Book Club

The much anticipated night to discuss "Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mother" was last night. Boy oh boy, it was not disappointing! We had a record attendance and the night will go down in history as our very lives were at risk when my ceiling fan decided to wig out and drop, while in full mode, to the floor. It was exciting to say the least. Katie Hellewell saved us all and caught the fan (it had stopped spinning before it fell so no one was hurt). Crazy! So we carried on with only the light from the kitchen and a little lamp. Kind of set the mood really. When I chose this book a couple months ago someone said, "you would choose a book that is so controversial". I had to laugh at that. I didn't intend to be controversial, but some know that I don't hesitate to offer my voice, especially if I feel strongly about it. I simply chose this book because I thought it would be an interesting read and a great discussion. And I was right. Motherhood can be a touchy subject to discuss, especially when one is in it full force. There were lots of opinions of the book, and I think for the most part, all of us were on the same page. There were moments where the level of excitement  over one of her parenting tactics, got pretty intense. She is a mother of force, no choice, idle threats, little to no affection, and unrealistic expectations. That said, I couldn't help but to agree with a few of her thoughts, such as this one, "Western parents worry a lot about their children's self-esteem. But as a parent, one of the worst things you can do for your child's self-esteem is to let them give up. On the flip side, there's nothing better for building confidence than learning you can do something you thought you couldn't." That really rang true to me.

I think we could push our kids a little more than we do. I think we could expect a little more of our kids than we do. I think we could provide healthy situations for our children that will help them to grow and stretch a little more than we do. And I think we can expect our children to show and be respectful. The discussion was summed up with the thought that there really needs to be a balance. A moderation of all things. What Amy Chua lacked was balance.....in a really bad way. She was so extreme and being extreme in either direction can be a great mix for parenting failure.

I think it's fair to say that I am a bit of a tiger mother. I want to push my kids a little out of their comfort zone, so they can reach their potential. I think my own mom was the best kind of tiger mom out there. She was kind and loving, but she wasn't always willing to come to my rescue. She would not always pull  me out of situations that at the time, I wish she would have. But I grew from those experiences and learned how to stick up for myself. Man alive though I could not understand why she would not come to my aid and be my voice to defend me, but what I realize now is that she did defend me. She was and is the world's BEST listener. She taught me to turn the other cheek or to stick up for myself if necessary and now I'm forever grateful for her. And I know she would have come to my aid had there been a real necessary need.  Honestly, I think my parents had a great balance raising us and now that I'm in the thick of it, I don't know how they did it. Actually I do. They were on their knees often, praying for guidance and without a doubt, they were lead to do what was right for each of us individually.

Ok, this is long enough. It was a book worth reading.....I thought anyway, and I think most thought so as well.

This is My View

Right outside my backyard I get to look out to this every day! I LOVE it here! Today I took the kids for a walk on the pathway so they could throw rocks in the river. Man alive, you would have thought I had asked them to walk 100 miles! We walked a bit through the neighborhood first, and then straight down to the trail. Nathan kept complaining that his legs hurt, Hannah was tired, Abigail was pleased as punch because she was being pushed in the stroller. Wimps I tell ya! Wimps! They were happy as larks though once they could throw those rocks in the river. All those achy legs went away. Phew! :o) Guess we will need to exercise those winter legs a little more frequently now that the weather is looking a little more in our favor. How could we not take advantage of this gorgeous place we live? 

*side note: tonight while I was lying next to Nathan, I couldn't help but to notice his perfect little freckles. I LOVE freckles and his are so adorable! He also came up to me today and said, completely out of the blue, "mom, I really love you". Made my day! And thank goodness because sometimes I wonder! :o)

Signs of the Times

I'm not sure why this natural disaster has kept me glued to the Internet more than previous disasters, which have recently taken place. Joplin Missouri is a place few have probably ever heard of. I am fortunate to be one of those few and maybe that is why I am drawn to this devastation. My first mission companion is from this small town and her parents still live there. I just cannot get over the wreckage. Something inside of me wishes I could be there to help. I am so thankful for prayers though, which helps me to feel like I'm contributing something to these poor people. I dare say I've had a prayer in my heart all this day while thinking of my dear friend and her family. I keep looking at the above picture and thinking, "all that stuff is somebody's 'stuff'". Gone. Destroyed. Life is so too short to worry about "stuff". I can only imagine the tears that flowed as my friend received news that her parents were okay. That is all that mattered. It really is all that matters. The thought also keeps popping in my head, "these are the signs of the times". The scriptures talk of these days that I am witnessing. Sometimes it is so obvious as to what is happening and why it is happening. My heart aches for these people. I have shed tears today for people I do not know. What more will we see before He comes again? There is a part of me that thinks this is only the beginning of many many more days like this.

I was sweeter today. I was kinder to my children today. I complimented my children today more than I usually do. I held them a lot today. I kissed them a lot today. I breathed them in more than usual. I had a thankful heart all day. No matter what lies ahead, I know to whom I put my trust and faith and I am full of gratitude to Him.

The Man

It was The Man's birthday earlier this week. He is loved, appreciated, sometimes spoiled, but probably not enough. But let the record show, he got his wishes this year for his birthday.

In no particular order, Aaron's wishes were:
-Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting (to die for and worth every calorie)
-Table Saw
-Snuggle time with his kiddos while watching "The Dark Crystal". Have you ever seen this movie? It's horrible! It's disturbing! not to mention dumb (sorry babe) but I endured it even though I was quite certain our children would all have nightmares. To my great surprise, they did not. Now, to hide that movie or accidentally misplace it in the trash is on my to do list.
-Dinner and a movie with his wife
-A date is also set to go rock climbing with his beloved (me) which we haven't done in years. (There was a time we were both pretty good at it).

Happy Birthday Lover Boy!

Abigail Jane

You make me SMILE!

A Boss with Benefits

Aaron's new boss had a birthday yesterday. It just so happens that we are good friends with them as well. So when his wife asked if we would like to go up to the mountains for a surprise dutch oven cook out, we were all in. Don't have to twist my arm too hard to get up into the mountains, let alone with friends. Oh the smell, the campfire, the roaring rivers, (which had me a little more on edge this time since Abigail was completely enamored with it) the kids getting completely filthy.... I just love it! We had such a good time and so did those kiddos. In fact, Hannah thinks the Bonham kids are her cousins, or at least last night she did.

Glorious Mountains.....we will be returning very very soon! Probably tonight, tomorrow, and Monday since we have a 3 day pass. :o)

My Thoughts

I went to the temple tonight with my parents and some of my siblings and spouses. All who could make it came. Man alive I had a hard time staying focused! I kept thinking of my kids, things I have to do tomorrow, about Aaron who wasn't able to be there with me, I kinda just wanted to be somewhere else. Isn't that so bad? But then as I was in the celestial room with my family, we got talking (and we can be somewhat excited when we are together) and a temple worker came over to us, but not to shoosh us but rather to compliment us and to let us know this is the best place to be as a family and to talk. I suddenly didn't want to leave. We did keep it down though, since it is a reverent place to be. We took our discussion to Red Mango. Do you know how much I LOVE Red Mango!?! It is lick the bowl clean good to me. I LOVE it! I love my family too. A lot!

So, cute things that made me smile today. Nathan is behaving SOOOOO much better lately. He is adorable to me in every way. Today he wanted to play with the water spray bottle. I told him absolutely, as long as he didn't spray anyone. He agreed. He kept coming inside asking me to refill the water bottle. I couldn't resist saying anything but yes to those big beautiful eyes. Do you know that most people compliment Hannah's eyes, but it is Nathan's eyes that I absolutely love.

Hannah came home from preschool today, ran in the door yelling for me with such excitement telling me that she made me something at school. It didn't even matter what is was, her excitement was enough to make me so happy. And I loved her paper plate of glued pasta shells. :o)

Abigail is turning into a little stink bug. But she is the cutest little stink bug I know! She is a tease. I long for her loves and kisses. Her little voice melts me and she continues to trot or skip everywhere she goes. Oh I just want to go wake her up right now and kiss kiss kiss her!

Now if the Mr. would just get home so I could pamper him a bit too. He's had a hard day at work today. Oh.....I just heard the garage door open! G'night!

A Well Deserved Day

I think all moms deserve a day of recognition and so I'm so glad there is a special day set aside just for moms. It was always a favorite day of mine growing up; waking up early to make breakfast for my mom with my sisters and little brother. Us kiddos would pick some flowers from her garden, make her some cheesy homemade card and bring it into her room where she would pretend to still be asleep. Did you do that too? Oh.....I think I understand now just how much she must have loved that. All week Hannah has been picking the lovely dandelions from our yard and bringing them to me as a special surprise. I now have a very beautiful bouquet of dandelions. I also had joy school at my house this week and we did mother's day crafts and cards one of the days. It was so sweet to hear what those little kids had to say about their moms. It's so fun to me that Hannah is learning how to spell and can write her own things now (with my help still of course). She did write me a very sweet card and Nathan actually colored his own this time as well. That kid does not like to color! And the traditional breakfast in bed is carried on. I had a most delicious breakfast of crepes with homemade berry syrup. Yum! What a great dad these kids have. :o)

I love being a mom! My little kids are my sweet little friends and they are getting sweeter all the
time.

Happy Birthday

Today is my mom's birthday. There is probably no other person in this world who has had more of an influence on me than my mom.

Things I absolutely love about her:
-loves to read
-loves to cook
-loves to garden
-so very patient
-loves newborns
-a great listener
-most giving person I know
-thoughtful and sensitive towards others
-forgiving
-fun,fun,fun
-very wise
-a terrific grandma
-a great friend
-great sense of humor
-selfless

She can always be found with an apron on. She is the perfect hostess. She is spiritual and insightful. She has taught me so much about life and what really matters. I love you Mom, so very much!

Inspired

Part of my calling in the primary, is the stake primary baptisms. It is my most favorite part of my calling. I hate it when I have to miss one. When I left this morning, there was an unusual amount of traffic to get to the church. Thanksgiving Point was having their annual 5k, 10k, and half marathon race this morning. I got all choked up watching the runners come in from the half marathon run. I can't express adequately enough just what it does to me when I see someone, anyone push their bodies to this degree. I cry almost every time. And this morning was no exception. It is so inspiring!

So, I had already shed some tears before I even made it to the baptisms. One of the reasons I love going to the stake baptisms is the sweet spirit that is present. Those sweet children, all dressed in white, ready to embark on this new covenant, coupled with the beautiful primary children's songs has to be one of the sweetest experiences I get to enjoy regularly. I taught lots of children on my mission and they carry a spirit with them that softens, teaches, humbles, impresses, and magnifies our Heavenly Father's love for us. Today, of course, was no exception.

It's not even noon yet, and to be so inspired with so much already for this day leaves me very grateful.

Princess Diana

This has always been a favorite photo of mine. Can't help but to think of her today on such an important day for her family.

Happy

Lately Nathan has been asking me to be happy. I guess I wear my expressions a little too much on my sleeve, and the kids notice. When they do something good they will say, "mommy, are you happy to me?"

Some days are complete misses, and some days are dead on. I can't, for the life of me, seem to pull it together when Nathan poops in his underwear. The disappointment is thick and although everything I've read regarding potty training says to have absolutely no expression when there is an accident, I can't seem to do it! It is so dang hard for me! You see, at the time I'm convinced he does it because it's inconvenient for him. And once I realize that maybe he genuinely just doesn't quite have it figured out, it's too late. The damage is done. The disappointment is written all over my face. He goes into a complete sobbing fit and begs me to be happy. It's only then that I realize, this little guy really does want to please me. So I feel bad, clean him up, put on another pair of underwear.....only to change it a few hours later. At least, that's how it seems to be lately.  This potty training business could literally be the death of me. And to think, I still don't have it down with Abby yet either and I want more children to boot. But yes. Yes I do want more kids. With all the things these three do that drive me absolutely batty, I want more of them because they are so wonderful as well.

So Nathan, darling boy, you and your sisters do plenty of things that make me not so happy, but in all honesty, nothing makes me as happy as being your mama.

Easter Sunday

More than any other time in my life I have been so grateful for what Easter is all about. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's all the talk this week with my kids, explaining to them why we celebrate Easter, what it really means, that it's not about candy, the Easter bunny, or Easter egg hunts. It might even be because I think Hannah really gets it and that fills my heart with so much joy. Yesterday at our family Easter party, my dad read to us from the scriptures about the last few days of the Savior's life. I kept thinking about the Savior's atonement, him dying on the cross, being placed in the tomb, only to break the bands of death 3 days later by being Resurrected. His mission wasn't complete until this moment. And because of it, death has no victory over us. Those whom I love, who have died, will live again because of Him. I will see them all again and be with them. Could there be any greater news? Because of the Atonement, I can repent and be forgiven of my daily sins. I can literally ask for forgiveness and strive every day to be better, do better. And if that isn't enough, with all my imperfections, He allows me to be able to never be separated permanently from those whom I love most. After all, the family is central to His plan, so of course He would have a way for us to be together forever. I am forever grateful for my Savior. Happy Easter!

The Day Before Easter

Has been full of fun. Easter egg hunt at Grandpa & Grandma Eyre's, traditional egg-ala-golden-rod breakfast/lunch, and Dad talking about the true meaning of Easter. I'm so grateful for days like today.

It is so fun to watch all the grand kids head out for hidden eggs. The kids anticipation is literally intoxicating, as it's almost as much fun for the adults as well.

 The Easter Bunny left enough eggs for everyone.

Once Nathan was satisfied with his basket, he sat down to enjoy some of his loot.

Hannah scored too I'd say.

I'm so grateful that my kids are surrounded by their cousins. These memories and traditions will mean so much to them as they grow up.

I have so much to share about our family discussion of Easter, but I want to save it for tomorrow. All I can say is I'm one lucky girl to have parents who have taught me truth all of my life.

Thinking

The last few days have been so great. It helps that the weather has been so nice. We spent most of our Saturday outside doing yard work, planting our garden, playing in water (the kids anyway). It was such a nice day.

Sunday I spent a lot of time thinking. It was ward conference. I had a meeting before church with the Stake Primary Presidency. They are such great women. I really feel blessed to rub shoulders with them from time to time. And I'm really blessed to rub shoulders with our own ward Primary Presidency leaders. They are such great gals. We are all so very different and I think that's why I enjoy being with them so much. They've become good friends.

Sunday afternoon was spent enjoying the beautiful spring day, playing with our new chicks.....that all got named yesterday as well. Nathan's chick is Ninight (that is Nate's way of saying midnight, so we thought we'd honor the way he says it and call her Ninight). Hannah's is Bo and Abigail's is Spike. I realize that none of these names are very feminine. They are cute and we are having fun with them. So much fun, that we are going to get two more so Aaron and I can have our own as well. Are we crazy? Probably.

My kids are growing up so quickly. We are at a good time in our lives. Nathan seems to be over his difficult stage. He has been unbelievably sweet, fun, good natured, and grown up lately. I am loving it. Abigail has taken a little turn, not for the worse or better necessarily, just a turn. She is super clingy to me and wants me to hold her every chance I can. It's inconvenient sometimes, but for the most part I concede because after all she is my baby and she too is growing up so fast. Hannah is so smart. Sometimes too smart for her own good. She is clever, witty, and my best helper. I'm hard on her sometimes. Makes me sad when I realize just how much I ask/expect of her. I've been trying to let her be little more lately. She has an unbelievable imagination that is soooo fun to sneak in and watch her play "pretend". I've got to get it on camera. The things that come out of her mouth leave my jaw dropped. She is a hoot!

Aaron is loving his new job. He was home for dinner with us 4 nights last week. I am a happy wife. I hadn't realized just how stressed he was working for Ivory and what a blessing change can be in ones life. I really really love this man. He is so very good to me and the kids. Life is really good right now.

Early Easter Present

Let's all pray that they make it to maturity. The kids were SOOOOOO excited! They are thinking of names. The black one is Nathan's, all yellow is Hannah's, and the fighsty one is Abby's. Perfect!

Any Excuse for a Party

So very last minute, I threw together a little surprise party on Aaron's last day of Ivory. I need to explain myself to all of our family who is learning about this through my blog. Aaron does have work. We will still have income and benefits. We understand the tremendous blessing it was to have employment with such a great company and were very thankful for the security it offered. There will still be security, but there will also be potential for financial growth as well as ownership, which is what Aaron has always wanted. So, there you have it. Please don't worry about us. We are in a good place and have been preparing for this for several months.

I did hesitate to throw a party to celebrate quiting a job when so many have lost jobs and are still without work, so I kept this very low key, inviting only some family members and close friends. I do not want to give the impression that we were at all ungrateful for Aaron's employment with Ivory. We simply wanted to celebrate that he will be with us much more now. And that is something to really celebrate!



Like I said, it was thrown together quickly. Thank you Suzanna for making the yummy cake! and to everyone who was able to come. He was truly surprised!

Then End of an Era and the Start of a New

Aaron has said goodbye to this great company. It's been a work in progress for months now, and it officially happened on Monday. This decision has been handled with MUCH prayer and fasting. It is the right thing for our family. I was the last piece of the puzzle for it to be the right thing. You see, I thought the whole idea was crazy! I think a lot of people that Aaron works with think it's crazy too. But something happened to me one day and I just knew it was the right thing for both Aaron and our family. It's no secret that he worked an insanely amount of hours. I would often joke (but not really think it was funny one bit) that he worked hours like a doctor, but for a whole lot less pay. We both have great fondness for Ivory Homes and the people Aaron worked with. They were very good to us and despite how some may feel about the company, I really was always impressed with the leaders  and felt grateful that Aaron was able to work so closely with them. But now it is onto new and better things for us. It will mean more time with the family, I hope. It will allow Aaron to explore the world of ownership in a business, it will involve lots of hard work (which fortunately he has down to a "t"), it will allow him to be the entrepenuer he is. I'm happy for him.

Companionship Inventory

When serving as a missionary, it was a rule to have "companionship inventory" each week with your companion. This was a time to discuss any mishaps or feelings one may have in a calm, collected manner. It was always effective. Okay, maybe not always, but mostly effective.

Tonight I had companionship inventory with my eternal companion......and boy oh boy was it ever needed! I have been letting things fester for far too long and I could tell that he was too. He had just gotten home from the Priesthood session tonight of General Conference. The kids were sound asleep in bed. I opened up. The tears flooded. He listened. We were both quiet for a long time. Then it was his turn. I listened. I was humbled, as was he. We said sorry. There is a lot of power in the words I. am. sorry. So so so much more power in those words than there is in harboring bad feelings, pointing fingers, not forgiving and so forth. Everyone feels like they are right, right? We each think that we have a point or that the other is clearly more wrong than we. Oh I am so grateful for Aaron. After we kissed and made up and were holding eachother, I had the distinct impression that I chose the right man for me. We don't always see eye to eye. Sometimes we don't meet eachothers needs. But he loves me. There is no question of that. And I love him too. And we will no doubt need another companionship inventory in the future.....probably many, but oh I am so grateful he is mine. Which is really saying something because a few hours ago I wanted to kick him to the curb. Ok, not literally.

A thought to think on. Tonight in the Priesthood session, President Monson said, "It is not so important who you marry, as it is who you become." I really like that. Marriage needs just as much nurturing, just as much attention as little children need and sometimes we forget that.

Dear Abby,

Thank you for dancing and hopping around every day and reminding me not to take things/life too seriously. Thank you for your cheesy smiles and your crooked teeth......we will most definitely be spending thousands to correct that. :o) Thank you for your darling voice, even if you only know two volumes; loud and louder, I absolutely love your voice no matter what volume it is at. Thank you for giving me a reason to smile every day. I think you are positively perfect!

love,
Mom