Blurbs of Color

11th Annual LDS Film Festival

2012-01-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be participating in the 24 Hour Filmmaking Marathon this year!

It starts this Friday, Jan 20th at 10am and ends just 24 hours later. They will announce the theme, a line of dialogue and a prop to be used the films we create. I did this once before for the 48 Hour Film Project a few years back. It was a ton of fun. So I've rounded up one of the actors, Rocket Cordray, that I used in METHOD, the film that ended up taking Best in Show out of like 40 teams, along with my gorgeous friend Alina and her daughter, to help out with this film. But I saved a spot in my 5 team limit for my most amazing husband and cinematographer, Roderick A. Santiano. Check out his site now!

I'm really excited about the motto:

"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." (D&C 93:36).

I am looking forward to incorporating aspects of this into my film, although I won't know what the subject matter will be until the day of!

Of course if it ends up totally cheesy that will be due to the fact that this is only my second film;) I have done a few other commercials, some I love and some I would have loved to redue or change up a bit... One of the funnest educations of my life for sure though! So, wish us luck! I can't wait to start!! I am literally shaking! It will be the best date night ever;)

Also, if you are going, check out Stand Strong, on Thursday Jan 26th at 7:30pm,

another movie screening there that my husband filmed.

Click Here for the full festival schedule.

Excited About Homeschooling

2012-01-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

I read a post the other day on Progressive Pioneer on ways to re-focus and re-fresh any homeschooling regiment. She also asked "How do you get excited (and get your kids excited) about school and learning?"

And because I love so much about this part of my life I have to answer:)

I actually just start the "school year" at the beginning of the year and plan what we are going to do year round... What places we want to visit, what adventures we are going to go on. Why start in September? Why not just start with the new year! This is when everyone is making goals and starting a new:) Makes sense to me!

Planning by seasons is also energizing to me because I can plan around the weather and things we can do for each... out doors and indoors:) "Schooling" during the summer is actually my favorite time of year:) But our summer school isn't the public school system's summer school by any means. Honestly, I can't say that we ever start and stop school or take actual vacations; that just happens naturally with cold and flu seasons, pregnancy, newborns and my husbands freelance schedule.

Another thing we do is advance in "grade skills" around birthdays. One of my sons told me he didn't want to start learning to read until he was 5. The day of his birthday he said, "Okay I want to learn to read now!" And for the first time in his life picked up a pencil and traced a letter. No prodding from me. He wanted to do it so he did:) He has a whole list of things he said he doesn't want to do until he is 6... He sure is in charge of his life, wouldn't you say:)

On the hard days I sometimes question why I do it? But if I think about it for just a moment and compare it to what my life would be like if they were in school I remember all over again how much I love and appreciate my life!

So these are the reasons why I keep doing it:)

I do it because I love the freedom. The freedom to learn what we want to learn when we want to learn it and how we choose to learn it. There are no outside pressures. To time limits. No tests. No one telling us we can't learn that now because we will learn that later.

No one is being taught something because they might need to know it for the future. Everything we study is because we are interested in it right now.

We can go where we want to go as much as money or time allows. Not just a two week vacation or a one time field trip... we can visit the museum anytime we want and even leave on spontaneous road trips.

Our trip to the salt flats when it was glazed over with water was my favorite this year for sure!

We don't have to rush through scripture study. We can do it more than once a day. We can pray as a family multiple times a day. We can go out and do service projects. That can be our school. It is a part of our daily life... at least that is that plan as the kids get older.

I have learned that just because I haven't given a lesson on a subject that doesn't mean they haven't learned it. The kids figure out so much out on their own.

We can have nothing planned. We can sit for long periods of time and think. Analyze things around us. Often from these ponderous moments arises an interest that we end up studying.

One of my sons, the "thinker" in the family, sits like this often, just rubbing his toes.

He is the one who asks the most inquisitive questions about life, death, the body, cells...

We do what works for us. Reading time with the kids is often only when they are using the bathroom. Especially when they were younger they wouldn't let me read books to them otherwise. We do no sit-down reading lessons and yet somehow my kids are learning to read. Sometimes I briefly mention a reading rule or pattern, then play long-term unrestricted games with it until the game dies and they have mastered it.

The kids only write in private diaries where no one can read it or critique it but have been taught to always do their best. Of course they can't help but share what they have done with me.

We get frustrated and mad when new things are hard for us. But we are in the safety of our home so no one will judge us. And the kids are not considered problem children when they have a break down moment or can't sit still.

There is no homework after school. No missing the bus or early dismissal, only for me to forget and arrive late or not be home (this would happen to me so often, I just know it;)

Just time to play and learn, learn and play... this is our life.

Above all else we are free and we love it!

I'm grateful to my God for putting the thought into my head to homeschool. I am glad that he left it up to me to make the final decision though. I am thankful I get to spend this time with my kids, even if all moments are not perfect. Now I just need to spend our time wisely exploring the world.

I can't tell you how much I love my life! I just have to sit down and think about it for a moment when I am down and having a hard day and it re-charges me:) I was having one of those days today and now feel so much better and know that tomorrow will be great!

A as in Triple

2011-12-31T09:24:00.000-08:00

I have never been good with the NATO or Military Alphabet. On the spot I would always fumble over my words, like B as in... Bad. Now was that D as in Dad or B as in Bad? Confusing the person on the other end of the phone even more. No B as in... B!

But then one day as I was trying to come up with a better system all of these other combinations started coming to mind! And a new Phonetic Alphabet was born! Of course they are just silly, but you have to try them! My husband did once and it made the operator laugh:)

Of course if you have one to share I would love it! I am sure there are some clever ones out there that I haven't thought of!

A as in Triple
B as in Good
C as in Saw
D as in 3
E as in Funny
F as in Effort
G as in Wiz
H as in 2O
I as in Phone
J as in Walk
K as in O
L as in Elephant
M as in & M's
N as in Enter
O as in Hello (O as in Awesome if you are from New Zealand;)
P as in Poo
Q as in Tip
R as in Art
S as in OS
T as in Ball
U as in Double
V as in HS
W as in Clone
X as in Ray
Y as in Because
Z as in Easy

The Buried Life

2011-12-30T22:42:00.000-08:00

You can watch it Netflix

Since we are talking New Year's Resolutions and Bucket Lists I had to mention this show!

It only had two seasons but it is great. These guys made a list of things they wanted to do in life. And then set out to do them.

Ask the girl of your dreams out on a date

Streak and get away with it

Spend the night in jail

They work together to help each other accomplish their goals. Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they don't. But they seem like they are having so much fun doing it!

But a cool thing they also do it interview random people that they meet and ask them what is on their bucket list.

Buy a computer for a needy school

Get over the fear of heights

Hear their own song on the radio

Then they help them achieve their goal. Kind of like a pay-it-forward type of thing. Kind of cool. Kind of fun. I would love to do that too!

So check out the show. They kind of become your friends after a few episodes:)

New Year's Resolutions and Bucket Lists

2011-12-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

This is the year that we make goals, New Year's resolutions and bucket lists that we are actually going to follow through with. We all know we could make a list as long as the Nile River of cool things we'd love to do it life, but honestly, are we really going to do them?

I'm not saying you shouldn't dream, but make those dreams come true! Make a plan for the ones you know you can accomplish and then pray for God to help with the rest. He will! ** For inspiration you gotta watch the documentary New York Doll . A great story on having a dream and having it come true by the grace of God** God gave us this awesome life and wants us to live it passionately. So go for it!

And don't be discouraged if your plans aren't going the way you want them to! Things don't always happen in the timeline that you lay out, but they will happen eventually! Life can get in the way of living... living your dreams, that is. But one way to get around that is to take your family along for the ride! Let your kids see you living your dreams. It will encourage them to go after theirs as well! They may even be the moral support you are in need of:)

A friend of mine gave me some great advice once, "If you are too scared to do it you probably should." Wait till your teens are past that invincible stage to share that with them though;) I actually was too nervous to go off the high dive in my college swim class and my wise friend talked me into it. I was so glad I did:) It was so liberating an exciting!

So keep in mind, when you are making your lists this New Years, that you put plans in place to help you achieve them! If you need help with any I am so willing to help! Need someone to go bungee jumping with... I may just go for it;) Or want to give acting a try, I would probably give you a spot in one of my movies or commercials:) Haha!

My Goals for 2012

* To film a commercial and short film are on my list this year. I hope I get to film them!

Check out my past commercials and short films.

* I'd also love to have another baby. We'll see how that goes; my 1 year old still doesn't sleep through the night... That one goal may just trump all the others;)

* I also plan to finish my book for mothers by Mother's Day, as well as work on two of my fiction stories...

* But my biggest resolution is to get up before the kids each morning to write. If I can't reach that goal I won't be able to accomplish all the others. Also, I am sure it would improve my health, overall mood and perspective on life. So I better!

What goals or dreams will you accomplish this year? Within the next five years? Ten years?

I'd love to hear from you!

Did you know 9/11 Inspired Meetup.com?

2011-09-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Are any of you part of a group on Meetup.com?

I just found out how it all started!

"When the towers fell, I found myself talking to more neighbors

in the days after 9/11 than ever before. People said hello to

neighbors (next-door and across the city) who they'd normally

ignore. People were looking after each other, helping each

other, and meeting up with each other. You know, being

neighborly.

"A lot of people were thinking that maybe 9/11 could bring

people together in a lasting way. So the idea for Meetup was

born: Could we use the internet to get off the internet -- and

grow local communities?" - Scott Heiferman

I used to go to a meetup when I was in LA. It was great to get to know other "strangers" who had a common bond. For me it was a group of mothers with young kids. Of course they all looked at me like I was a crazy person for having more than 2 kids, but it was fun and got me out of my comfort zone— my house. I'm still surprised I went at all. What possessed me?? I still don't know. So out of character for me! I once tried to convince my husband that I was outgoing because of how often I am on facebook... he said it didn't count. I should remind him of this, huh??!! :) Yes, I will...

Anyway, there are groups for all different kinds of things, like writing, filming, ukulele playing and hiking. It is pretty interesting. If you are a homebody like me you should check it out and make some new friends!

I really only found this out yesterday when the founder emailed everyone that uses the site. I am glad he did. It's hard to remember that day and not think of all the people we lost and how it affected everyone personally and emotionally. At least here is something positive that came from that day. Flowers from ashes, right?

Here's to getting out and being more neighborly:)

Love you all!
Thank you for being in my life ❤❤
Wendy

Below is the full email:

Fellow Meetuppers,

I don't write to our whole community often, but this week is
special because it's the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and many
people don't know that Meetup is a 9/11 baby.

Let me tell you the Meetup story. I was living a couple miles
from the Twin Towers, and I was the kind of person who thought
local community doesn't matter much if we've got the internet
and tv. The only time I thought about my neighbors was when I
hoped they wouldn't bother me.

When the towers fell, I found myself talking to more neighbors
in the days after 9/11 than ever before. People said hello to
neighbors (next-door and across the city) who they'd normally
ignore. People were looking after each other, helping each
other, and meeting up with each other. You know, being
neighborly.

A lot of people were thinking that maybe 9/11 could bring
people together in a lasting way. So the idea for Meetup was
born: Could we use the internet to get off the internet -- and
grow local communities?

We didn't know if it would work. Most people thought it was a
crazy idea -- especially because terrorism is designed to make
people distrust one another.

A small team came together, and we launched Meetup 9 months
after 9/11.

Today, almost 10 years and 10 million Meetuppers later, it's
working. Every day, thousands of Meetups happen. Moms Meetups,
Small Business Meetups, Fitness Meetups... a wild variety of
100,000 Meetup Groups with not much in common -- except one
thing.

Every Meetup starts with people simply saying hello to
neighbors. And what often happens next is still amazing to me.
They grow businesses and bands together, they teach and
motivate each other, they babysit each other's kids and find
other ways to work together. They have fun and find solace
together. They make friends and form powerful community. It's
powerful stuff.

It's a wonderful revolution in local community, and it's thanks
to everyone who shows up.

Meetups aren't about 9/11, but they may not be happening if it
weren't for 9/11.

9/11 didn't make us too scared to go outside or talk to
strangers. 9/11 didn't rip us apart. No, we're building new
community together!!!!

The towers fell, but we rise up. And we're just getting started
with these Meetups.

Scott Heiferman (on behalf of 80 people at Meetup HQ)
Co-Founder & CEO, Meetup
New York City
September 2011

To Have Kids... or Not...

2011-08-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

I recently saw this in a National Geographic Magazine... I failed to note which country it was referring to, although I want to say it was Bangladesh.

"Long-term lessons: Kids flock year-round to a floating school, traditionally homebound, girls especially benefit by having schools come to them. Studies show that educated girls (and boys as well) have fewer children as adults."

I thought it was interesting that the ONE listed benefit of getting an education was that you have less children...

I can think of a thousand other benefits of education, but this is the one they chose... Reminds me of all the people I met in LA who would find a way to tell me NOT to have so many kids after they see my 4 kids. But for me there is NO GREATER JOY than my kids. And honestly not a day goes by when I look at my 4 kids and don't think, "That's all I have? Just 4?" Maybe it's because they are usually so loud that when there is actually a quiet moment I wonder where they all went;) Haha!

In all seriousness many people today feel that we would all be better off with less kids and some no kids at all. In many places like Europe and China people are only having one or two per couple. In a few generations only-children will be marrying only-children and then when their parents pass away they will left with the stark reality of having no siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. That's a weird reality for me who has such a big extended family and loves to get together with family.

Maybe in countries like the one in the article having too many kids and not having enough food or medicine is a problem. Makes me want to share more with poorer countries. Maybe this is a call to action for me. But I don't believe that for the society that I live in, and yet, like I said, I hear the arguments for not having kids all the time. And everyone has their reasons... usually it is political or financial though.

I really don't give much attention to the political reasons and to the financial reasons I just remind myself that "afford" is a relative term. We live in a society that glorifies consumerism and it is easy to get caught up in it. And with more kids I might not be able to go shopping all the time or eat fancy food or put my kids in private school or live in an upscale neighborhood in a model home but I guess I don't think that is what life is all about. When I leave this life the only thing I get to take with me is my family (eventually), my memories and lessons learned... most of which will have come from my family. So I am willing to sacrifice what would be extra spending money for me to providing the necessities for my kids.

It does take a lot more effort to raise a large family on a limited income but you can do it... There are lots of great resources out there for how to raise a family on a budget. One blog that I recently started following is Money Saving Mom. She talks about cutting grocery bills, getting through higher education without debt and so much more. You should check her out! Love her! Lots of great tips for sure!

There is so much good to be done in the world, the more the merrier to help out, right;)

This is how I save on grocery bills...

I can only buy what fits in the cart after the kids are loaded up!!!! hahaha!

Having kids like they're at wholesale prices;) Love my kids!!!

Not saying that Costco is the best place for food though... some things yes... but not the point;)

How I Got My Kids to Eat the Crust

2011-08-03T22:20:00.000-07:00

So after last week's Poopy Pizza episode (where my little one got out of the tub and pooped on the left over pizza my husband was feeding them in the tub) I was pushing my luck bringing food up to the bathroom again for bath time, but with Rod working long hours and little rest for me it seemed like the best thing to do to get them to eat dinner tonight. And my kids, like so many others, won't touch the crust. So instead of fighting and insisting I usually just cut it off and cry later about how much food we waste;)

However, whenever they are in the bath, it seems as though they will eat just about anything. Maybe they are just too distracted to care or it's fun and they put up with it. Who knows?? So tonight I just started feeding them the PB&J's with the crust and no one noticed! Then after they had gobbled up half the sandwich I made the announcement that they had all eaten the crust. They were just as astonished as I was! And then all of a sudden they all started clamoring for the next crust bite. I have never seen them bite, chew and swallow faster:)

Here's to hoping the next time they are served a PB&J at the table they will eat the crust!!

LIFE IN A DAY

2011-07-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

What did you do today (a year ago)?

Just got back from watching this amazing film. From over 4,500 hours of footage submitted through youtube by the average random person a beautiful story is told about us, who we are, what we do, what we fear and think of our lives. I honestly don't know how they edited it. How they chose which pieces to include and made it play out so perfectly. Maybe not everyone will feel that way, but guaranteed you will FEEL something. There will be people you will connect with personally and moments in another's life that will make you more grateful for your own.

I especially loved the questions that were asked of everyone in the film, although they don't give everyone's answers. One of the questions they asked was, "What are your fears?" It was interesting to me that the fears that I related to seemed acceptable but the others seemed silly. I started to wonder if we all think this way... It changed my perspective on my fears. Maybe they seem silly to someone else. Maybe they shouldn't be fears at all... I decided to let them go.

Another thing that affected me, and maybe it was just because I had just finished watching a huge screen, was my little girl's tiny toes. I know that sounds sappy but really they looked so tiny. And then when I got home my kids (who were still up!!!!) looked so young and innocent. There was a newness to their features and all I wanted to do was pick them up and spin them in circles (which I did). I think the film made me appreciate the details of my life more. I wasn't even upset when I saw that they were awake past 10pm when we got home (of course I'll too be waiting up for them in a few years... and I'll be reminding them of nights like this... but then they fell asleep within minutes of us being home;)

I can't tell you how many of the stories and images that were shared have touched my life. Seeing the slow pace of living in so many parts of the world to how people get through their worst fears of illness and dying. There were some good laughs and a few moments that made you sad. But I believe you leave a better person after watching it. And to think, all of these clips came from JUST ONE DAY. A global day.

Funny thing is that even though I didn't know about this project last year I remember the day distinctly. I remember learning that July 24 was the official "Learn Nothing Day" (except for Utah because it is Pioneer Day so they are given permission to not learn anything until the next day;) Try not learning anything for a whole day... it's impossible. It is a campaign for unschooling I believe. Anyway, I remember it distinctly and how odd that is. Wish I had known about the project last year and had made a video! And ironically a year later on "Learn Nothing Day" I have a learned a great deal about the world and myself and know now that there is even more to learn about life and living.

Can't wait to watch it again! Today was the special premier preview (I went because I had been given tickets since my photo was chosen as one of the top 20 out of 18,000 Hipstamatic prints for National Geographic's Life in a Day Contest) so I had to go!

And what will you do tomorrow?

I think I'll keep taking a million pictures of the kids and play with them more and leave less of the busy work for when they don't want to play with me anymore... Maybe go play in a creek with them, take them fishing, light some floating lanterns, visit the dinosaur museum, read more books and turn the TV off more:) Oh the possibilities are bright and beautiful:) Every day is beautiful!

Midnight in Paris

2011-07-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

"No subject is terrible if the story is true and if the prose is clean and honest." Ernest Hemingway

I recently went to see this film with a very good friend of mine. I walked into the movie not knowing anything about the film. So when it started out with what seemed like a 10 minute boring slideshow of modern-day Paris to classic parisian music from the 20's I was perplexed. At one point my friend leans over and says, "I really hope this isn't a silent film." On top of all that, the camera seemed lazy with tripod shots and tacky pans... But when Woody Allen's signature black and white credits appeared with Owen Wilson's voiceover, I knew there had to be something to it. And honestly, I thought it was genius. And for the most part the whole movie was too!

I only wish (#1) that the stereotyped and one-leveled characters were a little more well-rounded... but this movie wasn't about them and they don't even really have any part in the cool moments of the movie, so I would let it slide. And (#2) that someone would please give Kathy Bates some acting lessons and stop hiring her!!! She almost ruins the movie (not really, but I hate her). The bad extras were not nearly as bad as she was;) And without Corey Stoll and Marion Cotillard sharing scenes with her, her scenes would practically unbearable!

And while I won't tell you what the story is about I will tell you this, dust off your Cliff Notes from your high school english class, you'll need them:) The references that I did get made the film that much richer. Now I have to go do some homework so I can re-watch the film and truly appreciate it! I should have paid more attention in class... sigh...

2011-07-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

Okay so I was going to start another blog the other day to make up something for a vision blog that I can just keep up on the computer. Well a friend of mind mentioned Pinterest. I thought, that sounds weird (I still hate the name;) But when I looked it up it really got my attention and how I love it now!! It is the PERFECT place to have a vision board. And you can have as many "boards" as you want. On top of that you can "follow" your friends' boards and see what other people are "pinning" on their boards. There is some cute stuff out there and this is the place to see it all at once! (I've actually learned of some really cool new products on there!)

I admit, I do like sites like facebook where you can interact socially with others and this is kind of like that, except it is more about what you show in pictures rather than trying to be funny or controversial in a post. It is a great way to organize any research you are doing online. A great place to keep references to DIY projects that you might find online too! So instead of keeping a list of URL's somewhere on your computer or overcrowding your bookmarks bar, you can just keep it all up on Pinterest. They even have a phone app that has 41/2 stars from over 2200 reviews...

So if you're into pictures and vision boards check it out! You do have to request an invite (I doubt they are going to turn anyone away). And once you are invited you can invite your friends... if they're not already on there. A lot of my friends were.

So enough with the infomercial, but I just had to share. It really is fun:)

The Tree of Life

2011-07-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

The Tree of Life

"The only way to be happy is to love. Unless you love, your life will flash by. " - Mrs. O'Brien

The Tree of Life: This film, although very cerebral, is an essay on love and regret... and mastering ourselves in the few moments of life we are given. So much of the story is my life, what I live with each day and what I dream it would be...

There is so much that I would love about their life in the 50's... The clothes, the yard, the tree swing, the freedom to explore the almost still pace of life... And while it took place in an era now gone, the themes in the movie are universal; from the way boys play to their relationship with their father and the love of their mother.

It does start off a bit weird and doesn't have the usual arc that movies tend to have but it does leave you contemplating life and the universe. Some of the images of creation are awe inspiring. And to think that we are part of that creation! There is a part in the creation montage where they are showing dinosaurs that seems a little hokey... even Pixie thought so. Usually a quiet movie watcher, when that part came on everyone heard her do raspberries at the screen. We even heard a chuckle from a few people who couldn't agree more;) Such a critic at an early age. It was kind of funny, but not in such a quiet movie.

And there wasn't any foul language... Actually I'm not even sure they whispered more than 50 words in the whole movie... it was such a quiet movie. The true definition of a slice-of-life movie. There were just slices here and there of this and that, but they all come together to paint a majestic picture. And while the camera movement and style are odd it adds to the character of the film. Mostly handheld and erratic at times. You almost never know where the camera will take you. Definitely not used in the typical manner... the camera doesn't seem to follow the action but is just there to capture it as it passes by. Interesting and erie at times. But I loved it.

Honestly, I don't know that many people would like the film all that much. But it was very personal to Rod and me. Having three boys in row, the dynamics of the family were so similar to ours. After we left he told me that after watching that he definitely wanted more kids, how could he not. There was just something so touching in that film about family that makes you love having a family all that much more:) If you know me this was joy to my ears. Not now... but definitely:)

If you watch it, I believe it is only playing at the Broadway (for those in UT) let me know what you think of it... I would love to hear from you.

Bean Pool/Sensory Box

2011-05-21T00:22:00.000-07:00

My friend shared a link the other day about making a sensory box for kids. It made me smile to think of my kids playing with something like this, especially my littlest boy. But I realized all too quickly that sensory boxes were created with GIRLS in mind, not BOYS! But then again it just might be... although it needs less of a box and more of a room to make it work for them too... because there is no way that they are going to sit pretty and fill and dump in some designated container;) Well, maybe my littlest would, but my middle boy is a thrower. I am almost positive that he is conducting research. You should see the way he studies his toys as he throws them across the room. Pausing to reflect on how they landed then picking them up to do all over again. Anyway, I digress... Here's a picture of the treasure box/landfill/sand pit/swimming pool/where ever else their imagination will take them:)

30 lbs or so of beans

Because a tub wouldn't suffice I graduated the beans to a mini kid pool. Big enough for all the boys to sit in and play. And I filled it deep enough so that they can hide their toys in it and special prizes. There are marbles and dominoes in there to name a few, as well as measuring cups, spoons and mini muffin pans.

Look at the way he carefully places the marbles as if cherries on his muffins.

And because this will get spread around I have put it in the play room that has doors that I can shut to contain the mess. If they decide they want it all on the floor so they can do snow "bean" angels then at least I won't have to walk in it. They did this a few nights ago in the living room and it took a while to clean up... Don't want to do that again. Although you're probably thinking that I probably will and you're probably right. Definitely not for the faint-hearted mom who wants the ultra-tidey home. And because I know my house will never be that way, even without the bean pool, I am just going to embrace it.... All because I love playing in it myself and the kids and have been loving it too! Of course all they've had is the small bucket. I can't wait to see what they think of the pool in the morning. Rod sure loved it;) I am sure they will too.

To his defense, I made him pose;)

NOTE: I chose beans over rice or oats because they roll on the carpet and are super easy to clean up, just push them with a piece of cardboard to gather. You do have to know your kids and watch them to make sure they aren't putting them in their mouth of throwing them in the air and such. But other than the inevitable clean up, this is going to be a fun toy for the kids. Especially on those hot hot hot summer days when you can't go outside and play.

How We Educate Them Now Will Affect the Future

2011-04-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Lately friends of mine have been posting some very interesting and curious articles and videos on education. Since there was such a collection I thought I would publish them here. Whether you have your kids in school, or not, all of the articles and videos are worth your time. Education just isn't what it used to be.

Why Preschool Shouldn't Be Like School
New research shows that teaching kids more and more, at ever-younger ages, may backfire.
"Ours is an age of pedagogy. Anxious parents instruct their children more and more, at younger and younger ages, until they're reading books to babies in the womb. They pressure teachers to make kindergartens and nurseries more like schools. So does the law—the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act explicitly urged more direct instruction in federally funded preschools."
"While learning from a teacher may help children get to a specific answer more quickly, it also makes them less likely to discover new information about a problem and to create a new and unexpected solution."

Over and over in my head while reading this article I kept thinking, if this is how we naturally learn from birth, the way we should learn in the early preschool years, whose to say this isn't how we should continue to learn? Through grade school, high school? If instructing them at an early age diminishes their natural curiosity, will it do the same harm when they are 5? 10? At what point does a kid lose that motivation to explore and learn about his world? Will he ever?

I admit, that when my first boy was two I was geared up to put him into preschool. He showed signs of reading readiness and could write and type his name. I even held a little preschool with some friends. I thought, this is so cute! Them sitting at a desk learning their letters and such. And it is cute. But what I have learned over the past three years and two more boys is that there are other and often more important things to learn outside of academics. Especially since I can see in at least one of my boys that he holds little regard for letters and math in their usual association but is immensely creative and very physically active.

How to Get a Real Education

"I understand why the top students in America study physics, chemistry, calculus and classic literature. The kids in this brainy group are the future professors, scientists, thinkers and engineers who will propel civilization forward. But why do we make B students sit through these same classes? That's like trying to train your cat to do your taxes—a waste of time and money. Wouldn't it make more sense to teach B students something useful, like entrepreneurship?"

His story is worth the read. The fact that he was able to see all of his life experiences as educational and life building is wonderful. But I doubt he was doing it to educate himself. He was playing, following his interests and filling a need, much like we do as kids before formal education sets in. Not that we don't need books or anything but there is so much more to living and learning. A great example of getting a great life-building education despite being in school.

Doesn't this just totally depict all boys right now? hehe!

Generation Z Will Revolutionize Education
This article is definitely controversial and probably wouldn't win a debate, but there are some interesting ideas. I think the point that kids in this generation who are homeschooled/unschooled (or self-directed learners) will be better prepared to enter the work field is a valid one. Because they have been practicing all their lives to go after their interests and make use of them, they won't be floundering around a college for years, raking up debt while they try to figure out "who"they want to be. Will they still go to college? Of course, if what they want to do in life requires a degree; a doctor, lawyer, college professor. But hey, they might just invent a knew industry, product, business or way of life that hasn't been doomed to a degree yet.

And honestly, you don't have to home school your kids to prepare them for the world; just understanding that the system is failing many kids in preparing them for the "real world" will hopefully help you look for answers that will help them. Both of the videos below give great suggestions on how to guide a struggling child in education. The public education system isn't going to change. I mean, how many people does it take to stop a moving train? It would have to never start. But it's already going. So what do we do? What is the answer? I bet your kids already know it. Ask them. Listen to them. Watch them.

I love that while he was great at public speaking, they tutored him not in what he was good at, but what he sucked at because they thought that would be more important.
We all want our kids to go after the good jobs, doctor, lawyer and so forth, but have you ever considered that your kid just might have the traits to be an amazing entrepreneur? A great example of helping your kids develop their best skills that maybe schools wouldn't because it doesn't fit their mold.

One of the examples he shares is about Gillian Lynne who was a terrible student until one wise doctor discovered that she was a "dancer." Her mother willing to follow his advice, put her in a dance school. She had an amazing dance career and went on to choreograph for Andrew Lloyd Weber's Cats and Phantom of the Opera. To think that she might have just always been seen as a poor student who couldn't keep still.

And while I have elected to school the kids at home it isn't the only answer. But nothing gives me more joy than the freedom we have to explore the world and their interests so that they can become the people they were meant to be.

What about Math?

2011-03-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

"What about math?" "What about it?"

I get asked this question a lot when I tell people that I am homeschooling. Even more people are concerned, even other homeschoolers, when I tell them I am unschooling. (You mean you don't do scheduled, sit-down lessons with repetitious workbooks?) Right up there with socialization, our society is concerned about how much math our children will learn. I get it, it means they're smart if they can do all kinds of fancy math. And because I am not a master at upper-level mathematics that could be a problem, right? I honestly don't think it will be. If they need to know it, they will learn it.

I mean they will learn the basics just by doing day-to-day things that require math, like cooking, buying and selling. And if in the future they decide they want to become an engineer for NASA, I'm sure they will do and learn everything they can to get there. I've heard many accounts of people learning things, seemingly overnight, mainly because they had the drive and purpose to learn it; from learning english to graphic design. It will all depend on their interests.

For example: The other day I took out a small bag of jelly beans and immediately had three loudly begging hands pawing me. Indy, seeing the situation quickly said, "Let's divide them into three." I thought, "Did he just ask me to divide it? I think I've mentioned that process a few times before to him." So I poured out a handful and put one in each hand a few times. Afterward we counted how many he got and deduced that each of his brothers got the same amount and that added together there were 15 jelly beans. He then asked how many they would have gotten if there were 20 beans. I took the math to the whiteboard drawing out the beans. Then, because they were being awfully good, I gave out a few more. He got 8 this time. But he was whining because we wanted 10. So I helped him see that 5 and 8 was 13. "But Mom, I don't have 13." "I know. You ate 5 and so you only have 8 now." He thought for a moment, taking it all in. And left content.

If nothing else, at 5 years old he learned a valuable lesson in division and multiplication... addition and subtraction... all because he was interested in getting a fair share of jelly beans:) And the curiosity followed by knowledge will continue, as long as there's a need.

Play is Work

2011-03-10T13:14:00.001-08:00

Saw this quote at the mall today! Such a great follow-up quote to my previous post. A good reminder that what I have planned for the day might be just as important as the play they intend to have:)

I don't want to grow up...

2011-03-09T22:21:00.000-08:00

But I did... darn it!

When did I become so overly concerned with such grown up things as staying on a schedule and having a pristine house (not that I do, although I long for it almost daily)? Sometimes I am so caught up with these things that I won't even let the kids be kids and play or go outside because that requires effort on my part— playing with them, leaving my chores and then the clean up... more chores. Sigh.

But I am wondering if the problem is more than just trying to keep the house clean and having an orderly life... When I actually sit down to play with them I am kind of at a loss of what to do with them. I get the most frustrated with myself when my kids want to play action figures. What do I say? What do I do? I don't know. Then every now and again I will play with them hide and seek for a few minutes. But after three rounds I am back in the mode of thinking of all the stuff I have to do. I mean really, would another 10 minutes kill me? Why am I so programmed to only give them such small pockets of my time? When did I forget how to play? When did it stop being fun for me?

The problem with this lies with the fact that we homeschool. They are home all day. Play is how they learn. And if I'm not playing with them much then I am missing so many opportunities to get to know them—their interests, what they think about, etc. If I miss those things then how will I ever be able to lead them in the direction they should be going? I love the idea of child-lead learning, but I have to be present to guide them. They don't know where they're heading. They just like what they like.

But honestly, on some days, they really just don't know what to do with themselves either. And because I can't think of anything I want to do, we get caught in a stand still. Life doesn't have to be learning all the time. We can have an off day here and there, but what worries me is that some days they just look to me and want me to engage them in something and I just can't think of a single thing to do. And they obviously don't want to do what they've been doing for days or they'd be doing it, right? And I mean, this is my opportunity to involve them in something new. Maybe something I like to do that they've never tried. But I just don't know how to spice it up.

So in an effort to try to get me out of this slump and get my kids more involved in my life and me in theirs and have more joy in our day-to-day, I bought a couple of books to help. And I am loving all of them!!!!

A book about discovering and doing what you love in life, as a career or otherwise, but the point is to do it:) And being a joyful mother is what I want my career to be.

"Play is the most important element in discovering who you are. Play will lead you right into your deepest desires." Keri Smith

"The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware." Henry Miller

"To create is to destroy." Keri Smith

This one is great for getting you out of your comfort zone. Each page you have a new task: to stick gum on one of its pages, chew the paper, drop it from a high place or step on it. My kids are starting to think I'm crazy for asking them to stick marshmallows in it, but you can see the joy in their eyes and that is priceless:)

His quest was to reform public education. But I think in his quest he found that to be nearly impossible but realized that all that he learned about how children learn could be taught in the home.

"It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not yet entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delicate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wrack and ruin without fail. It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty." —Albert Einstein

OBSERVE

COLLECT

ANALYZE

COMPARE

NOTICE PATTERNS

"After reading this list a few times it occurred to me that... artists and scientist analyze the world around them in surprisingly similar ways." Keri Smith

She has changed the way I look at trees and trash and the world around me.

Aesope's Fables

2011-02-22T22:58:00.000-08:00

We've all heard the stories growing up... "The Tortoise and the Hare." Ofttimes just the moral of the story is said, "Bird's of a Feather Flock Together."

I actually, until yesterday, didn't know the name of the collection of these stories. But they are fascinating. Better yet, they are short and to the point. Love that! Even better than that, is that my kids LOVE them for bedtime stories. So much so, that if I don't stop reading them, one right after the other, they don't fall asleep. Tonight they were all asleep within a minute after I stopped reading.

The funnest part of it all is how animated they get about the stories. Sometimes they are sad for the characters, other times they are mad and sometimes they just think the whole thing is funny.

Tonight, after reading The "Tortoise and the Eagle" R2 got so upset that he said the next time he sees a bird he will hug it, but if he sees an eagle he is going to kill it. No point in explaining to him the fact that they are endangered... hehe... or the fact that the tortoise asked for the ride. The eagle is clearly at fault here to him, not the tortoise... one day he'll understand;)

And after reading "The Flies and the Honey-Pot" he said he wanted to hear the story, "The Peas and the Jello." He's always had the biggest imagination! I wonder what the moral to that story would be? "Just because we live in Utah doesn't mean you can put veggies in the jello" ?? Haha! Good moral;)

Tomorrow we are going to start practicing a puppet show of our favorite stories! Printing out some pictures to glue on popsicle sticks tomorrow. That should be fun. We need an audience! Anyone want to come over??

Read them! They are wonderful!! Here is a link to Aesope's Fables. Enjoy:)

I FOUND IT!!! My Brain and My Book

2011-01-16T00:55:00.000-08:00

I found it! And perfect timing too!

A year and a half ago I finished a rough draft of my first script. It was quite the accomplishment for me and I was really so proud. But after receiving some critiques on it, I realized I had a long way to go in order to write a good screenplay. So Rod bought me this book and it has been such an education. In the few pages I read, before I lost it, I read so many great pearls of wisdom. It truly is the Bible on writing for the screen. I was just barely into the first chapter when we moved. But as you can guess, I lost it somewhere in the move and was devastated and really didn't want to buy a new copy.

Well, as it turns out, it was a good thing because at some point in this pregnancy, I also lost my creativity, ambition and brain. So I did absolutely no writing. I couldn't have even if I tried. My brain was mush.

But then it ended and now I have this cute little girl to hug and to hold and you know what, I have my brain back too! Ironically, just a few days after giving birth and being restored to pre-pregnant Wendy, Rod found the book. And to prove that I really had no brain during those nine months, it was in my room on the desk the whole time. I even unpacked it and put it there when we moved in here!

In a way, I kind of feel like it was God's way of helping me stay focused on what was most important at the time. He probably knew I would try to juggle more than I could while I was pregnant. And even though now I have 4 kids to take care of, there is still time to take care of me and writing is one of that ways I do that:) He knows that too.

So I am back to reading and writing. I have some great new stories that I am working on. I haven't decided if I am going to go back to my first rough draft yet. It is terribly flawed. But maybe, as my wisdom and experience increased I can rework it and make it into a beautiful movie. We'll see. Because I really do love those characters so much!

I am sure I will be quoting this book a lot... now that I found it!

"Talent is God's gift; either you've got it or you don't. But writing is a personal responsibility; either you do it or you don't."

And I can't worry about whether I am talented or not. I just have to write. Just wish me luck. Because I would, of course, love to be a famous screenwriter one day:) Oh to dream is to live, isn't it:) Happy thoughts, even if it is only a dream.

Amazing Cartoon on Education

2010-12-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

I can't remember where I first saw this... but it was probably on Facebook, no doubt... but who shared it has slipped my mind. But here it is. I often think of it and how accurate it is on so many points about our current educational system. I love the way in which it is presented as well! Artist are amazing!!! I wish I was a painter, but alas, gotta be thankful for what I've got. I love to write... not saying that I am amazing at it, but I love to do it! Often I was the one in school who was tuning out the lesson in health class, maybe that's why I have so many kids;) and writing poetry or some short story... doing stuff that interested me rather than listening to some boring lecture and memorizing facts, facts that I will have to look up now if I needed them because I no longer have them memorized. Well here it is... Enjoy!

One of my favorite points is his explanation of divergent thinking. I love being aware of this with my kids. Makes anything recyclable and anything a toy:) Less waste, more fun...

All Baby Showers Should be this Perfect!

2010-11-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

Instead of the usual Baby Shower with Pink Bows or Blue Bells, my friends planned a special one just for me. A Baby Shower/ Girls' Night Out!

We had dinner at Cru Raw Food Restaurant. It was a small place with lots of good vibes... and tunes... I walked in and sat down at our table. I was taking in the sites and yummy smells when I heard one of my favorite albums being played by Fleet Foxes! It was one of the albums that inspired me as I wrote my first script and reminds me so much of my childhood in the Northwest:) Love them!!! I still love that it was playing there when we got there. Meant to be!!

It was so great to be there with so many of my friends! I had to sit at the head of the table so my dumb foot in a boot wouldn't get in the way of the other chairs, which made it hard to talk to everyone. But I loved looking down the table at all my friends. Feeling so loved by everyone that was there. <3 I can't believe I didn't take any pictures!!

Then the food came out and it was amazing!

This is one of the appetizers. Spring Rolls, I think. Filled cucumber wraps filled with sprouts, avocado and fresh herbs. All of the food was great. The best thing about eating raw is all the new flavor combinations it can create. Raw cheeses, fresh herbs and all sorts of veggies you wouldn't put together:) Figs and Beets with flax seed chips?? But it was good:)

This was probably the best choice for dinner for me because everything was gluten-free and I love eating at raw food restaurants. Love that they knew me well and picked such a perfect place:) I felt as though we were not only celebrating the baby, but me as a person as well! I guess because it didn't feel generic. And I loved every moment of it. Because every mom, every time should have a party for her just as much as the baby... pregnancy is hard. I'd have a million more kids if I didn't have to be pregnant...

Then of course when it was time to open the presents I was just blown away by all the cute clothes my friends got for Pixie. Everything from a lady bug dress to grey and white outfits to a fur top dress to polka dotted towels. I should take some pictures and post them on here later. Everything was so cute. I can't wait to dress her... that is why you have a girl after all, right? After three boys this is going to be fun!

Then we went to a movie. Think I will write about that in another post. But I wanted to mention it here, because again it was so perfect! I loved that I could do something fun after dinner despite my dumb foot, especially because no GNO/Baby shower should end before 12am. That is just lame;) And the movie was amazing.

So thank you to everyone involved! Thank you for celebrating my 4th baby with me! And thank you for such a beautiful night!

Feeling so relieved with unschooling...

2010-09-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

Not relieved that I don't "have to do anything" with unschooling, rather relieved that I understand it so much better. Because there is so much that I have to do, just not the same have-tos as before.

With Indy turning 5 and being school aged, I found myself questioning whether or not I am doing what is best for the kids. But after praying and reading more on what I have felt all along is what I am supposed to be doing, and I mean me personally and pass no judgement on anyone else because we all have a different path in life, I feel so much more confident and reassured in what my Heavenly Father has been trying to teach me all along. Have joy in living, listen to the kids and don't worry so much. It will all be okay if you are there beside them. Here are a few of the things that I have been reading and the observations I have made in my own life:)

For anyone interested, I found a wonderful site that has helped me better understand what unschooling is, and what it isn't. http://joyfullyrejoycing.com/

Many of the reasons I have been getting frustrated with the kids and their choices is because I just didn't understand the reason why they were making those choices. And seeing my choices, or what I would have be their choices too, as better than what they were choosing was causing me great distress.

Examples: Why does he want to play that game? Why does he want me to sit with him to watch that show? Why does he have to go outside right now? Why is he just sitting there staring into space? Why does he insist on wearing a costume 24/7? Why won't he let me teach him how to read the number 26? Why does he want to watch that show over and over again? The same one again?

Answer:?? The site helped me answer all of those questions and help me see my kids for what they are, really.

There are some great pearls of wisdom on that site that helped me see that even these things that I found tedious and boring are interesting to them and tell about what they are interested in. Even if you're not home schooling or unschooling, I believe there is a lot to be gained by letting your child direct and follow their own interests. To not put them and their interests down or make them seem less superior to your own.

One of the great debates on there that consumed my night was on allowing TV with no limits vs putting limits on time and content. While I have my own opinions on this, it is really interesting to read what research shows vs real life experience. There is a whole section on the left of the main paragraphs on the site that is dedicated to this, if you're interested. But here is my take on it...

I tend to fall somewhere in between it all I think. While I censor what my 5, 4 and 17 month old watch, I try to give them TV when they ask for it and don't put too much of a limit on it. Especially now that I'm pregnant and haven't the energy to get them out of the house as often as I'd like to these days, I have let them watch TV more often than I think is good for them. But then I start to analyze what it is that they like watching. And over the past few days I have started to try and understand why it is that they ask for certain shows over another.

While I say TV, I don't mean an endless supply of cable channels for them to surf through, although I wish I had cable some times, we just can't afford it on top of movie rentals and internet and such. And so the kids have to look through Netflix's instant play and select what looks interesting. Much of the time they like to watch the movies we introduce to them from our childhood or find new ones that interest them. And while many might find the amount of time we sit and watch something too much, somehow I know it will all be okay.

I mean Indy has taken to reading without much of a push from me, while he doesn't read many books. And often he puts on the subtitles on the movies he's seem a billion times. Smart cookie if you ask me. And R2 has certain books memorized in parts although he's never really let me read him those books.

Being a "cool" mom, I tried putting on Voltron the other day because I knew Rod liked it as a boy, but instantly R2 insisted that he wanted the Cat in the Hat cartoon... I thought, cool. It is more educational. But is that the real reason, when usually all he can think about is action figures? There must be something more too it. An interest in bees and making honey to nocturnal animals and their habits perhaps? Guess we can start there and see if maybe he wants to learn more about those things. Or maybe he just really likes the Cat in the Hat and wishes he too could fly around and wear a tall hat and know everything. He has been asking for a hat. I wonder. But it sure has sparked up conversations during the day, even when it's not on, like, what is migration and what is a vacation. R2 asked me that today and Indy asked me last night as we went to bed. A lot of research on TV watching says that you aren't thinking much while you watch TV. Really? I have never really questioned whether or not you're thinking and learning while watching TV. Of course you are. I certainly always am. But I like to analyze everything to death. So why would TV be any different? And certainly my kids are, otherwise they wouldn't be still thinking about it hours later. Does say something about what they're watching though. That's why I censor a little bit. But sometimes things get by and someone says a bad word or does something inappropriate in a movie and we talk about it. I just look at it as a good opportunity to have a discussion.

But I have found that when we start the day off with TV we get more sedentary. So I really try and engage them in other things. Always starting the day with prayer and scripture study. Most of the time the boys are the ones who remind me that that is where we should start our day. And then I try to plan our day and get them excited about other things and activities. That usually gets us going and on to other things with less TV. Then TV is more of a reward at the end of the day and we can all sit together and watch sometime fun.

Another observation I have made is that if I make the kids get off the TV or computer because I just want them to be doing something else, there is a fight and grumpy kids afterward. On the other hand, when I just let them be, I find that they themselves, especially Indy, will all of a sudden announce that he is done with computer time and shut the computer. And he is still happy and wants to play with one of us or gets R2 to play with him. R2, meanwhile, just sits and watches as Indy plays on the computer, almost always, not asking for a turn. I wonder what he is absorbing. Who knows. He is my little observer. He's the one who likes to caress his feet for long periods of time and just sit quietly staring.

And while you may say that it doesn't promote creativity I have to again say I don't agree. From the time Indy was born till just a year ago, Indy didn't like me to read to him very often at all. And yet when he was 3 he wrote a story that was witty and had a beginning, middle and end, complete with meaningful logic. Whose to say he didn't learn that from watching movies. He may have an inherent talent, being that I too am a writer, but he had to observe it somewhere. And at the time this was his only real influence. I used to cry that no one let me read to them. But I guess I shouldn't have been so worried. Now he sits by me at night and looks at the words as I read chapter books to them. And sometimes he asks me what a particular word means. I guess I just had to provide the opportunity and wait until he was interested.

Me, I'd much rather not watch so much and I have been that way my whole life, except to watch my favorite shows and movies which I pick carefully. But Rod, my husband, on the other hand, watched 9 hours of TV a day growing up. You can bet his mom gave him a terrible time about that. And yet I don't know anyone more naturally gifted as a cinematographer than him. It is what shaped him and what he does for a living. He'd still watch that much today, but I just don't have the brain for it, I'd much rather be writing;) or reading or painting or learning a new skill like the cello:) But again, I'm not a visual learner and he is. Show him once and he's got it. Show me and I'm likely to forget. As it was in hair school. The teacher would show us and I would have to later go to the text book, look at the diagrams and read the text to finally understand. I honestly think that Indy is identical to Rod in the way he learns. R2 also observes but is also a sensory learner and just takes in everything around him from seeing to audio to touch. It's the way he memorizes books without reading them over and over. Rocket is more of a doer and doesn't like to sit and watch TV, but likes to read books with me. Very different from Indy who could watch a full-length movie at a year old. What 12 month old (and younger) has that kind of attention span? And not just kid movies? So is TV really all that bad? Maybe for some kids, maybe for some parents, maybe some shows... anyway, just some food for thought... and maybe so we don't fee like we have to fight our kids on it all the time. Because less fighting is definitely better in the long run and TV may not be that bad after all...

One last note I thought was vital to the argument was that, as stated many times in the responses on that site, most of the research done about the affects of TV was probably done with children who are in school, not on children who are home schooled or unschooled. Valid point if I must say. I don't feel like my kids use it to zone out like they probably would if they went to school and finally had time to themselves to relax at the end of the day. They honestly seem to love it and its part of their play time. Just another toy in the toy box.

Here are a few quotes that have stuck out to me that past few days...

"Your job isn't to make him read. Your job is to make sure he has pleasurable experiences with reading."

"If meeting a goal means sacrificing joy, then find a better way to meet the goal." - Joyfully Joyce

I guess the relief is in the knowledge, that if they are happy they are learning. And if they are doing and playing with the things that interest them they are going to be happy. I guess if I want to be happy I should be doing the same and taking them on that journey with me. Everyone joyfully exploring the world around us, living life and learning in all that we do!

Please feel free to leave comments and questions. I am new to the understanding of it all really, but I have made many observations of my own kids. And while they are still young and I am learning, I have seen the benefits of many of the principles of unschooling in their little lives:)

Inception... Is it possible?

2010-07-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

I truly believe it is possible. That someone can place a thought in your subconscious and make you believe it was your own thought... because someone placed the thought that I would love Inception in my thoughts and you know what... I did!!!

It really was a great movie. If it doesn't do a clean sweep (or win the sweepstakes... like I accidentally said last night;) at the Oscars then I don't know what will. From the direction to the acting to the score it was amazing. The plot line is so beautiful and complex. All the characters are fully developed and you never believe someone was just written in for story telling purposes. Like Steve Zahn in just about everything he does for comedy relief. And I always felt like I was along for the ride although I never knew what was going to happen for certain. I love that. And I have to see it again. I am sure that I missed so much of the cleverly written detail. And I should probably read the script. It surely will help me with my own screenwriting. I can't imagine a movie that good wouldn't have an equally amazing script to start off with.

But one of the coolest things that happened on the morning of our date night when we watched Inception was my dream. In my dream, I woke up to the sound of the house shaking in an earthquake. The funny thing is that I thought I was awake. And maybe I was waking up from the thought of there being an actual quake. And then I did wake and the shaking seemed to continue. So I went on Facebook, because if there is an earthquake, even at 3:45 in the morning, there will be a buzz about it, but there was no mention of it. So then I thought to look it up online. And sure enough there was the slightest one in Los Angeles. I think it was a 1.6 or something. One that no one probably would have felt. And I thought that certainly I had just imagined it. But then I thought maybe I didn't. It has seemed with this pregnancy, of the two quakes that I have felt, I was the first to realize that we were having one. And I always seemed to be able to hear it before I felt it, although I seemed to feel it the at the same time everyone else had. Wouldn't it be cool if my super-spidey-prego senses really are sensitive enough to pick up on them before I feel them. And further in my subconscious when I'm sleeping. A cool thought:)

So later that day Rod and I were talking about why I would feel like I was experiencing it in real time, almost waking up to it, when really it had happened 15 minutes before I had woken up. I don't know the true science behind it... but I'm sure our sleeping minds process things a lot differently then our minds do when we're awake. But if you want to know what my friend Leonardo thinks of my dream... Go watch Inception! It really is so good:)

Flower Fairies

2010-06-20T23:02:00.000-07:00

A while back I got on this kick to make flower fairies... I saw someone else do it on their blog and I just had to try it too! And all I could think about was if I had a girl we would sit around and make these all day long:) Well, since I don't have any girls (yet... fingers crossed) I tried it with the boys and they lost interest in a nanosecond... except Rocket who loved them so much that he devoured most of them... But they were like his babies and wouldn't part with them, he was crazy for them...

All of these, except for the red head and blue mohawk ones which were gifts, were loved, played with and slobbered on to death. You should have seen how crazy Rocket was for them though :)

I made this one for my friend Whitney. I love her red shoes!

This one was for my Rod's cousin for her birthday:) She would wear a dress like that:) and crown.

One for a sad friend. It had a wipe away tear that you can't see in the picture.

I made all of these as gifts with the exception of the girl in black and pink dress. My friend Lacy made them. You should see her recent creations... so inspiring:)

Then last week my niece came to stay with us and all of a sudden I was like, Hey I have a girl to play fairies with me... and I have to say, her fairies are some of the most creative and beautiful that I have seen.

One funky and hip pirate with purple dreads, huge feather and cute grungy clothes... I want to see her in a movie one day:)

Cat girl... "I'm strong." Don't you love the leggings?

Not sure what her name was. But she is so beautiful!

You can put together your own kit or buy the book online. Just click on it to go to Amazon. Also, they give you the option to look inside the book. They are super easy to make. They do take some time, but great for keeping your girls busy during the summer when they're out of school. And they will make like a million of them and you can hang them from the ceiling with fishing wire... wouldn't that be magical??:)

Just Say Yes!

2010-06-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

E.E. Cummings wrote, “I imagine that yes is the only living thing.”

This is so tough! What parent just says yes... to everything? What parent should? And honestly, there are things that I would never say yes to, but do I say NO too often too soon? Maybe.

Just the other day I read a great article on a website called The Power of Moms about just that, saying YES.

"Sometimes I say no without even thinking I could say yes. So the past few months, I’ve been trying to change. I’ve been trying to say yes - even though it complicates things slightly.

Children + Yes = More Mess.

Not yes to more sugar, more veg-time in front of the tube, or cutting out paper dolls with a butcher knife. I’m talking about saying yes to the innocent desires of our children’s hearts. The visions and hopes of their day - those first fragile moments when their imaginations ignite."

She touches on some great points. Sometimes we want a clean house so badly that we aren't willing to say yes to our kids making a mess even when it is going to be fun, entertaining and even educational. Read the article. It is written well and really gave me perspective into my life:)

I know that for my husband... if it makes a mess it is a definite NO. But he did say yes today to the boys shredding the toilet paper with karate chops to keep them entertained while he did some service. I know he is trying harder to say yes after watching "The Boys Are Back a confessional tale of fatherhood. It follows a witty, wisecracking, action-oriented sportswriter who, in the wake of his wife's death, finds himself in a sudden, stultifying state of single parenthood. Joe Warr throws himself into the only child-rearing philosophy he thinks has a shot at bringing joy back into their lives: "just says yes."

Although, free-range parenting is a bit radical for me, there are some great principles that I have learned from it. I love the idea. I don't always apply it though. But I am getting better and life is really great. So when Indy and R2 ask for me to play with them in the garage or in their room, I really should be able to put the dishes on hold, say yes and spend time with them before they grow too old that they don't want me to play with them anymore. There will always be times when I have to say no, but honestly, how much more often should I "JUST SAY YES" :)

When we first got these I had it in my head that they were to only be used for PJ's and shouldn't be worn outside. Well R2 didn't have that same perspective. He thought they were a new part of his being:) And he actually would only change out of it for another buzz costume or a bath. And if I didn't do the laundry every day and wash it, I would hear about it. Eventually he learned that I wasn't supermom and there would be days he would have to go on without his true identity... In the end, I decided to say yes to them wearing it out everywhere. It was a silly thing for me to even have thought NO in the first place. They are clothes after all... And they always make people smile when they wear them to the stores:)

Had to add another thought below... the first draft was written with one of my little ones up talking to me after bedtime... it wasn't that I said yes to him staying up, I was just too tired to get up and help him get to bed... but I digress...

When people come over and see my kids doing summersaults on the couch and sliding down the half stair wall, they think I'm crazy. It's not that they don't get hurt every now and again, but I can't make boys sit and color all day long... they just can't do it. And somehow, it makes them feel a little like a flying superhero for a second:)

And here is "NO" a song by TMBG! My kids actually really love this song because they can relate:)

LOST Can't Be Over... I still have more checks!

2010-05-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

"Live together, die alone."

If that quote doesn't just sum the whole thing up, I don't know what does...

Was there no other point to the series than each of the them "living" happily ever after they died together. I guess they didn't all die together, but I don't know. I think I really just wanted more out of the finale. It really just left me with just as many questions as every other episode. Maybe there is something that I'm missing. Are there answers out there that weren't included in the show? Some "into the mind of the creators" special? I just still have so many questions... I need like another 10 episodes or something;)

So here are my questions... (if you have answers, please feel free to leave them in the comments)

- So what happened after? jk... that is the obvious one;)

- Did Kate, Sawyer and everyone on the plane really make it off? I assume they did.

- And so now, Richard is mortal? I really wanted to see what he ended up doing with his life.

He, out of all of them, seemed to have the least resolution in the story, while having been one of the more intriguing characters of the whole series. I felt kind of let down for him.

- Why did Faraday's mom (the crazy lady with the white hair) not think everyone was ready? What harm did it do to let everyone remember?

- So this alternate timeline starting from 1975 or whatever when the bomb went off... that was what we were watching, right? In the flash sideways... It seemed obvious that in this timeline, things were changed and that they had, in most ways, what they had longed for in the original version. But then, it turns out they were dead? I'm confused... So Jack doesn't have a son... Now I'm sad... Or he does but... I don't get it.

- So Hugo is the new Jacob? I would have liked to see that in true Hugo fashion with new people. Ben said Hugo could get Desmond off the island. Did he?

- Jack's Dad said they created it so they could meet up since this was the most important time in their life. When did they decide that this was where they were going to meet?

- And now where are they going? They are letting go... I get it, kind of. But what about people like Anna Lucia and Ecko? They weren't there... so when they're ready, has the ship/plane already left? Or is there another reunion? Maybe for the back end of the plane?? jk. But they weren't there. Oh I get it... They never hooked up with anyone... Not a part of the club;)

- And why was Jack's dad the self-appointed patriarch? Was it because he was already dead? Or was is the black smoke thing again... jk.

But really even though it left me with so many questions, the sentiment was nice. They all got to see each other again and this time there wasn't a black smoke monster chasing them. And just about every time someone "remembered" I nearly came to tears. They were super precious moments. And forever, this will be one of the greatest shows ever! And really how else could they have ended it? I hear there were some alternate endings... But I don't want to watch those because it makes me feel like this one just happened to be the one they pulled out of the bag and called it good. I want to believe it was on purpose;) Even though a little soft. Thanks for a great show J.J!

A Blog For the Kids

2010-05-10T21:18:00.000-07:00

So I conjured up this idea of having a blog for the kids... Technically it is like the 7th blog I've started... But it's not really mine, I suppose, since it's supposed to be for the kids... But I do have to manage it, I guess;)

Anyway, I got the idea right after I wrote up the post Who Are They Today?, which was about seeing your kids through the lens of a camera by seeing what kinds of pictures they take. Well, being a writer, I started to think, "Wouldn't it be cool to see what they like to say, or write about?" So I got my big boys, one on each side, and had them pick out a template. Then we got to work. I called it, Favorite Part of My Day, because it so happened that on that day, we had discovered the most wonderful park, The Dinosaur/Monster Park in San Gabriel and I just knew that if I asked them, "What was your favorite part of the day?" they would most surely talk about the park. And they did.

What was your favorite part of the day?

R2- The dinosaur park.
rrv9rr777777777777777777777777vvvvvvvvvvvvvcr2vruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttt888888888bbbbbbbbbbbtuuuj (His own typing. He wanted to write his name. Can you find it?)

Indy: Going on the dragon ride and when I was going on the dragon ride I was like a car. But then I did it 20 times and then 20 again, then we decided to go in the castle and there was a dragon slide. But there was dragon slide that turned. And it was like a car that drives like this... (steering) *yrrrrrrhhh* and I made 3 friends. Then I decide to do it again. I had fun and had so much fun.

mom: playing in the sand with you indyr2 and rocket (Indy typed this one for me)

I have found that this is so good for them. They dictate to me and even when their grammar is incorrect, I just type it. After we have made a post he calls his dad over so excitedly and exclaims, "Dad, look what story I just wrote!"

The blog is private, but if you have kids that would like to follow it, just send me an email and I will add you on it. Here is a screen grab of it. Isn't it so cute?

Happy Mother's Day- The Winners are...

2010-05-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day 2010

Thanks to everyone that submitted a Motherhood time, money and sanity saving tip! There are some real treasures here. Everything from how to clean a microwave to how to calm a storm! Or just noisy kids;) So here you go. Have a blessed day! And don't forget to scroll to the bottom to see who won a headband!

Easy Cleaning Tips

Microwave Cleaner: Also as quick as pressing that add 30 seconds button:)

Instead of scrubbing a microwave clean, place a large bowl of water in the microwave for 5-7 minutes. The water will basically steam the microwave. Spray a little cleaner and the stuck on stuff wipes off easily! I guess my family could finally learn to place a paper towel over food while cooking; however, that would be way too easy!)

What Can’t Vinegar Do?

I use white vinegar to clean almost everything in my house. (counter tops, tile, appliances, stainless steel, mirrors, windows, carpet, walls, wood, blinds). I use it in my kitchen and my bathroom almost exclusively. It removes hard water from dishes when put in the dishwasher. It helps remove mildew smell out of the batch of laundry I just didn't switch around in time. (I rewash the stinky clothes with about a cup of vinegar) I wash fruits and vegetables with it. For tough jobs mixing vinegar with baking soda is magic (and fun for the kids!)

Vinegar is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and all natural. I appreciate not having toxic fumes permeating our home. The smell is little strong until it dries, but to me it smells clean, fresh, and healthy. Check out this website. www.versatilevinegar.org

Vinegar and Baking Soda are also worry free!

I never have to worry about our children being accidentally poisoned by chemicals, because baking soda and vinegar are the only cleaning supplies I use in my home. And yes, my windows are streak free, and my sinks smell wonderful!

As far as the ratios, I use a standard sized squirt bottle and add one part vinegar to one part water. I use it to clean windows, tables, counter tops, etc...

The baking soda is just out of the box and I use that to sprinkle in sinks, toilets, and shower, bath, and scrub till clean!

Bleach is Doing It’s Job... It is the right job?

I have a great tip that I'm sure a lot of people don't know. You should NEVER use bleach to clean any type of mold for a few good reasons. One: bleach causes mold to spread, and two: all you're doing is "bleaching" the mold so that you cannot see it anymore. It merely gives you false comfort in thinking that it's gone when really it hasn't gone anywhere.

Homemade fabric softener (super easy to make and way cheaper!)

Things You'll Need:

• Baking soda

• Distilled White Vinegar

• Water

• Essential Oil (optional)

1. Step 1

 Making your own fabric softener is easy and much more economical that purchasing fancy fabric softener from the store. It's also much better for your family and the environment, since it is made from natural ingredients.

2. Step 2 

You will need to mix your ingredients in a large container, that will hold at least one gallon of fluid. You can do this in a large bucket or pot, and once the fabric softener is mixed, you can transfer it to the container you want to store it.

3. Step 3 

Start by adding 1 cup of baking soda to your large bucket or container. Then add 1 cup of water to the baking soda. You do not have to stir to dissolve the baking soda, as the next step will do that for you.

4. Step 4 

Now, slowly pour in 6 cups of distilled white vinegar. This will cause a chemical reaction with the baking soda, and the mixture will start to fizz. (This is why you need to mix it in a large container.) Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes to help dissolve the baking soda.

5. Step 5 

Now add 6 more cups of water to the mixture. This will stop the fizzing process. Stir to properly mix all ingredients together.

6. Step 6 

If you want to add essential oil, you will now add your choice of oil. 10-15 drops of pure essential oil is generally sufficient enough to give the fabric softener a pleasant scent.

7. Step 7

 Pour your fabric softener into your choice of container. If you have left over fabric softener or laundry soap bottles, those will work excellent for storage of your new fabric softener. Just make sure they are properly cleansed before you add your new mix.

8. Step 8 

When you are ready to do laundry, add 1 cup of your fabric softener to the final rinse of your laundry, just as you would a store bought fabric softener.

Tips & Warnings

•  You can experiment with different essential oils to find the scent that you like. Remember, you can always add more oil to your softener to make the scent stronger, but you cannot take scent away. Start small and add more until you reach your desired scent.

•  You do not have to add essential oil if you prefer not to. Your fabric softener will rinse clean, and will not leave your clothing smelling like vinegar. It will simply smell fresh and clean.

•  The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda is not harmful, however if you have children making your recipe with you, you should be mindful that they do not try to ingest the ingredients.

•  Do not try and mix the fabric softener in too small of a container, as the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda can cause an overflow and a big mess.

Time and Money Saving Tips

Freeze the Cheese

I buy cheese, shred it and keep it frozen. It last FOREVER this way and is so nice. You just take some out when you need it. I also do this with strawberries, blueberries, pineapple and mangos. I by a mass amount when they are on sale. (I cut the mango and pineapple up) I make smoothies everyday and the little ones love them!

Just turn it upside down!

We buy organic peanut butter from Costco. It was frustrating at first trying to stir in all that oil that sits at the top, until one day we realized. We could flip the jar upside down and put it in the fridge. No stirring necessary!

Make your own

One thing that can be really helpful to save time when you need to hurry and go somewhere and want to take some food is to make a bunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and freeze them. You can grab them from the freezer and take them with you. Soon they thaw and are yummy when you are ready to eat them. It's kind of the cheap version of the Uncrustables.

Buying and cooking in bulk

Well, maybe this is not new to a lot of moms but for me it was a a great time saver:

when I buy ground beef I cook it as soon as I can with some of my favorite spices (garlic salt, onion salt, and oregano) and brown it, then divide it in different sizes freezer bags and freeze for future meals. that way all I have to do is add the defrosted cooked meat to a recipe which saves me a lot of time. Now this is not originally mine. I read it in "The Potentially Sane Mother's Guide" by Tamara A. Fackrell, which is a WONDERFUL book with tips of all kinds from raising children to FHE and of course cooking recipes which are fast, healthy and affordable. So...should we enter HER name? LOL. ;-)

Score!! Your meat before you freeze it

The week that I came up with this idea, a mysterious magazine landed in my mailbox. I don’t who it was meant for, but I claimed it! It was a magazine called “Real Simple.” It is an amazing magazine with great stories about moms. It also has great easy cleaning tips like the ones I just posted here and an honest review of products. One of the coolest things in the issue that I have was the idea of scoring your meat before you freeze it (see picture below). That way, you just have to break off as much as you need for your recipe and the rest can stay frozen. Tried it and I loved it!

Thanks for the Stick and Velcro

When I was first married, some over 6 years ago I bought a Swifter Mop. You know, the one where you velcro on a disposable maxi-pad like thing. It also comes with a spray bottle that attaches to the stick and sprays the floor with the touch of a button. Nice system until you you run out of the non-refillable cleaner and have to run to the store to get more maxis. Well, I decided to rebel one day and bought some reusable hand towels and a concentrated cleaner and bottle. Love that I don’t have to put so much waste in the trash now. And the hand towels really do stick to the bottom nicely. Also, Method has some that are made just the right size. It works great.

Static Sheet Replacement

Putting a tennis ball in with your clothes when you dry them is supposed to take out the static.

Has anyone tried this? I’m curious. If I had a tennis ball I would... or maybe I wouldn’t. I think the noise would just kill me if it got to bouncing around;)

Cut it up #1

My sister-in-law told me once that you can cut a dryer sheet in half and it will still give the same result. She was right and now I have a never-ending supply of dryer sheets from Costco.

Cut it up #2

I once saw my friend Whitney using scissors to cut up a pizza and sandwich. Why had I never thought of this??? Sure some things may be faster to cut with a knife, but when you are holding a baby and only have one hand this is AWESOME! I also use it to cut up fruit and pasta.

Kid Tips

Here's one more, if your child is having diarrhea you should immediately stop giving them milk until the diarrhea has subsided. Giving them milk while they're having loose stool can cause it to worsen.

If you are trying to teach and/or get your child to focus on something and they are sitting on a chair make sure their feet touch the ground. I heard from specialist that if their feet dangle they get distracted. This would help with study time or even when eating dinner.

To help your child with pronunciation when learning to speak it helps exercise their mouth by blowing on things (whistle, instruments, or just using a straw).

The easiest way to take off a child's sticker tattoo is with piece of tape. Comes right off.

My little guy loves to play outside. We always make sure all the toys are put away before we go out. Basically anytime we go from playing with the toys inside the house we transition to the next activity, which is usually going outside or watching a show, by putting the toys away first. This has been great for eliminating a mess by the end of the day.

I put half our kids' toys in storage for a toy rotation, and then switch them out every month. Each month they are so excited to get to play with novelty toys, and they don't get too bored with the ones they have. It never gets old.

For Our Sake and Sanity

It is crucial for me to get my scripture reading in everyday. The way I accomplish this is by sitting on the porch outside and reading while my little one rides his tricycle around outside. If this is not successful I play audio scriptures while I cook breakfast, lunch or dinner.

When I get frustrated and overwhelmed with my children, sometimes I will stop right in the middle of all the chaos and I will fall to my knees and start praying... I talk in a soft voice and my children one by one will stop what they are doing, curious to see what I am doing and they gather around to hear what I am going to say. I start by telling my Heavenly Father how much I love my children I start with my first child and I try and list all the reasons why I love her, and then down the line.

And then I continue with my prayer asking for help from my Heavenly Father and for help from my children -that together we can do whatever it is we need to do! Things always go much smoother after that!

And the Winners Are... Since I got so many entries, I decided to give three away!

Literally chosen out of a hat:) I almost put baking soda and vinegar in the drawing;)

Rachelle, Monique and Abby

If I could give you all a free one I would. But as a thank you to all the rest of you, you get 50% off of one headband that I make. Just let me know. Look at my etsy site to see the styles and the we can talk about other colors I have.

Who are they today...

2010-04-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

"I’m telling you, these kiddos came this way. It’s so interesting to help them be themselves, to see what kind of people they are—are now, not ‘are turning into’ or ‘are becoming.’"

http://mayalassiter.com/blog/

The age old question to ask a 3 year old, up to pre-teen ('cause after that they probably would just give you a "get real" type of look because they have been asked that a million times and they could care less at their preferred "what-kind-of-music-do-you-listen-to? stage") is, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Don't you remember Aunt Edna and Uncle Bob asking you that every Thanksgiving and Christmas? Between the passing of the sweet potatoes and green beans, someone was bound to ask you. And it's harmless really. So even the nurse at the doctor's office gets in on the gig, along with a practice essay in the 5th grade. I mean, it's right up there with, "What's your favorite color?" To which you have to narrow it down to one, when really all I ever wanted to reply was, "Well, I love red with purple and a little yellow, black with red and white, and blue with yellow and orange." I just never got excited about one, it was always about the combination of colors that made me giggle.

I mean, even just two weeks ago when we were at the library, Indy, my 4 year old, asked the librarian if she could help him find books on electricity. To which she replied, "Sure I can. So you want to be an electrician when you grow up?" I thought, well no, he's just interested in electricity because he wanted to know why he couldn't stick a bobby pin in the light socket. But if that is the case, I would definitely prefer electrician over last month's obsession with volcanos. Don't want him to end up like some of the guys in Dante's Peak.

And yet I ask my kids the same silly questions because, you know what, they love it. They love that someone is interested in them. They want to talk. They, too, want to know who they are. But mostly, who they are right now. And that's why they love answering those questions.

So who are they right now? It's important that they know, so that they can grow into the person that they will eventually be... And I think it is important for us to know, as mothers, so that we can take note and encourage them where they need it. But, if for nothing else, they are a piece of art that should be adored and appreciated:)

That is why I love the post on Maya's blog, Through Their Eyes, where I stole the above quote from. She shares a little about the pictures that she finds on her camera after the kids have had a go on it. It is wonderful the way she was able to see a distinction in the type of pictures her daughter and son take. Each being so different. One being more of a collection of portraits and the other a collection of interesting articles and patterns and both free of the all-so-common, let's-squish-our-faces-together-and-smile pictures. Not that those aren't great for posting on facebook;)

It got me thinking about the pictures my kids take. And made me want to take a closer look inside their little creative minds to see what it is that they look at. This may be the only way to see for myself what they truly look at around them, what interests them, what they find beautiful or ugly. Genius! I mean, I know they notice what I take pictures of because whenever they see a heart they scream for me to get the camera, "Quick!" and how I now find them wanting to take pictures of faces and objects, much like I do.

Here are a few they have taken, although, I didn't note at the time who took them... will do from now on:)

I think it will be fun to take a closer look at who they are today:)

Earth Day- Nature is a Mother, too!

2010-04-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day! I hope everyone got out and planted a tree or made some mud pies or something... But if you didn't, there is always tomorrow... unless you believe that global warming is progressing at the speed of light and you may not have a tomorrow... then I hope, for your sake, that you planted those seeds today... j/k. I'm only slightly cynical about Earth Day. Not that I don't love the earth and her insane beauty and complexity, but I find myself slightly at odds with some of the biggest promoters of such a day. I'm not a highly political person but there are just some ideologies held by those who aim to strike fear into our hearts about how we are killing the planet and it's all our fault that I don't believe in. And while I do see a big problem, you don't have to look far in America to see why, I just don't see it being all our fault, the whole global warming thing.

But that really isn't the point of this post. It's something else, along this line, that has been bothering me for a while.

I was at the library the other day. I met a sweet lady there and we started talking. She had her one son with her, I had my three. She opened up to me about how when she first started thinking about having kids she wanted 4-5. But being older now she was only going to be able to have the one. I then told her that I wanted more than my three and she quickly responded, "More kids more trash. They need more clothes... blah blah blah" I was really offended. I mean I didn't get upset, nor did I say anything sassy back to her, but I thought, really? you are going to say that to me after you said yourself you wanted a big family. wow.

And I have to say is that this isn't the first time I have been told I shouldn't have more kids. A friend of ours with only one kid, who drives a cute little Civic Hybrid, upon finding out that we were expecting our third son told us that he believed it to be immoral to have more than 2 children. Thanks for making me feel like this miracle inside me is a burden to our world. What a jerk.

Even high school age kids are being affected by this hurry lets save the world campaign.
Girl age 15, "I don't believe in genocide or anything, but I believe that there isn't enough space and resources in the world and that a lot of people should die to balance it out." And her friend said she was thinking about not having children because of the same reason. Who is teaching them this? Is it coming from school or the propaganda that by not reproducing there will eventually be enough oxygen to go around?? j/k. I don't know. But that's pretty scary.

Besides, I'm not a spendy person. I don't go out and buy new clothes every day... our poor boys have all worn the same clothes from birth and some of mine are from high school. The whole idea of reuse, reduce and recycle is something we live by in our home. So when did my family start consuming and wasting more resources than say a wealthy family who consumes more than I would know how to, because they have the means? I once overheard a lady who was well-off tell someone about how, when they were poor they used to save the margarine tubs to keep leftovers in, but now that they had money her husband told her to just throw them away and get real Gladware, or whatever. With money, there just comes a different mindset. And I am sure that there are those out there who are wealthy and are very conservative, good for you.

And once again, by having more children, how is my living in less than 2,000 sq ft. wasting more resources than someone with only 1 or 2 children living in, say, over 5,000-10,000 sq ft? Or even those with mansions? Just saying;)

The real point here, is not how many kids we have. Nor is it who is responsible, Mother Nature or her worst enemy, Man and my children, but how we live. When did we become so consumer-centric? So disposable? Why do we buy so much crap to send to the landfills? There has to be a better way. And that is the point.

Here are 3 things that my family does to try and be more resource conscious:

#1- Buy whole foods and eat more naturally. Have you ever noticed that a meal that is made of mostly fruits, vegetables and nuts doesn't produce waste... well not the kind that has to end up in a landfill or even use "precious" energy to be recycled? If you are fortunate to have a yard, living in L.A. I'm not, you can set up a compost and put your natural waste to some good use.

#2 - Buy less packaged foods. Many times when our children ask for cookies at the store, I tell them, "We don't need to buy that, we can make it at home." Besides being able to spend some quality time with your kids and make something possibly more wholesome at the same time, you aren't paying for the packaging, nor adding it to your trash can later.

#3 - Get in the habit of not spending. Before, when I had more money, if I thought of something I needed I would usually go out and buy it. Now, I think twice, look around the house and try to come up with a solution. And just about every time, that storage bin I thought I needed was replaced by one that I already had in my closet. I'm so grateful for the lessons I've learned having limited cash.

And there are plenty of other ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. We can't stop living, nor should we stop having children. They are they future and it is our responsibility to teach them right. If we are consumers, the will be too. If we do our best to not waste, they will too. We shouldn't give up the human race, or dwindle it down to save the earth, we need to be that change. God gave it to us to take care of. Are we doing our part?

We don't have to stop being mothers in order to save Mother Nature, but rather, like we do with our own babies, we need to care, love and nurture nature:)

On that note, Happy Mother's Day in a few weeks! Let's celebrate those who have this wonderful, miraculous gift to nurture. Can't wait to share with you the list I have been putting together of time, money and sanity saving tips that you have been sharing with me:)

Mother's Day Tricks-of-the-Trade Giveaway!

2010-04-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is a month away and I thought it would be fun to share Motherhood Tricks-of-the-Trade: Any time, money or sanity saving tips you have learned from other mothers or along your own path. The little things you do that make a big difference in your life. I am gathering them for the next few weeks and will post them on Mother's Day.

For every tip you submit I will enter your name into a raffle to win one of my oh-so-cute headbands. They are the perfect Mother's Day present. I can make it any size… so it could be for you, one of your little girls or the perfect gift for a baby shower. You pick:) I have many colors to choose from.

Please send me an email with you tricks and tips. But please don't leave your tip in the comment section, as I want to be able to post them all at once on Mother's Day.

Here a few examples:

*** My sister-in-law told me once that you can cut a dryer sheet in half and it will still give the same result. She was right and now I have a never-ending supply of dryer sheets from Costco.

*** I once saw my friend Whitney using scissors to cut up a pizza and sandwich. Why had I never thought of this??? Sure some things may be faster to cut with a knife, but when you are holding a baby and only have one hand this is AWESOME! I also use it to cut up fruit and pasta.

And yes… Gina and Whitney, you are now already entered! But you can still enter more:)

Mother's Day is Sunday May 9th, 2010

Spread the word… let's make the greatest list ever! Cause no one should have to work this hard:)

Good luck!

You Say You Want a Food Revolution...

2010-04-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

Q: (Jamie Oliver) What would happen if you took the french fries away? Would you have a revolution?

A: (School Cafeteria Cook) I say yeah. They wouldn't eat lunch.

Have you seen this show yet? It's on abc Friday Night's 9/8c

Jamie Oliver, who is so adorable and so genuine, is taking on the public school's food system in Huntington, West Virginia, the #1 unhealthiest city in America. Taking the processed foods out and bringing the fresh foods in. But not without opposition from some pretty stubborn taste buds and rubbish FDA guidelines...

So on episode 103, Jamie is allowed to cook for the high school. His baked chicken, vegetable noodle stir-fry and cup of fruit is definitely the underdog as it faces off to resident champion—hamburgers and fries. Then to make it worse, he is confronted by the administration about how his line of food is short a vegetable.

Admin: There's not enough food in this line. The meal component in a secondary school has to have a cup and a quarter of fruit and vegetable...We don't have enough vegetable for a reimbursable meal.

Jamie: There are seven different vegetables in [the stir-fry].

Admin: I know it, but it's not enough.

Jamie: Well, what do we do in the short time?

Admin: There are fries out there?

Jamie: Are the fries counting as a veggie?

Admin: The fries count as a vegetable.

What!!!! That stir-fry looked so good:)

As nutritionally conscious as I am, this show is ever expanding that and making me change the way I cook for my kids. It is going to be great! It is only on it's 3rd show and you can watch all the episodes online. I'm so glad my friend told me about this show! I hope you watch it! Let me know what you think. Keep in mind that it is a reality show with some drama, but it really is sweet and sensitive, sometimes emotional and ultimately— inspiring:)

If you have kids in the public school system and are concerned about what they are eating, click on the picture below and join the Revolution today and sign the petition!

Food for Thought from the show: Did you know that Chocolate Milk has more calories than soda?

Fun with Food

2010-03-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

"It’s cool. It’s hip. It’s good for the soul. Today Doctor Maya says, do something sweet to make someone you love have a sparklier day. It will feel good." Maya Lassiter

It's been a while since R2, my three year old, has asked for anything but cheese, juice or lollipops to fill him up. It's the funniest thing to present him with a couple of choices like pizza or sandwich, to which he always replies, "Uh, cheese." I used to get so upset that he wouldn't try anything else. I mean he doesn't even touch such childhood staples as PB&J, pizza or mac and cheese.

Well, the other day I came across a wonderful post (she has some cool pictures posted) on MayaLassiter.com on how the Japanese sometimes prepare their lunches, composing a wonderful array of food and color in cute little boxes called bentos.. I loved the idea instantly, but I didn't have any of those cute boxes, which I understand they sell at IKEA. But I thought I would go ahead with a make-shift version of it and try and make food fun for the kids... crossing my fingers that they would actually eat it.

Here are a few of the fun meals. The kids really seemed to appreciate them and it got R2 to take a few extra bites;) and I had a ton of fun making them.

After this we read "The Land Before Time." It is supposed to be Little Foot eating the last tree star.

It was volcano week.

That is a grilled cheese sandwich volcano in tomato soup lava that they had to eat so they rescue their house and the guy. They were pretty stoked about the dead gold fish like in Dante's Peak.

Happy face.

That's French (toast) for "R2".

Indy thought this was supposed to be a volcano. Guess he didn't get the whole spider thing;)

Snow on a Christmas Tree

Christmas star... I know it's only March, but I can dream right:)

Graham Cracker House with raisins for rain and family of fruit snacks inside,

Alice in Wonder-less-Land

2010-03-11T01:22:00.000-08:00

**Spoiler Alert**

I can't think of a movie that I was more excited to see this year than Alice in Wonderland. Directed by one of my favorite directors, Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, both of whom are who I love and adore for their style and beauty; and is, of course, one of my all-time favorite stories about believing in impossibilities. I live and am always inspired by the idea that if you can think it up you can do it and if not it was at least totally fun trying.

Well, tonight, my tutu felt a little deflated after the first 30 minutes and by the end the rim was scraping along the freeway. What happened to Wonderland? Where did all the wonder go? Well, I guess Alice grew up and somewhere between her childhood and a forbearing engagement, what she used to call Wonderland was renamed Underland. Appropriately named for leaving us all a little under-impressed.

Forgive me for not having finished reading the novel. I started it and wanted to get through it before I watched the movie, so I may not be aware of what had gone in the book that made this movie turn out the way it did. However, as a movie, this is what, I believed, it failed me in.

We all remember the unique characters and crazy story line of the original Disney cartoon version. However long it has been since watching it, we can all still probably smell the pipe smoke of the proper but easily tempered caterpillar, or the cattiness of the talking flowers. And who could ever forget the grin without a cat or the Very Merry Unbirthday song? But having such a memory as we do, they decided that they didn't need to write the first act of the story. Treating this version much like a sequel that needs no familiarizing with the characters or a learning curve to emotionally attach us to each character again, they just threw us into the mix. Actually adding a character for Alice to interact with, the White Rabbit, who we knew nothing of, and liked it that way, making him a rather boring waiter crossing the scene e. Frankly, he was better as the bate at the end of the string. Pointless really.

The Mad Hatter (get ready for the American Idol critic) looked good… I think I wanted him to be a little madder… not exactly what I was anticipating when he started to do the electric slide in place to a disco. Way left field. I wonder if Johnny objected to it, hence the CG head replacement. Ugh. I really wanted to love him. I wanted to love everything about it. And then the tea party was just so dull. At that moment I knew they were just trying way too hard and it wasn't going to pan out in the end. I was hoping I was wrong… but was I? Hatter, can we still be friends? In the book perhaps? Maybe in my dreams?

Anne Hathaway… really? Oh, right. She is Disney's go-to for cheesy princess acting… they couldn't get Natalie Portman… Was hoping it was all an act on her part and that she would break character and be real… Turn, curtsy, smile, act…uh… stop… just stop!

But by far the biggest downfall was the plot. Are you the right Alice? When you figure it out you are going to kill the dragon thing at the end. Easy enough for a 4 year old to follow. Too bad the movie was so serious that no 4 year old would sit through it. No surprises. No twists. Nothing even remotely magical about it. It was also funny to me that Alice who believed in so much impossibilities didn't believe much in herself to be able to fulfill the one thing what we all already knew she would do.

I do have to say I LOVED the Red Queen. Her character was great. She was real. Put herself in an awful position of thinking she'd rather be feared than loved. Guess that made me feel for her. Loved all her line readings. I loved that she loved her fat boys, although I wish she had toyed with them a little more. Would have been fun. And who couldn't have fallen in love with all her hearts and castle. Nothing says Wendy more than red, black and white, and custom hats:)

Don't you wish that Alice had stayed in Wonderland with The Hatter who almost let his true feelings for Alice show? Or have him show up on the boat at the end as a by-stander or something? I wish he would show up in my life… and be my friend. My favorite quote of the movie:

The Mad Hatter: Have I gone mad?

[Alice checks Hatter's temperature]

Alice Kingsley: I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are.

Children Teach Themselves to Read

2010-02-25T14:27:00.000-08:00

"The general assumption in our culture is that children must be taught to read. " - Peter Grey

My friend shared this article with me yesterday. It is about how, when left to discover and learn it on their own, kids will teach themselves to read. In another post, I had shared about how my 4 year old has progressed in his reading and since then he has progressed even more... and I believe it has so much to do with this principle of not forcing him. When I was sitting him down and trying to teach him, he would just fight me on it or lose interest after a second or two. I really am so glad that things are going better now.

So if you are interested, here is the link. Other than the crazy looking googly eye kid reading picture, it is a great article. Let me know what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts.

I love to reeeaaaad! If you think I am as crazy as him, raise your hand;) But make sure only the eyes on the back of my head can see you!

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201002/children-teach-themselves-read

Letting God Raise His Children

2010-02-25T00:38:00.000-08:00

"Oftentimes we impede our kids' growth. We put ourselves exactly where we shouldn't be: in the middle of their problems..."

I sometimes forget how young my kids are. I want to believe that their small little body is about to burst with their larger-than-life personality and attitude. I love it most of the time and sometimes it gets the best of me. I am not one to get angry very easily, or at least I used to be. I don't know what happened with this last pregnancy but it seemed that just about every ounce of my patience and playfulness was sucked out of me along with my brian cells. Lost a few bra sizes, too, but that's a different post. Anyway, a friend of mine recommended I read a wonderful book, Parenting With Love and Logic. I guess she noticed me counting to three every time I wanted the kids to take a bite. What is it with mothers and being obsessed with making our kids eat? If you've seen the movie "Mother," then you know what I truly mean;) Well, I read it and loved it. But still don't quite know if I am being the kind of parent it describes. But it sure does make me think more about the kind of mother I want to be and the kind of kids I want to raise.

One of the principles in there is so simple, yet, so hard to keep. It talks about not getting upset with your kids, unless it is something that affects you. My husband, and I would guess most, would think that everything your child does affects you. Well, the principle is more about picking your battles. I guess the difference can be between your child getting bad grades for not doing their homework (not your problem) and getting up late, thus making you late for work (your problem). But in the same breathe, letting them have their due consequence without the lecture or "I told you so" or getting angry.

I suppose the reason that I bring that up is because it is the trait of mine that I dislike the most. When I am stressed I tend to be less forgiving and say things like, "Why'd you do that? Didn't I tell you not to." Stuff that makes the kids feel bad for what they've done, but not necessarily learn from what ever they've done.

But this brings me to another thought I have been having lately. The idea, that as a parent, if I allow my kids to be freer, make their own choices and learn from the natural consequences, that I am letting God teach his children in His own way. For they are mine and I have a responsibility to raise them, but if I am always telling what they should or should not be doing, will they ever learn to listen to themselves and therefore God as He speaks to their hearts?

The other day I was eating and Indy was being his usual self, a cute little punk, and decided to throw my fork on the floor. I wanted to be upset. But instead I calmly asked him to pick it up. He didn't. I was unsure of what I should do next, but remained firm in my resolve to not get angry, although it would have been the natural thing to do when you feel so disrespected. I was about to get up, but to my surprise, my little sweetheart, R2, who never takes initiative, jumped down from his seat and said, "I'll get it." He didn't even know where it was;) I have to wonder if I had done wrong and gotten angry over something so silly, that R2 wouldn't have had that opportunity to show forth that goodness within him; maybe he needed that. And the more I am looking for those moments, the more I see them.

It is so beautiful to remember that I am not alone in the teaching of my children. They truly have a Father in Heaven who loves them so much and wants to teach them. I could totally write up another long post on the way that God has taught me, never forcing me to do anything but just carefully guiding me along. It's so hard to let go of the reins. Maybe cause their so young. But I can't imagine it getting any easier as they get older. Better start practicing now, while they are so close to the ground and all they get is a scuffed up knee.

So, here's to letting them be who they are going to be, without judgement and without reservation. Can't worry about them making the the wrong choices all the time. They aren't always going to choose the right, but they are going to learn. Isn't that what they are here for? Of course we are still the parents, but I can say, that some of the greatest lessons I've learned in life, were in the moments that God taught me. I am so thankful to my parents for teaching me how to listen:)

"The greatest gift we can give our children is the knowledge that with God's help, they can always look first to themselves for the answers to their problems."

-Love and Logic

Do You See What I See?

2010-02-19T21:41:00.000-08:00

Do you see it!!! Even if you don't I have to post it, because it was so magical. I was enjoying the nuttiness of my pure almond milk hot chocolate when I noticed the beautiful landscape picture that it had created. It was like a mini creation had just taken place in my cup. With each sip, turn and tip of the cup, two trees, a long hillside and clouds had emerged. It wasn't until I was almost done that I noticed it. I had a hard time wanting to finish it, for fear of disrupting the scenery. But of course it was too good and I couldn't resist.

I couldn't have painted it better:)

To have your own creation experience, follow the recipe below... Be warned... It is nutty, so if you like your hot chocolate extra smooth, you will have to strain it more than I do.

Magical Almond Milk Hot Chocolate

Put a handful of raw almonds in a Magic Bullet
Blend dry for about 30 seconds
Add 6-8oz of water
Blend again
Strain into a pan
Add another 6-8oz water
Add one block of Abuelitas Mexican Hot Chocolate
Heat and serve with cream or milk
I don't add anything because I can't and I still love it!

I would be lost without this. Such a life saver!

If you can find this in syrup form (I think they only sell it at Vons) it is like heaven in a bottle:)

Lessons in the sand

2010-02-18T23:40:00.000-08:00

From the novel Alice in Wonderland

Alice: And how many hours a day did you do lessons?

The Mock Turtle: Ten hours the first day, nine the next, and so on.

Alice: What a curious plan!

The Gryphon: That's the reason they're called lessons, because they lessen from day to day.

It's been a while now since I have sat down with the kids and actually tried to teach them something. There is no rule in our house that you must practice your letters or do math equations everyday or anything. I tend to have a general idea laid out in my head of what I would like to accomplish each day: writing/drawing, reading, watching something, playing on the computer, dancing and playing outside. But nothing is set in stone. That way if something comes up that we want to do, we aren't stressed that we didn't stick to our schedule. It works great for the little energetic boys that I have.

Last week, we decided to go to my favorite beach in the whole world, Corona Del Mar (I've sat on it's cliff many times doing homework, reading or just thinking.) With no rush, we just hung out, walked around and collected shells. It was a perfect day and the weather was awesome. The kids were loving the sand and playing with the tide. Then, out of their own little interests, they started writing in the sand. It was so fun to try and write something before the waves could wash them away. I half expect something like this of Indy since his form of art is writing his letters, but then R2, who never has ever tried to write a letter in his life, started in on the fun too! I was shocked. And he did really well. Mostly illegible, but for a kids who doesn't like to sit and learn something like this, this seemed to be the perfect platform for him:) I didn't get a picture of his, the waves came to quickly. But below is a cute one from Indy.

That is supposed to be Mom with a heart. I think the waves made him nervous:)

It really was a beautiful day, on a beautiful beach.

Why Do I Love Reality TV So Much??

2010-02-18T02:23:00.000-08:00

Reality TV - How I love it so...

Why do I love reality TV? I don’t watch all the shows out there, really there are just three, but I love them so much.

Just watching American Idol, especially beginning in Hollywood week, I start to get this buzz inside of me, like all the sequins from early childhood jazz class are bubbling up and getting ready to burst out. But I can’t sing and those dance classes couldn’t help me but from somewhere deep within my heart and soul I want so badly to be as good at something as they are at singing. It really makes does make me want to sing, (my kids ask me not to and they aren’t just being funny;) but not some sappy ballad or country pop tune, but whatever song it is that my soul sings. Of course, I look at my life and wonder what it is that I do that well... and really I wish I could do everything that well... Mothering, art, writing, keeping a clean house and positive attitude... cooking... that one is a long shot. Watching every day people make it with a chance at reaching their goal of doing what they love for a living makes me want to run outside and scream and laugh with joy for them and for me. Cause I want to live that way too:)

Even though So You Think You Can Dance was a disappointment last year without much of Wade Robson and Mia Michaels’ choreography, I still enjoyed it. Cause when I watch it, I just feel like I am watching some of the most amazing art in the world. It is alive and breathing and moving. It is full of emotion and personal interpretation. And because it is set to music, duh that’s what dancing is, Wendy, I just love it. Music is such a powerful mover of the soul. It brings so much thought and expression to your heart and mind within seconds with a few words and notes. And sometimes, they wear sequins so how could I not love it?

Don't these pictures just make you want to sign up and go on this amazing adventure!!!

But the best one out there, as far as inspiration goes is the Amazing Race. On no other show can you vicariously live out the mistakes you would have made... the best one yet... painting the whole interior of a stranger’s home in Chile, while professional painters stand by, meanwhile you should have been painting just a patch of color on a staged home down the street with the other contestants... You seemed so glad that you had gone into that empty house and found a half-painted wall... I snorted when I watched that. And yet, every season, there are like 2 a year, I lean over to the husband and say, “We really need to apply for this show. I would totally do the clothesline walking thing and not exchange my American money for Brazilian money before going to Chile.”

But for certain, when I do finally put in my casting papers for an upcoming season of the Amazing Race, I will be sure to put some real thought into my answers for all interview questions just like one of this season's contestants who didn't quite get the title of 2007 Miss Teen USA, although properly demonstrated the way that at least a fifth of all American would have answered the question.

Q: Recent polls have shown that a [tenth] of the U.S. [teams] can’t locate the [winning pit stop] in the US on a world map. Why do you think this is?
A: I personally believe, that the U.S. [teams] are unable to do so, because, uh, some people out there, in our nation don’t have maps. And uh... I believe that our education like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as...

They are totally going to pick me!!!! I just know it:)

To see the above quote in it's true diction, watch the video below:

Beginning Unschooling

2010-02-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

When I first thought about homeschooling the kids, my youngest was only 2. It really just started when I felt that spending money on pre-school was just out of the question for us. We didn't have the income to support it and I figured that it couldn't be that hard to do some learning lessons at home with some neighborhood friends. But then, every morning when I woke up, the first thought in my mind was that I should homeschool. I just kept thinking that meant pre-school until it was so persistent that I had to do more research and learn more about it.

Well, I found so much information on it... I learned all about the different philosophies out there. I researched the pros and the cons. And honestly, even with all the "cons" I fell in love with the idea, not without hesitation, but I just felt in my heart that this idea was put into my heart for a reason. And after months and months of talking about it with my husband and everyone I could, I decided that until I felt otherwise, I would homeschool the kids. And you know what?? The first thought in my head no longer was that I should homeschool but what I was going to learn with the kids that day. It was great.

But there have been days since then when I start to wonder how I am ever going to keep it up. I used to plan out all these activities and such. But with the birth of our third boy, I have felt so overwhelmed and busy that I just can't seem to be in control of everything. And just when I feel like I am being a terrible mother and not doing my job, I am reminded, that as long as the kids are happy, they are learning. One of the sites I like to visit to remind myself of this is http://www.sandradodd.com/beginning. I really like the idea of unschooling because it gives the kids a chance to really be a kid. I love the idea of learning while you play, but not getting in the way of their learning by making everything a lesson. Just play and their minds will explore and analyze and be able to take everything in.

For those of you who might be leery of this because it sounds like I don't have to do anything, it really isn't the case. I still teach them, they just decide what it is that they are going to learn... and if any of you ask me, "Well what about math?" I actually get asked that all that time, right after they tell me that they can only be socialized in school... Well, I really believe that with all subjects like math, english and social studies, etc... are learned along the way when they get to study something that they love. My husband is a cinematographer. He told me once that he loved going to film school because he never had to take a math class and he hates math. I insisted that he used a lot of math everyday in his work. He didn't believe me until I pointed out the fact that he has to measure light, color temperatures, time film, convert different thing for certain aspect ratios and so forth... Most of what he does I have a hard time understanding, but I pretend and throw around technical terms every once in a while;)

I guess I was thinking about this today because a friend of mine recently decided that she would, for at least the first few years, homeschool her kids. And when her friends heard about it, of course, they were giving her the same inevitable arguments and putting it down.

I love my life. I love how free we are. I love being a kid with my kids. They want to learn, no one has to make them. I am surprised at how smart they are. I am just there for them when they need me:)

I truly believe it is the joy of men to live life and learn. Learning about how to live life from behind a desk just doesn't even compare.

Holding the Future as I was Held

2010-01-31T12:33:00.000-08:00

You know we have all heard that the children are the future. I fully expect and have this need for my children to outlive me and do great things, all parents do. But then the thought hits me... and excuse me if I am being a bit self-centered... but what about me? Aren't I the future too? And I start to think about what I am doing each day. Self-lessly (and feeling like I am losing myself) serving my beautiful bouncing boys. I look at the world and I want to explore it, but because of money, shyness and insecurities I just don't get out to do it. And then I start to think... I, too, was once held by my mother who believed that she was holding the future. And that "future" up till now is feeling down and feeling like I am not living up to my fullest potential. Don't get me wrong... I am not talking about wanting to go out on some sort of solo-mission... I want to take the kids (and Rod when he is around) with me to DO everything and SEE everything I do. As important as it is to have children and be their mother, there's got to be more that I am to do with them now, even while they are little to make an impact on the "future" for which I was born.

I know that I must be missing something. Joy in the little things, right? Maybe I just need to do more meaningful "little things" like more service and having my little ones help me with it... But will I do it? When do I have the time and the energy? But if I don't do it now, will I ever?

"A woman celebrates womanhood in many ways. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, she may “rock a sobbing child without wondering if today’s world is passing [her] by, because [she knows she holds] tomorrow tightly in [her] arms.” (Ensign, May 1978, p. 10.)"

I am my mother's future,

Because I live for today.

She wanted so much more for me.

And I am the same way.

My kids are growing and I must too,

We must work the whole day through.

That when my mother's future

Has become my past,

I can look into my memories,

The memories that will last.

My Mother's Future

My Today

The Funny One

2010-01-29T01:19:00.000-08:00

A while ago, a friend gave me a link to the website of a comedian/writer called Elna Baker. She is Mormon, a bit racy but so very funny. In fact, she tells a story about how she is the "funny one" (her link is on the right side of her page... the video is pretty funny too if you have a chance to watch that one as well.) Anyway, she was so funny to listen to that I started to realize, and then my husband had to point out, that I'm not very funny.

Anyway, in my post on Making Sense of Who I Am, I said that I sometimes think to myself that I would rather be sincere than funny, because when I am trying to be funny I am not sincere... So then right after I wrote up that post I watched "Rebel Without a Cause" and was blown away with it. It was so good. It wasn't funny, it was sincere. At one point James Dean tries to be funny by mooing during a quiet presentation. If you haven't seen the movie, this is where it all starts. They start referring him as the comedian and pick on him for the rest of the movie. It only gets more and more tragic through till the end. Nothing funny about it. See what trying to be funny did for him?

"He doesn't say much, but when he does you know he means it. He's sincere." - Plato
"Well that's the main thing." - Judy

"You shouldn't believe what I say when I'm with the rest of the kids. Nobody acts sincere." - Judy to James

Well, I can't say that I am always sincere, but thank you Jamie, now I don't feel like I need to be funny anymore:)

Motherhood - A Teaching Task

2010-01-17T21:53:00.000-08:00

I read an article today that reminded me of an experience that I had a few days ago when I was feeling a little overwhelmed. I had 4 large loads of week-old laundry to fold. And can I emphasize LARGE loads... I actually use the huge IKEA bags as laundry bags and they were piled up 4 stories high... about as tall as me, no joke. And the day had finally come that they needed to be folded. The baby was asleep and my other two boys were busy playing together. So with my limited time before the baby would wake and the boys would unavoidably get hurt or start fighting I quickly started doing my daunting "homemaker" task (said with a bad smell expression). And maybe because of my negative attitude I allowed more negative thoughts to enter my mind. And I started to think about how lately, since Rocket was born, I haven't been doing much in the preparation of daily homeschooling activities. I used to do these great lesson plans, map out our week, plan outings and so forth. I do none of that now; although things do come up and the kids are still entertained it doesn't seem to be going in the direction that I have always imagined.

So here I am folding away, thinking this, when Indy, who is now 4, comes up holding a spiral alphabet flashcard notebook that I made for the kids last year. I thought, "No way I am totally thinking about this and he walks up. Totally inspired!" He then insisted on going through the whole book and surprised me at his level of knowledge with the sounds of the letters and reading many of the words. He even sounded some words out. Totally blew my mind. Here I am feeling bad that for the past 9 months I haven't been sitting my kids down and "teaching" them when in fact they have been learning all along without me. R2, who just turned 3, counted all the way to 20, when I thought he could only count to 10 and even knows how to count in spanish. Who taught them? Could they possibly have advanced so much with my ultra-limited involvement?

I wholeheartedly believe that no one has to force kids to learn, that they learn what they need to learn when they need it and that they really do want to learn about the world around them and this helped me to feel encouraged in that statement again. And I feel that as mothers we are there to show them the world and to nurture them in a way that they are confident enough in themselves to go out and explore and figure out what they want to do in life. After finishing his self-prompted learning lesson he climbed into my lap and said, "The is the best day mom. It's so beautiful." Who is this kid? Then he went back to play/fighting with R2.

But there is still next week's laundry to do and I still only have limited time, so what can I do, other than what I am doing now? I think I just have to learn to appreciate that this is life for us right now. There will be great teaching moments, most of them on-the-run and there will always be laundry and bathrooms and dishes and cooking... but I have to remind myself that the kids are learning a whole lot more than just their numbers and letters, they are learning about life:)

"There is no career more meaningful, no calling more divine, than being a person who truly makes a home in the sense of creating and maintaining an environment of human warmth, intellectual stimulation, and spiritual strength—someone who sees the wellsprings of personal meaning that lie beyond a first glance at a diaper, a frying pan, and a worn tennis shoe. Motherhood is above all a teaching task."

The whole article is wonderful. It is found in the June 1992 Ensign called, Celebrating Womanhood.

I had to put this picture on here since it mentions a worn out tennis shoe in that wonderfully inspiring quote above, but please, if I ever have sneakers like these and socks that are falling down, please shoot me.

BTW, I totally have Book-and-Baby-Lugging Muscles.

The Blue People Planet

2010-01-09T02:02:00.000-08:00

Jake Sully: Everything is backwards now, like out there is the true world and in here is the dream.

It definitely was fantasy but it was also an amazing movie. And like Sully, when you start living your dreams, as challenging as that may be at times, and it is extremely challenging right now for us but we are sticking with it, it becomes your "true world" and what was your sullen reality fades into the past like the dream that fades with each waking moment... Here's to making our fantasies, our true dreams our reality.

What Kind of Girl Am I?

2010-01-07T23:50:00.000-08:00

Mac MacGuff: I thought you were the kind of girl who knew when to say when.

Juno MacGuff: I don't know what kind of girl I am.

It really is a silly question, but a great segue to introduce you all to my new blog...

Yes, I started yet another blog. It's about self-reflection. Who knows what I'll write on it. There are just things I think about, about myself and life that don't seem to fit here or on my other blogs...

Anyway, here is the address if you are interested in following that one. I just started today... You get a free blue slurpee if you join today... Quick they're melting!

http://makingsenseofwendy.blogspot.com/

Blogs I Love to Read

2010-01-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

So officially, I have 7 blogs now. I know. I am crazy, but they were free and I get to write about all sorts of stuff.

Even before I started my own blogs I have been reading a few that inspire me. Because I like to quote people that inspire me, I may quote them from time to time. Here they are in no particular order.

I found this blog doing a search about unschooling. I think, by far, she has the best grasp on it. She is kind of hippy to many a standard and lives in a yurt, but I love her life. If you are at all considering home schooling your kids, read her blog.

http://mayalassiter.com/blog/

Some of my favorite posts are:

ipods are not evil http://mayalassiter.com/blog/2010/01/ipods-are-not-evil/

flower fairy invasion http://mayalassiter.com/blog/2009/12/flower-fairy-invasion/

to do lists http://mayalassiter.com/blog/2009/10/to-do-lists/

when to write http://mayalassiter.com/blog/2009/08/when-to-write/

For those of you with sensitive eyes, she does use some language. But a really good read.

Another great blog is a by a sweet friend of mine.

http://sallyseashell.blogspot.com/

She is a stay-at-home mom who just knows how to write her thoughts down so beautifully. She just knows how to take a reader into her life, to feel what she is feeling and experiencing. She is a great example of a mother who loves her kids and her life, even if it is hard. She also has great posts on the benefits of breastfeeding, wearing your baby and home births, among an array of other very insightful topics.

If you are into bargain shopping or want some tips on how to alter clothing, make a new look for cheap, check out: http://www.thedidenizen.com/

My friend started this blog not too long ago, but I've already learned about buttons and how to alter vintage or older style clothes.

And if you haven't heard of Nienie, check out her inspiring story, her love for motherhood and the art and beauty that surrounds her.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Please, if you know of any good ones, send me the link! Personally, I think blogs are much more fascinating than reading the newspaper or a gossip mag and I love to read them with my eggs and toast.

Dreaming With Your Kids

2009-12-29T22:53:00.000-08:00

"Everything that is or was began with a dream." - Lava Girl

My kids love this movie and after watching it the 150th time, I think I too have it memorized. It is a wonderful story about a kid who dreams up a totally different world that ends up coming to life. The most amazing part of this story was that it was actually written by Racer Max, the son of Robert Rodriguez, the director of the film, who also did Spy Kids. On the bonus features, there is footage of his boys drawing up storyboards and saying quotes that would later be used in the actual movie.

Of course we all don't have all of Hollywood backing our kids' stories and making them a reality, but even just writing down the ideas that our kids have, letting them hold the camcorder, take pictures ect. I love being creative with my kids and maybe this hit me more because my husband is a cinematographer and seeing another dad make an actual movie with his kid is inspiring.

Below is one of the videos we have made with our kids.

And for those of you Taylor Lautner fans, here is a close-up picture of him as Sharkboy.

Who's Christmas

2009-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

"Welcome Christmas. Bring your cheer. Cheer to all Who's far and near. Christmas day is in our grasps, so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand heart to heart and hand in hand."

I can't even imagine the day when we welcomed the Savior into the world. All of us who hadn't been born yet sang in that chorus above, even the ones with a terrible voice, like me;) This movie doesn't touch on the Savior, but the message is still so true. Being together and sharing in the joys and gifts of life itself are the true gifts of Christmas. And because of Jesus Christ we can celebrate the eternal life of man.

"Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!"

Hope everyone has a beautiful Christmas. Be safe and a big hug to everyone.

What did you get done today?

2009-12-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

This comic made me smile.... and cry... and smile... The joys of motherhood: the need to accomplish even more than the extreme task of mothering well to feel fulfilled. Why, oh, why do we insist on punishing ourselves for doing our best at the hardest job in the world.

CLICK HERE to read the comic. It is definitely worth your a minute of your spare time... Don't actually know what that is, but I hear that is what it is called;)

Being about mom's, it's too funny that I am reposting this comic that I read on Teenage Insights, a cute blog of a friend of mine.

Treasure Junk

2009-12-11T00:32:00.000-08:00

Hector the Collector

Collected bits of string,

Collected dolls with broken heads

And rusted bells that would not ring.

Pieces of of pictures puzzles,

Bent-up nails and ice-cream sticks,

Twists of wired, worn-out tires,

Paper bags and broken bricks.

Old chipped vases, half shoelaces,

Gaitlin’ guns that wouldn’t shoot,

Leaky boats that wouldn’t float

And stopped-up horns that wouldn’t toot.

Butter knives that had no handles,

Copper keys that fit no locks,

Rings that were too small for fingers,

Dried up leaves and patched-up socks.

Worn-our belts that had no buckles,

‘Lectrric trains that had no tracks,

Airplane models, broken bottles,

Three-legged chairs and cups with cracks.

Hector the Collector

Loves these thing with all his soul-

Loved the, more than shining diamonds,

Loved them more that glistenin’ gold.

Hector called to all the people,

“Come and share my treasure trunk!”

And all the silly sightless people

Came and looked... and called it junk.

"Hector the Collector" Where the Sidewalk Ends, pg. 46.

When I read this to the kids today it reminded me of my favorite book,

How to be an Explorer of the World

My kids love collecting things for our littlest museum.

This is an example of one found on pg. 46.

(Such a coincidence that both of these "junk" collections are both on the same page, different books:)

It is so true that one person's junk is another person's treasure. I just love to find things and analyze it and make it a creative part of my life.

Symbols of Christmas

2009-11-27T22:27:00.000-08:00

Every year I struggle with the commercialism of Christmas... teaching the kids about Santa, how many gifts to get and so forth. I know it is a tough year for everyone, but this one is especially tight for us and so we haven't been able to save up as much for gifts this year. I think this will be a good thing for us throughout the world. Maybe it will cause us to take a moment to ponder more on the humble beginnings of the Savior's birth and not think so much about the gifts we are buying for ourselves as we shop aimlessly for everyone else at the same time;) I know I always sneak in a gift or two for myself each year... and we all know the feeling when we are trying to shop for everyone who we think might get us a gift so that we don't offend or leave anyone out, but have no clue what to get them, so we just get them something or a gift card with the money that we barely have. Tell me it ain't true??

Well, this year I know it will have to be different for us. Oddly enough, this is the first year that I have really talked with my 4 year old about Santa, but it proved to be a sweet experience. Tonight, I asked Indy if he wanted to write a letter to Santa he said, "Sure." I asked him what he wanted me to write. He didn't know what to say. I asked him if he had been a good boy this year... he said, "Yes. I did my best." That made me tear up, knowing that that is all Heavenly Father asks of us. Then he was quick to sign it Indiana Jones.org. I had to tell him that it was okay that we ask Santa for one gift. He thought about it for a moment and was asking for something I had no clue about. So I suggested something to him, that I knew he would love and had forgotten about and he got so excited. Next he said sadly, "But if Santa brings all the boys and girls a present he won't have anything left." I quickly suggested to him that we could leave out some milk and cookies for him. He got super happy and said, "Let's do that. "

I am happy because I have never used Santa as a threat for him to get presents, he is just, as I explained to Indy tonight, our Heavenly Father's helper, who brings us things that we ask for, much like He sends us the things that we pray for.

There is a story that we read each year about the symbols of Christmas. It is told by Santa and is really cute to do with your family. There are a couple of different versions online, but here is the one that we read. http://www.devotions.co.uk/christmas.shtml

Charlie reminds us...

2009-11-26T00:23:00.000-08:00

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

(Charlie looks at Joe's bowl of cabbage

water.) Is this your supper, Grandpa?

GRANDPA JOE: Well, it's yours too, Charlie.

CHARLIE: I'm fed up with cabbage water. It's not enough!

GRANDMA GEORGINA: Charlie!

GRANDMA JOSEPHINE: It's all we have.

GRANDPA JOE: What are you saying?

CHARLIE: How about this? (Produces a loaf of bread.)

MRS. BUCKET: Charlie, where'd you get that?

GRANDPA JOE: What difference does it make where he got it?

Point is: he got it.

CHARLIE: It's my first payday.

MRS. BUCKET: Good for you, Charlie. We'll have a real

banquet.

While Charlie might not have been overly thankful or excited about his plain old cabbage soup, in his own kid-like way presented the bread he had bought with the little money he had for the family that he loved so much. If bread was a banquet to them, I have to think what could I possibly be taking for granted. When I think of my situation, as well as so many others at this time in our economy, my mind is always drawn to those who have even less... I am so grateful that I have my family to love and eat bread with. Love may not pay the rent, but it sure fills our souls. Hope everyone has a safe and beautiful family day eating turkey:)

New Moon- New Hunk- Screaming Girls

2009-11-21T23:29:00.000-08:00

Bella Swan: You're sort of beautiful

Jacob Black: How hard did you hit your head?

Okay, so I am not a true fan of The Twilight Saga (I hate that word btw). Haven't read the books. But I have seen both of the movies... Just my opinion... New Moon. It was good. Much better than the first. Much better, but the first was an absolute mess. There are a lot of topless guys in this one and all the little girls in the audience were going crazy for Jacob. I mean, people love Edward because he is the sensitive type, but did they have to put poor Edward to shame and have both of the guys in topless scenes? It's like comparing Swiss cheese that has turned translucent and sweaty from being left out all day to a fresh chunk of Cheddar cheese... Mmm yummy:)

I think I enjoyed the experience more than the movie, but like I said it was good. Worthy of an Oscar, No... But it was fun hearing all the girls, including my friends, scream and ooh and ah for the boys. It's a fun teeny-bopper movie. When it was over I overheard a girl behind me say, "Did you see his back muscles?" Hilarious, she was like 13?? I know now, for sure, that the reason no one cares that this is an elementary level vampire and werewolf story is that they aren't there for the action... but rather for the love of their life... who is with undeserving Bella... who could so easily be replaced with them. I can just hear them say "Edward/Jacob why do you like her- she's so awkward and weird- when you could have me?" Truly brilliant to write the heroine of the story as a complete dope so that all girls will love the fact that they could totally replace her as the better option:) Brilliant.

Referring to the quote up top... Seriously, everyone who is on this ride just wants to have fun, because who doesn't want to be a teenager in love? Attention: Husbands who are being compared to these heartthrobs: just remember, they have only been hit in the head and not the heart... that is still yours:) But if you want to make sure, don't forget the stocking stuffers.

EMJ- Make a Change

2009-11-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

The other day I wrote that we were going to start the Education of Michael Jackson. I can't even explain how wonderful it is going. Not only do my kids love MJ's music, but they are getting off the couch and dancing. Indy and R2 put on their MJ hat and dance along with Smooth Criminal. Whenever I am tired or in a fussy mood we put his music on the loud speakers and we are all instantly happy:)

Tonight we watched some of his videos. The first one we watched was "Heal the World." The images of the starving children were enough to make anyone tear up. The kids understood in an instant that they were so blessed to have food (At least Indy did). We then, as a family, decided that we would save all our change through November and December and give it to a charity to help those who suffer most.

We also listened to Man in the Mirror. The words to this song are so appropriate, as well...

"I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .
As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favorite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs"

"Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me"

Creation is so beautiful

2009-11-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

I love this video. It inspires me so much. It just makes me want to create something this very instant... a painting, or a pie, or something. And while I am creating things, I will take along my little and very beautiful and overly hyper creations so that we can create together:) The life that I create for my children has got to be the most challenging, and yet, the most rewarding. I think this video just drives that home for me.

Click here to watch the video.

Here are some of the words from the video that touch my ❤.

You might say you "I'm not the creative type"… think again. And remember you are spirit daughters of the most

creative being in the universe.

Your spirit body is a masterpiece. Created with the beauty, function and capacity... beyond imagination.

Creation is your opportunity in this life... and in the life to come.

Start small.

Creativity does not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano.

Don't let the voice of critics paralyze you.

You will make the world a better place.

Improve

Beautify

Extend

Smile

Cultivate

Develop.

I wanted to be upset...

2009-11-10T23:10:00.000-08:00

Potty training is not one of my favorite activities... just like brushing teeth and giving the kids a bath. I would much prefer doing art and reading books all day with the kids to any of those activities...

It's been a little while now that R2 has been potty trained... or so I thought. But when I went to check on him at night, I found that he had wet the bed:( My first reaction was to be upset. It just wasn't what I wanted to do before I went to bed. Ugh. But when I lifted up my little sleeping angel and saw a heart... the anger left. I just know that I was being taught something about LOVE. Hopefully, I will look back on this experience often and show more love instead of anger, even when things don't go my way.

Also on Seeing Hearts Blog.

This is it... My inspiration for the next month or so

2009-11-03T22:54:00.000-08:00

I finally had the chance to go see it last Friday. It was so amazing to watch him in his final hours. The passion was still there. The creativity, the skill, the dancing... it was all there. The love filled the stage.

"It's all about love. L...O...V...E... love."- Michael Jackson

He really has been such a creative influence on me throughout my life. After I married Rod, he introduced me to his later records that I had never heard. From that day on, his songs were on constant loop, inspiring me to write.

Today, when I got up, the kids were already crazy and fighting. I became so tense and was about to go crazy, so I put on MJ. Instantly the kids changed their moods and started dancing. They even put on MJ costumes. As we listened to song after song, a thought came to me... There is so much inspiration that I can draw out from his songs to use for homeschool projects and lessons. So today marks the first day of the Education of Michael Jackson. I really am so excited. I welcome your ideas and thoughts. This is going to be so much fun. Thanks Michael for all the LOVE ♥

Girls and Hugs

2009-11-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

So tonight on the Amazing Race the only girl team was challenged beyond their ability and couldn't complete their task. They tried and tried and tried to hit the bell with the sledge hammer to no avail. Around 50 attempts they stopped.

"Let's just hug it out for a minute." And they cried together.

Why is it that hugging and crying together makes us feel better?

It just does ♥

Found Hearts has a new home

2009-11-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am the bag lady of blogs and I have started yet another blog. I thought that I would give the hearts their very own home since I have been seeing so many.

To see the love that I keep finding all around me, go to:

http://seeinghearts.blogspot.com/

Share the love ♥

The ugly heart...

2009-10-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

It may be ugly... But still it caught my eye and I love it. All of its jagged edges and imperfect lines. It is one of a kind.

Love at home= learning

2009-10-24T01:28:00.000-07:00

The thought of being home all day can seem so daunting some times, but today it was a blessing. The kids were happy and I could see them learning and exploring all day long. I think because we had no set schedule to follow and weren't busy running from here to there with planned activities that they were able to enjoy the easiness of the day and explore their toys and interests more.

Instead of getting mad at them for making a mess (my living room can sometimes be hard to walk in) I sat on the floor and played with them. We built a figure eight train track. The kids got out the matching game and played together without fighting. They even cleaned it up so that they could eat dinner with us:) Then after dinner, Indy got out my metal measuring cups and made some music. R2 and I joined in and tried to figure out which pitch was higher and which one was lower. In the car, Indy and I made up silly stories and tried to make them rhyme. Indy actually tried reading and sounding out a word from a game box on his own today. I am sure the kids did so much more learning than that today, but these are the gems that I noticed or was there to see:)

Seeing the kids learn and thrive without workbooks, sit-down lectures and such is so amazing to me. Every day is filled with things like today. It was so nice to be home (although the kids and I enjoy going out just as much). It was a good reminder that we don't have to look far for education, it's called life and living it in the moment we are in.

Here is a quote that I read today but totally live by already (to the best of my ability:)

"The ideal role of a parent is to support learning through creating an experience-rich environment which brings the world to their children and their children to the world in ways that are very specifically tailored to each individual child’s interests, life circumstances, personality, competencies, and aptitudes." –Pamela Sorooshian

When we don't stop and listen

2009-10-20T21:32:00.000-07:00

I have found that being a mother I don't stop and listen much to God. I tend to be so busy that even when I know that I need to stop and listen and pray I don't. I will look at my phone and would rather click on facebook than read for a minute from the scriptures.

Well, Heavenly Father sent me a huge message today when I had a hard time getting the kids to be quiet so that I could read to them. They are hardly ever quiet and so this is always a task. But I knew that if I read they wouldn't hear me over their screaming and chatty little voices. They aren't bad kids, they are just really active little boys.

Maybe I am tired today and so I have lost my patience... not to mention the pain in my leg, but I haven't been so good with them for a couple of days now.

It took some time and soon they were in their beds listening and even Indy fell asleep. R2 is still awake and Rocket isn't going to bed so easily. Guess I will have to go back up there and cuddle with them for a moment to smooth out the night.

Maybe now I will learn from this that I can, too, be this difficult for a loving Father in Heaven who just wants to me to be still so he can talk to me.

I think of this quote daily

2009-10-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

It is from Finding Neverland. JM Barrie is watching the boys jumping on the bed and says, "Young boys should never be sent to bed... they always wake up a day older."

My boys.

I am so thankful for pictures and memories.

Inevitably we will all grow old. That is not the same as growing up.

Here's to always being young in the present.

My collection of found hearts

2009-10-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

My friend Wendy (who is a filled to the brim with love) was with me when I found this one. It was my first and my inspiration.

This one was in the parking lot by my van.

On my nightstand. I still haven't wiped it away.

Sushi dinner.

A little leaf at the park sharing its love.

The classic expression of affection. Beautiful as long as its genuine.

Rod found this one during breakfast. An awesome way to start the day.

One of the doors at church. Of course there would be a heart at church. I know my God loves me.

Love is out to find me...

2009-10-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

I see hearts everywhere:)

Imperfectly Perfect

2009-10-16T00:58:00.000-07:00

So today, I was reflecting on families and how we are all connected. How we share traits and genes that have been passed on down through out the generations, since the time of Adam. And how wonderful are the patterns that are reflected in each family. How they repeat and change and make up a beautiful collage in each of our families and lives.

It started when I was staring at a beautifully crocheted table cover. The pattern that was being repeated was simple, yet intricate. I found the pattern repeating itself and then at certain parts changing completely. Upon closer inspection, I found that, here and there, there would be an error in the stitch. However beautiful this covering appeared, it was flawed at so many points or stitches.

My self-reflection at that point, identifying with the knotted strand, got me thinking the most. A feeling came over me of the immense responsibility I had to make sure that each stitch that I added to that covering would indeed be my best and have as few imperfections or mistakes as possible.

Even understanding that not all the mistakes on this covering were mine, I still felt as though I had let down my family of generations past and present. But soon a thought came to me, that whatever mistakes are present, whatever imperfection we have added, it is masked by the overall imperfection of the covering. The cover, nature, is perfectly imperfect with all the holes and gaps it is arraigned with. Holes which are made up from the imperfections and limitations that are second nature to us. We are human. There is error in all that we do, except for One who was perfect. And He will one day fill in those gaps that we may be whole. That we may be one. One with Him. One with our Father. And one with our families... forever:)

In the present exploration

2009-10-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

Some of the best lessons I have learned in life are about living life itself... not math, not literature, not even how to make my bed... just living and living happily.

"If you seek some special life outside of daily activities, that is like brushing aside waves to look for water." -- Wu-Chun 1249

Connect instead of disconnect.

When I think I need to get away, especially when I’m really grumpy about it, I’m disconnected from my kids. If I’m sitting there wishing I were somewhere else, doing something else, the problem isn’t that I need more ‘me-time.’ The problem is that I have gotten disconnected from them, and the solution is not more separation. The solution is to connect. This is counter-intuitive, but it really works. There is often tremendous resistance to this one, but the truth is, when I’m connected with them, I can see how incredibly cool they are. They are my favorite people! And suddenly I remember how much I love to hang out with them, and then I’m having fun, and then I don’t want ‘me-time.’ I don’t want to be anywhere else in the world. -Maya Lassiter

These reminded me of a quote that I read in a book called, "How to be an Explorer of the World, by Keri Smith. It is all about exploring the world in which you live. It is about tracing the cracks in your neighborhood, finding things and starting a collection of things that relate on your walk everyday, observing the corners you've never noticed and making it an art and a science. This is the first quote in the book and I love it.

"We shall not cease from exploration
And at the end of exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know that place for the first time."
- T.S. Eliot, "The Four Quartets"

I have felt nothing more pure in my heart nor love greater than when I take a moment and look at my babies as if I am looking at them for the first time. Suddenly, it's as if they are new to me and yet they have grown up before my eyes. I have had some really great days lately. And I am so happy. So grateful for all the quotes and inspiration... my kids really are my inspiration. I am so thankful for this blessed life each and every day!

The Cheshire-Cat

2009-10-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

Reflecting on Alice in Wonderland has put a few things in perspective for me this week...

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to, "said that Cat. "I don't care much where--" said Alice. "Then it doesn't matter which way you go, "said that Cat. "--so long as I get somewhere," Alice added as an explanation. "Oh you're sure to do that, " said the Cat, "if you only walk long enough."

... this time it vanished quite slowly, beginning with the end of the tail, and ending with the grin, which remained for some time after the rest of it had gone. "Well! I have often seen a cat without a grin," thought Alice, "but a grin without a cat! It's the most curious thing I ever saw in all my life!"

As a mom, I feel like I am really just heading somewhere and I won't know where it is that I am going until I get there. Sometimes I feel like I am just walking aimlessly, trying to draw some sort of conclusion from all the random things that life and the kids are throwing at me. All I know is that where ever we end up I hope that we are happy and that all the adventures were fun, beautiful and will be remembered forever in their little hearts... well at least a few of them;) I am sure that if I can just live each day one day at a time that life can be like the Cheshire-Cat's grin, which is just a gentle reminder that...

when we take life a little slower, a smile remains where we were...

Bright Star

2009-09-29T23:48:00.000-07:00

This was a beautiful movie. Although, the movie was a bit slow in the beginning and I could have used a little more of an intro or exposition to start out with, in the end and throughout, it held my attention and my heart.

The movie was much like the poetry by which it was commissioned in its simple and sparse dialog and beautiful imagery.

I felt almost guilty watching a movie that was particularly about such things that were entertainment before there were movies made; some were laughable (men and boys sitting in a parlor singing terrible songs so seriously) and of some I was envious (the gardens that they would lounge about and walk in).

I loved the acting; it was so good. And in the moment that she couldn't breathe, I felt that I, too, should stop breathing. And he was such a gentleman and ever so sweet. No wonder she loved him.

The more I think about it, the more attached I feel to it, as if it is attaching itself to my soul. A welcomed visitor that I feel will never leave and hope never does.

Amazing G"race"

2009-09-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I love the Amazing Race. It is so inspiring and I really want to do it one day with Rod. Just seeing the first 10 minutes of the first episode of Season 15 makes me want to go rock climbing and do yoga everyday! The crazy thing is that this was the first time a team was eliminated before the first leg of the race actually started! But what this team said really touched my heart and showed me the love that people have in their heart for life and for others.

"This is life. That just means on to the next adventure... To be the first team eliminated, the shame, the pain is gone for everybody else. We took a beating for everybody. We set them free."

Eric and Lisa - Amazing race 15 Episode 1 - Sundays 8/7c

He brings sunshine to my soul

2009-09-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at the Relief Society Broadcast, we sang, as sisters, the beautiful hymn, There is Sunshine in My Soul Today, Hymn 227.

There is something sweet about hearing hundreds of women in the room and thousands on the broadcast, sing the lyrics to such a happy and beautiful song. Then even more sweet was the images that the words brought to my mind.

There is sunshine in my soul today, (picturing my soul inside bursting with light too bright to look at)

More glorious and bright

Than glows in any earthly sky,

For Jesus is my my light (the feeling this brought to my heart made me commit to always remember and be happy)

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine

When the peaceful happy moments roll.

When Jesus shows his smiling face, (I just pictured him smiling and then hugging me)

There is sunshine in the soul.

Click here to hear the song.

Share the light:)

Live like you are dying

2009-09-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, So I really try to live this principle, but often forget. But then the radio read my mind and knew that I needed to hear Tim sing and get me out of all of my insecurities, my anxiety and my laziness that keep me from truly taking those steps to be happy everyday, no matter if it is a hard day or not. And then my friend Whitney said something that really made me smile and refill me with a sense of beautiful purpose... It was all about having kids and why we are having them, why we are having them now and why we are having "so" many... :) When else are we going to have them and if we wait, then we will may never have them. I love being a mom and living and learning with my kids.

Come on Family let's have fun... Everyday!!!!

He said: "I was in my early forties,
"With a lot of life before me,
"An' a moment came that stopped me on a dime.
"I spent most of the next days,
"Looking at the x-rays,
"An' talking 'bout the options an' talkin’ ‘bout sweet time."
I asked him when it sank in,
That this might really be the real end?
How’s it hit you when you get that kind of news?
Man whatcha do?

An' he said: "I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

He said "I was finally the husband,
"That most the time I wasn’t.
"An' I became a friend a friend would like to have.
"And all of a sudden goin' fishin’,
"Wasn’t such an imposition,
"And I went three times that year I lost my Dad.
"Well, I finally read the Good Book,
"And I took a good long hard look,
"At what I'd do if I could do it all again,
"And then:

"I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

Like tomorrow was a gift,
And you got eternity,
To think about what you’d do with it.
An' what did you do with it?
An' what can I do with it?
An' what would I do with it?

"Sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I watched Blue Eagle as it was flyin'."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

"To live like you were dyin'."
"To live like you were dyin'."
"To live like you were dyin'."
"To live like you were dyin'."

Yoga

2009-09-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this morning I had my first experience with yoga.

"Breathing is the pure energy of life."
It felt good to breathe. At first, my chest didn't want to expand to do deep breaths. It actually hurt a little like it wasn't supposed to move. By the end, it felt so good and natural... happy day.

One of the meditations said, "Think to yourself, I am beautiful." At that moment I remembered my lifelong desire to dance ballet. It probably stems from a desire to be the complete opposite to who I am... I am short and the most non-flexible person I know:) One day... But for today...
Just breathe and good things will follow:)

Penguins

2009-09-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

While watching Planet Earth, a segment on penguins caught my eye. Their lives can give us so much perspective into our own. There is one line in particular that has meaning in my own life. It is referring to a the baby penguins:

"Those that survive their first year have the best possible start in life, thanks to the extraordinary hardships endured by their parents. Parents who battled with the Antarctic winter and won."

I just think of the trials that we have had to endure while our kids are young and am so grateful for the lessons that I have learned that I can pass on to them as they grow older. I really feel like the lessons that I have learned will give the kids the best possible start in life and will help them throughout their lifetime.

Penguins are such an amazing creature of God.

Traveling the world

2009-09-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

I want to Travel the world and see the most amazing breathtaking sites the world has to offer. I want to visit the streets of the poorest of countries and get to know them. I want to go to the most remote of places and study the details down to the cracks. I want to take my kids with me when they are young so that they can experience the world when it is still big and mysterious to them. To see the world from their perspective is a gift that one cannot measure—a true gift. Many people think that they should travel when kids are old enough to appreciate it, I don't know of a more curious time in anyone's life. I may not remember all the details of traveling when I was young but I remember the feelings and they were wonderful. Even just seeing the pictures of me as a baby sleeping in a room with tourquious walls and make-shift furniture has given me a sense of attachment to that country which I never would have had otherwise, a world so different than the one I grew up knowing. There was no dissapointment. No lounging by a pool. I just wanted to see eat and explore, learn about where I was and remember as much as I could. A baby surely will remember nothing but I would always remember the look on their face. It would be something that I would treasure forever.

Places to be with the kids

The lights in Paris at night from a rooftop

The windmills in Spain

New Zealands majestic green hills

All of London

Big Ben

The bridges in London

The red booths

The hills and clouds in scottland

See a sunrise

See a sunset

Watch a lightning storm

Hike a mountain

Swim in a river

Go fishing

Dance in the rain
See the Northern Lights

Live our life

Dream a dream and live it

Everyday

Forever

My kids actually ate something today:)

2009-09-11T21:53:00.001-07:00

R2 has never before tried broccoli but I guess today was the big day
and he ate one whole piece. It was dipped in ranch but he ate it!
First time and he liked it:) Indy loves broccoli, too. Some times, out
of nowhere, he craves it. Right now he is on a carrot kick. Hey a
green or orange, it doesn't matter, at least he's eating something
healthy:) A first for Rocket today too! He keeps drooling over our
food when he sees us eating, so I thought maybe we should start him on
cereal. Can't say he loved it but he ate it and slept for a long time
afterward. He doesn't need it... he barely squeezed into a 9 month
pajama tonight. He is one hefty boy at 5 months.

A deep sleep

2009-09-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

It was as if I had been awakened from a deep sleep, how resistant I
was. For weeks I had been dreaming of racing through the hills and
country side... Believing that it would free me, somehow, from this
desolate place I had allowed myself to become. I was always tired,
always sad, tense and mad. I longed to be happy, but didnt know how
and sometimes wouldn't even try.
I prayed in my darkest hour hopeless and lost, but felt that if I just
waited things would be okay. And so I waited... patiently. Unable to
move for I couldn't see where I was going. And just as it does
suddenly every morning, the dawn began to peel back the darkness from
the sky and from my heart. And I knew my prayer was about to be
answered! How ever resistant I was at first I can feel myself waking
up. Taking in deep breaths, opening my eyes, I look around me and feel
alive. It is truly magnificent what the Son can do to a heart. I can't
even begin to express the love in my heart and it isn't even a
fraction of what exisits in his arms. I may not be able to run fast,
yet, but I am running. And this time I know where I am headed. Thank
you so much for my life.

Impossibilities

2009-09-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

"Oh, how I wish I could shut up like a telescope! I think I could, if I only knew how to begin." For, you see, so many out-of-the-way things had happened lately that Alice had begun to think that very few things indeed were really impossible. - Alice in Wonderland

I love this line from the story because I feel this way with God's help. He loves me and loves what I am doing, being a mom and trying to desperately to follow His Son, that He makes all the impossible things possible in my life. I am so grateful for that.

Tonight as I was reading Alice in Wonderland to Indy I really thought he might get lost in the language of the book, but when I read, "Do cats eat bats?" he quickly corrected me and said, "Cats don't eat bats. Cats eat flies."

Each day my kids are so wonderful and make me laugh. Sometimes they make me cry. Some times they are impossible, but for the most part, they are the possibilities that make my soul sing. And so this blog is about the little inspirations that reflect on my soul, much of which is inspired by just being alive and being their mom and being me. Thank you Father for my life.