Adversity

I got to teach a lesson in RS yesterday based on an amazing talk by Elder Wirthlin. It was titled, "Come what may, and love it!" The basic premise is that we will get much much more out of life if we learn to enjoy the experience. This hit me particularly hard, since there have been a few trials in my life that have really thrown me. I realized that all my worrying and anxiety over the years has stunted my spiritual growth, and kept me from accomplishing many things. Bummer to have received that little nugget of personal inspiration at 37...but better now than never! Resolve: to laugh things off more. My fam needs more laughter, my kids need to learn this skill, I'm going to start today. Wish me luck!

Something is wrong with me...

This morning (at 6:15), I woke up with great anticipation: Monday = cleaning day. I couldn't wait to strap on the iPod and get cleaning/organizing. After nearly bursting into tears at the sight of Megan's bedroom on Sunday morning while I was frantically searching for Sophie's Sunday shoes, I was salivating to get my hands on it! I'm telling you, I was driven. A woman obsessed!

But I knew I couldn't wake up my lazy teenager before 9am to start, so I had to be satisfied with cleaning my kitchen and doing three loads of Chad's laundry. Megan and I got started at about 9:30, and at posting time, we have done a record 12 loads of laundry! Her bedroom hasn't been this clean since last summer, when I cleaned it and redecorated it while Megan was in UT with grandparents. Quite an accomplishment - and Megan is happy with it too (now she has three times the wardrobe that she thought she had!)

That wasn't enough, though, the beast within was growling for more...so I attacked my own closet with its laundry baskets full of clothing to be donated, mismatched socks, and random shoes scattered here and there. It was a battle, but I now have it all organized. I am not usually a clean-freak, and we definitely don't live in a museum. In fact, clutter continually threatens to take over. So I do not know where this crazy nesting thing came from.

But it is so satisfying, to have things all in order.

Now if it would only stay that way.

Where's the beef?

85 lbs of ground beef all fit in my fridge. I was given the distinct blessing of being in charge of feeding 260 people dinner at Youth Conference, and the stake chose Sloppy Joes. Hence, the beef. I love buying things in bulk - the looks you get at check-out! So, I have been consumed with sloppy joes, chips, cookies, lemonade and carrots for about three weeks. Tonight, we get to serve it, and tomorrow, I will NOT be cooking sloppy joes!

BTW - a hearty thanks to all the women in our ward who cooked all this ground beef - I couldn't have asked for a better ward-ful of volunteers to make this job easier!

Summer is here!!!

Adam, "Smelly" (Danielle Sloan), and Megan at Lake Piru on Memorial Day

I love summer! No complaining from the kids for having to get up early. No rushing around in the mornings. No forgetting homework, lunches, or jackets and having to drive back down to the school to deliver them. No wracking my brain to come up with new and delicious ideas for lunches (that they will actually eat and not throw away). No nagging them to F-O-C-U-S! and get their homework done. No watching the clock to be sure I am not late for pick-up. No nagging them to get to bed early. No helping them with math! Aaahhh...

Cue the summertime joys:

Sleeping in. Playing at the beach, park, or in our backyard pool. Lunchtime? Oh, make yourself a peanut butter sandwich (it has protein). THEN, you can eat your popsicle, ice cream, or fudgesicle...or all three... Reading. Boating (I LOVE boating!!!). Watermelon, corn-on-the-cob, BBQ (grilled summer squash and zucchini - yum!). Scout Camp, Youth Conference, Girl's Camp, Soccer Camp, EFY, and visits to Grandma's house. Fourth of July (I LOVE the 4th!), Sam, Adam, and Chad's birthdays. Our Anniversary (17 yrs. this year!!). Of course, there is a little sibling rivalry and bickering. Which is clearly NOT a joy. But, when that happens, I send one for a jog, and one for a swim, and that usually works.

Of course, by the time school starts, I am ready for them to go. But I do love summer!

Garage Sales

Having Garage sales always cracks me up. I take my stuff that I don't want anymore and wouldn't pay a dime for, and put it out on my driveway. Then the crowds come. I am always totally amazed at what people want and that they are actually willing to pay for it! And I have to admit, it gives me a bit of a rush to sell my old stuff! My mom once said, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Spoken by a true garage saler - we've been to many together, and it feels like a treasure hunt every time!
Thanks to the treasure-seekers for buying my stuff! Come again next time!

Happy day for Chad's baby

Chad spent 3 years writing and editing a book, and then decided to write a screenplay based on said book. He opted to enter it in some screenplay contests, in hopes of getting some feedback and exposure. Out of roughly 1,000 entries, his made the semi-finals! Only 80 screenplays made it that far - and we are super-excited!

What an uplifting Sunday!

In spite of Satan's best efforts to drag us down (how does he KNOW?), yesterday was one of the best Sundays in years. Megan got her Patriarchal Blessing. We wanted it to be a very testimony-building experience for her, but it ended up being one for Chad and me too! I am humbled and awed by Heavenly Father's love for each of us and His personal knowledge of our strengths, weaknesses, and eternal potential. Recognizing the divine nature of my children has made me rethink my role as a mother. It is very humbling. Too easy to get caught up in the daily frustrations of raising strong, responsible, and respectful children - and to forget who they really are. I am so thankful for this reminder. I want to do better!