Videos/pics of the girls
Tay and her friends in their classroom before their musical - hence the misplaced bear-ears headband.
Some clips of Kaiya 9 months
Kaiya has slimmed down and fits better in her 9 month pants now - ha ha! She scoots around in her walker like a race car driver and claps her hands and says, "ya ya ya ya ya!' She doesn't "crawl" but scoots on her bum or rolls to get where she wants to go. She's very happy and pretty mild most of the time. She's got her fourth tooth working it's way down on top. Her left eye is a little droopy much of the time, epecially when it's goopy from a clogged tear-duct. She's got an appointment with an opthomologist next month. Enjoy:
Family pics
For once I splurged on family pictures because pictures are worth it to me and I live close to my favorite photographer - you never know when somebody will move away! So, we celebrated the arrival of Kaiya by having some portraits taken of us while she is still a baby.
Thank you to Ravissant Photography:
www.ravissantphotography.com (I tried to make this a link, but wasn't showing up)
Rebecca even adjusted my blog header for me :-)
Thank you to Ravissant Photography:
www.ravissantphotography.com (I tried to make this a link, but wasn't showing up)
Rebecca even adjusted my blog header for me :-)
Time flies - and babies are so sweet!
Blessing day :-)
Kaiya's 2nd hike - Rattlesnake Ridge
Sweet smiles
Kaiya's third hike - Twin Falls
Kaiya is so chill! She is just content and happy - not trying to compete for attention. If you do give her attention though, she rewards you will smiles and coos. She is a DREAM and I am enjoying her SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watch this video - she adores her daddy :-)
Kaiya's 2nd hike - Rattlesnake Ridge
Sweet smiles
Kaiya's third hike - Twin Falls
Kaiya is so chill! She is just content and happy - not trying to compete for attention. If you do give her attention though, she rewards you will smiles and coos. She is a DREAM and I am enjoying her SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watch this video - she adores her daddy :-)
She's here!
Went to the hospital last Saturday the 22nd at 3am.
Kaiya Lindsay Simon
May 22, 2010 6:51 am
6 lbs 14 oz, 19 inches long
Kaiya (pronounced like Maya) means forgiveness.
A few smiles for ya~
Kaiya Lindsay Simon
May 22, 2010 6:51 am
6 lbs 14 oz, 19 inches long
Kaiya (pronounced like Maya) means forgiveness.
A few smiles for ya~
What a mission has done to my brother...
My little brother Preston has been serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lima, Peru for over a year now, and I am AMAZED at the person he has become in such a short time. He has insights and maturity beyond his years and I am so impressed with him! I have posted two sections from his recent emails because they are so uplifting and well-written. :-) Enjoy...
"To truly have confidence and hope in all that you do, you must remember simply three basic truths. ... Here’s what you need to remember: You are a child of God. He loves you. Jesus the Christ is your Savior. Think about those three statements. You are a child of God… meaning that you have the potential to become just like Him. A God. A Goddess. That is the simple truth about who you are. Your capabilities are without beginning and without end. There is nothing you cannot do. There is nothing you are not capable of becoming. Do not question about whether you are up to certain tasks that are placed before you because the answer will always be YES! You are a child of God. And He loves you. Why is that important? Because you can know that because of his infinite, perfect, unending and undying love, no matter what happens, He will be there to help you. He has your salvation already planned out. No matter how hard things seem, you will come out a better person. He gives you your trials to make you better. They are blessings, opportunities to grow and see your potential. EVERYTHING is working together for your good. He will always be there to support you and give you what you need, because He loves you. Finally, you must remember that Jesus the Christ is your Savior and Redeemer. This is vitally important, because we make errors. We make errors and lose the confidence we had before, we feel that because of our sin or error we have lost God's support and can’t get it back. We feel that because of our sin or mistake, that He doesn’t love us anymore. We think “How can I become like God with all the mistakes I make? How can He love me with all the sins I commit?” THAT is NOT true, and THAT is why we must remember that a Christ was chosen and preordained to save us from our imperfections. We must remember the love Christ showed for us, and we must ACCEPT his Atonement. When we feel we cannot continue to progress or repent, we are rejecting the perfect love Christ showed for us as He bled from every poor for our sins. We aren’t meant to sorrow and regret the fact that Christ came and bled for us. We are to ACCEPT it, find JOY from it, TAKE ADVANTAGE of it, and MAKE the changes in our lives that we so desperately want to make, and CAN make, because of His sacrifices. It doesn’t matter how weak or imperfect you are, it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve made mistakes or will make mistakes, it doesn’t matter if you don’t believe that God is your literal Loving and Heavenly Father… because the fact is that YOU ARE, and that YOU CAN, AND ARE MEANT, TO CHANGE AND BECOME LIKE HIM. That is your destiny."
(One quick note about trials from me - some trials are caused by the poor choices of others because we all have the freedom to choose. Our Savior can help us heal and forgive.)
He always ends his emails with something like this:
"Stay positive in every moment. Smile, laugh, and enjoy whatever trials you are faced with. Remember that whatever the trial is, you will survive it and that it is there to make you stronger and better… so face it with courage and a smile, until you come out the other end… dressed in all the blessings and heavenly riches that came because of your faith and hope in enduring God’s will, until the end. Remember who you are! I love you all so much. Have a great week!!!"
I LOVE what a mission does for these young men!!!!
Preston (Elder Wheiler) is on the right.
Mothers
I thought about waiting until Mother's Day to post this, but maybe someone will read it early enough to take the time to plan something really special for their mom for Mother's Day.
Our lesson in R.S. today was based on a talk by Elder David A. Bednar titled "More Diligent and Concerned at Home" While listening to Mara's fantastic lesson, it occurred to me that I have so much goodness in my life because my mother followed these principles. She showed me she loved me. She built me up. She taught me truth and testified of it. She was consistent in her commitment to the gospel. She was kind, patient, and selfless. She probably felt like she was taken for granted by her children, and she may have felt discouraged at times, but she didn't let that diminish the importance of her work.
She has told me she feels that her role in life is the "background work"... she doesn't enjoy the spotlight and she doesn't intentionally take charge. Well, what is Mother's Day for if we don't recognize the work and sacrifice and diligence that goes on behind the scenes by the women who shape the world? So, MOM, thank you for the things you taught me - through your words and your actions. Thank you for trusting me, it built my confidence. I have always respected you because you first showed me kindness and respect, no matter how ill-behaved I was. You have always demonstrated true Charity, which is the pure love of Christ. That makes a huge impact on a child. Children grow up to become adults. Why do we forget that? Why do we treat children as inferiors sometimes? We all used to be children, and the way people treated us has shaped how we view ourselves and others.
This is why motherhood is THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB. It's a lot on our shoulders and can be overwhelming and a daunting task, but we need to understand the value we hold. We need to accept the challenge and rise to it. I have barely dipped my toe in the pool of experience, and I know it's about to get much harder. I'm grateful for the lessons I've heard and the examples I've seen in SO MANY OF YOU GOOD WOMEN DOING YOUR BEST. I hope they stick with me through the hard times so I can keep the right perspective.
Praising people should be inspiring, not guilt-inducing. I love to hear about amazing women and what makes them so. I love to hear from the mouths of the women themselves what they are doing to be better. That's not prideful. One thing I LOVE about going to church on a regular basis is that we are consistently humbled by being taught ways to improve, but also being reminded that we are loved. We have been taught to look at ourselves and ask, "what can I do better?" without feeling burdened with guilt for not being perfect. We'll never be perfect! So what?
This is getting long, so I just want to say that today I am grateful for:
1. my Mother - for loving me and teaching me how to love,
2. an eternal perspective - for making trials look more like character-building opportunities,
3. my Savior - for always being there with His arms outstretched and for providing the tools and the knowledge to make life truly HAPPY.
Oh, and by the way, Nick got a job! We are both grateful for the peace we felt for the past 2 1/2 months, for the prayers and concern of so many wonderful people, and for the extra time we have had to spend together. It has been joyful. I am SO BLESSED to have Nick as my husband. He is good to the core, he makes me smile, and he is faithful. We know the Lord has a plan and a purpose for everything and everyone and is anxious to pour out blessings. You are loved.
Our lesson in R.S. today was based on a talk by Elder David A. Bednar titled "More Diligent and Concerned at Home" While listening to Mara's fantastic lesson, it occurred to me that I have so much goodness in my life because my mother followed these principles. She showed me she loved me. She built me up. She taught me truth and testified of it. She was consistent in her commitment to the gospel. She was kind, patient, and selfless. She probably felt like she was taken for granted by her children, and she may have felt discouraged at times, but she didn't let that diminish the importance of her work.
She has told me she feels that her role in life is the "background work"... she doesn't enjoy the spotlight and she doesn't intentionally take charge. Well, what is Mother's Day for if we don't recognize the work and sacrifice and diligence that goes on behind the scenes by the women who shape the world? So, MOM, thank you for the things you taught me - through your words and your actions. Thank you for trusting me, it built my confidence. I have always respected you because you first showed me kindness and respect, no matter how ill-behaved I was. You have always demonstrated true Charity, which is the pure love of Christ. That makes a huge impact on a child. Children grow up to become adults. Why do we forget that? Why do we treat children as inferiors sometimes? We all used to be children, and the way people treated us has shaped how we view ourselves and others.
This is why motherhood is THE MOST IMPORTANT JOB. It's a lot on our shoulders and can be overwhelming and a daunting task, but we need to understand the value we hold. We need to accept the challenge and rise to it. I have barely dipped my toe in the pool of experience, and I know it's about to get much harder. I'm grateful for the lessons I've heard and the examples I've seen in SO MANY OF YOU GOOD WOMEN DOING YOUR BEST. I hope they stick with me through the hard times so I can keep the right perspective.
Praising people should be inspiring, not guilt-inducing. I love to hear about amazing women and what makes them so. I love to hear from the mouths of the women themselves what they are doing to be better. That's not prideful. One thing I LOVE about going to church on a regular basis is that we are consistently humbled by being taught ways to improve, but also being reminded that we are loved. We have been taught to look at ourselves and ask, "what can I do better?" without feeling burdened with guilt for not being perfect. We'll never be perfect! So what?
This is getting long, so I just want to say that today I am grateful for:
1. my Mother - for loving me and teaching me how to love,
2. an eternal perspective - for making trials look more like character-building opportunities,
3. my Savior - for always being there with His arms outstretched and for providing the tools and the knowledge to make life truly HAPPY.
Oh, and by the way, Nick got a job! We are both grateful for the peace we felt for the past 2 1/2 months, for the prayers and concern of so many wonderful people, and for the extra time we have had to spend together. It has been joyful. I am SO BLESSED to have Nick as my husband. He is good to the core, he makes me smile, and he is faithful. We know the Lord has a plan and a purpose for everything and everyone and is anxious to pour out blessings. You are loved.
Day Trip to Canada
These pics are out of order, but they are from our quick day trip up to British Columbia to tour the new LDS temple in Langley. It was gorgeous and Taylor was fascinated by the beauty (and very reverent I might add). It was so cool to walk her through and talk about future experiences she could have there. :-)
Then on the way home, we stopped in Mt. Vernon to see the tulip festival! The fields were all cleared out, but there were a couple gardens still open. BEAUTIFUL! I love flowers :-) and family :-)
Then on the way home, we stopped in Mt. Vernon to see the tulip festival! The fields were all cleared out, but there were a couple gardens still open. BEAUTIFUL! I love flowers :-) and family :-)
LOVE THIS QUOTE
"It is vital that we, the sisters of Relief Society, learn to hear the voice of the Lord. Yet I worry that too often we fail to seek the guidance of the Spirit. Perhaps we don’t know how and haven’t made it a priority to learn. Or we’re so aware of our personal failings that we don’t feel worthy, don’t really believe the Lord will talk to us, and therefore don’t seek revelation. Or we’ve allowed the distractions and pace of our lives to crowd out the Spirit. What a tragedy! For the Holy Ghost blesses us with optimism and wisdom at times of challenge that we simply cannot muster on our own. No wonder that one of the adversary’s favorite tactics among righteous LDS women is busyness—getting us so preoccupied with the flurry of daily life that we fail to immerse ourselves in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sisters, we can’t afford not to seek the things of the Spirit! There is too much at stake. Too many people are depending on us as mothers, as sisters, leaders, and friends. A woman led by the Lord knows where to turn for answers and for peace. She can make difficult decisions and face problems with confidence because she takes her counsel from the Spirit, and from her leaders who are also guided by the Spirit." (Sheri Dew, We Are Not Alone)
Ode To Runners
I used to think running was boring and didn't give it much respect, but now many of the people I admire most are runners and they are all kind, compassionate, selfless, hard-working, driven people who are passionate about life and continually set and achieve goals. Why is that? What's the connection? Does it have something to do with pushing yourself to overcome obstacles or having the self control to hit the pavement despite all kinds of excuses? Maybe it's because the regular exercise releases stress and frustration, so they don't bottle it up and use it against people. There are probably so many more reasons they are such great people, but all I know is I admire and respect you runners!!!
Today Taylor ran her first 1K race and she LOVED IT! I'm so glad because I am hoping that it becomes a passion of hers, as it has for my sisters, husband, and dad. (I will also encourage her to continue in art, music, and swimming.) She didn't stop running once, except for the time she tripped and fell, but got right back up and was so proud of herself. She felt great afterward, even though she expressed a little bit of fear right beforehand. (We had to stay positive so she'd still want to try it!) She encouraged her friends along the way, and is looking forward to the next race! I have tried running myself at times, and really enjoyed the 8K I ran last year. I hope I can get back into it in the future. Nick is signed up for 2 races, the next one being a 1/2 marathon here May 1st. It's so great because it keeps him motivated to keep training. Isn't that something we all need in life... motivation to keep improving?
Here are some pictures of this special day:
This is Taylor with Sean Sundwall, who organized the whole race - he's amazing! He's also our home teacher and the best runner we know! We are huge fans :-)
Today Taylor ran her first 1K race and she LOVED IT! I'm so glad because I am hoping that it becomes a passion of hers, as it has for my sisters, husband, and dad. (I will also encourage her to continue in art, music, and swimming.) She didn't stop running once, except for the time she tripped and fell, but got right back up and was so proud of herself. She felt great afterward, even though she expressed a little bit of fear right beforehand. (We had to stay positive so she'd still want to try it!) She encouraged her friends along the way, and is looking forward to the next race! I have tried running myself at times, and really enjoyed the 8K I ran last year. I hope I can get back into it in the future. Nick is signed up for 2 races, the next one being a 1/2 marathon here May 1st. It's so great because it keeps him motivated to keep training. Isn't that something we all need in life... motivation to keep improving?
Here are some pictures of this special day:
This is Taylor with Sean Sundwall, who organized the whole race - he's amazing! He's also our home teacher and the best runner we know! We are huge fans :-)
Marriage Notes
Just thought I'd share the notes I took from the Marriage Class at Women's Conference. LOVED IT!
Creating a Great Marriage – “Good is the enemy of great” – Sam DiBello
(This isn’t the title of the class, but it was the first thing he said, and I like it. He also said that marriage is profoundly different from anything else and IT DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION! Oh, and one more thing: If you want to die with no regrets, you have to decide WHAT MATTERS MOST and then focus on it. Multi-tasking is not necessarily a good thing. When you focus on too many things at once, nothing is getting your full attention. When you focus on what really matters, you know what to say Yes and No to.)
The Eight “Ates”
1. ANTICIPATE – show you love and care by anticipating a need and surprising them with your support. Suggested assignment: identify a need and surprise them by helping/ contributing. Keep it simple – fill their tank with gas, help plan a lesson, hang up their clothes.
2. APPRECIATE - sweet civility – look for good and compliment them. They will become that. Express gratitude often, even in little things. Suggested assignment: Recall a time in the past when you expressed deep appreciation for something your spouse did and remind them of it, expressing thanks all over again. Then express appreciation for something new. Give them a good kiss!
3. CELEBRATE – play together! We grow old because we forget to play! Create traditions/ events to look forward to. Suggested assignment: make an excuse to celebrate/ play, big or small, give it a name, and set aside the time to do it.
4. COOPERATE – work together. Sacrifice some of your wants and give more of yourself. “Win-Win or No Deal!” It’s not worth it if you win at the expense of them losing. Suggested assignment: Examine your relationship and see if there’s something you’re not on the same page with. Both of you recognize it and find a win-win solution. Option 2: find a project that working on will bring you closer together.
5. ELEVATE – continue growing together, educate, nurture. Suggested assignment: Ever week, find a reason to compliment your spouse publically or privately. Option 2: take up a hobby together.
6. MOTIVATE – encourage and be their cheerleader! Flirt. Eliminate guilt. Use ethical bribes Motivate through love. Catch them doing something right. Suggested assignment: Think of something they are struggling with and think of 2 different things you can do to cheer them on. Remind them of their goal.
7. RADIATE – radiate the light of the gospel that is love, goodness and kindness. Keep the commandments. Focus on Jesus Christ. Suggested assignments: Bear your testimony of the Savior to your husband alone. (That makes a big difference to a priesthood holder.) Attend the temple regularly.
8. SUPPLICATE – pray twice daily together. Be specific in giving thanks to the Lord for your husband.
QUESTION TO PONDER: What is the one thing in your marriage you could change to make everything else easier or unnecessary?
Creating a Great Marriage – “Good is the enemy of great” – Sam DiBello
(This isn’t the title of the class, but it was the first thing he said, and I like it. He also said that marriage is profoundly different from anything else and IT DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION! Oh, and one more thing: If you want to die with no regrets, you have to decide WHAT MATTERS MOST and then focus on it. Multi-tasking is not necessarily a good thing. When you focus on too many things at once, nothing is getting your full attention. When you focus on what really matters, you know what to say Yes and No to.)
The Eight “Ates”
1. ANTICIPATE – show you love and care by anticipating a need and surprising them with your support. Suggested assignment: identify a need and surprise them by helping/ contributing. Keep it simple – fill their tank with gas, help plan a lesson, hang up their clothes.
2. APPRECIATE - sweet civility – look for good and compliment them. They will become that. Express gratitude often, even in little things. Suggested assignment: Recall a time in the past when you expressed deep appreciation for something your spouse did and remind them of it, expressing thanks all over again. Then express appreciation for something new. Give them a good kiss!
3. CELEBRATE – play together! We grow old because we forget to play! Create traditions/ events to look forward to. Suggested assignment: make an excuse to celebrate/ play, big or small, give it a name, and set aside the time to do it.
4. COOPERATE – work together. Sacrifice some of your wants and give more of yourself. “Win-Win or No Deal!” It’s not worth it if you win at the expense of them losing. Suggested assignment: Examine your relationship and see if there’s something you’re not on the same page with. Both of you recognize it and find a win-win solution. Option 2: find a project that working on will bring you closer together.
5. ELEVATE – continue growing together, educate, nurture. Suggested assignment: Ever week, find a reason to compliment your spouse publically or privately. Option 2: take up a hobby together.
6. MOTIVATE – encourage and be their cheerleader! Flirt. Eliminate guilt. Use ethical bribes Motivate through love. Catch them doing something right. Suggested assignment: Think of something they are struggling with and think of 2 different things you can do to cheer them on. Remind them of their goal.
7. RADIATE – radiate the light of the gospel that is love, goodness and kindness. Keep the commandments. Focus on Jesus Christ. Suggested assignments: Bear your testimony of the Savior to your husband alone. (That makes a big difference to a priesthood holder.) Attend the temple regularly.
8. SUPPLICATE – pray twice daily together. Be specific in giving thanks to the Lord for your husband.
QUESTION TO PONDER: What is the one thing in your marriage you could change to make everything else easier or unnecessary?
Friday Sabbath
Here I am on the opposite side of the world, in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai specifically) visiting my parents, and we are attending church while friends and family back home are ending their Thursday night. In the muslim nations, Friday is the Sabbath day. The Dubai Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has about 120 members (many Filipinos) that meet in a huge house and do everything the same way we do back home. I shouldn't be surprised that the church is uniform across the globe after living in Asia for 10 years, so I guess the right thing to say is that I was pleased... and at home. It was a great ward - friendly, smiling people, great talks, lessons, and comments. In fact, every thought that ran through my head was spoken aloud by someone else, along with many other deep and insightful comments. The topic of Sacrament meeting was The Sabbath Day, and I asked the high councilman for a copy of his talk because he included so many fantastic quotes that I'd like to have, such as:
"Because the Sabbath is a holy day, it should be reserved for worthy and holy activities. Abstaining from work and recreation is not enough. In fact, those who merely lounge about doing nothing on the Sabbath fail to keep the day holy. ... Church members attend sacrament meeting each week. Other Sabbath-day activities may include praying, meditating, studying the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets, writing letters to family members and friends, reading wholesome material, visiting the sick and distressed, and attending other Church meetings." (Lds.org search info)
AND
"Our observance of the Sabbath is an indication of the depth of our conversion and our willingness to keep sacred covenants." (Earl C. Tingey, Ensign, May 1996, 10–12)
This Filipino woman (named Bless) talked about how for 8 months she worked on a cruise ship 7 days a week and couldn't attend church. She got emotional as she spoke of how much she values her Sabbath Day as her chance to worship and be uplifted and recharged. I was sitting there thinking about how I need to get in a better habit of refilling my "spiritual bucket" daily because when the baby comes, I won't be able to get as much out of church meetings as I've had the luxury of doing for the past 4 years. I don't want to starve. :-)
Anyway, those are my thoughts for now. Here's a picture from our visit. xoxo
Happy things
I have a memory of telling my mother to play my Colors CD if I was ever in a bad mood. (Colors was a band.) I also have a memory of a few years that went by without listening to much music at all. (I think I had gotten sick of all the inappropriate lyrics in so many songs and also was looking for more "quiet time.") But I have recently discovered how much music really lifts my spirits! In the car or in the shower (both places you can dance... or at least bob your head) I have been listening to more and more music that brings on a good mood. I'm looking for other ways to add fun... so what do you do?
Being outdoors is a good one :-)
Being outdoors is a good one :-)
A Touching Story
I love this story. Even young children can answer crucial prayers.
Why Do I Need to Be Here?
Megan Robinson, “Why Do I Need to Be Here?,” Ensign, Dec. 2009, 66–67
A week before Christmas in 2007 two of my children were diagnosed with strep throat and ear infections. Jacob, age 5, whined all the way to the pharmacy for his medicine, and Beth, 19 months, was especially clingy.
When we arrived, we were greeted by a long line at the prescription counter. While Jacob tugged at my leg and complained about his ear, Beth wiggled out of my arms. I thought she would stay beside me, but as soon as she was free, she ran straight to an elderly gentleman sitting on a bench near the line.
The man was looking at the floor, his face resting in his hands. I called after Beth, not wanting to leave the line, but she approached the man anyway and bent down to look up at his face as she grinned and giggled.
I then sent Jacob to get her. He grabbed her hand and tried to pull her away from the man, but she refused to come. Then she started pushing on the man’s forehead in order to get him to raise his head. As I grew agitated, Beth took off her untied shoes and shoved them into the man’s lap. He sat up and smiled.
“Beth!” I called.
“It’s all right,” the man said in a tired voice. “I’ll tie her shoes for her.”
I grew a little nervous as he began putting Beth’s shoes on her. When he finished, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the head. He was slow to let her go, so I quickly left the line to rescue my daughter from this stranger.
As I approached, I noticed that he had tears in his eyes. Concerned, I sat down next to him.
“I have to tell you something,” he said, staring straight ahead. “Not more than a month ago my wife died, and about an hour ago I found out that I have terminal cancer. I came here to get medicine, and I have been contemplating my life and thinking that I might move along the inevitable. I didn’t think I could bear going through Christmas and the pains of cancer without my sweet wife.”
He said he had been praying, asking God, “If I need to be here for something, You better speak now, or I’m going home to end things.” Before he had even said “amen,” Beth began pestering him and calling him “Grandpa.”
“Now I know why I need to be here longer,” he said. “I need to stick around for my grandkids. They need me.”
I threw my arms around him and could not help but weep. I then got our medicine. Beth, who had seemed so ill only moments earlier, kissed the man on the cheek and bounded away with Jacob and me, waving and saying, “Bye-bye, Grandpa.”
I didn’t ask his name, but I will never forget that even a young girl who pesters an old man can be an answer to prayer.
Megan Robinson, Utah, USA
Why Do I Need to Be Here?
Megan Robinson, “Why Do I Need to Be Here?,” Ensign, Dec. 2009, 66–67
A week before Christmas in 2007 two of my children were diagnosed with strep throat and ear infections. Jacob, age 5, whined all the way to the pharmacy for his medicine, and Beth, 19 months, was especially clingy.
When we arrived, we were greeted by a long line at the prescription counter. While Jacob tugged at my leg and complained about his ear, Beth wiggled out of my arms. I thought she would stay beside me, but as soon as she was free, she ran straight to an elderly gentleman sitting on a bench near the line.
The man was looking at the floor, his face resting in his hands. I called after Beth, not wanting to leave the line, but she approached the man anyway and bent down to look up at his face as she grinned and giggled.
I then sent Jacob to get her. He grabbed her hand and tried to pull her away from the man, but she refused to come. Then she started pushing on the man’s forehead in order to get him to raise his head. As I grew agitated, Beth took off her untied shoes and shoved them into the man’s lap. He sat up and smiled.
“Beth!” I called.
“It’s all right,” the man said in a tired voice. “I’ll tie her shoes for her.”
I grew a little nervous as he began putting Beth’s shoes on her. When he finished, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the head. He was slow to let her go, so I quickly left the line to rescue my daughter from this stranger.
As I approached, I noticed that he had tears in his eyes. Concerned, I sat down next to him.
“I have to tell you something,” he said, staring straight ahead. “Not more than a month ago my wife died, and about an hour ago I found out that I have terminal cancer. I came here to get medicine, and I have been contemplating my life and thinking that I might move along the inevitable. I didn’t think I could bear going through Christmas and the pains of cancer without my sweet wife.”
He said he had been praying, asking God, “If I need to be here for something, You better speak now, or I’m going home to end things.” Before he had even said “amen,” Beth began pestering him and calling him “Grandpa.”
“Now I know why I need to be here longer,” he said. “I need to stick around for my grandkids. They need me.”
I threw my arms around him and could not help but weep. I then got our medicine. Beth, who had seemed so ill only moments earlier, kissed the man on the cheek and bounded away with Jacob and me, waving and saying, “Bye-bye, Grandpa.”
I didn’t ask his name, but I will never forget that even a young girl who pesters an old man can be an answer to prayer.
Megan Robinson, Utah, USA
Perception: synonyms = Discernment, observation, sensitivity, view, opinion...
I have been thinking A LOT lately about perception (and pride) because I have been battling with my “natural man” internally over thoughts and feelings concerning actions of people... humans, just like me. As I’m trying to understand and decide how to respond to words and actions, I realize I am assuming and judging based on outward appearances. I DON’T KNOW THEIR HEARTS. People typically judge what they don’t understand. When we find ourselves thinking, “I would have handled that differently,” then we are comparing and judging. I love President Benson’s talk on pride, because it helps me see that the root of most of my faults is pride. So, it’s my job to catch myself when I’m being prideful and cut off those thoughts and feelings by reminding myself that I don’t know anyone’s heart but my own, and therefore I cannot judge their actions. Isn’t it funny how often we are bothered by the actions or words of others, but the truth is, we are uncertain of their intent. So, it’s all about PERCEPTION! I believe that Satan is crafty and knows how to get to even the most humble, righteous, well-intentioned people: he tries to skew their vision. He can even play a part in the original actions or words that upset them. SATAN IS TRYING TO DESTROY RELATIONSHIPS AND CREATE DISCORD! While we are trying to create unity, he is highlighting the negative things so we will focus on those and feed off of them.
A favorite quote of mine is from Marvin J. Ashton: “Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”
I feel strongly that we all need to recognize the good in each other, not let the actions of others ruin anything for us, and make a personal effort to smile at each other, sit by someone different for a change, reach out and uplift each other. It’s a daunting task to befriend everyone, but one smile at a time, one phone call or comment or any tiny act of service lets people know that you are aware of them. We are all a work in progress. We’re all learning life lessons one at a time, in a different order and at a different pace. Let’s be patient with one another and take more responsibility for our own happiness. It comes from within.
P.S. PLEASE don't think this is directed to any one at all!!! It is simply thoughts I've accumulated over time through my own experiences and talks I've read and heard spoken.
A favorite quote of mine is from Marvin J. Ashton: “Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”
I feel strongly that we all need to recognize the good in each other, not let the actions of others ruin anything for us, and make a personal effort to smile at each other, sit by someone different for a change, reach out and uplift each other. It’s a daunting task to befriend everyone, but one smile at a time, one phone call or comment or any tiny act of service lets people know that you are aware of them. We are all a work in progress. We’re all learning life lessons one at a time, in a different order and at a different pace. Let’s be patient with one another and take more responsibility for our own happiness. It comes from within.
P.S. PLEASE don't think this is directed to any one at all!!! It is simply thoughts I've accumulated over time through my own experiences and talks I've read and heard spoken.
Fluff post... just fillin' space with my thoughts
I guess that implies that my thoughts are fluff... oh well! All I know is I have GOT to update my blog because it's my poor excuse for a family journal/ scrapbook. My Dad recently discovered that I had a blog, and being that he and Mom live on the opposite side of the world, I should share a little more with them....
If anyone reads this that I haven't told... we're pregnant! Yes! It's been a year since my surgery, followed by months of hormones, and then some drugs, but now we have been blessed with a baby coming in May! We are extremely grateful, relieved, and excited.
Now, something to fill a little space... thoughts... hmmm... it would probably be lame to discuss my feelings on New Moon, the movie. So, I shall just say that Edward was a disappointment and that he and Bella didn't even seem like they were in love. Jacob stole the show, but he was supposed to, he was the hero of the book.
I was in the Child Watch at the Athletic Club today (my Friday morning gig so I can maintain a free membership) and only one child came in during the entire four hours, so I watched tv during the other three hours and some lady (don't know her name) was on one of those morning shows and I REALLY liked a few things she said, (wow, this is a really long sentence) such as:
1. If we want our children to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and appreciate what they have, we should limit their gifts, maybe to a number like THREE. That's how many gifts the baby Jesus received. I've heard this idea before, and I like it. The only thing I have against gifts is that the commercial Christmas detracts from the real Christmas, and they cost a lot money.
2. Don't buy what you can't pay for NOW, with real money you've actually earned. What a concept.
3. Service is the way to invite the Christmas Spirit and experience true joy (all year round). I like any traditions that support service and remind us of our Savior and what He taught.
4. Christmas should be celebrated more like Thanksgiving - by giving thanks and focusing on family and blessings - and we should carry Christmas in our hearts all year.
I've felt before that the Christmas Spirit hadn't "moved in" yet, and heard other people say similar things, so I've done a little research into how we can "bring it!"
My wonderful Mother gave me a book of Christmas stories, you know, about miracles or kind acts of service, or reminders of what Christmas is all about. A good friend shared this list with me of fun & FREE things to do as a family to celebrate the Christmas season:
1. Watch a Christmas movie or holiday show on television.
2. Go see the Christmas lights in the neighborhoods in your pajamas.
3. Drink a mug of hot cocoa under your Christmas tree.
4. Read the true story of Christmas.
5. Open one gift early.
6. Bake cookies and take a plate to the firefighters. See if you can get a tour of the fire station and the engines!
7. Write a letter to Santa to leave on Christmas Eve.
8. Make a snowman.
9. Make a snow angel.
10. Pop popcorn and play a board game together, while listening to holiday music.
11. Go to the dollar theatre and see a movie. Sneak in a snack.
12. Go to the library and pick out books about Christmas. Read them together.
13. Give the kids a bath while Christmas carols blare into the bathroom. See who can sing the loudest.
14. Get or make stocking stuffers for Dad.
15. Write a note to each member in the family to tell them how special they are and what you love about them. Leave them in their stockings.
16. Draw a holiday picture and send it to a relative (of the child’s choice).
17. Take a tour of lights in another neighborhood. Pop popcorn to take with you and blast Christmas carols in the car.
18. Make an ornament together for the tree. Try to incorporate a picture of your child and have them choose the decorating. Write the year on the back and try to add one of these each year.
19. Bake cookies for yourselves.
20. visit Santa at the mall (even if you already did this once).
21. Start a holiday memory book. Quote your child and ask them what their favorite thing they had done (so far) was for the holidays. Record what they asked for from Santa. Take a picture of them for that year with their Santa gift.
22. Print out a Holiday Coloring Page and color it.
23. Make Christmas Crackers to put in each stocking. Take tissue paper and cover each toilet paper roll with it. Take ribbon and tie to close one end of the roll. Fill it with candies and confetti (if you wish). Tie the other end with ribbon and place these in each family member’s stocking. These can be opened on Christmas morning. To make them extra special, have your child write a note to each family member and tuck them inside. It will be a special surprise for everyone!
24. Go to the library and pick out a movie to watch together as a family. Make homemade pizza and curl up together on the couch.
25. Put together a box of items to donate and take your child with you to donate them. Ask them if they would like to contribute something that they have outgrown.
If anyone reads this that I haven't told... we're pregnant! Yes! It's been a year since my surgery, followed by months of hormones, and then some drugs, but now we have been blessed with a baby coming in May! We are extremely grateful, relieved, and excited.
Now, something to fill a little space... thoughts... hmmm... it would probably be lame to discuss my feelings on New Moon, the movie. So, I shall just say that Edward was a disappointment and that he and Bella didn't even seem like they were in love. Jacob stole the show, but he was supposed to, he was the hero of the book.
I was in the Child Watch at the Athletic Club today (my Friday morning gig so I can maintain a free membership) and only one child came in during the entire four hours, so I watched tv during the other three hours and some lady (don't know her name) was on one of those morning shows and I REALLY liked a few things she said, (wow, this is a really long sentence) such as:
1. If we want our children to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and appreciate what they have, we should limit their gifts, maybe to a number like THREE. That's how many gifts the baby Jesus received. I've heard this idea before, and I like it. The only thing I have against gifts is that the commercial Christmas detracts from the real Christmas, and they cost a lot money.
2. Don't buy what you can't pay for NOW, with real money you've actually earned. What a concept.
3. Service is the way to invite the Christmas Spirit and experience true joy (all year round). I like any traditions that support service and remind us of our Savior and what He taught.
4. Christmas should be celebrated more like Thanksgiving - by giving thanks and focusing on family and blessings - and we should carry Christmas in our hearts all year.
I've felt before that the Christmas Spirit hadn't "moved in" yet, and heard other people say similar things, so I've done a little research into how we can "bring it!"
My wonderful Mother gave me a book of Christmas stories, you know, about miracles or kind acts of service, or reminders of what Christmas is all about. A good friend shared this list with me of fun & FREE things to do as a family to celebrate the Christmas season:
1. Watch a Christmas movie or holiday show on television.
2. Go see the Christmas lights in the neighborhoods in your pajamas.
3. Drink a mug of hot cocoa under your Christmas tree.
4. Read the true story of Christmas.
5. Open one gift early.
6. Bake cookies and take a plate to the firefighters. See if you can get a tour of the fire station and the engines!
7. Write a letter to Santa to leave on Christmas Eve.
8. Make a snowman.
9. Make a snow angel.
10. Pop popcorn and play a board game together, while listening to holiday music.
11. Go to the dollar theatre and see a movie. Sneak in a snack.
12. Go to the library and pick out books about Christmas. Read them together.
13. Give the kids a bath while Christmas carols blare into the bathroom. See who can sing the loudest.
14. Get or make stocking stuffers for Dad.
15. Write a note to each member in the family to tell them how special they are and what you love about them. Leave them in their stockings.
16. Draw a holiday picture and send it to a relative (of the child’s choice).
17. Take a tour of lights in another neighborhood. Pop popcorn to take with you and blast Christmas carols in the car.
18. Make an ornament together for the tree. Try to incorporate a picture of your child and have them choose the decorating. Write the year on the back and try to add one of these each year.
19. Bake cookies for yourselves.
20. visit Santa at the mall (even if you already did this once).
21. Start a holiday memory book. Quote your child and ask them what their favorite thing they had done (so far) was for the holidays. Record what they asked for from Santa. Take a picture of them for that year with their Santa gift.
22. Print out a Holiday Coloring Page and color it.
23. Make Christmas Crackers to put in each stocking. Take tissue paper and cover each toilet paper roll with it. Take ribbon and tie to close one end of the roll. Fill it with candies and confetti (if you wish). Tie the other end with ribbon and place these in each family member’s stocking. These can be opened on Christmas morning. To make them extra special, have your child write a note to each family member and tuck them inside. It will be a special surprise for everyone!
24. Go to the library and pick out a movie to watch together as a family. Make homemade pizza and curl up together on the couch.
25. Put together a box of items to donate and take your child with you to donate them. Ask them if they would like to contribute something that they have outgrown.
Summa-time
I haven't blogged for 2 months, so here's a summer summary:
Had the time of my life playing games outside with family in Idaho!!!
Trying to write often to my brother Preston while he's serving a mission in Peru. He's doing awesome and we love the stories he writes home about. He's enjoying the jungle, his companions, the investigators, the members, and all the love sent from home. He is focused, optimistic, energetic, and lovable. I miss him.
Taylor is enrolled in a weekly soccer class with some friends, which takes place at a park close to home. (I'm all about convenience!) She's enjoying it and I'm glad she's receiving instruction, learning to follow directions, learning new skills, and interacting with other children in an organized & fun atmosphere. (Thanks for telling me about it Rach!) We've decided not to have her start kindergarten this fall (she'll turn 5 on Sept 1st), so I'm going to enroll her in classes like this. Swimming this winter!
We have enjoyed outings with friends to various beaches. Tay has been getting more and more comfortable in the water. She loves it! I adore this picture because of Molly's face :-)
I ran my first race! It was an 8k in Seattle's Torchlight Run as part of the Seafair Events. It was a night-time race that finished in the parade route, so the streets were lined with people cheering us on and kids giving us high-fives! I loved it!!! I'm only a 10-minute mile pace, but the race atmosphere is contagious and I can see why Heidi keeps signing up for more! Thanks to my friend Sommer for getting me involved in this one. It was a super-fun, unconventional ladies night, followed up by dinner at Panera. I'm wearing the shirt they gave us for registering. It has a pirate on it ;-)
My next summer adventure will be 10 days in Minneapolis to visit Heidi and help her with the kiddos! She's made a list of fun things to do, so I can't wait!
Had the time of my life playing games outside with family in Idaho!!!
Trying to write often to my brother Preston while he's serving a mission in Peru. He's doing awesome and we love the stories he writes home about. He's enjoying the jungle, his companions, the investigators, the members, and all the love sent from home. He is focused, optimistic, energetic, and lovable. I miss him.
Taylor is enrolled in a weekly soccer class with some friends, which takes place at a park close to home. (I'm all about convenience!) She's enjoying it and I'm glad she's receiving instruction, learning to follow directions, learning new skills, and interacting with other children in an organized & fun atmosphere. (Thanks for telling me about it Rach!) We've decided not to have her start kindergarten this fall (she'll turn 5 on Sept 1st), so I'm going to enroll her in classes like this. Swimming this winter!
We have enjoyed outings with friends to various beaches. Tay has been getting more and more comfortable in the water. She loves it! I adore this picture because of Molly's face :-)
I ran my first race! It was an 8k in Seattle's Torchlight Run as part of the Seafair Events. It was a night-time race that finished in the parade route, so the streets were lined with people cheering us on and kids giving us high-fives! I loved it!!! I'm only a 10-minute mile pace, but the race atmosphere is contagious and I can see why Heidi keeps signing up for more! Thanks to my friend Sommer for getting me involved in this one. It was a super-fun, unconventional ladies night, followed up by dinner at Panera. I'm wearing the shirt they gave us for registering. It has a pirate on it ;-)
My next summer adventure will be 10 days in Minneapolis to visit Heidi and help her with the kiddos! She's made a list of fun things to do, so I can't wait!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
