Today I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting with Meg Ryan. It made me feel helpful in that she just needed someone to come over and sit with her incase Indy needed something. She just had her gallbladder removed so she isn't capable of lifting at the moment.
While sitting with her we talked and enjoyed ourselves. Before I left I offered to pick up groceries for them. I was very lucky to have talked them into allowing me to do this for them. What I knew would be difficult was talking them into paying for the groceries. So the entire time I was gone I stewed over how I would convince them that this was what I was doing for them. When it got down to it Sean had come out to help me take the groceries in. I told him this is what Jared and I wanted to do and we are doing it because we can. I had purposely paid for our groceries together so I wouldn't know how much they owed us. His job was to talk Meg into accepting it. Of course she brought up how they would pay for it and whether check or cash was preferred. I looked at Sean and gave her the brief "this one's on us". She of course tried to stop me. Luckily Corban was still in the car so I had an excuse to get out of there fast.
A few hours later I got a phone call from Meg and she was crying. She thanked me for this and said that righteous humility would allow her to accept. They are going through a really difficult time financially. I feel so very blessed that we are financially stable enough to be able to help them out in this way.
What Meg doesn't believe is how much she helps me everytime I am with her. She is such a good example and she always has great advice when it comes to relationships of sorts. She is excellent with children and always has a story for me that I learn from. I so much enjoy her compassion on the human race and desire to be more like her. This small thing that we did for them is a small example of compassion.
The best thing of all is that the previous week for FHE, our lesson was on compassion and the Ryan's and the Seiter's were who we discussed could use our help in some way. We have been both praying for what we could do. This was a great answer to our prayers.
This is a neat attachment about Christ. Beautiful music and beautiful pictures.
http://mabrystudios.typepad.com/reflections_of_christ/2008/03/reflections-sli.html#comments
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Preparing for a lesson
As I am preparing for a lesson that I will be teaching next Sunday I have come across something that I thought I would write down.
"Now, we have a very diverse group to whom I am speaking. This includes young women who are still in school or who are working. You are single. You are hoping to catch that perfect man. I have yet to see one who is perfect. Aim high, but do not aim so high that you totally miss the target. What really matters is that he will love you, that he will respect you, that he will honor you, that he will be absolutely true to you, that he will give you freedom of expression and let you fly in the development of your own talents. He is not going to be perfect, but if he is kind and thoughtful, if he knows how to work and earn a living, if he is honest and full of faith, the chances are that you will not go wrong, that you will be immensely happy." (Pres. Hinckley GC Oct. 2003, "To the Women of the Church).
I remember when this talk was given and I looked back to it many times when I was still single trying to make a decision about marriage. How wonderful it was to read his words again now that I am on the other side. I do have a husband that meets or exceeds what Pres. Hinckley states here. How happy I have been and how much more happiness I do feel as the days, weeks, months and years go by.
Now that we are working on our 3rd year of marriage I can honestly say that it gets better over time. Our first year of marriage was a challenge, and this wasn't because of the two people involved because it wasn't "marital problems". Looking back, there was so much on both of our plates that year. YIKES! I would never recommend taking on the responsibility of 2 new businesses/stores and planning a wedding at the same time. What a challenge it was and what a blessing it has become! We learned and grew closer because of it.
Isn't this picture sweet?
The second year was exceptionally better. I don't know how Jared feels, but it was almost exactly at the 1 year anniversary that I started to notice a change in me, in my love for Jared and our relationship overall. Granted, it was shortly after the 1 year mark that we became aware of a sweet blessing that would be joining our lives nine months later. That in itself had some influence on the changes in me. But I really did recognize a softening of my heart. This probably wasn't noticeable on the outside, as most of us really don't make that big of changes in our lives, but it was something I did feel inside.
Again, almost exactly to date, I have felt another change in myself and Jared actually did mention something about this one. I have been more outwardly affectionate to him. I have prayed for it, but that is about all the effort I have made for this change. It is something inside me that is different because I "feel" something different for him. Jared expressed his appreciation for this love that he "needs". In reality, Jared just takes things as they are. He may say that he "needs" love, but he gets around just fine when I am not so nice. His ability to love is above and beyond my abilities. What I have come to notice and have GREAT appreciation for is his never putting me down and continually encouraging me. I confess that I am not programmed this way, as I know is common for many women. We nag, put down, and complain about the men in our lives. I really do not want to be that way because my man deserves every ounce of encouragement, trust, respect, applaud, and praise I have to give. He truly is remarkable in many things, but most of all in his marriage and home life! I am the luckiest, and even more blessed wife.
Now on the mother side of the equation. I LOVE IT! Moments are sometimes challenging for my impatient, over controlling self. But I really don't want to be doing anything else. I love this little guy to pieces and am so grateful that I get to be with him every moment so I don't miss a step. He is learning and growing so much that I would hate to not have the opportunity to relish in every moment! How lucky am I that I have a husband that allows me to stay home, EVEN when he is sick and has a FREE DAY event at the stores (yesterday in Del Mar), he still insists that I be with Corban. I realize I am more equipped to feed him, but Jared can pretty much equal or top anything else it takes to care for our son. But Jared is a man and enjoys being able to take care of his wife and son.
As an example of his ability to care for Corban, Friday night Corban was being difficult in that he was whining and crying because he was overly tired. After about 45 minutes of my insisting that I take care of it, Jared picked him up, held him in his particular way, and5 minutes later our dear Corban had entered dream land. He doesn't get frustrated with Corban, but patient attends to him when he is being difficult. Again, I am so lucky!
What new things are we seeing from Corban? Well, today I took him to the RB store which has a wall of mirrors. I was holding him facing the mirror and he was look about me and give me the huge smiles as usual, but then he saw himself. He would stare and smile at himself more than he would be. He was so fascinated with his image, most likely his own BIG eyes.
When I attend to his crying in the morning, as soon as he sees me his cry turns into talking and big smiles. How great is that! It sure makes me feel loved! We do this a couple of times through the day, just sit together talking, smiling and laughing together. Well, he isn't laughing quite yet, though today I heard a semblance of a laugh, so we are getting there.
He loves watching the TV. No, I am not a bad mother who sets my child in front of the TV. I am a lazy mother that sometimes watches a movie and he watches it with me :) I believe he enjoys the movement and the lights, but I vow to be attentive to my child and not allow him to watch TV until he is over 2 years of age. Until then we will spend our time finding creative play on the floor together. I have a lot to learn!
One last thing that I wanted to write about because it was something I noticed on Friday. Wilson called me regarding an issue with one of the machines in PQ- cockroach infestation. By the time I returned his phone call he had already taken care of what he was calling for. He proceeded to explain to me what was going on. I felt myself wanting to respond with different solutions than he had already chosen to do, but then I suddenly realized that it wouldn't hurt anything to have him just take care of it. He may have caused himself more time, but then maybe not considering what the circumstances were. So the big moment in all of this was my ability to just let things be and completely allow those in charge to be in charge. I was very happy to experience the reaction and hope to have it in the future. We really do have great people working for us and Jared is doing a fantastic job of "chiefing" the operations. I just need to keep my know-it-all self quiet sometimes because they are actually doing better than I did at times.
I am loving the way things are operating, actually. I have seen more ideas come to fruition because we are finally to that point of maturity. I am to the point that I can spend more time "caring" for management- I should do more of it, but it is happening occasionally.
So life is going great! What I wish I had more of was spirituality. I am nervous about this lesson that I will be giving next Sunday because I have been so distant from receiving inspiration in a spiritual sense. I need to do better at reading my scriptures and pouring my heart out in prayer, but I am usually too tired (bad excuse). I really need to make some changes in regards to that priority.
Quick wrap up in what has gone on:
On Wednesday mornings I go to a "Music as a Second Language" class with Corban where we sing and dance with other moms and their children.
I am teaching 2 classes at the gym, 1 Step and 1 Body works
We bought a couch for the living room- $900- we are having it made and it will be delivered in 2-3 weeks.
Nika is still pretty frustrating because she is constantly running away and not obeying any commands I give. She even sometimes ignores Jared.
Jared has been sick this week. Pour guy!
I set off the security alarm today and police came. Not sure why the Security people didn't call us first.
I have started buying fresh chicken when it is on sales. I cook it up and put it in vacuumed bags and store it in the freezer, saving us the money it would cost to buy precooked meat. It makes me feel good!
We are having a grain shortage throughout our economy because of the production of Ethanol from corn. This got me really panicked and so I went to Costco and spend $130 of food storage items. It was quite relieving doing so. Hopefully I remain paranoid and panicked until I have a completely stocked with food storage for a year. How many times have we been commanded to do so?
Gas prices are astronomical! I paid $3.89 on Saturday at Costco.
I am terrified about the upcoming presidential election. I only find comfort in knowing Heavenly Father is watching over us and all we need to do it be obedient.
Our house is coming together a little bit more. We bought a bookshelf off Craig's List for $150 (cost $270 at Target) that we have put in our entry hall. It starting to warm up in here!
We are strongly considering buying Disneyland passes.
Corban is almost growing out of his 0-3 month clothing and working his way into 3-6 month. He is weighing roughly 13 lbs, but I swear his length is really increasing. We have a doctors appointment on Tuesday.
I am weighing 125 lbs, which is roughly 2 lbs less than when Jared and I started Biggest Loser- starting weight 127.9 lbs. Still have a long way to go, but I am not too concerned, so I still eat junk food. I really should watch that more than I do.
I walk occasionally in the mornings with friends at Miramar Lake.
Jared and I are going to get CPR certified this Saturday. I need it for aerobics and Jared just wants it.
"Now, we have a very diverse group to whom I am speaking. This includes young women who are still in school or who are working. You are single. You are hoping to catch that perfect man. I have yet to see one who is perfect. Aim high, but do not aim so high that you totally miss the target. What really matters is that he will love you, that he will respect you, that he will honor you, that he will be absolutely true to you, that he will give you freedom of expression and let you fly in the development of your own talents. He is not going to be perfect, but if he is kind and thoughtful, if he knows how to work and earn a living, if he is honest and full of faith, the chances are that you will not go wrong, that you will be immensely happy." (Pres. Hinckley GC Oct. 2003, "To the Women of the Church).
I remember when this talk was given and I looked back to it many times when I was still single trying to make a decision about marriage. How wonderful it was to read his words again now that I am on the other side. I do have a husband that meets or exceeds what Pres. Hinckley states here. How happy I have been and how much more happiness I do feel as the days, weeks, months and years go by.
Now that we are working on our 3rd year of marriage I can honestly say that it gets better over time. Our first year of marriage was a challenge, and this wasn't because of the two people involved because it wasn't "marital problems". Looking back, there was so much on both of our plates that year. YIKES! I would never recommend taking on the responsibility of 2 new businesses/stores and planning a wedding at the same time. What a challenge it was and what a blessing it has become! We learned and grew closer because of it.
Isn't this picture sweet?
The second year was exceptionally better. I don't know how Jared feels, but it was almost exactly at the 1 year anniversary that I started to notice a change in me, in my love for Jared and our relationship overall. Granted, it was shortly after the 1 year mark that we became aware of a sweet blessing that would be joining our lives nine months later. That in itself had some influence on the changes in me. But I really did recognize a softening of my heart. This probably wasn't noticeable on the outside, as most of us really don't make that big of changes in our lives, but it was something I did feel inside.Again, almost exactly to date, I have felt another change in myself and Jared actually did mention something about this one. I have been more outwardly affectionate to him. I have prayed for it, but that is about all the effort I have made for this change. It is something inside me that is different because I "feel" something different for him. Jared expressed his appreciation for this love that he "needs". In reality, Jared just takes things as they are. He may say that he "needs" love, but he gets around just fine when I am not so nice. His ability to love is above and beyond my abilities. What I have come to notice and have GREAT appreciation for is his never putting me down and continually encouraging me. I confess that I am not programmed this way, as I know is common for many women. We nag, put down, and complain about the men in our lives. I really do not want to be that way because my man deserves every ounce of encouragement, trust, respect, applaud, and praise I have to give. He truly is remarkable in many things, but most of all in his marriage and home life! I am the luckiest, and even more blessed wife.
Now on the mother side of the equation. I LOVE IT! Moments are sometimes challenging for my impatient, over controlling self. But I really don't want to be doing anything else. I love this little guy to pieces and am so grateful that I get to be with him every moment so I don't miss a step. He is learning and growing so much that I would hate to not have the opportunity to relish in every moment! How lucky am I that I have a husband that allows me to stay home, EVEN when he is sick and has a FREE DAY event at the stores (yesterday in Del Mar), he still insists that I be with Corban. I realize I am more equipped to feed him, but Jared can pretty much equal or top anything else it takes to care for our son. But Jared is a man and enjoys being able to take care of his wife and son.
As an example of his ability to care for Corban, Friday night Corban was being difficult in that he was whining and crying because he was overly tired. After about 45 minutes of my insisting that I take care of it, Jared picked him up, held him in his particular way, and5 minutes later our dear Corban had entered dream land. He doesn't get frustrated with Corban, but patient attends to him when he is being difficult. Again, I am so lucky!
What new things are we seeing from Corban? Well, today I took him to the RB store which has a wall of mirrors. I was holding him facing the mirror and he was look about me and give me the huge smiles as usual, but then he saw himself. He would stare and smile at himself more than he would be. He was so fascinated with his image, most likely his own BIG eyes.
When I attend to his crying in the morning, as soon as he sees me his cry turns into talking and big smiles. How great is that! It sure makes me feel loved! We do this a couple of times through the day, just sit together talking, smiling and laughing together. Well, he isn't laughing quite yet, though today I heard a semblance of a laugh, so we are getting there.
He loves watching the TV. No, I am not a bad mother who sets my child in front of the TV. I am a lazy mother that sometimes watches a movie and he watches it with me :) I believe he enjoys the movement and the lights, but I vow to be attentive to my child and not allow him to watch TV until he is over 2 years of age. Until then we will spend our time finding creative play on the floor together. I have a lot to learn!
One last thing that I wanted to write about because it was something I noticed on Friday. Wilson called me regarding an issue with one of the machines in PQ- cockroach infestation. By the time I returned his phone call he had already taken care of what he was calling for. He proceeded to explain to me what was going on. I felt myself wanting to respond with different solutions than he had already chosen to do, but then I suddenly realized that it wouldn't hurt anything to have him just take care of it. He may have caused himself more time, but then maybe not considering what the circumstances were. So the big moment in all of this was my ability to just let things be and completely allow those in charge to be in charge. I was very happy to experience the reaction and hope to have it in the future. We really do have great people working for us and Jared is doing a fantastic job of "chiefing" the operations. I just need to keep my know-it-all self quiet sometimes because they are actually doing better than I did at times.
I am loving the way things are operating, actually. I have seen more ideas come to fruition because we are finally to that point of maturity. I am to the point that I can spend more time "caring" for management- I should do more of it, but it is happening occasionally.
So life is going great! What I wish I had more of was spirituality. I am nervous about this lesson that I will be giving next Sunday because I have been so distant from receiving inspiration in a spiritual sense. I need to do better at reading my scriptures and pouring my heart out in prayer, but I am usually too tired (bad excuse). I really need to make some changes in regards to that priority.
Quick wrap up in what has gone on:
On Wednesday mornings I go to a "Music as a Second Language" class with Corban where we sing and dance with other moms and their children.
I am teaching 2 classes at the gym, 1 Step and 1 Body works
We bought a couch for the living room- $900- we are having it made and it will be delivered in 2-3 weeks.
Nika is still pretty frustrating because she is constantly running away and not obeying any commands I give. She even sometimes ignores Jared.
Jared has been sick this week. Pour guy!
I set off the security alarm today and police came. Not sure why the Security people didn't call us first.
I have started buying fresh chicken when it is on sales. I cook it up and put it in vacuumed bags and store it in the freezer, saving us the money it would cost to buy precooked meat. It makes me feel good!
We are having a grain shortage throughout our economy because of the production of Ethanol from corn. This got me really panicked and so I went to Costco and spend $130 of food storage items. It was quite relieving doing so. Hopefully I remain paranoid and panicked until I have a completely stocked with food storage for a year. How many times have we been commanded to do so?
Gas prices are astronomical! I paid $3.89 on Saturday at Costco.
I am terrified about the upcoming presidential election. I only find comfort in knowing Heavenly Father is watching over us and all we need to do it be obedient.
Our house is coming together a little bit more. We bought a bookshelf off Craig's List for $150 (cost $270 at Target) that we have put in our entry hall. It starting to warm up in here!
We are strongly considering buying Disneyland passes.
Corban is almost growing out of his 0-3 month clothing and working his way into 3-6 month. He is weighing roughly 13 lbs, but I swear his length is really increasing. We have a doctors appointment on Tuesday.
I am weighing 125 lbs, which is roughly 2 lbs less than when Jared and I started Biggest Loser- starting weight 127.9 lbs. Still have a long way to go, but I am not too concerned, so I still eat junk food. I really should watch that more than I do.
I walk occasionally in the mornings with friends at Miramar Lake.
Jared and I are going to get CPR certified this Saturday. I need it for aerobics and Jared just wants it.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Strawberry Jam Season
I have come up to Heather's house to make the infamous strawberry freezer jam. This would be the first time that I have made this for myself- or my family. I helped mom make jam when I was little and have had my share of delicious toast and PBJ sandwiches. So this was the year that I would actually learn to do it on my own and be able to take some home for my own freezer. Needless to say, this was a monumental experience.
Ellie joined in the fun of stemming, which really just led to her eating each strawberry with the grapefruit spoon. Those that actually made it into the bowl to be mashed were chopped about half way down. When it came to rinsing, Ellie was our girl. It took us a while to realize what exactly she was doing with all the rinsing. The soap pump moved closer right by the sink was a dead give away to Heather when she finally gave her attention to the situation. Luckily the soap was white and was easy to spot on the strawberries.
I ended up finishing the last 4-5 batches on my own when Heather and Roger were out with friends. So I can almost say I did it all my own. The only thing lacking is the smashing. But there is still time for that experience today because we have two more 4 lbers to put up. At $4.99 a case (4 lbs), pectin costing roughly $1.50 per batch, containers costing roughly $.50, and sugar being free (only at the Clawson Store House), we come to a total just under $3 per pint of strawberry jam. Not really saving much money compared to buying it at the store, but you can't compare the flavor. Overall, this is completely worth it!
Jared is off doing scouting, which is why I decided to motivate the strawberry jam weekend- I still hate being home alone. I called him last night and he was playing Hearts card game with the boys and I hear him say, "Shoot". He had just picked up a point. I am not really sure how to play the game, but apparently that is not a good thing. I could tell I was just a distraction, so we made our conversation short and we talked right before bed.
Corban has just been a sweetheart lately. When he is crying in the morning for me to come and get him, once I get in there to pick him up he completely lights up and starts talking. We can usually talk for 20-30 minutes every morning while waiting for his morning unload in the pants. I got him a new toy, suggested to us by Kimberly- Jacques the Peacock. he currently enjoys Jacques' backside, only because it is the sharp contract of black, white, and red. He is darling to watch with it. Yesterday he was playing with it hanging from his car seat with his toes.
Tummy time is getting a little more enjoyable, but I still wouldn't say he loves it. He is doing good with holding his head up, he is starting to figure out scooting, and I am trying to help him understand turning over. He is a strong little guy so I am not worried that he will eventually catch on.
Today we are off to the Swap Meet, another reason I come to OC on the weekends. Not sure what exactly we are going for, but I can't turn down the trip. It is always fun to shop the swap meet!
Ellie joined in the fun of stemming, which really just led to her eating each strawberry with the grapefruit spoon. Those that actually made it into the bowl to be mashed were chopped about half way down. When it came to rinsing, Ellie was our girl. It took us a while to realize what exactly she was doing with all the rinsing. The soap pump moved closer right by the sink was a dead give away to Heather when she finally gave her attention to the situation. Luckily the soap was white and was easy to spot on the strawberries.
I ended up finishing the last 4-5 batches on my own when Heather and Roger were out with friends. So I can almost say I did it all my own. The only thing lacking is the smashing. But there is still time for that experience today because we have two more 4 lbers to put up. At $4.99 a case (4 lbs), pectin costing roughly $1.50 per batch, containers costing roughly $.50, and sugar being free (only at the Clawson Store House), we come to a total just under $3 per pint of strawberry jam. Not really saving much money compared to buying it at the store, but you can't compare the flavor. Overall, this is completely worth it!
Jared is off doing scouting, which is why I decided to motivate the strawberry jam weekend- I still hate being home alone. I called him last night and he was playing Hearts card game with the boys and I hear him say, "Shoot". He had just picked up a point. I am not really sure how to play the game, but apparently that is not a good thing. I could tell I was just a distraction, so we made our conversation short and we talked right before bed.
Corban has just been a sweetheart lately. When he is crying in the morning for me to come and get him, once I get in there to pick him up he completely lights up and starts talking. We can usually talk for 20-30 minutes every morning while waiting for his morning unload in the pants. I got him a new toy, suggested to us by Kimberly- Jacques the Peacock. he currently enjoys Jacques' backside, only because it is the sharp contract of black, white, and red. He is darling to watch with it. Yesterday he was playing with it hanging from his car seat with his toes.
Tummy time is getting a little more enjoyable, but I still wouldn't say he loves it. He is doing good with holding his head up, he is starting to figure out scooting, and I am trying to help him understand turning over. He is a strong little guy so I am not worried that he will eventually catch on.
Today we are off to the Swap Meet, another reason I come to OC on the weekends. Not sure what exactly we are going for, but I can't turn down the trip. It is always fun to shop the swap meet!
Here are some pictures from Virginia when the whole family was together:
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Two years and Counting
Today is our anniversary and we decided not to celebrate. Well, it wasn't exactly decided to "not" celebrate, we are just choosing to do it another day. Tonight we had FHE with our friends so we figured we would just celebrate later and not tell anyone it was our anniversary because we didn't want them to think we are crazy. We both believe that it isn't so much the day that is important, but the event.
We did have a great breakfast together of crepes with berries, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and OJ. After Jared took out the garbage and did his push-ups and sit-ups we sat down together and enjoyed our morning meal.
As for the push-ups and sit-ups, Jared and I are playing "the biggest loser". We have both decided that we need to live differently- more healthy and more fit. Jared just got his lab results from our attempt to get life insurance. It came up that he has elevated cholesterol, glucose, and triglycerides. Can't say that makes either of us too happy. So I am teaching classes again and hoping to find the time to get walks and other activities done while with Corban.
I am oh-so-tired. So off to the napsack it is.
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