A Zoo Story

A few months ago, Jillian wrote out this story as Peter dictated it for her. I loved their collaborative effort.

A Zoo Story
By: Peter

Ther is a Ber, a snell, some fish, and a graf at my zoo. A zoo-keeper named Sam tacs good kar of the anamols. They never wontid to lev. But they had to. I wonder wiy they had to lev?

Not a fun day

November 28, 2012

Not a fun day!

It was not a fun day for me. I was at home. I was mostle with my mom and my baby sistes. And with my brother haf of the day. The bad thing that was I throw up. I wisht that did not hapin. Some of the day I was even saing "I wish this did not hapin!" But I ckep throwing up. I had a bol to throw up into.

Jillian's School Journal

October 2, 2012
I help wen I take care of m brother. Wen he gets to a hord word I help him rade that Word. I teach him haw to do the monkey Bor's.

October 8, 2012
On Sunday I went to my Grandma's haws. We wocht cofrins. Then we went to Oscors haws. We had dosort at Oscors haws. On Saturday my brothor went to Oscors Bothday Party.

I can get drest.
I can brosh my teeth.
I can make my bed.
I can pot on my pojamas.
I can riad my tow weler bike.

October 9, 2012
I can riad my tow weler bike. Forst you pot your foot on the hist petol. Then you rone a little. Last pot your othor foot on the othor petol. And your going.

October 15, 2012
Weekend news
On Sunday, my Grandma G and my onfym ckam ovr to my haus! It was fun! For dinor we had befcasrol with corn and bicis. For dosrt we had hot coklit and cookies!

October 16, 2012
I want to be a police womin. I wood capshor bad gis. I wood pol pepl ovr that wor jriving to fast.

October 20, 2012
My friend and I like to play baby-dolls. We take good kaer of Rosie.

October 22, 2012
My friend and I like to play family. My friend and I like to play prinsus. My friend and I like to go swimming.

October 25, 2012
On Sunday I spnt time with my kosins all day! On Saturday, I also spnt time with kosins all day! Ystorday I did a sigeing contest. It was fun but we didt get to finish!

Safe

Jillian came home from school with a vocabulary worksheet that had me tearing up. The words underlined are the ones she had to put in the sentences and then the fourth sentence is one she wrote herself using one of the words...

The allosaurus was an enemy to many dinosaurs.

A stegosaurus could protect itself with its spiky tail.

Today dinosaurs are extinct.

My mom protects me.

I think she literally brought it home the first school day after the CT shooting. I know I can't protect her all the time but I am grateful she feels safe and knows that, if we could, her parents would stand between her and danger.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care

The past few days, well, since Friday, have been draining. It weighs so heavily to think of the children and teachers in the Connecticut school shooting experiencing such terror. There are children who suffer in violent situations around the world on a daily basis, but this situation hit so close to the average American child's. Their faces flash up on the television, the computer screen, and they are just like the children in our lives. It's impossible to not think that my own daughter is six years old, the age of some of the children who were killed.

There are so many questions swirling through the air "how could this happen?," "where was security?," "why did he have a gun?," and above all "how can we prevent this from ever happening again?" The difficult answer is that we cannot. There is no guarantee that a child will not be taken from their family early. There is no guarantee that we can protect those we love ALL of the time. And while that is a very real fear I have as a parent, I am realizing that I cannot allow my driving force as I parent my children to be out of fear. And for that reason I am so grateful for Faith. 

I had read on Facebook that a friend was going to be fasting on Sunday for the families and victims of the Shady Hook shooting, and I thought that was the least I could do to join them in prayer and fasting on Sunday. I went to church with the families of those lost in mind. As the Sacrament was taking place I prayed that the children who had died would be watched over, that something be done to comfort their parents and siblings, that they be cared for and given an extra portion of Heavenly Father's love. And before those thoughts even had a chance to complete themselves in my head, I had the strongest feeling "I already have! It's okay, I already have. Long before these people were born, I knew what pains they would face. I knew and I provided an Intermediary for them. They are not forgotten. They are mine and they are not forgotten! "I sent my Son to die for man, and rise with living breath." (Words from a sweet children's song that one of the speakers quoted.) 

The Primary children also sang "Away in a Manger." The last verse could have been written for this week. 

"Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care

And fit us for heaven to live with thee there."

Two of the speakers were a wonderful couple who will be moving from our congregation this month. It also seemed like they were picked specifically to speak after the tragedy last week, although I'm sure the assignment was made long before. They shared the story of losing their only son suddenly when he was a teenager. Brother Fraley shared how since he lost his son, he has learned the importance of speaking to God in prayer every day, as though every day were a crisis. Four years ago he would not have believed he could live without his son, but through Jesus Christ he has received so many blessings even after the time of his son's passing. His testimony was so sweet, humble and sincere, as was his wife's. They showed us through their own experiences that it is possible to rise after such a terrible blow. They reassured me that God is aware of each man, woman and child who walks on this earth. And while God does not control each man's actions, no matter how harmful, though I am confident He could, I am certain He was there comforting those children in their suffering. 

Isaiah 49:16-17

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. 

A Weting journal entry

November 26, 2012

At a Weting

Hey! I can tell you about the weting. I was with my family. I feelt rily happy! It was  fun becus I spent time with my family. And my grama was geting mared agen! I herd tocing and lafing. I saw dasing and eating.

Thanksgiving Journal Entry by Jillian

November 26, 2012

Weekend News
I went to my Grama's hawse! I feelt good! On Thaksgiving a lot of my family came. It was krawtid.

I promise we do other things besides go to Duke Gardens, but we do love it there. 

 Love these bum shots of Lucy, Peter and our friend, Thea.

 This is how to be an effective 2 year old. Drop to the ground screaming and flopping, throwing your dolly simultaneously. Dig your heels in and don't budge! Ever! Your mom will come back for you. Don't let her fool you. She's not leaving without you. 

 Peter knows how to enjoy life. He is great about plopping down anywhere and taking it in. He'll also start swinging his booty IMMEDIATELY when he hears a good tune. He's a great dance partner. 

 I'm including these shots because they reminded me SO much of a photo I've seen of my Grandma Zimmerman when she was around my age. She was at a picnic with her family and some friends outdoors. It not so much that we look alike but the surroundings and feel of picture. 

Jill being so sassy on the phone and looking 15 years old. 

She's now lost both top teef, I mean teeth. 

Lucy's growing!

Bummed she can't ride too

A week ago I took Lulu to the doctor. She got three immunizations which she took like a champ, only kicking and screaming bloody during and not after:) She was also tramatized by the height (34 inches and 50%) and weight (22 lbs. 15 oz and 10%)portion of the appointment. Our doctor and the nurses there are great though. They said her behavior was right on par for a new two year old and didn't stress out about her being low on the weight scale.

This girl loves to joke and laugh. She and Peter are getting to be close confidants and often ask after each other or watch a show arm in arm. She tells us how it is, we can understand about 50% of what she's saying, all the time, and will wag her finger and say "no, no, no" when she disagrees with something. She is becoming very outgoing and doesn't fuss too much if dropped off at a friend's house and will ask people other than Kevin and me to pick her up. She took to calling my dad "Poppy," her own version of Pops, last time we visited. I am reminded of the dichotomy that is 2 right now. She is SO sweet and SUCH a pill. We babysat someone the other day who cried for a while and Lucy showed her concern with furrowed brow and love pats. (She also does this all the time with her dollies. "She seepy(sleepy).") And the other day when we were in DC with Heather and Mike's family and my mom, Lucy dug her heels in when wanting to be carried and flopped onto the ground by the National Mall and was NOT going to budge until someone returned to carry her. We walked SO far away before we realized she was definitely not coming. So I guess it works for her, because we went back and got her.

I love to watch her excitement when the older kids get home from school, as well as their efforts to care for her. They love to get her out of the crib in the morning or after naps, want to poor her milk, read her stories, give her hugs whenever they see her. Hopefully she won't feel neglected being the third when she grows up but will remember all the helping hands who felt it was a treat to just be with her.

Jillian's idea of the Presidency

If I were President of the United States...I would be honest. And I would dress up nice! I would do lots of homework! I would give speeches in front of lots of people. Being president can be fun too: you can go swimming in the wite hawse!!!


Hmmm, I'm glad she would be honest. I think we need to work on depth a little though. Unless, of course, she's just trying to get re-elected and not actually do anything good for the country. Ahem.

Today

Today has been a great day. It was rainy, which is fun in small doses. We almost missed the bus for Jillian so I had a good embarrassing moment running to catch the bus without a bra on and with my crazy bedhead, in high heels and sweats, no less. Do I ever listen to my inner voice of reason that tells me not to just grab the closest thing? No, never. Nothin' like that to get your morning off with a chuckle;) Then I ran home to finish getting Peter, Lucy and myself ready. We drove Peter to school but were a little late because Lucy stashed my keys in her little purse, in record time I might add. I finally found them and we were off. Lucy and I went to the library where we ran into a lovely friend who is so fun to talk to. Then we heard some stories and sang some songs in a chaotic room full of about 30 zero to two year olds. So hilarious to watch them mill around while the poor story teller tries to get a word in edgewise. After that we ran some towels over to a friend to be embroidered for primary baptisms. So fun to see her too, even for a few minutes. From there Lucy and I went to Party City for some plates, napkins, etc for the ward Halloween party. While there we...found Peter a Batman mask, which we have been looking for! After picking up Peter we visit taught someone and from there came home to get haircuts from yet another friend so we don't look too shaggy for Gayle's wedding. It was uplifting visiting with her too and I'm excited because her son is going to start riding the bus home with Jillian some days since they live out of our school's boundaries. After picking up Jillian at the bus stop, we came home and watched Pollyanna until the rain let up. During the time the sun came out, we walked over to a friends and played outside, which felt great after the rain. After visiting for a short while, we walked home and got poured on. I've realized recently that those times when you get stuck in the rain are so wonderful. As an adult I rarely just decide I want to play in the rain, so it's fun to get caught with no other choice. We came home, ate a dinner of black beans, diced tomatoes and taco seasoning with chips and cheese, the only advantage to Dad working late:), and finished Pollyanna. Jillian was cracking me as she explained it to Peter. "This is a non-fiction story, Peter. The main character is Pollyanna." Then somehow Aunt Polly Harrington's wealth came up and Jillian said "Ah, how are we going to get more money? I know. A lemonade stand? Yes,  we should do a lemonade stand." I guess she is listening to our money talks. And I'm pretty sure she missed the point of the movie:)

It doesn't seem like much but it was just such a fun day! We got a lot done and saw a lot of friends and it was so uplifting. These kids are full of crazy and fun! I'm grateful they love to be on the go too! We fit so well together!

Classic Jillian

Jillian says the funniest things sometimes. The other day she was saying something about it not being bad to think bad things because no will know. I told her that Heavenly Father knows though so we should try our best to just think about good things. Her reply was "Well, then he also knows about when you yell at us. He knows about that, Mom." Touche, girlfriend.

Beautiful Bride

I recently was able to attend the wedding of one of my best friends from high school. While I was there I realized I've known Deepa for almost 20 years! She's been such a true friend and is such a blessing my life. I haven't which pictures to upload from the wedding, I took tons, but wanted to record some of the symbols of the ceremony. The ceremony itself was so moving and poignant.

The Wedding Ceremony

In Hindu culture, marriage signifies the union of two souls into one harmonious whole. The wedding ceremony is performed in accordance with rituals from the Vedas, the foundational scriptures of Hinduism.

Barat

The marriage celebration begins with the welcoming of the groom with his family and friends in a procession called the Barat. The bride's mother welcomes the groom and gives her blessings by performing Aarati (a ritual for welcoming guests with a lighted lamp) and marks his forehead with Kumkum (sacred powder). The groom then breaks an earthen pot filled with curd, honey, ghee and cotton seeds, which symbolize the elements of life before being escorted to the mandap (altar).

Ganesh Puja

In Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesh is invoked before any undertaking or journey. Ganesh removes all obstacles from the couple's path and blesses them with wisdom, knowledge, and bliss.

Kanya Agaman

The bride's uncle escorts her to the mandap. A cloth veil is held in front of the groom, a custom from ancient times when the couple did not see each other until the wedding. When the bride arrives at the mandap she is seated across from the groom and priendst recites the Mangalashtaka or inviation to various Gods to witness the marriage. After these prayers the veil is lowered and the couple exchanges flower garlands as a promise of their love and commitment.

Kanyadaan and Hasta Melap

The bride's father offers her hand to the groom, the great gift that can be given according to the Vedic scriptures, known as kanyadaan. The groom takes the bride's hand and together they take a solemn oath in the presence of God to remain devoted to each other. To complete the symbolic union, the groom's scarf is tied to the bride's sari.

Agni Puja 

The sacred fire representing Agni, the God of fire, is lit to sumbolize purity and act as witness to the union. The bride and groom jointly offer ghee, rice, and sandalwood to Agni to signify the spirit of sacrifice and partnership and to dispel darkness.

Mangalfera

The bride and groom circle the fire four times to symbolize the four goals of married life: 1) Dharma (to remain true to one's beliefs); 2) Artha (to provide for one's family); 3) Kama (to obtain emotional and physical fulfillment); and 4)Moksha (to achieve enlightenment and liberation). Then the groom puts a Mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around the bride's neck and places Sindoor (vermilion powder) in the parting of the bride's hair to symbolize marriage.

Saptapadi

In Hindu tradition, it is said that if two people walk seven steps together they remain together for life. Here the couple takes seven symbolic steps, making a vow with each step. The couple then exchanges places, indicating they are married.

Akhand Saubhagyavati

The mothers of the bride and groom and close female relatives whisper blessings to the bride.

Ashirvaad

The newlyweds seek the blessings of the Priest, their parents, relatives and friends. Family and friends shower them with rice and flowers which symbolize the blessings of happiness and prosperity.

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So glad we were able to be there!

Caveat

I feel like I need to write another caveat about my previous post. I REALLY don't have anything against others working and having children, and I don't want people to think that's my beef, because it's not. I guess I'll explain where I'm coming from to explain my previous strong feelings expressed.

I feel like there is a back lash going on in LDS culture from the past. But I didn't get the norm growing up, so my backlash is perhaps coming from a different view. I have heard other LDS women express that they feel like no one told them all they could accomplish outside the home. I feel like my experience in this regard was totally different. ALL my young women's leaders were career women. Some who had been left by husbands, some who had never married, some who were young marrieds with small children. There are two that I can name who didn't work. The women with careers were really, really good at their jobs, and very involved in their communities. Most of them were educators on all levels and I think that is great. I just don't think I got the impression growing up that solely raising your kidlets was rising to your full potential. And now in the ward I am in, there are many women pursuing careers. I am sure none of them have made these decisions without being prayerful and conscientious.

I just realized the other night at Relief Society that I identify with the women who have pursued Masters and Doctorate degrees, but that technically, okay not at all, that's not the category into which I fall. And there is a part of me that that bothers. I originally wanted to get my PhD in nursing, but now, I honestly really don't:) But there is still that part of me that wants the worldly street-cred.

I guess my point is I want to make a case, an air tight case, that it's okay to "just" be at home with your kids. To just spend your days working to help mold and shape their minds. And, of course I have outside hobbies and passions I would love to solely pursue for hours each day. If there were more hours in the day, I would pursue them! But it's okay to put those things aside right now and forget about the "achieve, achieve, achieve" mentality today's society kinda rams down your throat. Luckily I have the belief system that allows me to know I have eternity to work on everything I want to become...whoa, I think I just had a huge aha moment! Maybe that's why we feel such a dichotomy, why we feel so strongly about it on whatever side you stand, because inside of us we have all those things, and eventually we will all have a chance to do it all, it's just a matter of timing. Here's to eternity!

Jillian's swimming times

6/23/12             25FREE                  42.72               -2.06
7/6/12               25FREE                  34.00               -8.72                   Goldstroke!
7/6/12               25BACK                40.12               -11.88                 Goldstroke!

Jillian had an awesome season and improved a lot. By the end of the season, she was swimming backstroke in the meets and learning butterfly. She asked her coach if she could swim butterfly at some of her final meets but unfortunately they had too many swimmers so the races were full. Hopefully next year!

Peter started swimming this year and was just barely four years old when he did! He swam several meets by the end of the season, which I wasn't sure he would be able to do! His first meet something weird happened with the other team where they had the really little kids swim with their instructors in the lane. This threw Peter off of his game, as well as our Baby Coaches who had no idea what was going on, and he wasn't even on the starting block when the gun went off. As a result he didn't start swimming until the other swimmers in his heat had been in the water for about 30 seconds, which makes a big difference when you're swimming the 25 Freestyle race! He did a great job though, got his bearings when they threw him up on the block last minute, and finished the race. Some of the kids his age had to grab onto the lane line because it was too far for them to swim, they are so little!, but he kept at the task and made it across. It is so amazing to watch their first meets of these little kids! They work so hard and, on the sidelines, you're not 100% sure they're going to have the stamina, but then they surprise you and amaze you and KEEP GOING! I cried the first time both Peter and Jillian made it across. Parallels with life, I guess.

I just found some of his rewards and the only thing I have recorded is that he got a Gold Stroke, a personal best!, at Champs. He shaved 27.5 seconds off of his previous time. Way to go, Peter!

Being a mother

I've had so many thoughts about being a mother swirling around in my head since the whole Ann Romney thing where the "working" lady with the impressive job said Ann basically had her head in the sand since she didn't work. I think her point was somewhat misconstrued but I also think what others said in response was valid. I don't think Ann Romney or any person can't relate to someone because they aren't in the exact same circumstances. If that's the case, empathy is not real, and there's not much hope for any of us to truly care for another person.

Anyway, that being written, I've stewed and stewed about why I've stewed and stewed about this. I think it bothers me that I feel like others look down on the choice I've made. Whether they do or not, but sometimes I'm pretty sure they really do. My neighbor was agonizing over whether or not she would go back to work at a job she really loved. Her son was six weeks old, and she'd agreed to come back after that amount of time. But she wanted to be with her sweet baby, and asked her employers at her prestigious, fulfilling job at Duke if she could have a little more time off. They said no, her job would be given to someone else if she didn't return within the week because they really needed someone. I ran into her several times and she just couldn't decide. And I feel like I let her down. She went back to work. I didn't represent "being a mom who stays at home with your children all the time" as worth it enough. (And what's with the phrase "Stay at home Mom?" It's like a crater instead of a mountain. How about "Lead her family Mom" or "Raise her brood Mom" or "Stick to a difficult project for 20 years Mom"?) I told her how I'd have to work full-time, instead of the more desirable part-time, if I wanted to get a good enough job to make it worth it. And basically in the end I feel like I left saying "I can't do anything else well enough so I do this." But I've realized that's just not true. I do this because I think it's THE MOST important thing I can do with my life. I do this because I want to be the one to care for my kids. I want to be the one with the memories of them, not their nanny or babysitter. I don't do this because we're financially secure. Last week I literally told myself I can buy milk this week but nothing else. Milk and gas and a few snacks, and that was all I bought because I literally didn't have the money to buy more, and make a house payment and a loan payment, etc. And in the midst of just feeling exhausted I had this amazing realization. It was like I remembered a specific moment when I was a little girl and I was telling my mom, because she was there, I wanted to be a mom. It was so specific. "A mom and a rock star and an artist." Well, the rock star and the artist didn't work out, so... WAIT! NO! I chose this over rock star and artist, because I love this best. And those sweet babies deserve my best. 

Jillian made a similar statement to me recently. "Mom, I want to be a mommy when I grow up. And an eye doctor." I said "Well, you know, you could do both. Lots of people do both." To which she responded "No, then I would have to leave my baby with a babysitter and they would cry and cry all day for me. I changed my mind. I want to be a mommy." Whoa! It hit me like a ton of bricks. Did she understand the gravity of what she said? Did she know where my thoughts had been those last weeks, even months? Did she really realize that by not leaving her with someone else I'm choosing HER? Probably not, but hopefully a little bit. 

Sometimes this job is SO, SO hard that I think we moms do a terrible job at selling it. Because it breaks your heart when you lose your temper with your child or make mistakes that are so much more lasting than a mistake you might make on another job. I don't get reprimanded by a boss but it weighs so heavily sometimes, it's hard to explain. (Well, I suppose it's a gentle nudge from above telling me I can do better, so I do report to a boss.) In some areas I am the typical first child, never wanting to make a mistake. In other areas, I'm a total procrastinator and could really care less. But in mothering, I have a very difficult time letting go of the mistakes I make daily. And they are many upon many. I don't think I'm even close to getting to a place where I can get over these things quickly or take them with any sort of...salt. 

Anyway, with regards to mothering, I found this on a friend's blog and loved every piece of advice so I've included it below and plan on posting it in my house.

1. In homemaking and mothering, what matters most is that your home is happy. If you have to let everything else go to get this one thing right, you will have traded well.

2. Kids can't hurry. They try, but...they fail. (I usually like to move at Cheetah Speed, in accomplishing household things and running errands. Let's get it done. I wait for no man. But doing things with little kids has turned my cheetah into one who one only has three legs, one of which is broken and one of which is five inches shorter than all the others. And also the cheetah is carsick, and shedding weird patches of hair, and drooling a lot. Whatever. Anyway, it's inefficient and s-l-o-w.) If you can only accomplish something by hurrying, don't. It is not worth the frustration that will ensue. Try again on a different day when you have more time.

3. No phase (or day) lasts forever. To me this is a reminder to breath it in deeply when it's fun and let it go with a sigh, when it's hard. This, too, shall pass.

4. It's easier to preempt a problem than to deal with its aftermath. (Following this advice could mean almost anything...hiding extra diapers in the car, giving D a nap when he has to stay up late for E's baseball game, separating tired children at the dinner table because they WILL start fighting if they're sitting next to each other, packing a snack or some crayons and paper if we're going to be out for a while, etc.) It is worth the time it takes to look at a situation that you know will push your limits and say, "What will make it hard? How can I make the hard stuff easier?"

5. Sometimes (a lot of times) the kid who did the hitting needs to be held even more than the one who got hit.

6. Be consistent. Follow through with consequences. Do something when you're counting and you actually get to "3". No means no. And praise, praise, praise the good stuff!

7. Smile at your husband and children. Just out of the blue, for no reason other than that they exist, they are yours, and that is a blessing. Wink. Mouth a silent, "I love you." Consistent, small displays of affection go a long way.

8. Pray together with your kids. Especially when you are grasping at sanity and self-control. Gather them around you, hold hands, and pray, even if you have to sob your way through it. Tell God that you are having a hard time. That you can't think clearly or don't know what to do. Ask Him--right there, out loud in front of your children--for forgiveness, to give you more love for your family, for help becoming a better mother. I've tried this a number of times. Every time, I have been changed. I finish praying and my instinct is to draw my children to me, hold them, apologize, and express my love to them. We get up and we try again, but it is better. Different. This is a magical piece of advice from a very dear friend. I wish I remembered it more often.

9. Admit when you blew it. Tell your kids you're sorry. My great sister-in-law put herself in time-out once after she lost her temper...chair facing the wall, timer on and all. Kids learn from parental mistakes and how they're handled. They are quick to forgive. Apologizing to them teaches them to apologize, and that everybody makes mistakes.

10. If you need time to yourself to get stuff done, you can usually get it by spending some undistracted time with your kids first. I read once about a mom who swore that if she took 15 minutes helping her kids get started in a play game (building a couch fort, making a Lego creation, helping them put on dress up clothes and makeup, gathering sticks and rocks for a pretend campsight, etc.) they would then play happily with that thing, alone, for at least 45 minutes. Fifteen minutes buys you forty-five. Not bad. I've tried this one a lot--it usually works nicely. Also, turns out it's super fun to forget about the phone and the laundry for a little bit and just play with your kids. Like a kid.

11. You're doing better than you think you are. If your kids know you love them, and if you're just trying to do a good job, that's enough. Forgive yourself for the stuff you aren't getting right quite yet.

CAVEAT, Because I don't want to hurt others feelings who truly can't not work: I do have a faint glimmer of a tiny light at the end of a very distant tunnel and I recognize that. My husband is in the picture and though his pay is meager right now, he is employed and if we are frugal, it allows me to stay at home. He will one day have a job that will allow us to eventually pay off the school debt we have. But I will reference a talk I heard by Elder Rasband about his mother's choice to be at home. His father was a truck driver and their family was very large. His mother had no hope of ever getting ahead financially, and I believe never did, or buying herself nice things, but she choose her family over wealth. I gained a lot of respect for her through that brief story and the life of no fine material things but many of the finer things in life that she chose. I consider her someone of great perspective. I know many choose to work outside the home and be a mother, and I respect that. But this is my WHAT, and HOW and most importantly WHY I'm talking about here. I don't like representing what I do daily as "Because I can't do anything else well enough..." I hope to truly be able to convey to my children when they are older that I love to be their mother. 

Funniest Dinner Ever

The other night Kevin made us a delicious dinner. The conversation to go with it was priceless. Peter didn't like the food and was moaning loudly, to which Jillian said "Peter, I don't like it either, but I'm eating it." To which Kevin said "I'm not sure which is more offensive."

Then to distract Peter from the food, Kevin started asking him about his future. Peter has very definite ideas about what his life has in store for him. His wife will be named Sarah, which he knew without a moment's thought, and he will have six children, five girls and one boy. When we asked him if he wanted more sons he said, "No, five girls and ONE boy."

I think it was this same meal that he asked me very seriously "Mom, if I'm ever on a soccer team, will you cheer VERY, VERY loud for me?" Sometimes I have no idea what thinking is going on in that intelligent brain of his.

A Prayer for Eddie and Mary

We recently found out Kevin's cousin's husband, Mary's husband Eddie, is very ill due to a brain tumor recently discovered. They are some of the best people we know and we are praying for them! We are so touched by their faith. Tomorrow morning we will be fasting with their entire family for Eddie's return to health, and for strength for their whole family! Any added prayers would surely be appreciated. At times like this I am grateful to know that God is aware of us individually, and that He has a plan for each of us.

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Chop!

So I chopped off my hair this morning. Peter had beach day at school, so I had a sitter so that I could join him. I had a few minutes to burn before they wanted us there so I walked down Franklin St. into Moshi Moshi, where I found myself asking about getting a super short cut, and viola! And it's super short! I told the stylist "I'm loving it!" and she responded "Good, 'cause it's different!" I came home and swept ALL the hair off of my bathroom floor, yeah for no more of that!, went running without putting my hair in anything, and then showered, dressed and fixed my hair in literally 8 minutes. Maybe less. It is awesome. I hate to be one of those people cares so little that they spend no time on their appearance, but hey, I don't get much time to myself, and I'm not gonna spend what I do get straightening my hair. It's just hair! And it's driven me crazy for too long! I hate spending time on trying to improve my appearance! Exercising is important to me, so I guess that will count as my "working on my appearance" time, and I get much more out of that than just how I look in the end. Plus, now that I have no hair, I literally don't need to brush it with more than my hands, I can actually put on earrings and mascara (which, let's be honest, I'll need so I don't look too much like Josh, my brother). Look at that. There I go again. Finding another reason this haircut rocks:)

My kids, on the other hand, aren't convinced. I picked up Jillian from school and asked her if she liked it. "Kind of...no, actually. I liked it better long." She was pleased when I pointed out that now she has the longest hair in the family. I overheard Peter say to Kevin "Mom got her hair cut today and now I hate it." "Why do you hate it, Peter? Is it because you liked to run your fingers through it?" Nice try at a save, Honey:) I really was cracking up downstairs though.

And so, definitely enough about my hair.

• After we picked Lucy up from my friend's house, Peter leaned over ever so tenderly and asked her "Do you want me to tell you about my day, Lucy?" 
• Peter about playgroup "Maybe Mason will be there?" "No, Peter, remember Mason moved to Utah?"  "Sometimes he might come still?" 

Duke Gardens

We love going on picnics here.

Dad and Jillian's new trick. I love Lucy being sneaky in the background.

Bike riding

Sunday afternoons are so peaceful

For those who aren't of our faith, we have what I would consider a strong emphasis on keeping the Sabbath Day holy. We don't go out to meals, we don't go shopping, we don't buy gas unless we're on a road trip and it's unavoidable. We don't play in sporting events and we don't go swimming. We also try and avoid working in our profession when possible. We attend church and try and dedicate our day to service and worship. In our family, we try and listen to either classical music or music that's got a religious theme. We visit with friends and family, and we take a break from the everyday. And frankly, it's such a blessing! Our family has to drive by the entrance to the Southpoint shops and mall on our way to and from church. Every time I think "THANK GOODNESS I don't have to go in there today!" It's not that I hate shopping. I actually love it if I get a chance to sneak away and shop for a little bit. But there's just something a little different about Sunday that lets me rest from my activities the remainder of the week. I don't even have to sunscreen my kids up for the pool. Of course there is different work associated with whatever calling we might have at church but it's a different kind of work that feeds your soul and helps you refocus your purpose. I love Sundays!

After Sunday dinner at Grandma's House

Our local merchants

Miss Personality

Often seen at our house, Jill trying to help Lucy and Lucy screaming her head off

Smelling the flower turned into biting the flower

Catching her balance