The Hike Analogy

Monday we were invited to go on a hike with some other families for Family Night. I was under the impression that this would be a leisurely little jaunt up into the mountains behind our home, because heaven knows toting four children on my own up a peak of height and rockiness was not the first on my list of exciting activities to participate in.
Thus my analogy.
This hike was an example of our journey through life.
With ups and downs, we are trying to make it to the top.
Obstacles are there, discouragements, and fatigue- but also helpful hands to guide us on our way. We are never alone.
***
Here comes the symbolism…
*
Earlier in the day I saw a doctor to address my week long ear infections.
Ear infections are like sins- they don’t just magically disappear unless you take your four medications like I was given- recognize you did something wrong, repent, right the wrong, and try not to do it again….letting the infection get worse weakens your hearing or your spirit, making it hard to listen and do what’s right.
*
Filled our water bottles and made treats for the masses. You never know how thirsty or hot your journey will be. Sure its fall and you’re in the mountains, but don’t underestimate the power of a drink from the well of the scriptures, or a meal after a hard fast. Life takes a lot out of us so we must be sure to give back.
*
Landon touches an electric fence. Fences cover the earth, some made out of wood or vinyl, some metal, and some with very high voltage. You’re better off not touching the fence if you’re not sure it will hurt you (this includes peeing). My list of electric fences include- coffee ice cream, diet pepsi, tattoos, The Hills, and ding dongs.
*
Landon reminds everyone that he touched said fence during the whole hike. We all get shocked now and then, and we all get hurt. That doesn’t mean you need to remind everyone of all your heartache, past and present. Don't dwell on the negative, pick yourself up, brush yourself off, learn from your mistakes, and keep going.
*
I am carrying Tade in a backpack and he is heavy. We will never know how good we have it until we are expected to carry a heavy load. Trials make us stronger, especially when they are walked uphill. Burdens may slow down the pace, and your face may get red and sweaty- but don’t give up.
*
A tarantula crosses our path. Just because you might be on the right road, doesn’t mean there won’t be distractions.
*
Kind neighbors offer to carry Tade and the backpack. Learn to accept help from others. That is why we are brothers and sisters, here to serve and lift one another. You don’t have to do everything on your own to prove your strength…surrender to service.
*
Oliver gets very tired halfway up the hike. We must be cheerleaders sometimes. Family and friends need convincing that they “can do it”, that they will “be victorious”.
*
I missed some of the scenery of the changing leaves on the trees. Life is beautiful. If we are too discouraged with our heads down, we will miss so much, and that beauty will pass us by.

*

At the top of the hike I notice that Oliver had his shoes on the wrong feet all the way up. We are not perfect beings, nor are we expected to be. Mistakes will be made, probably a lot of them. To overcome our weaknesses we should recognize when we have our shoes on the wrong feet and resolve to do better next time.
*
A blister formed. If you forget to wear socks life will wear you down. You may not notice it at first, but out of nowhere your foot will start to sting. Arm yourself, protect yourself, and wear your seatbelt.
*
We all made it up the hills …and down. This too shall pass. Just as there was a spread of delicious desserts and ice cold water waiting for us after the hike, so too will there be a great reward if we just stick with it and finish to our journeys end.
*
We arrive home fresh with fatigue, Tade is missing a shoe, homework needs to be done, teeth need to be brushed, and Chris calls me from Idaho saying he has kidney stones. Just as one mountain is conquered another peak may appear in the horizon.
You are stronger now, so you will make it.

***

The Amish Changed My Life

Are you CONTENT?

contentment (noun):

bliss, comfort, ease, gladness, happiness, pleasure, satisfaction
1. the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind.
2. the act of making contentedly satisfied.

*

A few years ago I was watching an interview by a social icon with Amish people. They talked about contentment, and this conversation changed my life. I started to think about what was stopping me from feeling content, and I really decided from then on to take the steps and switch my paradigm to always feel that contentment. Just yesterday I listened to a discussion about the financial crisis we are in as a nation and how many people are living a lie about who they are and what they have. Again it brought up the idea of contentment, and I was reminded of the differences between people who chase it all their lives, and those who surrender themselves, be honest, live simply, and feel content.

photo by skippysanchez

Contentment is found when you are at peace with who you are, where you are, and where you are going. You care very little for the business of other peoples lives, or what they think of you, and are free to worry less about others drama because you have your own full life to live. Contentment comes from living more unselfishly and serving others. You are less greedy for your wants and more concerned about lifting others and helping where needed. Your life is full of meaningful deep relationships, not things. Contentment is being Christ-like.

photo found on flickr

These are the top qualities of my favorite people in MY life that define contentment...

One- They rarely say bad things about others. Even when the group is gossiping or meddling in other peoples business, they sit quietly or chime in with something nice to say about that person.
Two- They live simply. They aren’t filling their lives with fluff and circumstance. They appreciate beautiful things but don’t need every single one of those beautiful things. They are living in the world, but are not of the world.
Three- They care very little about what others think about them- they know who they are, they’re self worth, and that God loves them… this is all that matters.
Four- They make me feel happy and joyful after spending time with them. I know that I can act or say something stupid and I won’t be kicking myself afterwards because they are quick to forgive me and see past my faults.
Five- I learn from them. There are wonderful moments where new thoughts, ideas, or worlds are opened up to me.
Six- They make me want to be a better person. They inspire me to develop my talents and aspire to greater things.
Seven- They care very little about what social interactions others are busy with, and are happy when others succeed. They aren’t filled with jealousy and don’t compare themselves to others because they are busy with their own friendships and relationships, and they are grateful for all that they have.
Eight- They make me to want to make good choices.
Nine- It’s not all about them. They are not self absorbed or always changing the subject to talk about their accomplishments or “Debbie Downer” woes.
Ten- They are hard workers. They are not idle and lazy. They use every precious moment to its fullest- whether its working, cleaning, playing, or meditating.
Eleven- They see the simple joys in life and make me laugh.
Twelve- They serve. There are times when no one knows all that they do because they don't boost or brag when they give back. Giving comes naturally.
Thirteen- They glow with the light of goodness. They have an inner beauty that radiates and attracts people to them.

photo by Hollywood Noosebleed

I won't be living like the Amish anytime soon, I love my sassy peep toe heels too much, and I like listening to a little ACDC every once in a while.

But we could learn a thing or two from the way they live....
They work hard, they use their hands, they make their food, they build their houses, they clean their own houses, they teach their children, they reap the rewards from their labors...

they are content.

photo by acastat

The Great Fight

We are all fighting the great fight,

and despite the circles under my eyes,

the quiver in my voice,

or the ghetto tshirt I've been wearing

for two days I am doing well.

****************

So...

Here's to the family that reached out today

and gave me love and support,

pitching in to help when I need it,

make me laugh, or just give encouragement.

You are my Matador's,

helping keep the bulls at bay.

painting from Emily, who snuck back to the second hand

store to get it for me and surprise me because of all

my ooohhhing and aaaahhhing over it.

Thank you Froska.

*****************

Here's to fighting the pirates that attack us everyday-

A crooked politician, school bullies,

adult acne, a scratched c.d., or a bad burrito.

I just finished reading Peter Pan with the kids-

wow there was a lot of killing.

Those are some tough kids.

When times get tough in our house

we say, "Have Schofield Courage!"

We moved on to read Moby Dick

until we came to the part about

the cannibal,

at which point I decided for a simpler book,

because I don't want my four year old to get

any ideas about people eating people.

Here's to kind neighbors who bring

sweets and hoses,

who wave hello,

and offer to have us over for

FHE with their family,

and ask me

if I'm sure I'm okay.

Here's to pretty things that make me happy.

Colors of fall and Halloween just

around the corner.

Coolness in the air, but warmth

of the sunshine on my cheeks

as I swear under my breath

in the backyard

while I'm trying to help

my scout make a blasted birdhouse

with crooked wood, bent nails and

a dying saw battery,

because he only has three days left to

complete everything in time to

get his wolf badge.

Here's to phone calls from friends

who know just what to say and

understand when my one year old is crying

in the background as he has been

for fifteen minutes straight

because I won't pick him up,

and my ten year old overhears me talking

about a possible job opportunity

and is yelling that there

is no way she's moving to Vegas because

there are naked lady posters everywhere,

and she threatens that if we do move there,

she will turn into a scary goth girl.

photo by flickr-janed42

Here's to all of us fighting the great fight of life.

Here's to comfort from answered prayers.

Here's to peace despite unanswered prayers.

Here's to being alive and a joyful journey.

HOORAY's Go To...

Jon and Leslie-

For a successful weekend

literally riding their tails off at Lotoja.

You are my heroes!

We had fun with your kids and puppy:)

at the drive-in to see Wall-E

***

Sadie Jane Candy Cane-

Getting engaged to Jeff Sabin!

Congratulations you guys!

LaurieKae-
For a very special reunion.

flowers by artichokesandcompany

Sisters....
Tiffany,

Cheri,

Charisa,

and now Rachel,

for being great with child!

Cassie-
Moving to Pocatello to start

college at ISU with music scholarships!

Eliza-

Moving to Texas to prepare

for a new life with Jason:)

Papa Bear-
Working hard away from his family

in Idaho...we miss you and love you!

photo by LaurieKae

For me-
For being home alone...

with mysterious neighborhood creatures,

malfunctioning computers,

a lonely bed,

cub scout deadlines,

first days of school,

3 hours of church,

dinnertime,

and even though the list goes on,

I know

I'm really not alone.

NIE NIE DAY

Today is Nie Nie Day.

If you don't know about this,

kindly be directed here or here.

*****

Reading blogs are like my morning paper.

I can fill up on beautiful pictures,

funny or inspiring stories,

tips on motherhood, crafting, recipes,

and even current events.

Stephanie Nielson's blog has been a favorite

of mine, and it has been quite miraculous the way

people have pulled together and shown their love

for this sweet family.

*****

In the recent past weeks, tragedy or heartache

has also been looming in the lives of

several of our family members and friends.

When it rains, it pours.

Today I will pray for Stephanie and Christian,

and I will pray for our loved ones who need

some extra angels on their journey...

don't we all:)

*****

In honor of Nie Nie Day,

let's be thoughtful of family, friends,

or friends to be, and remember

how precious this life is.

*****

To donate to the Nielson's go HERE

Or you can send cards here...

c/o Stephanie and Christian Nielson

Mari Copa County Hospital

2601 East Roosevelt St.

Phoenix, AZ 85008

*****

photos by Blue Lily Photography

Back to Life

Today is the first day of school.

Sweet Nana called yesterday to wish each child good luck

on their first day as she does every year, and it got me thinking

of how differently we prepared this year than in the past.

I didn't go school shopping for outfits or supplies.

The boys clothes were lovingly passed down from cousins,

a couple clearance items were snagged for Addy, the kids

scrounged up perfectly good pencils and markers for their

cases from around the house, and we're using last years backpacks.

If there is one impression I've had after

the bitter summer and sweet travels,

it's that we live in excess- especially us Americans.

Our basements, garages, and yards are brimming with things,

half of which are never used, and we still go out weekly to

buy more and more.

We don't need brand new clothes just because.

We don't need every single school supply just because

Walmart has it sitting out there taunting us to buy it.

We don't need brand new back packs...

unless of course you have a Thomas the Train one

and you're going into sixth grade.

*****

When times are tight great lessons are learned-

I use what is actually in my cupboards.

I do the laundry so my family has something to wear.

I TRY to appreciate what I have, and not covet more.

Okay, so I still love to decorate, make stuff, and window shop...

but I want to live more simply.

We'll see how that goes.

*****

Randomness-

I was talking to a friend, and she said,
"I always know when you're especially busy because you
don't post on your blog as much."

True dat boo!

Now that summer is officially over, I'm hoping to catch up
on all of the events, birthdays, thoughts and feelings
that are stored up waiting to be documented.
*****
Right now I'm sitting with a big bowl of watermelon, listening to Rihanna,
and I can't shovel little juicy niblets into the leprechauns mouth fast enough
before he says, "mamamamamamamamama" again.
Oliver wants me to put a movie on for him, and just said,
"Well, your the mother of queen of the world."
You got that right kiddo.
I just got off the phone with my brother in Jackson Hole
who is rocking the world of fashion one wedding, barmitzva,
and news show at a time.
He wants to go to school in London, no fawre.
I need a nap.

Jair doing makeup for Meet the Press

In other news...

I'm feeling tres "disturbia" because after dropping the

kids off to school, I saw that my yard has been hit yet again

by the late night phantom rabid mystery dog.

Whatever it is, has completely destroyed our hose and drain spout.

My neighbor was first a victim, and now no one is safe.

I feel a stake-out is in order.

Playing on the loudspeaker (along with Rihanna)
A little moody end of the summer mix-
Green Grass (Son Remix)- Cibelle
Cherry Blossom Girl- Air
Can't Take It In- Imogen Heap
A Sunday Smile- Beirut
Sweeter Than This- Katie Herzig
I'm Good, I'm Gone- Lykke Li
Warm Sound- Zero 7
I Don't Know What I Can Save You From- Kings of Convenience/Royksopp
Dirty Little Secret- Sarah McLachlan/Thievery Corporation
Summer Skin- Death Cab For Cutie
Lay Your Head- Keren Ann
Pressure Suit- Aqualung

HEARD in EUROPE

Shame at your age! What day is it? I'm in love with your mother. You're top drawer! This is war memorial, everyone be quiet! Uuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh? She looks like a Tinky Stewart. Would the baby like a biscuit? Do you have fry sauce? Bellisimo! Look at the wee one. Van-Hyder-Housen! Eh Govena? Heilan Coo. Cheerio! I'm pretty sure this is an old folks home. Does this have alcohol in it? She'll bring up the sheet after bingo. I'm having a moment. This is spiritual! I need a diet coke. Still or sparkling? Mind the gap. Oh reeeeaaallly? Mind your step. I found a Boyack! Do you do this in America? Where are the McVities? Give it to Jessie! I'll take Tade. Look it's Sylvester Stalone! Are you on vacation? I like the beeeaaaacccchhh! Have Jessie and Devin do it! Pull over, we'll just be a minute! Chris will you please say the prayer. If we can find you a graveyard, we can find you a toilet. Stealing stones from a cemetery is treason. Show me your chart. Does everyone have their passports? I kiped a fork and the menu. Does anyone have any euros/pounds? What did we learn? The economy will only get worse. For reals? We don't wear anything under our kilts. Do you have any friends? Do you take American dollars? This is phenomenol! Brilliant! Let's give him some raisins, ummmmm, let's not.

Just the beginning...

I’ve felt great pressure to hurry up and record my feelings and thoughts about our recent holiday, but I haven’t been able to organize the plethora of chaos swirling in my head.

First and foremost, the purpose and mission of our trip; to learn about and explore lives of our ancestors. Our genealogy reaches far back in some places, and dead ends in others. This was a chance for us to visit the places where we know our family lived, and try to be detectives in finding others. Why is this so important to us? It gives our life meaning. Knowing our heritage helps to connect us to a family tree of lives, realizing choices and paths not only affect you, but generations to come. There is also a great work to be done for these people. We have believed in Christ and God since the beginning of time, and now that the church has been restored, great ordinances like baptism that are part of the plan can be done not only while living, but for those who have passed on long ago, giving a purpose to this belief of something greater.

One of our coach drivers asked in his thick Scottish accent, “Do you do this in America- visit cemeteries? To tell you the truth, I think it’s all a little creepy.” Sure we wanted to visit traditional tourist spots, but even more exciting to us, was the chance that perhaps while hopping from abandoned cemetery to old chapel we would somehow discover a relative that had been forgotten. A great contrast I found to this was when I saw king or queen immortalized in the form of a statue, monument, or plaque. What about the working class and those who had humble dwellings and spent every waking hour making a life for their children. What makes one life worthy of a statue, and another life worthy of a faded headstone fallen over in a rural country plot. Is not every life equally precious? Yes!

The great traditions of pomp and circumstance were not as impressive to me as the feats of those hard working men and women who laid each stone in the castle walls, or who made meals for the hundreds of hungry soldiers defending and sacrificing their lives in the name of freedom and religion. This isn’t to say that the King sitting on his throne making tough decisions wasn’t key to history. As dad reminded the guides, “We don’t want to just drive around seeing buildings; we want to see how the people lived. Take us out of the city to the little towns and show us how they lived.” And every night before we went to bed, we would meet in our parents room for family prayer and they would ask us, “what did we learn today?” Our replies ranged from everything about tradition, to faith in miracles, to political discussions, to our fondness for eating fish and chips in century old ruins.

I breathed in the wet country air filled with old musky barn wood and cows. I smelled the smoke and wine on the cities that long gave companionship to tumultuous daily life. I savored the flavors of rich cheeses and fresh herbs on warm oven baked bread. I nibbled on bits of delicate chocolate and picked wild berries whose freshness burst in my mouth. I walked where kings, peasants and prisoners walked. My eyes marveled at the mighty towers of aged stones, and my heart leapt at the views of intricately carved symbols, brilliant glass windows, and elaborate tapestries. I sighed at the site of thatched roofs and little old women walking down cobblestone sidewalks in humble shoes worn for years. I ran my hand across stones covered with soft vibrant green moss. I heard bagpipes and violinists in the square that made my heart swell with pride and gave a lump to my throat. “I am having a moment….” was all I could think to say as after each special instant I turned my head to see yet another beautiful picture snapped by my mind's eye. I left a piece of my heart there hoping to return again…and I will.

The Spirit of Elijah

What a day!! The search for loved ones is emotionally draining... I just spent all day filling out my pedigree chart in between loads of laundry. The light of my geneology flame is flickering bright! I found some really cool stuff I can't wait to share with the fam which totally outweighs the cramp in my hand from pencil scribbling and the sting in my eyes from staring at the blinding white computer screen for hours. It's pretty amazing and awe inspiring to think of how people are tied together through family lines and that there is such rich heritage to be discovered.

The kids played at a friends house this morning so I could get some work done, and Oliver came home with 6 hornet stings, Addy two. This added some excitement as I tried to simmer down the drama and woe of Olivers hand all swollen and red...but thanks to the calm/quick acting talents of my friend, and the magical Melaleuca oil, all is well.

Tonight Chris took Addy and Landon swimming while I tucked the Leprechaun in bed, and listened to Oliver tell me stories about how dad is a worker(builder) and that not only does he make houses, but he also kills monsters that live in the clouds.

Tade is teething and clingy, Landons hair is too long, Addy is tall and sassy, Oliver is whiney and covered with battle wounds, and Chris is cute and jobless...what more could I want from life? Being together is all that matters...that, and cookies.

The church is true, we have many loved ones waiting for us on the other side, and thanks to my new "do" and "coloring", I can no longer pull my hair back and get away with it...must....fix...hair....every.....day...ugh!
P.S. bangs are sweaty!

THE 4TH IN A NUTSHELL

The fourth of July is a big deal for our family.

We always congregate up to the parents house in Idaho

and have a couple days of fun and togetherness.

It's a time for our humungous family to be in the same place,

at the same time, eating the same delicious food,

laughing at the same jokes, and getting the same dang dog tired.
*************

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEKEND INCLUDED:

ADDY'S BIRTHDAY

ELIZA & JASON GETTING ENGAGED

GETTING MY HAIR DID......

BY MY INDEPENDANT & BEAUTIFUL SISTER EMILY

WHO WHEN I TOLD HER I WANTED IT BROWN AND BLONDE

JUST TOSSED HER HEAD IN LAUGHTER AND ASSURED

ME THAT "MAHOGANY" WOULD BE MY PERFECT MATCH.

THEN WHEN I TOOK THE TOWEL OFF

AND MY HAIR WAS RED

AND FAMILY MEMBERS CALLED ME-

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE,

RAMONA QUIMBY,

AND THAT MANNEQUIN FROM I AM LEGEND,

I WAS FINALLY SHOWERED WITH COMPLIMENTS

ASSURING ME THAT IT REALLY DID LOOK GOOD

AND I GUESS

AFTER MUCH THOUGHT AND PRAYER

YES EMILY,

IT DOES.

PICNIC & SWIMMING IN THE POND

WITH THE OVER PROTECTIVE SWANS,

LEECHES, MOSQUITOS, AND FISH... OH MY!

MELALEUCA FREEDOM CELEBRATION

DINNER ON THE RIVER

IDAHO FALLS SYMPHONY

FIREWORKS

(THIS WAS THE FIRST YEAR I REBELLED AND DIDN'T

MAKE MY FAMILY WEAR ALL RED, WHITE AND BLUE, AND FOR THE RECORD,

IT IS PAINFUL FOR ME TO POST THIS BAD PICTURE, BUT FOR POSTERITIES SAKE....)

4 MILE FUN VANDERUN AROUND THE BLOCK

ON DEVIN'S BIRTHDAY...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVIN!

FAMILY SERVICE PROJECT

200 HYGIENE KITS PUT TOGETHER

TO BE DROPPED OFF TO THE HUMANITARIAN CENTER

AND DISPERSED TO THOSE WHO NEED THEM MOST.

THE CRAWFORD FAMILY FROM NEW ORLEANS

IT WAS SO GOOD TO SPEND TIME WITH OUR FRIENDS

WHO WERE VISITING...ADDY WAS ESPECIALLY EXCITED!

IT WAS A STUPENDOUS WEEKEND!!

Moments not captured on film include...

early morning parade to watch about 500 cheerleaders and medieval fighters with their fake swords, first year where Cassie didn't have to march in the hot parade leading the band, soggy sandwich tree sandwiches, lots of xbox for the boys, lots of babies and toy sharing for the girls, Trent singing the national anthem spot on, campfire with smores where we discussed landing on the moon (again), bigfoot, and dead transients, grownups night out to mongolian grill for dinner and a movie of hancock where the treats were abundant and the language was questionable, seeing Devon and her adorable girls, looking at pictures of the Crawfords restored home after Hurricane Katrina, heavenly shoulder massage from LaurieKae, playing Spades, Cheri's devilish peanut butter bars, running with Charisa and mom, a great talk with Tony about jobs and life choices, pow-wow meeting about family history and our trip to europe, meeting Sadies beau Jeff, hearing Cruz sing spanish lullabys, seeing baby clem, meeting Jim Risch former governor of idaho, watching the men kill a mouse with a ping pong paddle, cousins playing together, sharing hair dryers, lots of candy, emily's salad and late night tv together, family testimonies, sunday family conference call and overhearing a conversation in a mystery language, my surprise france sign, running through the hallway in my towel....yeah, glad no one got a picture of that.

We missed Aaron, Jairus, Tiffs family, Sam, and Brian's family!

I LOVE MY FAMILY

AND I LOVE AMERICA

THE END!