Calm amidst Calamity

A new sense of calm is something I've been stirving to acquire lately. I was reading an article in the magazine called "LDS Living" and it was talking about the psychological affects on those who endure disasters such as hurricane Katrina and major earthquakes like those in Haiti and Chile. There were many neat points brought up in the article, but I was interested in how those that survived and did well after such experiences were those who were able to recover with a positive attitude and cope with everyday mishaps. Everyday, I am presented with a choice to cry over spilled milk or to keep my calm and press forward. I've found greater peace and happiness are accessible if we look at the big picture, be grateful, and not sweat the small stuff. The other day I went out to our garage, which is supposed to be locked, and the refrigerator was open and there were 18 eggs out of the carton in the vegetable drawer. Yes, there was broken one. I was surprised at my own reaction, I said "Oh Whoops", thought of Celia and how much fun she must of had and quickly cleaned it up. I was glad only one egg was broken, that's not too bad and I'm so glad I caught it before it dried, or all the food was ruined from the refrigerator being open.

We all do things that affect others. Also, people around can choose to do things that cause upheaval in our regular routines. Messes happen, and the culprits can be of any age and developmental stage. How I react to such messes determines my day and how I will teach my children to deal with things that happen not according to plan. We live in a tumultuous world right now, things are in commotion and no matter what stage in life we are in, there are catastrophes of spirit, faith, body, and mind. I want to practice each day to be calm and be prepared for what life may hurl my way. Being a mother, there are lots of opportunities to practice this. Each time a child forgets a lunch at school, needs to go to the doctor, or develops a new challenge to face, we both as mothers and fathers have to be ready and adapt.

I hope practicing being calm and positive will ready me for more challenging experiences to come. Faith is also good in helping me to move forward and endure much. Just like muscles we have to exercise our patience and endurance to become stronger. Yes, prevention is important too, but for those things we cannot help, its good to decide how we will act. I want to be fit to not falter in times ahead. Celia has been going cross eyed today, we will check into that. A priesthood blessing and an appointment with the neurologist and eye doctor are on the list of things to do, calmly and with a positive attitude.

Laundry Lull~

Empty laundry baskets are such a nice view to see. Spencer has been doing so well. He is only getting two outfits a day to change into and I am noticing the difference in the amounts of laundry. Or maybe I am just more on top of it daily, but the results are good. I have 6 white baskets empty out in the garage. They have been almost always full of dirty or clean clothes or some combination of both for quite some time. Its nice to walk out there and see no clothes at all:) Of course the children's drawers and closets are pretty full, apart from Spencer's, but its a great feeling. Spence has his own secret stash in the garage, buckets covered full of all sorts of clean and folded Spencer clothes. He isn't changing as much at school either. He is happier in summer school then he has been at school in a long time and they have reported him saying a few words there too. Its all very exciting, He says book, bubbles, help, and a few other words. We have been hearing them at home too when we model it for him first. We have a few speech devices at home that I am going to try to use with him. They are buttons he can push so he can ask for things like outside or drink. I am hopeful language will be something we can develop with him little by little. We really needed to get over the changing thing though. I hope this is the start of a new trend. Maybe we are out of the woods with the laundry fascination and on to cooking. Wish me luck!

Sisters and Dresses

This first pose is nice, looks familiar!




Celia felt like she had to be involved in picture taking with dresses on.:)

Who Knew getting ready for a week in the mountains would include getting a formal dress? hehe. Its wacky formal night one evening this week. They are going to have a nice meal and dress up a little bit. We were to use our local thrift store to come up with something and this is what we found for Emmy.~

Brian and the children

I told the kids Brian brings home the bacon and I fry it up in a pan this morning as we ate bacon and eggs for breakfast. I was teasing making reference to a song, but am extremely appreciatiative to Brian for the work he does to provide for our family. We have all the necessities of life and much more. From him we have Love, time together, support, instruction, protection, and peace of mind. I very glad to have him as my husband and the father of our four wonderful children~

Rawr Rivercats.

This is a foam claw. Each time the announcer would play the sound of rawring Rivercats Emmy or Joseph would wave their hand up.~
On Friday we went to the Rivercats with Joseph and Emmy on a pre-daddy's day date. We really enjoyed the game, and being together. It was ironic we filled up on food before we went and it was Friday family value night, hot dogs and desserts for a dollar. Joseph still had a fudgesicle. He loves the food there and the vendors going up and down the bleachers. Joe and I chanted hey batter batter, swing batter like in Ferris buller's day off. It was fun, they ended up playing that quote over the loud speaker, and we sang take me out to the ballgame together. We were missing Celia since she knows all the words to that song and blurts out singing it sometimes around the house hehe. We had some Rivercats dollars and instead of food Joseph said he wanted a souvenir to remember this winning game.:) And it was a winner. We saw the bases loaded several times, we even saw what I thought was a grand slam, but apparently the ball was a few feet short. It was chilly so we left in the 8th inning, but we were winning 15 to3 against the Salt Lake Bees. It was nice to see so many runs, and a great turn around from the last time we saw the Rivercats. They were playing Salt lake and we lost badly. I say it was because I was rooting for either team that time. This time I said we root for Sacramento all the way and we did.~

Successful park trip~

The kids got sopping wet, but seemed to love it. It was a perfect weather day and was very relaxing to visit and hang outdoors all afternoon.~

Hooray for zoom, I could take these pictures of the kids across the way in the water with out getting the camera or myself wet.:)

We just got back from spending several hours at a park in Rocklin with our fun friends; Amber, Maddie, Chloe and Chase. Spencer loved it, they had a water area that was really entertaining for the kids. Everyone did so well and had fun. I am so happy we made it, There were tons of people there and Spencer stayed dressed and was mellow and very happy. We plan to go water park hoping some more and picnic with these wonderful friends.:)

Italiano

I found a new love for Italian food. Anyone who knows me knows I love bread. Bread and herbs and butter and garlic. All the makings of a great meal. I love pasta, tomatoes especially sun dried, and artichokes. Bri and I went to an Italian restaurant last night called "Il Forno Classico". My main dish was called Scaloppine Alla Classico. It included chicken, garlic, bacon, mushrooms, marsala wine-flamed, served over fettuccine with garlic green beans, Mmmm.

The bread they give you in the beginning of the meal tasted homemade and the dip was the best. I think, from my discerning taste buds, that they must have blended artichoke hearts, balsamic vinegar, some lemon and butter combination with some herbs, maybe bay leaves. It was super tasty. It brought me back to the days when my family of origin would sit in the dining room for a formal dinner. My dad would bring out artichokes on a plate and we'd eagerly devour each leave dipping it in the lemon butter sauce until we reach the epitome of yumminess in the heart.

I think my Dad's pasta ranks up there with the things I love to eat. I remember Brian and I traveled to Los Angeles for a February visit around Valentines day years ago. All I wanted to eat was my Dad's bow tie pasta. With the way my mom sets a dining table and the food my Dad's cooks, combined with those I love, it was a great and memorable mealtime. It's amazing how nice memories can be tied to smells and in this case taste. So Italian is my comfort food. I really enjoy the color they used in the restaurants too, the decor. If you know me, you know I like warm colors and many textures and tiles and greenery! What a great combination of things, then you throw in company with the one I hold most dear and it makes for an amazing evening.:) I want to visit Italy someday, but for now I am enjoying their food and ambiance in the nearby fancy and gourmet Italian restaurants we have here in the Sacramento area. I might need recipes to try on my own at home, even better.

Our Young Woman

Emelie is growing up. After prodding me for an appointment for several months, Emmy has Braces. They are cute on her. She chose red and purple rubber bands. Her bite is of most concern and a little crowding down below. She has been living on chocolate milk and soft food since her teeth are a little sore. She didn't have to have any teeth extracted. That is pretty nice since Brian and I both had four teeth extracted respectively. She is seeing Dr. Miller who did her cousin Willow's braces. He is very nice and so far I am very happy with the service and the staff. They treat Emmy well and get her to speak up and share her feelings and information about herself. She is shy and soft spoken and this makes me feel like she is in good hands when she can communicate well with them. Emmy sang with all the ward young women in church today a song called "Be Strong." She had told me yesterday that she knew that song, that it was just one of those songs that you sing a few times and get to know the words without realizing it. I'm glad she is involved with Mutual, they have a bishops youth discussion tonight. Its a great influence for our special youth.:)

Derby Time~

Brian and Joseph designed the car and drilled a perfect hole to put pennies in for weights on the car for Joseph's first pine wood derby.

Celia was pretty interest in Joseph's car. She even wanted to help paint it! Spencer and Celia were looking out the window wondering when it was time to go while Joseph was finishing up his car.:) It really was a family endeavor and that is really a nice thing about cub scout activities




Joseph was smirking all cute when his car would race. I was told I needed to get it on video.:) His car did really well at first then they had him race against the boys who ended up winning against everyone at the end. Brian said Joseph's car was a little light when they weighed in. Joseph raced his car backwards because the weight was in the back. He had blue wheels and got a lot of compliments from older friends and leaders which made him happy. We are new at this, I'm sure he'll have the full 5 ounces next year and be ready to rumble!


Joseph did great and is such a sweet little cub scout.:)

Author Aspirations

As I'm sweeping the rice from the floor I am taken back to days of imagination and creativity. I used to sit and write short stories of characters made up in my mind as ideas flow from one measure to the next. Each part of the story culminating in a symphony of words. Its difficult to find time on your own to fine tune the instrument of creativity. I am grateful for the "play time" I am provided with my children's tutoring sessions. We play imaginary Doctor. We sing and we dance, we laugh. Yesterday, I ran through the sprinklers out front with Celia, Spence, and Luba. We made apple crisp and took a walk around the neighborhood noticing every sound; dogs barking, birds singing ,and the wind blowing though the trees.

I used to write about adventures I was not on, but am realizing my life is the adventure I'd imagined. We may not be travelling the world, but we as a family travel the world of imagination, productivity, and resource. I am living a love story, a heartwarming story of service, a spiritual journey filled with adversaries and foes. Frustration and weariness often tempt me to give up, but pushing forward bring satisfaction and happiness. I have to keep myself balanced to overcome. I must be strong in body, spirit, and intellect. Each step I take is moving in a direction that will ultimately take me to my final destination beyond this world. In the mean time I am enjoying friendships, nutritious food, nature, and adventure. These are the times between turmoil and strife. I am a warrior for my family. I am determined to keep my children safe, to teach them all they need to fight against the evils of the world and be prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Limits are in our minds and even for my children that are not the same as all the rest, I rejoice in that and am there to help them recognize and realize their potential. I don't think I will write a novel to publish, or sail the many seas, or climb the highest mountains in this world, but I can do many things here with my growing family and be fulfilled and inspired by the network of people I come in contact with. There isn't time for extended vacations on my own, but I wouldn't want it that way, there is much to do and more to enjoy in the amazing dynamic of this wonderful position I hold as mother. Each lesson taught and learned add to the depth of our relationships that last for forever. I misspell too much to be an author so publishing this blog will do just fine.:) I have 120 pages coming in the mail soon and look forward to archiving these little tidbits of our family life.~

Its all good~

I love the bottle brush plant this time of year. I am definitely a fan of the blue tinted bristles and the deep color red. The hummingbirds are going to love it too. I'm grateful to have a backyard to relax in.~



Joseph has seen the poses Addison makes in pictures I think.

We are dog less. The honeymoon was over for our Kirby. He started acting up and was displaying a whole lot of new bad behaviors. We are doing well though and now the kids can go in the backyard without getting jumped on. They are still pretty happy.