Today has been an up and down day for me. I woke up just before my alarm went off this morning to the sound of a bunch of marbles falling from Johnny's bed to the floor, or so I thought. When I went into the boys' room to wake them up, I realized there wasn't any debris on the floor, and immediately knew it was something else. I opened the front door, and sure enough, the passenger side window on my car had been shattered. I knew without looking that my purse had been stolen. Car locked, porch light on, alarm set, parked near my front door, and still, we'd been robbed.
I called the sheriff and began making the string of calls necessary to cancel credit cards and my ATM card, stopping payment on checks, ordering replacement everything. Kelly was leaving for youth conference this morning, so we had to arrange alternate transportation for her to be able to leave on time. In my wallet, critical receipts for medical expenses, cash for food/clothes/school supplies, one of my two rings, an irreplaceable memory card with family photos on it, and who knows what else.
I found myself annoyed not only with the thief, but with the people who asked incredulously...you left your purse in your car? As if it was somehow my fault that some criminal decided that what was mine should be his/hers and broke my car window to obtain it. Our society's morals and values have deteriorated to the point that the victim gets blamed for what the criminal does. Yes, it would have been responsible of me to bring my purse in and not TEMPT that poor helpless thief in the first place but I forgot. How does that make me the bad guy? Maybe it does. Or perhaps it's kind of like asking if I'm my brother's keeper?
Yet today, I have been reminded again and again how blessed I am. Orange dragonflies that brought to mind the beauty of the earth; The painful images of the families in China trying to find flood survivors that made me realize how much I truly have to be grateful for; The peace I felt knowing that I had followed the recommendations of the prophet and had emergency cash as well as a food supply to get me through the end of the month; The support of wonderful friends and family to help me take care of the thousands of details; A family home evening lesson by my 11 year old daughter on serving others; The blessing of discovering that what I had initially thought might be an expensive repair on my cooler turned out to be an easy (and free) fix; And yes, even the actions of a thief, who is helping me to be humble without even knowing it. I'm sure there are many, many more lessons to be learned (and relearned) as I examine this day.
How grateful I am for the church and its blessings in my life. I know God loves me and is patiently teaching me. I hope that whatever the purpose of this event in my life, that it may also be an instrument in the life of the thief to somehow bring him or her to God. And I hope that whether the Lord sends me dragonflies or thieves, that I will be humble and willing enough to listen.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Davis, CA - Our visit with Erin & Nick
We went to Davis to hang out with Erin and Nick. We walked the streets of Davis, spent some time wandering around the campus, bowled, laughed and giggled, and did a little unpacking. The kids LOVE their sister and her husband, as well as their two adorable dogs, Gracie and Widget. We all really liked Davis. It's very pedestrian and bike friendly, and has lots of public transportation. There are lots of interesting places to hang out. I noticed a lot of eastern food...korean, thai, chinese, japanese, etc.
They live in a tiny apartment, so we set up two air mattresses on the floor for the kids and I slept on the couch. It was fun and noisy. I had to explain to the kids what that funny, sickening smell was coming from across the way (pot) as I was running to the bathroom. For some reason that stuff always makes me vomit.
This is Nick at the bowling alley, waiting for his turn. He's always very patient with the kids, even when they're having issues. Not that that ever happens. (ahem)
This is Erin, displaying her usual sunny and wonderful disposition. She is an amazing young lady, and it's fun to see her move in a new direction as she gets ready to start her first semester at Davis. We all adore her!!
Joe and Johnny were stuck on my team. We all rolled LOTS of gutter balls.
One of the highlights for the kids was being able to take bubble baths in Erin's bathtub. We don't have a bath tub at our house...all showers, so they really like to play when they have the chance.
They live in a tiny apartment, so we set up two air mattresses on the floor for the kids and I slept on the couch. It was fun and noisy. I had to explain to the kids what that funny, sickening smell was coming from across the way (pot) as I was running to the bathroom. For some reason that stuff always makes me vomit.
This is Nick at the bowling alley, waiting for his turn. He's always very patient with the kids, even when they're having issues. Not that that ever happens. (ahem)
This is Erin, displaying her usual sunny and wonderful disposition. She is an amazing young lady, and it's fun to see her move in a new direction as she gets ready to start her first semester at Davis. We all adore her!!
Joe and Johnny were stuck on my team. We all rolled LOTS of gutter balls.
One of the highlights for the kids was being able to take bubble baths in Erin's bathtub. We don't have a bath tub at our house...all showers, so they really like to play when they have the chance.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
San Francisco Area
Anyone who knows me knows that this is where I feel most at home...anywhere there are trees, creeks, forests, vistas and beauty.
This is a creek in the John Muir wilderness. Beautiful!
Joe and Johnny found a convenient rock to climb. You can just tell these two brothers love each other. Warms my heart!
The kids taking a rest from the hike in the John Muir wilderness. The trees in the area are amazing and beautiful. We heard there were deer, but we didn't see any. We did see lots of people!
A friendly fellow hiker took our picture so I could actually be in a photo with the kids. We thought these trees were perfect for a nice summer photo. I'd love to come back when it's cold and foggy and see what it looks like here.
Kelly snapped this photo as we went over the Golden Gate Bridge. Did you know there's a "bridge thermometer" that shows the level of the bridge as the temperature gets warmer and colder? The expansion and contraction of the support wires makes the bridge rise when it's cold and lower when it's warm. Pretty cool, huh? I love science.
We walked down to the waterfront from the Golden Gate Visitor's Center and followed the shoreline to check out these boats/ships. We went on a big sail boat and the tug boat. Johnny and I could have spent all day exploring these. That's me in the green jacket, by the way. :-) Nice view of my back.
The kids in front of a statue in the park.
We really enjoyed exploring the community garden. It was full of flowers and vegetables and was quite a miserable reminder to me of how much I stink at gardening, even though I love it. Aren't those red poppies amazing?
The kids were playing dead here. (Don't ask me...it was their idea.)
Joe practicing his oration skills near the statue of the senator. He looks pretty convincing, huh? Joe was saying, "Whoa...my hands are made out of cement!" We all laughed.
This is a creek in the John Muir wilderness. Beautiful!
Joe and Johnny found a convenient rock to climb. You can just tell these two brothers love each other. Warms my heart!
The kids taking a rest from the hike in the John Muir wilderness. The trees in the area are amazing and beautiful. We heard there were deer, but we didn't see any. We did see lots of people!
A friendly fellow hiker took our picture so I could actually be in a photo with the kids. We thought these trees were perfect for a nice summer photo. I'd love to come back when it's cold and foggy and see what it looks like here.
Kelly snapped this photo as we went over the Golden Gate Bridge. Did you know there's a "bridge thermometer" that shows the level of the bridge as the temperature gets warmer and colder? The expansion and contraction of the support wires makes the bridge rise when it's cold and lower when it's warm. Pretty cool, huh? I love science.
We walked down to the waterfront from the Golden Gate Visitor's Center and followed the shoreline to check out these boats/ships. We went on a big sail boat and the tug boat. Johnny and I could have spent all day exploring these. That's me in the green jacket, by the way. :-) Nice view of my back.
The kids in front of a statue in the park.
We really enjoyed exploring the community garden. It was full of flowers and vegetables and was quite a miserable reminder to me of how much I stink at gardening, even though I love it. Aren't those red poppies amazing?
The kids were playing dead here. (Don't ask me...it was their idea.)
Joe practicing his oration skills near the statue of the senator. He looks pretty convincing, huh? Joe was saying, "Whoa...my hands are made out of cement!" We all laughed.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tick-tock, tick-tock
Are we really at the last two weeks of no school? ((sigh)) I remember as a kid, I LOVED school and couldn't wait for it to start. I even took summer school, and not because I had to. But now as a mom, I treasure the days of summer. I love having my kids home all day, and having the freedom to let them sleep late, or go do things on impulse. This is likely to be my last summer that I'll be able to be at home with them all day, so it's a bittersweet time, to say that least.
With kids in four different schools, life during the school year gets hectic and crazy. Managing homework, projects, meetings at schools, events, extra-curricular activities, early morning seminary, scouts, mutual, piano lessons, practice, and the daily grind of life...it can all be just a bit much. Every minute is scheduled, every moment is precious. Watching these beautiful children grow up right in front of me, seeing time slip away while the kids are doing busywork...it's an emotional thing.
Still, I'm grateful to have smart, funny, talented and loving children who make my heart so very happy. I never knew before I became a mom what that would mean to my heart and soul. Perhaps having children helps us understand what our Father in Heaven feels as he watches us leave his arms and get wrapped up in the business of life. I have been very blessed.
With kids in four different schools, life during the school year gets hectic and crazy. Managing homework, projects, meetings at schools, events, extra-curricular activities, early morning seminary, scouts, mutual, piano lessons, practice, and the daily grind of life...it can all be just a bit much. Every minute is scheduled, every moment is precious. Watching these beautiful children grow up right in front of me, seeing time slip away while the kids are doing busywork...it's an emotional thing.
Still, I'm grateful to have smart, funny, talented and loving children who make my heart so very happy. I never knew before I became a mom what that would mean to my heart and soul. Perhaps having children helps us understand what our Father in Heaven feels as he watches us leave his arms and get wrapped up in the business of life. I have been very blessed.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Would you drink from the toilet?
This is our cat Poppy, enjoying a tasty summertime treat! I think he's such a great cat. He is well loved by all of us. He's smart and entertaining. And, I might add, well cared for. He has a big bowl of water up on his favorite window sill, freshened every day for his drinking pleasure. Yet, still, the toilet water. Go figure!
It got me to thinking...do we do this at times? Of course I don't mean literally drinking out of the toilet...but do we sometimes settle for less than we could enjoy if we were willing to go a bit further? Reach (or jump) a little higher? Do we accept the dregs because we haven't opened our eyes to other possibilities?
It's nice to occasionally take stock of where things are in our lives and evaluate them. Are they still important to us? What benefit are they bringing to our lives? Is there something else that would be preferred? Are the people you surround yourself with the kind of people that help you avoid drinking from the toilet? And finally...ask yourself, what small step will I take today to bring my life closer to where I want it to be?
Today. We spend so much effort thinking about what happened yesterday, or worrying about what will happen tomorrow that we lose sight of the power of today. The "right now." Really, that is all we are ever promised. Why spend it drinking from the toilet?
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Check out the MOON!
I went out to run a quick errand tonight and discovered the moon in all its glory. Wow! It's moments like that that touch my soul and make me glad for this brief life upon the earth.
My kids always tell me I'm obsessed with the sky, and perhaps they are right. Some of my earliest memories were of stargazing at my grandparents' home in the desert. We would watch for satellites and shooting stars. I'm prone to wake up late at night or in the very early morning, dragging or carrying a half asleep child in one arm and a big comforter in the other out to the backyard. On our backs, cuddled up for warmth (even in the summer), we talk about life, the universe and everything. Almost always we talk about God and our Savior, and the beauty of the world created by them. We, too, look for satellites and shooting stars.
I remember reading in the Bible about the new star that shone on the night Christ was born. I looked out my window on Christmas eve at the stars when I was young, pondering what it must have been like to be present at his birth, to see angels descending from heaven singing praises.
I can also recall many camping trips with the kids. The routine seldom varies. We watch the stars come out from inside our sleeping bags. In our tent we sing hymns and pray and tell scary stories. Ultimately, we always came back to how amazing the universe is, and what God wanted us to know by looking at the works of his hands.
It's not just the night sky, but the day time sky too! Sunrises, sunsets, clouds...they call out to me to pay attention! They say, each in their own unique way, "Be still and know that I am God."
I look to the skies whenever I am in turmoil, or sad, or broken hearted. I find comfort there. I turn to the skies whenever my heart is joyful, and peaceful, and glad, and I find it mirrored there. I am so grateful that the Lord uses his canvas to proclaim his love and concern. Check out the sky! Who knows what notes He has written there just for you??
My kids always tell me I'm obsessed with the sky, and perhaps they are right. Some of my earliest memories were of stargazing at my grandparents' home in the desert. We would watch for satellites and shooting stars. I'm prone to wake up late at night or in the very early morning, dragging or carrying a half asleep child in one arm and a big comforter in the other out to the backyard. On our backs, cuddled up for warmth (even in the summer), we talk about life, the universe and everything. Almost always we talk about God and our Savior, and the beauty of the world created by them. We, too, look for satellites and shooting stars.
I remember reading in the Bible about the new star that shone on the night Christ was born. I looked out my window on Christmas eve at the stars when I was young, pondering what it must have been like to be present at his birth, to see angels descending from heaven singing praises.
I can also recall many camping trips with the kids. The routine seldom varies. We watch the stars come out from inside our sleeping bags. In our tent we sing hymns and pray and tell scary stories. Ultimately, we always came back to how amazing the universe is, and what God wanted us to know by looking at the works of his hands.
It's not just the night sky, but the day time sky too! Sunrises, sunsets, clouds...they call out to me to pay attention! They say, each in their own unique way, "Be still and know that I am God."
I look to the skies whenever I am in turmoil, or sad, or broken hearted. I find comfort there. I turn to the skies whenever my heart is joyful, and peaceful, and glad, and I find it mirrored there. I am so grateful that the Lord uses his canvas to proclaim his love and concern. Check out the sky! Who knows what notes He has written there just for you??
A Visit to Morro Bay
We couldn't take the heat last Monday, and decided to run away to Morro Bay. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the valley, right? We had a full van...the kids and I, Nick and Erin, and their friend, Whitney, plus our little dog Syrah. It was Syrah's first trip to the ocean.
On our way there, we encountered some unexpected wildlife....is that a t-rex on the horizon?? This yard was full of ancient critters, one of which looked like it was about to eat a horse. The horse was surprisingly calm, given the presence of these predators!
The main event! We were greeted with fog, and we couldn't have been happier! It was so cool that we had to don sweatshirts. We were reveling in being cold!!
Digging in the dirt is so much fun! Kelly and the boys love making holes.
We spent a lot of time climbing rocks...the kids and I had a great time doing it, too. Even Syrah was surprisingly good at navigating up and over the rocks. I think she was most interested in the birds, but judging by her nose activity, there were all kinds of interesting smells. We got sprayed by the ocean, watched a beautiful sunset and messed around for a few hours.
The boys quickly lost their sweatshirts and began to get really soaked, looking for crabs and clams, racing each other and the waves and generally forgetting all about hot Fresno.
Kelly is creative where ever she goes and whatever the medium. When I saw this, I busted up laughing. Don't we all feel a little like this some days?? Either we are too dense to figure things out or we are feeling like we're being crushed under the weight of all our troubles. Fortunately, there's another rock we can depend on in such situations...the rock of our Redeemer!
I spent most of my time walking/running with Syrah on her leash. She was having so much fun sniffing everything, and after a while, she stopped running away from the waves. She might have been persuaded by watching a black lab running in and out of the water. She was very comfortable with the water after that.
On our way out, I just had to snap this final vista shot. I am always amazed at the beauty of the world. The Lord loves us and has created so much beauty and variety for us to enjoy. The world around me is a temple that I get to have with me all the time, and if I just open my eyes and let it speak to my soul, I can hear his love for us loud and clear!!
On our way there, we encountered some unexpected wildlife....is that a t-rex on the horizon?? This yard was full of ancient critters, one of which looked like it was about to eat a horse. The horse was surprisingly calm, given the presence of these predators!
The main event! We were greeted with fog, and we couldn't have been happier! It was so cool that we had to don sweatshirts. We were reveling in being cold!!
Digging in the dirt is so much fun! Kelly and the boys love making holes.
We spent a lot of time climbing rocks...the kids and I had a great time doing it, too. Even Syrah was surprisingly good at navigating up and over the rocks. I think she was most interested in the birds, but judging by her nose activity, there were all kinds of interesting smells. We got sprayed by the ocean, watched a beautiful sunset and messed around for a few hours.
The boys quickly lost their sweatshirts and began to get really soaked, looking for crabs and clams, racing each other and the waves and generally forgetting all about hot Fresno.
Kelly is creative where ever she goes and whatever the medium. When I saw this, I busted up laughing. Don't we all feel a little like this some days?? Either we are too dense to figure things out or we are feeling like we're being crushed under the weight of all our troubles. Fortunately, there's another rock we can depend on in such situations...the rock of our Redeemer!
I spent most of my time walking/running with Syrah on her leash. She was having so much fun sniffing everything, and after a while, she stopped running away from the waves. She might have been persuaded by watching a black lab running in and out of the water. She was very comfortable with the water after that.
On our way out, I just had to snap this final vista shot. I am always amazed at the beauty of the world. The Lord loves us and has created so much beauty and variety for us to enjoy. The world around me is a temple that I get to have with me all the time, and if I just open my eyes and let it speak to my soul, I can hear his love for us loud and clear!!
Zoo Pics
We took the missionaries to the zoo a several weeks ago (just now getting around to uploading the photos), and it was a blast! The Fresno zoo just keeps getting better. I've been a member since I moved here, and I've seen a lot of progress. My kids grew up loving these animals, watching the bird show, eating at breakfast with the animals. When they were little, I had one or two strollers in tow. Now I practically need a stroller just to keep up. :-)
Here's a photo of the boys feeding a giraffe. It's such a fun activity to do...I'm amazed at how long their tongues are!
Kelly thinks this giraffe is going to kiss her!
Our favorite exhibit is the Stingray Bay exhibit. We could spend all day here! I love the feel of the stingrays, and we enjoy trying to get them to eat off of our hands. When there are a lot of people who want to feed them like there were this day, then it's harder to get them to take the food. Stingrays are some of my favorite of God's creations. I think they're amazing!
Kelly's action shot of Joe. They were messing around trying to get the right photo. This is what life is like with photo and video hungry kids! I'm glad they have fun, and that we get to capture it for posterity.
This reminds me of when my kids were REALLY little. They've loved this sculpture for a long time, and fortunately they love each other, too. When I look at them now, they're at that scary phase where I can still see the babies I loved and kissed, and the adults they're turning into. Please, God...help me do this right!!
Most of the missionaries who were at the zoo with us made it into this photo. I loved our day together! After the zoo, we took the "Hermanas" with us to In-N-Out and had a fun time just chatting.
Here's a photo of the boys feeding a giraffe. It's such a fun activity to do...I'm amazed at how long their tongues are!
Kelly thinks this giraffe is going to kiss her!
Our favorite exhibit is the Stingray Bay exhibit. We could spend all day here! I love the feel of the stingrays, and we enjoy trying to get them to eat off of our hands. When there are a lot of people who want to feed them like there were this day, then it's harder to get them to take the food. Stingrays are some of my favorite of God's creations. I think they're amazing!
Kelly's action shot of Joe. They were messing around trying to get the right photo. This is what life is like with photo and video hungry kids! I'm glad they have fun, and that we get to capture it for posterity.
This reminds me of when my kids were REALLY little. They've loved this sculpture for a long time, and fortunately they love each other, too. When I look at them now, they're at that scary phase where I can still see the babies I loved and kissed, and the adults they're turning into. Please, God...help me do this right!!
Most of the missionaries who were at the zoo with us made it into this photo. I loved our day together! After the zoo, we took the "Hermanas" with us to In-N-Out and had a fun time just chatting.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Pics from 29 Palms
We visited my parents at the end of June. Mostly we just hung out and ate. Mom's soup....yum! My youngest brother was there, and he's looking good, too. The group photos of my parents and our family are all on their camera. However, here's some photos my daughter and I took of our trip.
We visited with Doug and Clary and their kids up in the Monument (oops...I mean the National Park). They went rock climbing at Indian Cove. Brings back memories of when I was a kid!
We celebrated Joe's birthday while we were at my parents' home. This was Joe's cake. Cool, huh?
Say "Hello" to the Gecko!
Kelly fell in love with this little gecko! He's on my parents' coffee table.
Here's three of the kids having a tooth brushing party! :-)
I also dropped in on my friend Kristi at work, and it was so great to see her! She just looks better and better as time goes by! I hope some of it rubbed off on me while I was there. :-)
We visited with Doug and Clary and their kids up in the Monument (oops...I mean the National Park). They went rock climbing at Indian Cove. Brings back memories of when I was a kid!
We celebrated Joe's birthday while we were at my parents' home. This was Joe's cake. Cool, huh?
Say "Hello" to the Gecko!
Kelly fell in love with this little gecko! He's on my parents' coffee table.
Here's three of the kids having a tooth brushing party! :-)
I also dropped in on my friend Kristi at work, and it was so great to see her! She just looks better and better as time goes by! I hope some of it rubbed off on me while I was there. :-)
Sunday, July 18, 2010
My daughter, nearly 15, couldn't resist this opportunity...sidewalk chalk, and an empty street with lots of "STOP" marks. When I saw this photo on my computer, it made me think about the times when we DO stop believing...in others, in our dreams, in ourselves. I'm thinking my daughter (and Journey) had it right...Don't stop believin'!
There are more than enough negative voices in the world. Few of us need another person telling us where we are messing up. What we need is to hear (and believe) in the positive ones! And we need to turn that little critic in our heads into a force for change and good in our lives. The effect of giving ourselves and others positive feedback is more than just a pep talk. When you have something good to say or share, and you take the opportunity to make it real by saying it aloud, you give it power. You make it more than just noise in your mind...you give it direction and allow it to influence your path as well as the paths of others around you.
When I reach the end of my existence on this earth, what I hope people will say about me is that I tried to uplift and encourage others. (I'm still working on how to do this for myself!). What I hope they remember about me is that I made them see and feel their own genuine worth. Now I'm not talking about meaningless, pump-up-the-ego nonsense, nor that false self esteem from empty compliments. I'm talking about really seeing both the reality and the potential in others, and speaking those things that are both true and meaningful. When we are more positive with others, they can pass that positive energy along to those they encounter, and together we can create a wave of goodness, kindness, and truth that builds up the greatness in those we meet. We can help people believe in themselves and in their dreams.
In the process, we may even discover that we facilitated our own dreams. Now wouldn't that be something worth stopping for!!
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