Ramblings

So...as I've thought about what to write on this blog - I originally thought I'd share some of the thoughts I have about the gospel and everyday life. I haven't done a very good job of doing either. I haven't taken the time to write them - some are jotted down on a post-it note until I take a few moments to make it into something and others are just plain gone - very sad. They were good thoughts...I think. So, I might do more of the above - thoughts and ramblings that I actually get written. I also thought it would be good to have a place to write some of the everyday things about my life that might not be a part of the everyday lives of others.

Scripture Bugs

"I'm a Child of God, I'm one of His people,

all of my life, I'll stand up against evil.

I will do what's right, no matter what the odds,

'Cause I'm a Child of God."

Scripture Bugs - We're All Important: The Story of Moses and Aaron

(From the Composer/Director of 'Liken The Scriptures')

Mapletopia

Debt

I've been thinking about this lately - so, I thought I'd finally post it.

We have paid off our student loan! Love using the tax return for something productive! Now we just have a little bit left to pay off the van and A LOT bit left to pay for the house. But, somehow - I'm feeling alright with that considering the history. We were so blessed - I worked full time and then stayed home with 'the kids' after the birth of the first one. Dear hubby was a full time student and part time (at least) employee - supporting all of us along the way for 12 years.

How it was done - not sure. It really doesn't work out on paper. I know we've had lots of help. We did (and are doing) without - although, there were times it really didn't feel like it. How much do you really need anyway? We also invested early (while I was still working) and ended up selling on a monthly basis for living expenses. (Even that had its miracle - when our first child turned one - the balance was the exact same as the day he was born...good year for the market apparently. And, a good year for us.) Good year for us - in other ways too...we were living 'on the beach' in La Jolla with a great sunset view from our student housing...ahh...the memories.:}

So...

maybe I should do a little better job about keeping this updated.:}

How To Kill An American

I received an email stating this was 'too good not to pass on'. Good stuff. It makes a great statement about who is American - where Americans come from and what we believe.

Skinny Jeans

I just got back from Girls' Camp. There was a moment when I found myself with some gals from another ward. I overheard one of the girls comment briefly about not bringing her 'skinny jeans'. I slyly glanced over my shoulder to see who had made the comment. I'm not sure why - I already knew that all of the girls there were skinny. At first I couldn't figure out why she would even own a pair of 'skinny jeans'. I thought they were for those of us who are 'skinny challenged' and want to give the illusion that we are more slender than we really are without the 'skinny jeans'. It didn't take me too long to realize that for this young woman and the other gals around her...'skinny jeans' means tight jeans that make you look even more slender - even though you already look like the wind could blow you away at any second. Oh, to never have to go through puberty.:}

What did You Say?

These are all part of conversations I had today. Each time a voice in my head said, "What did you say?". I needed time to process. Here's the context for each.

"Will you let us combine with you?"

Sounds simple enough, right? I was being asked (by the Ward Young Women President) if I would teach all of the Young Women (and leaders) because one teacher didn't come and the other forgot. So, instead of three separate classes - we all combined today. I did a little adjusting and we were off and running. Ironic how the time I put the least amount of effort into a lesson - it's the time I get to teach a room full of people instead of just a handful. It went fine - it was actually kind of fun. We have a great group. They all participated today! Wow! That's big!

"You are so organized!"

This came from a charming Beehive girl I get to serve with this year. I have been told this before. But, I always have to do a double take because I don't consider myself an organized person. (If you've ever seen our house, you know.) In fact, I just remembered a time when a kind soul commented about how organized I was and both my husband and I laughed...out loud. The memory comes from a time we had a little gathering that was organized at the last minute and we just happened to be at our house. The gal today thought it was so fun that I 'always' had everything I needed for my lesson in my bag. (It's a Ghana original - thanks Mom/Dad.) She notices things like that because she tends to forget and is working hard to remember the items she needs to have with her. I guess in some ways I'm capable of being organized or organizing an event - but, ask me to organize the things in my home and keep them that way...that's a little out of my league right now. Although, I'm doing better.

Today's The Day

Today is the day the nation turns their TV watching to all digital. Another sign of our technical advances. To me, it's also an indication/reminder of how our country is doing. The switch was supposed to be made months ago. But, it was determined that not enough people were ready - so, the current administration decided that the date for the change will be pushed forward. From what I can gather, those broadcasting were ready - just the citizens that would be tuning in were not. What's happening to our country? What happened to...if you're not ready there's a consequence. No lives are at stake if a household is not able to watch television for a week or two...or a day or two - depending on how quickly you decide to purchase and hook up the equipment. My guess is that most of the country already had the technology to make the switch without doing anything at all. It makes no sense to me - it's as if the government is stating that we, as a country, don't need to take responsibility for our own actions. It's also a huge statement of - 'There's no reward for following directions or being prepared.'.

I see a trend...this seems to me to be just one example of 'the government' trying to fix what the 'people' have (or have not) done. It seems our economy could take a different turn if we (as a nation - it is our tax dollars that are being used) didn't give money to big companies that have 'gone under' by a previous definition, or help out the housing business because some huge blunders have been made in the past - just a couple of examples. I'm not saying I have any big answers - I'm just saying it doesn't feel American in the realm of economy. It's American in - let's help whomever we can however we can. (If that's the case - then what's the deal with so many citizens having a problem accepting immigrants?) It seems that America used to stand for the land of opportunity. We don't seem to stand quite as tall as we used to. It used to be that if a business failed because of bad ethics, lack of planning or bad timing - it still failed. It wasn't rescued by those who felt they could take tax dollars to bail them out. I'm not sure where I'm going with all of this - just that I'm worried about our country and I think individuals need to be more accountable. Unfortunately, it's also individuals who suffer for some decisions/actions that others are responsible for - or at least should be. I just want to know where the consequences are for those who took the actions. Maybe we just live in a society where our actions affect not just our lives - but, the lives of others as well. I'm sure those who bought homes a few years ago on loans they really didn't qualify for took no thought about the fact that those who would be trying to buy/sell a home now would suffer - along with the economy. Maybe I'm concerned because there are apparently enough people out there making exceptions (like bank employees giving out loans) to the rule that we really can't trust others anymore. We used to be known as a hard working, good work ethic country that was proud of who they are and what they had accomplished. But, it seems lately it's also been about the greed and not just about the competition to keep the business alive. Wish I had 'all the answers'. Maybe we could start with 'everyone' living with integrity.

I Decided - Sort Of...

I think I'm going to make this an idea, thoughts and other random stuff blog.  So...anything that might not be specifically linked to family - like fun pictures or quotes from kids just might get on here.  So...that would leave well loved topics like religion and politics.:}  

Faith of a Child

We have been sick this past week.  Our Home Teacher came to help with giving the children blessings.  The boys have been the sickest.  When they were done receiving their blessings, my husband asked if anyone else wanted one.  One of our daughters said that she did and she went and sat down.  She was very sweet about it.  I thought about her excitement and realized the simple faith that children have.

I was particularly touched because I've been having a hard time with her the last little bit.  I wasn't feeling well today and she's not really one to be trusted to her own devices for very long.  She can think up crazy schemes and her little sister will think it's fun to join along.  So, for me to see a child in a different light was good for me.

When I tucked her in bed tonight, I told her I loved her and apologized for the times I wasn't very nice today.  She seemed to forgive so quickly.

Oh to be like a little child - to have faith, love others and forgive quickly...all without having to think much about it or put much effort into it. Life would be so much happier and peaceful if we were to all live like that.  I guess I should try it more often.

It's a Faith Based Work

I had a chance to hear Sister Beck speak a couple of weeks ago.  What a great experience.  A neighboring stake invited her to come and they invited us along with another stake or two.  It was a larger group - but, still small enough to seem personable.

She shared a brief explanation of the purpose of Relief Society, spoke lovingly of her two counselors and how they are filling their mission here on earth (that is specific to them) and bore her testimony.  She then opened it up to question and answers.  Wow!  It seemed quite brave to me.  That means you get to deal wisely with any topic that could be thrown your way - while 'on your feet'.  Apparently, she was confident the Spirit would be there.

There were questions about the curriculum, visiting teaching, eternal companions, abuse, scripture study, being single, 'wayward' children, one about 'how do you do it all?' and more.   

Here are some lessons taught: 

1.  Read from the scriptures daily.

2.  It is your right/responsibility to live the female half of the plan.

3.  It doesn't work out on paper.  Turn your life over to Christ and miracles will happen.

4.  We are never alone.  We have a sisterhood, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with us.

5.  Taylor your service to the individual/s involved.

6.  Love your spouse and work together.

7.  Motherhood is an eternal calling given to all women.

8.  We all have a mission here on earth.

9.  We all have access to prophets.

10.  Teach children the meaning behind the action.

11.  Pray.

12.  Be the strong link in your family.

13.  Use the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Favorite quote:  "Children are welcome in an LDS home because we know what to do with them."

It was interesting to me how many times the message came out - 'It's a faith based work.'.  We need to have faith in everything we do.  Each scenario will be different - depending on who is involved. The main idea to grasp is that Heavenly Father will taylor what we need to us.  We are able to get answers for our specific questions and concerns.

Off to an odd start

I wasn't quite sure what to kind of post to do first...so, decided to go with an everyday thing.  I read a book to one of my children this morning that brought tears to my eyes.  It's titled: 'The Impossible Patriotism Project' by Linda Skeers/pictures by Ard Hoyt.  It's about a boy (elementary school) whose class is assigned to do a 'patriotism project'.  He's not sure what to do and talks with his other classmates to get ideas. There's are wide range of ideas and projects. They seem to work well for the other students, but this boy can't quite figure it out - he wishes his Dad would be able to come to the Parent Night where the children will show their work.  He wishes his Dad were there to at least help him with an idea. Then...the idea comes.  He brings a poster to the Parent Night where he and his Mother are looking at all of the different projects. Before long, there is a group gathered around this boy's desk.  He did a poster of his father - who is far away fighting for his country to show how much he loves it, to fight for freedom and help keep the freedoms all citizens enjoy. Obviously, everyone is touched - several of the students want to send the items they made to the father who is far away.

I loved the reminder that we have so many wonderful freedoms.  The news isn't really that great around us.  There is much going on.  There are also many people who have given up hope on our country.  This book was a reminder that there is hope - we have families living around us that sacrifice so much for us (and we need to recognize/show gratitude for that) - we need to be patriotic in our own lives by remembering what we do have and that even though times might seem a little bleak...there is hope.