Corny... but SO FUNNY!

Happy Thanksgiving

I have been reading the Conference issue of the Ensign lately. Yesterday, I read Elder Bednar's talk on prayer. In it, he suggests just trying to thank the Lord for our blessings and ask for nothing. I decided to try that all week. It has been so eye opening. I find it comes natural to thank Him for something, and then head right into asking Him to improve it in some way. An example? I tend to thank Him for my children and then ask for patience or the ability to parent well. It has been inspiring to simply be thankful for them, and not worry about my short comings as their mother, or any of the other silly things I tend to worry about. It is nothing short of amazing that in my effort to only be thankful, I am being blessed even more. Blessings that I didn't even think to ask for are being granted. Through these "thankful prayers" my perspective changes, answers come easily, and I feel a lightness I did not know I was seeking.

A copy of this great talk can be found at:

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-14,00.html

Perspective

Gosh, in my never ending quest to be a better mom... I still drop the ball from time to time. This morning, I lost my temper. Beckett has officially entered the terrible two's. Sparing the details, I will say that I had a lot going on this morning, I needed the kids to cooperate. By the time Courtney was dropped off and we were at Eleri's school, I was frazzled. This is when Eleri decided to hug Beckett. Over and over again. This is fine, except that Beckett was sitting in his stroller and didn't want to be hugged. So, here I am, already frazzled, with a seven year old bear hugging a screaming nearly two year old. I couldn't push the stroller, or even walk. I was frustrated. And finally, after the upteenth hug, I just pushed the stroller forcing Eleri to stumble and causing her some embarrassment. She simply waved good-bye to me and was off. I felt so bad. Should she have listened to me the million times I asked her to stop? Of course. But, losing my temper and causing her embarrassment wasn't right. I am the grown up here.

Anyway, I guess I am posting in part to get this off my chest. And also in part, to say that it is ok to be human. We all get frustrated. We all have our not so glorious moments. But, recognizing that, and changing it --isn't that what its all about?

I am sorry Eleri. I love you.

A week-end in Arizona

We took a whirlwind trip to Arizona last week-end. The biggest hit of the trip, aside from meeting up with Grandma Kathleen, was horse riding. Todd and the girls took a trip from the hotel into the desert on horseback. They had a great time. We also got in some shopping and some relaxation at the pool.

Masterpiece Moments

This story is taken from "Being Enough," by Chieko Okazaki:

"It was a hot afternoon, and my eight-year-old son, Zeb ran off to play with his friends Mike and Devin. What walked into the kitchen a couple hours later was a body Zeb's size covered with mud. In his ears, his nose, his hair, around his eyes, the stuff was all over him.

"Although my mouth dropped open, words momentarily failed me. When I found my voice, I asked in amazement, 'What did you do?'

"'Oh, we were just playing in some mud,' Zeb answered with classic understatement.

"I wasn't sure if I should lecture him or laugh. So I drew him a bath instead, hoping the wisdom of an appropriate response would come to me soon.

"As the tub was filling, Zeb said, 'Mike was in big trouble when his mom saw him.'

"'What did she say?' I asked, feeling a kinship with Mike's mom.

"'You get in here right now!'"

I stifled a laugh.... Devin was being cared for by his grandma that day, and I asked how she had responded to the awful sight. Zeb smiled... 'She said, "Wow! You're a masterpiece!"

" And suddenly it was my heart's prayer that, before he's fully grown, I'll ... respond to my son's childhood as wisely and as lightly as Devin's grandma. At least, occasionally."

"If we don't have time for masterpiece moments, the very reason we came to earth is being wasted on us."

Beautiful thoughts? Don't you think?

Happy Halloween

We had a great Halloween. Courtney was the best garden gnome ever! Eleri was a very cute Wendy from Peter Pan. Beckett....where's Beckett?!?! Oh, that's right. He was the one rolling around on the floor screaming because he hated his costume. He ended up trick-or-treating dressed as a grumpy toddler with a gnome hat and half a beard (the rest was left on the carpet). Sorry, no pics of that masterpiece! Once he figured out candy was part of the deal, he was all in. Too bad I didn't think to dress him up after hitting a few doors!! Oh well, live and learn.

We had a great time celebrating this time of year. I love fall!!

Beckett and his favorite friend...

I took these photos during our preschool class. These two sit together every day in this spot. It is so darn cute, and puts a smile on my face every time I see them. I am just so glad I got it on film.