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.

Confession

I found this on another blog. I want to make one for my home. I need this reminder. I wish I was more like my mother. She never let an unkind word escape her lips. At least not any that I can recall. Will I be so lucky that my children won't remember my raised voice or unkind words. I'm grateful that after every night there is a new day to start fresh and new. For me this is a treasured gift from my Heavenly Father.

Just what I needed

If you are in the need for something angelic and uplifting check out this rendition of one of my favorite songs. Although it is just a small portion of the song, the child and the words combine for the sweetest breath of fresh air.

Saving for some real estate

I thoroughly enjoyed this article about Stephenie Meyer. You can find it here: okay, forget it. I tried to post the link but I must be doing something wrong. Anyway, I loved this part of it:
"There's no literary term for the quality Twilight and Harry Potter (and The Lord of the Rings) share, but you know it when you see it: their worlds have a freestanding internal integrity that makes you feel as if you should be able to buy real estate there."
Who wants to go in on a vacation home with me! I'll take a room in the Cullen mansion, a cozy place next to the Burrow and let's face it - I'll take any place where Strider can wash my dishes and vacuum the floors.

Hold the coffee please

So this is what my five year old is treated to when I leave him with the Bishop's wife for the morning. I don't know whether to be concerned for her (it's an obvious addiction) or my son who gulped it down so thoroughly that I'm afraid it might become his addiction!

Okay, I did try a couple sips from the dregs of the cup and it was absolutely delightful.

Santa in April

A conversation I just had with Cooper while driving home from running to the store:

C: Why does Santa bring presents to grown ups. You know, the grown ups that are all done growing?

A: I believe it's because Santa loves children AND grown ups.

C: But only nice people get presents, right?

A: I think you've got it figured out.

C: Well mom, in case you were worried - I'm pretty sure I'm on the nice list.



Then after a lengthy pause:

C: Why do we have a flag? You know, the one with the stripes and stars and stuff.

A: (I opted for the short, non specific answer) All countries have a flag, not just the United States.

C: Oh good! Then there's a flag at the North Pole for Santa too. I bet the nice polar bears would protect it from the mean lions. Well, the lions probably aren't mean 'cuz it's the North Pole. Santa wouldn't let mean lions live there, right.
It was not a question, but a statement that he sounded totally confident in. I left it at that.

Have I mentioned that I absolutely love the random conversations with this child. I smile from ear to ear and am totally entertained when his mind starts churning, his imagination is engaged and his imperfect speech puts the icing on the cake. I wish I had a device that would transmit these five year old musings onto a big screen. He has me hooked! Kindergarten is coming too soon.

If you're happy and you know it. . .

Collette and I both saw it. A "NOW HIRING" sign is posted at the Krispy Kreme on Superstition Springs Blvd.

OH HAPPY DAY!

Feelings

Maddison was having some tears as we were kneeling down for family prayer. It was Cooper's turn (in Cooper speech): "Please bless Maddie that hor feelings will get all bettor."
Now that is a keepsake.

He's a keeper (but I've said that already)

A friend shared something with me that Brent and I now refer to as "a Snicker bar moment". To preface this you have to understand how it came to be. My friend received some advice that THE GOLDEN RULE works in every relationship except a marriage. The point was you cannot treat your spouse like YOU want to be treated, you have to treat your spouse the way THEY want to be treated. She told me that shortly before this advice, her husband brought her home a Butterfinger candy bar. She said that while her husband loved them, she doesn't like and has never eaten a Butterfinger. The advice seemed timely! As Brent and I talked about it, he joked and said, "that would be like me bringing home a Snicker bar for you." Exactly. So just a couple days after this conversation Brent came home from work with something behind his back. He then handed me this - which happens to be MY favorite candy bar.