I have 2 brothers and 6 sisters.  Then 8 of us are married so that makes for 7 in laws and my great husband.  Then you throw into the mix 25 grandchildren all under the age of thirteen.  When you think about this large group of people you might wonder how often they can handle being together.  In fact, I will often talk to others about family and they will comment that their children don't know their cousins or they only see their family once a year.  The amazing thing about my family is that we love being together.  We are together on different Sunday's and then several days of the week.  The cousins are some of my children's best friends.  They know all of their aunts and uncles.  They see their grandparents several times a week.  When you ask my children about some of their favorite memories or traditions most of them are tied to family.  When my children are upset with dad and mom we will ask who they would turn to and it is their grandparents or aunts and uncles.  

This might sound like the ideal world, but trust me, there are challenges along the way.  We all parent differently.  We are all different personalities.  There are times that we disagree or have our feelings hurt.  Sometimes some of the children will make choices that we don't all agree with.  Other times there are toes that are stepped on along the way whether it is intentional or unintentional.  The reality is that nobody is perfect.  

That is the bottom line.  No one is perfect and it is important that we recognize and accept that.  Wouldn't we want people to look at the good things we did instead of the dumb choices we make?  Wouldn't you want to live with hope and look for the good things in others instead of worrying about when the next person is going to make a mistake?  Maybe you feel like someone in your family is using you too much.  Isn't that alright?  Isn't that what families are for?  Wouldn't you want them to be there for you if you needed them?  In reality, if you look at it more than likely there is someone that you are probably relying on more than others.  You just need them and they do it because they are a true friend and love you.  

When it comes right down to it everyone has their positive traits.  It goes back to the saying I heard so many times as a teenager, "God doesn't make no junk."  He didn't and he wouldn't want you to think that of anyone else and you wouldn't want people to think that of you.  I could sit here and list things that I love about every single person in my family.  Of course, there are those things that might drive me a little crazy or even hurt my feelings once in awhile, but I love them the same.  I just want to enjoy the good in every way that I can.  Deal with the challenges as they come and pray that they blow over quickly.  They are my family and I couldn't imagine life without any one of them - parents, siblings, in laws, nieces or nephews.

Try it - sit down and write something good about every person in your family.  You will be amazed at how it makes you feel and give you a little something to reach for.  


Here's a quote to think about:  Here are 4 things I know you can't recover: The stone...after the throw. The word...after it's said. The occasion...after it's missed. The time....after it's gone.  Don't let time pass by without making great memories!     
Add Comment
 
 
Does just the thought of that bring you a happy feeling or one of frustration and a deep thought of how you can motivate them to clean?  I sent my children to go clean their room and the game room and here is what I hear after 30 minutes.  My two youngest are playing around and laughter and eventually crying due to someone getting hurt.  Then my two oldest are silent.  I hear absolutely nothing from them.  They have learned that mom will get focused on something else and have high hopes they are doing what they are supposed to and proceed to go in my room and watch television quietly.  

As a parent it is always nice to hold out hope that your children are learning cleaning skills and you can focus on another part of the house and things can get done quicker.  We might be holding out hope for a very long time.  As I have looked for tips on how to motivate my children to clean in a positive way instead of the garbage bag, loss of rights, grounding, tears, screaming, frustration, fighting and then just giving up I once read that it is best to work with your children.  To put a focused effort into making things look good as a family.  It is teaching them to work together instead of a punishment and sending them away from you.  Most children want to spend time with their parents and family when they are young.  This can instill family together time as they become teenagers.  The bottom line might be that they don't know where to put things or what to really do to make things clean and they might have just as many frustrations.  

I remember reading that and thinking that was just a frustrating tip.  In fact, I closed down the article and felt that didn't apply to me and they were living in an idealistic world.  Then as I think back on my memories as a child of cleaning and working in the yard some of my fondest memories are working together.  The laughter, stories and learning to work as a team are things that have stuck with me.  Then I think on the better times of getting my own home clean and it seems to me that when we have worked together it has seemed to be the most positive experience.  

So, as I am sitting here typing this blog with most frustration of getting the house clean I am realizing it is time to take my own advice and go work as a team and see what happens.  More than likely it will turn out to be a positive experience.  Maybe I can make positive working memories for my children like my parent's did for me.
Add Comment
 
 
12 Years ago today I had a son that was 10 months old, only been married a couple of years and I get a phone call from my dad, who is in New York with my mom that the house was on fire.  He tells me that the phone line was burnt so he didn't have a lot of information.  Basically, things he told me was that I was guardian, he didn't know if everyone made it out and he had no idea the extent of the damage in the home.  We raced over there to find tons of fire trucks trying to put the fire out and chaos.  The house was a total loss and all of the belongings from all of the years growing up there were mostly gone.  My siblings that lived there had lost almost everything they cherished. 

At that very moment you realize what things you might take for granted.  My family ran out of the house very fast.  They didn't think to grab shoes, blanket, pillow, clothes, toothbrush, etc.  All of a sudden you don't have any of these things.  They had what was right on their backs and that is all.  

There was sadness, but my dad is the eternal optimist.  When they arrived home the next day and he assessed the situation and met with the insurance company.  The insurance company told him that it could easily take at least six months to rebuild.  He told them that he would rebuild in six weeks and his family would be back in by Labor Day.  It wasn't even a question.  Guess who was right!

Within hours it felt like hundreds of people showed up to help.  The volunteer hours far exceeded any hours that were paid.  Even subcontractors altered their schedules to be there and get in and get things done quickly.  The meals poured in, love, support, hard working volunteers, people to inventory the losses, friends to listen and support and family that grew much closer.  Not only that, but small miracles were found along the way.  Temple books that my family had assembled that were right in the middle of the hottest part of the house were untouched.  Pictures of Christ hung on a 2 x 4 with a small amount of smoke damage.  Everything around them was a total loss.  We were always grateful for those small miracles along the way.  

Our regular lives came to a halt and long 12-15 hour days are what came about.  I wouldn't trade any of those hours.  The laughter, friendships, memories made will never be replaced.  My parent's were amazing and made this such a positive experience.  We actually looked forward to all arriving early in the mornings and staying late because of the time we had together and the miracles that happened each day.  

As a family, for 12 years we have gotten together on July 8th to "Celebrate and Remember" that time in our lives.  We don't talk about the "things" that were lost, but the memories that have been made.  We have learned that family and friends are what really matter.  We also have learned  that turning potentially bad memories into long lasting lessons and positive memories are really what matter and that "things" will come and go. 

Remember to claim today and make it a positive memory.  Learn something from the tough times.  Remember to laugh.  No matter the situation or the loss amazing things can come about.  Look There are miracles in all things, good or bad.  It's all in the attitude :).         
2 Comments
 
 
Have you ever heard the saying that you should "Make lemonade from Lemons?"

The best time to hear that is when you are in the midst of a challenge.  Maybe you have just lost your job, had a tire blow, a child get really sick, woke up on the wrong side of the bed, had a fight with your spouse, a teenager that stayed out too late, been turned down for something you were really excited about and the list goes on and on.  Basically those challenges are the "LEMONS" that are dished out our way.  Of course, we use lemons as a comparison because they can be sour and might feel like they don't have too many uses all by themselves.  They might look pretty, but then you take a bite and realize that they are just sour.  


When we are feeling the weight of the challenges we might feel like we want to stomp on the lemons instead of nicely squeezing them.  I am sure that most people are telling us that we should nicely cut the lemons, squeeze them and maybe even add a little sugar and we will get great tasting lemonade.  Instead of that process, we might think about STOMPING on the lemons.  Would you feel better if you could take a bunch of lemons and put them on the ground and stomp on them?  If you had them in a large container there is one thing that is for sure.  You would still come out with LEMONADE.  


The process is different, but the end result could potentially be the same.  Which way will make you feel better?  Maybe you start with STOMPING on them, then you choose to pick up the lemons that haven't completely been stomped on and gently squeeze them to get the most out of every lemon.  Then you add a little sugar and you have come up with LEMONADE. 


Life's challenges usually come out with great tasting lemonade, but it is a different process for everyone and some things take longer to taste good.  Which process are you using?  It's alright to use some of both.    
Add Comment
 
 

This comes from 2 maths teachers with a combined total of 70 yrs. experience.
It has an indisputable mathematical logic. It also made me Laugh Out Loud.
This is a strictly mathematical viewpoint...it goes like this: 

What Makes 100%?

What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%.

How about achieving 103%?

What makes up 100% in life? 

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions: 

If: 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

is represented as: 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26. 

Then: 

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K 
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 =98% 

and 

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96% 

But , 

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 =100% 

And, 

B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T 
2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 =103% 

AND, look how far ass kissing will take you. 
A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G 
1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118% 

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty, that while Hard work andKnowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, its theBullshit and Ass Kissingthat will put you over the top.   
  
Now I know why some people are where they are!
 
Add Comment
 
 
If you simply need a good laugh today, then it is time to listen to this song!
colo-rectalsurgeon2232333.wav
File Size: 277 kb
File Type: wav
Download File
Add Comment
 
Who Loves M&M's? 08/21/2009
 
M&M's have been a favorite of Americans for nearly 70 years now, starting back in the early 1940's. They originally came wrapped in a tube. It didn't take long however, before they were packed into the brown bags that we are familiar with today.

M&M's have long been a staple snack in many arenas in America. From any sporting venue, to movie theaters, to vending machines wherever they could be found. They have even been found in outer space om every space shuttle mission since 1982.

The latest new fad with the fun, "melts in your mouth not in  your hands" chocolate candies is to personalize them. Personalized m&m' s are quickly spreading across the country and showing up at wedding receptions. The new shimmer collection seems to have made a big splash in the wedding industry. Not only are to colors unique, but being able to customize text and even put an image on the m&m's has really made them a big hit.

However, personalized m&m's are also finding their way into birthday parties, sports parties, and holiday parties.   With the almost endless colors of M&M's and the ability to customize them they are perfect for so many occasions. Businesses also see a chance to use them to market their business.
Add Comment
 
 

Last night my son had the opportunity to sing in the Hope of America in Provo.  He was a part of a live flag.  I don't know how many students participated, but the whole student side of the Marriott Center had students in Red, White and Blue and yellow for the top and bottom borders.  It was AMAZING!
There were many wonderful performances and songs sang by these Elementary School age children.  I sat there in amazement at the talents these children have and are willing to share.
There was a group of women from 50 - 92 that came and danced as part of the show and then the 92 year old stayed out and did a solo with kicking her leg up in the air and then finishing with the splits.  I thought to myself, "What does it take to be that healthy at 92." 
I also thought about the teachers that took an evening out of their schedule and lives to come and give these students this experience.  There are always so many hours that go into putting things like this on that I am sure there were many outside school hours to do this.  It will be an experience that they will never forget.
The lessons learned by these students and the audience of patriotism were very touching.  It caused me to reflect on the things that I take for granted and for my many blessings.  We may not have a job right now, but do I have blessings!  Wonderful children, committed teachers at the school to provide these type of experiences for my children, a committed husband who doesn't give up. the gospel, a knowledge that I am not alone in all of the things I go through, loving extended family and many other things, but most of all freedom and people who are willing to protect our country and sacrifice for me and my family so that we can have the right to do these things freely.
As a challenge, take time today to thank someone for something.  Even if it is the person who checks you out at the store.  Thank them for being efficient and doing their job well.  You can even say thank you by slowing down and letting a car switch lanes and waving to them.  The small acts of service will make you and the other person have a great day!

Add Comment
 
 

This week at our elementary school is Faculty / Teacher Appreciation Week.  I love this week!  I think it is a great time to say THANK YOU for all that our faculty and teachers do for us and for our children.
I know that it is commonly called Teacher Appreciation Week, but after being PTA President for 2 years and having close interactions with several of the aides, custodians, lunchroom staff, special education department, office staff, etc. I have to say that I think it is really important to thank EVERYONE at the school.  Just think what it would be like if the custodians weren't there to clean up after our students.  What if the lunchroom staff didn't come REALLY early in the morning to be prepared to serve our children lunch (and in some cases breakfast)?
Today we did a breakfast for all of our staff.  I wasn't in charge, but I loved what they did.  They did Pancakes, ham and fruit toppings for the pancakes.  It was a HIT!  The faculty (everyone) was given a gift certificate for a local restaurant (which it doesn't hurt to see if businesses will help and sponsor things like this or even meet partial way - which is what happened at our school).  The local business gave us a 30% discount off of the gift certificates which made it GREAT!
While the faculty was in having breakfast parents were covering classes and having the students decorate their doors.  The lady in charge had asked ahead of time for people to do the other faculty doors.  I did three of them and it was fun.
Also, during the week they have had fun theme days for little things to be brought in to the teachers from the students and then parents and others made sure the rest of the faculty got little treats.  The days were:
Fruit Day
Flower Day
Supply Day
Treat Day
Note Day (write a note of thanks)
Anyways, I think it is great!  I will say that there have been years that things haven't been perfect with different teachers with my children, but I know that I am not in there teaching and don't really think that I have the capabilities to do it and am grateful for their efforts.  There are ALWAYS great things in each individual that is willing to teach.  
Need ideas for Posters or thoughts of appreciation?  I will be posting on my website in the next few days several ideas.  Watch for them.

Add Comment
 
 

So, last week on my facebook account I put the following, "Life is interesting. Sometimes when you think the doors are opening and the nice comfortable breeze will be coming soon and you are really prepared for that the breeze comes up and SLAMS the doors shut. That is how I feel today, but I am sure there will be another day when a door or a small crack of a window will start to open."
I was starting to feel like life was piecing together.  We were going to lose unemployment completely, but the company my husband worked for had hired me to do some writing for them.  My thought was when one door closes another door opens.  I was thinking that things would move forward with my husband's job and now I would start working and life would start to smooth out after almost 10 months of unemployment and then part time job.  I had figured I would start last week.  My nerves were starting to calm a little bit.
Then. . .
On Tuesday I was very focused on what I needed to get done while all of my children were at school.  I pulled in the driveway, came in and sat down at the kitchen table and started working on the laptop.  About 20 minutes later I hear footsteps and a chair move upstairs.  Scared the daylights out of me!  I grabbed my cell phone and house phone and for some reason went out the front door instead of the back door (that was only a couple of steps away from where I was).  I was thinking, "Oh my gosh, I am being robbed.  There is a stranger in my house."  As I was about to dial 911 I looked up and realized that our car was home.  Then I realized that Rick was home.  I had to laugh at myself that I didn't notice the car in the driveway.  I came back in and yelled upstairs for Rick and asked him what he was doing.  He said, "Packaging ebay, because I have nothing else to do."  Oh my goodness, you guessed it, he was laid off.  He was the new boy on the block and they had to do alot of layoffs.  The confidence that I had that we had finally gotten an in at a company was gone. 
What was even crazier was that I stayed calm and told him that things would work out and that this was another stepping stone for us.  Look at all of the possibilities and we would be fine.  I actually believed that and had confidence that we would be blessed. 
So, here we are.  I am finally getting my husband to help me build out my website that I have envisioned for 2 1/2 years.  It's kindof like the contractor's house is the last one built.
On Friday night, I started to have my light of hope dwindle a little bit.  The weekend was rough, but here we are on Monday with my checklist in hand and many things to do. 
I am reminding myself to DO MY BEST TODAY and the Lord will take care of the rest.  That is what I am doing.

Add Comment