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…
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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.

For Berta

dude.
no rabid teenagers here.
i mean really,
in our city?
i appreciate your inquiry and concern,
so here are some more detailed pictures for your files.
this is some carnage from a dog bed,
one of my dying plants,
and some hose remains,
that this mystery creature scattered in our yard,
all covered with dog hair.

below is a collection of decapitated hose
that upon close examination has animal teeth markings.
i rounded it all up for shear visual drama-
impressive,
yes.

this is the gutter twisted sideways

from trying to pry off the black spouty run off part.
also,

i failed to mention that my neighbors dog is in heat-

that explains a little of his "frustration",

but why in my yard?

does he know that i also...

too much information.

something just dawned on me,

oh my heck,

it's edward,

he's on the prowl.

poor little vampire man.

well this is one mormon housewife that is not taking the bait.

move on pastey.

Crabbing 2008

You must be at least five years old to come, and babies that are still nursing are allowed, so everyone but Oliver went this year. Thank you Phil and Jen for watching him! We start with Thai food in Portland- always ordering too much, always feeling too full... my favorites- spring rolls, satays, and curry. Then we drive to the coast. Regular eateries consist of hot chocolate, strawberry waffles, clam chowder, and fatty ice cream cones and cheese from Tillamook. This year we spent a fun chilly day at the beach- the crazy people went in the freezing water, and the sane people flew kites or napped on sandy sheets.
Crabbing Day-
Get up bright and early...put on your tshirts and boat bandannas...stock up with goodies...razz the other boats...spit on your tuna head bait for good luck...throw your traps in...pull them up...scream with joy, or cry with sorrow...repeat and repeat again...crab dances...pranks...time to come back in...buckets full of crab...clean out your boat...boil the crab...clean the crab...prizes for biggest crab, most crab, and best story...Chris and Caleb win for best story- they put a dead mink in one of dad's traps...Jason and Eliza win for biggest crab...Jessie, Jason, and Devin win for most crab...great to have Susan and Matthew join us this year...Sammy gets the award for best show getting out of the harbor...Tade and Sara relax by knitting in the car and browsing local antique shops while the others crab...everyone cleans up and removes wet smelly clothes...eat the crab that evening at the local restaurant while happy, tired, and sunburned.

Another great year of crabbing

on the Oregon Coast!

We missed all of those who couldn't make it this year!

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.

CANDID in EUROPE

FOOD in EUROPE

As a self proclaimed foodie, I reveled in some delectable meals and treats while on our trip that left my palate tingling. It's no secret that I frequent some cheap establishments for a dollar caesar side salad or bag of onion rings with fry sauce....but every now and then one needs to stretch their tasting abilities and venture out to new horizons.....yes, that means trying things as mysterious as black pudding and haggis, and yes I did, really. Too bad I didn't take pictures, you'll have to leave those visions to your imagination.