They Wash Up

This was a saying that my Mother-in-law Laurie used to always say..."they'll wash up", or "it'll come out in the wash". She was wisely referring to kids, clothes, and the general messes that accompany both. I was reminded of this saying last night as I was yelling at the girls not to lay down in the mud puddle underneath the swing set, and then later to not build a fort under the pine tree "cuz they'll be covered in sap for cryin' out loud!!!!" I realized that I am such a killjoy sometimes. I am usually so worried about the mess that I prevent them from just being kids.

Later I was reminded of this again as I watched the new episode of "Sister Wives" last night. (LOVE IT!!) They showed the Brown's climbing a rock in Wyoming. The new wife Robyn was yelling at her kids to BE CAREFUL! She wanted them to scoot down the rock on their behinds because she was so terrified of one of them falling down and breaking something. Meanwhile the other kids scampered around the rock face like monkeys, the other Sister Wives oblivious to the impending danger. They were kind of mocking Robyn (the newby) for being overprotective. The way they see it is that if you hold a child back from exploring, there is no lesson learned, nor teaching opportunity taught, or self-mastery accomplished. They will never acquire the physical dexterity that growing up requires, they will never discover hidden talents and passions without experimentation. Plus, kids have a LOT of energy and need to just be FREE!! I completely 100% agree with this. Loosening the leash is an important step for both the child and the Mommy. It's hard at times cuz you don't want to see them fall/fail/hurt/disappointed, but at the same time they have been given these mortal bodies for a wise and glorious purpose...to use them!! To learn about joy, pain, exhileration, and danger. If I hold them back from fulfilling the measure of their creation, who am I?!? Sooooo...when you put it that way...

Anyway, interesting lesson. I know I need to relax a little bit and not be so "Robyn". Allow a few more messes to be made, permit a few grass and mud stains for the pursuit of F-U-N!!

What are your thoughts???

Psycho-Babble

I signed up for a continuing education course through IVCC this past Saturday. It was called, "Child Development". In the course catalog, the description said something along the lines of, "learn about the different phases of childhood, milestones, behavioral progression including troubleshooting common problems, and FAQ's...blah, blah, blah." It was being taught by a well-educated and highly credited psychoanalyst with a PhD!! In this neck of the woods, I thought that was something to give pause to. I signed up, paid the fee, and it's been on my calendar ever since. I was looking forward to giving my tired ole' brain a bit of an intellectual workout, learning a little more about children, and hopefully taking what I learn and applying it to being a better Mom. (Maybe if I can unlock the mystery hidden within the depths of my children's brains, I will stop yelling so much!!) One can dream, right?

Anyway, I showed up 15 minutes early, notebook, pen, and diet coke in hand. I found an comfy spot on the front row (now that I'm older I'm not scared of being identified as a "brown-noser". LOL! But seriously I didn't want to be distracted by the other students. I find that when I sit in the back of the room I spend my time people-watching instead of paying attention...tangent much???) Anyway, I was ready!!

Too bad even 5 minutes into the class I was completely scratching my head and utterly confused. I should have known when the Dr. passed around the handout with a list of different psychoanalysts throughout the ages. What she was intending to accomplish with our 3 hours was going through each analyst and their theory of how a person's childhood screws them up and damages their psychotic well-being for life. Aye-yi-yi. Good thing I had that diet coke...would've been better if I had had a sledge-hammer to knock myself unconscious, or better yet an invisibility cloak so that I could have walked out of that classroom unnoticed! Holy crap! It was insane! Literally! She talked about how people go insane from either over-stimulation as a child, or under-stimulation as a child. She talked about Erickson, Freud, Jung, Klein, Mahler, Piaget, and Winnicott. I probably know more psycho-babble now than I ever have or will in my lifetime.

Needless to say, not what I signed up for. It wasn't all that bad. I did have moments of clarity and understanding, but nothing more than a "huh", that's interesting moment. Whatever!! I guess I can chalk it up to one of those surreal moments in life that I will look back on and laugh. Hopefully. At least I'll make sure that my Id tells my Ego to laugh, and that my doesn't talk my SuperegoEgo out of it. Hee hee!!

The Best of St. Paddy's Day

Every year I say the same thing...what's the big deal about St. Patrick's Day? And every year, I never come up with a legitimate reason for the season. Other than the tasty treats that is. (My apologies if you're Irish and all orthodox about St. Patrick and stuff. :-)

This year I'm adding a Reuben sandwich from Arby's to my annual Shamrock Shake.

Trial Envy

There are times when I feel like I've had my share of adversity. I know it sounds whiney, ungrateful, and maybe a bit cliche, but I do tend to feel like the sky in falling on only me from time to time. I look around and get a little resentful of the fact that the people around me seem to have it so much easier. Even as I write this I see the error in my thinking. I know everyone has something that they're dealing with, but at this moment it seems like I am carrying the weight of the world.

It's no secret I've been struggling the past few months. I know you're not supposed to only turn to your Heavenly Father in times of need, but I have to admit that this has been the case recently. I have been seriously searching...for answers, peace, comfort, guidance, etc. I know that my prayers are working. Inspiration comes, peace and love fill my heart, my mind is calmed ...I know Heavenly Father is listening. The answers that resonate in my mind over and over: Be Still and Know that I am God. Thine afflictions shall be but a small moment, but if thou endure it well, thou wilt be exalted on high. (Sorry, I don't know the exact passages...but that's the beauty of receiving inspiration through the scripture's voice...it's familiar and the message is the same.)

Something I've learned about adversity is this: my trials are not a punishment. They are not intended to single me out and make me feel picked on and persecuted. My trials serve to accomplish the Lord's work for me in my life. I am His child, and He has a purpose for everything He sends my way. Adversity is a means to an end. Trials and the lessons I learn from them are helping me to get where I need to be. I have a lot of growing and learning to do, maybe that's why it seems like I am going through a "cram session" at times. He expects and wants a lot for me.

The other thing I've learned is this: my adversity is meant to not only teach me, but those around me. I believe we can all learn from each others experiences. Maybe the lessons I've learned are meant to be shared to strengthen another's faith and testimony. Maybe my trials are meant to serve as opportunities for others to serve me. When I admit that I can't handle things alone, the Lord offers opportunities for others to learn and grow through service. Whatever it is, it is intentional and a result of a divine plan.

I shouldn't question Heavenly Father's plan for my life. I shouldn't compare my set of trials with anybody else's. I shouldn't resent it when it seems like my burden is heavier than someone else's. I should recognize that some lessons aren't intended for everyone. Maybe they've already learned what I am being taught. Maybe their time to learn something hasn't yet come. I realize there are lessons others have had to endure and be taught that I look at with wonder. I don't know if I could have the strength and grace that they have. God's timing is a mystery. All we can do is accept what we've been given in the present, endure our trials with faith and hope, and be grateful for the blessings that follow.

The Lord never gives us more than we can handle. Sometimes this statement is easier said than done. I do know that regardless of how well I handle my trials and adversity, that I am not alone in them. Our Heavenly Father and our Savior are always there in the midst of our affliction...there to lift us, carry us, and bless us in the end.

The Little Things

I bought a Diet Mountain Dew today. Why? I don't usually drink it. I'm a die-hard diet Pepsi devotee. But when I saw it, I couldn't pass it up. It reminded me of my funny father-in-law. It was my way of saying "hey, what's up" to him today. I think he would get a chuckle out of that.

I find that there are little things all around me lately that remind me of my sweet in-laws. Little things that will never be the same anymore. Things that will remind me of them, a shared memory, or something to conjure up certain feelings. I'm actually grateful for this. It reminds me to think of them often. And reminds me to hug my kids a little more and be grateful for every day I have with them.

For Laurie:
-chapstick and tissue in every pocket
-peppermint sticks and chocolate covered peanuts
-hot chocolate and white toast with lots of butter (and the occassional sprinkle of cinnamon sugar)
-pretty much any kind of chocolate--Hershey's with or without Almonds, Ghiardelli Brownie Mix, and Nestle Chocolate Chips



-Malad Medicine
-Heating pads
-fleece blankets; she was the first person I knew to own a SNUGGY!
-open-toed slippers
-home-sewn clothes; particularly blazers
-tan colored knee-hi's
-holiday decor!! (including back-to-school!)
-4th of July!!
-Ricks College and BYU
-calligraphy pens
-stampin' and scrappin'
-PAPER, PAPER, PAPER!
-sacks of love
-neosporin
-chocolate chip cookies
-homemade soup and rolls
-"get a grip!" or "oh my stars!"
-calling the girls "tootsie wootsie" or "boo-tiful girl"
-pantry staples: oreos, doritoes, ravioli-o's, cocoa puffs, Grandma's bread.
-family dinner staples: steak, roast, ham, or chicken, potatoes, green salad, apple salad, jello, rolls, Grandma Brown's pickles, ketchup, A-1, Heinz 57, Worcestershire sauce, spicy mustard, and ranch, etc!!

For Dennis:
-Diet Mountain Dew



-peanuts and jerky
-Burger King
-Wendy's Chili
-Garage/Yard Sales
-Pawn Shops
-Liquidation World
-Zion's Bank
-Ketchup on your steak
-Bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns for breakfast
-changing into work clothes (pj's) when you get home
-Law & Order
-rings, diamonds, and gold teeth
-tools, tools, tools!
-cool gadgets...how many pasta makers did he have? He brought us a french fry cutter the last time they came to visit
-Buck the stupidest, ugliest dog in the world (or so he called him)
-Checkers, a close second to Buck
-a little extra cash just because
-"huh"
-laughing when the girls say a swear word
-always having good, practical advice

18

18 months is a big milestone for me. This is the age where they really start morphing from baby to toddler. By 2, they are full-blown toddler. But 18 months is like a vortex of baby one minute and raging toddler the next. I am clinging for dear life to the baby part. Sadly, this has not been working so much these days.



Ugh...what am I going to do? She's growing up you guys!! She is getting smarter, more vocal, figuring stuff out, becoming more independent (at least in her thoughts and actions!!). It's going by so fast. She is such a joy...seriously. We all love her so much. She is the thing we all look forward to when we come home. She is the best entertainment around. So glad that we have this little ray of sunshine in our lives.

Happy Half-Birthday Parker Faye!!



(This is Parker carrying around her "luggage"...everyone's lunch bags.)

Busy Bee

Have you ever heard of this book? I think Aunt Vicki gave this book to the girls when they were littles. I absolutely love the illustrations in this book. The colors are so bright and vivid, and I love the happy pictures of warmer, springy-er weather. I'm glad I have held onto it. Parker loves this book. She seeks it out and insists that we read it to her over and over and over. The funny thing about this book is that the last page has a battery-powered buzzing sound when you open it. She jumps every time, and giggles, and smiles, and points, and falls in love with it as if it were the first time every time. I just love that.

Anyway, in other news: I am as busy as a buzzing bee around this place!!

There are weeks when my days are fairly lax. I mean, lax is relative when you have a busy toddler underfoot. But there are definitely days when the jammies don't come off until well, the next day??? Anyway, this month is shaping up to be a pretty packed.

Girl Scouts:

• We are picking up cookies and starting the arduous sorting process on Monday. For a small town troop, we sold a butt-load of cookies this year. Butt (sorry Mom), that's a good thing actually. Did you know that for every box of cookies a girl scout sells, the girl makes 20 cents and the troop makes 30 cents? Cool, eh? The girls get to spend their "dough" at the Girl Scout shop on silly little trinkets, badges, etc. or use it for camps, or local service area activities. The troop gets to use it for monthly meetings, field trips, etc.

• Speaking of field trips, we are going to the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal this Saturday. Should be fun, but what a PIB (pain in butt) to plan. We have 13 girls and 9 adults scheduled to attend. Can somebody explain to these parents the reasoning behind permission slips? They all want to go. I guess it's good though, because their daughters are like a pack of wild animals, and at least this way I won't be in charge of containing them.

• Later this month, we will be selling cookies at a cookie booth at the Tonica Bank...wish you lived closer so you could pick up some of your faves from these cute little scouts.

Achievement Days

• So I have been doing this for going on 3 years now. It never gets any easier, and I'm still doing it solo. I'm trying my best, but sometimes it just feels like one more thing, ya know? Tonight we are having a "babysitter's Bootcamp". The girls requested this. I know that many of them won't be babysitting any time soon.

• The third Wednesday we'll be welcoming a new girl to our group with a little par-tay (also have 2 other March bdays), and working in our FIG books. We'll probably have a little lesson on "peer pressure".
  

• The third Saturday is the annual FIG Conference at the Stake Center in Joliet. It's usually a lot of fun. The girls pass off 3-5 goals in one morning, and afterwards we get lunch and do some shopping at the Joliet Mall as a group.

Nursery

So I don't know if I mentioned this yet, but this is my latest calling in our Ward. They released me as an RS teacher and called me to be Nursery leader. Do you see the trend? You basically get called wherever your kids are. Achievment Days and now Nursery...awesome!! It's really not too bad. There are only 3 regular kids, plus visitors and less actives occassionally. It could be much, much worse. (Flashbacks from Chelsea Branch come to mind...circa 1995...Andrew and Paige, along with all of their wild Pierson cousins...pre-mission...sends chills up my spine. Hee hee!!)

Work

• I'm working 2 nights a week at the Writing Center on campus. So far, the semester has been slow, so I've been catching up on other stuff (blogging), and just enjoying quiet time (sans Miss P).

• I'm also still doing a few days here and there at Sparkle Cleaners. Tomorrow and Friday this week.

Homefront

• The girls are in the Illinois Valley Youth Choir again this year. They have weekly rehearsals, and for some reason I've volunteered to help out with a bunch of crap. Why can't I say no???

• Tonica Grade School is doing this fundraiser where they want you to donate a bunch of money to make baskets to raffle off. Then they want you to buy at least $20 worth of tickets to get the basket. Do you see the nonsense here??? I hate fundraisers. Bah Humbug!!

• We have been getting various bids to do some work on our house. First off is the electrical stuff. Needs to be updated...bad. Next up is getting AIR CONDITIONING!! It sounds so hillbilly to even say that...I can't believe we've lived without it as long as we have. Insanity. Anyway, I couldn't be more excited about this...seriously, I am stoked...bring it on Illinois summer...I dare you!!