Yesterday, in addition to her straight A report card, Laine brought home a stack of awards from her school. First, she was accepted into CJSF (California Junior Scholarship Federation). She was on the Honor Roll for first and second semester, and received a perfect attendance reward for both of those semesters as well. She also received a "Block B" award, which is essentially a citizenship award. And (we're not done yet!) she received an award for meeting her reading goal.
Johnny's pack meeting for cub scouts was last night, and he, too, walked away with a ton of awards. He received his Webelos badge and the following pins: Communicator, Showman, Aquanaut, Family Member, Handyman, Outdoors, Scholar, Fitness, Naturalist and Citizen. He also received the citizenship belt-loop. He's almost done with his Arrow of Light, which is one of the only things that he can put on his new Boy Scout uniform that he'll be getting next month. (He can also keep his religious square knot, which he earned long ago.) He'll be beginning 11 year old scouts very soon...his birthday is March 7th. Next month at the Blue and Gold dinner, he will be honored for the Arrow of Light. He can't wait to get out of cubs and into real scouting. He'll be eligible to go to the week long Scout Camp this summer and he's beyond excited! I'm beyond excited, too...no more cub scout day camp!
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Friday, January 27, 2012
Monday, November 28, 2011
Fare Thee Well
My friends Scott and Saundra are leaving on a new adventure! Saundra received a promotion and will be beginning her new career in Salt Lake area. Tonight there was a going away party for them, and there were lots of people there to wish them a fond farewell.
I'm so proud of her. I know how hard she has worked. In many ways, she has been a role model for me. Her tenacity in finishing her education helped to inspire me to take the leap myself. I have watched her grow from her early days in the church into an even better person than she already was. And when I was in the midst of turmoil in my private life, I attended the temple once a week at 5:30 in the morning, and nearly every week, she would be there, too. I came to count on her presence, her smile and her hug.
My kids have loved them like part of our family. We have been over to their house for family home evening on several occasions, where we've listened to music, eaten delicious food, and on more than one occasion, we've had root beer floats. Scott ordained Joe to the priesthood. They've cheered on my children and spoken words of encouragement and positivity. They've gone out of their way to fix ties, compliment a new suit, and tell my girls that they are beautiful. When our family has needed help urgently, Scott was always among the first to show up, tools in hand and dragging a few volunteers.
I have watched these two struggle through health challenges and personal trials with grace and tremendous faith. I have seen them reach out to help others, to love them, and to inspire them. In fact, when I think of Christlike service, I think of these two fine friends. They are anchors for me in my life, and I will miss their personal influence and their hugs greatly.
I'm so proud of her. I know how hard she has worked. In many ways, she has been a role model for me. Her tenacity in finishing her education helped to inspire me to take the leap myself. I have watched her grow from her early days in the church into an even better person than she already was. And when I was in the midst of turmoil in my private life, I attended the temple once a week at 5:30 in the morning, and nearly every week, she would be there, too. I came to count on her presence, her smile and her hug.
My kids have loved them like part of our family. We have been over to their house for family home evening on several occasions, where we've listened to music, eaten delicious food, and on more than one occasion, we've had root beer floats. Scott ordained Joe to the priesthood. They've cheered on my children and spoken words of encouragement and positivity. They've gone out of their way to fix ties, compliment a new suit, and tell my girls that they are beautiful. When our family has needed help urgently, Scott was always among the first to show up, tools in hand and dragging a few volunteers.
I have watched these two struggle through health challenges and personal trials with grace and tremendous faith. I have seen them reach out to help others, to love them, and to inspire them. In fact, when I think of Christlike service, I think of these two fine friends. They are anchors for me in my life, and I will miss their personal influence and their hugs greatly.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Why I Love Primary
On Sunday, we did a special sharing time where we had four stations set up and smaller groups of kids moved from station to station. Each station had a teacher/leader assigned to bear witness about how our prayers were answered. One was about how a prayer had been answered during conference or through living prophets. Another was how a prayer had been answered through another person. The third was how a prayer had been answered through the scriptures. The fourth was a testimony of how God always hears our prayers.
During the time when junior primary was in sharing time, I went with a particular group so that I could stay with Carson, who has autism and needs a little extra support from time to time. We circled through group one and two, and he was quiet, but definitely very interested in hugging my leg and sitting on my lap. It seemed like he wasn't listening very much, but I could tell he was a little because of how he reacted from time to time. When we went to the third group, Holly was talking with the kids about the scriptures, and she asked whose words were in the scriptures. Nobody volunteered an answer, and she turned and asked Carson, "Whose words are in the scriptures?" In her hands, she held the open scriptures. Carson suddenly sat up in my lap, touched the pages of the scriptures, and said very sweetly and clearly, "Jesus Christ." I felt the rush of the spirit and tears immediately sprang to my eyes. I love that little boy!!
And that is why I love primary. A little boy's words can make me want to devour the scriptures. His words can make me feel the rush of the spirit. His love can help me feel the Savior's love. His simple faith can touch my heart.
Primary rocks!
During the time when junior primary was in sharing time, I went with a particular group so that I could stay with Carson, who has autism and needs a little extra support from time to time. We circled through group one and two, and he was quiet, but definitely very interested in hugging my leg and sitting on my lap. It seemed like he wasn't listening very much, but I could tell he was a little because of how he reacted from time to time. When we went to the third group, Holly was talking with the kids about the scriptures, and she asked whose words were in the scriptures. Nobody volunteered an answer, and she turned and asked Carson, "Whose words are in the scriptures?" In her hands, she held the open scriptures. Carson suddenly sat up in my lap, touched the pages of the scriptures, and said very sweetly and clearly, "Jesus Christ." I felt the rush of the spirit and tears immediately sprang to my eyes. I love that little boy!!
And that is why I love primary. A little boy's words can make me want to devour the scriptures. His words can make me feel the rush of the spirit. His love can help me feel the Savior's love. His simple faith can touch my heart.
Primary rocks!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Johnny and the Clarinet
Last school year, Johnny took a great interest in learning to play an instrument. I love to see the kids get interested in music...I think music is a tremendous blessing, and being able to create your own music is a gift not just to that individual, but to others around them. Joe is learning to play guitar, Kelly is learning piano and ukelele, and Laine is studying voice and piano. Johnny decided he would like to learn to play the clarinet (like his older sister, Erin).
I obtained a clarinet and paid a few hundred dollars to get it properly conditioned. I spoke to the music store about lessons and bought reeds. Then school started and we asked for information about beginning band. Johnny picked up his clarinet and tried blowing through it. Not a sound. He tried pushing some keys...still no sound. He became anxious about missing class to take music lessons at school. He thought he would look dumb if he couldn't even make one sound. He demanded to quit band. I made a deal with him...if you still can't make a sound after one month in band, then you can quit.
Every day, especially when he's upset with his father, he gives me grief about practicing clarinet. Yet, we long since passed the one month mark, and he's not only making sounds, he's making music! He was half-hearted in his practicing, and I wanted to step it up a little, so I told him that I would pay him a penny a note during practice time. (See, he's already making money off of music!!) His practicing stepped up dramatically, and he's doing much better. I told him we were committed for a year. I'm just hoping that he eventually comes to like being in band and that music can take hold in him.
I obtained a clarinet and paid a few hundred dollars to get it properly conditioned. I spoke to the music store about lessons and bought reeds. Then school started and we asked for information about beginning band. Johnny picked up his clarinet and tried blowing through it. Not a sound. He tried pushing some keys...still no sound. He became anxious about missing class to take music lessons at school. He thought he would look dumb if he couldn't even make one sound. He demanded to quit band. I made a deal with him...if you still can't make a sound after one month in band, then you can quit.
Every day, especially when he's upset with his father, he gives me grief about practicing clarinet. Yet, we long since passed the one month mark, and he's not only making sounds, he's making music! He was half-hearted in his practicing, and I wanted to step it up a little, so I told him that I would pay him a penny a note during practice time. (See, he's already making money off of music!!) His practicing stepped up dramatically, and he's doing much better. I told him we were committed for a year. I'm just hoping that he eventually comes to like being in band and that music can take hold in him.
Monday, September 5, 2011
When?
I was talking with Kelly tonight about surfing, since we had just watched "Soul Surfer." (Excellent movie, by the way!) Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to learn to surf, but it never happened. The one year I lived in Santa Cruz, I was broke and had no wetsuit. Turns out, Kelly wants to learn to surf, too. Can't you just see it? Kelly would make such a sweet surfer girl.
The other activity I wanted to try since I first saw it in the Columbia River Gorge is windsurfing. I believe the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most magnificent places on the planet, and when I go there as I have several times since first setting eyes upon this lovely place, I feel like I've just returned home. I will never forget driving along the river through the gorge one night when there was a full moon, and seeing the moon reflected on the water with the thousands of amazing trees and the breathtaking landscape...well, my heart and soul just about burst out of my body. I had to stop and give thanks to God for such stunning beauty. When I saw windsurfing on the river in the day time, I was so awed and captivated by another of God's creations...people! Men and women who were amazingly strong, who had invented this entertaining way of using the wind and the surfboard to make magic on the water. I was hooked. I would have gone and rented everything I needed and tried it right then if I could have.
Now I'm thinking time is passing by so fast and I wonder, when? When or if, I guess I should say. So many of life's joys that I have yet to try. (sigh) However, I realize that I have been so blessed in my life that I dare not complain. There are wonders in my life yet to experience, I suspect. And this time, I won't pass them by thinking, "Tomorrow."
The other activity I wanted to try since I first saw it in the Columbia River Gorge is windsurfing. I believe the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most magnificent places on the planet, and when I go there as I have several times since first setting eyes upon this lovely place, I feel like I've just returned home. I will never forget driving along the river through the gorge one night when there was a full moon, and seeing the moon reflected on the water with the thousands of amazing trees and the breathtaking landscape...well, my heart and soul just about burst out of my body. I had to stop and give thanks to God for such stunning beauty. When I saw windsurfing on the river in the day time, I was so awed and captivated by another of God's creations...people! Men and women who were amazingly strong, who had invented this entertaining way of using the wind and the surfboard to make magic on the water. I was hooked. I would have gone and rented everything I needed and tried it right then if I could have.
Now I'm thinking time is passing by so fast and I wonder, when? When or if, I guess I should say. So many of life's joys that I have yet to try. (sigh) However, I realize that I have been so blessed in my life that I dare not complain. There are wonders in my life yet to experience, I suspect. And this time, I won't pass them by thinking, "Tomorrow."
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Changes
Well, this Sunday brought with it some changes. I have been released from my calling as the Faith in God leader for girls. For those of you not in the church, for the past five years I have been helping the young ladies ages 8 to 11 to work on developing talents, serving others and learning and living the gospel every other week. It's a calling I love. We've made candy, visited homebound ward members, read the scriptures, done service projects, learned about exercise and (tried) how to conduct music. We've done a host of other projects, too, and I learned as much as the girls did!
Now the Lord has called me to serve in the Primary Presidency as the second counselor. I still get to see my "Faith in God" girls every Sunday as well as all the other children in primary (age 3 to age 12), and I'm sure the Lord has some important things for me to learn in this new calling. I'm so grateful to serve in whatever capacity I am asked. Since I first joined the church I've believed the leaders of the church were called of God so why would I ever turn down any calling? In this case, I will have the opportunity to work with some of the finest ladies I know, including Holly Ensign, a dear friend who is such an example to me!
I'll miss all of my dear friends in Relief Society, most especially the singing and the Spirit that's there, but I know there will be joy serving where I am called, and I'm looking forward to it!
Now the Lord has called me to serve in the Primary Presidency as the second counselor. I still get to see my "Faith in God" girls every Sunday as well as all the other children in primary (age 3 to age 12), and I'm sure the Lord has some important things for me to learn in this new calling. I'm so grateful to serve in whatever capacity I am asked. Since I first joined the church I've believed the leaders of the church were called of God so why would I ever turn down any calling? In this case, I will have the opportunity to work with some of the finest ladies I know, including Holly Ensign, a dear friend who is such an example to me!
I'll miss all of my dear friends in Relief Society, most especially the singing and the Spirit that's there, but I know there will be joy serving where I am called, and I'm looking forward to it!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Another Year of Fun Ahead!
This school year began with a bang! Kelly began 11th grade, and has decided all on her own to focus on her schoolwork because she wants to get her learner's permit (yikes!) and I told her she had to have a B average at the end of the first semester in order to do so, then maintain a B average to keep it. She's still learning piano, attending seminary, and participating in the Young Women's program at church.
Joe just began 9th grade at Bullard High this year. He really wants to graduate from high school a year early so he's hit the ground running and is working hard to keep his grades at straight "A" levels. His STAR test last year showed that he scored advanced in everything, and he earned a perfect score in science. That's not too surprising given how much he loves science.
Laine is in 7th grade this year, still at Bullard Talent. She tried out for the improv team again this year, and easily made it. She also tried out for the middle school play again, and she has been accepted into the play (Seusical Jr.) but we don't know which part she'll get yet. She had a lot of anxiety about this year, but I think she'll do great! She's excited to be taking stagecraft this year (prepping for the play) and jazz dance at her school in place of PE. She also scored advanced in everything on her STAR test.
Johnny is at Manchester GATE, and he's loving it. He was assigned to a teacher that we had heard some negative things about, but it seems like he really likes her. He's going to try beginning band this year, playing clarinet. He'll be taking some private lessons for a while until he feels comfortable. He's also considering cross country, which I think would be very good for him.
It's going to be a busy year!! We're looking forward to lots of good things!
Joe just began 9th grade at Bullard High this year. He really wants to graduate from high school a year early so he's hit the ground running and is working hard to keep his grades at straight "A" levels. His STAR test last year showed that he scored advanced in everything, and he earned a perfect score in science. That's not too surprising given how much he loves science.
Laine is in 7th grade this year, still at Bullard Talent. She tried out for the improv team again this year, and easily made it. She also tried out for the middle school play again, and she has been accepted into the play (Seusical Jr.) but we don't know which part she'll get yet. She had a lot of anxiety about this year, but I think she'll do great! She's excited to be taking stagecraft this year (prepping for the play) and jazz dance at her school in place of PE. She also scored advanced in everything on her STAR test.
Johnny is at Manchester GATE, and he's loving it. He was assigned to a teacher that we had heard some negative things about, but it seems like he really likes her. He's going to try beginning band this year, playing clarinet. He'll be taking some private lessons for a while until he feels comfortable. He's also considering cross country, which I think would be very good for him.
It's going to be a busy year!! We're looking forward to lots of good things!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Advancing
Joe had an interview with the Bishop yesterday to advance in the priesthood...he'll be moving from a deacon to a teacher on July 10th, the Sunday after Scout camp is over. He has asked Bro. DeButts, a ward member that Joe looks up to and admires, to do the ordination, and he has graciously agreed.
Joe turns 14 tomorrow. Joe is such an honorable young man...he always tries to do his duty. He's honest and kind. He has a clear conscience because he does what he is supposed to, and doesn't do what he isn't supposed to. He even helps his siblings do the same.
I'm blessed to be his mom!!
Joe turns 14 tomorrow. Joe is such an honorable young man...he always tries to do his duty. He's honest and kind. He has a clear conscience because he does what he is supposed to, and doesn't do what he isn't supposed to. He even helps his siblings do the same.
I'm blessed to be his mom!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Progress - Slow and Sure
Well, today I had my research proposal passed off and I'm ready to collect data for my research class! I'm really looking forward to completing the thing so I can stop stressing over it.
I also received my rough draft of my report for California Earth Systems, and he said it was great so far. I really love technical writing, but I haven't done it in a long time, so I was relieved to hear him say so!
The kids and I are plugging away at school. Joe is doing very well in school, and just loves his physical science class. He's the only boy I know his age who carries around physics books for fun, but since he wants to be a theoretical physicist, it's probably a good practice. He received a special award in his school for outstanding achievement in science. Kelly was invited to participate in a prestigious program back east, but it's doubtful that she'll go since the summer is booked already with water polo, "Especially for Youth," girl's camp, and youth conference. Not to mention the cost of such a program! Johnny is starting a unit about the gold rush, and is VERY excited about it. His class will be going on a field trip and doing another class play. I remember Joe doing this unit when he was in the same class in 6th grade, so it will be fun to see how Johnny's class does in comparison. Laine leaves next week for Washington, DC. She and I are both nervous about it, since she'll be going without me. Her best friend's mom is going to be the chaperone, so I know she will be looked after, but still...yikes! Her choir will do just great, I know.
I also received my rough draft of my report for California Earth Systems, and he said it was great so far. I really love technical writing, but I haven't done it in a long time, so I was relieved to hear him say so!
The kids and I are plugging away at school. Joe is doing very well in school, and just loves his physical science class. He's the only boy I know his age who carries around physics books for fun, but since he wants to be a theoretical physicist, it's probably a good practice. He received a special award in his school for outstanding achievement in science. Kelly was invited to participate in a prestigious program back east, but it's doubtful that she'll go since the summer is booked already with water polo, "Especially for Youth," girl's camp, and youth conference. Not to mention the cost of such a program! Johnny is starting a unit about the gold rush, and is VERY excited about it. His class will be going on a field trip and doing another class play. I remember Joe doing this unit when he was in the same class in 6th grade, so it will be fun to see how Johnny's class does in comparison. Laine leaves next week for Washington, DC. She and I are both nervous about it, since she'll be going without me. Her best friend's mom is going to be the chaperone, so I know she will be looked after, but still...yikes! Her choir will do just great, I know.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Love Notes
I've come to realize that God meant it when he said it is not good for man (or woman) to be alone, though I've learned a lot from my solitude the last six and a half years. And to be honest, I needed a little time on my own to heal from all that I had been through and to rest from the constant, frenzied pace of my life before. I try to pray for but not obsess over my desire for a companion, but loneliness does overtake me now and then. When I'm feeling lonely, I consciously take note of all the ways God tells me he loves me that day. Here are some things I noticed yesterday:
I hope I live my life in such a way that He knows I love Him, every day!
- My oldest daughter told me she loved me in the morning, even after I was grumpy to her!
- A beautiful sunrise, full of silver and pink and orange!
- My children standing on the sidewalk making "air hearts" when I dropped them off for school.
- A lovely patch of purple flowers "spotlighted" by God! (Literally all lit up!)
- A car engine that doesn't sound like a jet engine anymore.
- Watching a man at college saving a bee from being stepped on in the cool of the morning. (That really touched my heart for some reason.)
- The sweet taste of oranges and strawberries at lunch.
- No runny nose yesterday!
- A stunning sky and a nice breeze most of the day.
- Being able to hear my daughters practicing piano. (Please God, help me to always be able to afford to give them this gift!)
- 1 day closer to my degree.
- My son Johnny's giant smile when I picked him up after school yesterday.
- My children giggling and having imaginative conversations in their "Abby" and "Syrah" voices.
- Being surrounded by my children all giving me a group hug before they headed to their dads.
- Chipotle! (mmmm!)
- Coming home to a safe, secure home filled with love and peace, even when the kids weren't here.
- The peace I felt as I prayed and studied the scriptures.
I hope I live my life in such a way that He knows I love Him, every day!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Women's Conference
I've been to a lot of women's conferences and other meetings for women in the past year. I attend the Fresno Women's Network Luncheon regularly. I also attend their two annual events. I enjoy what I learn at the Central Valley Women's Conference and the monthly women's business owners roundtable. A good friend of mine and I also hold a monthly mentoring meeting for women. I enjoy all of these functions and have great friends at all of them. I always learn something and meet people who are amazing.
Yet none of those events compares to what I feel when I attend functions for the Relief Society. For those of my readers who do not know, the Relief Society is the women's organization in our church. Our local stake had a Conference today, which we have not had in a long time. We signed up to attend classes on various topics, were provided lunch, and enjoyed the company of great sisters throughout the day. It was fabulous! My friend Cresta and I signed up to sing with the choir, and we sang 8 hymns as prelude before the meeting started. The whole event was a spiritual feast!
Here are some thoughts that stood out to me today. Even though their thoughts are in quotes, they are not direct quotes (I can't write that fast!):
Sister Lawrence: (Topic: Being filled with light)"Don't dwell on the things of the world or the mistakes you've made...if you do, you'll stand still. When you're standing still, you will regress spiritually. Instead, keep your eye single to the glory of God and move forward. And remember..the Lord NEVER gives up on us. He fights for us! He gave his life for us."
Dr. Jones: (Topic: How to give your teenagers the light they need) "Church programs protect our teenagers, but they do not inoculate them. They can be taken in by the world. The answers we need to combat the world are always found in the scriptures and service. Start your children early on serving others. Remember, nothing good happens after midnight. Make it a rule never to be broken! Teach them that sex belongs to marriage only. Teach the gospel in your home and remember, you WILL receive personal inspiration regarding how to help your teenagers."
Sister Thacker: (Topic: Does your light need adjusting?) "Like the butterfly, we all have to struggle against life in order to become strong and beautiful and in order to fly home to our Father in Heaven. Remember the story of Martha and Mary...sometimes the good stuff has to wait so that we can do the best stuff...like taking care of ourselves, filling our lives with the word of God. Learn to be present here in this moment, now. Don't wish away the moments (even the bad ones) because life is terribly short. The only things we can take with us when we die are our relationships and our testimonies, so when you prioritize your life, make sure these are first. Consider this: "Be ye therefore perfect" does not mean what we think it means. It means to be whole/complete/finished. We are supposed to be perfect in faith, hope and charity, but even these cannot be attained without the help of our Savior. We have to ask for help through the Savior...only he has the power to do this!"
I'm so grateful for the day that all of us were able to enjoy! I'm grateful for specific inspiration that the Lord gave me during this event about my family. Love you all!
Yet none of those events compares to what I feel when I attend functions for the Relief Society. For those of my readers who do not know, the Relief Society is the women's organization in our church. Our local stake had a Conference today, which we have not had in a long time. We signed up to attend classes on various topics, were provided lunch, and enjoyed the company of great sisters throughout the day. It was fabulous! My friend Cresta and I signed up to sing with the choir, and we sang 8 hymns as prelude before the meeting started. The whole event was a spiritual feast!
Here are some thoughts that stood out to me today. Even though their thoughts are in quotes, they are not direct quotes (I can't write that fast!):
Sister Lawrence: (Topic: Being filled with light)"Don't dwell on the things of the world or the mistakes you've made...if you do, you'll stand still. When you're standing still, you will regress spiritually. Instead, keep your eye single to the glory of God and move forward. And remember..the Lord NEVER gives up on us. He fights for us! He gave his life for us."
Dr. Jones: (Topic: How to give your teenagers the light they need) "Church programs protect our teenagers, but they do not inoculate them. They can be taken in by the world. The answers we need to combat the world are always found in the scriptures and service. Start your children early on serving others. Remember, nothing good happens after midnight. Make it a rule never to be broken! Teach them that sex belongs to marriage only. Teach the gospel in your home and remember, you WILL receive personal inspiration regarding how to help your teenagers."
Sister Thacker: (Topic: Does your light need adjusting?) "Like the butterfly, we all have to struggle against life in order to become strong and beautiful and in order to fly home to our Father in Heaven. Remember the story of Martha and Mary...sometimes the good stuff has to wait so that we can do the best stuff...like taking care of ourselves, filling our lives with the word of God. Learn to be present here in this moment, now. Don't wish away the moments (even the bad ones) because life is terribly short. The only things we can take with us when we die are our relationships and our testimonies, so when you prioritize your life, make sure these are first. Consider this: "Be ye therefore perfect" does not mean what we think it means. It means to be whole/complete/finished. We are supposed to be perfect in faith, hope and charity, but even these cannot be attained without the help of our Savior. We have to ask for help through the Savior...only he has the power to do this!"
I'm so grateful for the day that all of us were able to enjoy! I'm grateful for specific inspiration that the Lord gave me during this event about my family. Love you all!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Nick, Joe & Johnny
Just wanted to share this cute photo of the boys...Nick (Erin's husband), Joseph and Johnny, taken in early November.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Finishing Furniture
I had to take the plunge and buy the boys a new dresser. They needed a long dresser with lots of drawers, and my favorite unfinished furniture store had a great deal on a big dresser. So it's sitting in the room, waiting for me to get started on one of my favorite tasks...finishing furniture!
I first discovered this shortly after my husband and I were separated six years ago. We were going through some very trying, fearful times in our family, and the dining room table, which had been used for 20 years when we bought it 13 years ago, was worn, ugly looking, and full of impressions from the kids' homework through the years. As I sorted through my life with all its frustrations, thought through the options for our future, and sought to keep myself from going absolutely insane, I decided to sand off all the finish and start over. It was physical, messy and exactly what I needed. Originally, I thought I would try to make the table light colored (instead of it's original mahogany), but it turned out that the knots were too darkly stained to look attractive, so I ended up putting the mahogany on anyway, after sanding the table yet again.
During the process of doing all this, I pondered many things and prayed often. I thought about why I always seemed to choose men who were bad for me. I thought about all the anger and frustration I'd experienced at the hands of people who were supposed to care about me. I considered why I hadn't thought to stand up for myself or anyone else until those actions were directed at the children. I looked often at the picture of Christ that hangs in our dining room and thought about the qualities I and the children needed in our home. I made resolutions and promises to myself then that I still think about each time we eat at that table. I intended that love, happiness, prayer and peace (note: I did not say "peace and quiet!")would be found in our home, along with laughter, encouragement, and understanding. I would stamp out criticism and lack of respect. I determined that should I find someone that was insane enough to WANT to marry me, I would look for certain things...a desire to serve others quietly and without fanfare, a Christlike love and tenderness, a strong faith, patience and kindness. (Is there such a man?? If there is, why is he single? ) Most importantly to me, whoever I marry must love my children with all their gifts, talents, faults and idiosyncrasies.
The table when it was finished looked amazing. It was imperfect, and you could tell it wasn't done by a professional, but the important thing was that I had done it, and to me it was a symbol of my personal progress. I was grateful for the ache in my arms, the soreness of my back, the stain in my hair, and my fingernails that I just couldn't get clean. To me they were badges of honor, and proof that I had worked (and thought) hard.
Ever since that time, I have finished several pieces of furniture. None of them have turned out perfectly, but each one is a joy to me. It takes a generic piece of furniture and makes it ours. The kids enjoy helping me, and the drips on the sides, or the unevenness of the stain are hardly relevant. I am after all, raising children and not selling furniture. :-)
I first discovered this shortly after my husband and I were separated six years ago. We were going through some very trying, fearful times in our family, and the dining room table, which had been used for 20 years when we bought it 13 years ago, was worn, ugly looking, and full of impressions from the kids' homework through the years. As I sorted through my life with all its frustrations, thought through the options for our future, and sought to keep myself from going absolutely insane, I decided to sand off all the finish and start over. It was physical, messy and exactly what I needed. Originally, I thought I would try to make the table light colored (instead of it's original mahogany), but it turned out that the knots were too darkly stained to look attractive, so I ended up putting the mahogany on anyway, after sanding the table yet again.
During the process of doing all this, I pondered many things and prayed often. I thought about why I always seemed to choose men who were bad for me. I thought about all the anger and frustration I'd experienced at the hands of people who were supposed to care about me. I considered why I hadn't thought to stand up for myself or anyone else until those actions were directed at the children. I looked often at the picture of Christ that hangs in our dining room and thought about the qualities I and the children needed in our home. I made resolutions and promises to myself then that I still think about each time we eat at that table. I intended that love, happiness, prayer and peace (note: I did not say "peace and quiet!")would be found in our home, along with laughter, encouragement, and understanding. I would stamp out criticism and lack of respect. I determined that should I find someone that was insane enough to WANT to marry me, I would look for certain things...a desire to serve others quietly and without fanfare, a Christlike love and tenderness, a strong faith, patience and kindness. (Is there such a man?? If there is, why is he single? ) Most importantly to me, whoever I marry must love my children with all their gifts, talents, faults and idiosyncrasies.
The table when it was finished looked amazing. It was imperfect, and you could tell it wasn't done by a professional, but the important thing was that I had done it, and to me it was a symbol of my personal progress. I was grateful for the ache in my arms, the soreness of my back, the stain in my hair, and my fingernails that I just couldn't get clean. To me they were badges of honor, and proof that I had worked (and thought) hard.
Ever since that time, I have finished several pieces of furniture. None of them have turned out perfectly, but each one is a joy to me. It takes a generic piece of furniture and makes it ours. The kids enjoy helping me, and the drips on the sides, or the unevenness of the stain are hardly relevant. I am after all, raising children and not selling furniture. :-)
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