Most important message

"I am a child of God, and He has sent me here."

Most nights when I put the boys to bed (they sleep separately) and especially with Jacob, I sing this song that's become extremely popular in our household. You might think this would be boring, but I take the message pretty seriously.

"Has given me an earthly home, with parents kind and dear."

The one message I want to leave my kids with at the end of each day couldn't be more important than the one within this children's song. I want my children to know that they are children of God, that He loves them and He sent them to our loving home.

Not only does this song teach them, but it teaches me. I want to remember that I am the lucky one they call "mom." I am the lucky one to hold and cuddle and wrestle with every day. And despite our bad days, this is my job, my work, my joy. Not every moment is joyous, but the beautiful moments sure fill me with joy.

"Lead me, guide me, walk beside me. Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do to live with Him someday."

What a beautiful reminder to me that I am the one they lean on to guide them. My ultimate job is to lead them back to Him someday. I choke up towards the end of the song as that blessed reminder reverberates in my mind. It fills me with the strength I need as I struggle daily. What a huge job: teaching them ALL that they must do to get back to God again. Wow - it's almost staggering when you really think about it.

Luckily, it's little by little. I didn't learn everything all at once and neither will they. But I can set them on the right course where they can find the answers themselves. I know I wouldn't want it any other way.

The rest of the verses:

I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows too late.

I am a child of God.
Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will,
I'll live with him once more.

I am a child of God.
His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine
If I can but endure.

House of Order

Recently, the FairMormon Conference was held in Provo, providing the public with several presentations on various subjects on the Mormon faith. Michael Otterson's presentation seems to have gone semi-viral as I've seen it posted multiple times on Facebook. I personally enjoyed that one and the points he brought up.

I've just now read the presentation by Cassandra Hedelius about Mormon Gnosticism, which is, in her opinion, based on the assumption that deeper spiritual knowledge holds the key to salvation, but also leads the way to apostasy. She touches on various points and when you have the time to read it, go here for the complete transcript. 

However, the thing that made me really think was one specific claim of Mormon Gnosticism is the command to share revelations an individual may receive. I finished a book not more than a week ago that dealt with this very thing. This man claimed he received these visions of events leading up to the Second Coming and Millennium and was told he could finally share them and thus a book was published. I doubt his claim to have received those visions, but I seriously doubt whether he was given permission to share these deeply personal and spiritual experiences. Sure, they were fascinating to read about, but guess what? These were for him. 

Hedelius states:

"Many self-proclaimed visionaries would respond, and I know this because this is part of their public teaching, that they were commanded by the Lord to share their vision(s). Some of them even make a great show of humility and reluctance, saying they wanted to keep it quiet and had no desire for publicity, but the Lord or another messenger told them they must tell the world. But that is not possible; this claim violates scripture and revelation. It’s another example of false teaching being very persuasive because it incorporates much that sounds true. The Adversary is good at being subtle. 

Gnostic visionaries love to quote Joel 2:28, which foretells that men and women will prophesy and have dreams and visions. But the Lord gave us an important caution in the Book of Mormon: 

“It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.” (Alma 12:9)

I hadn't fallen victim to his claims nor did I decide that his vision of things is the be-all and end-all but as she says, the Adversary is subtle. It would be easy to think more of what he says than to look at modern-day prophets and the scriptures.

A few years ago, I was reading another book that threw into question the doctrines outlined in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." It was about the author's assumptions regarding homosexuals and their place in the Plan of Salvation. Her claims, thoughts and opinions tore at me and I was lead to agree with her. As I discussed these thoughts with my husband, he (gently) reminded to me to study and read that inspired document again. Once I did that, all my issues were resolved, and with his encouragement, I didn't finish the book.

I loved that Hedelius asserts (more than once) when sharing examples from early church history (think Hyrum Page and his stone):

It’s important to notice what the Lord does not say. He does not say “you all have the gift of the Holy Ghost, so when someone comes among you proclaiming revelation and authority, you should be able to just discern if it’s legitimate or not without revealed standards to guide you.” We are not told to face a free-for-all anarchy of truth claims out there, any of which might be of equal weight to revelations received through prophets.

The Lord is mindful of us, His flock, and wants us to know so we won't be led astray. It is through His divinely called prophets that we will know His will. And if one becomes fallen, there is still order in His church and another will be called in his stead. No one will just come out from nowhere and claim he is the voice of the church. The Lord's church is a house of order. This was a great presentation and reminder for me.

Wordless books for children

This post was written a few months ago, but it's still as true now as it was then.

Ok I think it's common knowledge that I love to read. My favorite genre would definitely be YA, but children's books have been edging closer and closer with each trip to the library.

Our latest obsession? Wordless books. It's not just the pretty pictures, but it's amazing how powerful a story can be told with just images. Let me share a few with you that we have come to love:

Amazon

Bill Thomson is a story-telling, beautiful picture making genius. Chalk is filled with magic as children's chalk drawings come to life and the adventure (and mishap) it puts them in. The clever twist is that the children come up with a solution to get out of their predicament. I love that empowerment.

We were first introduced to this book a month or two ago, but we recently checked it out again with another book Thomson produced called Fossil. This one is just as fun with fossils coming to life and the faces (in both books) are just so endearing. It helps that he just knows how to make boys' faces so mischievous - something I know all too well.

Other wordless picture books well worth look into:

Flotsam by David Wiesner
Un*brella by David Franson (a BYU-Idaho faculty member)
Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (a classic! Who can forget the beautiful music that goes with it?)

There are many others, but those are the ones we love. I also found this interesting article over at Smart Speech Therapy about the value of wordless books. It has some prompts for reading with children and regardless of whether your child needs/is in speech therapy, this is a great resource. Here is a great Pinterest board of other wordless books. Happy reading!

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Book suggestion for those stuck in a rut

I think after quite a long hiatus to this blog, it's appropriate to start with a book suggestion.

This summer has been busy, but I still made time for my favorite past-time. I devoured book after book. The most recent one was just so amazing I had to share.

I'm not a professional book reviewer but I do love to share books with others. This one YA fiction is called "The Clockwork Scarab," by Colleen Gleason. I read it for my Eagle Mountain book club and it probably took me only two days to finish it. Others who have less responsibilities could finish this in less for sure.

Here you have Sherlock Holmes' niece, Mina Holmes (daughter of Mycroft), teaming up with Bram Stoker's little sister (think Dracula), Evaline. The Princess of Wales commissions the two to solve the mysterious murder and disappearances of a few young ladies high in society. Add in the steampunk elements, some romance and characters who are still learning and growing and you have yourself a fun read that has you begging for more at the end.

Some reviews didn't like how the author "neutered" Mina and Evaline (Mina is showed up by her love interest who's a policeman and Evaline has her moments and nearly faints at the sight of blood). I think it added some reality to these characters. The author clearly wanted girls reading this to relate to Mina's social awkwardness or Evaline's fear at crucial moments. Also, these two heroines did not get along nearly the majority of the book. Mina continually looked down at Evaline and Evaline didn't think Mina could hold her own physically, but I think that's real life. They eventually come to terms, have a grudging respect for each other and at the end, realize that a friendship is budding out of all that.

All in all, this was fun to read and I can't wait to see what Gleason has in store in the next book (as soon as I get my hands on it).

My trip down the infertility path

I've been seeing a lot of chatter on social media with National Infertility Awareness Week. I want to share some of my thoughts regarding this.

You may be surprised to know that even though we have our two awesome little boys, we are struggling with growing our family. I'm not sure why yet or what the cause is, but it's interesting when the doctor labels you as "infertile." I wasn't even sure I could qualify for that label, but going 2 years without another baby makes it so. One year is the cut off date where they start calling you infertile.

I would say I've had a range of emotions, but I've come to deal with it and handle it as a timing thing.
I've seen so many others struggle with this to finally see their little miracles being born that something greater than science is at work here.  I wish I could go back in time to every single couple and tell them that eventually they will have their little bundle of joy. I of course know that it's not true for everyone but for those whose wishes have come true - see! It was all about timing! And seeing that and knowing that, I am at peace with my situation. I know we as a family aren't complete yet and that there are more yet to come to our family.

Source

Knowing God's grand design and His desire for us to have families, have joy and to return to Him makes this struggle so much easier to handle. I know that He is in control. Thank goodness He is, because I would just mess it up, if it were all up to me.

Source

Right now, I want to use this time to become a better mom. Back a few months ago, I was struggling and at a low point with being a good mom. I was yelling a lot and clashing with my boys. It brought me to tears, but it humbled me too. I think that God was using that tough time to tell me that I can be better. That He wants me to be better. One night, I imagined a little child, a spirit, watching me, watching what I do and how I react to my boys' disasters and thought, would that child want to come to our home? Would he or she want me to be his or her mommy? The answer brought reality and humility. This time is preparatory for me to "prove" to that spirit (or spirits) that this is the best home they could come to, that they would be loved and cared for and nurtured.

I'm still working on it, but I'm humbled and grateful that God gave me that small heads up to what He wanted me to accomplish in this time before the next one joins our family.

My mom advised me to enjoy whatever station of life I'm in and not to be constantly looking forward to "better times." Although I do look forward to a new baby, a new spirit in our home and preparing for that, I'm going to enjoy my boys in the now. I'm going to enjoy Adam's increasing vocabulary ("Be careful, mom, that's fragile.") and I'm going to enjoy Jacob's 2 and a half year old hilarity and constantly wanting to be with me and work with me. Soon enough I won't have time to spend with them taking care of a newborn or have the energy to run and play because I'm pregnant.

And until that happens, I will be content. The present is a gift. I better use it well.

Back in the saddle again

I always think of "Sleepless in Seattle" and Tom Hanks trying to date again with that song. So I thought it appropriate for the setting. I'm not talking about dating; I'm talking about writing.

It's been too long since my last post, since I've written anything. For a self-proclaimed writer, that's kind of sad.

I decided to just write away - what I'm feeling, what I'm thinking, what I'd like to say to others, and I just don't care what the audience thinks. I used to aspire to be a "mommy blogger," make a ton of money, reach out to tons of moms, make a difference, save the world, bring about world peace, etc. Now, I realize, I just need an outlet. And I need to put the things that are cramming my brain at late and early hours need to be put some where. Maybe someone else feels the same way and maybe not. But it doesn't matter because if I feel that it needs to said, then I should say it and put my skills to use.

It's hard not to compare yourself to others who are in your same exact situation (SAHM) who are writing books or working part time or just creating whether for pleasure or business or both. I have a hard time just getting a shower in sometimes much less finding time (or energy) to create something on a regular basis.

Then, I had an opportunity fall right into my lap and I jumped on it. I actually made some money from that opportunity and I can't tell you how energized that made me feel. How alive I felt. It was an interesting phenomenon. It had been awhile since I felt that rush of emotion. I used what few photography skills I have and took a few pictures of a property for an appraisal group. That's all I did. Five minutes plus travel time and it was totally worth it because the kids were in tow and totally cooperative.

After that experience, I started thinking: "What else can I do with the skills that I have?" I have a few ideas, nothing I am willing to share now, but I'm excited to try things out. Now that my kids are a little older and less needy (at least less needy than a newborn), I can do something. Yes, I realize that what I'm doing with my kids is the most important thing I'll ever do, but sometimes you need to do something else once in a while.

My most important work

Trying it again (First day, take two)

Two years ago, I volunteered at the local elementary school to read with a couple of 6th graders. To say the least, it was a challenge with one (read about it here and here). I didn't volunteer at all last year because I had Jacob and needed to take care of him. This year, I have a good friend, Lauren, that I could swap babysitting with so we decided to do it together! She will go one day and I can go the other day.

To say the least, I was excited to try this again. Even though the last attempt (at volunteering) was less than successful, I kept an optimistic perspective. The director of the tutoring program promised me that I wouldn't have a student similar to "Dave."

I was relieved with my first encounter with student #1. Another boy, but he was quirky, fun and simply adorable. Don't tell him I said that. He loved the book we picked (Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger by Louis Sachar) but unfortunately needed to move up another level. Student #2 is a sweet girl who likes dance and drawing. I couldn't wait to get back to Lauren and tell her about the kids.

It's going to be a good school year.

Postponing "the dream"

When we moved to Utah and found our home - a four bedroom duplex - it was a dream to us! Compared to our two-bedroom apartment, it seemed so big with lots of room to grow. I fell in love.

Two years and one more child later, I (I will speak for myself in the matter) feel a little cramped with everything we've accumulated thus far. I dislike sharing a wall with neighbors who seem to be up at all hours of the night and who smoke on the property, despite being told not to by the landlord. I don't like have a fixed layout, drafty windows and doors and an out-dated kitchen appearance.

Insert hashtag "first-world problems." Insert also "cry me a river and get over it."

That's how I feel when I complain to Jed. Then I remember all the positive aspects of this home: great landlords who take care of lawn and maintenance, a garden area, a big backyard for the boys, and sufficient room for all we need.

That being said, I was getting antsy. I wanted a bigger place, one that we actually "owned." So when my neighbor, and many of my friends, started looking and buying houses, I wanted in. I started looking too. We even met with a realtor.

Then reality hit. After making the goal to set up a larger emergency savings and pay off a couple of debts (one including a newer car), we realized homeownership was just not in the picture. Yet. And that's ok.

I follow Dave Ramsey on Facebook  and I really enjoy the articles that are posted. A couple of them have been on homeownership and the value of renting for awhile.

I had a "lightbulb" moment. It's ok to be renting. There's no shame in that. It's ok to save up until we have sufficient funds to purchase a home - however and whenever that happens. And it's ok to have less. I realized my family of 6 grew up in a three-bedroom home until we moved to Nebraska. Then it was four bedrooms, but my sisters and I still shared rooms. We survived. And although I have a long list of "needs" for my future dream home, I recognize I won't get them all and don't have to have them all. I just need to be content with the now.

What next?

While this isn't a religious blog and I haven't posted here in over a year, I have felt several times that I needed to express my feelings on a couple of issues that I've seen come up a few times in the past little while. 

One was the "pants movement"  where some LDS women peacefully demonstrated their desire for equality in the church and now, an issue has cropped up with breastfeeding moms and whether it's appropriate to not cover up or leave to feed their child during church meetings.

As I've read these articles and comments regarding these issues, my first reactions have been less than Christ-like. Then I repent and start over, feeling sadness for individuals who end up leaving the church because of hurtful comments or judgments by others. My sadness also stems from so much conflict that is happening among the members of the church.

Christ counseled this when he visited the Nephites on the American continent after His resurrection:

For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. 

Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.

I'm know conflict among church members is not a new thing. With social media so prevalent  it's easy to see more and more of this and take sides, criticize and condemn. Thus, both sides, whether right or wrong, are both in the wrong as offense is taken and Christ-like feelings and charity go out the window.

This part causes me to exclaim in exasperation, "Really?" As the time comes closer when the Savior comes again, we as members should strengthen our grip on the Iron Rod, study the scriptures harder than ever, serve each other and have greater patience with those different from us and recognize and avoid Satan's tactics to try to deceive us.

Aren't we all in this together? Shouldn't we be understanding of the struggling mother who has multiple children with her and a husband on the stand who needs to feed her screaming infant? Can't we (as mothers) understand that it might be uncomfortable for others if we didn't cover up while nursing at church? What about the women who feel they are looked down upon because they are women? Instead of seeking to be right, let's focus on being like Christ. Trust me, I know this is hard. I have my struggles with imperfection, but I have faith in the Atonement and it's enabling power to lift me higher. And because I know the Savior's Atonement is for everyone, I can have patience for those who struggle just like me.

A better me.

When was the last time you were disappointed in yourself? I mean truly disappointed.

And we’re not talking disappointed in yourself for buying underwear sizes too small and you couldn’t return it (even though they put it with the underwear that was your size! Ok, off my soap box).

I’m not even talking about disappointment when you let opportunities slip away like your chance at a free sandwich at your favorite restaurant (STILL upset over that one).

I’m talking about disappointment when you let yourself down. That was me yesterday. I was not my best self. I was “High School Sarah.” The one that liked to gossip and find entertainment in the drama around me. Yup, that was me, sad to say. I guess I’m a gossiper in recovery.

Anyway, I felt I had been so good – avoiding topics that could lead to gossip, changing the subject if it came up. It was something that I had been conscientiously working on for years. Not saying that I never did it. Like I said, I’m in recovery.

Well I guess I could blame it on “The Bachelor.” Have you SEEN that show? It’s hilarious. And dumb. At the same time. But perfect for that bit of girl time you wanted with your BFF. Lucky for me, since  we don’t have cable or dish, my neighbor DVR’d it (since she didn’t have the time to watch it) and invited me to watch it with her. Heck yes – I’m all for laughing at the silly antics girls do to get the guy’s attention. Or the camera’s. Whatever it is.

Anyway, so in the middle of watching it (and after hearing tons of “OMG, she’s so (insert whatever negative phrase).” “Oh I can’t believe she’s doing that.” “Oh she has a personality disorder. I hate her,” my friend turns to me and says, “Oh, do I have a funny story for you!” She launches into this story about a woman we both know and yes, it wasn’t very nice.

And do you know what I do? I join her. Because I have a story to go along with that one of the same woman EVEN THOUGH I had a nagging little thought that said, “Don’t do it, Sarah, you’re better than that.” I went right ahead and totally ignored that little thought.

Hours later, I was thinking it over and realized what I had done. I felt terrible. I had let myself down. It was a few short moments of laughter and fun for what?

Now you’re probably thinking I’m making a bigger deal of this than I should. Well, if you’ve ever been an addict in recovery, you know relapses are tough and difficult. Sometimes they throw hard curves that make shaking it harder than if you never did. Also, that little moment marked my character, tarnishing it. It’s going to take a lot of cleaning to make it look beautiful again. I don’t want to be known as someone who will take pleasure in laughing at others’ expense. That is not me nor who I want to be. 

So today? I'm going to be a better me. And I'll listen to those nagging thoughts that come around because I need all the help I can get.

Impacting books

Throughout my life, I can think of a few books that have left a lasting impression on my life. I'm not talking about books that were fun and engaging, but that truly changed me. Here are some of them
1. The Book of Mormon
2. The Bible
3. The Diary of Anne Frank
4. Roots by Alex Haley
5. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
6. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
7. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
8. The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger

This last year, I've added a couple more to the list:

The Land by Mildred Taylor

and

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.

These books have shaped my thinking. The Land is by the same author as Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and tells of the journeys and life of the grandfather, Paul-Edward Logan. All his life, he dealt with the struggle of being half white and half black, but it becomes more difficult for him as he tries to make a name for himself, buy land and support his family. It tells of sacrifice and hard work - you feel his pain as hardship comes along and you feel the agony when a loved one dies. I felt the yearnings of his heart to know what it feels like to actually own his own property. Never has a story struck me so much on sacrifice.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a story about friendship. In 19th century China, two girls, Snow Flower and Lily are paired as laotung or old sames - they share the same birthday, their feet are the same and share the same characters. This pairing symbolizes a cementing of a relationship that is stronger than even their relationship with their husbands. They share notes through a secret women's language called nu shu. They grow up together, have their feet bound together and learn to be good wives. However, just as any friendship, theirs is put through the ringer. Through a miscommunication in one letter, Lily abandons the friendship. For 8 years, they were separated and Lily harbored a hatred for her laotung. Finally, word is sent that Snow Flower is dying and Lily goes to her aid. She nurses Snow Flower during her last days as their love is rekindled and forgiveness given.

What a story filled with heartache, love and forgiveness. I was moved and reminded of my own relationships and realized their fragility and how they need maintenance and care.

Whenever I finish books like these, I want everyone to read them! I want them to feel the same passion about these stories and feel the same changes as I did. Funny thing about books is that people react differently to them. But seriously, check these two out for sure. I'm really loving Lisa See, especially her Shanghai Girls book. I feel like such an expert now on Chinese culture after reading the last few books (Mao's Last Dancer and Shanghai Girls).

 I knew when I began a love affair with books at a young age that it would change my life, and all thanks to my mother who instilled that love. I can't wait to see what awesomely impactful books I'll read this year!

Of Books and Stickers

Tutoring session number two finished an hour ago and I'm still smiling. Dave and I are on good terms. How do I know that? He gave me a sticker. Put it right on my forehead. I made a silly face at him, letting him know I was playing along. And then he took Tina's stickers, then gave them back after I threatened to go to the teacher.

Thank goodness for the teacher. She called me yesterday and we chatted about Dave. I learned some things about him that explained his behavior. I stepped in his shoes and walked around them a bit. That was my exercise, my mental preparation. It worked. The only thing I worried about was coming across sincere. But I just made my mind forget anything I knew about him and concentrated on him right then. Mind you, I did have to mention something his teacher told me. His mom promised to take him and a friend to a major sporting event if he cooperated in class and in the reading sessions. Once I said that, he reluctantly began reading. I think he even got into the story a bit.

When the program leader gave him the Thanksgiving stickers, he plastered them all over his folder. Except for one chipmunk, which he reserved for my forehead. Still makes me smile.

First day

Today, it began. Tutoring, that is. It felt like my first day of school. Will the kids like me? Will I know what to do? It was very nerve wracking. I met the lady in charge of the program and she took me to meet the teacher and to grab the first kid.

I really wasn't mentally prepared at all for any of it. I didn't think I needed to be. So many other times in my life I psyched myself up for something and then watched as all my expectations fell short. However, I think I should have done some mental pushups or jogging in place or SOMETHING to have helped me. I met the teacher and then saw the boy. We'll call him Dave. Trying hard not to have any judgment or preconceived ideas as to how the next 8 months were going to play out for us, I tried striking up a conversation. How do you talk to a 12 year old? I think I forgot what that was even like. I even got his name wrong. I felt so bad. I tried playing it up like some joke, but that fell flat.

We made it to the desk where we were stationed. I was given a questionnaire as a sort of "get-to-know-you" exercise. That was a challenge. Either he didn't feel comfortable sharing his favorite movie or food, or he just didn't have very many preferences. This was going to be way harder than I thought. Shy doesn't begin to come close to how he was.

The next activity was even more difficult. I had two books from which he could choose. He didn't like "The Westing Game" or "A Wind in the Door." Now what? I kept asking in different ways, trying to maintain a positive vibe. He just didn't want to choose. I offered him a few other suggestions, but he just wouldn't! Finally, I chose the book - a ghost story. What 12-year-old boy wouldn't want to read that? Soon after, our time was up and he went back to his classroom without a word. Sigh.

The next one was a girl and we'll call her Tina. She was the complete opposite of Dave, with the exception that she was a little shy too. We chatted through the get-to-know-you questions and then looked at the books. After we read the descriptions on the back, she decided on one of the books in about 2 seconds. We finished up quickly and she then headed back to the classroom. What a difference the two were!

I'm trying to maintain a positive outlook where Dave is concerned. We'll see how Thursday goes. Maybe I need to read some books about 12-year-old boys. Something to know what goes on inside their heads.

Any of you have suggestions for me?

Keeping busy

As October wraps up (yes, I know there is one week left), I feel pretty content about life. We're settling in our new location well and I've begun planting myself here in many ways. I've become involved and I'm pretty excited about it all. Besides, it keeps me from being lazy.

Jed and I helped with the church activity the beginning of this month and then I've volunteered to help out with the women's church group (Relief Society) activity as well, and both were a blast. We've made some friends through it, which is why I wanted to be involved so much. My latest adventure hasn't even started and I'm nervous and apprehensive, yet thrilled to be apart of it.

Our church has teamed up with Americorp and KSL to help tutor children in elementary schools in reading. A month or so ago, I heard about it briefly at church and casually asked the Bishop about it, who emailed me some information. Well, I didn't go to the super long training and forgot completely about it until a week or so ago when I was told I was on a list of volunteers and that I need to attend a training. Well, I went to one (with Adam in tow) and had to leave after an hour because Adam was being, well, a toddler. So I went to the other training, but just showed up late. Luckily, Adam was more calm and content in a closed off area.

During the training, I couldn't help but think how much this would benefit me. Sure, I'll be helping a couple of children a week, but let's be honest - I'm getting the better end of the deal.

Finders Keepers

So I like to frequent thrift stores, especially the local Deseret Industries, which is Utah's version of a Goodwill. I have on occasion found some really neat things such as a cute dress-made-into-skirt or cute childrens' books. The other day I went with a mission: to look for fun fall decor, or things that could be turned into cute fall decor. I wasn't disappointed.

Here are my findings:

* 5 vases
* 1 candle
* 1 pumpkin candle holder
* 4 cornucopias
* 1 ball of string
* 3 books
* 1 bag of wooden Halloween items (cat, ghost, and pumpkins)
* 1 bag of plastic fruit (for cornucopias)
* 1 misc. holder (I have no idea what you call it. It's in the back on the right side.)

How much, you ask? A whopping $20! I was excited. I plan on getting some tree branches with colorful leaves or wheat stalks to put in the vases. Maybe some pumpkins and gourds to put in the one holder thingy (what is it called???). But I'm pretty excited. Oh I should mention the books will turn into pumpkins ... at midnight! Just kidding, but their destiny is to become book pumpkins as pictured here:

Source: u-createcrafts.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Isn't that neat? I have one that's a graphic novel, which I thought would have a cool effect. It's one of my first projects ever to do from an idea that I found on Pinterest. Now I just need to finish it...

Have you had success at thrift stores and what did you find?

Bloggers Girls' Night Out

This last week was full of girls' night outs with the trip to Provo to see a famous author to the General Relief Society Meeting (which I'll write about soon) but Friday night's GNO (girls' night out) was completely different. With this event, I knew one person and only barely.

I met Kaysi of Keeping it Simple (a crafty blog) one day when she asked on Facebook if anyone in the Salt Lake area would like free scrapbooking supplies. Since I'm a sucker for freebies, I was the first to answer yes. So we arranged to meet. It was pretty fun getting to know her if only for a few minutes, but she invited me to a blogger's night out at the Cheesecake Factory in Murray. I thought, Why not? But as Friday came closer, I had my misgivings. I would know no one, except for Kaysi, and would be a little out of place with all the other crafty girls there (ok yes, I'm crafty, but not like these people who sell what they make)

Well, I arrive at the designated time, get seated (not after waiting forever realizing that I don't know what or who to look for) and then, gasp! I actually enjoy myself.

I met these fabulous girls:

and ate this fabulous dessert:

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cheesecake. I died. And went to paradise. And I saved some for Jed - aren't I the best wifey?

I even won a prize (actually, we all did) and will use it for the next baby shower (rolled up burp clothes so they look like a piece of candy - way cute!).

At the end, I was so glad I went. I met some really neat ladies and one even lives pretty close to me. 

Lesson to you all: Get. Out. Of. Your. Comfort. Zone. Fun things'll happen.

Finished

Yesterday, I finished a project that I had been working on for ... oh, MONTHS and can I tell you what a sigh of relief that is?

Ok, so it didn't take me months to finish. I took many breaks in between. Long periods of thinking, "Eh, I'll get to it later." I had a deadline (October), but in my mind, it could have been 3,000 years from now. Plus, I would get  to a hard part and just give up. It took too much brain power to figure out a solution. Or I got too frustrated and before something became irreparable, I put it down and left.

Well, enough of my ramblings. Here is the finished product.

Yes, it's a nursing cover - for a friend. We are way beyond that with Adam, thank goodness.

You may think it's not that big of a deal, but trust me, it is.

All I can say now is "Hallelujah!" and "I'm never doing that again."

Evening with an author

I think I can say now that Utah may be cooler than Idaho. Just a little. And only in certain aspects. For instance, I'm a lot closer to some really good friends. And then when those friends invite me to do cool things with them, I can actually go! That's how it went this past week. Tammy, my good friend from college, invited me to listen to a New York Time's best-selling author, Cinda Williams Chima. Now I had never heard of her before, but I thought, what the hey and went. The presentation happened to be in this beautiful building:

First of all, traffic going down to Provo was horrible, but we made it and only missed the very beginning of her presentation. It was fascinating and reminded me of aspirations I had as a little girl. From a young age, I had thought about becoming an author, being inspired by an amazing teacher of mine. Well, as time went on, I saw that really wasn't my passion and moved on to other things. I still felt akin to Cinda as she described herself and her love of stories and books. Through an inspiring teacher who framed a poem she had wrote, Cinda realized she could be a successful writer.

And she was successful, but despite that, she impressed me as being very down to earth. I can't wait to read her books now. All in all, it was a great evening with friends and book lovers alike.

Not prepared

Mondays have such a bad rap - no one likes them. Well, that's for a reason! Monday is usually my laundry day, but I didn't know how bad I would need to do it. Until I went to get ready for the day and saw I needed to do a load before I could do any getting ready. So now, it's mid-afternoon and I'm still in my pj's. And we're not talking sweats and a t-shirt - it's the bottom-of-the-barrel pj's (hence the laundry). So I continue with the day while the clothes get clean when I hear the doorbell. Oh shoot. I look through the peephole thingy thinking maybe I can fool them and not answer the door, except two men dressed in uniform happened to be there. You can't ignore the police. So I do what any good citizen would do and answer the door, except I peek out, trying to hide my unkempt appearance. I'm sure I reeked of innocence.

I ask what they want and they ask for the name of someone. I of course have no clue who it is, so I answer fast, hoping to get rid of them. They asked if she left a forwarding address and I answer no. All this time I'm being curt because I'm embarrassed. Finally they leave, and I close the door thinking that I probably sounded like I was lying.

So if I call one of you for bail or something, you know you can blame it all on the laundry.

A day of remembering

Like everyone else, I'm reminded of the terrible events that changed our great nation. I loved the Music and Spoken Word put on by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Tom Brokaw this morning. The music, the images and the words brought so many emotions to the surface. While I didn't have any sort of connection with the attacks or have any family in the military, I was still touched.

Today Jed and I spoke in church about Patriots' Day. I focused my message on freedom. We have many freedoms: freedom from oppression, from tyranny, from hate. But the Lord's idea of freedom goes beyond that. He means "freedom to" – the freedom to act in the dignity of our own choice. Elder F. Enzio Busche spoke on that here. 

Another quote that I found that really impacted me is by an unknown author. It's "freedom is not the right to do as you please, but the liberty to do as you ought." I love that. We are free to choose what we should, bringing us more liberty. I am so grateful for my freedoms - especially my freedoms to do what I should. Recently I came to an understanding regarding our service men and women. I am so grateful to them – and for their families – who sacrifice for my behalf and others'.

I follow the blog of a friend of a friend. Her husband has been deployed to Iraq for 13 months (I believe). I've followed it throughout the whole deployment and I can't comprehend how difficult that would be. She writes how her two sons miss and need their dad. One son sleeps with a cardboard cutout of his dad. It breaks my heart to read about their struggles.

So here's to the men and women who serve our country, to those who were killed, but also to those who live and continue on making this country great. Thank you.