"Children Say the Splendidest Things" -Episode 2

Yesterday was just a good day.

If you look closely, you'll notice a little finger poking out from behind me.

As we read books together this morning, Easton reached over without warning and put his little arm around me.  It was quite a magical little moment having my sweet son think of something so kind and then act.  I smiled at him and he looked up at me with his bottomless blue eyes and said, 

 "Thank you, Sugar Pie, for reading books to me."

And I melted.  I always do when he calls me Sugar Pie.

After we played, did some preschool lessons, and played some more, Easton asked if he could watch a short movie.  I paused, thinking, and told him sure.

He lit up and said, 

"You're being so nice to me."

I will always be your Sugar Pie little one.  I promise.  And I also will try to treat you as the royal son of God that you are.

Today I'm feeling...

...like I'm this field of dandelions.  I'll tell you why.

Today I turned over a new leaf...

...it's name was

Simplify.

It all began with Nephi you see.

About 3 weeks ago I was reading about Nephi praying in earnest that he might burst the bands which held him bound (1 Nephi 7:17).  The Lord answered his prayer and the cords were loosed.

I was pondering on the question:  "What am I bound with?"

And it hit me like a ton of bricks.

I am bound by my overcomplicated life that spreads me so thin and pushes me to the outer limits of my anxiety.

So I wrote in the margin of my scriptures:

"Pray to the Lord in great faith that you can break your bands by simplifying your life and ask Him to give you the capacity to succeed in the simple matters."

So I did.  And He answered me too by loosing my bands.

I made a list of the most important things that I want to accomplish in my "simple" life.  They were: 

1-Nourishing my own spirituality and testimony

2-Teaching my family

3-Making family memories

4-Preserving those memories

That's all it took for me to realize what I needed to cut out in my life and what needed to stay in.

I then rearranged my schedule to include and focus on the "important things."

Well, that was the easy part.

You see, I've always been such a good planner and such a poor carrier-outer.

I can't count the good intentions I've made that have slipped through the cracks in one way or another.

Well, this is one plan I didn't want failing.

So now I'm in the praying phase...praying for the desire to carry out my simplified life.

And guess what?

It's working.

It always does. when He's involved.

And so today when Patrick went back to school, I began my simplified schedule.

And it worked perfectly. {Or at least nearly so}.

And this is why I feel like a field full of dandelions.

You still don't see the analogy?

Let me explain.

I'm not a field of roses because the things I've chosen to implement in my life are not expensive, costly, or looked upon by the world as desirable.  In fact, my simple homemaker lifestyle that consists of feasting on the words of Christ for a small time each day, cooking simple meals, cleaning a little at a time, planning small dates for me and my husband, preparing my sunbeam lessons, teaching my boys from the scriptures daily, educating my boys in a secular way, and reading millions of picture books is not glamorous, noteworthy, or even intelligent.  To the world I am just a field full of weeds.

But that's because the world's lens is dark and reverse magnified.

To them all I do is sow seeds of dandelions with my simple acts.

And I'm all right with that. Because I choose to look through heaven's lens.

For Heavenly Father sees perhaps a field of pure white lilies.

And I know that His opinion is all that really matters.

So, in sum, I've consigned myself willingly to a life perceived as a field of dandelions.

But just between you and me, we know better.

Dandelions=Lilies in heaven.

My Very Own "Pick Man"

Dear Easton Beaston,

May I tell you a story of our day today?  I was so excited to begin my new "simplified life" schedule that I have been working on for the last few weeks.  I had planned story time, a spiritual lesson, simple meals, a walk to the park, preschool for you, and play time.

I was not disappointed in the least with you today.

Just for the simple reason that you were wonderful.

The first thing you asked me when you gave me your good morning hug was if we could read the books we got from the library yesterday.  I was happy to oblige you and we sat for over an hour with the stack of books that you had picked from the bag in the closet.

You told me that after we were done reading these, you would go pick some more.  
"I'm the pick man," you told me.

When you tired of reading books for the time being you told me to keep reading and not wait for you because you were going to go set the table all by yourself.

And you did.

 The cereal boxes, bowls, spoons, and milk were all laid neatly on the table when you were through.  And you got to put 5 stars on your star chart because you offered to do something so sweet without thought of reward.

But this did not end your helping hands.  You helped me dust all the light fixtures and a million other little things.  I was amazed at how much you have grown up since yesterday.

And just when I thought this day was perfect, you threw me a curve ball to stir things up a bit.

I admit, it did make life a little more interesting when I heard a small "help" coming from the bathroom.

I hurried in to find you drenched in water that had flooded from the toilet and holding the plunger.  I'm still not exactly sure how it happened, but I'm guessing that you wadded up just one too many balls of toilet paper and threw it in after you had finished using the toilet.  Then to correct things, {though I still don't know how you knew to use it}, you picked up the plunger and tried to fix your mess...only to make it worse.  The bathroom floor was covered and water was seeping into the hall.

It took us only a half hour to clean up, but it really wasn't very fun. At all.

Despite the flooding incident, I still believe that today was a nearly perfect day.

And you were so nearly perfect that heaven was in our home all day too.

Thank you Easton, for giving me this gift.

It was worth all of the cleanup.

And you'll always be my little "pick man."

Love always,

Maezinha

{"little mom" in Portuguese}

(pronounced: my-ZEEN-ya)

Blue Donut Tutus.

Oh, you boys looked so adorable in your swim tubes {aka: blue donuts...or tutus}.

And you both thought you could swim so well....all by yourselves.

However, I'm afraid we'll have to think of something else for you, Easton due to the fact that you got big sores on your arms from the tube riding too high.

 The box said the tubes were meant to fit 3-5 year olds.

I thought you'd be fine since you just barely turned 3.

But, apparently you've already outgrown it.

Maybe that's why you have always been over the 100th percentile.

But I guess every cloud has a silver lining.

You won't have to wear a tutu anymore and I'm sure Daddy will be glad.

We'll just have to move on to something a little more masculine!

The Story of our First Family Vacation {2010}

Once upon a time Familia Johnson went on their very first family vacation...just the four of them.

It all started when Grandpa Lystrup called me up and asked if we wanted to use his week at "the cabin."  Now this isn't just any cabin.  It's the cabin that I grew up in every summer during my family's time share.  And not only that, but it's also the cabin where Patrick and I spent our honeymoon.  I guess it makes this particular cabin doubly special to me and the idyllic place to hold our first own family vacation.

And so it began.

The first evening consisted of grilled hot dogs, strawberries, Sweet Maui Onion chips {which proved to be much crisper and sweeter than they ever are at home}, and grocery shopping with the same familiar friendliness that I remember growing up. With the groceries bought and put away, and the boys tucked safely in bed, we enjoyed reading the book of Fablehaven and watching River Monsters on the Animal Planet until we went to bed ourselves.  

It smelled like rain all night.

The second day held photo shoots

oh beautiful photographs

with the ones I love the dearest in this world.

We filmed footage for my newest short film--"Leave It Like It Is." 

{Details to follow on my feel. create. inspire. blog}

Then Easton and I colored for hours {or at least one} in our new coloring books.  Easton switched off between "Cars," "Thomas the Train," and "Dora and Diego."

I had forgotten how much I used to love coloring until I began my princess coloring book.

Marinated and grilled chicken served to satisfy our craving for another barbecue

And then we walked through the countryside surrounding the beautiful Tetons.

Our last stop for the evening was at the creek behind the cabin

throwing rocks

wading

and admiring purple thistle flowers

Thus far, there were no major mishaps.

Sunday brought the first.

Upon finding that my shiny red blow dryer was still wound neatly on a hook at home,

I had a date with Mr. Honeywell--

who left me with cool-dried hair and a rather unpleasant headache (after 25 minutes of cold air).

I left him with a token of my affection too--

a piece of my hair that escaped to his blades.

That evening was filled with watermelon

a red ball

...and dandelion puffs.

which always offer nostalgic childhood wishes whenever I see them

Our last full day started and ended on Monday

with a visit to our favorite bridge

and our favorite river.

This was the setting for our Family Home Evening lesson.

I hadn't remembered that it was my lesson, so my mind raced during the opening song trying to think of something to teach.  I recalled all the lessons from my parents growing up--about water and olives and the sun.  Surely there was a simple analogy I could design on the spur of the moment.

I continued to think while Patrick and Tate gave a scripture and testimony, during which time Easton slipped down the rock upon which we were sitting and landed on the dirt.

And then the inspiration came...

We discussed how strong rocks are to withstand the rushing water day in and day out.

We compared this to our Savior.

And committed ourselves to building our homes on His rock.

Then we watched the river rage and sang "The Wise Man Built His House Upon The Rock"

In the beauty of the river cradled in the valley of the Tetons

the spirit was strong.

On Tuesday we said our goodbyes to the cabin and packed up.

During one episode of Tate crying because we had told him no, we placed him in his chair so we could bring him his lunch to cheer him up.

While I was gathering up his plate and glass, I looked over to see a scene which I will never forget.

Easton was hugging his little brother with a kind and concerned look on his face.  

He whispered, "It's okay," again and again until Tate stopped crying.

Then he gave him a small kiss on the head and ran over to get his lunch.

I don't think I'll ever forget these treasured memories from the story of our first vacation.

And I learned something important that I've learned a million times before.

Family. Is. Everything.

But this time it penetrated the depths of my heart.

 And I don't think I will ever forget again.

The End

Happy Anniversary...4 years and counting.

Dear Patrick,

While it doesn't seem so much like an anniversary today as we were traveling home from Driggs for most of the day {pictures soon to follow}, and we subsequently didn't go anywhere, see anything or do anything extraordinary, we did manage to have a throw-together restaurant dinner at home when you got home from work by the light of a pretty lamp, holding hands.

It wasn't grand. or spectacular.

But you know?

It was still special.

And maybe the evening still holds some surprises...homemade, simple, and wonderful.

 I sure love you sweetheart.

Love, Mie

P.S.

Here is a memoir I wrote about our honeymoon for a contest:

One Perfect Day…

and a Week to Remember

By Jamie Johnson

To think that the most important day in a whole lifetime is just that—one day.  One short day where the seconds fly by much too fast.  Twenty-four hours that seem to be mere minutes.  And then it is over.  And no matter how much one yearns to return and relive, one can only reflect and reminisce. 

My day was no less than perfect. I only wish I could have savored it more.  I arose with the dawn on August 17, 2006 and then rushed to the salon to get my hair done.  A few hours later, I was outside, anxiously awaiting my groom.  When he arrived, instead of driving straight to the wedding breakfast as we had planned, he took me on a slight detour where he pulled the car off the road and gave me my wedding gift.  The genuine pearl earrings and necklace were more than I ever could have hoped for.

The rest of the day went perfectly.  Sunbeams cast their golden warmth over everything.   The summer flowers were smiling, the birds were singing romantic tunes, and my gown made me feel like a princess.  I’ll never forget the moment when my eyes met my husband’s during our marriage ceremony.  They were clear and blue—a bottomless ocean full of love for me.  Could I ask for anything more?

 The pictures, the reception, the cake came next.  They are all beautiful memories but I must admit, somewhat of a blur thanks to the sweeping seconds.

With the close of the day, we said our goodbyes to our dear families and returned to the car where I somehow managed to fit my gigantic dress and hoop skirt in the passenger side. 

(Note: After we left the reception, we were camera-less for our honeymoon because we didn’t own a camera at that point.  So the rest of the story will have to be imagined in your mind).

The Anniversary Inn was our next destination.  We pulled in, my new husband got our keys, and then carried me over the threshold of our very first doorway.  We stepped into an enchanted Aphrodite’s Court and had such a lovely stay.  It was a perfect start to our honeymoon and the perfect end to a perfect day.

The next day began with a delicious breakfast, compliments of the Anniversary Inn and then we were off to Driggs, Idaho to finish out the remainder of our weeklong honeymoon at a picturesque cabin beneath the Tetons.  Romantic, right?  Well, let’s just say very memorable.  A little while into our journey, we knew we were low on gas, but we weren’t quite sure how low because our fuel light was malfunctioning.  Normally this would not be a concern, but due to the fact that we were in Idaho, gas stations are few and far between.  The green sign told us that we were four miles away from the ­­­Downey exit and so we banked on the fact that we could make it that far. 

Well, Downey came and went and we were so caught up in our discussion that we forgot to get off the exit.  The next green sign told us that Arimo was the next town—ten more miles, and who knew if there would even be a gas station in this tiny town?!  We prayed pretty hard, but we knew we were running on fumes.  The minutes ticked by so slowly that our entire wedding day could have happened twice in the meantime!  Finally I saw a tiny exit sign in the far distance and cried out an excited hooray.  As we neared the exit, however, we could both feel our car slowing.  There was no need to brake as we turned onto the exit ramp.  We got to the first stop sign and ran right through it  (thankfully there were no other cars in sight).  The ramp planed out to flat ground and by the time we reached the second stop sign, our car had breathed its last.  My sweet husband jumped out and pushed our car the last 200 yards to the gas pump.  We had made it and boy what a story we had for our families!

At that point, we figured the rest of our honeymoon would flow pretty smoothly.  After all, our car was full of gas, Driggs was only another few hours away, and the cabin was beckoning to us in romantically rustic refrains.  The remainder of the ride went fairly well—aside from a few frustrated feelings and a splash of tears here and there (it must have been a case of the newlywed quarrels).  We arrived in Driggs later than we had intended, however, and spent a good hour searching for our cabin in the blackened countryside.  As we drove up and down East Ski Hill Road looking for our turnoff, we joked about the possibility of sleeping in our car that night.  The joke became more of a reality when we swerved to avoid a porcupine perched in the middle of the road.  Never having seen a porcupine before, I could barely believe my eyes.  It was huge!  What a hole one of his quills would have made in our tire!

Needless to say, we did pull into our cabin after a few more runs up and down the road and a whole lot of prayers. 

The next few days passed without incident and I was beginning to think that our days of adventurous anxiety were over.  Until the hike.  Our walk through a small piece of the Targhee National Forest was breathtaking and peaceful.  We spent some inspiring moments on a bridge overlooking a small, gushing river and then strolled through the forest.  We leisurely laughed as we remembered a time when my younger sister had thought she saw a bear in these very woods.  We both knew it was a figment of her imagination. 

As we left the forest, however, and meandered through a nearby meadow, we stopped cold in our tracks.  What was that odd groan?  Our meander quickly turned into a fast paced walk as we edged further and further from the noise.  But the noise was following us.  We weren’t sure what it was, but the moaning and groaning turned to angry snorts and outbursts and our speed walk turned into a full-fledged sprint.  We abandoned our thoughts of the bear and began thinking of a raging bull instead.  Our car was still a good half-mile away, and so we sprinted to the closest thing we could find—a construction truck with a big trailer on the back.  My husband boosted me up and then quickly climbed up behind me.  The moment we crouched down in the trailer, we watched as a big, black cow came angrily stomping through the path we had just left.  To this day we cannot be sure what was wrong with her, but one thing’s for certain—it was a close encounter that we don’t ever want to repeat.

By this time, I had decided that my heart could no longer take this sort of thrill.  Honeymoons were supposed to be relaxing, romantic, and restful—not rampaging riots full of wrath!  I begged my husband to go back to the cabin so we could watch a nice, happy movie before retiring to bed for our last night.  He happily agreed and we made our descent to the cabin.  By this time it was about 10:30 pm and there were no other cars on the road.  We cautiously drove through the twists and bends, watching for porcupines and angry cows as we went.  We were only a few miles away from our cabin when we heard a siren.  Our rearview mirror clearly showed us that a cop was following close behind.  Now what? I uttered in desperation.  We definitely weren’t speeding. 

We pulled over and a tall, thin policeman moseyed over to our window.  In a heavy drawl he said,  “Hello, I’m Deputy Boomer (name has been changed).  I noticed that you didn’t have a license plate on the front of your vehicle.  In Idaho, it’s a law to have a license plate on both ends.”

When my husband told him that we weren’t from Idaho, and that we were on our honeymoon, the deputy congratulated us on our wedding, and then quickly reminded us of our criminal activity.  “Idaho law is Idaho law no matter where you are from,” he emphatically pressed.  He then asked us if we had a license plate for the front. My husband told him it was under the seat (due to the fact that our car wasn’t designed to hold a front license plate very well.)

“Well, it’s not doing you any good under there now is it?” the deputy chortled.  “Why don’t you just go on down to the hardware store tomorrow and pick up some bolts and screws to attach that there license plate to your vehicle.  I’ll only issue you a warning this time, but next time…”

My husband agreed to put it on and then started rolling up his window.  “Have a nice honeymoon!” the deputy called as he walked back to his car.  Sometime during the conversation I had the most intense urge to start laughing right out loud so I turned to my window to hide my laughter.  The last few days had been so funny and this one topped the cake.  By the time Deputy Boomer sauntered away, my shoulders were shaking as I tried to suppress my giggles.  My husband gently touched my shoulder and asked if I was crying.  I turned to him with a big smile and we both started laughing uncontrollably.

That night officially ended our honeymoon, but the next day, as we drove the hours to our new home we retold our experiences again and again.  I realized that no matter how much I longed to relive our wedding day, I didn’t need to.  As long as our days together were filled with love and laughter, every day would be a day to remember.