A Tale of Two Nest

A Tale of Stuff I Learned In the Best and Worst of Times, In Three Parts.





Book the First: Eggs of Abandonment.

We have discovered that we share this little plot of land with quite a few birds. The fact is, I'm sure they are not too happy to share with us.

They came and busily went about building their nests, here and there, only to discover that once the weather warmed, four noisy, busy children also occupied their back yard.

We were excited when we found the robin's nest in our tree by the kitchen window. Two beautiful blue eggs were laid.

We were perplexed and surprised one morning to find a little finch's nest in the wreath on our front door. Soon, four little eggs appeared. I was genuinely afraid for them, because that door is a busy place!

Sadly, both nests were abandoned by their parents before the little eggs had a chance of hatching.

Book the Second: In Which A Mother Reflects On Her Own Nest.

I had this experience a few days ago.
Before I continue, I feel I must preface. It's been a rough couple of weeks. I've learned each child goes through periods of insecurity and testing. Some have been louder than others during this time. I have four very strong children, and I'm glad they are that way.

But one is particularly strong. And loud.

And she's testing, boy is she testing. And I love her dearly, despite it all.

One morning she woke up screaming. Nothing was right. Everyone else was mean. (This, despite that fact that my husband and I took turns sleeping with her in the night.)

I was tired. So tired of the screaming and feeling like I was not in control. So I just let her scream a little in her room.

The thing is, it was the first day of summer break for the rest of my children. It was fairly early in the morning. Guess how happy they were to wake up to screaming? Not very.

So, I was ready to march upstairs and let her have it.

Before I did however, I said a little prayer.

I had the baby in my arms and after the prayer felt I should put him down in his crib and talk to my screaming child alone.

I went into her room and felt as though the spirit was directing my every move. When I opened my mouth, instead of yelling I told her I loved her. She still screamed. My arms reached down for her on the floor and scooped her up and just held her and told her everything was going to be okay.

She said she was cold, so I held her tighter.

She said she was hungry, so I carried her downstairs.

I held her in the kitchen for a while, where, I'm sorry to say, this thought crossed my mind:

"She doesn't deserve this."

Immediately this thought then entered my mind:

"You don't deserve most of the blessings and love you have."

Book the Third: In Conclusion

I'm so glad I'm not a bird.

But being a human is hard. Tears sting. Hearts break. Brains get tired. We make mistakes and sometimes wish we could just fly away.

There have been times (more than I'd like to admit) when I didn't pray before disciplining a child. I'm emotional and talk too much. Two big no-nos when disciplining a child.

We are in it for the long haul, however. No leaving the nest and starting over. The truth is, I get the chance to be with my family forever.

I'm so glad I'm not a bird.

I'm really thankful for Heavenly Father's help. I absolutely could not do this without His help. I love these little punks so much. I want them to be happy, healthy and know that I love them despite of my weaknesses.

I'm so glad the my Heavenly Father loves me, even when I am stubborn, neglectful, slow to learn, quick to anger and ungrateful. I understand that it is not pleasing to Him when I act that way, but He loves me just the same and will stand by and help me until I do learn, until I "get it."

This particular incident reminded me of this. It could have ended so badly, with me yelling. Instead, she sat with me quietly while eating her breakfast and said, "Thanks, mom."

Which being interpreted means: "I will love you forever for warming me up, calming me down and sticking by my side when things are hard."

My heart echos the psalmist:
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. (Psalm 124:7)

The End

Treasure

Yesterday I thought a lot about the many gifts I've been given.
For Mother's Day, my sweet family gave me lots of cards, expressing appreciation and love.
My kids let me take their picture! This was a huge gift.
My darling Jerm gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, made yummy dinner and helped the kids clean up.
I cherish those gifts.

Later that night, Claire got sick.
All over the upstairs.
Jeremy cleaned up the floor, while I bathed our daughter and helped her back in bed.
She was not feeling well at all.
Before she went to bed she said, "Thanks for helping me, mom."

That little utterance was a cherished gift. She was so sincere, it filled me up with so much love for her. Not so much for the throw-up, but I would do anything for my children, especially when they are so grateful for the help.

I thought about my good man cleaning up the mess. It was a heroic act. I am so grateful for his help. The fact that he remains so faithful and kind is the best gift he could ever give me.

And of course I thought of my mother. Oh! How many times has she been by my side. Soothing my fears. Encouraging my dreams. Guiding, lifting, listening.
I am reminded of Christ's words:

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 

I will never be wealthy.
But the treasures I have in my life are worth more than all the diamonds and gold in the world.

It ain't over yet.

On this extra day of leap I went to the doctor and got a clean bill of health. That felt good.
I went to a PTA meeting. Such a fun bunch of ladies.
I went to parent teacher conferences for Sam. It's nice to hear that he's doing well.
Right now I'm praying Jeremy makes it home safely from his teaching job. It's snowing a lot and his car is a piece of junk. I don't expect him home until 11pm and I won't be able to sleep until he's home.

On this day of leap I planned to exercise, but didn't.
I got angry at my daughter for being angry, which made her more angry.
I realize now what she needed was a hug, but now she won't let me give it to her.
Mental note: pay attention, be slow to anger.

I don't like being a single parent on these days.
But I do like being a mom.
Even when its hard. You learn. You grow. You hope your kids forgive you.

My heart breaks and then expands.
I'm a mother.

LIfe is a Miracle.

It is almost incomprehensible to me how in three short months a person can go from this


to this


Is this the same baby?

It is folks. It is.

See?


Consider now, this little miracle.
A 12 year old boy is at the age of discovery. Yes, that discovery. Girls are cute, interesting and mysterious. Things are taking place in his body that are totally natural, yet are confusing to someone who has never experienced them before. All for the purpose of procreation. It's part of Heavenly Father's plan.

Yet, that mean old devil has a plan too. In fact, he would like nothing more than to distort the beautyof procreation, that partnership with God.

Now, this 12 year old is faced with two distinct and very different messages on this subject. He could go anywhere in the world to find the Adversary's take on the whole thing. Anywhere.

The miracle that has taken place is this: In our home, just at the right time, Heavenly Father's message about families has sounded loud and clear.

This mother can tell her 12 year old the beautiful miracle that is procreation. He can see the joy and happiness that comes from following Heavenly Father's plan. He can witness it everyday! THIS is why we fall in love. THIS is why boys and girls get twitterpated and act all crazy around each other. THIS is why we control ourselves and wait for the right time. THIS is why we have temples.

All for THIS:

Could you let that face down?

I sure couldn't. Or wouldn't want to.

SO much more is offered in Heavenly Father's plan.
So much more.

Don't settle for anything else.

Home for Christmas

"There have been times, often at Christmas, when we have felt parts of what we will experience when we at last come home to the Father who loves us and answers our prayers and to the Savior who has lighted our lives and lifted us up."
 
What all of us long for in our hearts, at Christmastime and always, is to feel bound together in love with the sweet assurance that it can last forever. This is the promise of eternal life, which God has called His greatest gift to His children (see D&C 14:7). That is made possible by the gifts to us of His Beloved Son: the Savior’s birth, Atonement, and Resurrection. It is through the Savior’s life and mission that we have the assurance that we can be together in love and live forever in families.
 
"The feeling of longing for home is born into us. That wonderful dream cannot become real without great faith—enough for the Holy Ghost to lead us to repentance, baptism, and the making and keeping of sacred covenants with God. This faith requires enduring bravely the trials of mortal life. Then, in the next life, we can be welcomed by our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son to that home of our dreams."

"Home for Christmas," President Henry B. Eyring



One month old!

There was just a little family...

"At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched--none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph--and all would be welcome.



But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby-- that's how Christmas began. It is for this baby that we shout in chorus:
'Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King!...Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more my die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth'

--Jeffrey R. Holland, "Without Ribbons and Bows," New Era, Dec. 1994

And then there were seven....

Isaac 

He laugheth. The child of promise, and the heir of the promises.

You came on Sunday.

While the leaves were falling and Autumn was threatening to turn to winter.

We finally got the call to go to the hospital at around 12:00pm. Such a strange feeling to walk into a place knowing that when you walk out, you will never be the same person. It still felt surreal. Was this really happening? Were we really going home with a baby?

I got all hooked up and we started contractions at around 1:00pm. Also strange. A strange way to being labor, but I had such a sure feeling that this was how it should be. My health was deteriorating. You were vital and strong within me so far. I loved hearing your strong little heart beat and to feel your arms and legs stretch and bounce within me. 

Galloping horses. That's what your tiny little heart sounded like, all through out the day.

Labor progressed slowly. I was quite pleased with how well I handled the contractions, unmedicated. That would change.

Around 6:30pm they broke my water.  Images of oceans, raging rivers and, surprisingly, baptisms came to me amidst the very uncomfortable feeling.

I knew you would come quickly now. 

So did everyone else.

The very kind nurses suggested this would be the time to call the anesthesiologist. I looked over at Jeremy and then back at the nurses and timidly said I would hold off. One of the nurses, with pity in her voice, said that I could ring for them if I changed my mind. 

Your daddy. He is a wonderful wonderful man. He knew I wanted to go unmedicated. But that was before everything. The unwanted diagnosis, the pictocin, the scheduled birth. 

Minutes. Maybe just one and a half. That's all it took for the wild and completely core shaking contractions to take over. I looked over at Jeremy again and asked, "Why? Why the heck am I doing this without medicine??" 

He responded with, "Well, remember, you wanted to recover quickly, to feel your legs and to feel Isaac coming. Remember that it will be over soon."

That argument did not hold up one bit in my mind and I rang for the the nurse to call the anesthesiologist. 

I looked back over at your daddy and asked if he was disappointed. He said no, he loved me.

That was exactly what I needed to hear.

The anesthesiologist came with in a few minutes (that seemed like hours of writhing in that hospital bed). He came with his big, square, black glasses and surgical cap. He very calmly talked me through every step of the epidural process. Which, to me, who could barely breath  between periods of the most intense pain I have ever felt in my life, seemed totally contradictory. 


As the process began, I doubted my choice. It seemed more painful to take the pain away! As I was rolled up in a ball, thinking I might die, I heard the sound of a horse galloping. It gave me strength. YOU gave me strength and all I wanted was to see you here safely and hold you in my arms. I focused on the galloping heart beat. 


The next hour and a half is a blur in my mind. I'm not even sure how to describe it. Everything happened so fast. I went from being 4 cm dilated to pushing in that time. It was crazy intense. The epidural didn't really have a chance to take effect. All of a sudden I felt you descend. I'll never forget that feeling. The nurses jumped into motion so fast when I told them I felt pressure. The doctor was paged and within minutes you were born.


You were born. Of me and your dad. Of pain and elation. Of water and blood. Of joy.




I was overcome with emotion. Instant replay of the births of your siblings was running through my mind. I quietly thanked my Heavenly Father for your safe arrival and marveled at your beautiful body. 
Your robust, high pitched cry. Your long fingers and toes. Your perfectly round, bald little head. Your cleft chin, just like daddy, Sam, Elise, Claire and Anna. You are one of us.




We that were six are now seven and feel more complete than ever. 
 

Isaac Thomas
November 20, 2011
6 lbs 15 oz
20 1/2 inches

156/93

Because of that number, I've been assigned to bed rest.

And more frequent visits to the doctor.

Doesn't that seem a little counter-productive?

Regardless, the blood tests say I'm ok.
The non-stress tests say the baby is doing great.
I'm actually really grateful for modern medicine.

I'm also really grateful for people who love me.

My parents flew in last weekend.

My mom spent ALL DAY Saturday making and freezing dinners for us.

My dad made pancakes in the morning and played with my attention starved children.

They brought wonderful coloring books that the girls spent hours with.

Jeremy spent the day fixing up things around the house and gave me a blessing.

My mom rubbed my feet, my dad put the girls to bed.

It was heavenly, really.

Just before they came I was fretting and so concerned that I was not going to have the delivery I was planning. I was worrying so much, I'm sure it was not helping my blood pressure or health.

Sometimes things don't work out the way we planned them. Actually that reminds me of the quote:
Life is what happens when you make other plans.
Or something like that.
Anyhoo...
I'm going to be induced on Sunday.

And I'm ok with that now.

It's not what I wanted originally and honestly I was pretty depressed about it.

After this weekend I feel I have no reason to feel sorry for myself.
Love is a miracle.
A healing balm.

I can't wait to share this love with my new baby.
I can't wait for Sunday!

Dear baby boy...

In a little over a month we'll see each other face to face.

This is something I can barely comprehend at the moment. So much about the last 8 months has involved other people, worries, and noisy things, that I have not had much time to ponder how my life will change with you in it. Yet, there have been mornings, early, quiet mornings, when I lie very still and feel your squirming body moving inside me. You are there! I imagine what you will look like. How it will feel to hold you and gaze at your new little body. Who will you be?

Now that the time is close, I've been thinking a lot about the day you will come to us. I've read and re-read this beautiful birthing story. It reminds my that courage and trust are so much a part of bringing you into the world. I've also read and re-read this faith-building birthing story. It reminds me that when we are faithful we can expect miracles. Truly, birth itself is a miracle!
I'm especially thinking about this quote:

“Just as a woman’s heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth.” -Virginia Di Orio

I've looked through pictures and journal entries of the births of your brother and sisters. I'm glad your daddy will be there with me.

I pray for you every day. I'm thankful for you every day.

Your brother and sisters kiss you and hold you already. Will you recognize their voices and songs they sing?

Just wait. You will be so loved. You already are.

Does the wind really bring change?

I feel a little like Mary Poppins does about the wind. Sometimes you can just feel the change in it. You are certain it will come and perhaps the wind gently nudges you toward it.

As if having another baby were not change enough, we felt it was a good time to buy a house. The baby probably helped us come to this decision more than the wind, but nevertheless, here I am 7+ months pregnant and moving, again.

We are not moving far this time, thank goodness. Just a few miles away. We feel very blessed that this is even possible. It's been a while since we've owned our own home. We are looking forward to the extra space and the chance to personalize everything about it. We will sorely miss our neighbors and ward. Gosh! We've been so blessed!

So, today, after weeks of gloriously warm, golden weather, the rain falls and wind blows. Here I sit at the computer all alone. I should be packing. I despise packing. I should be doing laundry. Eh. The east wind compels me to write instead and savor this quite time.

I keep looking at this little face. Small little bubbles that for some reason like to form in my children's brain while they are developing allow me to see them later on in ultrasounds. Fortunately, everything is fine...but just look at that face! I can't wait to kiss those sweet cheeks!

Only 2 more months! I'm so happynervouseleatedscaredreadynotreadytiredhappy.

It's hard to believe just a little over a month ago we were doing this:

and this:


The last few weeks we've really enjoyed the fall colors. Especially up in the canyon. I missed out majorly on a supreme photo opportunity one evening. We were hiking up Albion basin, the wild flowers were just about peaked, but still bounteous, and there were two huge moose in the meadow! And I didn't have my camera!
Sigh..
I also wanted to take pictures of my beautiful children.
Alas...
I just have the memory of it in my mind.

Here is one of my ten year old from just last week. That's right. I said ten. Eep!

And this is from her actual birthday:

She is a darling, darling girl.

In fact, let me tell you how darling all my girls are.

They have been giving me "spa" treatments at home. Yes sirree, I've been milking the "oh-i'm-so-pregnant" thing for months!
Behold, the banana and honey mask:

And lovely salt soak with massaging marbles:

Honestly, this has been the best pregnancy ever!

I also have a pretty fantastic boy.

He is a good example to all of us and just a gem. A few weeks ago, after a family night lesson about Patriarchal Blessings, he felt he should receive his. We counseled him to pray about it and after he did, he set up the appointments to get it. We had a very beautiful, spiritual experience with him on Sunday as he received his blessing from our friend, Patriarch Reber. It was actually a very spiritual weekend, with General Conference and all. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love what it does for my family. I love how it helps me appreciate life and the hope it gives me for eternity.

So, does the wind truly bring change?

I'm not sure, but Claire has loved changing hats and getting ready for Halloween.
And now I better get back to packing.

And So It Goes....

It is the middle of summer.


And I've been thinking.

I've been thinking a lot about how my first little baby all of a sudden turned twelve. As much as it pains me that he will never be little again, I'm thrilled for all that he now can do. He is my light.


Also, not long after Sam turned twelve, my baby baby, Anna, turned five. Seriously in the blink of an eye. She is a wonder to us and truly our sweetie.


And then, as if time were not moving fast enough, my darling Claire turned seven. While it's difficult to believe she is growing so fast, she was born with an old soul and so, seven doesn't seem so startling to me. She has always been so capable and sure of herself. Oh! She is my heart.


Also on my mind is the new little baby that will join our family around December 5. We are so excited to meet this new member of our family!

I've been thinking a lot about my role as a mother.


I've been thinking about cleaning my laundry room.

And organizing my closet (and I actually acted upon this thought).

I've been wondering about friends and how sad it is that some times they seem like lovely, long ago dreams.

Currently I'm wondering why people feel the need to shoot off fireworks every single live long night in July.

My brain has also been fairly occupied with the future. We are sitting on the brink of so much change, but I suppose we always have been. In another 5 years, I will have 3 teenagers. How will our lives be different because of that? I'm not sure if I'm ready, but who ever is? Have you ever heard anyone say: "Bring on the teenage years! I'm totally ready for it!"?


Well that's also how I feel about having another baby after 5 years. I'm not sure if I'm ready, but I felt the same way during each of my pregnancies, and you know what? Things turned out just fine. I'm not saying the road was paved in gold, but the end result so far has been so much joy and happiness.


Jeremy brought down our cradle from the garage today. Jeremy's dad made this beautiful cradle for us before Sam was born. A few years ago it fell down from the shelf in the garage and sustained some damage. It was a freak accident. We don't know what caused it to fall, but I thought it was a sign. We just put it back on the shelf thinking we would never have a need for it again. Until today. Today, Jeremy assessed the damage and concluded that it was fixable.
I thought how my dad would say, "There's a gospel message in that."

I've been thinking about how the Lord blesses us in our trials. Truly He does. While He doesn't always take away our burden, He can make us strong enough to bear it.

I think I would like to shout it out the next time I'm at Costco. "Hey! Everyone! God really does love you and He wants you to be happy!"

I think I'll just shout it out here.

Rhymes with brambles.

I've been meaning to post some pictures of our adventures the past few weeks and write some of the reflective thoughts bumping around in my head but every time I get a moment someone is on the downstairs computer (where all the pictures are).

Right now, Anna is on the computer practicing her reading.

Last night, Jeremy was....oh, never mind it was me watching The Biggest Loser, but the night before it was Jeremy on the computer working.

Speaking of Jeremy, today is his birthday. It is an especially happy day for me because on this day the most wonderful little boy who grew to be the most wonderful man was born. And he's mine! I'm so happy!

Tonight we will celebrate with strawberry jello-poke cake. This is my husband's favorite. Yep, those childhood loves are a strong force.

It's a cold, cold day. In fact it's been a very cold week. The highs have been in the teens. It seems the whole country has been plunged into a reminder that winter still reigns. But the sun is shining and gives me hope that spring will come!

I've been watching with so much interest all the unrest in the middle east. Egypt especially. I keep hearing that song from Les Mis, "Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men...."

Who can say what will happen, especially as there are reports even now of more countries seeking to over throw their corrupt leaders. Will we never learn from history?

Just yesterday we were reading in about Moroni and the Title of Liberty.

Oh! To have been there to hear this great man speak those liberating, validating words! Sometimes I wish I could have been an ancient warrior. Or even a revolutionary, fighting for a nobel and just cause. Taking up arms to make the future better for my children. Crying out with passion and emotion against an evil oppressor and bravely meeting them in battle.
Grrrrrrrr.....ROOOAAARRRR!!
(there's a little visual for you. you're welcome.)

Such is not my lot. I battle evil from the comfort of my home. I must be ever vigilant in defending my home from forces that seek to contend with our peace, that destroy harmony and wish to break down our fortress of love and unity.

I do cry out, with passion and emotion, my kids can attest to that. But my weapons are the scriptures, my prayers and our striving to keep the commandments. All the while trying to keep my kitchen and bathrooms sanitary, keeping my children in clean clothes, helping with homework, teaching them music, and trying to stay healthy myself.

Am I crazy for sometimes thinking it might be easier or nobler to march off into battle? To face the enemy head on, instead of combating whispers on the wind?

Nevertheless, His word is mighty to save and more powerful than a sword.

This morning, Elise woke up in a bad mood, like we all do sometimes. After she was snippy with her sister and impatient with her mother she retreated to her bedroom, where I assumed she was getting ready. Shortly before they had leave, I went in to check on her. She was crying and said, "Mom, we haven't read scriptures yet today!"

She knew she need the word of the Lord to help her heart today. Have I mentioned how much I love my children and how much I learn from them?

I do. I do

Sometimes we need the stirring of a revolution to give our cause energy, to wake us up from our complacency. Complacency is a dangerous thing, partly because it so easy to slip into.  Especially when we are comfortable. We throw away our time doing mind-numbing things that distract us from what is really important.

How much will we allow? What is the breaking point? Who will raise your banner and rally you to arms?

What would you do to protect your family? I would fire a gun in a heart beat but struggle to find time to really study my scriptures

Such is the nature of our battle.

And happy birthday Jeremy.
Since I'm on such a guts and glory roll, I just want you to know that I would fight to the death for you. I'd cut through an army of fire-breathing dragons and trolls to rescue you from the farthest tower in the farthest land. I'll even clean our room for you, today.
I love you.

Low expectations are a good thing?

I had to renew my driver's license today.

Of course I prepared for the worst experience ever. Because that's what a trip to the DMV is, right?

I brought snacks, books and games for Anna. I brought a book for myself (book 3 of Fablehaven) and figured we'd be there for a couple of hours. I put on my happy face, because I knew everyone there would be cranky.  It's January. It's cold. And every time I've gone to the DMV before those factors seem to play on the employees.
Usually it's:
"Hey lady, I don't care if you waited for an hour, the line you are suppose to be in is over there."
or
"Oh my gosh, lady, could you write any slower?"

I'm hear to tell you that today, today the DMV fates or what have you, were smiling down on me.

I walk in the door. I give them ALL the required documents. I am smiled at and thanked. I sit down with Anna and less five minutes later I leave the building with a new driver's license.

I didn't even get to read my book.

I guess it pays to have low expectations. No one is too disappointed if the experience is horrible, because they are prepared for it. And when things go well,
they are pleasantly surprised.

Thank you Utah DMV, however, now my expectations will be higher.
 ps. does any one else think it's absolutely ridiculous that they still  ask for hair/eye color and weight?  Come on.....

Caroling, caroling through the snow....

Last night we went caroling. Well, sort of. We just went around in our neighborhood. Many people weren't home. It had been snowing for a few hours and was starting to accumulate. I wanted to bring my camera, but I didn't. I've noticed I'm a better family participant if I'm not behind the camera. So I tried to keep all the beautiful pictures I saw in my mind.

The lamp post's soft glow illuminating the tiny, sparkling flakes as they gently rolled to earth. Anna, my littlest, trying to catch them on her tongue.

Everyone's boot covered feet tromping through the snow. Claire kicking the snow banks and watching the shower of glitter coming off her foot.

All my little bundles. The children look like packages all bundled up. Colorful hats and mittens that friends have made. Puffy, squishy snow bibs and coats. Rosy cheeks. And I mean seriously rosy cheeks. Little wet noses and big, happy smiles. 

The singing. Oh, the singing. Elise's strong, confident voice. Sam's clear, beautifully high voice (how much longer will it be that way?). Claire's lovely, also strong voice. Anna's sweet voice, perhaps the strongest of us all. Jeremy, bringing us down a whole octave. All their voices together are, to me, a little bit of heaven. Singing, "Away in a manger," "Silent Night" and even "Jingle Bells."
Even their laughter is musical and pulls at my heart strings this night.

We come back to our house. The snow still falls. I'm not sure who begins it, but snow balls start flying. This is when I run in to grab the camera. (My excuse for not getting caught in the fray)

I love these moments. They don't require any money or effort. Just time.
Sweet and simple.
And unforgettable.

The Pioneer Summer

If our summer had a theme, it would be "Westward, ho!"

In fact, I just created the theme. There it is.

We have truly enjoyed volunteering at This is the Place Heritage Park, even in the 98 degree weather. Last summer, when we visited the park I kept wondering how the volunteers survived in their long-sleeved cotton dresses and bonnets in such hot, hot weather with no air conditioning.

Here's what I've learned:

Those long-sleeved cotton dresses actually keep you pretty cool. You sweat a little (or a lot) and every breeze that blows seems to cool you down more than if it was just blowing on your bare skin. Plus, when you keep the sun off your skin, it doesn't seem to warm your body as much. Does that make sense? Bottom line, long-sleeve cotton dresses aren't so bad.

Also, we leave the front and back door open in our "house." The front has a covered porch, which cools things down quite a bit. The breeze way is nice.

You do all your work in the morning or late evening. Last week I sat in the parlor in the afternoon with three other women. The single lady was telling us all about her beau and we married women relished the chance to give her advice. We laughed, we sewed and the afternoon passed quickly. The children ran here and there, dumped water on each other from the pump and when they got too hot they sat in the kitchen pantry and sucked on the candy sticks they purchased at the general store. It was a very unhurried, relaxing afternoon.

So my friends, I think that's how they did it. When it was 100 degrees outside, our pioneer ancestors rose early, hurried to get all the chores done and then moved very slowly in the afternoon.

Now my husband and I are getting ready for Youth Trek. We will be a Ma and Pa to 4 or 5 teenage youth. We will trek in the desert for three days pulling a handcart about 8 miles each day. There will be 5 other "families" in the handcart company. My super wonderful sister-in-laws are going to watch our real children while we are gone.

I am really looking forward to this experience! Last week a had the chance to go to Girls Camp with the Young Women in our ward. I loved getting to know them better. It reminded me that I was young once (because now I'm so old!). We had so much fun.

There has been so much preparation involved in this Trek. So many incredible people are planning really  inspired activities.

Even my husband is excited!

He was a little apprehensive at first. Understandably. He's taking three days off from work and his idea of the perfect vacation involves a hammock, a couple of books, and a case of ginger ale on ice, not trekking in 90 degree weather in a dusty desert with teenagers.

However, he's coming around. I would even say he's enthusiastic and it's fun to see.

I've been sewing bonnets! I've been using this tutorial over at Given Moments. The size she does is perfect for my kids. For adults and teens I added a couple inches to the rounded piece (9x16) and the brim piece (5 1/2 x 11).

I've also been sewing skirts and aprons. I thought about doing a tutorial for those, but they're so basic.

Yep, we've got the pioneer spirit over here.

Summer is flying by. Despite being so busy, I've enjoyed afternoon visits with friends and evening talks on the porch. Just sitting together and watching the kids. Listening to good audio books with the dears, riding bikes, playing piano, knitting, hiking in the canyons, taking lots of pictures and swimming at the pool.

The pioneers trekked west in hope of something better. They put one foot after the other and put their faith in the Lord. The ones that made it got back up after they stumbled.

Jeremy and I have been reading some good journal entries here. If you want a very realistic (and sometimes humorous, though I'm sure she didn't intend for it to be) view of the trail go to that site and click on

Taylor, Anstis Elmina Shepard.

Here is a little excerpt:
July
Friday 1

All passed off pleasantly till we camped and each and all seemed to have a good spirit, but when we reached camp and all too much fatiegued to move, then each felt cross and ill tempered and said words which never should have been spoken.

Yes! Thank you Anstis, for keeping it real.

I am learning and trying to take things slower. To find joy in the journey. To embrace these long, warm summer days so that they don't slip away too quickly. Trying not to become over fatigued and cross and say word which never should be said.

And if "Zion" is living and loving together, worshiping the Lord with all your heart, putting away the vain things of the world and living in a more joyful, frugal way, getting back up after you fall and helping others to do the same, then I say:
Westward, ho!

Kids' Dad Survey

Our Dad.
by
Elise (8 years)
Sam (11 years)
Claire (almost 6 years)
Anna (4 years)


1. He is named after____________________

Elise: Grandpa Sholley
Sam: My great grandpa (middle-name wise)
Claire: Don't know
Anna: Don't know

2. He is _________feet ___________ inches tall.

Elise: 6 feet 1 inch
Sam: 6 feet ? inch
Claire: 10 feet 12 inches
Anna: 12 feet 7 inches

3. His favorite ice cream is _______________

Elise: Vanilla
Sam: Strawberry (correct)
Claire: Vanilla
Anna: Vanilla

4. He would love to take a vacation to ____________

Elise: Kuaui
Sam: Paris
Claire: Hawaii
Anna: Don't know

5.The sickest time he has ever experienced is when __________

Elise: don't know
Sam: don't know
Claire: I think he had a fever once.
Anna: don't know
(apparently, Dad doesn't get sick)

6. In his spare time he likes to ____________

Elise: Take naps
Sam: Take naps
Claire: Take naps
Anna: Go on a date.

7. His favorite song is __________

Elise: Country Roads
Sam: don't know
Claire: I'm so glad when Daddy comes home
Anna: Chunky Roads

8. His happiest moment is when _________

Elise: He got married
Sam: He saw us be born
Claire: He can play with us
Anna: When we clean up our bedrooms ourselves

9. Two of his best friends are _____________

Elise: don't know
Sam: Brent H. and Luke M.
Claire: family and Heavenly Father and Jesus
Anna: Me and you!

10. His favorite sports team is _____________

Elise: BYU
Sam: BYU
Claire: baseball
Anna: soccer

11. He has _______ brothers and  ________ sisters

Elise: 6 brothers and 2 sisters
Sam: 6 brothers and 2 sisters
Claire: 6 brothers and 1 sister
Anna: 1 brother and 3 sisters

12. He over came a hardship when _______

Elise: Claire fell off her bike and got hurt real bad.
Sam: Claire scribbled on his paycheck in permanent marker.
Claire: when he is doing a puzzle.
Anna: when he went to London with mommy

13. His greatest enjoyment in life is when he ______

Elise: saw us be born.
Sam: gets to play with us.
Claire: when we came home from Wisconsin.
Anna: love.

As you can see, my kids know they have a pretty wonderful dad. We all feel so blessed to have him! We love you Jeremy!