It's late, and I'm trying to go to bed, but I've had some thoughts running through my head today, and I want to get them written down.
I've had a couple of quotes running through my head today, and while I can't remember them exactly, to paraphrase they go something like this...
Love me when I'm the least lovable, because that is when I need it the most.
and
If you can't handle me at my worst, you don't deserve me at my best.
Several years ago I was called to work in Young Women. I was asked to just be an additional leader - there was a rather large group of Beehives (around 13), and they needed an extra leader just to be with them. I didn't teach, I just got to hang out with them. They were, for the most part, rather loud girls.
How loud, you ask?
Well, to give you an idea, when we would have a combined activity with the Young Men, the Priests wouldn't come because they were very annoyed by these girls.
They weren't bad girls. They just liked to talk, and giggle. And they were rather loud in their talking and giggling.
When these girls moved up into Mia Maids, I moved with them, and became the 2nd Counselor in YW. About this time, they started to get noticed, in a bad way, by stake leaders. They were labeled as "bad girls" and even told they were bad. If something went wrong, they were blamed for it, even if it wasn't their fault. It really hurt to see them judged so unfairly. I loved these girls, and even though they were not perfect, they were "my girls". I was blessed to be their teacher when they were Laurels, and then I was called to serve somewhere else.
I will say that these girls were not perfect... they did screw up a time or two. But overall, they were great girls, and should never have been told or made to feel that they were "bad".
Thankfully, they all survived their teenage years. They all graduated high school and have gone on to live their lives. Most of them are married, and some even are now expecting babies of their own. Several are still in college, one is serving in the Marines. I am so proud of each and every one of them. One of these girls is preparing to serve a mission. She leaves in a couple of months, and today I had the privilege of hearing her bear her sweet testimony. She came home this weekend from college so she could go through the temple for her own endowments. This will be her last trip home before she leaves on her mission. Another one of these girls was home this weekend as well for her baby shower, and my heart was touched to see them both. Still another one of these girls is now in our ward as a newlywed, and I have been asked to be her visiting teacher. It will be fun to get to know her now as an adult.
I am blessed to be the mom of one of these young women - and I am so proud of her and the choices she is making in her life!
All of these girls are such wonderful women, and I couldn't be more proud of "my girls" and how they are living their lives now.
Their story reminds me that we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. We shouldn't write anyone off because we get annoyed by how they act. When we are called to serve others, no matter how difficult we think it may be, we should pray for understanding and to have the kind of love for them that our Heavenly Father has for all of us. Finding fault with them will never bring about the Lord's purposes, and will never help anyone return to our Heavenly Father.
I'm excited to continue to watch "my girls" grow in the gospel, and know that they are not only my girls, but my sisters as well.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Missed ya!
I've been horrible about blogging this past year. I've wanted to... I have several posts that are saved in my drafts folder, but they just never got around to getting posted. And now they are out of date.
I thought I would post something that makes me happy on this gloomy, rainy day.
I thought I would post something that makes me happy on this gloomy, rainy day.
Just looking at the bright blooms cheers me up. I love flowers, and if I had the time, money and space, I would have a huge flower garden. These remind me that Spring is not too far away. Does anyone else find January dull, boring and too dang LONG?
They also remind me of Valentine's Day, which is just around the corner. I've started decorating, and come up with a couple of ideas to show my family how much I love them. I hope to post those soon!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
For the past few years I have used my blog to post our family's Christmas newsletter. December has just flown by, and I'm a little late getting this posted. But oh well, better late than never!
2012 has been a mixed bag for our family, but overall we have had more ups than downs.
Kayti graduated from Calhoun Community College in May with her Associates Degree. After a lot of fasting and prayer, she decided to go to BYU-Idaho to finish her Bachelor's Degree. She travelled by herself (on an airplane for the first time!!) to Idaho in September. She has loved being out there! She did well in her classes, and has many situations come up that have reaffirmed to her that she is where she is supposed to be. Her plan was to stay out there during the Christmas break, but the closer she got to the break, the more she wanted to come home - and the more I wanted her here!! We are both thankful that she was able to come home and spend 3 weeks with us! We are so proud of her and the decisions she is making.
Josh has had a big year! He was able to go to Chattanooga in March with his drama class and compete in SETC, which is the Southeast Theater Conference, or the equivalent of competing in a national drama competition. They had a great time, and came in second place. They actually were the best dramatic performance (the play that beat them was a musical). In May he graduated from Bob Jones High School! He got his first job in June and has been saving his money for his mission. In December he got his mission call - he is going to Boise, Idaho!! So crazy for me to think about - for those that do not know, I grew up in the Boise area from the time I was 4 until 12, and still have family and good friends in the area. It really was a relief to know that is where he is going. I know he will love it there, and he will be in good hands! We have him home with us until March, and are making the most of the time.
Kyle has enjoyed the world of driving and dating this year! He is now a Junior at James Clemens High School (the new high school that was opened this year). He is also involved in the drama program, and is enjoying it. He is now the tallest member of the family - he loves to rest his chin on the top of my head... I don't like it so much! He is doing well in school, but is now having second thoughts about what he wants to do in the future. He has wanted to be a doctor for years, and has been involved in the biomedical program at school. He will continue to take the classes next year, but now he's wondering exactly what he wants to do. He still has time to figure it out, and he is enjoying being a teenager! He just got his first job at Zaxby's... and we are anxious to go visit him at work!
Meg continues to keep us on our toes! She turned 15 this year and is a Sophomore at JCHS. She loves art, photography, music, drama and being with her friends. She and Kyle are in the same drama class and they are great friends. She is also enjoying having a big brother who drives - they have been able to go to more parties, or just run into town together. She has her permit and is looking forward to taking driver's ed and getting her license next year. She wants to get a job and start saving for the future. She has so many big plans for her future - she wants to buy herself a motorcycle; she wants to travel Europe; she wants to go to art school in Savannah, Ga; she wants an incredible wardrobe and make-up collection! While she has enjoyed having her own room, she has missed her sister!!
We've stayed put this year - no big trips to report on. We did enjoy visits from my family and spent a weekend with the Mayfield clan for our reunion. One of the big lessons that I have learned this year and wanted to pass on to the kids this Christmas is that life is not about things - it's about being together and making memories together. Those memories will sustain and comfort you through hard times. They will bring joy to your heart when you need it. And it doesn't take a lot of money to make memories - just being together and enjoying the time together is what is important.
We are looking forward to 2013. As hard as it has been to see my children start to leave home, it has been rewarding to see the adventures they are headed out on. I'm looking forward to hearing from Josh as he is on his mission, and the new people he will meet and experiences he will have. I'm looking forward to hearing about Kayti's classes and her adventures with roommates. I'm looking forward to Kyle and Megan's experience of being the only kids at home, and their struggles/triumphs with school and life in general. I'm looking forward to spending time with Barry.
We wish all our friends and family a happy new year. We wish you joy, peace, and the good things life brings.
2012 has been a mixed bag for our family, but overall we have had more ups than downs.
Kayti graduated from Calhoun Community College in May with her Associates Degree. After a lot of fasting and prayer, she decided to go to BYU-Idaho to finish her Bachelor's Degree. She travelled by herself (on an airplane for the first time!!) to Idaho in September. She has loved being out there! She did well in her classes, and has many situations come up that have reaffirmed to her that she is where she is supposed to be. Her plan was to stay out there during the Christmas break, but the closer she got to the break, the more she wanted to come home - and the more I wanted her here!! We are both thankful that she was able to come home and spend 3 weeks with us! We are so proud of her and the decisions she is making.
Josh has had a big year! He was able to go to Chattanooga in March with his drama class and compete in SETC, which is the Southeast Theater Conference, or the equivalent of competing in a national drama competition. They had a great time, and came in second place. They actually were the best dramatic performance (the play that beat them was a musical). In May he graduated from Bob Jones High School! He got his first job in June and has been saving his money for his mission. In December he got his mission call - he is going to Boise, Idaho!! So crazy for me to think about - for those that do not know, I grew up in the Boise area from the time I was 4 until 12, and still have family and good friends in the area. It really was a relief to know that is where he is going. I know he will love it there, and he will be in good hands! We have him home with us until March, and are making the most of the time.
Kyle has enjoyed the world of driving and dating this year! He is now a Junior at James Clemens High School (the new high school that was opened this year). He is also involved in the drama program, and is enjoying it. He is now the tallest member of the family - he loves to rest his chin on the top of my head... I don't like it so much! He is doing well in school, but is now having second thoughts about what he wants to do in the future. He has wanted to be a doctor for years, and has been involved in the biomedical program at school. He will continue to take the classes next year, but now he's wondering exactly what he wants to do. He still has time to figure it out, and he is enjoying being a teenager! He just got his first job at Zaxby's... and we are anxious to go visit him at work!
Meg continues to keep us on our toes! She turned 15 this year and is a Sophomore at JCHS. She loves art, photography, music, drama and being with her friends. She and Kyle are in the same drama class and they are great friends. She is also enjoying having a big brother who drives - they have been able to go to more parties, or just run into town together. She has her permit and is looking forward to taking driver's ed and getting her license next year. She wants to get a job and start saving for the future. She has so many big plans for her future - she wants to buy herself a motorcycle; she wants to travel Europe; she wants to go to art school in Savannah, Ga; she wants an incredible wardrobe and make-up collection! While she has enjoyed having her own room, she has missed her sister!!
We've stayed put this year - no big trips to report on. We did enjoy visits from my family and spent a weekend with the Mayfield clan for our reunion. One of the big lessons that I have learned this year and wanted to pass on to the kids this Christmas is that life is not about things - it's about being together and making memories together. Those memories will sustain and comfort you through hard times. They will bring joy to your heart when you need it. And it doesn't take a lot of money to make memories - just being together and enjoying the time together is what is important.
We are looking forward to 2013. As hard as it has been to see my children start to leave home, it has been rewarding to see the adventures they are headed out on. I'm looking forward to hearing from Josh as he is on his mission, and the new people he will meet and experiences he will have. I'm looking forward to hearing about Kayti's classes and her adventures with roommates. I'm looking forward to Kyle and Megan's experience of being the only kids at home, and their struggles/triumphs with school and life in general. I'm looking forward to spending time with Barry.
We wish all our friends and family a happy new year. We wish you joy, peace, and the good things life brings.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Mixed Emotions
I watched two wonderful sessions of General Conference today. I was uplifted, inspired, touched and taught by the Spirit. I appreciate the ability to watch our Church leaders speak to us, right from the comfort of my own home.
As the last session ended, and the choir sang, "God Be With You til We Meet Again", I just lost it. I was reminded of the last General Conference, 6 months ago. I watched all 4 sessions at my sister's house, with my mom. The hymn hit home to me, and I felt a longing for my mom. None of us realized at the time that she would be taken from us before the end of the month. We knew she was declining, but we didn't think it would happen so quickly.
I am grateful for the gospel in my life. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I have that one day I will be reunited with my mom and all my family members who have passed on. I'm grateful for the blessings of temple ordinances that bind our family together. I am thankful for the healing power of the Spirit that brought our family together again before my mom's passing.
While I am grateful for this knowledge, I have a bit of a heavy heart... just because I miss her so much. I wish she was here to talk to, and give me advice. Or go shopping with. Or just here to appreciate the turning leaves with me.
Someone close to me once said that with the gospel in our lives, they didn't understand grief, and how we could be so sad when someone passes. Especially knowing what we know about our Heavenly Father's plan, and where we go when we die. While I can agree with part of that, I understand the sadness more now, too. It's not a sadness that I will never see her again... it's just missing her so much and feeling so sorry for myself for the "now" of my life without her. It's also weird going through a lot of firsts without her... my first child leaving home; my first son preparing to go on a mission. There are also other firsts - the first Mother's Day without here; the first summer without her; the first conference without her; the first holiday season without her. Those are hard to take, too.
I know that grieving is a natural process. I know it takes time. But I am thankful for the gospel. I can't imagine going through this without it.
As the last session ended, and the choir sang, "God Be With You til We Meet Again", I just lost it. I was reminded of the last General Conference, 6 months ago. I watched all 4 sessions at my sister's house, with my mom. The hymn hit home to me, and I felt a longing for my mom. None of us realized at the time that she would be taken from us before the end of the month. We knew she was declining, but we didn't think it would happen so quickly.
I am grateful for the gospel in my life. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I have that one day I will be reunited with my mom and all my family members who have passed on. I'm grateful for the blessings of temple ordinances that bind our family together. I am thankful for the healing power of the Spirit that brought our family together again before my mom's passing.
While I am grateful for this knowledge, I have a bit of a heavy heart... just because I miss her so much. I wish she was here to talk to, and give me advice. Or go shopping with. Or just here to appreciate the turning leaves with me.
Someone close to me once said that with the gospel in our lives, they didn't understand grief, and how we could be so sad when someone passes. Especially knowing what we know about our Heavenly Father's plan, and where we go when we die. While I can agree with part of that, I understand the sadness more now, too. It's not a sadness that I will never see her again... it's just missing her so much and feeling so sorry for myself for the "now" of my life without her. It's also weird going through a lot of firsts without her... my first child leaving home; my first son preparing to go on a mission. There are also other firsts - the first Mother's Day without here; the first summer without her; the first conference without her; the first holiday season without her. Those are hard to take, too.
I know that grieving is a natural process. I know it takes time. But I am thankful for the gospel. I can't imagine going through this without it.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Chicken Parm Sliders
I decided to try a new recipe today. One I came up with on my very own. Not that someone probably hasn't come up with this recipe before, and probably did it much better than I did, but I just kind of threw things together and made up my own recipe as I went along.
Josh LOVES chicken parmesan. L.O.V.E.S. it! He is always asking to have it for dinner, but it's not a favorite of his daddy, so we don't have it as often as Josh would like. Pretty much he gets it on his birthday and maybe one other time a year. I went grocery shopping yesterday, and I usually get ground turkey, but they were out. They did have ground chicken, though, so I grabbed some. I had sliders on my menu for this week, and thought that maybe I could make up some chicken parm sliders to make Josh happy.
I'm not a good one for measurements; I just kind of throw things in. I thought I'd share the recipe with you, but please don't judge me because I don't really have amounts down. I'm more of a "that looks good" kind of gal when it comes to cooking.
My recipe:
1 lb of ground chicken ( I know it was a pound because that was on the package!)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
thyme - pulled the leaves off several sprigs
parmesan cheese - dumped a bunch in
Italian breadcrumbs - again, just dumped a bunch in
one egg
splash of milk
I mixed all of this together, formed small patties and cooked them in a bit of olive oil in my non-stick pan. I realized that I forgot to add any salt or pepper, so I sprinkled some on top as they cooked.
After they were done, I put them on a wire cooling rack, which was placed in a baking sheet. I then put a small dollop (offical term!) of marinara sauce* on each, then topped that with shredded mozzarella and parm cheeses. I baked them in a 350-degree oven for maybe 8-10 minutes until the cheese was melted. Served them on slider buns (ok... they were cheapy brown and serve rolls, but they worked!), and they disappeared like magic! Josh loved them, and so did his daddy!
Think this is one recipe that I will make again!
*I actually made my own cheater marinara sauce. I used a can of Italian seasoned tomato sauce, and added in fresh basil and rosemary.
Josh LOVES chicken parmesan. L.O.V.E.S. it! He is always asking to have it for dinner, but it's not a favorite of his daddy, so we don't have it as often as Josh would like. Pretty much he gets it on his birthday and maybe one other time a year. I went grocery shopping yesterday, and I usually get ground turkey, but they were out. They did have ground chicken, though, so I grabbed some. I had sliders on my menu for this week, and thought that maybe I could make up some chicken parm sliders to make Josh happy.
I'm not a good one for measurements; I just kind of throw things in. I thought I'd share the recipe with you, but please don't judge me because I don't really have amounts down. I'm more of a "that looks good" kind of gal when it comes to cooking.
My recipe:
1 lb of ground chicken ( I know it was a pound because that was on the package!)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
thyme - pulled the leaves off several sprigs
parmesan cheese - dumped a bunch in
Italian breadcrumbs - again, just dumped a bunch in
one egg
splash of milk
I mixed all of this together, formed small patties and cooked them in a bit of olive oil in my non-stick pan. I realized that I forgot to add any salt or pepper, so I sprinkled some on top as they cooked.
After they were done, I put them on a wire cooling rack, which was placed in a baking sheet. I then put a small dollop (offical term!) of marinara sauce* on each, then topped that with shredded mozzarella and parm cheeses. I baked them in a 350-degree oven for maybe 8-10 minutes until the cheese was melted. Served them on slider buns (ok... they were cheapy brown and serve rolls, but they worked!), and they disappeared like magic! Josh loved them, and so did his daddy!
Think this is one recipe that I will make again!
*I actually made my own cheater marinara sauce. I used a can of Italian seasoned tomato sauce, and added in fresh basil and rosemary.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Little Monster Bash
Today we had a fun baby shower for a sweet friend and her twin boys! We are so excited for Emily and the addition to her family. These boys are going to be so loved!!
I left my camera in a back room, so I only got a few photos before we cleaned everything up, but wanted to share. It was so much fun getting things together for this event.
I left my camera in a back room, so I only got a few photos before we cleaned everything up, but wanted to share. It was so much fun getting things together for this event.
Cute monster sugar cookies
Yummy homemade cupcakes - mint chocolate chip and coconut
Fun picks for the cupcakes
The mantel - chalkboard with vinyl, candles, jars, flowers, banner, balloons, and a few eyeballs (there was one on the balloons, too)
The sister-in-law of the mom-to-be made these adorable fruit salad "babies" - they each had a binky in their mouth.
Only a few more weeks until the boys will be here. Poor Emily looks like she is about to pop, but she is so cute, and so excited to be a mom. Can't wait for them to get here!!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
What a weekend!
My sister and 2 of her kiddos drove in to to the farm to visit on Thursday night. I had kept this a total surprise from my kids, and was so excited to see their faces when they saw their cousins again. It's been a while since they have seen each other - at least 3 years. My niece, Shauna, and my nephew, Jacob, came down to Madison to help me surprise the kids. It was so much fun! I wish I had brought my camera with me as we drove to both Kayti and Josh's work, but I totally forgot it! So lame, I know!
After Kayti and Josh got home from work, we packed up and headed to the farm. We stayed up late, talking and laughing. The kids had a great time reconnecting, and I enjoyed talking with my sisters, and listening to the kids talk and laugh.
On Saturday morning, we got up and headed to my sister's pool to swim. The kids decided to "rock the pool"...
Jacon and Shauna
After Kayti and Josh got home from work, we packed up and headed to the farm. We stayed up late, talking and laughing. The kids had a great time reconnecting, and I enjoyed talking with my sisters, and listening to the kids talk and laugh.
On Saturday morning, we got up and headed to my sister's pool to swim. The kids decided to "rock the pool"...
Getting ready
Jumpin' in
"We're rocking now!"
My niece, Jessica, and her little boy, Reese, flew into Nashville on Saturday night. It's been 6 years since Jess has been to Tennessee, and the first time we met Reese. He is such a cutie, and Jess is so beautiful!
Reese
Jessica
We had a big family dinner on Sunday night, and enjoyed the cooler weather. We sat out on the front porch and visited and enjoyed being together.
Daddy and Kathy
Grace
Cousins... minus a few
Kayti and Josh had to come back on Sunday night because they had work on Monday, but Kyle, Megan and I stayed one more night. After things wound down, the kids played the best card game EVER... Hokie Six!
The kids headed up to go swimming on Monday morning, but the weather turned stormy, and they had to head home. Not to be outdone by the rain, they put their bathing suits back on and headed out to play hide-n-go-seek in the rain!
Rainy day on the farm
Pre-game "dance"
After the game, they got real creative, and tried to "sled" down the wet hill. Not quite the same effect as if there had been snow on the ground, but they had fun trying!
Jess pushing Jake
Meg decided to stay warm and dry, and curled up on the front porch swing to finish up her summer reading.
My nephew, Chris, flew in tonight, and we are going up to visit him tomorrow. This is going to be a short trip for them (they head back to Idaho on Friday morning), but we are so glad they came!
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