
MATTHEW: I loved watching you play as a really little kid. You could totally entertain yourself and be off in your own world. I love that you still love stuffed animals. (So do I!) I love how you are the little shadow of my brother. You are so fun and sweet. I love talking to you.
LOGAN: You are the craziest, funny kid. I will always remember how you were afraid of me for the first 2-3 years of your life and wouldn't come near me because I wore some funny socks with toes once. You have no fear. You will, for sure, make your own way in this world.
COURTNEY: You are such a funny little girl. I love your laugh. Sometimes I hope when I call no one will answer just so I can hear you start laughing on the message. I love how you play with Abi. I love how you have always cuddled with me. You are the cutest little bug of a girl... so fragile looking and then surprisingly so tough. I wish Abi had you to play with all of the time.
I was planning on doing Doug's family as well...but this may be too long. So, that will come another time.......
I am homesick. Yes, it's true. Miss Independance admits I need my family around! Ha. Like this is a surprise. I think I've mentioned it a few times recently. So, while I have many, many things to be grateful for today, I am going to focus on my amazing family.
My parents:
DAD: You are silly. You are fun. I love that you love being around your kids and grandkids. I love that when I call on a Monday and ask "What's up?" you will almost always say "Just hiding from your mom." because it's cleaning day. I am so grateful that you were one of the brave that fought in Vietnam. I am so grateful that you served our country for so many years in the Navy and gave me the opportunity to travel and live all over the country. You always took care of us.
MOM: What can I say? You are my best friend. You and I are too much alike. Who would have thought that would happen? I love that you have your "normal voice' and "on the phone voice". I love that you have become addicted to scrapbooking too. I love that I know what movies you'll like and am almost always right. I love that you are a Harry Potter fan too. I love that you are reading Twilight. I love that our names were written in the sand and that both times I've been to Prince Edward Island you have been with me. I miss scrapbooking, having Taco Bell, Diet Pepsi, and watching Avonlea with you. I miss going to movies together. I miss being able to spend holidays in the most festive without being cheesy house in the world. I am so grateful that you taught me the joy of family traditions. I wish you were here to experience them with us and Abi.
STEPHANIE: You are one of the most, if not the most, generous person I have ever met. I look in Abi's closet (and mine) and see all the outfits I didn't have to buy, and remember how I came home from the hospital with my new baby to a clean apartment because you were there cleaning it. You gave Abi her first at home bath. You brought a Christmas tree to my hospital room! You took care of me as a kid. I have always looked up to you and wanted to be like you. Almost every day I get these crazy ideas for fun parties and girly get togethers in my head and I wish I lived near you so that I could really do them- I know you would join in! I love that you have showed me how to be a mom to girls by raising the most amazing and beautiful girls I know (besides my own of course!) I still remember thinking you were the most beautiful girl in the world when we were growing up. You are so talented and giving. I miss hanging out with my other best friend!!
BRENT: I love the way you say something funny and then try not to laugh at yourself and do this cool smirking face. I love that you always had time for me. I could come hang out any time and you always made me feel welcome. I love that you are one of the only guys I know who is always with his family. I love how you are an entrapenour (wow I demolished that word... oh well) I am so proud of the fact that you also served in the Navy and how people used to say you looked just like Tom Cruise. I miss hanging out at your house watching tv and playing board games. You are an exceptional artist. You are a great brother.
GREG: I think of you and I remember following you around as a kid and that you actually let me. So many pictures are of us together... me snuggled up to you while you read to me from the Children's bible or played GI Joes. I remember playing Atari with you and then Nintendo in your big raft that mom wouldn't let you use so we blew it up in the basement and would sit in it. And how all my friends wanted to be set up with you when you were on your mission and you wrote to me all of the time. i love the pictures you take of nature and the ones you have taken of Abi. I'm proud of you that you went on a mission.
The Spouses:
DAN: I am so glad that Steph married you. You are a great husband to her and a great father to your daughters. I love that you work so hard and want to always be there for your family. I love that you can be a hunter but still appreciate my wildlife warrior self. I love that you have always treated me like a little sister instead of an in law. I will never forget how you wouldn't let me leave your house that one time until you bought me new tires because you cared about me.
KAREN: I love that you love my brother so much. I have had so much fun with you throughout the years staying up late, eating your good food, watching movies and tv, talking about everything in the world, going to Lagoon, and talking about books. You are so strong and have come through so much. I will never forget how you made me the most beautiful wedding dress that I could never have done for myself or bought anywhere.
ANGIE: You are so very enthusiastic! I remember when you picked me up back when you and Greg were still just writing to each other and did my hair all day in a bunch of different hairstyles. It was so much fun. I enjoyed getting to hang out with you when you lived with us for awhile. Thank you for always doing my hair and having it always look the way I wanted to. I miss that a lot!! I also always appreciated how you never hesitated in showing love to my mom and dad.
The Kids;
ALEX: I remember how excited I was when you were born- you made me an aunt. You have always been so creative and smart. I am sad that I am not there to watch as you are growing into a man but I am proud of the man you are becoming. I love that you play WOW with Doug. I love that you were my little monster boy.
TYLER: You are a funny kid. I love watching you perform Spongebob songs. I will always remember our "date" to the water park and how much fun I had with you. You have always been such a funny kid. Remember the story of when I asked Alex what he wanted for Christmas and he named off a million things and all you wanted was "French fries" and when I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up and he named off a bunch of things and you said "I want to work at Blockbuster." I will always cherish those memories.
MCKENNA: I have never known a 12 year old like you. I would trust you with babysitting Abi before most adults. You have constantly amazed me through the years with your motivation, your maturity, your compassion, and your affection. I really wish that Abi could spend more time with you to see your example. I love that you are into animals and want to work with dolphins like I always wanted to. I hope you can make these dreams come true.
AUSTIN: You were such a special baby to me. You lived with us during a lot of your first year and the first thing I had to do every day was see you. You were my "raptor baby". I always felt like you were such a special boy and I still think there is something that you are meant to do in this world.
MATTHEW: I loved watching you play as a really little kid. You could totally entertain yourself and be off in your own world. I love that you still love stuffed animals. (So do I!) I love how you are the little shadow of my brother. You are so fun and sweet. I love talking to you.
LOGAN: You are the craziest, funny kid. I will always remember how you were afraid of me for the first 2-3 years of your life and wouldn't come near me because I wore some funny socks with toes once. You have no fear. You will, for sure, make your own way in this world.
COURTNEY: You are such a funny little girl. I love your laugh. Sometimes I hope when I call no one will answer just so I can hear you start laughing on the message. I love how you play with Abi. I love how you have always cuddled with me. You are the cutest little bug of a girl... so fragile looking and then surprisingly so tough. I wish Abi had you to play with all of the time.
I was planning on doing Doug's family as well...but this may be too long. So, that will come another time.......
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