life in general

the power of moms retreat // photos

I only took 2 photos at the retreat, so most of these photos are swiped from other blogs (they said it was okay, I promise).

Here's the whole group!  I believe there were about 45 of us there.  Aren't these some lovely ladies? I attended this totally on my own, not knowing a single person.  It appeared that a lot of women knew at least one other person in the room and there were a few groups that made a girls' road-trip out of it (from AZ or UT).  I was pretty proud of myself for doing this solo!  The nerves started to hit me a little as I left on Saturday evening, but I soon discovered that there was no reason to worry.  Everyone was so friendly and open and ready to share.

The retreat was held at a beautiful home on North Las Vegas (and I have a story that goes along with that . . . keep reading).  I was dying over the cuteness of the neighborhood as I drove through.  Get this . . . about half of the houses had wood siding.  WOOD!  That simply does not exist in Las Vegas.  We are the land of stucco and rock.  Mostly stucco.  Anyways, it made me smile SO BIG because it reminded me of Oregon.  Oh, Craftsman, how I love you.

The retreat started with a shin-dig on Saturday night.  We gathered for a little instruction, and dessert, and then broke into groups to discuss our "dreams" -- safe dreams and daring dreams, dreams that are on the back-burner, motherhood dreams, etc..  Initially I was a little thrown off by the idea of "dreams" because I feel like I'm living my dream right now.  But I decided that for me, goals and dreams go hand in hand, and you know how much I love a good goal!

There's me on the front row!

These two ladies were the heart of the retreat.  April Perry (co-founder of The Power of Moms) and Tiffany Sowby (she plans and directs the retreats).  Such great women and mothers and I loved all the real-life stories and ideas that they shared with us.  Tiffany has a great little write-up on her blog.

One of April's fun ideas . . . . the angry hat.  Don't you just love her cute modeling?

She gave this great lesson titled, "Mommy is a PERSON" which was all about teaching respect to our children as well as acknowledging that we (moms) are people who have basic rights and it's okay to have feelings.  Like getting grumpy.  She said that sometimes when she is feeling grumpy she will go get the "angry hat" and put it on in front of her kids so they KNOW to watch out.  And in a mock "angry" voice she'll walk around the house saying, "I am so angry!  This is a mess!"  It helps give her perspective on her mood.  It's about giving ourselves permission to say we are human, but not to take it out on the kids.  

Oh, boy.  On Friday night Tiffany asked me to participate in a panel the following day on Social experiences and how that plays a part in my life.  Eeee.  But I figure I talk a lot about my social life here, so I could probably answer a few questions on a panel.  Be brave.

When it came time for panel-ing they called us up.  Here comes the hostess, 2 ladies who helped organize the retreat, and little ol' me.  I actually heard someone in the group ask, "Who is that?" and someone else responded "Shannon Brown."  Whew - I'm glad someone knew my name!

While several of the women talked about having to scale back in their social lives (I understand, I've been in that place before too), I am in the unique situation of trying to grow my social experiences.  I shared some of the things that I am doing now -- inviting people over to our house (brownie sundaes!), going to every activity, etc..  With Anna in 1st grade full-day I've lost my ticket to playgroups (previously, that is where many of my interactions began and then grew into other activities and great friendships) -- with that ticket gone I've had to be more creative and put forth more effort.

We discussed when you have to say no, how important it is to find the groups and friendships where you can have deep, meaningful relationships, and occasionally Tiffany would bring it back to me to point out my unique situation.  I just HOPE that I didn't come off as needy or desperate or a charity case.  Because really, I'm doing okay -- I'm finding people -- I know that it just takes time.  But . . . if you love blogging, crafting, project life-ing, or snow cones and want to be my friend, let's talk.

Okay, here's my story about the home where the retreat was held.  Stay with me, because it's a little wonky.

So you know my awesome friend Jenn?  I had told her about my plans to attend the Power of Moms retreat way back when I registered.  She was also gearing up for an out-of-the-blue reunion weekend trip on the Oregon coast with one of her best friends from high school.  This best friend lives in Vegas, they haven't seen each other in 8 years.  La, da, da . . . time goes on.  Then I get a phone call from Jenn one day.  You'll never believe this!  That power of moms retreat you're going to? . . . it's going to be held at my friend, Dyana's house.  The friend who is coming to see me in Oregon!!"  And here's where we enter the Twilight Zone, people.  What are the chances of such a coincidence happening?  Zero.  What a happy little miracle.  So Dyana and I got to meet and gush about our mutual love for Jenn.  So cool.  (Dyana has signs in her house that say Happy Kitchen and Happy Bathroom - reminders to keep things clean so they can have a happy home!)

Back to the retreat . . . This is pretty much what the retreat looked like - 

Great event.  Wonderful inspiration.  Good, positive energy from everyone.  It was a place of learning, encouragement, sharing, and growing.  I love what Cheryl said on her blog so I'm quoting her (hope she doesn't mind!):  "When you have women who are already phenomenal mothers and are wanting to be better you can't help but have an amazing experience."

This reminds me of something Anna told me on Friday.  She was hanging out in the bathroom with me as I did my hair and make-up.  She asked me where I was going.  I replied, "I'm going to a meeting with a bunch of ladies and they are going to teach us how to be better moms."  She said, "Well, why do you have to go?"

That is priceless.  And that is just one of the reasons why I love my kids.  They think I am the perfect mom despite MY melt-downs, frantic-ness, and grumpy days.  

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help a family here

I'm a new follower here

the power of moms retreat

This weekend I got to attend The Power of Moms retreat.  Let me tell you that it was just wonderful.

There was teaching by the lovely Miss April Perry & her crew, lots of small group discussions, a panel, good food, an "angry hat", sharing of dreams, and really great thoughtful questions.  I have about 16 pages of notes.  :)

As I sat during "class" on Saturday morning and April shared her "Mommy is a Person" lesson, I jotted down a few words to describe what I was feeling and getting out of this

peaceful

motivating

inspiring

breath of fresh air

pleasant smile (that's what was on my face)

content

I just loved being taught by thoughtful, careful, deliberate mothers.

What I loved most about this retreat was the way they helped me make a careful and accurate assessment of what I'm doing right now as a mother and what I would like to improve.  And then, they gave so many tangible, real-life ideas that I could take home and put into use!  I loved that.  Inspiration is wonderful, but if you don't do anything with it then what's the use?  At the end of each section they gave us a minute to write down one thing that we wanted to do / implement / change when we went home.

I have lots of stars and arrows in my notebook.  But, I'm setting it aside for now.  At the end of the day April actually told us to put away our notebooks when we got home and let them sit for about a week.  For now, I'm spending time with my family feeling calmer, refreshed, and observing how we do things and how I react to things.  Soon, I'll start putting into action some of the things I learned.  And I plan to share it with you too.

For now, I encourage you to check out the Power of Moms website, read their articles, listen to a podcast, and check out some of their free programs.  These ladies have put so much thought into everything they share, they are super organized, and they are dedicated to creating happy families and loving homes.

the power of moms

Hello, again.  I feel like I needed to say that.  Hello!  This has been one of those weeks with a long to-do list and no matter how busily I'm working, nothing seems to get checked off.  {sigh}  Runnin' round in circles, I tell ya.

Last week when I did have a few spare moments -- actually, while I was paying my bills -- I listened to a podcast.  Do you ever listen to podcasts?  I think this might have been my first.  I get an e-newsletter from The Power of Moms (a great site chock full of wonderful mom sharing & learning) and this newsletter was titled: "Lonely? Here's How to Connect With Other Moms."  As I'm making efforts to be friendly and getting to know people, I thought a few more insights and ideas would be great.

It was a great podcast.  Two moms, chatting about a topic that everyone can relate too, and offering some great ideas, advice, and encouragement.  A few of my favorite thoughts:

• It can take up to 5 visits with a new mom/friend to get past the superficial topics of conversation.  The "small talk".  Yep, it definitely takes time.  So give it some time.
• Accept invitations -- even if it doesn't seem like the perfect fit initially (your kids' ages don't match up - different stage of life - an unfamiliar activity).  Within the first few weeks in our new ward I was invited to a book club.  Which is something I never would have thought about doing before.  But I'm so glad I accepted the invitation because it has helped me to get to know some ladies, and it forces me to carve out some much-needed time for reading!
• Decide that this is important.  Acknowledge that you are feeling lonely and figure out what works for you.  Make something happen.
• Put yourself in situations to meet other people.  Take that scary step to reach out. Make the effort to put together or join a group.

So great.  It felt like I was chatting with a couple like-minded, down to earth moms like me.  And they gave lots of specific ideas on how/where to meet new people.  You should check it out.  Listen HERE.

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AND . . . 

I'm super excited because The Power of Moms is coming to Las Vegas to put on a premium retreat next month . . . . and I am going!

photos via Power of Moms

What is a The Power of Moms retreat?  I don't know because I've never been!  :)  But, the website gives the details HERE.  And it looks pretty awesome.

There is a gathering on Friday night.  And dessert, of course.  Then a bunch of learning on Saturday (9am to 5pm, lunch included).  There are presentations:  Taking care of the "me" in mom - finding joy, maintaining balance, being your best self . . . Family Systems - chores, discipline, family identity . . . . and Making great ideas into reality.  And there are small group discussions to build on topics addressed by speakers.

The retreat is held in a home so registration is limited to 60.  (I kinda imagine it is like Time Out for Women but on a smaller, more personal level.)

photo via Power of Moms

What I love about The Power of Moms is their underlying theme of being "deliberate mothers."  I love that.  Mothers with a purpose, motivation, and goal in sight.

So if you or any of your friends live in the Vegas area, pass this info along and I might see you there!

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A couple Power of Moms articles that caught my eye recently:

Tried and True Road Trip Tips -- I've done big solo road trips with the kids before.  And I'll be doing it again this summer.  My kids are great travelers but I can always use a few new tricks up my sleeve.

A Deliberate Mother's Guide to a more Christ-Centered Easter -- lots of little ideas.  I LOVE that they do the Easter Bunny on Saturday -- we do too!  We call it Bunny Day and it is the best.

When I'm a Grandma . . . -- About complimenting other mothers on their well-behaved / cute / kind children.  Don't wait until you're a grandma . . .start now!

mother's day 2012

Trying to get a photo with my kids after church on Mother's Day

They were such sweethearts this morning.  They got up bright and early and prepared a breakfast of scrambled eggs & cinnamon toast with milk on the side just for me.  Then they showered me with cards, art projects, a poem, and Conner sat down at the keyboard to play & sing a mother's day song for me.

They get extra props because they planned and executed this all on their own.  (Scott is in Paris, eating crepes.  I know.  I'm choosing not to be jealous.)  He did leave a mother's day gift for me to open today.  A Silhouette Cameo.  For real!  I'm so excited to start playing with it.

I saw these cute notes on Pinterest so we filled some out and mailed them to the Grammers.  Today I told the kids that they would make my mother's day if they filled one out for me.  Their responses

by ANNA
My mom is 100 years old.  My mom weighs 56 pounds.  My mom's favorite color is green.  My mom's favorite food is salad.  My mom always says, "I love you."  My mom cooks the best pizza. (My note:  ya, Papa Murphy's pizza.)  My mom's job is clean.  My mom laughs when I say hu hu hu.  If my mom had time, she would love to play with me.  My mom & I like to play.  My mom really loves me.  I LOVE my mom because I love my mom.

by PAYTON
My mom is 32 years old*.  My mom weighs 125 pounds.  My mom's favorite color is purple.  My mom's favorite food is chicken.  My mom always says, "come for dinner."  My mom cooks the best meatloaf.  My mom's job is cleaning the house.  My mom laughs when I make a funny joke.  If my mom had time, she would love to go to a park.  My mom & I like to cuddle.  My mom really loves me!  I LOVE my mom because she loves me.

by CONNER
My mom is 34 years old.  My mom weighs 100 pounds.  My mom's favorite color is pink.  My mom's favorite food is cinnamon toast.  My mom always says, "I love you."  My mom cooks the best waffles.   My mom's job is taking care of us.  My mom laughs when I do something funny.  If my mom had time, she would love to have fun with her friends.  My mom & I like to cuddle.  My mom really loves scrapbooking.  I LOVE my mom because she drives us to school, gives us food, and cleans the house. 

 I love the theme of this video.

The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother.  

I want to wish a Happy Mother's Day to my mom as well.  For all that she taught me, all the love that she gives me, the example she was/is, and the confidence she gave me to become the woman/mother/wife/friend that I am today.

*Payton was the only one who got my age right . . . 32.

p.s. I sent this book to my mom.  I love the idea of sitting down and recording all the things that make you happy.

embrace the camera: april 19th

I love the embrace the camera concept.  Get in front of the camera more.  You need to be a part of the family photo album too.  Your kids want to see you.

But this is what happens when I ask Conner to take a photo of me during our outing to the cactus garden,

And then I get bunny ears,

Swatting Payton away is no use because he jumps back into the shot for more bunny ears,

And then someone is running around, nearly knocking over the old people . . . someone else is hopping in and out of the cactus bed . . . my photographer laughs as he takes rapid-fire photos when all I wanted was a nice quick photo . . . .

I have no other choice but to unleash the mom glare

*snap*  Get your butts back over here and stop acting like monkeys!

This is me most a lot of the time.  

That is why I need a nice, smiling photo once in a while so the kids can remember that mom.  We all know that childhood memories fade & blur, but photos last forever.  :)

Does anyone else play the parts of Jekyll & Hyde?

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i am a mother // part 2

I had a few more thoughts, so I decided to stretch it out to another post.

Remember this quote from my last post:

I love it.  And it offers a perfect segue-way into this post

"few of us will reach our potential without the nurturing of . . . the mothers who bear with us."

This line takes me back a few years when I was in the RS presidency and I organized a weekly playgroup for the women in our ward.  Once a week I'd open up the church, set up a few chairs in the gym, safely tuck the piano into the corner and hide anything else that was not intended to be a toy, and wait for the other mothers to arrive.  We were all in the thick of babyhood and toddlerhood.  Oh ya.  It was nice to get together, get out of the house, let the kids run around, and just talk.  Sharing stories about teething, potty-training, and nursing . . . keeping an eye out for any biters in the crowd . . . and relaxing for just a moment because everyone was contained within 4 walls.

{photos from May 2005}

I have a picture of some of the moms, but I think I might receive hate mail if I post it.  ;

 

We learned from each other.  We supported each other.  And we found a sense of hope knowing that someone else was in the same boat.

This organized playgroup evolved into other regular activities . . . 

• a weekly picnic in the park during the summertime
• taking over the kids' wading pool -- moms all lined up on the edge, kids splashing to their hearts' content (I also have a photo of this in my possession)
• library storytime and lunch at McDonald's
• and others I just can't think of right now

Anna has 3 more days of preschool.  Three.  And then she will be starting kindergarten in the fall.  I'm realizing that my days of gathering with the moms & kids for play are shrinking.  We had our last library storytime last week.  Next year it conflicts with Anna's school schedule.  

While I'm no longer in the thick of babyhood and toddlerhood, I'm glad that I had other mothers to share those experiences with.  Our opportunities for sharing and learning from each other will change, but the idea remains the same, "few of us will reach our potential without . . . the mothers who bear with us."  We still need support, we still need inspiration, a great recipe for Alfredo sauce, someone to offer perspective, consolation knowing that your child is not the only who has crazy phobias, a person/place where you can feel uplifted.

So amid the no frills, sometimes monotonous, and physically/emotionally/mentally draining life of a mother . . .  what keeps you going, what motivates you to move forward?

For one, paying attention to & learning from the inspiring women around me.

 

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I am inspired by . . . 

women who love being mothers

women who are happy, positive, and determined

women who share their goodness, their light, and successes

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To share . . a couple inspiring mom bloggers that I have enjoyed:

71 Toes

Under the Sycamore

Dear Lizzy

Nie Nie

i am a mother

I've been thinking a lot about motherhood lately.  What my role entails, the pieces in this family that are uniquely mine, the things that I need to do because no one else is going to do them for me . . . .

i am present . . . classroom parties, special events at school, talks in church, school pick-up, soccer games, . . . as much as I am able, I will be there.  I love the look on their faces when they see me -- eyes light up, a smile.  Being present at the little things gives them assurance that I will be there for the big things.

i am a homemaker . . . our home is supposed to be a sanctuary from the world.  It's my job to create an environment where everyone can feel comfortable, safe, loved.

i am available . . . I feel incredibly blessed that I can be a stay at home mom.  But I also feel it is my responsibility to keep myself and my kids from becoming over-scheduled.  "In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e."  Dieter F. Uchtdorf

i am a listener . . . my favorite is when I hear, "mom, can I ask you a question in your room?"  My job is to keep the lines of communication open.  To listen when they need me and to let them know (by my words and especially by my attentiveness) that they can talk to me about anything. 

i am a motivator . . . the pusher, and yes, the nagger.  Sometimes (a lot of times) my job includes making them do things they don't want to do.  Because I can see the bigger picture.  Additionally, I have to be motivated myself.  Apathy, complacency, and laziness just aren't going to work.  If I don't do it, then who will?

i am a teacher . . .

i am an enforcer . . .

i am a giver of love . . .

i am a hugger and kisser . . .

i am a mother . . .

{quote art from Becky Higgins, who also loves being a mom}

I started typing this post a week ago.  Since then I came across a campaign at a news station in Utah, called Motherhood Maters.  It's purpose is to encourage, inspire, and remind us why motherhood matters.  They have some great thoughts, quotes, downloads, and a 10-day challenge.  Go check it out.

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(I actually started writing this post on April 28th and had intentions of posting it on mother's day, but then I got busy, and then we went to California, then busy again, and then I didn't feel like that great of a mother for a few days, and then I made changes to fix that.  So I post this with the purpose of sharing what I believe my role as a mother should include, not what I am perfect at everyday.)

she left proof

in May, you may remember when I commiserated over the lack of grandmother photos in my possession.  I'm assuming I'm not the only one in this boat.  ?

Recently, I came across a blog post on the same subject.  This time focusing on mothers.  Me.  You.  Click on the link and read the italicized note.  About a mother who made it a point to get pictures of herself with her children often.  We shouldn't shy away from the camera and she explains, "to use excuses about how we look, as women, is ridiculous, since our children will never care what we looked like, but only that we had physical evidence of the bond between mother and child."

I whole-heartedly agree.  I love these pictures of my mom and me together.

 

And I know that she would look at them and comment on her hair, her pregnant belly, or the fact that she just gave birth.  (Sorry, mom.  I know you too well!)  But I think she is beautiful.  It gives me a glimpse into a time, a mom, a face that I can't remember simply because I was too young.  And it is evidence of time spent together, of time & effort spent for my benefit (even when I was making grumpy comments moments before the picture was taken -- upper right), and evidence of a bond.

Bottomline, put worry about looks aside and get in the shot.  Easier said than done, right?  :)

Secondly, we all know that moms don't get in the pictures because we are the ones behind the camera.  {Raising hand high}.  I try to fix this by handing the camera over to Scott (or the kids) and saying, "I want proof that I was here."  They are usually happy to oblige.  I just have to be happy with the results.  That automatic 10-second timer also comes in pretty handy.

On our recent trip to California I tried to put this into practice.

More than the physical, photographic proof that we leave for our kids . . . there is the in-the-thick-of-it, day-after-day, being there, loving proof that we are mothers who respect and treasure the responsibility that we have been given.  I've long appreciated these words by Elder Holland and was delighted and touched to hear them again in this segment for and about mothers.

That says it all.  And take a few pictures along the way, too.  

teaching ourselves to really live

Anna Quindlen:  Life is made of moments, small pieces of silver amidst long stretches of tedium.  It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen.  We have to teach ourselves now to live, really live . . . to love the journey, not the destination.

{stealing this from Ali Edwards}

a few small pieces of silver . . . 

grabbing Anna for a game of steamroller on the family room rug after inspecting her school papers.  she laughs and laughs.

reading City of Ember to the boys and seeing the excitement in their faces as things really start to get good.

when I blow-dry Anna's hair and we make faces to each other in the mirror.

Conner's frequent visits after bedtime, "mom, I just need to tell you something" or "mom, I just have a question" . . . and taking a minute to listen to what he has to say.  It's usually something pretty golden.  Like tonight, "mom, I just wanted to tell you that you don't need to worry about packing, because I already did it."  And then he goes on to list everything that he packed (7 pairs of socks, 5 pairs of underwear, my second favorite outfit, black church socks, etc.) all wrapped up in a blanket.  I laugh and laugh.

getting dressed this week and opening my dresser drawer to find a love note from Payton.  Then, later, thanking him for it, gushing over how sweet it was, and pointing out my favorite parts of the picture he drew.  And the silver . . . . seeing his eyes light up, a smile beam across his face, and sensing the feelings of silent satisfaction filling up inside him.

a glorious name

I know a name, a glorious name.  

Dearer than any other.  

Listen I'll whisper the name to you . . . it is the name of mother.

Mother so tender and kind and true

I love you, I love you!

Happy Mother's Day to all the dear mothers in my life, and a special thanks for their hand in creating our family.

A few glorious names . . . . 

Teresa

Valerie

Neva and Margaret

Mona and Wanda

 

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*note to self:  take more pictures of the kids with their grandparents.  I had to dig and dig and found just one decent picture of my Grandma Neva (from 1988).  But the saddest of all was finding no pictures of my Grandma Margaret (she passed away 11 years ago).  I "stole" the one above from my aunt's blog -- this is my grandma at age 17.  

And I'm sure it's not for lack of trying.  Both of my grandmothers were known to run away from the camera.  So grandma's be forewarned . . . I will be getting pics of my kids with you each and every time we visit!  :)

three little hearts

sunday afternoon I sat on the couch chatting with my mom and comparing notes on how mother's day had gone.  I found out that she had spent the day alone, my dad was out on the fires, and had a simple lunch of radishes and strawberries from the garden.  Mine was filled with the busy-ness of baking (see previous post), doing sharing time and conducting in Primary both hours, and other commitments.  Not my usual mo-day routine, which usually includes banishing myself from the kitchen, a nap, and maybe reading.  But that was okay.  And she was okay.  We concluded that not all mother's days get to be perfect.

What does matter is that you have kids who love you, and who take the time to let you know it.

 

6:30am and the kids were on my bed, anxious for me to open the gifts they sprawled upon my lap.  So anxious, in fact, that Anna told me the contents of each item before I opened them.  Like, a new supply of my delicious salon shampoo.  And this necklace,

{there is a P charm, it's just hiding}

 

Just lovely.  Every time Payton snuggles next to me he touches it, smiles, and says, "that's a great necklace" or "it has a 'p' and an 'a' - those are both letters in my name" or "I really like my name on your necklace."  I think he is pretty tickled that I would wear something that honors him.  It's the little things, I guess.

 

A card from Conner:

Is it mufers day?  NO!  It's mothers day!

We've put him through intense "th" training with his daily take-home reading papers (although you have to give the kid a break - he had no front teeth for his entire 1st grade year when they were mastering this), so I think this joke is in reference to that.  He's finally conquered the "th's", so now he can joke about it.

 

Then there's the hot pad from Cub Scouts.  I assumed it was a hot pad, but Conner thinks I should use it as a pillow.  

Oh you have to hand it to the cub scout leaders . . . . being subjected to 8-10 year old boy humor every week. My hat is off to you!

 

Then Payton suddenly remembered, "I have a present for you!" and ran out of the room.  He returned with this.  

So sweet!  He obviously made it ahead of time - probably the night before when Scott & I were out on our date. 

 

And one more from Conner . . . something he painted at school

I love it!  It's a picture of me reading to the boys at night while they lay in their beds.  This is something we've started in the last couple months.  We recently finished The Girl Who Could Fly (which was great).  The boys sooo look forward to this and are really disappointed if I have to be gone for a meeting.  On Mother's Day one of the speakers in church talked for a moment about the importance and value of mothers reading to their children.  It was a great reminder, something to make me feel good about what we are doing.  So, I also love all the little details in this picture - 3 blankets on Payton, their banks (with note that there is $26 in Conner's) and R2-D2 on the dresser, and even the drawing on the cover of the book matches the actual book cover.

 

One last moment of motherhood joy . . . . the kids sang in sacrament meeting with the rest of the Primary and I went up to the stand to help usher, make sure everyone's heads were visible, etc..  When they finished I stood by the stairs as they all came down.  When Conner got there he leaned over and gave me a big kiss.  After it happened I realized he smooched me right in front of the entire congregation.  What a sweetheart!  

 

I am so thankful to be a mother.  I am blessed with such amazing kids.  And I know that they love me as evidenced by their fighting over who gets to sit by mom at dinner each night. :)  It is work, and it is tiring, but I wouldn't have my life any other way.

mother's day

breakfast . . . . banana cake.  Mmmmmm.

bliss . . . . my 3.5 hour nap.  Ahh!

cuteness . . . . the adorable potted plant ice cream dessert that I got from Anna (really, from her amazing nursery leader.)  I was very happy to have a kid in nursery today.

surprise . . . .   getting mother's day gifts from my parents & in-laws.  Tulips in the mail and 2 more B's for my collection!

traditional gift . . . .   my mother's day geranium at church

still dumb-founded by this . . . . mid-way through the week Conner began mentioning the art project they were working on at school.  He didn't come out and say it, but hints here and there indicated that it was for Mother's Day.  On Friday morning I think he even told me that he would get to bring his art project home today.  So I picked him up from school on Friday and he came running at me, like he usually does, and said he had something to show me when we got home.  We walk in the door and the usual chaos ensued -- conner ran upstairs to put shorts on, Payton & Anna are begging for a snack, I'm trying to put my things away & reminding everyone to take off their shoes (and put them away).  A couple minutes later Conner came down with his backpack to show me his papers . . . and the much-anticipated project.  He crouched down on the kitchen floor in front of me, unzipped his backpack, and began searching among his folder and green lunch bag.  He looked up at me with a panicked face:  "Where is it? Where's my project?"  I felt so bad for him!  "Oh Conner.  Did you forget your project at school?  It's okay, you can bring it home on Monday."  He looked soooo sad and just mumbled, "ya, okay" and dropped his backpack on the kitchen floor to go watch Clifford.  Grrr.  Pick it up!

Anyways, Sunday morning while I was getting ready in my bathroom the kids came upstairs with a plate of banana cake (I requested that we forgo the big breakfast in bed) and a glass of milk and a few cards.  They were all giddy and excited.  Conner handed me a brown paper lunch sack that was decorated with hearts cut out of construction paper, drawing, and a happy mother's day message.  I took it and a bit confused I said, "Conner, when did you make this?"  I think I would've noticed if the construction paper and scissors came out (no matter how well he thought he cleaned it up).  Then exploding with glee he said, "It's my project I made at school!  I tricked you and made you think I forgot it!  {giggle giggle laugh laugh}.  I made a plan at school and hid my project under the blankets in my room when I went upstairs to change into shorts!"   What the . . . . . ?  Seriously, I was stunned.  But what about the disappointed look he gave me in the kitchen?  Finally, when I was able to wrap my mind around this stunt that was just pulled by my 7-year-old, I just had to shake my head and say "wow".  I was very impressed with the thought & planning & acting that he put into this.  Way to go Conner!

tear-jerker . . . . Again in the bathroom Sunday morning. . . . I opened the kids' cards and then unfolded a touching letter from Scott.  His mother's day present to me -- himself.  In the form of giving up World of Warcraft.  For those of you who know Scott, you will realize this is a huge deal.  There could be an entire blog post dedicated to this subject.  But I will leave it simply at this.  He amazes me.

giving . . . . each year for mother's day I give my mom a few scrapbook pages that I make specifically for her.  Pages that sum up what we've been doing the past year, about the kids, our mother-daughter weekend, and a special message to her.  Some of the things I have learned from her example . . . . just be . . . .

And speaking of beautiful -- check out these photos that Sam took of my parents (on their property) for their 30th wedding anniversary this year.

quote . . . .  in the chapel before sacrament meeting starts - "What's that smell?  Is it just me or is there a penny?"  Said by Conner, who does not like the smell of pennies.

happy mudrs day

That's how Conner writes and says "mother's day".  He's in kindergarten. 

Well, I had a good mother's day weekend.  I woke up Sunday morning to the kids running to my bedside with presents.  Conner gave me some stationary he made at school, and Payton's gift was a plaque of his hand print he made at pre-school.  From all of them I got a 4 lb. tub of Red Vines -- that's what they picked out on their mother's day shopping trip with dad.  And tucked inside were three little pieces of paper.

Trying to determine what each of the coupons was meant for was a challenge at first, but with a little help from Scott I was able to figure it out.  From Conner, a hair cut.  From Anna, a pedicure.  And from Payton, a facial.  All at a nice spa/salon in town.  The real gift certificates are on their way in the mail -- but I think these are way more fun.  Scott made us german pancakes for dinner and did a good job of managing the chaos so I didn't have to.  He even changed two poopy diapers.  What a man.

I also wanted to share a handout/quote I used for a lesson last year in RS and is now hanging on my fridge.  I talked about the role of mothers and contrasted the to-do lists we think we should be keeping up with and the to-do list that really matters.  The items on this to-do list comes from an address by President Ezra Taft Benson at a fireside for parents on Feb. 22, 1987, titled "To The Mothers in Zion".

•  
  • Be at the crossroads (as in physically being there)
  • Be a real friend
  • Read to your children
  • Pray with your children
  • Have weekly FHE
  • Be together at mealtimes
  • Read scriptures daily
  • Do things as a family
  • Teach your children
  • Truly love your children

out in the foyer

Today we had a wonderful Sunday I have to say.  Testimony meeting was fabulous -- lots of great testimonies bringing the spirit in.  And the majority of our meeting was made up of priesthood men up at the podium -- something a little different from the norm, but it was very nice.

A quote and story from one brother really stood out to me.  In an earlier testimony some mention was made of the number of children or babies in the ward -- I'm not sure, I was out in the foyer with one of those noisy children at the time.  Anyways, this brother went on to relate a story told to him by a mother who had 3 children and her husband was not active or not a member of the church.  She decided that she wanted her children to attend church so she was going to take them by herself.  Apparently they were just so noisy, and so hard to deal with on her own, that she got so frustrated and decided that she wasn't going to bring them anymore.  She would try again when they were older.  Well, she waited for some time, years I'm sure.  And when she decided they were old enough to behave at church they didn't want to go.  She told this brother that she wanted him to tell everyone he talks to to please bring their children to church while they are young.  To endure through those difficult years of fussing, and restlessness, boredom, and whining, and just do it.  I thought it was a great point to share and I'm glad that he did share it with all of us.

He also paraphrased a quote from Brigham Young that went something like, "If you are in the right spirit then a chid's cries will sound like angels to you."  Because that's what they are.  That took me back, because I don't think I have ever had those kinds of feelings before!  I have a bad habit of sitting in sacrament meeting and stewing when I hear a child screaming or being too noisy, thinking, "why don't the parents take their kid out?!"  I like to think that I'm pretty good at removing my children when they're too noisy -- but I'm sure that someone else has sat in a church meeting thinking the same thing about me.

So on the subject of noisy children.  We are at a stage with Anna where we spend almost all of sacrament meeting, sunday school, and relief society out in the foyer with her.  In sacrament meeting she has recently woken up from her morning nap so she's trying out her voice.  In Sunday School, I'm not sure why, but she gets the giggles . . . bad.  Just laughing and laughing over who knows what.  Then in Relief Society she's had all she can bear and just wants to go home so I get to hear her whine. 

Typically I make it about 5 minutes with her in RS.  But today, she made it through all but 5 minutes of the lesson!  It was amazing!  Now, I know I'm probably guilty of being the "mom who let her kid make too much noise" in this case.  But I was supposed to be playing the piano so I tried to work with her a little more and find something to appease the whining, rather than bolting out of the room at the very first peep.  So I have to apologize if anyone was bothered by me!

That baby to toddler stage can be hard at church.  Heck, we have issues time to time with our 5 year old.  Church is long, there's a lot of time that these little kiddos are expected to sit still, and tights and ties aren't all that comfortable.  But it is important to remember that it is worth it.  You just have to bring your kids to church -- to make that habit, to plant that seed while they are young.  I have never considered not bringing my kids to church, but I was appreciative of the story shared.  To see what is at risk if you don't, and to hear this woman's personal regret.

On another note . . . our sunday ended wonderfully with my parents and brother rolling into town.  It's going to be so nice to visit with them for a couple days.  Tonight we had dinner, visited, got the boys plenty wound up, trimmed Mason's hair, and ended with root beer floats.  I'm sure I'll post this week about our adventures!

mother's day

okay, I hope the fuzziness of this picture doesn't make you too dizzy, but it was the best one we could get on Sunday morning.  Once I got Scott to turn on the flash the boys decided to practice every facial contortion in the book.

So my mother's day was wonderful.  It actually began on Saturday night -- Scott took us all out to dinner at Chili's.  And I have to say that I cannot fathom 3 more perfectly behaved children at a restaurant.  Scott and I kept looking at each other thinking, "is this for real?"  Of course it did help that Payton fell asleep 5 minutes before arriving at the restaurant -- he spent most of the meal in a post-nap zombie state.

On Sunday morning the boys woke me up with a bag full of presents.  I'm always anxious to see what they have come up with each Mother's Day.  Scott takes them to the store and basically sets them free to pick out whatever they want for mom.  He does give them a little direction, but most of the time the boys have a pretty good idea of what they want to get mom for mother's day.  So here's the loot:

First of all, don't you love the Disney Princesses gift bag?  Payton chose to include Starburst -- good pick.  Conner picked out the Bubblator -- Scott says he was sure this was just what I wanted.  And Anna got me a new memory card for my camera -- she was definitely on my good list.

Nothing too exciting happened the rest of the day.  Oh, my hair dryer died 5 seconds into drying my hair -- hence, the pony tail for church.  Scott assumed dishes duty.  Conner sang with the Primary in church and I got 3 potted flowers.  Scott corralled the boys so I could have some alone/quiet time in the afternoon.  And for some reason I was feeling in the crafty mood and completed a floral centerpiece for my dining table, a cute flower & votive candle project, and two scrapbook layouts.  I have to say that it was a good day.

Today we are expecting temps in the 90's (that's way above normal for this time of year).  I'm sure we'll bust out the Bubblator this afternoon.  Yesterday our new neighbors were moving in and the boys planted themselves at the open window yelling & waving "hi."  Payton made sure to say, "hi, we have a bubblator!"  On the to-do list:  balance checkbook, laundry, vacuum, make banana bread, and go to Walmart to get a hairdryer.  Check-marks so far:  grocery store, blogging.  I need to get busy!