find joy in the journey

into cheeriness

A couple days a week I go for a walk/jog and right now the weather is perfect for it.  Not too hot.  Not too chilly.  While jogging on the path today I had to stop for a moment to take a picture.  What a beautiful day!  

I listen to Power of Moms podcasts while I wa-og and today there was an interesting quote that I wanted to jot down.  By Richard Paul Evans:  "Out of the dreariness, and into it's cheeriness, come we into weariness home."

This podcast was titled Plain and Simple Fun this Fall and it made me want to go home and make pumpkin chocolate chip bread and share it with the kids when they got home from school.  I didn't.  Instead I sent a few emails, delivered an anonymous you-are-loved note, and helped out at the school for a couple hours.

I thought of a message from a friend this week and nodded in agreement as she talked about needing a re-charging.  And how things aren't even all that bad, there is just stuff that always needs to be done . . . and usually it is for other people.  Which is okay - quite often that is how I CHOOSE to spend my time and it does make me happy when I can help others.  But some recharging also sounds nice.

I'm lucky enough to be a stay at home mom with all of my children in school full-day so I am able to fit in some "me" time on a weekly basis -- the morning walks, pilates, religion class, and blogging here & there.  And I am thankful for that.

You know how sometimes you'll get a thought or idea, like "oh that would be fun to do sometime!"  Or "maybe when I have a free hour I really want to learn / do / make such & such."  And not because you have to, but because you want to.  I have a lot of those kinds of thoughts.  A lot of times they are fleeting.  And sometimes that free hour presents itself and I don't know what to do with myself, so it gets wasted on meaningless stuff that in no way helps to recharge my batteries.

I have a spiral notebook where I keep my running to-do list.  What if . . . I made a page in that notebook that was exclusively to-do's that were meant to fill my bucket.  Things that I know would help me feel happy, accomplished, connected with my family, creative, energized, light . . . whole.

Things like . . . . 

Bake one of my great-grandma's recipes for the first time

Slip some photos into my project life album

Call a friend

Sit down and play the piano

Plan a fun date night

Read a book

Wake up and make breakfast for the kids (we are a cereal family)

Play Just Dance while the kids are at school

Do a sewing project - and it doesn't even have to be for me (see this), because sometimes sewing is just therapeutic.

Go outside

I kinda like this plan.  Tomorrow I will turn the page in my notebook and begin jotting down these ideas.  And when that free hour comes . . . or when I find myself sucked into the computer, I will peel myself away and do something that I really want to do.  And that moves me closer to cheeriness.  

What kind of things have you been putting off that you know would help re-charge your batteries?

 

Yep, those toes.  After playing in the street barefoot.

of lunch dates, playgroups, and sweet old ladies

When the kids went back to school this year I looked at my week, my schedule, my days and started to make a plan for filling my time.  There were projects to do, meetings, a class to attend, volunteering at the school, and a house to keep clean.  But I knew there would be a lot of quiet time at home, by myself.  I also knew that interspersed with my to-do list I needed/wanted opportunities for social interaction during the week.

So I brainstormed . . . . Meeting for lunch?  Mom field trips to fun spots in the valley?  A morning hike at Red Rock? Getting together to craft, cook, project life (so fun!), etc.?  I'll tell you right now that I have LOTS of ideas for fun things to do with girlfriends while the kids are in school.  Lots.  (And I'm not talking about playing all the time . . maybe just once a month.)  The tricky part is finding people who have the same flexibility (and interests) that I do.  And finding the bravery to ask.

(See.  A sure sign of too much quiet time . . . a series of selfies in front of the mirror.)

Then, one day I heard about a group of moms who are getting together weekly for a playgroup at the park.  At first I thought, "oh how fun for them!"  But then my heart sank because I realized that I am not in that group.  Even though many of those women are my exact same age, I don't have a ticket to playgroup.  

I remember being in that group . . . . we would meet weekly at the church to let the kids run around the gym (the park isn't always a good choice in rainy Oregon).  It was during those weekly playgroups that we talked about what was going on in our day to day lives.  During playgroup we planned girl's night outs, group dates, outings & activities, etc.  It was the social hub.

And now, I'm missing out on all those conversations.  And plans.  And connections.

Suddenly, I felt like the middle-aged mom.  (seriously!)  You see her there and she seems to have such a nice family, her kids are older & busy with activities and they look well-behaved, you say hi and smile when you pass by, she's friendly and nice and supportive and has kind things to say, you might ask her for a recipe or advice on how to cut your kids' hair or ideas for holiday traditions . . . . . .  She's there but -- at a distance.  Out of the circle (and out of the loop).  I know this well because there were several "middle-aged moms" that I looked at this way when I was a "young mom".  And now the roles are beginning to feel reversed.

Basically, I felt kinda bad about it for a couple days.  

And then I got over it.

A few weeks later I came across a blog post that beautifully and simply clarified thoughts I have had in the past.

Read it here, it's pretty short:  In front of you, behind, and on either side

It was a good reminder that I shouldn't get "stuck" looking for friends who are in my exact demographic.  I feel like I have been doing a good job of branching out and getting to know people older and younger than me, but for whatever reason the playgroup idea hit a tender nerve.

As I look far in front of me . . . there are a wealth of wonderful ladies in my church who offer a kind of friendship that is just so special. I love Inez, who greets me at the chapel doors each Sunday with a program in hand.  She has the sweetest voice, smile, and hello.  I can't help but hug her each week.  Judy, teaches Anna's primary class with that special touch of love & caring that only a grandmother can give.  I want to come to her class too!  Phyllis, Mary Anne, Gerry, Jennifer, LaRee, Mary, . . . the list could go on.

As I look a few steps in front of me . . . there are the ladies with their youngest children in middle/high school.  I so appreciate their advice and support and cheerfulness.  These are the ladies that I would love to spend lunch with, just to listen to their stories and the stuff they've experienced in life so that I could glean a few tricks & tips from them.  Remember when you were a kid and you just wanted to sit with the adults and listen to their conversations?  That's still me.

As I look behind me . . . I think about how much I would have loved to have an "older" friend as I was starting out as a newlywed or new mom.  At that time I looked at some of these put-together women and imagined how great it would be to be her friend and learn from her.  So I try to keep that thought in mind as I initiate conversations, invite, and include.

So the moral of the story (or blog post) is . . . . 

• Life changes.  As we leave the familiar we are sometimes forced to get creative in order to fill the holes.
• Don't limit yourself.  Who knows where you might discover a new friend?
• Give and receive.  It may feel odd to think about being a mentor ("and now I'm going to teach you . . . "), but I'm sure there is someone out there who needs what only you can give.  At the same time be open to learning from others.
• Old ladies are my favorite.

This Sunday we arrived at church and sat down in our usual row.  An elderly lady in front of us turned around, smiled, and then did a double-take, "Oh! I know you!"  Love it.

happy monday and making progress

Good morning! 

It's Monday.  This morning I am calendaring, making a grocery list (we've been without milk for 2 days - ack!), doing laundry, and reminding the kids to do their jobs.

It was a restless night of sleep.  And I really don't know why.  But I got up, exercised, read the scriptures with the family, and got moving on with the day.  

I am feeling the crunch of summer closing in on us.  3 more weeks.  We have several items on our summer fun list that have yet to be completed -- tie dye t-shirts, children's museum, large snowcones for the whole family at Purple Penguin, and more -- we'll see how much of it we squeeze in.

I've been in the groove lately and have finally, at last!, completed a few small projects that have been on my mind forever.  And it feels good.

Like this postcard book.  Last year the kids gave postcards to their classmates before we moved Oregon.  As they arrived to our apartment in Nevada we taped them to the wall.  This week I came across the stack of postcards and put them together with jump rings.  A sweet collection of memories and friends.

I purchased this green breadbox years ago at a thrift shop for cheap, always with the intention of changing the color.  Well a can of spray primer, red spray paint, and 5 years later we have this:

So much better!  Green just isn't my color.  We use it to store all of our junk papers in the kitchen -- Scott gets the top shelf, I have the bottom shelf.  It works perfectly.

In addition to these projects last week I also painted the window trim & baseboards in the kitchen, hung some pictures & art in the craft room, and ripped out a half-dead vine on our front porch that has been bugging me for months.

Like I said, little projects.  But they all add up.

a heart at home

I believe that you should always try to make the best of where you are at.  Find joy in the journey.  Bloom where you are planted.  Come what may and love it.

And that's what I've been trying to do these past 16 months in our new home.

As you know this new home has been quite a drastic change from our old one.  And, honestly, I've been having some trouble feeling connected to it.  It's a really nice, family-friendly, clean town.  The schools are great.  I have all the shopping I could ever want within 10 minutes of my home!  There are many opportunities & activities for the kids.  And I am very thankful for all of those things.

At this time, though, it just doesn't connect to my heart.  Do you know what I mean?

Some people need to be near the mountains.  Others get that high in big cities.  Maybe a small town.  Some need a certain climate -- snowy winters, bright fall colors, tulips in the spring.  What makes your heart feel at home?

For a while I've been trying to pinpoint what it is that makes my heart feel at home.

On this big road trip it finally hit me.  As I was driving across the interstates, highways, and country roads I had moments where I felt settled, comfortable . . . . and as I payed attention to my surroundings & experiences I came to discover 3 things that make me feel this way.

1.  Agriculture.  I feel weird saying it, but it's true!  I like being near things that grow.  I like driving past baby corn fields, rows of tomatoes, plum, walnut, peach, & apricot orchards, berry farms, strawberry fields . . . . I  I love love having access to fresh, ripe produce.  I like seeing the fruit/vegetable stands on the side of the road.  Maybe this comes from my family history (both of my grandfathers were farmers and my dad is in agriculture), I don't know.  I just feel good knowing the earth around me is producing something.

The photo above:  This is the street I grew up on - Sycamore Ave.  I also lived on North Ave when I was a baby.  Sycamore is actually to my back - it is a real street with curbs, sidewalks, big trees, and normal house-sized lots, but directly across the street from the outlet is a field with a big irrigation ditch that runs parallel with Northe Avenue.  The field used to be a walnut orchard, I believe.

2.  History & charm.  Old brick buildings.  Quaint little shops on Main Street.  Mid-century, Craftsman, or farm homes. Vintage treasures.  

This is a big one to me.  Big.  While I love me some West Elm, I also need my junk shops.  I like going out for a nice dinner in the city but a stroll down historic Main Street just brings a smile to my face and makes me feel lighter and at ease.

3.  Access to the coast.  I love the beach. I don't have to go all the time, but just knowing that it is close enough for a day trip (2-3 hr drive at most) whenever I might get a whim . . . . that is freedom to me.  For some reason a trip to the beach symbolizes choice and possibility. 

.

.

So there it is.  Agriculture, history/charm, beach.  And now that I have had this little epiphany I don't feel as restless.  I felt like I learned something about myself and I understand "me" a little bit better.  Funny the things that we discover about ourselves . . . 

And while our current town might not fit into my perfect mold, it is a good home and we have each other.  That's all that really matters, right?  

And who knows, in a few years I might add "blazing hot summers" to my list.  

Uh, probably not.  ;)

* * * * * * * * * * *

So I'm interested to know.  What makes your heart feel at home?

where i come from

Today I had an epiphany.

It all started after I dropped the kids off at school and began my morning walk. I hit the wrong playlist on my iPhone and a song came on that I didn't expect.  It played. I went with it.

Between the lyrics, the sunshine glittering through the trees, the brisk but comfortable morning air, and feeling my body move . . . . something . . clicked.  Like a switch was turned on.

A-ha.  (a personal a-ha)

And I started taking pictures.  While walking.  I kinda felt like Zoey Deschanel in Yes Man and her Jogging Photography class.  That was me.

I felt compelled to take photos.  To record what I was seeing around me.  Even if when people were watching.

I listened to that song on repeat . . . over and over again.

It was just one of those moments where it felt like pieces were coming together, slowly.  Life -- today, right now -- is feeling good.  I felt gratitude.  Wonder.  Peace.  Energy.  Centered.  Open.

This rambling, and the following video, will probably only make sense to me.  Why share it?  I guess because I don't want neglect that feeling/thought.  And I thought that we all might need a reminder from time to time to open our eyes and our ears so epiphanies can happen.  :)

Walk from Shannon on Vimeo.

Song: Where I Come From
Artist: Passion Pit

at first glance

This week we said good-bye to our rental furniture

And hello to our red couch and rug.  Anna said, "it feels like home!"

I have to say thank you for the support everyone has given me during this move & transition.  Especially on last week's update post.  Since then I have felt some forward motion, possibilities opening, 

Little things are happening . . . .

I invited someone over to swim at our pool.  We met back in May because Conner & her daughter were in the same class at school.  And it just happened that we were able to re-connect this month.  My 3 + her 3 kids all got along very well.

This weekend another couple called to invite us on a double date -- mini golf & laser tag.  (so fun)

I had an opportunity to give service to one of the women I visit teach.

I met one of my visiting teachers for the first time and she gave me some freezer jam.

I have begun signing up the kids for activities (piano, swim team, choir, golf) and I can see potential in meeting new people through those groups.

Also, as the school year approaches I'm looking forward to getting involved at the schools, PTA, etc. and I know that will open opportunities as well.

I enjoy the beginning of the school year because it is a time to set schedules, re-evaluate, make goals, and start fresh if need be.  And I like the quote below -- a reminder to keep your eyes open because you never know when good things will happen!

Source: aliedwards.com via Shannon on Pinterest

click, click, click

click . . . christmas cards are designed and on their way.

click . . . two-thirds of the kids' christmas shopping is complete with one-stop shopping.  Thank you Amazon.  And Lego.  And Cyber Monday.

click . . . I cannot resist 50% off and free shipping.

click . . . Scott's flight itineraries in my inbox.  He's home for 11 days over Christmas break.  I call that a very merry Christmas!

click . . . instant messenger with friends across the country and across the neighborhood.  Discussion points: planning a reunion and plotting to keep UPS shipments concealed from the kids.  

click . . . pinning ideas for a DIY christmas tree skirt.

click . . . part 1 of FHE - time to practice Away in a Manger with the help of the mp3 file online.  We're supposed to sing it this Saturday.  Oy.

click . . . part 2 of FHE - rolling out, baking, and decorating gingerbread cookies with Skype in our kitchen.

click . . . itunes Christmas playlist

It's been a computer-y kind of day.  It's amazing & wonderful how much information, communication, enjoyment, and convenience is available right at our fingertips.  When I got my ipad I was able to add an engraving on the back for free.  I chose this:

because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing

It surely is.

And now I'm going to click myself right off to bed.  Goodnight.

happy day

Today you get to be a part of my Sunday therapy.  :)

This whole moving / trying-to-find-a-house has been wearing.  There's anxiety over the prospect of starting some place new, and wondering if we'll even find a house, and basically just hanging in limbo.  There is frustration over the housing market being the way that it is . . . both on the buying and the selling end.  And there's that tinge of loneliness (although Facetime helps) that creeps in from time to time.

I've realized recently that way too many of my thoughts are consumed with "me".  Too many of my conversations revolve around my issues.  And I don't like that!  I've often heard it said that the best way to get through your struggles is to forget yourself and serve others . . . to turn your focus outward.

Last Sunday Conner was assigned to give a talk in Primary.  I gave him several suggestions for topics (pulled from his Faith in God booklet - a list of goals for 8-11 year old boys & girls) and told him to choose one and write a talk about it.  Saturday afternoon I picked up his notes to see how he was coming along.  It brought me to tears to read what he had come up with all on his own.  (Partly because of the subject matter and partly the fact that my boy is growing & is able to express and share mature thoughts and feelings.  He can write about more than Bionic Booger Boy!)

     

Conner's talk was the trigger to help me begin thinking about changing.

Also this blog post

And this idea I found via pinterest  -- 35 RAKs on her 35th birthday

As well as this one -- 38 RAKs on her 38th birthday

And finally this . . . The Happy Day Project (details here and here)

Now, is it simply coincidence that I found and was drawn to each of these posts in just the last week?  I think not.  I didn't go searching any of them out (I didn't google "RAK" or "service"), they just happened to spill out in my daily internet usage.  I'm trying to pay attention more and act when I see patterns emerge.

I'm especially intrigued by and ready to participate with the Happy Day project

It begins tomorrow, and they are suggesting a daily RAK (with various ideas on how to fulfill it) and offering a cute printable to make it easy.  And cute.

I think this will be great!   

The quote below reminds me that we are the Lord's hands upon the earth and that he uses us to answer other's prayers.

"We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness . . . . We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children.  He is dependent upon each of us."   Thomas S. Monson

Let's see how much happy we can create this week.

i might be converted

So when it comes time to declare "My favorite season is . . ." a lot of people (at least a lot of people I know) emphatically say Fall.  Hmm.  I've always said summer - the warm sun, the carefree days . . . that works for me. 

But I might be converted.  

This autumn season is hitting me something fierce! . . . the fall colors, the golden sunlight, the crisp mornings, apple harvests, pumpkin picking, the beauty of it all  . . . I am simply in awe everyday, and at times find myself overwhelmed with the beauty of God's creations.

What is up?!

I think I know.  The realization that this is our last Oregon fall is hitting me hard.  A Nevada fall won't be quite the same.

So, my eyes have been opened to the changes all around me and I'm taking more time to pay attention and soak it in.

I get a lovely dose of fall each morning when I drive the kids to and from school.  I love the golden sunrises, the rolling hills dotted with bright red foliage here and there, the glistening dew (or frost, which was the case this morning), the cows in the fields . . . everything feels just a little more spectacular, yet quiet at the same time.  I love that this is the way I get to start my day.

Now that I'm home from Vegas and Utah I finally pulled down my box of sweaters from the top of the closet.  I'm not sure how much wear they will get in future years (and Scott keeps reminding me - don't buy anymore jackets).  So for now I am going to enjoy my cozy sweaters, warm up a few extra mugs of hot chocolate, bake more pumpkin desserts, and take in the autumn beauty while it is still around me.

when i get sad i stop being sad . . .

First off, thanks for all the nice, understanding, supportive comments.  

This has been a loooooooong week.  Really.  I look back to Monday and the events of that day and it feels like it was weeks ago.  

We've shared the news with as many people as we know, we've talked through various moving/housing scenarios (with a lot of stuff still up in the air), and we've calendared like nobody's business.

But mostly we've taken some time to sit and let it settle in our minds.  Get a feel for it.  Wrap this big change around our brains.  No major actions have been taken (other than some mild pinning).

Just feeling and processing what this means.

Last Sunday I remember feeling really . . . heavy.  Heavy with the weight of this big decision.  The first part of this week I felt sad for changes that I knew would come.  And later I alternated through feeling sensitive, loved, disconnected, grumpy, blessed, nostalgic, and blegh.

Last night Scott and I went out and it was just what I needed.  A rejuvenation.

On our way out of town I told him about this funk I was in and I really really wanted to fix it.  Even suggesting that I need to put some motivational posters/quotes on my computer desktop as a visual reminder -- I'm sure pinterest could help me with that. I don't want to bring down the people around me.  I don't want to whine or appear whiny or mopey.  I need to put my big-girl panties on and look forward to this change & it's opportunities and embrace it.  I sometimes preach (or think) this "get over it and move on" mentality when I see others struggling . . . now, I need to take my own advice.

Scott gave me his usual advice in these situations: "Feel, deal, and heal."

And I think I've been able to do that.  As I said, last night was a rejuvenation.  I feel much lighter today.  I feel like I want to smile instead of forcing a smile.  I'm ready to get back on track.

And I think that this motivational piece of wisdom from Barney Stinson (of How I Met Your Mother) fits perfectly . . . . 

When I get sad I stop being sad and be awesome instead.  True story.

And so this week I am going to be awesome instead.

 . . . . be awesomely organized -- I am putting together a big binder to keep us organized during the move and to collect info on schools, etc.

. . . . be an awesome scrapbooker -- my week in the life album is half-way finished.  I will complete it.

. . . . be an awesome mom -- Yesterday I purchased all the supplies to make tie-dye t-shirts with the kids.  Oh ya.  Payton saw a booth full of t-shirts at the Saturday Market and really wanted one.  I promised him that we would make our own at home.

. . . . be an awesome homemaker -- This week I will begin my room by room deep-cleaning and purging project.  The question will be, "Is this something I really want to pack in a box and bring 1000 miles with us?"

Sounds like an awesome plan to me.

nickelodeon world

today was . . . 

busy.  all about cleaning.  getting the kids' bedrooms in order.  laundry.  etc.

We took a leisurely morning.  I slept in.  The kids got up as usual and helped themselves to Star Wars Episode II.  Once I was showered and ready I assigned them each to strip the sheets off their beds and get to business cleaning their rooms.  And I don't mean pick up a few things from the floor and move them to a corner.  I mean every particle of something on the floor needs to find a home, clean the dresser tops, the shelves, and show me that a table exists under all those lego projects.

Meanwhile, I cleaned my bathroom, vacuumed, kept the laundry going, and had to step in as the task master every 5-10 minutes.  

And yet, kids kept disappearing.  Outside kicking a soccer ball.  Downstairs watching tv.  Getting distracted in the kitchen.  Focus people!  Do not even attempt to leave the upstairs until I have inspected your rooms.  

Needless to say, the morning drug on and on, I may or may not have raised my voice more than a few times and voiced threats of chores to consume the remainder of their summer vacations.  I told them there was no lunch until the bedrooms were clean.  We ate at 1pm.

Anna was her usual cheery, joking self and said, "We need to move to Nickelodeon World.  Because everyone there is happy.  Ya, no one is angry."

I couldn't help but smile.  "That's right!  What a great idea.  And everybody has good manners."  I pictured this little animated utopia with neighbors like Dora and Ni-Hao Kai-Lan and Team Umizoomi.  Those kids are all so polite and helpful and kind.  That would be pretty darn nice.  I laughed at the thought.

Anna says, "Oh!  I finally made you laugh!"

Yes, yes you did.

I feel like my patience has been worn thin the past week and I need to get it back.  All the big things on our summer calendar (road trip, day camp) are over and now we're beginning the at-home summer routine.  I want to have fun with the kids, I want to do/make/cook fun things, and we have plenty of weeks ahead of us to make that happen.  Just gotta find my zen again.

I read this article on a blog today and thought it was perfect:  5 Secrets to Being a Super Fun Mom.

Literally, just perfect and what I needed.  The "Pajama Run" sounds awesome.

Tonight the plan is waffles and bacon for dinner.  Maybe I'll take a tip from Secret #3 and serve our dessert of ice cream first.

3070.3

That was the number on our van's trip odometer when we pulled into our driveway last night after a 17 day roadtrip to visit my parents and Scott's parents.

It was a great vacation.  And we all have tan lines to prove it.

Today the house is quiet . . . 

Scott and Conner are off on a hike with the Boy Scouts,

Payton & Anna are playing Bejeweled 3 on the computer,

I'm doing laundry,

making phone calls, sending e-mails, checking forms, and making to-do lists for Cub Scout day camp next week,

considering a fridge deep-clean, seeing as it is pretty empty right now,

waiting for the mail man to come so I can pay some bills,

feeling the cool breeze that is still coming through our windows at 11:30.  We're expecting a high of 77 today.  A far cry from the triple digits we experienced everyday for the last week.  Here's the funny thing . . . I was actually getting kind of used to it.

I have much to blog and share, but it will come slowly, bits & pieces at a time.

Just wanted to say hi.

oh, and share something from pinterest

like a weed

3 inches in one year.  Yikes.

So remember a few months ago when I told you that I had no sad feelings about closing the preschool chapter in our family and moving onto the next thing?  Well, I was wrong.

Today is Anna's last day of preschool and over the past week I have found myself very sentimental, and even teary-eyed on several occasions!  It has caught me by surprise because I've never been weepy sending my kids off to school.

But the realization has hit that this school will very soon not be a part of our everyday.  Every year since 2004 (except for one) we have come here.  It is familiar, we feel at home.  This is our school!  It's just weird to realize that after tomorrow, we won't have a reason to ever go back.  It's an interesting thought to try to grasp.

{sigh}

I made a little scrapbook page to thank the teachers for all the fun, learning, treats, and love they have given our kids.  And then I gave it to Teacher Lynda today and we both got choked up.

On the back I included a list of some things we'll remember . . . 

• germy soap - "tops and bottoms, tops and bottoms . . ."
• prayers before snack
• finding your name in the bucket
• hanging up backpacks
• circle time
• "thanking God for all . . . " song
• thanksgiving feast
• 3 little Christmas trees
• Lucky Dude
• climbing up the stairs to mom
• milk jug easter baskets
• easter parties
• halloween parties
• christmas parties
• valentine's day parties
• when the teachers "cry" on the last day of school
• dirt baby
• yearly school pictures with the man who gets kissed by the frog - it makes us laugh
• yellow egg carton school bus
• reading books and building a giant hat for the Cat in the hat on Dr. Seuss' birthday
• when the "under the sea" theme takes over the school
• treat day
• easter egg hunt
• reindeer foot/handprint wall hangings (we saved all 3!)
• when teacher Debbie had her baby
• when teacher Debbie had her second baby
• when teacher Debbie had her third baby
• feeding the goldfish
• parachute songs and games
• "the washing machine" song
• when a certain wooden block had to be removed from the chest of blocks specifically because Conner was using it as a gun
• and all the teachers that greet us each day with a smile & a fun new crafty project, who don't tire after receiving Anna's 50th drawing or note from home, and who send us on our way with lots of love.

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

safe

tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, tsunamis, flooding, drought, hail, and other extreme weather.

The last few weeks, months it seems like this stuff has been on overdrive.  I've watched all the jaw-dropping developments on the news, while I sit in my cozy home.  A little rain outside.  Definitely manageable.

And then I see a map like this  . . . . "Where to Live to Avoid a Natural Disaster"

See all that green in the upper left?  That makes me feel good.  And safe.