Halloween 2014

I will soon be posting the Halloween portraits I captured on Halloween, but for now, the ones from my phone will have to suffice.

My mom and I were commenting the other day about how we think Halloween is by far the busiest holiday of the year for mothers. I had 2 different Halloween school parades to go to for the boys, had to help them in and out of their costumes, run home, make lunch, try to do a few traditions, find time for dinner, get all their makeup on, take lots of pictures, go trick-or-treating, and still have time for a few family traditions at the end of the day. I can't remember the last time I was so exhausted after putting the littles to bed. But we had the time of our lives while making these memories, and really, that's all that's important to me.

After lunch we had story time with all our beloved Halloween books:

Then when Easton got home we made us some delicious kettle corn and settled in for a Halloween movie. This year we watched Curious George.

Trick-or-treating in our neighborhood is always a thrill for me. I love going with my little ones. We had lots of discussions about polite manners, poor little Maylie tripped on her dress at least 50 times, and my legs got an intense workout from the hills. We loved every minute.

The sunset was breathtaking.

Inspecting the Halloween goodies was the highlight of my night when I was little.

This year we started a new tradition of apple cider floats after trick-or-treating...
They were so delectable we decided this tradition is a keeper.

The End to a wonderful night.

The Little Things are the Big Things

I am feeling extra sentimental today as I remember an experience that happened just a few weeks ago. My sweetheart came home and had lunch with us. Then while I finished up some tasks, he read to Tate and Maylie. He so rarely gets to do story time with them. I love these three so much.

In a talk by President James E. Faust, he quoted Charles Henry Parkhurst:

“The completed beauty of Christ’s life is only the added beauty of little inconspicuous acts of beauty—talking with the woman at the well; showing the young ruler the stealthy ambition laid away in his heart that kept him out of the Kingdom of Heaven; … teaching a little knot of followers how to pray; kindling a fire and broiling fish that his disciples might have a breakfast waiting for them when they came ashore from a night of fishing, cold, tired, and discouraged. All of these things, you see, let us in so easily into the real quality and tone of [Christ’s] interests, so specific, so narrowed down, so enlisted in what is small, so engrossed with what is minute.” (“Kindness and Love,” in Leaves of Gold, Honesdale, Pa.: Coslet Publishing Co., 1938, p. 177.)

Then sweet Elder Faust sums it up so perfectly:

"And so it is with being parents. The little things are the big things sewn into the family tapestry by a thousand threads of love, faith, discipline, sacrifice, patience, and work."

Story Time.

Maylie is my little bookworm. She loves to pull all of the books off our shelf and read and read and read. She is a girl after my own heart.

And though I am so far from the perfect mother, there is one tradition that I cherish--one thing that I do well--and that is read to my children. 

Back when I had postpartum depression shortly after Maylie was born, I felt so completely overwhelmed. I felt, for some reason, that I was the worst mother in existence. I thought it was hopeless and that no matter how hard I tried, I would always fall miserably short of all the mothers around me. It was a despondent feeling and a time to which I never wish to return. 

But there is one good thing that came out of that time: Daily Story Time.

I remember talking to my mom day after day as she counseled me through this rough time. And one particular conversation stands out in my mind as life-changing. She told me that I don't need to do everything or be everything to my children. I don't need to plan elaborate lesson plans or fancy homemade games or hours of one-on-one playtimes. She told me that one of the most important things I could do was to read to them for 20 minutes a day. This, she said, more than any other educational activity I could plan, would most help them in their lives.

I thought long and hard about the simplicity of her suggestion. And I had such a slight glimmer of hope arise in my heart. I knew, in my depressed and down-trodden state, that I would never be able to do even a fraction of what I wanted as a mother. But I also knew that I COULD do this. I could read to my children. I already had been reading to them pretty consistently but after this conversation, story time took on an added layer of meaning. It wasn't something I had to do. It was something I wanted to do. And it was heartwarming and quieting and calming. And I truly believe that story time became a life-saver to me during this most difficult period of my life.

To this day, if I pick up a book and begin to read, my children will gather around me and settle down and quiet themselves. They will sit like this for as long as I read. And I am grateful.

I am grateful for their love of books. I am grateful that after our half an hour story time (which always happens every day right after lunch), Maylie takes a stack of books to bed with her for her nap and reads them aloud until she falls asleep.

I am grateful for every night that we get to bed early enough that the children can have 20 minutes of "Quiet Time" to read by the light of their lamps all curled up snug in their beds.

Truly, I am grateful for books. And I am grateful to my own mother for the thousands of story times she gave to us. She passed on to me such a treasured legacy that I am privileged now to pass on to my  own little children.

Edenbrooke.

I just finished reading a novel called "Edenbrooke," by Julianne Donaldson. It's a monumental day.

 

I haven't read a fictional book by myself, just for the pleasure of reading, since high school.  College days were filled with countless textbooks (all of which I thoroughly enjoyed), and motherhood has been filled only with words of the gospel and non-fiction inspirational books teaching me how to be a better mother, and inspiring me on in my blessed journey.  I guess for a while I felt like I had outgrown fiction, or maybe I felt like I had absolutely no time to waste on such a pursuit. (For some reason, every undertaking of mine has to be "productive" to be deemed worthy of my time.)

But in my days of dark postpartum depression, I remember my Dad suggesting to me that I pick up a novel and read again.  His words have replayed in my mind often since then, it's taken me two years to follow through.

So when some of the ladies in my ward started up a book club last month (which of course I don't have "time" to do), they emailed the whole Relief Society the list of books they'll be reading.  And the first on the list was Edenbrooke.  There was no picture or description, but the name captivated me. (There is much in a name, Shakespeare.)  And when I read that I could buy the book from Deseret Book, my heart skipped a little, knowing it was most likely written by an LDS author.  So I looked online and found the ebook 50% off for $7.99. After watching the trailer and reading the description of the book, I was instantly impressed with these words:

"Deseret Book just released a new brand of book called “A Proper Romance.”  This brand new genre promises romance “at its very best—and at its cleanest” that still provides all the feel-good thrills and butterflies of your favorite chick flicks. The first book, Edenbrooke, is a Heyeresque Regency that should please all Jane Austen fans."

So that was the best part of all.  My viewing and reading of modern Chick Flicks has been extremely limited due to the inappropriateness that often accompanies these movies and books.  Which is sad because I love all things girly.  But unless something is pure, virtuous, of good report, and praiseworthy, it is definitely not worthy of my time.

And so after studying the beautiful cover, I went with my instinct and clicked "Buy."


It's been a couple of weeks since I began the book.  I read it in slivers and slices but finished the last half of the book today (because I couldn't put it down.)  And I have to say that I've forgotten how much I love good, clean fictional stories.

I don't cry much in books and movies.  I haven't cried while reading a book since I read "To Kill a Mockingbird" in Portugal (which for a time became my favorite).  And before that, the only other time I cried was while reading "Summer of the Monkeys" in 3rd grade (which was my all-time favorite until "To Kill a Mockingbird" came along.)

But I cried today.  Tears and tears and tears.  And I needed every one.

Because, what I was forgetting was the fact that fictional novels are not just made-up pretend stories.  They are real--because there are pieces of ourselves to find within.  And I as I read, I found myself on every path and every orchard and every ball.  But most of all, I re-discovered me.


And aside from the loveliness of reading a book set in England (which I loved visiting 11 years ago), and imagining myself wearing the elegant gowns and strolling through the gorgeous countryside, there were lessons from this particular book.  I learned the importance of being myself; the power of intuition; of loyalty and trust; of not blaming myself for things out of my control.  And most of all, I was reminded of the love that exists between parents and daughter, and the love between a true gentleman and a lady.

I think I've found a new favorite book.

The Winter of Sickness and The Book Tradition

As February begins winding down, I have decided this has been the winter of sickness.  I've been sick from Thanksgiving on with one sinus infection or cold or virus after another.  Me and Maylie have had two rounds of antibiotics, and the boys have been sick too but managed to escape having to use antibiotics...yet (knock on wood).  And it hasn't been fun, this 3-month long season of sickness (with just a few days in-between viruses of healthy days) or desirable in the slightest, but I have learned a lot of lessons.

Lesson #1--I need to take care of my needs and the needs of my family first.  It is all right to say no, even though I despise falling through with commitments and such.  When we are sick, as President Uchtdorf would say, we need to slow down and focus on what's most essential.  I have vowed that when I get well I will not forget this lesson and strive to keep my family's needs met and not feel bad when I have to take it easy and take care of us.

Lesson #2--The house will wait for me and somehow the Lord will help it get clean.  Last week was so difficult for me because I was too sick to keep up on the regular household chores, which of course, drives me absolutely berserk.  I am such a structured and organized person.  I have learned that this is just a part of who I am and I will always be most happy when my home and my inward self is orderly, clean, and tidy.  And yes, as both my mom and gram reminded me, the house will wait.  And though this phrase made me cringe as I watched all of the the laundry piling up and the crumbs collecting needlessly on the floor, wait I did. And while I was at a meeting on Saturday accompanying a high councilor's musical number, Patrick cleaned the house for me--reminding me of the Lord's endless tender mercies and love for little me and my little house.  I was left so grateful for a loving husband's sweet, selfless service.

Lesson #3--In the midst of chaos, beauty and structure and answers emerge.  I learned last week that even if I'm not ordering and cleaning my house, I can organize and tidy my inward self.  This made me happy and not feel like I was wasting last week.  I spent a lot of time pondering and honing my daily schedule for this coming year.  And the Lord blessed me with all kinds of miraculous ideas and  wisdom.  Truly, I was blessed while I was sick and my house was in chaos to bring forth new ideas and order the world within me.  And though I've been still very sick this week, I have at least been capable of doing the daily chores and playing with my children.  And I get the wonderful privilege of living out the plan the Lord helped me create last Saturday, so I am extremely happy.

Lesson #4--It's possible to be happy even when we are sick.  This has been such a wonderful lesson to experience.  Though my body has been suffering, the Lord has truly helped my Spirit to be light and content and enjoy each small, slow moment for the grandeur it contains.  My life is in the hands of the Lord and I trust that He will see fit to heal me when He deems the time is right.  I love my life and my family so much, it almost hurts to think about it, for fear my heart will burst in gratitude and joy.  I am so blessed.

Homemade wheat bread...

Homemade Apple Pie...made with love and coconut oil and agave substitutions for a healthier dessert!

And this was a few days ago.  Easton's book order came in and I had ordered books for each of my sweeties.  They spent the rest of the afternoon pouring over the pictures, and Maylie has carried around her little suitcase full of Hello Kitty books ever since.  I love how much my children love books, and I love to buy them books every book order I can. It makes us all light up!  Books have always been precious to me...the smell of the pages, the feel in my hand, the comfort, the wisdom, the faraway lands, the excitement.  There is something almost magical about a book.  And still to this day I have a hard time reading on electronic devices because of my deep deep love for a real, live book.

And so we carry on the tradition of story time every single day after lunch for 15-30 minutes and sometimes even an hour.  We've been holding this gathering time for 3 years now and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world! It is a sacred time I treasure and will look back on with ever so much fondness.  The experience of reading books together is one of the things I hold close to my heart, for my memories of reading with my mother when I was little (and not so little) are treasures of the highest value.  I'll always remember laying down with her on her bed for story time and nap time every day after lunch and then as I got older I would read books to my little sisters, and then as I entered the teenage years I would read the Harry Potter books to my mom every day after school as she cooked or quilted.  These are some of my very best memories. And I hope that my sweet little children will look back on their days of childhood with fond remembrance of our own sweet story times--cuddled up with blankies and pillows on the couch.

The End.

A Saturday Morning.

Filled with books.

Tate,

even with all of your mischeviousness and teasings, I can't get enough of you.

I love you.

I love your fascination with books.  I find you reading all the time.  For hours on end.

You're a bookworm, just like your mother.

And I couldn't be prouder.

Way to go bud!

You're perfect.  Just the way you are!

Love,
your mother

Books I Love.

 

I have always relished books...the thoughts expressed in little black letters, the feel of the cover, the smell of the pages.  Everything about a book speaks volumes.  And I have held thousands of them in my hands.  I wish I could remember every good fictional book I have ever read and make a list.

For today, I will write a few of the books that, over the last few years, have brought me joy, blessed my life, given me hope, or literally transformed me.  I can't remember them all but I'm inspired to keep a more comprehensive list from now on.  For now, here is what I remember.

{Books that have changed my life}

#1. The Book of Mormon

This book will always be my favorite...every time I read the answers to my questions and needs are given and I walk with greater faith as I apply the teachings of this book.

#2. Believing Christ by Stephen E. Robinson

I am reading this now and I can honestly say that this book has given me the tools to truly transform my relationship with Christ and has given me a greater understanding of what the Atonement is truly all about.

#3. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

My entire perspective of existence has been changed by the tenets of this book.

{Books that have greatly enhanced my life}

#4. Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach

This is a daybook that has encouraged me to find my authentic self...can be read in the temporal, creative sense, but can also be compared to things of a spiritual nature.

#5. The Water Secret by Howard Murad

I have been able to greatly enhance my well-being through this holistic approach to emotional and physical health.  proposes that the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables have the key to hydrating our cells and helping us look and feel years younger.

{Other inspiring books}

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Change your Questions Change your Life by Wendy Watson Nelson

A Mother's Book of Secrets by Linda Eyre and Shawni Eyre Pothier

The Mom You're Meant to Be by Cheri Fuller

Women of Virtue by Jodi Marie Robinson

On Becoming Babywise by Garry Ezzo and Robert Bucknam

I will update this list as time goes on for my list of books to read keeps growing.

What books inspire you?  Please leave a comment. :)

Celebrating Five Unsurpassable Years of Love.

And this year I wanted to make it very extra-special.
So we began a custom-created "Choose-your-own-adventure" extravaganza that lasted all day and led us at last to a most beautiful palace.  The whole story was about a prince and princess and dragon, all so whimsical and amusing, but so symbolic too in many ways.

How the adventure panned out:
*Breakfast at IHOP
*Secretly picking out gifts at TJ Maxx and trying to hide them
*A walk through the park reading and answering questions that united our hearts and dreams
*Black light mini-golf
*A drive up the mountain with more questions (10 questions to ask your husband/wife every year)
*A long drive to our evening destination
*Dinner at a luxurious restaurant all decorated with a tablecloth, a rose, and tea candles by my sweet little sister
*A night at our 2-story suite--Juliet's Balcony
(Patrick gave me a gift I will treasure...a movie he'd made with pictures of our years together and music that represented each chapter.  I was in tears before the first minute came to a close.  He is so good to me.)

P.S. This is just a shot of my new glasses.  I l.o.v.e. them!

Of course, pictures do not do justice to "Juliet's Balcony" nor do words really convey how this landmark day impacted us.  For how can one express the love one feels for a companion of 5 years?

Looking at this picture, the joy, the rapture of newlywed love, I remember feeling that I could never love this man more than I did on this day.  Could the love spoken of by aging couples be only an illusion?  I can now say that I was wrong. Completely.  I love Patrick more than I would have thought imaginable on our wedding day.  Now I only wonder what the next 5 years will bring and how our love will crescendo even more...