My Nerds

I just had to share, it was nerd day at the elementary school today, and here are my two nerdy boys. 

 They looked awesome!

Sage was mortified, in fact she refused to walk with them, sure she was going to be totally embarrassed.  Before school she kept trying to fix their hair and push down their socks.  It was hilarious, she's only 7 but already more fashionable than her mom!  Her nod to nerd day was to wear plaid shorts and have her hair in pigtails.  Not crazy, off balance messy pigtails though, not this girl! She wanted a cute side part and matching ones please!  It might be good I only got 1 girl, we'll see how the teenage years go!

Notice anything different?

Besides the larger than normal smile, that is!

X Ran Where?

image found here (that's our 2009 school team on the right)

I was running one kid here and another there last week when I got an excited phone call from my 14  year old son whose 9th grade football carpool had just dropped him off.  That doesn't happen very often-the excited phone call I mean, not the carpool, that happens a lot. In fact it almost never happens! Those of you with 14 year old boys should understand what I'm saying.  Normal calls from him include such phrases as "I'm hungry and we're out of _____"  "Can I go to ____'s house?" or "I need a ____ for my English/Science/Spanish project" not  "When will you be home?  I have something important to tell you!"  I could just hear the grin in his voice, and it made me smile.  I quickly dropped off, and picked up, and zipped back home.  Hadn't even taken the keys out of the ignition when the door to the house popped open, and out came said 14 year old boy's head, grinning madly.  Words began spilling forth, and I quickly realized we had a problem.  I only understood every 3rd or 4th word...as I later told my husband it involved a lot of random letters, some numbers, and lots of references to plays, runs, the ball, and their coach - as in "there are only 4 Z's" "Y runs the...Coach...run...football...awesome...X...the line...!!!"  Well, you get the idea.  The same spiel was later repeated to his Dad, and appropriate unintelligible footballese was spoken in response, which I think fulfilled his need for like minded approval, praise and understanding.

I don't speak footballese, but I do speak the language of my 14 year old, Quinn, and the message was clear.  Something (involving the football team, him, and that day's practice) had happened, and he was ecstatic about it.  I understood enough to praise and hug and be thrilled for him, and that's what really matters.  I may not understand the letters, the numbers, or all the terms-yet- but I sure do love that boy.  And I think that's what mattered to him in that moment.

He is enigmatic, as I think all 14 year olds are meant to be.  Still discovering who they are, questioning their world, their parent's world, and their place in it all, you can never quite be sure where you will find their state of mind.  14 is a balancing time between being a child and knowing who you are, or will become as an adult.  Stretching out for independence, and looking back to see if Mom and Dad are there and ready to steady them.  It's a precarious time, that line is thin, and the wind blows hard against them.

image found here

It's amazing to me to watch as my children grow and develop their own sense of who they are and what they believe.  I'm thankful to be a part of their lives, and having the opportunity to help shape another person is a beautiful gift, as well as a tremendous responsibility.  I'm learning from them as-I hope-they learn from me.  Years ago when I imagined motherhood I dreamt of babies with their sweet smells and soft coos, I pictured making cookies and building forts, practicing ABC's and 123's, but I didn't think much beyond those years. I didn't dream of the day they would drive off on their own, or question the answers I give them, or make their own choices as I stood on the sidelines watching, and praying for them.

But, I'm learning this part of motherhood is pretty wonderful in its own way, it's fun to have real conversations about life and politics and religion with my kids.  It's good to see them choose good people for friends.  It's really fun to play games that don't involve chutes, ladders, or candy monsters.  And it's especially wonderful when their eyes light up and they can't wait to tell me the really awesome thing that happened at football practice that day.  Yea, I like this stage of motherhood just fine!

Sweet Sunday Surprises

In weeks of organization and focus I tried to do this on Friday, so I could have a cute "Friday Favorites" title.  Then I stopped because it wasn't Friday when I had time to post.  But I wanted to share some of my favorites things this week, so today I am throwing caution to the wind, and sharing some "Sweet Sunday Surprises," sorry, just couldn't help giving it a lame title!

First--SPRING is in full blossom around here, and I love it!  I have discovered another favorite flower, and they are in full bloom this week...

Gazania, Treasure Flowers

These flowers grow with little care, spread easily, require little water, and love the heat, all in all, just right for a no green thumb in residence household!  I am working on encouraging the spreading part right now, while we have beautiful weather.  Last year they bloomed all through the summer, fall and even occasionally in  the winter.  I am in flower love!  It helps that they come in a variety of colors, from bright orange and yellows to vibrant pinks and purples, even white and soft yellow. 

Some are some solid, some striped, some have subtle color variations, some bold color combinations.  One plant can have 5 different colored blossoms, or all the same color. 

Can you tell I'm infatuated?

Another sweet surpise this week...finding this blog: http://amagnanimouslife.blogspot.com/

I'm not quite sure how I came across it, but some time ago I stumbled upon this chronicle of a gorgeous family's life (I'm not exaggerating--they look like a magazine cover).  It had been a while since my last visit, so I took a gander, and fell in love. 

They recently finished a quest to adopt a daughter from China, and brought her home last week.  Evidently the journey took place over the last several years, and was an emotional roller coaster.  I was deeply touched by the way this mother writes of her family and their love and bond, and she speaks candidly of her uncertainty--could she really love another's baby like her own?  Did she even want to try?  She had 4 beautiful daughters, did she need another?  I could keep going, but I won't.  She says it so much more beautifully than I ever could.  Go take a look, you'll be touched, i'm sure.

Third surprise...today in church I listened as a woman dealing with ALS bore testimony of the love her Lord and Savior has for her.  I heard her speak of never giving up, and knowing without a doubt the Lord loves her, and is always there for her.  She can no longer move her hands, has trouble holding up her head at times, and requires assistance to do anything.  One of the things she misses most is the ability to read her scriptures.  I was humbled and moved beyond words as I listened to her speak.   She recounted how her 10 year old grandson told her he knew she wouldn't get better, but he was going to pray that she would be able to always watch over him so he could be a good boy.  I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it.  It reminded me of when my own mother said her sweet earthly goodbyes to my chldren.  How bittersweet they were.  How thankful I am for my own testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ, how thankful I am my children were able to bid their grandmother a loving goodbye, and most importantly how thankful I am to know we will see her again.

As the Easter season passes, and I put away the baskets and the eggs that decorated my home, I will not put away my testimony of the Resurrection or my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ.  I will cling tightly to my scriptures, and know that no matter what ride this life takes us on He will always be there.  How thankful I am to be able to enjoy the blessings of this knowledge today, and tomorrow, no matter what happens.

Wherever you may be I hope you Enjoy Spring, and take time to find your own sweet surprises.

April Showers Bring....Temperance

You thought I was going to say "May Flowers" didn't you...nope!  This time April is showering me with visions of temperance.  Why?  Because I'm teaching a class on temperance at the end of April for church, and because I am so NOT temperate.  My class will be based on this talk by Elder Kent D. Watson  and this talk by President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2009 General Conference.

Dictionary:
Temperance:  the state or quality of being temperate (I so hate definitions like this---and that's just one example of how I am not temperate)

Temperant:  1. Moderate in indulging the appetites; not self-indulgent  2. Moderate in one's actions, speech, etc.; self-restrained  3. characterized by moderation or restraint  4. neither very hot nor very cold; said of climate, etc...

So far I've also learned that In a spiritual sense being temperate includes the following: using moderation in all things, exercising self control; carefully examining our expectations and desires, being diligent and patient in seeking righteous goals.  A temperate soul is one who is in control of their temper, pride, anger, and vanity. 

This is a new thing for me, this teaching in church thing I mean-not the temperate thing (although that's new too).  It makes me nervous, it makes me queasy, it makes me want to turn and run...really, really fast.  I don't like public speaking, it freaks me out.  I'm learning  though, and I know I'm stretching beyond my comfort zone, and growing, so that's a good thing.  I thought I'd post some of my journey here.  It helps to write it out, and think about it.  As well as to be held accountable. 

I'm doing an experiment this month, I'm really trying to be temperate.  It's hard.  This is not my nature, this is not the way my soul naturally leans.  I have strong feelings, and don't generally shy from speaking them, and don't always have the most tact when I do.  I anger too easily, I yell too much, patience is not my virtue.  I hold hope in the promise that we can develop these character traits if we want them enough to really work for them. 

I'm hoping that by studying AND practicing temperance I will learn what temperance truly means to ME.  I am sure I will learn more by doing than by simply reading.  I am praying for temperance, and studying about temperance, and SEEKING temperance in all I do this month. 

I'll keep you posted...join with me if you like, and seek the temperate life, it'll be fun!

One Day at a Time...

Do you Remember this TV show? 

The title says it all for me right now.  Sometimes it's all I can do to make it through Life One Day at a Time.  Too much more makes it overwhelming.  I'm not sure why life takes these twists and turns, and throws us curve balls just when we feel like we've got it on cruise control and are enjoying the scenery.  Wait, strike that, I am pretty sure why, I just don't like the curve I'm on right now.  I know times that try our souls also strengthen us, and help us to grow, and refine our very beings.  Knowing that doesn't make it any easier.  Not much does. 

I also know that learning to be strong and withstand all life brings, and making the best of it, is one of life's supreme challenges and reaps great rewards.  Knowing that doesn't make it easy either.  I keep being reminded of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's quote

Come what may, and Love it

We don't get to pick what comes, but we can choose how we endure it.

Sometimes it's all you can do to make it One Day at a Time.  During those times I have to believe that's enough. 

(Hum along with me, you know you want to...)

This is it. This is it.

This is life, the one you get

So go and have a ball.

This is it. This is it

Straight ahead and rest assured

You can’t be sure at all.

So while you’re here enjoy the view

Keep on doing what you do

So hold on tight we'll muddle through

One day at a time, One day at a time.

So up on your feet. Up on your feet

Somewhere there’s music playing.

Don’t you worry none

We’ll just take it like it comes.

One day at a time, one day at a time.

One day at a time, one day at a time.

One day at a time, one day at a time.

One day at a time, one day at a time.