When your eyes meet

When your eyes meet your husband's, what does he see there? Does he see your faith in him, your love for him, your admiration of him, your enjoyment of him? Does he see the Savior's light spilling forth? If so, chances are good that you will see the same things reflected back to you in his eyes. by Allison Warner

Children

I wish I had started blogging when my kids were little, well actually, there were no blogs when my kids were little. Anyway, as I read the blogs of young mothers, I think it is a fun way to journal a family's growth and activities. My children are all adults except for the straggler who is 13 years old. She does display great maturity for her age, though (I had to mention that because she reads this, it is true, though). Being the grandmother of a two-year-old brings back fond memories of my own children when they were two years old. I truly think that ages two and three are my most cherished memories of my children. I love to see the spontaneous delight that not only glows on their faces but bounces from their bodies, as they discover and learn new things. They take joy in pleasing others and revel in silliness. Even though my children are older now, there was plenty of silliness going on over the Christmas break as you can see by the quotes below. I love my children, they will always be a delight in life.



Blake: We're boys from the same family.
Thane: We're brothers.
Blake: That's what I just said.
Thane: Don't make me stick my lollipop to your face.

Thane: "We're not here to argue; we're here to trade Tiddly-Winks."


Andrea: "This is the sound of my face exploding."
Thane: "And of all things, it's 'La Bamba.'"


Andrea: "This snow is bouncy! It's bouncing off the windshield!"
Kaylyn: "It's frozen rain."
Andrea (in denial): "Shh. It's snow."
Kaylyn: "Wow, this snow is bouncy!"

Waiting in a restuarant

A few months after my husband and I were married, we were in our favorite restaurant waiting to be seated in the dining area. I noticed a girl walk in that I recognized from high school but, I couldn't remember her name. We chatted for a few minutes and then she said, "I'm sorry I don't remember your name." I said, smiling, "It's Jill, and I don't remember you name either." She smiled back and said, "It's Jill!"

Creating Myself

...the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates. ~Thomas Szasz

I read this quote on my daughter's blog. I love it, however, I've thought about it and have decided that it is not entirely true. I believe that we are free to create ourselves to be whatever we want but first we must find or discover who we truly are or our creating of ourselves will be random and meaningless. We must have a foundation to build on. Each of us must discover (if we don't already know) that each of us is a child of God. We are created by God, in his image, to become as he is. God has given each of us gifts and talents that we must also discover for ourselves. By discovering and developing these gifts we show gratitude to our Creator for gifts he has given us. With the knowledge that we are God's children and that we have been given priceless gifts as our foundation, we then can create ourselves in a meaningful way. I have often asked myself, "Who was I created to be?" In the preexistance was I kind and charitable? Did I love poetry and music? Who and what do I want to be? I believe that God has a plan for each of us. He has a plan for me. Am I creating myself to be who I was created to be?

So, I may have offended some scrapbookers. Well, I do scrapbook. I have made two (yes, I am proud of the fact that I have only made two, and, that I have made as many as two!). I love it. I made my first scrapbook when I was in college, many years ago before scrapebooking was popular. I used construction paper and wrapping paper because that's all I had. I've always been good at putting my pictures in photo albums, so, no need to spend money on scrapbooking. My second scrapbook I made about two years ago. My husband and I went on a trip to Spain, and I really wanted to scrapbook our experience. I had so much fun embellishing the pages, capturing the feel of "old" Spain. It's much better than just a photo book. The problem is, time and money. It takes too much time and money to scrapbook. When I start a creative project (quilts), that's all I want to do. I'd rather forget about the laundry, dinner, kids; I'd rather create! Besides that, everyone is doing it, I don't want to follow the crowd. I love it, but I still resist it. Now, quilting, that's another story...

Thoughts on setting goals

I've been thinking about the resolutions that I feel somewhat obligated to make this time of year. For years I have been reluctant to make resolutions at the beginning of the new year, partly, because "everyone is doing it" and I am not a crowd follower, (same reason I've been reluctant to scrapbook), and because I don't like to feel guilted into it. After all, shouldn't we be setting goals all year as the need arises? I appreciate the comment made by a friend at church that she had been praying to know what goals she needed to make. Ah-ha, that's what I need to do! That's the kind of goals that I like, the kind of goals that I know when I make them, that I will be able to accomplish. When I set a goal, such as, to lose weight, I feel like I have failed before I even begin. However, when I make a goal that is prompted by personal revelation, received after praying and pondering about what my needs are, then I feel peaceful reassurance that I can accomplish the goal. I also know that the only way to accomplish such a goal is with the Lord's help and as long as I do my part, he always does his part to help me. I believe that the key to setting and accomplishing goals is to humbly and prayerfully set the goal and then humbly and prayerfully press forward with faith.

Flood 09

I went today to look at the flooding downtown. It is terrible. I feel so sad for my friends whose home was flooded. The flood waters are higher than predicted, catching people unprepared. The level of water flowing in the river (and out of the river) is just amazing. The view from the bridge is spectacular. I wish I had taken pictures.