Its a SPOON! - Get a grip

I'm slightly embarrassed to post this one because it might make me look like a complete lunatic. But....my hope is that my readers will either understand my insanity or wont make the same mistake I did.

we woke up yesterday morning and headed down to breakfast. After getting the kids cereal all poured I realize -- because I didn't do the dishes the day before, we were spoon less, I couldn't even scrounge up my usual plastic supply, it was out too.

I found myself quickly annoyed at the fact I was digging through the sink, finding spoons to wash. My sweet hubby -- innocently made the comment "We just need to buy more spoons so we wont run out as quickly."

KABOOM!

Wrong thing to say to a wildly unstable woman who was digging through a sink of filth at 8am in the morning.

 For some reason -- the very though of "buy more spoons" made me angry - but only with myself. Why had I been so LAZY yesterday, Why wasn't I capable of staying on top of such a SIMPLE task as keeping the spoons we did have, clean.

(I know, your thinking wow - phys co.....you can stop reading anytime now if you want.) 

It took me a good 2 hours to get a grip on myself and realize, "HELLO,...Its a SPOON."

I then had to go around and apologize to everyone in the family for my stupid-spitfire morning. Never a fun task...but it needed to be done.

There are going to be days when things you do will never be good enough, in your eyes. Those are the days you need to reality check yourself...are you plummeting over something as silly as a spoon?? Keep focused on what really is important -- Do what you can to keep the spirit in the home, Don't get frustrated and don't let something so meaningless ruin your day.

so next time you feel your mood shifting...think of me, then ask yourself,

" IS THIS A SPOON ISSUE?"

perspective

There are days when I think I'm having bad luck, one instance after another. When my day is almost more than I can bare. Days when I just want to go bury myself in bed and have someone else take over for awhile, while I regroup and recharge.

But its rare that a "Break" will come when you think you need it most.When things start to overwhelm, exhaust and demand our attention to be directed in all directions at once. We easily start to focus on the negative, ignoring the simple quietness of the positive.

And its true -- Very seldom do we view the positive and let it out weight the negative in our lives. Its moments like these when we need to GIVE THANKS.

2 Nephi 9:52

Pray unto [God] continually by day,

and give thanks unto his holy name by night.

[then] Let your hearts rejoice. 

Pray during your day for continual strength, patience, guidance, knowledge and peace. Then at the end of your day -- no matter how taxing, no matter if you feel let down or forgotten; give thanks -- as you seek out things to be grateful for, even the worst of days can be turned around. You will soon see that your countless prayers for help were heard, that you were not alone or and your disappointment can be turned satisfaction.

By seeking out things to be thankful for you will find they will be simple things, that otherwise would have been over looked. Your mind will be enlightened to the beauty of the day that laid uncovered. There is good, simple, silent goodness; in everyday of our lives.

Seek it out -- and your heart will rejoice!

MOM OF THE WEEK

Brande Juber was introduced to me by my neighbor and after hearing Brande's story I knew instantly that she qualified for being honored with "Mom of the week". She is a strong, dedicated mom who deserves to have her story heard.
Brande is a mom of 4 kids - ranging in age 9yrs -1yr. Eight hours after her 3rd baby was born he started having seizures. Doctors sent him to Primary Childrens where they diagnosed him with HME (a condition where 1/2 his brain is larger than the other) odds were that Brande's baby would never walk, never talk and die at young age.

Her boy Tyson suffered 30-50 seizures a day. Brande shared:

"They were pretty much nonstop...in addition to infantile spasms, which were so painful to watch. He would stop breathing up to 2 minutes at a time, and when he would have a seizure and more than likely he would throw up his medication...and we would have to give it to him again. 

My husband and I wouldn't get much sleep.  My husband would stay up late with him on the couch so I could go to bed.  When he brought him in the room, he would put him in his bassinet next to my bed and I would sleep with my hand on Tyson's chest so I would know if he stopped breathing, which was often during the night.  I can't count the number of father's blessings he got at 3:00 in the morning."

Tyson underwent brain surgery at 3 months of age to help with with the seizures. Doctors disconnected half of his brain. It has been a long road but through it all Brande stated, " Tyson is a daily reminder of the blessings we have been given. He is the one thing that can put perspective into our lives on a daily basis.  The things he has been able to accomplish with a half a brain is astounding.  We can honestly see the hand of God in our lives."

"YOU ARE DOING GODS WORK, YOU ARE DOING IT WONDERFULLY WELL. HE IS BLESSING YOU, AND HE WILL BLESS YOU EVEN --NO, ESPECIALLY -- WHEN YOUR DAYS AND YOUR NIGHTS MAY BE MOST CHALLENGING."

-'Because she is a mother'- Elder Jeffrey R Holland  

Tyson was attending therapy where he learned to walk but therapy costs the Juber family nearly $6000 for a 3-wk session. To help raise money so Tyson can continue his therapy. There is a 5K Charity run/walk on June 11th at 9 a.m. at Nolan Park in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Cost is $15 a runner, with a kids run (half a mile) around Nolan Park at 10 a.m. $5 a runner.

You can view Tyson's therapy video at
http://animoto.com/play/PQZIq69vESatM0Ywd6lwiQ

You can also follow Tyson's story on facebook at Tyson Juber Charity or on the following web page where you can donate as well:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tysonjuber

Tyson after brain surgery

TYSON TODAY!

Be strong, and do it.

I laid awake last night wishing for just one good night of sleep and asking Heavenly Father, "Really, Come on? If there is something to be learned here, I'm sure I've learned it. Could I just have ONE night of good sleep?"
Finally my baby was sleeping, instead of waking every hour at night but now my 7 year old was up coughing, and coughing and coughing -- so much that she threw-up twice from her coughing fits. I felt bad for her, but at the same time was annoyed (shame on me I know) that I was having to swap out bedding more than once, at nearly 1:00am in the morning.

So as I waited for her to drift back off to sleep, instead of festering in bed in silence I thought -- well...might as well read my scriptures. (I've been trying to get through the Old Testament since....huh....I can't remember how long its been- how sad is that)....but maybe I was slacking in my reading because tonight was the night I needed to hear the words that I read.

It was in 1Chronicles 28:20

Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not,

nor be dismayed for the Lord God will be with thee,

until thou hast finished all the work. 

Isn't that what Motherhood is all about - Its about sacrifice, whether its your sleep or your time, its some of the hardest work we face....Motherhood has its moments where you are going to think 'enough is enough'...but its at those moments when we need to "BE STRONG...And DO IT.....and always remember - The lord will be with us until the work is done.

GOOD LUCK IN ALL YOU DO TODAY --- AND NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT THE SITUATION IS THAT YOU FACE... 

BE STRONG AND DO IT!

Thats right! Don't you ever forget it.

We were getting ready for church. Dewie (my 4yr old) was scrapping with Corby (my 2 yr old) over who got to shut the drawer in the kitchen that contained the Ziploc baggies -- we were rounding up snacks for church. Finally Dewie over powered, slammed the drawer then looked at her brother in disgust and said, "AAAAhhhh you need to just STOP and listen once in a while."

I Chimed in at this point telling Dewie she needed to be nice because around here...I was the only one who could have attitude.

Sitting in complete silence and obviously watching the whole bit unfold -- Arlee, my 7 year old then tossed in her two-bits, silencing us all by saying, "Mom's right Dewie. Only she can have the attitude of 'STOP, NO YOU CANT DO THAT' and we can only have the attitude of being sad."

Mom = 1
Kiddos =0
Another successful defeat.

Secret Snacks only for M.M.E

I'm totally guilty of this one, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Who doesn't grab a candy or delicious snack at the grocery store then on your way home from the store you consume it in its entirety - then secretly search out some way to stash the delightful candy wrapper or donut deli bag evidence.

Secret disposal methods:

#1: walking it directly to the outdoor trash the moment you pull into the drive.

#2: depositing it deep in your pocket for later disposal (you do the laundry anyway, no one else is bound to discover it.)...or

#3: The most difficult of the tricks - but a sure guarantee to never be found. 

You strategically bury it! Deep in the trash while casually -yet brilliantly - slipping it below the current jumble of crud found in your garbage can while you put the groceries away.

I have successfully mastered all 3 -- and I find little thrill in the anxiety of the Secret Snacking Sisterhood all women and mothers are guilty of. (Come on, you can admit it....don't even try to pretend you don't know what I'm talking about).
So now....I'm moving on to a greater challenge....snacking in plain sight.

Here is what you do....
You buy your favorite bag of chocolate chips from the grocery store. Drive it home...you can even lay it out on the counter while putting groceries away (you will find that you will not be questioned about this delicious purchase) heeheehee...you then put the chocolate chips in the freezer, wait at least 4-6 hours. After that time, you can open a tiny corner of the bag and sneak deliciously chilled, crisp chocolaty nibbles any hour of the day or night.   

YOU CAN THANK ME LATER for this delightful tip.

Now go out and enjoy a treat for yourself -- and don't feel guilty about it either, 

after all- grocery shopping alone warrants a well deserved treat!

Taking back control

Maybe this has happened to you...

Darrin (my hubby) comes home from work - eats - rushes back out the door for his church calling. The second he leaves the house Corby falls off his chair at the table, starts screaming....he cries and cries...gags on the food that was in his mouth then proceeds to puke his dinner all over the kitchen as I race him to sink where he continues to puke over a sink full of dishes. Creedin starts melting down from his high chair, the girls are chasing, pulling and pushing each other; yelling and stomping around up stairs when they should be getting ready for bed and stories.

WHAT DO YOU?.....I felt things quickly getting out of my control.

Well, You simply try to take control back. As soon as Corby had finished puking his dinner all over my dishes, I washed him up, changed his clothes, gave him more dinner, put on some of my favorite tunes to calm Creedin (and to help my mood, music can do wonders for everyone, if its the right kind at the right time), I didn't say a word to the girls...I was just grateful they weren't fighting. Then I proceed to wash the dishes, they need to be done anyway, right? 

I realize I very easily could have went into MEAN mom mode - yelling and barking orders was what I wanted to do. Honestly, it was really hard not to when everything reached its peak- as I stood holding my boys head over the sink...but I decided to try M.E.A.N.E.S.T mom mode instead. 

If you ever have a moment like this...I'm Sorry -- because they are tough. Its easy to get frustrated, to feel overwhelmed and alone when you are doing your duties as a mother. Situations will come that will test our patience.

If you haven't read the book "I am a Mother" by Jane Clayon Johnson I highly recommend it. In her book she stated, "If you can control your behavior when everything around you is out of control, you can model for your children a valuable lesson in patience and understanding." (pg 81)

You will continuously be tested....but everyday life can hold valuable lessons for both you and your children.

  

COUNSEL FOR THE WEEK AHEAD:

Don't run if you only have strength to walk.

Don't waist your time pushing things that wont give,

and don't shove where a pat would be sufficient.

The War

If you think that Satan is looking for ways to enter your home....you're wrong, he's already on your doorstep, and he's not going way without a fight.

 "It's no wonder Satan has declared war on motherhood.

He knows that those who rock the cradle can rock his earthly empire."

-Sheri Dew-

This is a fight you should never back down from -- and if you don't....you will win every time! I guarantee it. You can't lose, Remember who is fighting with you.

Now go out today and ROCK his empire.

Life Struggles

Regardless of what comes to visit you -- misfortune, heartache, disappointment, anger, frustration, contention, stress, financial issues, doubt, worry, loneliness, poor health, sorrow....any overwhelming situation of any kind.

Remember...You're going to be okay.

One of my favorite apostles -Jeffery R Holland - said the following:

 "You can't possibly do it alone, but you do have help. The Master of heaven and earth

is there to bless you...rely on him. Rely on him heavily. Rely on him forever!"

(Because she is a Mother- pg. 37)

Do you realize who you are...

Never doubt the influence you have as a mother, with Mothers Day this weekend I hope, no matter how tough your days have been I hope you realize how amazing you truly are.
There will be a quote/thought each day til Mothers Day -- I hope you take time to read them and realize this great work you are doing is worth Celebrating.

Mothers day, really is - the Greatest day of the year.

Celebrate who you are -- You don't have to bare children to be a motherly influence on someone. If you are an aunt, a sister, a friend....the power is in you to influence those around you.

       ----------------------------------------------

Thought #1 -
We usually read D&C 18:15 in the attitude of it referring to missionary work. But think now how this verse can relate to the work of a Mother...

 "If it so be that you should labor all your days...and bring,

save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy!"

Laboring all your days as a mother is a difficult task - often filled with unseen work - but your Joy of succeeding will be immeasurable.

Don't ever give up!

Need a reason to smile??

For all of you who need a little pick-me-up today, this post is dedicated to you...in hopes that it makes you laugh or at least crack a smile.

 Yes - That is the tail end of an Artic Circle chocolate courtesy cone

and YES...He is completely asleep.

Its not broken...its just me

Learn from my mistake ladies -- There is a reason moms shouldn't take on so much...things go better if we'd just slow down for 5 minutes and take a breather.
I was making dinner tonight, realized my mug of water was empty so I situated it in the fridge water spout so that it would fill my mug with out me standing there holding it -  meanwhile I grabbed the babies food out of the microwave that was beeping. I took the baby food over to the table, came back to the stove, stirred dinner, then decided to finish filling my dishwasher,tossed in the last few dishes that were in the sink, stirred dinner again, shut my dishwasher door and discovered water all over my floor. My initial reaction. "You have got to be kidding me!! My dishwasher is broken?" Then I realized, "Wait...my dishwasher hasn't been running..." then I hear it, the mystical sound of flowing water, I look over in the direction of the sound and see my mug.....still stick in the fridge and the water spout working like a pro. I pulled the mug way and found my self standing in a puddle that I swear was a 1/4 an inch deep and running everywhere. I grabbed towels and went to cleaning. It took me forever to soak up all the water, in the mean time I started to burn dinner and my baby sat crying from his highchair staring at his food that was growing colder, just out of his little arms reach.

So take my advise. Don't try to do 100 things at once...when you do, something is bound to go wrong and you'll waist more time cleaning up your own messes. 
Live and learn, ladies.....live and learn.

Our Little Lambs

Just a quick thought for the day --

Little lambs will follow the sheep anywhere...be careful where you lead your children. Where you go - they will follow. Stay close to the Shepard, He is there to watch over and protect you.