Odds and Ends

Austin got up this morning at 6:08, and I told him to go find something to do until 7:00 so I could sleep a little longer. So, he decided to make his own lunch. He made peanut butter and honey sandwich, an entire baggie of raisins (I dumped about half of this out while he got dressed so he wouldn't have an indigestion problem in the afternoon), a plum, and some wheat crackers. And he did it all with a huge smile on his face (he was pretty proud of himself). See...he does have amazing qualities.
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Lisa came over this afternoon and Tanner was at our house. Lisa has met Tanner about a hundred times, but Macy decided to introduce him. She said, "This is Tanner. He's my best friend. Isn't he cute?" Lisa agreed that Tanner was adorable, and Macy turned to Tanner and said, "Tanner, you're so cute." Funny...funny girl! I think we should all start introducing each other like this. How great would we all feel about ourselves.
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My friend, Colette, asked for book recommendations on her blog. I gave her an ear full (sorry). I also gave her some of our family favorites. It got me thinking about one that we ran across at the library last week. It is called "The Errant Knight" by Ann Tompert and Doug Keith. At Austin's school, they have a program called "Discovery." Every Tuesday afternoon, for one hour, the kids split into smaller classes to learn about, or "discover," a new topic. They offer several classes (some taught by teachers and other classes taught by parent volunteers), and the kids get to choose. The classes are small (10-12 kids), so they get more attention. Austin chose "Life in a Castle" for his first Discovery class, and he has loved every minute of it. They learn all about Medieval times, including knights.

So, when we were at the library, Austin saw this book and picked it because of his castle class at school. We brought it home, not knowing much about it, and absolutely loved it. This is what it says on the inside flap:

This is the tale of a brave knight who sets out one day to serve his King.

"Will you be slaying fire-breathing dragons and saving beautiful maidens?" asks his squire.

"If the King commands me, " he replies. "I will not be an errant knight, wandering about seeking adventure."

But as he rides toward the castle, frightened travelers seek the knight's aid and protection. Though he resists, something inside will not allow him to refuse. He presses on, but his mission is delayed again and again as the knight stops to help those in need.

Has he been loyal to the King by following his heart, or has he been an errant knight after all?

The author wrote it for her father, "a selfless, hard-working man whose personal dreams were often postponed as he raised his three daughters alone." It was absolutely touching, and the illustrations are beautiful. Sometimes we think we have to change the world through great, magnificent acts of service, when the small, everyday kindnesses have such impact over the course of an entire lifetime. Anyway...I highly recommend this book (although the language is a little difficult, so it may not be for very young children). I love it when we run across a fabulous find at the library.

Some of our other family favorites (I'd love to hear your favorites):

How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague - This was a favorite bedtime book for both Austin and Macy.
Absolutely anything by Audrey WoodWe also love all the Iza Trapani books (they are stories set to popular songs so you sing your way through them) Goodnight Opus by Berkeley Breathed is a funny take on Goodnight Moon - This is one of my favorite to read to my kids :)

Yummy Recipes

I haven't felt like cooking for months - I think it was the hot, hot summer that did me in. We had our staple several times this summer (grilled chicken/salmon with rice and veggies-very exciting!). Now that it is getting cooler, I guess I should get more serious about cooking dinner. Do any of you have any favorite recipes? I like to cook, but I get bored easily. I like to try new things. Thanks!

Thank You

Thank you to all of you for your hopeful words and prayers. I really do appreciate all the wonderful people I know, and I am constantly pondering how Heavenly Father works. We had about a day to make a decision about buying this house, and I think about all the people that Heavenly Father has put in my life to help me. I never would have met all of you (and countless others) if we wouldn't have picked this location. Interesting...isn't it. Anyway - thank you to all of you who know a doctor or someone else that might be able to help. I cannot tell you how much your encouragement means.

I actually didn't know if anyone would read the post about my frustrations with Austin - that certainly wasn't my intent. I just needed to get all these thoughts off my chest and out of my head. Greg is worried about me and thinks I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I've talked to a lot of you about this outside the blog, too. Thanks for being such great friends and listening (constantly).

We went to a doctor in Rexburg yesterday that practices kinesiology. This is very alternative medicine. There's an article on Wikipedia that denounces it as science and calls it "magical thinking." But, we're going to try it, mixed with some behavioral techniques and the use of an Occupational Therapist. We'll see!

After Sunday, when I wrote my exhausting entry on Austin, we were in the car. Austin and Greg were singing "Yankee Doodle." At the end of the song, Greg stopped before singing the last word to see if Macy would join in.
Greg: "...stuck a feather in his hat and called it...(pause)..."
Macy: (at the top of her lungs & remember how she over-emphasizes every syllable) "mac-a-no-ni."
We burst into laughter! Greg said it was nice to see me laugh, and it really felt good to laugh.

My Eternal Quest for Patience & The Boy That Is Determined to Teach It To Me

These past couple of weeks have been so unbelievably difficult. My sweet cousin posted on our family blog about her new baby boy (her first child) who is a couple weeks old. She said that she couldn't believe how much she loved him already. I remember that! I remember holding my brand new baby in my arms and loving him so much I felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest. Then...he grew up. We did pretty good until he was about three. It's been pretty touch and go since then. It's not that I don't love him - I do! I love him so much, but I just can't figure him out!
He has so many amazing qualities. He is happy, and he absolutely loves life. He sucks up any knowledge that he can. It's like a thirst that he can't seem to quench. He is always trying to figure things out and constantly asks question after question going deeper and deeper into the subject. He has an unbelievable memory. I am astonished at the things he remembers. His retention rate is unreal. He has a great capacity to love, and he desperately needs people. He isn't afraid of unusual or different people. We took him to a nursing home a couple Christmas's ago for one of my performances. By the time we left he had half a dozen women in tears because he hugged them and kissed them and "reminded me of my grandson." He is great at helping me around the house, and being polite (most of the time). He seems to have been "born with a testimony" (that's what my mom says). During FHE a couple months ago, I asked him what the Holy Ghost looks like (I was expecting him to say he didn't know because we were learning about the 1st Article of Faith and I wanted to make the distinction between the Holy Ghost and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ). After thinking about my question for just a second, Austin said, "The Holy Ghost looks like the sun." I was confused and said, "What do you mean?" He said, "You know how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were brighter than the sun when they came to Joseph Smith? That must be what the Holy Ghost looks like." At that point, I just turned the lesson over to him to let him teach me whatever was inside that soul of his.
When I have these types of experiences with him, I feel so deeply that his spirit was so much stronger and valiant than mine was. He has the potential to be an incredible force for good to fight whatever battles lie ahead. I don't want to stifle him, but he is so hard sometimes! He is so determined and strong-willed. He absolutely insists on doing things his way. I don't think he's trying to be outwardly defiant; I think he genuinely feels like he knows the better way to do it.
He's really struggling in school. Academically, he is doing fine. His reading level is Q for heaven sakes. If anything, he may be a little bored. His teacher is fabulous, and is really trying to find ways to challenge him. He's started being aggressive with some of his classmates. This is a behavior that does surprise me, because we're not seeing this in the home. Austin is constantly bugging his sisters and other people. He just can't seem to keep his hands to himself. He will walk by Macy and tap her on the head, or wave his hand in front of her face. He walks the line - he doesn't hit, but he does touch to annoy. This has always been a problem, but the aggression is new. After the second call from the school in a week, I went to the school to pick him up and bring him home. I feel like I'm burdening his teacher and classmates by leaving him at school. I walked into the office and absolutely fell apart. I was the crazy lady sobbing (and I mean can't catch your breathe sobbing) in the office. The principal pulled me into his office and tried to talk to me. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong! We try to teach using natural consequences, and we try to show loving affection. I just don't get it!

We have an appointment with his doctor in a couple of weeks for an ADHD consultation, although I have my doubts about whether or not he is suffering with this. Maybe the hyperactivity, but the other criteria doesn't seem to match. I'm trying to find an Occupational Therapist to work with, but it's hard to find someone with his specialty. I have some more leads to follow up on this week. We are driving up to Rexburg tonight to meet with a very alternative doctor. And I also have an appointment with a Nutritionist. But, there are several times a day when I look at him and I am so overwhelmed that I just want to run away. I feel the anxiety inside me, like my chest is caving in. He has the potential to do so much, but it just seems like he's spiraling out of control. His problem seems to be around kids. He just cannot control his body when he is around them. Adults are constantly impressed with him, but he is so loud and cannot stop moving when he is around kids. It's getting to the point where the other kids notice, and he is being labeled as strange or the "bad kid." When I was at his school last week, one of the parents asked me who my child was, and I was embarrassed to tell them. How awful is that! When I do say, "Austin," they all know who I'm talking about. Then I feel terribly guilty that I'm embarrassed of my own son. I'm embarrassed even writing it - what a horrible thing to admit!

I do need to stop crying, though. I was at his school on Friday for a little performance by his class and some of the other classes. They were showcasing what they were learning in art and music classes. He got on stage with the other 1st Grade class (nearly 55 students) to do the sign language to "I Just Called to Say 'I Love You'" by Stevie Wonder. (They were learning about musicians with disabilities). They did the entire song and I was so nervous! An enclosed space with that many children is usually disaster. He did so great! He did wave his hand in the face of the girl in front of him once, but other than that, he did really well. It was quite a long song, and he did the sign language and sang his heart out. I was in the back with tears streaming down my face - so grateful for a successful moment (even though it lasted all of four minutes). Today he gave a talk in Primary. We used a thing we found in The Friend. He got up and did the entire talk all by himself. He showed the pictures and read the information. He even got the inflection correct. Greg looked at me with his jaw dropped open and said, "How can you not be impressed with that!"There are good moments - but they are so few and far between lately. It really concerns me that his behavior is getting worse. I do feel really bad for him if there is something within him that really can't control itself. I feel like too many people use mental issues as a crutch or excuse for behavior. But now, I just don't know. I definitely don't think his behavior is excusable, but what can I do to help him! How can I help him learn. We've been doing our very best for several years, and the behavior is getting worse! I guess I'm just incredibly discouraged right now. It makes me sick to think of what this could turn into in his teenage years or adult years. I'm just so worried about him!

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

This was an amazing book. As soon as I finished it, I felt like I should just start reading it again because it was filled with such faith-promoting, incredible experiences. It is a true story about this woman, Corrie Ten Boom, who lived in Holland during WWII. She was around 50 years old when the war started, and she became one of the central figures in the underground operation to hide and save Jews from the Germans. She and her older sister, Betsie, never married, but lived with their father while they ran this operation. (Her other siblings and their families and children were incredibly involved as well.) I've never encountered such loving people who genuinely see the best in people. By the end, I was just sobbing in amazement. There just didn't seem to be an end to the many lives that she changed; the hundreds (maybe thousands) of lives that she brought to Christ - she helped change hearts. Amazing! When I read books like this, it makes me wonder what more I could do with my life. What does the Lord have in store for me? What can I do to really make a difference in people's lives? I know this isn't the season of my life (I should focus first on raising my family), but what next? It was incredibly inspiring, and really help to put in perspective how Christ can heal us when we have been damaged. Through the help of others, Christ's atonement can work no matter how badly we've been hurt. Highly recommended!

Greg made fun of me because I kept a pen with me while I read this book so I could mark my favorite passages. There were so many! As I went through the book again, reviewing the parts that I had marked, I realized that some of the most profound are much too sacred to write on a blog. Also, if you haven't read the book, I want you be able to discover the beauty in these moments on your own. Here are a few of some other moments in the book:

"Willem (Corrie's brother) didn't try to change people, just to serve them."

"I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do."

When Corrie was a little girl, she went to a wake with her mother and saw, for the first time in her life, a dead person. She was very affected, and was so scared that her parents would die.
Father sat down on the edge of the narrow bed. "Corrie," he began gently, "when you and I go to Amsterdam-when do I give you your ticket?"
I sniffed a few times, considering this.
"Why, just before we get on the train."
"Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need-just in time."

"There are no 'if's' in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety...His timing is perfect, His will is our hiding place. Lord Jesus, keep me in Your will! Don't let me go mad by poking about outside it."

One night when Corrie and her family considered quitting the underground: "That night Father and Betsie and I prayed long after the others had gone to bed. We knew that in spite of daily mounting risks we had no choice but to move forward. This was evil's hour: we could not run away from it. Perhaps only when human effort had done its best and failed, would God's power alone be free to work."

When they were being arrested for hiding Jews:
Suddenly the chief interrogator's eye fell on Father. "That old man!" he cried. "Did he have to be arrested? You, old man!"
Willem led Father up to the desk. The Gestapo chief leaned forward. "I'd like to send you home, old fellow," he said. "I'll take your word that you won't cause any more trouble."
"If I go home today," he said evenly and clearly, "tomorrow I will open my door again to any man in need who knocks."

Corrie questioned Betsie about why they had to suffer in the concentration camp and how long they would be there. This is Betsie's reply:
"Perhaps a long, long time. Perhaps many years. But what better way could there be to spend our lives?"
I turned to stare at her. "Whatever are you talking about?"
"These young women. That girl back at the bunkers. Corrie, if people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love! We must find the way, you and I, no matter how long it takes..."
She went on, almost forgetting in her excitement to keep her voice to a whisper, while I slowly took in the fact that she was talking about our (German) guards. I glanced at the matron seated at the desk ahead of us. I saw a gray uniform and a visored hat; Betsie saw a wounded human being.
And I wondered, not for the first time, what sort of a person she was, this sister of mine...what kind of a road she followed while I trudged beside her on the all-too-solid earth.

Betsie said to Corrie while in the concentration camp: "We must tell people what we have learned here. We must tell them that there is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still. They will listen to us, Corrie, because we have been here."

The Office: Top 10 Jim and Dwight Moments

Greg and I are new "Office" watchers (it took us a few years to catch on). I think these are just hilarious! It's a pretty long video, but so worth it if you have 10 minutes. I think #6 is my very favorite, although #10 made me cry I was laughing so hard. They're all funny!

Paige - 6 Months Old

My poor little Paige, I'm afraid she gets overlooked sometimes, but she really is such a bundle of fun and such a joy to our family. As my mom says - She's just the right size to hold and play with. We went to her 6 month checkup, and she is only 12 pounds 12 ounces (2%). She is my smallest baby so far (about a pound behind Macy at that age, and nearly 2 and a half pounds behind Austin). But, her little body contains so much spirit! I don't know what it is with my kids - they seem to come with a fire inside of them that they just can't seem to contain. She sits up now, and she is already going from sitting to hands and knees, then she starts rocking! I'm not ready for her to crawl; she is supposed to be my little baby! On her stomach, she can get almost anything she wants. She goes around in circles and kicks her feet against the floor to scoot. She is extremely determined (sound familiar?!?). As a parent, I'm always wondering about the debate between nature and nurture. It is obvious to me, watching this vibrant little girl, that she has been given this spirit, determination, and amazing curiosity and love for life. It makes me wonder what Heavenly Father has in store for her! I often think of the scripture in D&C 82:3 when I observe the amazing gifts, talents, and abilities that my children possess. "For of him unto whom much is given much is required."

At any rate, we are grateful to have her bright smile and exuberant squeal in our home. She truly brightens our day as she returns our greetings with enormous smiles, hugs, and "kisses" (she grabs our face and eats it). We love you, little Paige.

Fun and Fabulous Home Teachers

Our Home Teachers came over yesterday - Bryce Taylor and Roger Garcia. They brought a corn snake that Brother Taylor found when they lived in Texas. He said the snake was only about six inches long when he found it. It was a gorgeous, bright orange. The kids loved it! Austin let it wind all over his arms and neck. Then, Macy cautiously held it. She wasn't scared, but we were afraid she would squeeze it. Austin even listened to a story about Helaman's Stripling Warriors and the importance of listening to our mothers (thanks again for that fabulous message, Brother Taylor - check's in the mail).

Brother Taylor also told us a story about a friend of his who lives in Texas still. One day, he found four little snakes. So, he caught them, put them in a container with leaves, and mailed them to Brother Taylor in Utah. He said it was winter, so it was quite cold outside. He opened the package and dumped out three dead Copperhead snakes. He immediately called his friend, thinking it was a funny joke. His friend said that there were actually four snakes. So, he dumped out the container, and the fourth one came out. His friend was shocked when he told him that they were Copperheads - He had no idea. Brother Taylor laid the four snakes out on his desk, positive that they were dead. Then, he saw tongues start to flicker. They were alive! They had just gone dormant in the cold weather. Eventually, he had to kill the baby Copperheads because his friend could be put in jail for terrorist activity (sending live, poisonous snakes in the mail). Isn't that crazy!

Macy-Love

Macy walked into our bedroom yesterday morning. She had just woken up and was carrying her Winnie-the-Pooh blanket. She was given this little receiving blanket as a gift as a baby. It is pink with pink satin along the edges. She goes to sleep by rubbing the satin through her fingers while sucking her thumb. She has it with her before bedtime and after she wakes up. Anyway...she walked in our room and said, "Mommy, my feelings are hurt." I said, "They are?" (After all she had only been awake about 20 seconds, how bad could the day be already?) In her most pathetic sounding voice, she said, "Yes...My feelings are broken." I think she even sighed as she climbed into our bed right in between us. I said, "That is so sad." Still quite pathetic, she responded, "Yes...I guess I can't laugh ever again." Drama Queen!

Here are some pictures of the new Barbie nightgown (it took me about 4 days to convince her that this was a nightgown and NOT a dress). There are also some pictures of her first dance class. She was the only one there. Miss Cindy was so adorable with her. They did a dance with a tiara, another dance with a magic wand, and she read her a story about a little girl who loved to dance. Macy was in heaven!

Wasatch Reptile Expo

Attention: To All Those With Little Boys (or Brave Little Girls)

I got some information about the Wasatch Reptile Expo (I've never been, so I don't know what it will be like.) The flyer says, "Thousands of reptiles and amphibians, cages, aquariums, books, arachnids, insects and everything you need for your animal of choice!"

Dates: Sat & Sun September 22nd and 23rd
Times: 10 am-6 pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday
Location: Utah State Fairpark (1000 West North Temple)
Prices: Admission is $5, kids 4 and under are free (parking is free)

http://www.wasatchreptileexpo.com/

I Didn't Know Life Was Going To Be This Hard

I didn't know life was going to be this hard. I remember, very distinctly, my first few years of college, becoming aware of all the things that I was blind to as a child. I learned about things that had been there for years, but I didn't realize it. For one, I remember shopping for shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. for the first time and being shocked at how much it cost for life's basics! I also remember noticing things like my Grandmother's failing health. In may ways, I'm still growing up. I wonder...At what age do you feel "all grown up"?

Every once in a while, I look at my life and think, "I'm the mom! When did that happen?!?" When we are on vacation, and I'm the one making a picnic lunch or ensuring everyone has sunscreen on. In more serious moments, I realize that my kids are looking to me to fix the problems. Some are easy fixes, like kissing scuffed elbows or hurt feelings (apparently all of Macy's feelings are in her tummy because that is what I have to kiss when her feelings get hurt). Some problems are bigger, like does my son have ADHD? How can I help him?

I remember walking in the room and seeing my mom sitting at the table with her head in her hands sobbing. That was the day that Emily Whitwer died. She was the second young mother in our ward to die of breast cancer. Both women left families with five young children. My mom served with both of these amazing women in Young Women's. I remember in eighth grade, a friend of mine came to school and told us her parents were getting a divorce. I remember a good friend of mine in Jr. High and High School whose dad couldn't hold down a job because he suffered from depression. When I was in High School, my friend's mom gave birth to a full-term still birth baby. I didn't fully understand the impact of these (and other) events when I was young. But, as I watch those that I love so dearly struggle through these trials, it rips my heart out. I'm the mom now...I'm involved...I'm no longer sitting on the sidelines watching my parents. Over the past few years, my prayers have become much more meaningful in pleading with the Lord on behalf of friends and family. I was talking with my mom a couple of months ago, and I said, "I'm 30 years old, and I feel like I'm starting to learn how to pray." I think I could add to that list. I'm 30 years old, and I feel like I'm finally learning how to exercise faith, love unconditionally, forgive, find happiness amid pain, turn it all over to Christ.

My good friend, Jen, put a post on her blog that centered around the hymn, "Each Life that Touches Ours for Good." I loved it! I have definitely been blessed to know so many amazing people. Thousands of people have touched my life in profound ways just by their friendship and example. Some people have touched my life who I don't even know. We were up in Bear Lake over Labor Day, and we attended a Fast and Testimony Meeting of 1600 people. I was in the Mother's Lounge feeding Paige, so I couldn't see the speakers, I could just hear them. The second testimony was a young and very bubbly woman. She said she couldn't wait to go home and tell people that she bore her testimony in front of 1600 people. She kept using the word "awesome" to describe the gospel, her husband, and her little baby. Cynically, I thought to myself, "What does she know? She's probably never had anything go wrong for her in her entire life. It's easy to think things are awesome if you've always had it so easy." She went on to describe how they lost their first baby shortly after he was born, and how she had overcome her loss. I immediately repented for my sheer snottiness and for being so judgemental. Then, I opened my heart and let her teach me something. She taught me that regardless of the trial, we can find joy in our lives. No matter what, we choose our attitude. She also talked about the countless blessings that she does have. I have no doubt that this woman is overcome with grief some days, but she has chosen to live the majority of her life positively.

I've been reading "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom. It's about two Christian sisters (in their 50's) who are put in a concentration camp during WWII for harboring Jews. She describes a hell so awful that I can't even imagine surviving that situation. However, her sister tells her, "We must go everywhere. We must tell people that no pit is so deep that He (Christ) is not deeper still. They will believe us, because we were here." We can't expect the Celestial Kingdom to be handed to us on a silver platter. (My good friend Jen taught me that one, too. What would I do without her!) If this is the time to learn Christ-like attributes, we have to suffer. Humility, compassion, love - it all comes from suffering. My mom said that she no longer looks at very loving, righteous people and thinks, "Why can't I be like that!" Now, she thinks, "Wow! I wonder what they've been through in their life to be so compassionate!" My mom just shared with me an amazing experience she had involving the following scripture: Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord. - D&C 98:1-3

"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less

difficult for each other?" - George Eliot

I was sobbing on the phone to Greg today (it's been a rough one), when Macy saw me. One of the joys of my life is discovering the amazing abilities that my children have been born with. One of Macy's is her sensitive and sympathetic heart. Even as a baby, she would be fussy in her car seat in the store when she would hear the cry of another baby and immediately stop and look around with big, concerned eyes. As a young toddler, we would be in Sacrament Meeting, and she would be in mid-sentence when someone would start crying from the pulpit. She would stop, look up, and say, "She is sad. I will give her a hug." Today, she climbed on the chair with me and asked me why I was sad. She suddenly looked surprised and said, "Do you want some waffles? You go to bed, and I will bring you some waffles to eat in your bed. That will make you happy." Wouldn't it be great if her little three-year-old solution worked?!?

I hope you don't think that I've been lecturing...just pondering. I know that so many of you are suffering, so please let me help. It is not only by going through trials that we learn Christlike attributes, it is helping to lighten the burden of others as well. I am so indebted to all of you that have touched my life and taught me so much! Each of you truly has touched my life for good. Thank you! Plus, if you call, I just might show up with waffles!

Whew...That was a long one!

"Sisters...Sisters...There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters"

My sister, Madeline, came home from college today for the first time (she's an Aggie). I forgot how much fun she is! We got the low-down on all the hot guys at Utah State. And her breakfast diet that consists of frozen cookies. Ahhh...To be "18" again. I remember when my dad told us that my mom was going to have another baby. We laughed at him and said my mom was too old (she was 33 - let's just say that I have refined my definition of "old" since then). When Maddie was born, she was so much fun! It was like having a real, live doll. We've just been having fun with her ever since. I can't imagine our family without her. How adorable is she:

I LOVE having sisters. When Paige was born, I was so happy for Macy because she would have a life-long, best friend (I hope). I love my sisters because we can play silly, goofy games (we like to play the "Would You Like Me If" game, where we do stupid things, act silly, or look ridiculous and see if we would still like each other). I love my sisters because we can spend hours talking and it seems like minutes. I love my sisters because they will honestly tell me when I look awful in an outfit (and I don't get offended). I love my sisters because I know I could call any one of them in the middle of the night and they would drop anything to help me if I needed it. I love my sisters because they have seen me at my worst and they love me anyway. I love my sisters because they inspire me to be a better person.

The first picture showcases one of my better moments. Notice the older sister with all the candy, and sweet little Lisa doesn't have any! The rest of the pictures are of us over the years. Lisa, Alexie, and Maddie

Some Good Moments

When it comes to parenting, Brother Eyre said, "Live from good moment to good moment and forget the stuff in between." Here are some good moments:

I had a momentary lapse of insanity the other day at Target. Macy fell in love with this Sleeping Beauty umbrella (her favorite Disney Princess). She asked if she could have it, and I said okay!?! Then, we were walking thought the clothes section when she stopped in her tracks, dropped the umbrella, and ran to a Barbie nightgown. She said, "Oh mom, I want to wear this dress!" I tried to explain that it was a nightgown and not a dress, but she said, "Oh no. This is a beautibul dress." (That is how she says "beautiful".) It was so dramatic that another customer at the store audibly laughed at her. So, I said she could have that as well. I don't know what came over me. I generally have the hardest time spending money, and Macy walked out of the store with a new nightgown and umbrella. I felt so guilty that I had to buy Austin some new Superhero winter pajamas.

Macy takes this umbrella with her everywhere. She asks me if it's raining about 20 times a day. She had it with her yesterday at best-friend Tanner's house. They insisted on walking to our house (Tanner's mom drove right next to them in the car). Tanner had his horse blanket (he's crazy about horses), and Macy had her umbrella. They played together for about six hours yesterday. Macy is very much into pretend play - so they played "family" all day long. They called each other "honey" and packed their backpacks full of treasures. They are hilarious together!

Today was Macy's first day of preschool and dance lessons. I've never seen anybody so excited for school. It nearly broke her heart that Austin started 2 weeks ago and she has had to wait until today. She ripped a hole in her backpack already because she puts so much stuff in it.


We went up to Bear Lake with Greg's family for Labor Day. When it was time to leave the beach, Greg and I started cleaning up the sand toys, and Macy found a little, toy watering can. The entire time we cleaned up the beach (tables, chairs, boats, etc.), Macy pretended like she was planting and watering her flowers. She was so carefree and sweet - talking to herself about her flower garden. During the week, she snuggled up to people on the couch, including Sharon - Greg's handicap sister. Sharon loved it, and followed Macy around the rest of the weekend saying, "Macy...Macy...Macy" and clicking her tongue for Macy like you would call a dog. Macy didn't think twice about it - she just loves and accepts Sharon for who she is. As I watched her on the beach, I thought to myself, "I hope she never loses these wonderful qualities." She is so carefree, happy, accepting, and shows unconditional love to everyone she meets. What an amazing little girl!

I love this picture of Austin - mostly because beneath the helmet - he is actually smiling! It is so hard to capture his true smile on camera. I had a great moment with Austin this past week. On Monday, when we were getting ready to leave Bear Lake, we went back to the cabin while Greg stayed to help clean up the boats, wave runners, etc. All the other families had left. After we got packed, I went up to the play room to see if it had been cleaned up - it hadn't. It was an absolute disaster. Austin was playing Nintendo with his cousin, Wyatt. I asked Austin if he would please help me clean up the playroom. Without hesitating, he and Wyatt stopped their game and both helped me clean up. He didn't complain, and I didn't have to keep reminding him. He very easily could have said, "But I didn't make this mess." Although he contributed, he would have been right - there was no way he made that entire mess. I was so proud of him for helping. It's moments like this that I think "Whatever we are trying to teach him - some of it really is sinking in!" At first, I was quite irritated that everybody had left without helping. But, afterward, I was so grateful (that sounds strange, doesn't it). I was grateful because I was able to have this wonderful moment with Austin. So...I am going to savor this good moment and try to dwell on it until the next one comes along. He's such a great kid!

Temple Trip in Nigeria

A good friend of mine sent me this link via email, and I thought it was very moving. This web page tells the story of a small branch from Africa and their trip to the temple in Nigeria. It is very humbling to look at these pictures and read about their experiences when two more temples are being built within miles of our home. I should make more of an effort to visit the temple more often and feel it a pleasure to do the work.

Make sure you read all the way to the bottom to view all of the pictures.

http:www.bsmarkham.com/mission/Africa/Aug%2005/aba.html

Loathing & Princess Training

I took Macy to meet her preschool teacher the other day, and we ran into Miss Deena, Austin's old preschool teacher. She remembered him (of course) and asked how he was doing. She mentioned that she still tells stories about Austin. She shared with me one of her favorites (which I had forgotten about and now remember how much I love).

I guess they were having something for snack time one day that Austin didn't like. He looked at it and said, "I hate that!" Miss Deena very sweetly explained that we shouldn't say "hate." So, Austin said, "Then, I loathe that." Normally, four-year-olds don't use that word, but I have introduced my children to "Wicked."

We went up to Bear Lake this weekend, and we couldn't find Macy on Sunday afternoon. We found her in one of the bedrooms watching one of the bazillion Disney Princess movies. She said, "Look Dad...I'm learning how to be a princess."

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

I don't know if I would "highly recommend" this novel, but it was very interesting and I can't get some of the themes out of my mind. It wasn't terribly uplifting, but a very honest look at people's lives. I do love the way that it was written; it wasn't written in first person, but it was written from the point of view of four different people. Each chapter is written from a different viewpoint. So, Edwards lets you see how the same event can be interpreted so vastly different depending on the person. It made it very interesting, and it also made the characters very complicated (and probably more realistic). These characters did truly horrible things if you were just to hear their actions, but when you get to see into their hearts and minds, you realize that their intentions were not "evil," and that they actually thought that they were doing the right thing. It makes me think about a book I read by Virginia Pearce (President Hinckley's daughter) called "A Heart Like His" (which I would recommend). Sister Pearce talks about a concept that she calls the "nobility of intent." When practicing this concept, Sister Pearce assumes that other people's intentions are always pure and "noble" even when their actions may seem otherwise.


Another point that really stood out to me in "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" was the importance of complete honesty. The entire book is centered around a lie that a young husband told to his wife. The length of the book spanned about 25 years, and it showed how this dishonesty (however well intended) destroyed these lives. It was actually very sad to see all the pain that was caused by this one act. And, of course, one lie led to several others. It did end with redemption and forgiveness, but those 25 years could have been so different if they just would have been honest with one another in the first place, no matter how difficult the truth may have seemed at the time.

Anyway...it was definitely interesting and had some very important themes.