simple inspiration

garden part 1

For a couple of months this spring my closet window became a greenhouse. 

Darling Gus is our gardener, she has been planning all winter.  There are charts with planting times and locations on the computer and above the window.  She takes great care and is very thorough.

I would like to say that this sign was written for her brothers, most of whom can not read, but I'm pretty sure it was meant for me.  She didn't like my help (aka nettling) with the watering.

This last photo says it all... I adore that she was concerned that the little seedlings needed some extra support so she lovingly used a toothpick and string.  Makes me smile every time I see this photo.  She is a one of a kind little girl (not so little anymore, but I'm going to pretend for as long as I can).

imperfection

“We must have the courage to be imperfect while striving for perfection.”  (Patricia T. Holland, “One Thing Needful: Becoming Women of Greater Faith in Christ, Ensign, Oct 1987)

Loaf and a cone

Two things she loves, the cone and her Dora pajamas, which are clearly too small but she adores them.  She was quite put out by the camera this day. 

She likes to be in the thick of things when her brothers are outside playing.  She tries to wear the cones and gets frustrated when they don't stay on her head.  Until one day her sisters came to the resuce, or perhaps they were just tired of hearing her whine.

Either way she was quite pleased, of course the burrito she got from next door added to the joy of the moment as well.

Loafie's week (and missing Munch)

I have a back log of Loafie photos, such that it might have to be her week to catch up or at least make a dent.  She loves to be with her sisters and to be like them.  Of course they adore her as well.

She's been asking for Munch.  At first it was soft and gentle, now she is mad!  She wants to know where her sister is and why she has to keep talking into the phone.

Rock even made the request before he left for school today, "Mom, do you think we can take Munch's recording, turn it up really loud in the piano room, shut the door and pretend she is here."

It made me cry. 

The babies (Brick and Dash) will quite often sleep in her bed, I think Arnold likes the extra company as well.  Things have been a little too quiet around here.

con guelita

Showing off the new dress that just came from Mexico.  Love LOVED the how far it would twirl, a key in a dress.

Women of God

 

"The adversary is delighted when we act like sightseers, meaning those who are hearers rather than doers of the word (see James 1:22), or shoppers, meaning those preoccupied with the vain things of this world that suffocate our spirits. Satan baits us with perishable pleasures and preoccupations—our bank accounts, our wardrobes, even our waistlines—for he knows that where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also (see Matt. 6:21). Unfortunately, it is easy to let the blinding glare of the adversary’s enticements distract us from the light of Christ. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matt. 16:26).

Prophets have admonished us to forsake the world and turn our hearts to Jesus Christ, who promised us, “In this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full” (D&C 101:36; emphasis added). Said President Spencer W. Kimball, “If we insist on spending all our time and resources building up … a worldly kingdom, that is exactly what we will inherit” (“The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, June 1976, 6). How often are we so focused on pursuing the so-called good life that we lose sight of eternal life? It is the fatal spiritual equivalent of selling our birthright for a mess of pottage.

The Lord revealed the remedy for such spiritual disaster when He counseled Emma Smith to “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (D&C 25:10). And Christ provided the pattern, declaring prior to Gethsemane, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33; emphasis added). The only way that we may overcome the world is by coming unto Christ. And coming unto Christ means walking away from the world. It means placing Christ and Christ only at the center of our lives so that the vanities and philosophies of men lose their addictive appeal. Satan is the god of Babylon, or this world. Christ is the God of Israel, and His Atonement gives us power to overcome the world. “If you expect glory, intelligence and endless lives,” said President Joseph F. Smith, “let the world go” (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 243; emphasis added).

(Sheri L. Dew, We are women of God, Ensign, November 1999)

#2 persuasive letter

Having two boys in the same grade has advantages and disadvantages.  One being they are closely compared, however the reality is they are completely different boys with different interests and strengths.  They are in separate classes for this reason and because they are fiercely competitive. 

So when I found Tank's persuasive letter in his backpack I had to giggle at the difference.  Tank does the minimum required when it comes to school.  He's brilliant, but most days can't be bothered with the busy work he feels he is asked to do.   However there are a few things about his letter that make my heart melt.

1. His handwriting.  He is always in such a hurry to just be done with things that it's often difficult to decipher what he has said. However, in his letter he used his absolute best handwriting.

2.  He is my artist.  He loves to add color.  I'm almost positive that he spent more time in the color than he did in the actual writing. 

3. His qualities.  I love that he included those, we have been struggling with self-esteem and fitting in.  I am so thankful that he is able to see some positive in the difficult.

I love this little boy! 

persuasive argument

This is my favorite kind of homework!  He ran out of room on the good paper and had to finish the rest of the letter at school, but I scanned his rough draft of the final page.  My treasure!

I loved that he knows me so well that he has played to some of my weaknesses: art, so he created little doodles.  Man this child knows how to work the system.

Cinderella

Once upon a time, in a castle far away lived a younger sister who was mischievous and beautiful. This playful little girl learned very quickly to use her quick wit to charm not only the king and queen, but her older sister as well.  One day the queen walked into their bedroom to find princess Munch busily cleaning and singing as she went about her chores.  "I'm Cinderella!" she exclaimed.  Out of the corner of her eye, the queen noticed a smile slowly spread across Arnold's face as the queen asked why the younger princess was not helping clean their bedroom.  With a twinkle and nod she simply replied, "I'm the wicked step mother."

The queen could hardly contain her laughter and with great composure insisted that the wicked step mother quickly extract herself from the throne in which she was ruling and help with her jobs much to the displeasure of Arnold.  Another perfect plan foiled.

I thought about this time as I watched Arnold wash the dishes tonight. Gone are the days of princesses and dress-ups, they have been replaced with homework, tennis, design, and country music.  I watched and marveled at the young woman she has become intelligent, strong, full of purpose and faith.  She is still mischievous, but always in ways that bring laughter and hope into peoples' lives.

I have grown to admire the woman she is becoming and the maturity and wisdom of her life views. She no longer dreams of a palace and life of luxury, but of a small cottage filled with happiness and joy.  I think she might still want the gowns of silk and brocade, but that is for another post.

Gone are the desires for power and wealth, replaced with compassion and charity for those in distress. Even the girlhood flirtations have changed.  She is not interested in the games and the glamor, she sees quickly and deeply into a young man's character and the intentions of his heart.  Her prince charming will be noble, kind, and will love and protect her in ways even she doesn't understand.

So my darling daughter, as I look into your eyes as you tell me about your day I continue to pray that you will heed the Spirit and follow the path the Lord has for you no matter where it takes you.  I pray that you will continue to find goodness in people, that you will bring happiness to others through your sense of humor and love.  I look into your eyes and still see a princess, a daughter of God who's worth is divine.  I am humbled to be your mother and friend, because the the joy you bring my life is immeasurable.

sharing

The best thing about life is sharing the small moments with those we love.

1. Sharing lunch with Arnold and her dear friend (who has been an answer to prayers).  Added bonus is meeting "S's" mom and enjoying a lovely few moments getting to know her despite the babies running all over.  They were both very sweet to all of us.  Thank you for letting us drop by!

2. Sharing a breakfast of eggs, even though Brick claims to not like them.  Not sure what the deal is with the 3-D glasses, they must make you look cool.

3. Sharing a mickey mouse waffle.  Our favorite waffle iron, we've replaced it once and added another one to accommodate our family size.  It's makes for a happy breakfast, especially when one of the girls makes them especially for the boys.

4. Sharing a quiet moment reading a newsletter.  These two have had a tenuous relationship in the past. It's so wonderful to see them growing up, learning to appreciate one another and truly become friends.

5. Sharing my favorite book.  This has become such a special blessing in my life.  It was fun to leaf through The Book of Mormon in French.  It brought back so many memories of when I studied French and I was even able to remember a few things from all those years ago.  I might need to try again, it's a beautiful language.

If you would like your own copy of The Book of Mormon go here and I will send you one.

6. Sharing a few moments with Grandpa.  He is the pied piper for my children, they want to be with him and are eager to hang out.  The sitting quietly watching was short lived, but I was thrilled to catch a quick picture.  The next few minutes involved me trying to get them all back inside without much success.  I need a few more arms, of course I would look silly with extra arms so I will have to settle with idle threats.

7. Sharing the morning light streaming in as I contemplate my morning schedule.  Thankfully cleaning this room will be easy today.  It makes me smile to always find a little boy sleeping on the couch.  I don't know why it happens, but every night someone ends up sleeping on the couch. 

8. Sharing laughter.  The boys were hiding under the covers when Arnold came home.  It's a favorite game, because the girls make a big deal about the comfy pillows on the bed and exaggerate lying across the boys.  The babies in turn giggle and squeal and delight in the tickling.  The game happens over and over again, nearly every day and it is as wonderful as if it was the first time.

The welcome home sign hung for a couple of months after John came home from a trip.  He commented one day that it was still fun to see it and made him feel happy after a long day at work.  We love it when he is home.  (Loaf rearranged a few letters.)

9. Sharing in Munch's adventure. She is having a wonderful time!

She was worried that Loaf would forget about her, but the last few days she has been insistent that she wants to see Munch.  Brick has said very sweet prayers asking God to protect his sister while she is gone and Dash just wanted Him to tell her how much he loves her.