Duty to God

This fine young man who has very little patience with pictures received his Duty to God Award last night at a recognition banquet.  I really appreciate the effort he put into following counsel of our priesthood leaders and completing this program.  This is the beginning of lots of fun events that end his high school career.

Vacation, our way.

We got to enjoy a great vacation/field trip.  Once again Tall One's scholar group has been studying Anne Frank, holocaust, prejudice and decided to take a field trip to LA the the Museum of Tolerance.  With home schoolers it becomes a family affair.  We began the drive very early.

We camped at Leo Carrillo state park. A beautiful campground with beach access.  My favorite day of the whole trip was the day I stayed back with the three little ones while the rest went to the tolerance museum.  It was a little cool so we started with hot coco in the tent trailer and playing UNO.  As it warmed up we headed to the beach.  We ended up joining a small group of California homeschoolers on a tour of the beach and tide pools.  We learned about carbuncles, sea stars, anemones, purple sea urchins.  We returned to our camp to chase squirrels, watch for rabbits, guard our lunch from blue jays and climb really cool trees.  We got story time and a nap too.

We visited muscle man beach (Santa Monica) and had fun on the equipment and in the water.

We walked along the pier and had Bubba Gump shrimp with our lunch.

We also visited the Getty Museum and Villa.  They were amazing fine art museums that my kids don't yet appreciate.

We attended church in LA and then visited the LA temple grounds.  As always, a beautiful, peaceful place.

Finally we ended up at Disneyland and were able to use the vouchers we had earned with our service day.  Disneyland was a lot of fun but so very shallow.  Actually I didn't really enjoy it.  The excitement in my little ones eyes was fun but it was only occasional between long lines, long walks . . . I learned several things while there.

First Mr. O. has a need to conquer the park.  He had certain rides he felt worth going on (big, fast, exciting) and so we raced around to get to those.  He was all about winning or the hunt, finding the best way to get the most rides on for the time we were there.  I was much more content to pick an area and try to experience the ambiance, the theme, the little rides that were not nearly as exciting but very much enjoyed by my little ones.  There favorite one was the merry-go-round.

Second, Disneyland is just one big advertisement for there latest productions.  I realize that most of the experience was related to a movie.  If you hadn't seen all their movies then  your experience would not have made much sense.  They are about crowd control (which is necessary) but once again so much was not real, it was a counterfeit of true fun, joy, togetherness.  Doodles was anxious to see the princesses.  She wanted to find Cinderella in her castle.  The castle is just a gateway, Cinderella is not there.  Eventually you can find a wall where you stand in line for a chance to enter a private area where you will see and be able to take a picture with a princess.  So much was contrived, set up for a brief moment picture so that you could pretend that Disneyland was all about these moments that were actually few and pricey.

Overall it seems like go to Disneyland is the thing to do because it is popular and you learn about our crazy culture and what it currently values but I have no desire to return to Disneyland.  Next time we will enjoy the real beauty of nature, of true talent, of family time spent getting to know and socialize with each other rather than the racing, line waiting in hope of a quick thrill just to say we have been there.

And then it is back to real life, putting our home back together and in order.  Home to a place where each of us is needed, enjoyed, and loved.

another birthday

I got to celebrate my birthday with my sweetheart.  Mr. O. planned a special day get-away.  We went to the tulip festival at Thanksgiving Point.  We wandered the gardens, enjoyed the flowers, and only had my phone to take pictures.  (There is probably a better way to get pictures off the phone, sorry for the graininess.)

Mr. O. is my best friend, my confidante, my protector, my provider, father of my children.  He never leaves any doubt in my mind that he loves and cherishes me.  He gives me freedom to continually learn, try new things, spread my wings.  He trusts me completely in the raising and nurturing of our children, the care of our home.  I know he would do anything for me, buy my anything I really wanted, help me in any way he could.  His love is real, pure, and deep. It is the kind of love that is taking us on a beautiful journey through life's ups and downs.  I feel so grateful for him and all that he is and is becoming.  I couldn't wish for anything more in a husband.  I got the best one!

a birthday party

My little girl turned 25.  I got to go spend the day with her.  We had fun making wedding plans, shopping for wedding dresses, and having a little birthday party.

The old flour game we haven't played in a long time.  You put a penny in a cup, pack it with flour and then stand it on a plate.  Each person takes a turn shaving away the flour.  If the penny falls on your turn you have to retrieve it with your mouth.

A glimpse of the bride.  This isn't THE dress though.  We have to save that one for later.  I did like this one the most at this store.

My thoughts at the moment

 I am finding so many different things right now that are leading me in paths that just feel right.  As always I take baby steps and try to figure out what will work for me.  I am somewhat envious of those who read a new idea and can just run with it.  I doubt.  I doubt my judgement of the ideas.  I doubt my ability to implement.  I doubt the support I will get from my family.  These doubts have  no real basis.  It seems like we, as women, continually doubt our womanly intuition and look for validation.  Learning to trust the sweet whisperings is something I am trying to do more.  Some times those whisperings speak of my home, my family relationships, my education, even my need to speak up and be heard.

I did attend the TJ Ed Forum last month.  I really enjoyed the whole event.  The one class that stuck in my mind the most was on head gates.  I have come home wanting to simplify my home.  Dejunk and live more purposefully.  I want to understand where we are headed in our family, evaluate if that is really where I want to go, and then take the steps in the right direction.  This is  the book Headgates book that the speaker in the class finished writing and is now sharing.  She is doing things different but they are really working for her.  I admire her courage in sharing her methods and ideas especially because they are not always welcomed.  I am enjoying the principles and wanting to implement them in my home.  As for the way I implement, like anything, I believe will need to be guided by inspiration.  For a quick over view of the book you can visit the Sutter's blog.  The actual book is only about 35 pages that you can print our yourself.

I have also been trying to figure out how to teach my family to work, when to work, and what it might look like to work as a family daily.    This talk was shared on the radio during the Sounds of Sunday.  It seemed an answer to prayers and a great validation as to the need to work and to love the work, even the tedious everyday work of mothering and running a home.This is an article on the blessings of work

Then as I am trying to figure out what I want in my home and where the things I allow in my home, I am introduced to this article creating a refined home.  It is one that I want to go through with my family and evaluate the influences that are here with us.

There was one more article I have missed.  It was a beautiful article on being a woman.  I have searched through my history to try and find it but I can't seem to.  I did find this article by Elder Scott.  He gave this soon after losing his sweet wife.  I still remember him tearing up as he spoke.

So I am working my way through these articles and I welcome you to join me and share your thoughts.  There is always so much to learn.  My desire is to be a better wife and mother, friend and daughter.  so much room for improvement, so many sources to sift through, so much truth available to me.  I feel very blessed but short on time to read, study, and implement.  Best of luck.

What a Weekend!! Great news!

Friday we went to an open house/farewell for my parents who will leave on a mission this week.  Saturday we spent some time with them enjoying a last day.

We then hurried home to prepare for Ben's baptism.  Ben is Peter's best friend through high school.  They worked together on a farm each summer.  Last fall Peter asked Ben why he wasn't a member of the church.  That led to many gospel discussions between the two of them which eventually led to missionary discussions.  Saturday night Peter baptized his best friend.  He had shared his most precious possession - the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Ben accepted this gift, accepted his Savior and took upon himself Christ's name and promised to always remember Him and keep His commandments.  There was true joy on each face as Ben came up out of the water and the two of them embraced.

Ben has been well supported by many friends and family members too.  There is nothing so contagious as the joy that comes as you share the gospel and watch someone accept Christ and make those sacred covenants.

So during the baptism Natalie snuck into the baptism with her boyfriend William.  She had brought him home to get to know the family.  We stayed up late playing games and my version of 20 questions (poor guy handled it very well).  Sunday brought our church meetings and a family dinner with the extended family.  More people for William to meet and be quizzed by.  I do realize we were also being quizzed and watched.  Mr. O. did take William aside for an "interview".  I suggested he ask about William's intentions, future plans, feelings about women and motherhood, religious and moral standing, and anything else that goes with Mr. O's job of protecting our family.  They both seemed to enjoy the interview.  After dinner the young couple left to go back to school.  I really didn't know where we were headed next.

Since I have not yet mastered patience it is a good thing I didn't have to wonder for long. Apparently we passed the test.   By 12:30 today as I was getting my hair cut I got a call from Natalie letting me know that she had a RING on her finger!  Now that was quick.  The odd part is I am fine with that.  He is an answer to many prayers on behalf of Natalie and  the fine young man she would marry some day.  He has so many of the qualities and standards that I have hoped for.  He will take very good care of her.  He will love and cherish her.  Together they will raise up a righteous family to the Lord.

Then I get a call from my mom asking if maybe they could just get married tomorrow so that she will still be around for the wedding.  Yikes.  I actually like the idea but I don't see it happening.  Maybe August or September.

The rest of the afternoon was a blur as I tried to get as much information as possible, run to soccer games and host our Five Thousand Year Leap study group/family night that we do with 2 other wonderful families.

I was hoping tomorrow would slow down so I could get to some reading, studying and pondering of my own.  I am finding so many great talks and books that I would love to share once I have a chance to read them.  Already it is looking full.  Life is good and I need to make sure I am getting those 'best' things in first.  I feel very blessed.  I feel my Heavenly Father's love and hand in my life.

Another happy day in our family!

A Mission

My parents are the two wonderful people in the middle.  They are amazing parents, grandparents, caretakers, and now full time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Although not everyone is in the picture these are most of my immediate family that will really miss them.  They will be serving in the Nauvoo temple for at least 6 months.  I believe they are secretly hoping that they will have their call extended.  They are so excited to be a part of the Lord's work of building his kingdom. 

(the extended family)

Aunt Louse honored them with a farewell open house at her new home.  It was very nice to be all together but the only pictures I got were the ones my kids took of the big front door.  My boys are getting tall but compared to this door they looked short.

Mom and Dad, I am so grateful for you.  I am grateful for your desire to serve full time missions.  I am grateful for the example you are setting for me and my children.  I'm grateful for the love you freely give to all you meet.  I am grateful to have been raised by two such great people who continue to love me.  I still need you and love being with you. I will miss you both so much.

Give a Day

Give a Day, get a day at Disney has been great fun so far.  We got to volunteer at an Indian Museum.  We spent the day putting price tags on gift store items.  (Actually the boys also got to shovel snow.)

As a bonus we got to go through the museum and enjoy learning about the early people of this area.

Next stop - Disneyland.

We had visitors

Jarle's family came from Norway to visit Utah.  They got to experience some of the nature of Utah - snow, wind, rain, sun, Bryce Canyon, Salt Lake City, and our town.

They were a joy to have and to get to know.  They even made dinner for us while we spent the day at the dentist office.  My kid's tried to help Jarle's younger brother fit right in by joining him on his chair.  No personal space certainly brings closeness.

Both of Jarle's parents are mechanical engineers.  That went well for Mr. O. who got to pull out his latest projects and shared stories.  They are now working their way back to Norway by way of Lake Tahoe, Reno, and SanFrancisco.   Thank you Erik, Hedevig, and Erling.  We now have friends we love in Norway.

Easter playing

Easter hunt at Grandma's was indoors, due to the snow coming down outside.  The cousins all had a great time playing, collecting, and decorating fudge eggs.

We finally got to color our eggs on Saturday.  We have been enjoying them ever since. We love deviled eggs to snack on for spring General Conference.

The city hosts an Easter egg hunt on Saturday.  It is well attended.  They split up the park into age groups and then let them go.  There is enough for everyone.

This year we got snowed on as we headed home.  There's snow place like home.

Once again we opt for an inside egg hunt at home.  The cold wet snow outside just didn't invite us.  This year I am fighting tradition with my desire to make healthier choices.  It is hard to control what they receive other places but at home we kept the sweets to a bare minimum and lucky for me nobody liked the jelly beans anyway.  The big hit in the plastic eggs was money.  I went to our change jar and shared some of the wealth.  It brought many smiles.

Speaking of storms and General Conference and Easter, I loved my weekend.  We were able to listen to each session of conference as a family.  Jarle's family even joined us for the Sunday morning session.  I especially loved starting out the 2 day conference with the song There is Sunshine in my Soul Today.  It spoke to my heart of our ability to weather the storms that surround us and find the peace that comes from Christ.  I loved all the speakers, especially the emphasis I felt on family, strengthening the family, protecting the family, raising a family up to the Lord.  Jesus is my light and so there truly is Sunshine in my soul.

Signs of Spring

Jobs and joys of Spring include planting peas and picking up 6 months of doggy do do (now that the snow has melted.)

Also bike rides and mud on the tires.

Bulbs coming up, grass greening, and deer snacking on the tulips.

New church clothes and Easter decorations.

This year we found an apricot tree that had just been pruned.  We gathered branches for our decoration.  They are in water and are getting close to blooming.  I am excited to have "Popcorn popping on the Apricot Tree" right in our very own living room.  I love Spring.