words to live by

The greener grass on the other side

is probably artificial turf!

(Yes, I stole this from someone.

No, I have no clue as to who coined the phrase.

Yes, I laughed out loud.

AND...

I AGREE!!!-just DEAL with it!)

CoNFuSiOn...

I'm feeling slightly confused.
I think this is my backyard.

But isn't it late February in Arizona?

These are my boys.

(...and my smelly dog)

But what is he holding?

WiErD!

A SeTh FoRt!

There is nothing better than quietly getting ready for my day, alone in my room, listening to happy Sunday morning sounds. Sounds like, "Put that one here." - "No hand me that one." - "That's perfect! ' - "Wait! make sure you leave him a breathing hole" ...and the occasional, "NO! You're going to hurt him!" Then, when I decide to emerge from my bedroom to see what is happening with the brethren I walk out to find this perfect picture as Jackson proudly exclaims,

"It's a SeTh FoRt!"

Then, of course, we needed a "Monte fort"...

...and a "Clyde and Jackson fort."

Happy Sabbath!

Sacramental Bread

Baking Bread

For our Achievement Day activity on Tuesday I taught the girls how to bake bread. The bread they made was not just for any occasion, theirs was the bread to be used as the Sacramental Bread on Sunday. There was the sweetest spirit in my home while these ten girls made this special bread. Of course they were still silly, loud and slightly insane 9 year olds. And yet, there was a special spirit here. I can only call it reverence. They were part of something sacred and important. I am so excited for Sacrament meeting today so they can see their bread blessed and shared throughout the ward as part of a sacred covenant between man and God.

(Because the girl's bread would not be out of the oven in our one hour time period for class I had a loaf prepared for them to taste while theirs was in the oven. I also made each girl an individual loaf they could take home with them. It was the perfect activity!)

TRiP

I went to Utah...alone...for 3 days!! No pictures of me and all I did however because I forgot my camera. But here is what I needed to realise and why I really needed to go alone.

These sweet boys.

I stayed with my sister in law and her 2 children, spent an entire day with my younger sister and her 3 children and had nothing else on my agenda during the day. I thoroughly enjoyed the company I kept. I read 2 books and ate great food. I visited old and dear friends. I remembered who Diane was before she had 4 boys (with one on the way), a mortgage, laundry and dirty dishes. I focused on those 4 boys in their absence and prayed about each one and their needs. Most importantly I had the time to really listen to the spirit and my instincts and try to see how I can improve on being their mother. Most of you are probably better at finding this quiet time without leaving town. Believe me, it was not why I left town but it is a product of my going.

I need to slow down and not care so much.

Detox, if you will.

I took the time to really enjoy my nieces and nephew, my sisters, their homes. What is most important is how we treat one another. Not the laundry or the crusty dishes in the sink. Not being on time for school, church or basketball. Not how you look in this or that outfit. Not if your bed is made and the toys are picked up. Not having everything ready for book club and definitely not about what other people think of you.

What does matter is how you treat the people around you. Your patience and kindness. Your understanding and compassion. Your relationship with yourself and your Father in Heaven. The thing is...either you are or you aren't. It applies to everything. A believing Christian, a good parent, a loving spouse, a happy person... I'm not saying you need to be smiling and go get 'em at all times. But if you're an are person it will show even when you are down. It is inside of you. It becomes who you are. And really...either you are or you aren't...right?

I want to be able to say I am.