Weekly Update Nov. 2nd-16th 2014

When I say "weekly" update, I hope you know that's just a rough estimate. This one covers the past 2 weeks. Sometimes you have a bad week and nobody wants to hear about it. Just give it time and there will be something to write about. Life is all about ups and downs.

Starting with Monday morning, November 3rd, Evan was playing "Elf on the Shelf" where he was the Elf. Sophie just cried because she "just wants to be Sophie!" That was the sign that the Christmas decorating needed to happen! When I told the kids we were going to be putting up the tree, and maybe we could surprise Daddy when he got home, Evan got upset and said, "But families work together!!!" So we decided to wait for Dad, and ended up putting if off a few days. But this past Friday (the 14th) we finally got our tree decorated! It had been up for about a week with just the lights (and it's pre-lit. haha!) I realize the rest of the world is saying "what do you mean finally?" Well, my goal is always the day after Halloween, but something ALWAYS comes up and it ends up being about the week or two before Thanskgiving. So if my goal was the day after Thanksgiving like most peoples, it might not be done by Christmas. Having the tree up (trees actually, but the one in the front room isn't decorated yet!) brings a sort of magical excitement. I LOVE watching the kids enjoy all the Christmas magic. Putting up the tree is just the start.  When the tree goes up, Elf shows up. Yes, our elves name is Elf. I love having someone around that helps the kids remember to be nice and obey! (Another great reason for decorating early!!!)

Other than decorating for Christmas I've been doing a lot of stamping and of course piano teaching! I had a couple parties and met some really nice people! I love having the added benefit of meeting new friends! I'm looking forward to having a fun Bingo night next month and hope that several friends can make it even though December is always a busy month! I've also started guest blogging on the Stampers Xpress blog. (It's a private blog for my up & downline.) Again, I absolutely LOVE the friendships made through Stampin' Up! They have truly blessed my life.

I've also been busy around the house. I finished re-finishing 6 dining chairs (paint and fabric) plus 2 counter stools/chairs (paint & new cushions). They look AMAZINGLY better! Little updates can make a HUGE difference!

The rest of the family has been busy as well. Evan had his initial evaluation at the school district for speech therapy. He was so excited to "go to school". I hope when he does finally start school he isn't disappointed! He'll have another full evaluation sometime soon, probably after Thanksgiving and we'll go from there. We're also hoping this will open up a possibility for preschool for the rest of the school year. I know it's not a whole lot of time, but I think it will definitely be beneficial.

He is definitely growing up. He went for another haircut on Saturday. He still wanted to sit on Mom's lap, but didn't wiggle at all! He also wasn't afraid of the clippers - or the "tickle machine" as the lady called it. He did a GREAT job. The stylist not so much. Dylan keeps saying he looks like Lloyd from Dumb & Dumber. We might have to take him back to get it fixed.

Yesterday at church was the annual Primary Program, and it happened to be the first for Evan! He didn't want to sit by his class at the front, but did want to sit by Mom who was sitting in the back by the class she helps teach. After every song (which he didn't sing!) he would bounce up and ask if it was his turn yet. Finally, it was, but he didn't want to go without Mom! He did a GREAT job at the microphone though. His part was "I am happy with my family because they are my best friends!" (He wrote the ending himself!) I guess it was too short for him because he stood there bravely waiting for me to tell him what to say next. He ended with "The End". haha!

Sophie continues to grow no matter how hard I try to stop it. She LOVES to dance and sing and is so happy! She also LOVES to talk. She uses the biggest words possible and describes everything! "This is a HUMONGOUS pear!" She is such a blessing to our family! She adores her big brother and copies everything he does. (good AND bad) I love watching and listening to them play together. They have their moments like all siblings do, but they love each other and take care of each other. Evan is always concerned for Sophie and watching out for her, and Sophie takes care of "bruboo" (or "picklebug"). They always get an extra treat for the other, which probably allows them to have more treats... how can I say no to service? This morning she got fruit snacks for everyone out of the pantry and after Evan ate his he told her to go get him some more fruit snacks to which she replied, "ok!" with a happy smile.

Well that's about it this time. Grandma & Grandpa R. come this week for Thanksgiving and will be staying through the beginning of December while Dylan gets to go to Germany for work! Evan is gladly giving up his room so he can sleep in Mom & Dad's room. haha. I guess it's my own fault for getting rid of the guest room and turning it completely into my "office". I guess it's a fair trade. :)

Weekly Update Oct. 26-Nov. 1

Our Families Weekly Summary Oct. 26-Nov 1, 2014

I've just started getting a weekly update from my sister-in-law about her little family, and I thought it was a great idea! So I've decided to write down our life, one week at a time. I take a TON of pictures, but don't always remember some of the small details. I do try to write down the cute/funny things the kids say and do, but some of the seemingly insignificant details get lost, and those are the things that I'm sure we'll all like to remember in 20 years. So here goes my first weekly summary.

October 26 – November 1, 2014

The week started off with a pretty good day at church. The kids behaved themselves in Sacrament Meeting (although Sophie always announces she needs to go poop during one of the speakers… ) It’s a little difficult on her having me go up to play the organ, especially at the end. They are both getting better with it though. Evan likes to go to his Sunbeams class (as long as he can sit by JJ!) and I get to watch him from the back of the Primary room where I sit with my large class of 7 year olds. (I’m a team-teacher but don’t ever teach the lesson, I’m just there because there are ten 7 year olds. TEN.) Anyway, he raises his hand to answer the questions, and he loves singing time. He doesn’t sing much, but he dances in his chair. Loves it. Sophie only cried for a couple minutes when Dylan dropped her off at nursery. (Huge improvement. The ward changes made it pretty difficult on her, especially because Dylan had been her nursery leader the entire time she’s been in there!)

We came home and had a “HULK SMASH” Family Home Evening lesson. We talked about how feeling angry is ok, it’s how we handle the anger that matters. We had a list of ways to respond to anger and the kids gave a thumbs up or thumbs down. Evan gave some great suggestions on what to do when you’re angry. My favorite was “just laugh!” He has been reminding Sophie all week when she screams “that’s a thumbs down for you!” I keep the Hulk picture up on the pantry door to remind them during the week what we talked about. I’m thinking of making a FHE board with a bulletin board for the weekly reminder. I’ll have to go sketch that project out.

Pumpkin art by Evan

Speaking of projects, I painted that $15 Craigslist nightstand silver. I’m very pleasantly surprised with it! Spray painting hasn’t worked so well for me in the past. It was a win this time. I’ll share a picture when the new handle I ordered arrives. I also spray painted and recovered one of our dining chairs. I LOVE how it turned out! I’m hoping to finish the other 5 next week. I used the Rustoleum Metallic Spray Paint. It worked great for me!

I’ve also been keeping busy teaching piano lessons, and we had our Halloween piano recital this Saturday night! It went really well! I’m proud of all my students for all their practice and their efforts in learning their pieces!

Let me back up a little to actual Halloween though. The kids requested donuts for breakfast. Why not? It’s a holiday, and they’re going to be overloaded on sugar for the next few days anyway! Evan loves the chocolate covered kind with sprinkles. He chose a lemon filled one today… although it really doesn’t matter what’s inside since he just eats the top off of it. Sophie does the same thing. She always chooses the chocolate covered star shaped kind with sprinkles. I prefer the chocolate covered cream filled kind myself. (I believe they are called Bismarcks.) J While they bounced off the walls, I designed our annual Christmas card. I’ll have to do the annual letter next week.

Anyway, I had taught our weekly music class on Wednesday (a group of us get together and take turns teaching a little class at the church. We sing a few songs and make a little craft, and once a month take a fun fieldtrip.) I had some foam pumpkin stickers and spider rings left over from that so the kids had fun with those. We had pizza and “frog eye salad” for dinner (thanks to my friend Nikki who I ran into at the grocery store who was planning the same thing). Evan was a little fascinated by the frog eyes, but kept saying “they’re not real Daddy.” Haha. After dinner Evan put on his Spiderman hoody and was ready to go! Sophie had been wearing her witch t-shirt and purple spiderweb tutu all day anyway, so we added her cute little fascinator. Easiest (laziest?) costumes ever. My same friend Nikki knocked on our door and so we all went trick-or-treating together! Evan had a blast getting candy, but he was even more excited to play with all the other kids who were out. Sophie got scared by a lady who opened the door and was dressed like a witch or the grim reaper or something. She’s not as big of a fan of Halloween as her brother is. She did enjoy all the candy though!

The next day we spent most of the morning waiting at Walgreens to do these biometric screenings to get a discount on insurance. It took kind-of a ridiculously long time, but it will save us $50 a month, so whatever. Finally, we were on our way to Dylan’s company picnic. We had lunch, cotton candy, and snow cones. There were funnel cakes, but the lines were always long. Evan loved the inflatable obstacle courses and slides, and Sophie LOVED the pony rides! There was also a camel, but again, the line was always long so we didn’t try it. (Same with the paddle boats, trampoline bungee jumping thing, and rock climbing wall.) Evan did get to see a “magic” show. The guy was honestly a little weird, and there wasn’t much magic, just some bad jokes, but Evan the entertainer enjoyed it. That’s all that matters.

We came home and I had my recital (and of course forgot to take pictures!!!) while Evan took a bath…the entire time! (He was COVERED in sand from the picnic.) The kids did come out for rootbeer floats at the end though, and to play with all the other kids. I think it went pretty well!

Now on to the next week, I’m preparing for several card and Project Life classes and I do believe it’s time to decorate for Christmas! (If I don’t get started now, it will never happen!)

Don't forget to have fun!

We went on vacation for a few days to New Orleans for my birthday. For some reason, people are shocked when I tell them we brought the kids. I guess New Orleans has that kind of reputation, but honestly, we ALL had a BLAST. Swimming, shopping, sight-seeing (and none of that kind of sight-seeing if you know what I mean!) It was a much needed trip. I don't remember the last "vacation" we took where there was no work involved, and we were ALL there. It was really nice. The best part was that the hotel was free thanks to all the points racked up by all the traveling that the Mr. does. It was a very cute hotel right in the French Quarter. Yep, I was pretty much in heaven.

Of course, we come home and I have a very busy week recovering from vacation. Did you miss me? Well, I'm back, and I'm exhausted but exhilarated at the same time! I had an amazing evening last night with a good friend at a very fun "special event". I even won a prize! That's always exciting! Unless you're an avid paper crafter like me, you probably wouldn't get it, but then again I was once anti-scrapbooking as well. So, if you don't know anything about Stampin' Up!, well, they are a fantastic paper crafting/memory keeping company that has lots of coordinating paper products (and stamps, imagine that!) as well as digital designing, home decor, oh so many things! Anyway, I'm addicted, as most people that know anything about them are. Every year they come out with a new catalog of all their products. Last night was a red carpet new catalog release. Sounds fun right? So I attended with my friend Julie at a movie theater here in Houston. It was fun to see new products, and receive a new catalog early, PLUS I won 3 ink pads of their new "in-colors" which are seasonal colors they keep around for only 2 years. Not to mention, I also got a fun new stamp set!

Anyway, the point of all this is that for me, making cards, digital designing, and just being creative is a great stress reliever for me, and it's even BETTER that I get to do it with friends! Every mom needs a hobby for "herself" to balance things out. I love that my hobby also records the memories we make as a family, and documents these years that will be over before I know it!

Under $30 Thursday - For REALS. Kindof.

Yes it's finally an under 30 Thursday ON A THURSDAY! I'm actually writing this on a Wednesday because we're going on vacation for my birthday (which is NOT under 30)! Woohoo!!!

1. So remember that Old Navy wrap dress from the first ever under 30 thursday? It's seriously FABULOUS. And I noticed today that there's a striped one ON SALE! So I bought it. Happy Birthday to me! Right now there's a 15% off everything code so I got it for 14 something (total steal!) but you might get lucky and score even more! Go check it out. Oh and I'm thinking of altering the sleeves. 3/4 or short? What do you think? (About the dress... ignore the hideous booties.) I also noticed there are a bunch of short sleeve versions. Lots of thick stripe ones. Just type "wrap" in the search bar.



2. I love this color! Also from Old Navy. $15 (PLUS your 15% discount. I wish I would have seen it to add to my previous order. I hate paying for shipping.)



3. Ok, so if you haven't noticed by now, I love me some maxi. Dresses, skirts and burgers. (Anyone know what tv show that one's from? You get a special prize if you do! If you sing the song you get bonus points.) Anyway, so I received some gift cards for Christmas and bought my FAVORITE skirt from Kohl's. I don't see it now, but there are lots of fabulous options! Just search "maxi" once you're on the Kohl's website. Here are a couple options. All under $30 of course. ;) Can you tell how much I love b+w???

4. If you aren't vertically challenged like I am, these sandals would be fabulous with any/all of the above! They come in a fun turquoise/silver color too.


5. I need a little extra height so the dress/skirt doesn't drag. These ones are calling my name. Literally. Also come in black/silver.



So that's it for this week! See you when I'm back from our trip!

Travel Checklist

We're heading out on a little roadtrip for my birthday! Woohoo! A real vacation! This is just a rough draft of my packing list. I used it last time we went to San Antonio, and it saved my sanity. The trick is to use it to pack and then bring it with you to repack in the hotel. I've wasted too much time today and haven't even started packing, not to mention laundry, cleaning and last minute errands, so I'm posting it here in rough draft form. If you notice anything or would like to add something let me know. Otherwise, I'll make it a little more aesthetically pleasing when I return. :) Enjoy!

Catch up for the week, including an under $30 Thursday on a weekend.

I know I've been MIA this week, and I just want to say my motto this week is:

We had a last minute park adventure where Evan decided playing with the girls was way better than playing with the boys, a trip to the ice-cream factory with our adopted family (neither family has family nearby, and Evan prefers being with them to us, so why not?), a visit to Dad at work (on our way home from Ikea), a messy house to prove it all, and NO GUILT whatsoever! It felt REALLY good to just leave the mess and go enjoy life! I love love LOVE hearing my kids laugh, and they do it a whole lot more at the playground than they do in front of the tv. (Although, they do find humor on tv and Evan has the cutest belly laugh while Sophie does the sarcastic Simpson's "ha-ha.") Anyway, it was a FABULOUS week, and the house managed to get cleaned up pretty quick, which was all kinds of amazing. So now it's time to shop!

1. Here's the dress I was talking about last time on my first under $30 Thursday, which was on a Tuesday, and now it's on a Saturday. I seriously need to reconsider the Thursday part of that weekly feature. Anyway, when I first saw it, it was on sale for $20. I didn't get it but couldn't stop thinking about it, and the Mr. even said "Wow! That's a nice dress!" So I decided to buy it while he was gone and wore it to the airport to pick him up. I got it in black and white (of course I did) but I'm really liking the blue and green one too. Maybe if it drops down to $20 again. Oh wait there's a sale on. Buy one get one 50% off. I should have waited! ANYWAY. Now you can get the black and white AND the green and blue.


2. Or you could get this fun striped one.

3. I just discovered the J.Crew Outlet site (thanks to thebigmamablog.com) and think it may have rekindled my love for J.Crew. I'm always on the lookout for cardis in every color. Well, look no further. 20 bucks. I know you're surprised that it's in hot pink, but no, I'm not buying a hot pink one that would clash with my red hair, but you know ever since Sophie was born I've been becoming soft. I'm not buying it. Just not hating the color anymore. Ok, kinda liking it. Still not buying it.


4. I've decided it's time to wear capris. Not shorts yet, I'm contemplating a spray tan before the shorts, but it's Houston, and it's gorgeous weather, and my jeans are just not going to cut it for this weather. I've always thought Loft pants fit kinda funny, but then Quinette (my gorgeous sister) bought a couple pairs in fun colors and they were so flattering! So I'm contemplating getting them in this color, but I'm also liking the Amore Red. Lots of colors to choose from and 40% off with code TREAT


5. I was SO CLOSE to buying these and still SUPER TEMPTED because they're 40% off of $12.88 but I have NO IDEA what size I am!? If you can figure it out, please let me know. I want these. Shoot. For that price I might just buy some and if they're the wrong size, I'll give them away. I'm so torn right now.

Need inspiration this weekend?

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My 2014 Theme

Every year I decide on a "motivation" for improving my life. Last year was "Enjoy the Journey" this year is "Small & Simple" (hence the name of the blog). Here is some artwork I created to remind me. Feel free to print it out and get inspired yourself.

Backgrounds are copyright by Stampin' Up!

Sibling Rivalry

What do these 6 ladies have in common? Well, parents for one thing, 4 brothers for another. Yep, we're sisters (with 1 missing from the photo). Crazy huh? Sometimes we wonder how in the world such different people came to one family. We are each so different, but we're bound by that funny thing called family. Yes, we are all smiling in this picture, but don't think it's always that way. We ARE very different, and have our share of "disagreements", and we all have our battle wounds from the growing up years, some physical, some (probably more) emotional. But man oh man do we have some fun stories and memories!

I was pondering on the subject of sibling rivalry the other day. I was teaching siblings, and one started criticizing the other, mostly joking, but still... so I told him it was my rule that for every mean thing you say about someone you have to say 3 nice things about them. You know what? He did it and I saw an immediate change in BOTH siblings. After thinking about it for a bit, I added the rule that you have to start with one nice thing about yourself. I think a lot of teenagers (or kids in general, but especially that awkward pre-teen/teen stage) criticize others because they aren't feeling good about themselves. Maybe they feel that if they put someone else down they'll feel like they themselves aren't so bad? Problem is, putting someone down NEVER makes you feel better about yourself. If we can replace the negative with positive (and then some) I wonder if we can prevent broken relationships? And not just prevent broken relationships, but build positive ones?

I'm definitely going to apply my 3 compliment rule to my own kids, but even more than that, I'm going to make an effort to compliment them all the time. I don't want the compliments to come only after something negative, and there's no better way of teaching than by example. So let's all start sincerely complimenting every one we come into contact with! Remember what our mothers said, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

What else do you do to "fix" sibling rivalry?

Under $30 Thursday on a Tuesday, because when there's a sale, there's a sale.

There was a point after child #1 where I had the worst self-image I've ever had. Nothing fit, and we didn't have money to buy anything new. I avoided going out with friends or even with my husband just because I had NOTHING that I felt good in. When we got our tax return that year, my long-suffering husband suggested I take $100 and spend it on clothes. Jumping on the suggestion, before he changed his mind, I blew it all on cotton clearance bargains that after a wash or two ended up in the category of "old and frumpy". I was back to where I started but felt even WORSE for having blown a hundred bucks.

Isn't it always the case that when you have money to spend, there's nothing to buy, but when you don't have a penny to your name, everything fabulous is on sale? Here is my solution to avoiding this problem. (Just a sidenote here, don't ever use a credit card unless you pay it off immediately (there are some good deals to be had by using a card). Debt is never pretty or happy.) When you have $30 or less to spare, from birthday money, Christmas money, selling that old whatever on Craigslist, buy something new. That way, you won't ever feel the need to blow the bank on a brand new wardrobe that will turn into your old frumpy wardrobe when it all shrinks in the first wash. I RARELY if EVER spend more than $30 on one article of clothing including shoes. Remember that EVERYTHING goes on sale. There is an exception to my $30 rule; everyone has their exception, mine is bras. (Oh and swimsuits! So I have two exceptions.) Let's just say that I make a double D look like a training bra. I need support people, and that support comes at a cost. I had a roommate in college who was over 6 foot and her exception was jeans. She didn't want to be advertising a flood if you know what I mean, so she had to spend more to get the length. You know what your exception is, and if you don't have one, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!!!

Now, I know what you're saying, nothing cute or in-style is under $30. Well, it CAN be if you shop the sales! I'm not saying your entire outfit has to be under $30, just each individual piece. In my younger years (which was 4 years ago when I was able to actually set foot in a store and have time to shop for myself) I would head straight back to the clearance racks. And that beautiful skirt I HAD to have that I saw on my way back? I'd stalk it to see when it went on sale, and it inevitably would. This has the added benefit of determining whether or not I would really get any use out of it or if it would just hang beautifully in my closet gathering dust.

Anyway, so if you still don't believe you can find a quality wardrobe on the cheap, don't fret. I'm here to help. Here are a few pieces I have found in the wee hours of the night, when I should be sleeping.

****UPDATE****

See, good things come to those who wait! All those Loft tops are 50% off today with the code NEWME which makes them even cheaper! They're all under $30 now, and those cute striped tops rang up in store as $12 for me! I also got a plain black one for $10. Ok, NOW my budget is officially spent. 

1. A girl can never have too many three-quarter sleeve navy striped shirts! or seafoam or coral. I'll take one of each thank you very much! Using the Loft friends and family code of friends2, these babies are $17.70 a piece.


2. This style of shirt is very flattering when, let's be honest, your jiggly belly is not. It comes in navy, black, seafoam and if you don't have the redhead curse like I do, that lemon-lime color looks fun! This one is from the Loft again, but you can find this style everywhere. I found a great navy one with white design (possibly my favorite shirt) at the Gap outlet for about 20 bucks. I really want this seafoam one.$29.70 with friends and family code.


3. Ok, here's one that might be worth a rule-breaking. With the f&f code it's $35.70. I might have a slight heart attack paying the 5.70 over my rule, BUT if I don't love it as much in person as I do online, I can always return it. I seriously love it.


4. However, I can't buy it this time, because I just bought 3 FABULOUS dresses, and have therefore depleted my wardrobe budget. Here's the first, in a lovely CORAL shade, even though online it says red and looks pink. (And I bought it anyway! Thinking it was pink! I confessed already to 2 of my sisters. They were speechless.)  I do also love the navy. And the black... Anyway, I KNOW it says it's $46.94, but I got it during a 30%  (or was it 40%) off all dresses sale. Wait for it.

5. I'm always nervous of a wrap-around, but this one fits GREAT. I'll wear it for a full day and let you know how it holds up. Again, bought on the % off dresses sale, but it might be worth the extra 5 bucks. I have to run and pick up my husband from the airport now, so I'll show you the other dress next week. I know, you're dying. Sorry. Try to survive with one of these amazing choices for now. Happy bargain shopping!

You can accomplish a great deal in 15 minutes!

Has anyone else ever felt like you'll never get on top of the clutter and mess in your house? It's not like I'm a slob or my house is bad enough to be condemned or anything, I just don't know if it's possible to have the entire house clean at the same time. I think I might have finally found the trick!

I've ALWAYS been a planner, and recently, I've been obsessed with organizing books and websites.  I've been working on a "plan" lately. A planning binder actually. I'll share it with you soon, but I want to get it perfected. (One thing I've learned from all those books is that being a perfectionist is actually keeping me from cleaning and organizing -- it's hard to start a job if I know I won't be able to finish it. Either that or I work really hard and get a job done but then I'm exhausted and have no motivation to start something else.) 

Anyway, so from the mélange of organizing methods, I've created one that works for me. Again, I'll share more in the next few days/weeks, but I wanted to share one of the most helpful tips I've found. Set a timer for 15 minutes and start cleaning in the main area of your house.  Where do you spend the most time, and therefore have the most clutter? For me, it's our family room, and unfortunately, it can be seen from the front door. I tested it out this morning, and it was AMAZING the progress that was made!!!  So set your timer and do whatever needs to be done: throw away trash, clear out the dishes, pick up the toys, dust, vacuum, whatever it is that needs to be done, BUT you only have 15 minutes to do this! Don't overwhelm yourself with everything that needs to be done, just start small! Little by little you WILL get on top of all the clutter and housework! Small & simple leads to GREAT things!

backgrounds copyright stampin' up!

Small & Simple Accomplishments

Some people can't get enough of the baby stage, but for me, I love watching them learn and grow and become independent! (Which means less work for me!) Both kids love doing things on their own. Even my 20 month old daughter pushes me away and says "self!" They must feel pride at accomplishing new tasks, and I feel it FOR them.

Today, my son (turning 4 in a month and a half) was carrying some dishes into the kitchen and dropped one, spilling his snack on the carpet. Instead of crying (which is what usually happens) we decided he wanted to throw that away and get some new. So HE went and got the vacuum and cleaned it up. I know it's just something small, but I was so proud of him for handling a situation that could have easily led to a meltdown, resulting in everyone being angry. Instead, we handled it quickly and calmly, which actually INCREASED our happiness.

Day 7 of Going Crazy (Only 6 More to Go...)

It's never a good thing to hear "Mom I need you!" after a toilet has been flushed.

My reply: "How much toilet paper did you use?"

His grinning reply with sparkling eyes and all 10 fingers splayed, "A LOT!"

Oh how we miss your Daddy. I think we'll have cookies for dinner and call it a night.

Inspiring & Encouraging Words

I have a wonderful husband. He is not perfect, but he is perfect for me. He is currently 9900 miles away from me for work, and has said many times that he feels terrible and wonders about this career path that takes him away from his wife and children. I say to him, I am grateful for his sacrifice, and for the hard work that he does to provide for us. Thank you for being there for me even when you're on the other side of the world, and for making me feel special. He emailed me a link to a very inspiring talk by Jeffrey R. Holland about the demands of motherhood. Following is a large part of it, and here is where you can find the entire text.

There are some lines attributed to Victor Hugo which read: "She broke the bread into two fragments and gave them to her children, who ate with eagerness. 'She hath kept none for herself,' grumbled the sergeant. '"Because she is not hungry,' said a soldier. "'No,' said the sergeant, 'because she is a mother.' "

...In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work...with night feedings and night teethings, often the greatest challenge of all for a young mother is simply fatigue. Through these years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other time in life. It is not surprising when the shadows under their eyes sometimes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island.

...One young mother wrote to me recently...one thing, she said, that keeps her going: "through the thick and the thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God's work.I know that in my motherhood I am in an eternal partnership with Him. I am deeply moved that God finds His ultimate purpose and meaning in being a parent, even if some of His children make Him weep.

"It is this realization," she says, "that I try to recall on those inevitably difficult days when all of this can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe it is precisely our inability and anxiousness that urge us to reach out to Him and enhance His ability to reach back to us. Maybe He secretly hopes we will be anxious," she said, "and will plead for His help. Then, I believe, He can teach these children directly, through us, but with no resistance offered. I like that idea," she concludes. "It gives me hope. If I can be right before my Father in Heaven, perhaps His guidance to our children can be unimpeded. Maybe then it can be His work and His glory in a very literal sense."

In light of that kind of expression, it is clear that some of those Rhode Island–sized shadows come not just from diapers and carpooling but from at least a few sleepless nights spent searching the soul, seeking earnestly for the capacity to raise these children to be what God wants them to be. Moved by that kind of devotion and determination, may I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you. He knows that your giving birth to a child does not immediately propel you into the circle of the omniscient. If you and your husband will strive to love God and live the gospel yourselves; if you will plead for that guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit promised to the faithful; if you will go to the temple to both make and claim the promises of the most sacred covenants a woman or man can make in this world; if you will show others, including your children, the same caring, compassionate, forgiving heart you want heaven to show you; if you try your best to be the best parent you can be, you will have done all that a human being can do and all that God expects you to do...

When you have come to the Lord in meekness and lowliness of heart and, as one mother said, “pounded on the doors of heaven to ask for, to plead for, to demand guidance and wisdom and help for this wondrous task,” that door is thrown open to provide you the influence and the help of all eternity. Claim the promises of the Savior of the world. Ask for the healing balm of the Atonement for whatever may be troubling you or your children. Know that in faith things will be made right in spite of you, or more correctly, because of you.

You can’t possibly do this alone, but you do have help. The Master of Heaven and Earth is there to bless you—He who resolutely goes after the lost sheep, sweeps thoroughly to find the lost coin, waits everlastingly for the return of the prodigal son. Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are and better than you have ever been as you try to make honest effort, however feeble you may sometimes feel that to be.

Remember, remember all the days of your motherhood: “Ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.”

Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.” You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging. Like the woman who anonymously, meekly, perhaps even with hesitation and some embarrassment, fought her way through the crowd just to touch the hem of the Master’s garment, so Christ will say to the women who worry and wonder and sometimes weep over their responsibility as mothers, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” And it will make your children whole as well.

Mothers, you have a hard task, but you are not alone.

Press forward!

It IS worth it!!!

You are not alone!

Sacrifice, or not...

I met my third child today. She was beautiful. Born in 1894, a beautiful voice... wait, yes. I did say 1894. Ok, so she wasn't a child, but oh how I wish she was mine! It was the most beautiful piano I have ever seen. I honestly didn't know such a gorgeous instrument existed and I've now added owning one to my bucket list. Maybe not that exact piano, since it cost $60,000. I nearly cried when I played it, it was that beautiful. But $60,000 is a lot of money. *sigh* She was gorgeous and my heart ached to own her. I paused in silence to just take in the beauty and imagine this beautiful grand in my home. And then, the silence was broken with the sound of footsteps and bursts of laughter that filled my heart with beauty and love, and I walked away from that beautiful Steinway with nothing but pure joy in my heart for the blessings I have.

Sometimes you may feel like you are sacrificing a lot for your choice to be a mother. Well, you are. BUT, those little smiles, those tiny arms around your neck, those tender moments, make it well worth it don't they? Sure, I might be sacrificing my time and money that I would love to spend practicing on a beautiful grand piano. The thing is, although I would always appreciate it, the instrument would lose it's novelty, and the priority I put into practicing it would most likely lose it's place to some other activity. My children however, will never cease to amaze me, and my family will always be my top priority, so it doesn't feel like a sacrifice. I know that in time, I will have time to practice more, and although I might not have that Victorian Steinway Grand, I will have a beautiful instrument to play on. My children have increased my capacity to love and made my life richer and fuller in a way that couldn't come from any other source. Sure, being a mother is a demanding life. Yes, it wears me out. There are even times that I feel like I'm trapped inside a prison of dirty dishes and laundry and crying toddlers, but even the worst days are filled with moments of incredible joy and love, and awe and amazement that I have been chosen to be a mother, which is truly the greatest title one could ever hope to have.

Another Non-Crazy, Crazy Outing

I think our church outing on Sunday gave me some sort of crazy confidence, because today I decided to take them out to a movie! What?! Yep. The Lego Movie in 3D. Luckily, we had the entire theater to ourselves. Awesome. (That was my son's favorite word even before the movie. And now my daughter sings it "awesome! awwwwwesome!" It's adorable.) The lady at the ticket counter gave us 3 pairs of 3D glasses and said "I don't know if she'll keep them on or not, but here ya go." Oh yes, she'll keep them on. The girl LOVES accessories! And she did! They stayed on until maybe the last 30 minutes when both kids were getting restless (even though they were very intrigued with the movie, they just couldn't sit still any longer). They started exploring the theater. Starting small, just walking back and forth on the row we were on, until eventually my son decided he wanted to sit closer to watch the movie ALL BY HIMSELF. Then, during the end credits there was a full on dance party as well as a marathon. I was laughing so hard and wishing it wasn't so dark so I could get it all on video! The boy would run at TOP SPEED (which is surprisingly fast and serious), then climb the steps to the top, run across the back row, down the steps, and repeat. And repeat. And repeat...you get the idea. I'm glad I decided to ignore the housework today and just do something fun. It was a total risk taking them on my own, but in motherhood, as in life, sometimes you just have to jump in feet first! And more importantly, sometimes you have to leave the mess behind and just do something FUN with your kids. Those are the childhood memories they will cherish forever.

Tender Mercies and the Marriage Triangle

My husband travels quite a bit for work, which isn't ALL bad. Sometimes, when he goes somewhere within driving distance (a few hours), the kids and I get to tag along. He's told me before that he doesn't think it would really be vacation for me, and I always respond with, "I don't have to cook or clean, it's a vacation!" True, hotel rooms aren't always the most ideal space to spend a week with kids, but like I said, no cooking, no cleaning. You get me.

The downside of him traveling so much is that I'm on my own with the kids. (Just a side-note: I know that there are many of you out there who are single moms, and have to do it all yourself ALL the time, and there are also those of you whose husbands are gone for much much longer, like my sister, whose husband is deployed for 9 months I think it is? Yes, that is much harder. These few weeks at a time help me see a little of what you go through all the time.) The hardest part for me is bedtime and getting to church. Let's just say, we can barely handle them when he IS in town. Anyway, so he's out of town, and I honestly wasn't planning to bring the kids to church by myself. I haven't done it yet and felt like they were still so young and rowdy they would just be really disruptive. Maybe we could have a little lesson at home or something. That was the plan until I woke up at 12:41 and could not get back to sleep. Silence is a rare thing around here, so I took the opportunity to pray a little. I was able to focus my thoughts and think clearly, and decided that I really SHOULD bring the kids to church, or at least try my best to get there. Even if we were late, or didn't stay the whole time, it would be worth going.

Long story short, we made it (only 5 minutes late!) and the kids have never behaved so WELL! There were no tears while getting dressed and out the door, and at church, they were quiet and never once tried to get away from me! It was nothing short of a miracle! SERIOUSLY. Someone was watching out for us today, and making my life a LOT easier. I'm so glad I went, because as an added bonus, it turned out that one of my favorite couples were speaking today. They both spoke of when they were dating, and the husband spoke so highly of his wife and how she has always been the one to lift him spiritually. He also reminded us of the marriage triangle, which was a concept I had learned before, but needed to be reminded of again.

The idea is that marriage is a partnership between husband and wife AND God. If any of the three are lacking, it will be out of balance. Also, the closer the husband and wife draw to God, the closer they are to each other. It was a good reminder that every couple goes through hard times, but if we take that opportunity to seek help from God, we can strengthen our relationships rather than let them fall apart. Great relationships don't happen without effort on our part, and of course, is well worth it.

Even great relationships need attention.What are some things that you do to strengthen your relationship with your spouse?

Priorities