Motto

I remember when I first started working with children with disabilities we had a saying: do what you say, say what you mean, and don't be mean. I thought it was an odd quote but I find that as adults we have a harder time adhering to this than we should. How many times have I promised McKayla that she could have a friend over and then I don't ever make the call. McKayla is a pretty good kid and I can't help but wonder if she will continue to be so good if I keep saying random things that I don't follow through on. The next part of saying what you mean is vital too. If it is said certain rules are to be abide by then they should. We can't expect our children to simply know when the rules have changed. If I tell my kids that we are saying prayers every night but then on nights where I just want them in bed decide not to do it, a conflicting message is sent. The last part is humbling. How often do I snap at my little children? How often do I wish I could be anywhere but at home? We tell our kids to share and play with others but do we do that with them? Today I am going to make it a point to invite a friend over for McKayla. I will also make sure that I say what I mean and follow through. I only have them for a short time and I feel these instructions are vital.

Boise September 2010

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Humilty Comes with Age

I want you to think back to when you were in high school or just out of high school. What type of personality did you have? What type of figure did you have? Are you a better person or worse? I've been pondering this question lately because I remember having so much energy and enthusiasm. I remember feeling like I could do anything. As for my figure, I don't even want to go there. However, I have to note some good changes that have come with maturity. I am more mellow and I feel like my terrible temper is gone. I am more comfortable with myself and less eager to defend myself against the onslaught of negativity. So, I have decided that I enjoy being more mellow. I enjoy learning how to be a better wife and mother everyday. I enjoy giving service to my little family. But I can do more. I can work on having a more positive outlook. I can work on more enthusiasm for life and shining forth my personality and talents. Lately I try to simply blend into the background and try not to get noticed, but I need to accept myself and really not care what others may say to me. I am so worried about being rejected that I close myself off to most people. As for the figure, well I have accepted that high school body is gone. Two kids later and there is no way I can reach that number again, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for a lot of improvement. So, my hope is that I can work on these outlooks and really start to enjoy my life and who I am by combining the wisdom of aging (yes I am aging) with the enthusiasm and hope of youth.

Veggie Tales

Does anyone else simply love Veggie Tales? I adore them and so do my kids. They are wholesome entertainment and teach good values. However, they have very catchy songs. In fact you will find yourself having these songs stuck in your head for a very long. I recommend that everyone should go and listen to the Rock Monster or Cheeseburger song because it make you laugh.

Leaves

For those of you who know me and where I live you will notice the trees. We have a lot of trees in our yard. They are are wonderful in the summer time and provide shade for our home and yard. However, come fall we have a lot of leaves to pick up. This year it seems the leaves are falling earlier than normal. Chad mowed up a bag last week and the back yard needs it again. I normally love fall and the changing of the seasons, but last I checked it was still supposed to be summer. However, it has been below 70 degrees this whole week. I'm cold, the leaves are falling and I think my body wants to go into hibernation. Thats not a problem is it?

Endurance

Some people have endurance muscles. They are able to go long distances and work hard for a long time. Some people have strength muscles. They are very strong for short amounts of time. I have the strength muscles in my body when it comes to exercising. In fact I would rather lift weights then do any cardio any day. I challenged my self to run a 5 K this last summer. It just about killed me, but by the end of summer I ran a 5 K in 37 minutes. Not the fastest but I did it. I still hate to run and it takes a lot to motivate me to run. however, i learned that I can teach my body to run. I have come to realize these last 3 months that my spiritual muscles are the ones for strength and not endurance. Three months ago my husband lost his job. He has been able to find part time work, but nothing compared to what we need to live. With the Lord's blessings we have been able to make it these past 3 months. Yet, I have not taken this challenge well. I find myself lacking in peace and faith because it feels like these last 3 months have lasted a short lifetime. So, much like my training to learn how to run a 5K I am focusing on how to help my spiritual muscles learn to endure. And not just endure, but to endure with joy. I must say I stink at endurance, patience and at the moment faith. Yet, i am still pushing forward so that should count for something right?

First Day of School