Thursday, March 26, 2009

African violets and motherhood



These are beautiful pieces of talks by Elder Robert D. Hales and just what I needed to hear today! I hope you enjoy them, too!

"Look at family as an eternal perspective. Be patient in growing your family. Your family is not unlike a leaf off another plant, now transplanted, plucked off and placed into a glass. I’ve learned something by watching my wife grow African violets. It’s an interesting process. Let me describe it to you. It is very much like raising children. First, she clips off a leaf. A crisp, healthy leaf off the mother plant and puts it in a stem of water. Then she waits. It will be a number of weeks before white roots sprout from the stem. Then she carefully plants the stem in a pot of fertile soil, places it in a place where it will receive the proper light, and carefully waters and nourishes the tender plant. And then she waits. Over time, it sprouts many leaves. It becomes very interesting when you’re planting three or four sprouts at the same time. It takes every plant a different time to bloom. Despite coming from the same mother plant and living in the same environment. We had almost given up on the fourth plant a few weeks ago. But someone said, “Have patience.” Someone who had grown African violets. And had grown children. We can almost miss the joy of the three blooming plants by our focusing concern about the fourth that hasn’t bloomed yet. Similarly, we need to have a great deal of patience and faith knowing that if we will continue to nourish and care for a child or a plant, it will eventually bloom, of that I give my testimony. This reminds me of when I hear educators talk about ‘late bloomers’- of which I am one. The lesson learned is in knowing that those leaves that come from the mother plant, when given the proper care and patience, will eventually bloom. Regarding our little children, do we get a little impatient with their progress? Do we sometimes wonder why we are having family home evening, family prayer and scripture study? Wonder not, the spiritual root structure of our children is being developed by our righteous efforts. And although at times it may be hard to discern, those roots are growing."


"May I spend a moment or two talking about a unique lifelong learning experience for a woman. I feel it deeply. It is called motherhood. Motherhood is the ideal opportunity for lifelong learning. The mother’s learning grows as she nurtures the child, in his or her development years. They are both learning and maturing together at a remarkable pace. It’s exponential, not linear. Just think of the learning process of a mother throughout the lifetime of her children. Each child brings an added dimension to her learning, because their needs are so varied and far reaching. For example, in the process of rearing her children, a mother studies such topics as child development, nutrition, health care, physiology, psychology, nursing with medical research and care, educational tutoring in many diverse fields, such as math, science, geography, literature, English and foreign languages. Development of gifts such as music, athletics, dance, public speaking, and the learning examples could continue endlessly. Just think of the spiritual learning that is required as a mother teaches about gospel principles and prepares for teaching family home evening, and auxiliary lessons in Primary, Relief Society, Young Women and Sunday School. My point is, my dear sisters, and for the brethren, who I hope are listening carefully. My point is that a mother’s opportunity for lifelong learning and teaching is universal in nature. My dear sisters, don’t ever sell yourself short as a woman. Or as a mother. It never ceases to amaze me that the world would state that a woman is in a form of servitude, which does not allow her to develop her gifts and talents. Nothing, absolutely nothing, could be further from the truth. Do not let the world define, denegrade, or limit your feelings of lifelong learning and the values of motherhood in the home both here mortally and the eternal learning and benefits you give to your children and to your companion."

Salsa, anyone?


I figured out that I could make my own salsa from my food storage ingredients! Three to be exact: canned tomatoes, dried onions, and dried peppers. I just pulsed the tomatoes in the blender, added the onions and peppers to soften them up, and whalaa! Instant salsa!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Sunrise


If you are reading this, you are tagged! Post your fourth picture from your fourth folder! This is a beautiful sunrise that John caught just last week. Don't ask me why it's only in our fourth folder, I think our picture folders are backwards!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Scripture Power

Okay, this is cool- really! I do have a little bit of time on my hands these days, like when all the kids are at school and John is at work. I am reading 2 Nephi right now... a.k.a. Isaiah, and as I was reading along, I'm thinking, "WHAT?" And had to admit to myself that I had no idea what I was reading about. So, I clicked on this link that takes you to BYU TV. Then I clicked on Scripture Discussions. From there, you can click on ANY chapter of scripture that you are studying and have 4 professors of religion explain it to you. Awesome! I made a lot of notes and actually understood a LOT more than I would ever been able to understand on my own. I love technology!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

HAPPY DAY!

We didn't know how.... or when... but we do now! This is my sister, Melissa, with her daughter, Lexi. Lexi was placed with Melissa and her husband, Ryan, for adoption in September. Since that time, the birth dad has tried to intervene and gain custody of Lexi. We even attended a L...O...N...G.... hearing on the matter. But, today we got the news that the birth dad signed the papers that make it possible for the adoption to be finalized! Oh, happy day! Our family has been fasting, praying, and hoping that this day would come. Ryan also put the birth Dad's name in the temple last weekend. We have received assurances through the spirit that it would happen. The Lord is so good to us! We are all celebrating... Congratulations Melissa and Ryan!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Before I met you.....

Before I met you....

I didn't know how special it was to be a Mom.

I didn't know the meaning of the word "sociable".

I didn't know my heart would swell as I watched you perform on stage. You make me so proud!

I didn't know that you would have such a strong desire to do what is right.

I didn't know that someone so young could have such a big testimony.

Before I met you....

I didn't know that someone could be born with so many natural talents and abilities... dance, art, music... just to name a few.

I didn't realize what being a "girly-girl" was really all about.

I didn't know that you would teach me so much about loving everyone unconditionally.

I didn't know that you would be such a special friend to your little brother.

I didn't know that you would be the "domestic diva" in our house- decorating, baking, organizing, creating beautiful things!




Before I met you....

I didn't know a little boy could be so handsome.

I didn't know how to get silly putty out of blankets.

I didn't know that you would wear me out at the end of every day.

I didn't know the names of Spiderman's enemies.

I didn't know someone could work so hard to overcome difficult obstacles.

I didn't know that I would find so much joy in every small accomplishment.

Before I met you....

I didn't think about the salvation of unborn babies.

I didn't know such a stalwart spirit would belong to our family.

I didn't know how much joy I would have as I look forward to the resurrection.

Before I met you....

I didn't know how badly I would want to be with someone, every day, every hour!

I didn't know that someone would be able to forgive me (over and over again) for all my faults and shortcomings.

I didn't know someone could be so talented.

I didn't know that someone could know how to do *everything.

*meaning: music, lights, sound, audio/visual equipment, wiring, electronics, writing, building a home from start to finish, being a fun, creative Dad.

I didn't know that you would show me in so many ways how to come closer to the Savior. Your example is amazing!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Feeding frenzy

It all started so innocently, on a bright, but cold Saturday afternoon.....

Sharing a snack with the geese at Wheeler Farm!






Soon, flocks of geese were coming in for a landing and.... well, we'll let the video
speak for itself! They were LOUD and just to warn you, a little violent.



Wednesday, March 4, 2009

#62 on YouTube!

In case you missed it, this was #62 on YouTube last week. It's beautiful!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Reply

Here is how it works-the 1st 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive at some point during this year a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment here write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going( or cut and paste..no one will judge you, cause that is what I did). Then come back and let me know you are going to play, and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift. Remember only the 1st 3 will qualify. Good Luck!!!