Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Day 23
I'm SOOOOOOO grateful for a husband who will humor me at 4 am and turn on the bedroom lights to check the bedroom for snakes. Cause, well, frankly, the dream really was that real ...
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Day 22
Today I'm grateful for clean sheets and a wam comforter on my bed! Cause we all know there will be no sleep had by me if I feel cold.
Monday, November 21, 2011
30 Days of Thanksgiving
I was trying to fill out my days of gratitude earlier this year, but as you can see, I ran out of time to post every day. I've seen a lot of my friends posting items of gratitude every day this month, and I was inspired to try again. This time I'm going to be a little more realistic and just post the last 21 days all at once. So here we go, my list of gratitudes from November 1 - 21:
1. My children - They make me hope for a better future, and make me work for a better today
2. My spouse - He is loving and sweet and always concerned for my comfort
3. My home - It's not much, but it is something that is ours and it keeps us safe and warm and holds our dreams while we sleep
4. Reliable vehicles - We've worked hard to be good to our cars, and our cars have been pretty good to us
5. Clean food - I don't have to feed my children rotten food, or food with maggots, or anything not safe for them
6. Safety - We are not in a war here on US soil, and I am grateful to be safe in my neighborhood and my city
7. My Job - It pays the bills and I've worked much tougher positions with more hours and less pay. I'm truly grateful to be able to help feed my family and provide for our security
8. The ability to read - SOOOO many people in the world cannot read, or in years gone past, could not read. It was not a right for them, and there were not free schools where they could learn this tool to open the world to them. I'm grateful to know how to read, and to be able to use this skill to be safe, secure and provide for my family. Knowledge is power.
9. The Church - I mean this different than the gospel. I'm grateful for the structure of the church that taught me that being a woman was divine and beautiful, and a gift from heaven. I'm grateful that I've been told over and over that I'm precious and Child of GOD, and deserve the best in life. This gives me tremendous self confidence.
10. The gospel - Lately, I've been so bad with having good habits. I feel like a horrible example to my children when it comes to worship. But I do know the gospel is true, and living it's principles brings peace.
11. Opportunities to serve - We get a lot of those at my house. Most of them have been horrible uncomfortable, and stretch our souls and spirits. I'm grateful to put my beliefs in action though, and to give a little comfort to my fellow man, much as my Savior has given to me.
12. A cell phone - Thank you for modern technology! It's amazing, and makes me feel safe even when I'm out on my own or on the roads. I know help is a short phone call away!
13. Animals - having no pets at home right now makes me really miss having them around. I truly bask in the unconditional love of pets, be it horses, dogs, cats, or anything furry (other than spiders!)
14. Clothes - Oh! The variety and wonder of clothing! To be able to develop an individual style and speak of who you are without words is uh-mazing!
15. Books/Libraries - I have no idea what it would be like without a libraryful of books to borrow, and a secret world to indulge in when you want to get away and imagine other realities
16. Ice cream - Next to cereal, one of my favorite comfort foods. YUM!
17. New appliances - When our renters moved out of our home, they left behind a completely destroyed home. Thus, with the exception of my stove vent, all the appliances in my home are brand new. I'm grateful they run as we need them to and provide us with, cooked food, cold food, clean sinks, clean clothes, hot water, and warm air. Here, here for you appliances!!!
18. Clean water - as we were reminded by out Texas drought this summer, you can forget how precious water can be
19. A hurricane free summer - I was not as prepared as I needed to be in case of emergency. I'm grateful to have several months of down time to gear up and be ready for the next hurricane season
20. A college education - When high school was close to ending, I had no real desire to go to college. I went because that's what the others were doing. I went to BYU because my sister went there and my dad told me I would probably really like it. I'm grateful I chose each year to go back for another year until I was inspired that a college degree was a great life tool. I would be nothing without the degree that has given me the ability to provide for myself before I was married, and to help provide for my family now that they have joined me. It has been such a blessing, and has taught me how to think globally and critically.
21. Friends - I have a lot of friends, but a few really great FRIENDS. They have been there for me in the tough times, and helped me celebrate in the good times. Their ear is mine when I need it, and my heart is theirs forever. Friends are the families we were not born in. I'm humbled to have wonderful and true friends.
1. My children - They make me hope for a better future, and make me work for a better today
2. My spouse - He is loving and sweet and always concerned for my comfort
3. My home - It's not much, but it is something that is ours and it keeps us safe and warm and holds our dreams while we sleep
4. Reliable vehicles - We've worked hard to be good to our cars, and our cars have been pretty good to us
5. Clean food - I don't have to feed my children rotten food, or food with maggots, or anything not safe for them
6. Safety - We are not in a war here on US soil, and I am grateful to be safe in my neighborhood and my city
7. My Job - It pays the bills and I've worked much tougher positions with more hours and less pay. I'm truly grateful to be able to help feed my family and provide for our security
8. The ability to read - SOOOO many people in the world cannot read, or in years gone past, could not read. It was not a right for them, and there were not free schools where they could learn this tool to open the world to them. I'm grateful to know how to read, and to be able to use this skill to be safe, secure and provide for my family. Knowledge is power.
9. The Church - I mean this different than the gospel. I'm grateful for the structure of the church that taught me that being a woman was divine and beautiful, and a gift from heaven. I'm grateful that I've been told over and over that I'm precious and Child of GOD, and deserve the best in life. This gives me tremendous self confidence.
10. The gospel - Lately, I've been so bad with having good habits. I feel like a horrible example to my children when it comes to worship. But I do know the gospel is true, and living it's principles brings peace.
11. Opportunities to serve - We get a lot of those at my house. Most of them have been horrible uncomfortable, and stretch our souls and spirits. I'm grateful to put my beliefs in action though, and to give a little comfort to my fellow man, much as my Savior has given to me.
12. A cell phone - Thank you for modern technology! It's amazing, and makes me feel safe even when I'm out on my own or on the roads. I know help is a short phone call away!
13. Animals - having no pets at home right now makes me really miss having them around. I truly bask in the unconditional love of pets, be it horses, dogs, cats, or anything furry (other than spiders!)
14. Clothes - Oh! The variety and wonder of clothing! To be able to develop an individual style and speak of who you are without words is uh-mazing!
15. Books/Libraries - I have no idea what it would be like without a libraryful of books to borrow, and a secret world to indulge in when you want to get away and imagine other realities
16. Ice cream - Next to cereal, one of my favorite comfort foods. YUM!
17. New appliances - When our renters moved out of our home, they left behind a completely destroyed home. Thus, with the exception of my stove vent, all the appliances in my home are brand new. I'm grateful they run as we need them to and provide us with, cooked food, cold food, clean sinks, clean clothes, hot water, and warm air. Here, here for you appliances!!!
18. Clean water - as we were reminded by out Texas drought this summer, you can forget how precious water can be
19. A hurricane free summer - I was not as prepared as I needed to be in case of emergency. I'm grateful to have several months of down time to gear up and be ready for the next hurricane season
20. A college education - When high school was close to ending, I had no real desire to go to college. I went because that's what the others were doing. I went to BYU because my sister went there and my dad told me I would probably really like it. I'm grateful I chose each year to go back for another year until I was inspired that a college degree was a great life tool. I would be nothing without the degree that has given me the ability to provide for myself before I was married, and to help provide for my family now that they have joined me. It has been such a blessing, and has taught me how to think globally and critically.
21. Friends - I have a lot of friends, but a few really great FRIENDS. They have been there for me in the tough times, and helped me celebrate in the good times. Their ear is mine when I need it, and my heart is theirs forever. Friends are the families we were not born in. I'm humbled to have wonderful and true friends.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Sweetest Girl EVER
Monday, November 14, 2011
I'm Turning Into My Mother
...and in this case, that's not such a bad thing at all! I spent all day Saturday cooking this:
Can't tell what it is? It doesn't look like much, but in person it looks heavenly! It's home canned chicken. I went in with some ladies in my congregation and got 40 lbs of chicken for $1.49/lb. Which is way cheaper than the $1.99 sale price I see. I froze several pounds of it, but mostly I canned the chicken. Not only does this add to my food storage, but it makes preparing chicken tacos, chicken pot pie, chicken puffs, chicken enchiladas, and all things chicken a SNAP! Open jar, shred with fingers, and viola! Meal at the ready. Way to go mom! See I was paying attention all those years you had me help you can in the kitchen. :) Now, aren't you proud?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Suck It Naysayers
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
- Mark Twain
Do you have people in your life who tell you to stop trying? Or that you can't do something? Or to give up because the fight is too hard? I have had some people in my life say this to people who I love (not to me). I would love to tell them to go away and ruin their own lives (oh wait, they already did) and to get out of the lives of my loved ones. It seems like you have those who can, those who can't, and those who can but won't (or say they can't cause they want to avoid the work). I heard a talk by John Bytheway once where he was talking about loads you carry in your backpack. He was instructing us to not carry around the extra weight we don't need to hold. The doubts, the exhaustion, the naysayers. He was telling us not to be one of the Negative Nellys out there. He called it, "Be a Builder, Not a Wrecker." I really like that. It has stuck with me all these years past my teens. I even still say to Arlin, "Be a Builder, Not a Wrecker" cause it can get discouraging and easy to see the tough parts. BUT we do try to tell one another, if we want something to go for it. We can do it. He can do it, I can do it, our kids can do it. There is enough negativity out there and we have to build up our own sense of self worth. Cause we can do it. I tell that to my daughters every day. And Heaven help me if those same people come around and make fun of them or tell my girls they can't do something. I might end up punching them in the face (figuratively speaking of course).
- Mark Twain
Do you have people in your life who tell you to stop trying? Or that you can't do something? Or to give up because the fight is too hard? I have had some people in my life say this to people who I love (not to me). I would love to tell them to go away and ruin their own lives (oh wait, they already did) and to get out of the lives of my loved ones. It seems like you have those who can, those who can't, and those who can but won't (or say they can't cause they want to avoid the work). I heard a talk by John Bytheway once where he was talking about loads you carry in your backpack. He was instructing us to not carry around the extra weight we don't need to hold. The doubts, the exhaustion, the naysayers. He was telling us not to be one of the Negative Nellys out there. He called it, "Be a Builder, Not a Wrecker." I really like that. It has stuck with me all these years past my teens. I even still say to Arlin, "Be a Builder, Not a Wrecker" cause it can get discouraging and easy to see the tough parts. BUT we do try to tell one another, if we want something to go for it. We can do it. He can do it, I can do it, our kids can do it. There is enough negativity out there and we have to build up our own sense of self worth. Cause we can do it. I tell that to my daughters every day. And Heaven help me if those same people come around and make fun of them or tell my girls they can't do something. I might end up punching them in the face (figuratively speaking of course).
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Job Changes, Roomies, and Other Life Altering Changes
So right now Arlin is between jobs. He was working for a Honda dealership (that shall remain nameless), and was approached by another non-Honda dealership with a job offer. While he considered taking the new job, he wasn't 100% convinced because he's been working his hiney off on some deals and had been building his personal brand. After a series of dramatic events, let's just say he was slightly forced to take the job offer. He worked there less than 2 full days because there were a few too many things he didn't know about before he got there. We were very disappointed to say the least. Now he is starting the great Houston job search again. Le sigh.
Good news is, a couple of friends have helped him get connections at other dealerships and he had an interview last week, and took a drug test yesterday. Here's to crossing your fingers and hoping! He also is going to apply for several other jobs in case there is something that doesn't work out. While I'm happy he has prospects, I'm also frustrated for him and totally stressed out (what with the holidays approaching and all). Things were just getting smooth and I was making some great plans to get things back on track after our moves and stuff. I was feeling confident, well, mostly confident, about where things are headed. Here comes a bump of course. It feels like we never have more than 6 months of things working out without some kind of HUGE dramatic event, or bump in the road, or just problems, problems, problems. I kid you not. I'm grateful for the interview though, and I'm cautiously optimistic we'll back at it shortly.
Other news, Lindsay eye is starting to water more lately. Since she just had surgery on this eye a few months ago, I'm slightly concerned the surgery was not successful in opening her tear duct. Of course the surgery is supposed to be 80% successful (that means, I have a 20% chance of redo). We tend to be in that off chance percentage and I so don't want to be. Again, fingers AND toes crossed.
Things with the roomies are going pretty well I suppose. It's always hard to share a space. Now, what with 11 people living in a 2000 square foot home, there are obviously some bumps and bruising going on with kids, ego, rules and respect. I won't say it's easy, but no one has screamed that I'm aware, and there are no holes in the wall or blood stains yet (stay tuned). The hardest things is the balance of the kids. A family of 3 boys and a tom boy who are very rough and tumble, especially in the way they walk and talk with each other and other kids. Not having any brothers, Laney has had her feelings hurt more than once. She just totally doesn't get boy talk. It's hard for me to see her not understand and watch her feelings be crushed, she has always been very tender hearted. In some ways I'm sure it's good for her. Since none of these boys are her boyfriends, she will receive some early training on how boys #1 just don't make sense and #2 can be very rude and mean sometimes, and don't even realize they are rude and mean sometimes.
We are trying to baptize Laney in early December. I really have to get on the ball with that and pick a day and set up the talks and all that good stuff. I'm not HUGELY sure what I'm supposed to do (even though I had this calling in Primary), but I'm sure it will be fine. I want it to be about the baptism, and less about the hoopla that surrounds it. I want her to realize the dress, the food, the friends are not as important as the PROMISE she makes. Here's to hoping on that one. I'm afraid I've been very slack lately. There has been a great lag in scripture study, and for the first time in, well, ever, I've not even been good about praying. I feel like the will and the strength to fight the good fight is dying inside me. And I don't have the means or energy to get it back. I'm trying, but I feel like it's more like hiking Mt. Everest than just kneeling down and closing my eyes.
All in all, we are so much further along than we were this time last year. I have no idea how we made it through this past year, and made it so well through this past year. There were many many times when I had serious doubt about even making it through the day, so getting here and seeing that things are markedly improved from a year ago AMAZES me. I keep telling myself, there are blessings I don't see and know about, but it goes back to right now, this last year, I feel like my job is to endure it. And like the scriptures say, endure it well. I guess then, my job is the endure it well part, since somehow I am enduring it.
Good news is, a couple of friends have helped him get connections at other dealerships and he had an interview last week, and took a drug test yesterday. Here's to crossing your fingers and hoping! He also is going to apply for several other jobs in case there is something that doesn't work out. While I'm happy he has prospects, I'm also frustrated for him and totally stressed out (what with the holidays approaching and all). Things were just getting smooth and I was making some great plans to get things back on track after our moves and stuff. I was feeling confident, well, mostly confident, about where things are headed. Here comes a bump of course. It feels like we never have more than 6 months of things working out without some kind of HUGE dramatic event, or bump in the road, or just problems, problems, problems. I kid you not. I'm grateful for the interview though, and I'm cautiously optimistic we'll back at it shortly.
Other news, Lindsay eye is starting to water more lately. Since she just had surgery on this eye a few months ago, I'm slightly concerned the surgery was not successful in opening her tear duct. Of course the surgery is supposed to be 80% successful (that means, I have a 20% chance of redo). We tend to be in that off chance percentage and I so don't want to be. Again, fingers AND toes crossed.
Things with the roomies are going pretty well I suppose. It's always hard to share a space. Now, what with 11 people living in a 2000 square foot home, there are obviously some bumps and bruising going on with kids, ego, rules and respect. I won't say it's easy, but no one has screamed that I'm aware, and there are no holes in the wall or blood stains yet (stay tuned). The hardest things is the balance of the kids. A family of 3 boys and a tom boy who are very rough and tumble, especially in the way they walk and talk with each other and other kids. Not having any brothers, Laney has had her feelings hurt more than once. She just totally doesn't get boy talk. It's hard for me to see her not understand and watch her feelings be crushed, she has always been very tender hearted. In some ways I'm sure it's good for her. Since none of these boys are her boyfriends, she will receive some early training on how boys #1 just don't make sense and #2 can be very rude and mean sometimes, and don't even realize they are rude and mean sometimes.
We are trying to baptize Laney in early December. I really have to get on the ball with that and pick a day and set up the talks and all that good stuff. I'm not HUGELY sure what I'm supposed to do (even though I had this calling in Primary), but I'm sure it will be fine. I want it to be about the baptism, and less about the hoopla that surrounds it. I want her to realize the dress, the food, the friends are not as important as the PROMISE she makes. Here's to hoping on that one. I'm afraid I've been very slack lately. There has been a great lag in scripture study, and for the first time in, well, ever, I've not even been good about praying. I feel like the will and the strength to fight the good fight is dying inside me. And I don't have the means or energy to get it back. I'm trying, but I feel like it's more like hiking Mt. Everest than just kneeling down and closing my eyes.
All in all, we are so much further along than we were this time last year. I have no idea how we made it through this past year, and made it so well through this past year. There were many many times when I had serious doubt about even making it through the day, so getting here and seeing that things are markedly improved from a year ago AMAZES me. I keep telling myself, there are blessings I don't see and know about, but it goes back to right now, this last year, I feel like my job is to endure it. And like the scriptures say, endure it well. I guess then, my job is the endure it well part, since somehow I am enduring it.
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