To save a life

Cooper came running in the house,

"Mom, Mom! There is a bird in the pool!"

Oh great. I instantly remembered the last

time we had a dead bird in the pool - I ended

up with a skimmer basket's metal rod through

my shin. Cooper would not let up,

"Come see! Come see!"

Sure enough. A little bird sat our our sweeper hose

and was submerged up to its shoulders. Wait - do birds

have shoulders?? Anyway, I could tell this little thing

was in distress. It was shivering and even with

all of Cooper's commotion, it wouldn't budge.

How long had it been there??

Its feathers were soaked and so flying away

was not an option for the little fellow.

I'm not a fan of bird germs for sure but I'm certainly not

going to watch this little creature suffer on my watch.

I carry too much guilt as it is.

I sent in a life line. Just climb on little bird.

Nothing doing.

After I kept nudging it to climb aboard, it fell back

into the water and starting flapping around

the pool but getting no where.

His feathers were too wet to save him.

I finally got the net out and scooped him out of the

water. I thought of doing that in the beginning but

I was afraid I might hurt him or his feet would get

stuck in the net. Anyway - finally he is rescued from

what could of been his graveyard.

We tried to get him to climb into the tree but he was

too tired and still too wet to move. We set the net on

the ground and finally, after a few hours, he flew away.

I feel like I did a good deed today.

Photo credit goes to Maddison, who feels she deserves acknowledgement for the awesome job she did of capturing the event.

The Hymns of our lives

A friend sent this to me. I thought it rang true.

"As Latter-day Saint women, we are practically obsessed with anxiously engaging ourselves in good causes. Maybe it's subliminal. . .
Glancing through the hymnal last Sunday I noted that as sisters in Zion, we who are called to serve are all enlisted to go marching, marching forward because the world has need of willing men to all press on scattering sunshine. We wonder if we have done any good in the world today because we have been given much and want to do what is right, keep the commandments, press forward with the Saints, choose the right, and put our shoulders to the wheel going where He wants us to go. However, as the morning breaks high on the mountain top, truth reflects upon our senses, and while we still believe that sweet is the work, we also realize that we have work enough to do ere the sun goes down. And thus we ask Thee ere we part, where can we turn for peace?"

Be still my heart

My three boys
who totally have
my whole heart. . .
















Even at the
most absurd
moments.

A couple reasons to smile

Reason #1:
Cooper came to me begging for something to eat not long after eating lunch.
I said, "Cooper, you don't need anything right now. You just had something and you can wait until dinner."
He said, "No mom. I'm hungry for a certain something. You see, I'm hungry for something circle-ish".
I knew exactly what he wanted. There was a box of Krispy Kremes sitting on counter.
CIRCLE-ISH. . . now that is smile worthy!

Reason #2:
Brent was telling me that Davis has 43 arrow points.
Maddison said, "Why does he have so many?"
Davis said without missing a beat, "Because I'm a ROCKIN' scout!"
I totally agree.

If all else fails

Wednesday night:
9:45 p.m. - go to bed with a pounding headache
11:17 p.m. - wake up, head still hurting, can't fall back to sleep
11:18 p.m. to 4:48 a.m. this morning - lay in bed and think about my YW's activity. Start creating trivia questions for my version of CASH CAB and dividing my questions into dollar values. Make a mental note to ask Marshall to help me come up with the double or nothing video bonus question.
- ask myself how much longer I'm going to put off getting new carpet in my home. Ask myself why there is no such thing as a money tree. Without it, I talk myself out of doing the high end carpet throughout the house. Try to come up with other alternatives. Make a mental note to call the carpet guy and ask him for some other ideas.
- think about getting started on redoing the backyard. Huge job. Fix the stucco, paint, take down the pool fence, put in pavers, put in a fireplace, find a way to bring the pool and new patio together as one new cohesive area. Make a mental note to go to the HGTV website and find a design show that could do it for me - on a budget of course.
- get out of bed and watch HGTV from 12:30 to 2:00
- back in bed and think of ways to rearrange the pictures on my wall leading to the kitchen. Oh yeah, I could use the long, skinny shelves that I took down in my bedroom. Make a mental note to check on my supply of black paint and start keeping Michael's ads for a 40% discount on three new frames. I'm actually giddy about this one.
- check the clock to see if six hours have past so I can take more drugs. Not yet.
- think about driving to Utah for the 4th of July. Begin dreading the drive already. Start planning what we will do on each day. First will be a visit to my mom.
- Oh yeah, Girls Camp. Start planning how I am going to loose 10 pounds in a month. Make a mental note to pull out that Turbo Jam and Pilate's DVD. Maybe my kids will do it with me. Kick myself repeatedly for ordering a size "L" camp shirt - why didn't I get an XL??? Large - my eye! Remember to check Craig's List for a screaming deal on a treadmill.
- listen to my sweetheart's soft snoring
- look at the clock, it's 4:48 a.m.
- I command myself to turn off my brain and I begin my "if all else fails" routine of relaxing my body starting at my toes and working my way up. If I do it correctly, I never get past my kneecaps.

It worked. But you probably don't want to talk to me today.

Reflection

This is so L-O- N -G!! It's for the sake of record keeping. You can skip it or go grab yourself a snack and settle in.

Our stake youth went and returned from a Pioneer Trek this past weekend. Having had this experience for myself twice already, I was so excited as the youth prepared to go. I was really looking forward to hearing their testimonies upon their return. But what all this did for me was give me a gift. This was the gift of reflection and a renewing of my testimony. I am recording my gift here because it has been powerful for me and my feelings have been so tender. I've been brought to tears many times over the course of the week ~ even sitting with a couple of dear friends at a little restaurant in Chandler.

I remember precisely when I came to have my own understanding of what it meant to be a daughter of God, that He knew me, loved me and would always be beside me. I was a Beehive and at Girls Camp. The leaders prepared an experience for us where we worked as a team (no talking allowed) to get through some obstacles. We then joined hands, still no talking, and were blindfolded and led to an area where we were separated from one another and told that this was time for us to think and ponder. Our blindfolds were to remain in place. I remember being so scared. I just stood there being afraid, so I sat down right where I was. I put my hands in my lap and bowed my head. The silence seemed to suffocate me. I began to pray and ask for comfort. Soon the sounds of nature broke through and became a soothing serenade. I really began to listen and listen closely. I heard something in the distance. It was someone singing. It wasn't long and other voices were joining the song. The singing was constant but seemed to stay at a distance. The words of "I Am a Child of God" and "Teach Me to Walk in the Light" were like a breeze through the meadow. I felt peaceful. I could hear the singing getting a little louder, closer to me little by little. Then right beside me I could hear a leader singing. She sang for a moment and then slowly moved away as I could hear the footsteps retreat and the music fading. This happened a couple more times ~ the soothing voice was right beside me and then it would fade away. Suddenly I was confused and afraid again. What am I supposed to do?? Do I just sit here?? I put my head in my hands and I began to cry, uncontrollably really. I wanted help desperately! I wanted someone to save me! I began to pray and plead with my Heavenly Father ~ Help me! Help me! Soon the singing was coming nearer. This time I recognized the voice. It was one of my own leaders. I loved her so much and I knew she loved me. She stood beside me and sang. Her voice was soft and yet it was filled with power. Still crying, I reached for her. I could not touch her. I reached again. Still no touch but she was right there singing. A still small voice whispered to my heart "Stand and follow her". I stood up and reached again. Soon I was walking toward her voice, reaching for her. My steps were unsteady through the meadow but I knew she wouldn't let me fall. I followed her voice, blindfolded and crying to a place where finally she took my hands and sat me next to someone. I joined hands with young women on either side of me and all of us were singing together. The Spirit filled the meadow and I KNEW I was in the right place. I had listened and obeyed and the Spirit filled my heart to overflowing. I thought I was going to burst. As a 12 year old girl I knew I had had a personal experience with my Heavenly Father. Not knowing why or where I was going but because I KNEW my Heavenly Father loved me, I learned that sometimes you just have to trust and stand up and follow.

That event then led me to my unforgettable experience on the trek. I was a Mia Maid. That was an unbelievable 26 years ago. It was organized a bit differently then. We went for five days and it covered a weekend so we had our Sunday meetings on the trail. Hearing the sacrament prayers and partaking of the sacrament on a mountain top was truly a holy experience. I knew I was being helped by angels during the Women's Pull. I spent my Solo time (a six hour time period away from everyone with nothing but you, your journal, your scriptures and the Lord) feeling like I was having as close to an Enos experience as I ever would. There were many other moments where I felt the Lord's warm embrace. It is hard to find the words to express how personal it felt. Like it was all planned for me. It was like Heavenly Father was saying to me "Andrea, this is your time! This is your time to come unto me! It's your time to know that this is my work. That you are mine and I want you back home again. You will need an unshakable testimony of this truth throughout your life so I'm giving you these gifts now. This is your time!" My love and gratitude for the pioneers grew immensely. That was a given for anyone that participated. But for me, the firm knowledge I gained of my divine worth and His love and constant watch over me was nothing short of my own personal miracle. And yes, my Heavenly Father has been right - I have called upon these moments and memories to pull me through the journey of life.

I'm grateful beyond words for the gift of reflection. I have been blessed to once again have the burning fire of testimony fill my heart and soul.

1980 and 13 years old

My first and only trip to Disneyland in my childhood.

We even went to the beach during the same trip.

I'm sure my parents were thinking "Let's do this

California thing and get it over with!"

Now you can't keep me away from that happy place.

And a favorite of mine. My family right before my older

brother Jim, left for his mission to Paris, France.

I remember clearly when Jim got the string art kit and watched

him create that ship. It was a masterpiece in my mind!

If you enlarge this picture and look at my little brother Dave,

who does he remind you of??

Ah yes ~ The 80's were AWESOME!!

Anytime, Anywhere

Baseball. . .

We take it anyway we can get it and in the pool is a blast!

Here comes the pitch. . .











And it's a line drive right back at the pitcher!









And here is Davis' mind at work. I came home from my YW's activity the other night and found this spread across the table. Click to enlarge the picture and get the details of just how a baseball is made. I'm telling ya - look out Discovery Channel!

Thought for the day

Beauty Tips

For attractive lips,
speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes,
seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure,
share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair,
let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise,
walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

The Book Thief

I just finished! Now it's your turn to pick up The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It is an amazing story set in Germany during the heart wrenching reign of Hitler. It is a story about the Jews, certainly, but surprisingly to me it was so much more. My heart was easily bound to these unforgettable characters. I felt like I was walking the streets of Molching with them. This is when I know a book is in my heart to stay.

"A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it. " ~William Styron, interview, Writers at Work, 1958

Read this one. You'll be better for it.

Moving forward

I just wanted to say that although I did take off my soda counter (due to my Memorial Day indulgence) I am still "on the wagon" and feel I have definately made the better choice to take soda out of my daily routine. It was very motivating to see the days continue to increase on my counter but I couldn't justify keeping it on the blog. I thought about leaving it up with a disclaimer that read "with the exception of one day", but knew it would bug me.

So, I'm just recording that I am moving forward and still making the better choice.

Nobody likes a sore loser but. . .

Nobody likes a five year old talkin' smack

about being a winner either!

Cooper was killing Davis and I in game of Monopoly Junior.

Collette reminds me that is just the luck of the dice

but Cooper was convinced he was the smartest,

best and most cleaver strategist to ever play the game.

He taunted us with sing-song chants of

"I'm the richest! I'm the richest!"

"I'm the winner - You're the loser!"

And if by some crazy chance he had to pay one of us he would

do a happy dance like no other and chant

"I'll get it ba-ack! I'll get it ba-ack!"

Win he did. Davis was a great sport. Me - not so much.

Memorial Day weakness

I caved today.

Lunch with Brent and we shared a drink.

I've been really pleased with how the whole "no soda" thing has been going. I had an "a-oh" moment a couple weeks ago. We popped some popcorn and I stopped cold. An icy soda and warm popcorn are a heavenly treat for me. What was I going to drink in place of that lovely liquid?? I opted for some juice that I normally enjoy but suddenly my popcorn wasn't very good any more. I was going to have to give up popcorn too!!

I am drinking lots of water, which I really don't mind but for a feeling of indulgence, it's time I find a good popcorn beverage. Any suggestions??

Today in my Beehive class I was asked to share a little about the blessings that come from following the mission rules. In preparation I was looking through some of my mission keepsakes to find my "white bible" which is the mission rule handbook that you carry with you at all times. I also found an award. It is the Kim Ho Jik award that I received during my mission. It is given to missionaries when they set specific goals, then work like crazy to achieve them. You can enlarge the picture to get the details of those requirements. I haven't looked at this in at least fifteen years. I read it out loud to Maddison and Brent and without warning I became quite emotional. I spoke through my tears ~ it was hard to believe I had actually had this experience. Did I really live in a foreign country, speak their language, eat their food and love their people? The tender memories of my time in Korea stayed with me throughout the day. I love that after such a long time I am still blessed to remember this amazing part of my life. My experiences as a missionary definitely helped to solidify my testimony of the power of the Lord in each of our lives and especially my knowledge that I am one of His daughters and that He loves me. Twenty years ago I was a missionary, set apart to be on the Lord's errand. I'm so grateful I made that choice.

Bring it on!

What is better than the last day of school??

The last day of school with a down pour!!

These smiles make the moment even better!

Mom is cool when she says I can ride my bike but when Mom says I can ride my

bike in the rain storm, she is SUPER COOL!!

Soaked to the bone!

Muckdogs Rock

Another season of Little League is behind us.

I think we all are breathing a sigh of relief.

Opening Day Ceremony

Cooper was the team's bat boy and he did his job with great enthusiasm.

1-2-3 MUCKDOGS!!

A 3rd Grade Graduate

Davis receives a squeeze from Mrs. Isais and a note attached to a sleeve of Baby Ruth candy bars. The note reads: You receive the Baby Ruth award for being my future baseball star and expert on history! You will be in those history books one day!
Love ~ Mrs. Isais

Another year with an incredible teacher. Her constant dedication to Davis has been such a blessing. Her warmth and friendly personality captured our hearts as early as last year and we were so happy to be a part of her class this year.

She has gone the extra mile with Davis to help him succeed in areas that were a bit challenging. And what teacher, being very pregnant and facing triple digit temperatures comes to watch one of her students in his last Little League game. She cheered for him like he was one of her own. And truthfully, she always made him feel like he was!

We love you Mrs. Isais!!

A heartfelt shout out

Preschool graduation May 2007.
This shout out goes to Miss Becky for taking my little red head and showing him patience, understanding, acceptance and above all LOVE.

Cooper really struggled with getting dropped off and would cause quite a scene. Becky was so wonderful with him.There were probably only a handful of mornings that she didn't have to completely hold him back to keep him from running out of her house. And his scene at graduation will be hard to forget. Becky never wavered with my little man and loved him unconditionally. And best of all ~ Cooper knew it!

Last day of preschool May 2008.
Miss Rhonda was given the "Cooper Challenge" and she stepped in like the pro she is. Rhonda too, had the privilege of the dreaded drop off. It was curb side at Rhonda's and there were many mornings that she physically had to take him from the van and carry him, dead weight and all, to her front porch. Rhonda loved my little Cooper completely. His curb side antics didn't slow down her devotion to my son. Again, despite his actions, Cooper could feel the love and acceptance from yet another patient teacher. And then around his 5th birthday, after a year of growth and maturity, Cooper was jumping out of the van and running to the porch with a "Bye Mom!!" thrown over his shoulder!

I can't say enough about these two amazing teachers that have given their all to Cooper. All this goes without saying anything of the incredible efforts that went into their classrooms. Truly, they are extraordinary teachers but beyond that is the love and security that they gave to a little man who needed an extra portion of it!

So here is my grateful shout out to Miss Becky and Miss Rhonda ~ from the bottom of this mom's heart.

Realization

After I took the time to put *** in my last post to hinder any google searches from hitting on my blog, I realized that posting the pictures of the TV shows would be just as bad. Image searches on google could possible hit on them. Hmmm. . . what's a blogging mom to do??

A Discovery!

I'm not a big fan of some of the Dis*ney and Ni*ck shows out there but I will only list two for now. First, The Su*ite Life of Za*ch & Co*dy. Since when does Dis*ney think that 12 or 13 year old boys should date and kiss?? Oh yeah, probably long ago when they decided that The Lit*tle Merm*aid at age 16 was "not a little girl anymore" and could run off and get married to her prince. Also, i Car*ly. That young lady and the show itself uses the Lord's name in vain to the point of being sooo uncomfortable. Even my kids took notice. Those two shows are OFF limits at our house. But thanks to Dis*covery channel and my family's obsession with the D-backs right now, those channels are not taking up much air time on our TV these days.

When the TV comes on it is likely to be tuned into a ball game or a Dis*covery show.



We love this one! If you like trivia and consider yourself genius of all things - you gotta check this one out. We are considering a family trip to New York just to take a ride in the Cash Cab!

Okay, my boys (that includes Brent) love this one. It is not for the weak stomach. I have plugged my ears and closed my eyes more than once. But the host is hilarious and I tune in for his one liners and comic relief.






Davis (our creative thinker) is a huge fan. He will likely be on this show at some point in his future. Another one that goes along this same idea is Myth*busters, which we all enjoy. Come on, who doesn't like to watch things blow up!




Although this show has been ridiculed for being staged and a fake, we find it entertaining and adventurous. And hey, who can't use the info of eating a raw snake for survival absolutely essential.







And best of all is when your nine and five year olds are so wrapped up in a ball game with their dad that dinner means nothing and the score means everything!

**I realize I am going out on limb here revealing some of the shows we tune into but if I had to choose between my kids watching young kids dating, kissing and cussing or learning how to clean up some poop and make a raft from drift wood - I'll choose the latter.

You know you're a Redneck when. . .

. . . your roll of duct tape is used for reasons beyond explanation.

I'm happy to announce that this is NOT a picture from anyone in my family although I wouldn't dismiss the strategy all together.

Trying

There are deeper things that rattle around in my brain and consume my heart. Sometimes I wonder if this is the place to put them but then I remember why I start blogging in the first place. From a post in Feb. of this year I said, "I decided that documenting the little things, big things and all the in between things that occur in any given family is history being made. All that wonderful stuff deserves a special place of record. " So with that in mind, I wanted to record my feelings. This won't be life changing for you, but for me it was another whispering of how aware our Heavenly Father knows each of his children. First, this exchange took place yesterday afternoon and opened the flood gates:

I overheard Cooper and Maddison playing together. I don't know exactly what they were doing because they were in the other room but I could hear laughter and bits and pieces of their conversation. At one point I heard Maddison say to Cooper, "No, try it again. More like this." There was a pause where I assumed that she demonstrated the technique for whatever they were doing. Cooper would say "okay" and try it again. This went back and forth a couple of times and then I heard Cooper's voice, "Sis, I'm trying the best I can." He didn't sound mean, frustrated or upset. His voice sounded like he was truly pleading for her understanding and help. His sincere plea actually made me stop for a moment. It tugged on my heart. As I went to bed, my mind was churning again: "Am I trying the best I can?" It seems so sneaky the way The Great Deceiver parades his mantra around in our minds. It can be debilitating. I pushed hard against the feeling of just accepting my mistakes, of being content to just get by and to believe that I was doing enough. I found myself feeling as childlike as Cooper. I was sincerely seeking understanding and help from my Heavenly Father. And when we are still and let the Master work his miracles, we find the comfort and peace we seek. I'm grateful indeed.

Happy things

I just received this email from my cousin:

Dear Andrea,
A little over 19 years ago, when you came home and reported your mission to Seoul, South Korea, my wife's youngest sister, Natalie Larsen, was in the hospital delivering her first boy, Joshua. He is now 19 yrs old and received his mission call today. He is going to Seoul. Just thought you'd find this Seoul connection interesting. Hope all is well with you.
Your loving cousin,
John

I got goosebumps as I read this. Some might call it a coincidence. Not me.

I started today with a smile and I am going to bed with a smile and warm fuzzies.

Introducing. . .

MAECI JO!!

I know that everyone thinks their babies and their families are the cutest things you've ever seen but come on guys ~ doesn't this little gem take the cake!!

I could just about eat her up. Those eyes, the nose, the dimples!!

My gorgeous niece and her darling husband sure can make a stunning baby, huh!

And GREAT NEWS!! I have another grand-niece on the way. She is due to join the family in October and Aunt Andrea is thrilled.

This is when living away gets so hard.

Lost and FOUND

We did look the other day for the little heart shaped rock that Cooper wanted to give me for Mother's Day. We didn't have any luck. Just a moment ago he came to me so excited. "MOM! MOM! Guess what I have in my my pocket?" He pulled this glass gem out of his pocket and exclaimed, "Happy Mother's Day all over again!"

I couldn't believe it! It did look like a heart. And when I wanted to take a picture he told me, "Okay, but we have to hold it soooo gently. I don't want to ever lose this again."

You can ask to see this sweet rock next time you see me. I will carry it with me for the rest of forever.

Are the pipes working?

Cooper was drinking his morning cup of joe (his chocolate milk is a ritual) and suddenly he was coughing and spurting and gasping. "Cooper honey, are you okay?!?!" He wipes his eyes which are as big as saucers and takes a BIG breath,
"Whew! Mom, I think that went down the wrong drain!"

I'm starting the day with a smile!

Mom Day Moments

The things that touch the heart the deepest. Maddison gave me a homemade little loaf cake with purple (my favorite color) frosting which was gobbled up before I thought about taking a picture. (I'm still getting used to the blogging world rules of "take picture first then eat.") And her homemade card was filled with such kinds words. Then in YW's I was able to see her testimony grow. A gift for sure.

Davis gave me this bag, which he made at school,

and tucked inside were many things including coupons, a picture frame and this precious gem:

If my mom were a flower she would be a DAISY because SHE SMELLS LIKE IT.

If my mom were a song, she would be THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER because SHE IS SO PATRIOTIC.

If my mom were a super hero, she would be MIGHTY MOM because SHE IS THE BEST MOM EVER.

If my mom were a candy, she would be CHOCOLATE because SHE'S AS SOFT HEARTED AS MELTED CHOCOLATE.

If my mom were a car, she would be a CORVETTE because SHE IS ALWAYS ON THE MOVE.

If my mom were a color, she would be PURPLE because IT IS THE COLOR OF HER FAVORITE FLOWER.

If my mom were an animal, she would be a MONKEY because SHE IS SMART AND CLEAN.

If my mom were a TV show, she would be THE IRON CHEF because SHE LOVES TO COOK.

He stood beside me as I read through the list, softly stroking my arm all the while.

And Cooper came to me with these:

He had taken them from his brother's shell collection and put them in his own lunchbox and handed it to me. He said, "I found a rock out in the yard yesterday that was shaped like a heart" (I glanced at Brent and he nodded his head in confirmation) "but I put it a special place and now I can't find it." Needless to say, today we are going on a hunt to find that heart shaped rock and I can guarantee it won't be nearly the size of my little man's heart.

Lilacs for Mom

My Dearest Mom,

Mother's Day. I can smell the lilacs every year as this day approaches. The dripping fragrance is a memory that is etched upon my heart and soul. Lilacs are beautiful, aren't they Mom! The yummy smell and sweet little blossoms just make you happy and you can't help but smile. I planted some jasmine in my entry just a short time ago. I wish lilacs and Arizona got along better. But the jasmine is deliciously fragrant and the blossoms are very similar to that of our lilacs. When I am out on my porch and the jasmine scent is in the air, I take a deep breath. I smile and think of you.

This day is about you. It always has been. It always will be. Even after nearly 13 years of having my own children call me "mom", this day will forever be yours!

With gratitude you are my mother and

so blessed to be your daughter,

Andrea

say it with LOVE

I love it when a project is simple and turns out great. Thanks to Collette for providing the brains, the wood, the house for the mess and the tuna sandwich. It has found a perfect home on my entry table.

Take two and call me in the morning

Day five.
No soda.
Headaches.
Tylenol Extra Strength every four hours.
Caffeine withdrawals??
No way.
Okay, maybe.
Now please pass the Tylenol.