Saturday, November 12, 2011
Yeah Right!
I tried to be creative with my day today. I wanted to take some fun pictures of the kids. No one was very cooperative. None of the self timer pictures turned out. I have the lamest camera in the world. Plus I have no editing software. Im too cheap to buy photoshop. So, here is what turned out. Not great but you can see I had good intentions.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Mommy Reminder
I've been thinking about some important decisions lately. There is so much I want to do in life. So much I want to be and experience. But, I realize there is a season for all these things.
I love being a mom and I feel a desire to be home with my boys while they are little. To be here and enjoy these precious fleeting moments. Sure, being a mom isnt all fun and smiles. There is pressure and disappointments. Sacrifices and personal pursuits in limbo. This is to be expected and isnt always welcome.
There was a time in life where I never thought I would have these moments. Motherhood seemed so unattainable. That too was a difficult time with its own challenges. My perspective has changed alot. Im grateful and sometimes need a jog to my memory.
I recently read this and found it re-kindled my earnest desire to be a good mother and go without some of the things that I imagine would define me like: a college degree, a paycheck, a career, nice clothes, unlimited ME time for workouts and play, unlimited couples time for Mike and I, dining out, toys ,etc.
Its always nice to have a reminder, especially from someone whom I feel is inspired. I hope it may be just the thing one of you may need to read on an especially rough day in mommyhood. Or, if you dont have kids, its still good advice when in any family relationship.
“The family by its very nature is an institution based upon righteous self-denial and sacrifice. It is not an individualistic or self-centered organization, but a highly cooperative and other-centered institution. Successful families require that men and women make substantial and long-term sacrifices of their time, money, and personal fulfillment in order to dedicate their efforts to rearing the next generation. Selfishness in any form or degree weakens the bonds that hold families together. The rise of selfishness in our society is the fundamental underlying trend that undermines families and makes successful marriages so difficult. Many today find it irrational to devote so much time and energy to the welfare of the next generation, but if this commitment is not deeply rooted in society, civilization will decline and perish, while children grow up in a moral wasteland, confused, unguided, and unloved.
“Moreover, the sacrifices that fathers and mothers make for their children ultimately will result in the greatest possible happiness for those making the sacrifices. In all of human experience, there are no joys more tender, no love more sweet, no fulfillment higher than that found in the family. Those who honor the calling of righteous parenthood will find their souls refined, their hearts purified, and their minds enlightened by the most important lessons of life. They will rise to far greater heights of happiness than those who engage in the narrow and ultimately unsatisfying pursuit of self.”
Bruce D. Porter, "Defending the family in a troubled world", The Ensign, June 2011.
“The family by its very nature is an institution based upon righteous self-denial and sacrifice. It is not an individualistic or self-centered organization, but a highly cooperative and other-centered institution. Successful families require that men and women make substantial and long-term sacrifices of their time, money, and personal fulfillment in order to dedicate their efforts to rearing the next generation. Selfishness in any form or degree weakens the bonds that hold families together. The rise of selfishness in our society is the fundamental underlying trend that undermines families and makes successful marriages so difficult. Many today find it irrational to devote so much time and energy to the welfare of the next generation, but if this commitment is not deeply rooted in society, civilization will decline and perish, while children grow up in a moral wasteland, confused, unguided, and unloved.
“Moreover, the sacrifices that fathers and mothers make for their children ultimately will result in the greatest possible happiness for those making the sacrifices. In all of human experience, there are no joys more tender, no love more sweet, no fulfillment higher than that found in the family. Those who honor the calling of righteous parenthood will find their souls refined, their hearts purified, and their minds enlightened by the most important lessons of life. They will rise to far greater heights of happiness than those who engage in the narrow and ultimately unsatisfying pursuit of self.”
Bruce D. Porter, "Defending the family in a troubled world", The Ensign, June 2011.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Happy Halloween
Halloween has come and gone. Pheew!! Its always crazy trying to get everyone to decide what they want to be and get them dressed. The Wards Trunk or Treat was one batch of costumes. The trick or treating was another. Gesh! Too much candy. This year, some of last years costumes were recycled. Some of us just cant be creative , I guess (yes, Im talking mainly about me!) I went as a fat, old mother that has boys...oh wait, that is my everyday outfit. As you can see, we had a great time.
The neighborhood block party was a hit with the kids. So was Mikey's Burger King costume.
The neighborhood block party was a hit with the kids. So was Mikey's Burger King costume.
Good thing he had on a dress, it was HOT. 89 degrees was our daily high. It was too hot for Asher to wear his NASCAR outfit again on Halloween Eve so he opted for Luigi. Zach was both Superman and WolfMan, Tanner was Darth Vader and Superman. Crew was a cute little cow.
Hope you had a Happy Halloween.
Aunt Khyra and cousin Damon came to Trunk or Treat.
Look, its cow and chicken.
Hope you had a Happy Halloween.
Aunt Khyra and cousin Damon came to Trunk or Treat.
Look, its cow and chicken.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
To Pennsylvania for some German Potato Salad
All is well here in Arizona. The weather today is a too warm fall morning of 80 degrees. However, there is cold front on the way and I am looking forward to it.
We just seeded our lawn with winter grass so we are anticipating a lush soft blanket of rye to lay in shortly. If the weather helps us out. I was sad the the gorgeous purple mums I bought only 2 weeks ago finally withered and died in their pots this week.- The heat just kills them too quickly here. Mums are a link to the fall season for me, so I was disappointed.
I recently returned from a short jaunt to Pennsylvania for a Columbus Day getaway. Mike stayed home with the kids while I joined my brothers Noah and Hunter, and my parents to welcome Lincoln home from his mission. It was fun to see him and introduce him to Crew, who traveled with me.
Murphys Law was in effect prior to my flight. An online error (I dont think it was a user error) caused some problems for my flight and I ended up paying for another one way ticket home. After I had already purchased my roundtrip flight. ARGGG!
Then, the day before I was leaving, Mike gets word that a new surgeon wants him to come work the next day, a Friday. Mike hasnt worked a Friday in over a year. Because he never has, he didnt schedule the day off to watch the kids while I left!! So, after a freakout and some choice words, I managed to get the older boys to school and arrange a sitter for everybody (thanks to the good graces of my friend and neighbor). Zach and Tanner were going to head off to Tucson for the weekend, so Grandma and Grandpa Banzhaf drove 6 hours round trip to come and take them, instead of mtg Mike halfway in South Phoenix. It was the most stressed I have been in a long time.- Asher has maybe been babysat 1 time his whole life for under 2 hours. He was at a sitters from 8 am-8:30pm. I was flipping out inside worrying about how he was feeling. Then to hear that Mikes case was extended for more hours, I lost it.
So, not only did Mike end up working, but he worked until 8:30 that night. In his field, this almost NEVER happens. But, the one day I was getting on an airplane it did.
The good news is, Crew was a great traveler. He entertained our fellow passengers, sat quietly and played and slept right on cue. He was an angel to travel with.
Pennsylvania was warmer than expected and absolutely delightful. It refueled me. I needed to just see the green and hear the sounds of the Canadian geese honking in the sky. I felt like I had started to forget my life there.It was good to reconnect.We did some sightseeing and just hanging out together. It was perfect.
To be honest, it was hard to get on a plane and return to Arizona. But, I had for a minute a sense of closure that I never fully had before. A realization that my life there was a grand adventure but not my only adventure. That while in fact I had loved my life there, it wasnt without its negatives also. Nowhere in the world is perfect. Each place has its own pros and cons. I will always cherish my time in Pa, but I need to live in the now and move on. I do hope to someday convince my husband to move back to the east coast for a time, but I will be grateful for the moments Im having here. In a few years, I may feel the same way about Arizona.
Im actually starting to feel like we have a place in the community, in ward, and in our home. Day by Day, project by project, Im learning to love my home and recognize my smallest blessings. My kids will reflect the attitude I have about where we live, and I need to give them a non judgemental base to start building on. Its not fair to poison them with my negativity. My husband needs my gratitude and assurance that I am happy with the blessings he works hard to provide. Im learning to be patient with myself and with others. I will make friends...but they need to get to know me, and I them. The Lord is with me, wherever I go. He will help me to find peace in any location. It seems so logical to KNOW these things, but LIVING them is more difficult at times.
Anyway- Here are some pictures from Pa. My parents threw an October fest party with German sausages, German hot potato salad, apple spiced red cabbage, and all the trimmings. They had over 70 people. It was amazing. What was my favorite part? (besides the pot. salad!?!)- My moms cold apple drink she served. It is just apple juice and ginger ale mixed(dont forget to serve it COLD with pebble ice too!). Oh my goodness...it was so good.
We just seeded our lawn with winter grass so we are anticipating a lush soft blanket of rye to lay in shortly. If the weather helps us out. I was sad the the gorgeous purple mums I bought only 2 weeks ago finally withered and died in their pots this week.- The heat just kills them too quickly here. Mums are a link to the fall season for me, so I was disappointed.
I recently returned from a short jaunt to Pennsylvania for a Columbus Day getaway. Mike stayed home with the kids while I joined my brothers Noah and Hunter, and my parents to welcome Lincoln home from his mission. It was fun to see him and introduce him to Crew, who traveled with me.
Murphys Law was in effect prior to my flight. An online error (I dont think it was a user error) caused some problems for my flight and I ended up paying for another one way ticket home. After I had already purchased my roundtrip flight. ARGGG!
Then, the day before I was leaving, Mike gets word that a new surgeon wants him to come work the next day, a Friday. Mike hasnt worked a Friday in over a year. Because he never has, he didnt schedule the day off to watch the kids while I left!! So, after a freakout and some choice words, I managed to get the older boys to school and arrange a sitter for everybody (thanks to the good graces of my friend and neighbor). Zach and Tanner were going to head off to Tucson for the weekend, so Grandma and Grandpa Banzhaf drove 6 hours round trip to come and take them, instead of mtg Mike halfway in South Phoenix. It was the most stressed I have been in a long time.- Asher has maybe been babysat 1 time his whole life for under 2 hours. He was at a sitters from 8 am-8:30pm. I was flipping out inside worrying about how he was feeling. Then to hear that Mikes case was extended for more hours, I lost it.
So, not only did Mike end up working, but he worked until 8:30 that night. In his field, this almost NEVER happens. But, the one day I was getting on an airplane it did.
The good news is, Crew was a great traveler. He entertained our fellow passengers, sat quietly and played and slept right on cue. He was an angel to travel with.
Pennsylvania was warmer than expected and absolutely delightful. It refueled me. I needed to just see the green and hear the sounds of the Canadian geese honking in the sky. I felt like I had started to forget my life there.It was good to reconnect.We did some sightseeing and just hanging out together. It was perfect.
To be honest, it was hard to get on a plane and return to Arizona. But, I had for a minute a sense of closure that I never fully had before. A realization that my life there was a grand adventure but not my only adventure. That while in fact I had loved my life there, it wasnt without its negatives also. Nowhere in the world is perfect. Each place has its own pros and cons. I will always cherish my time in Pa, but I need to live in the now and move on. I do hope to someday convince my husband to move back to the east coast for a time, but I will be grateful for the moments Im having here. In a few years, I may feel the same way about Arizona.
Im actually starting to feel like we have a place in the community, in ward, and in our home. Day by Day, project by project, Im learning to love my home and recognize my smallest blessings. My kids will reflect the attitude I have about where we live, and I need to give them a non judgemental base to start building on. Its not fair to poison them with my negativity. My husband needs my gratitude and assurance that I am happy with the blessings he works hard to provide. Im learning to be patient with myself and with others. I will make friends...but they need to get to know me, and I them. The Lord is with me, wherever I go. He will help me to find peace in any location. It seems so logical to KNOW these things, but LIVING them is more difficult at times.
Anyway- Here are some pictures from Pa. My parents threw an October fest party with German sausages, German hot potato salad, apple spiced red cabbage, and all the trimmings. They had over 70 people. It was amazing. What was my favorite part? (besides the pot. salad!?!)- My moms cold apple drink she served. It is just apple juice and ginger ale mixed(dont forget to serve it COLD with pebble ice too!). Oh my goodness...it was so good.
Beautiful Fall night sky from my parents porch.
Crew sitting on my lap in New Hope, PA
New Hope, Pa is a MUST see place. So quaint. Tons of shopping. Close to Philly. Loved it!
Washington Crossing. This is the area where George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Eve 1776. Changing the course of the revolutionary war.
Just taking a walk with Noah, Hunter and Crew around the neighborhood.
My Mothers Festive Home...Love being there.
Some were eating here on the patio. More in other places around the house and yard.
I didnt have my camera until the end of the party so I am not doing the food spread justice. And I didnt take any pictures of all the seating and lights that were all over the yard. Or the darling pumpkin centerpieces on each of the tables. Sorry...I get talking instead of photographing.
I was at the end of the buffet line. As you can see there were 3 types of meat.
Frankferters,Weisswurst, and one other that I cant remember.
Empty trays and delicious memories were all that was left in the end. YUM!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monkey Business
Some cute pictures of Crew playing. Such a lovie. He had just bumped his eye on the floor hence the red mark over the eye.
And some picture of my projects. I finally got a BURST of color in my all brown front room. My lamps arent all painted yet and Im still looking for the right shades, but you get the idea.The pictures have a few smudges from my camera on it. Sorry. My portrait walll is next on my list of to do's.
You can also see how my millons of niches are getting filled with books etc..this is a neverending project. I am constantly looking for items to make them look more grown up instead of college dorm. Its starting to shape up. I've got some vinyl signs in the works that will be added.
And some picture of my projects. I finally got a BURST of color in my all brown front room. My lamps arent all painted yet and Im still looking for the right shades, but you get the idea.The pictures have a few smudges from my camera on it. Sorry. My portrait walll is next on my list of to do's.
You can also see how my millons of niches are getting filled with books etc..this is a neverending project. I am constantly looking for items to make them look more grown up instead of college dorm. Its starting to shape up. I've got some vinyl signs in the works that will be added.
10 Years and Counting!
The 27th marked TEN years of Marriage for us!
I cant believe it sometimes. I still remember our wedding like it was yesterday.
I thought I would jot down a few things I love about my husband.
Mike is very patient with me. He has shown me love when I definately didnt deserve it. If you know anything about my pregancies and how I turn into Medusa then you will agree. Mike is VERY patient.
Mike loves his family. He will do what it takes to make sure we are taken care of, even if it means alot of personal sacrifice.
Mike is kind to everyone. He is good to strangers and helps even when he doesnt have to. He says hello and interacts with complete strangers. He offers to carry things, load and unload trucks (even with a bad back) or help those who cant help themselves. I love that about him.
“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Mike is a hard worker. He doesnt have to go into an office these days. He works when the surgeons work which is very random. However, when he is home, he can be found holding a baby, playing a game with a child, climbing in our trees, weeding, cleaning the pool, sweeping up the piles of dirt the kids bring home from the playground. Scrubbing a toilet, fixing a hole, building a project, uploading his cases, etc. He is always working lately. Maybe it has to do with buying this house. Constant projects to complete. He never complains and just gets to work.I love that about him.
Mike makes great pancakes. I dont know if its because I dont like pancakes, or because I dont read the instructions correctly, but I make awful pancakes. Mikes are perfect and the kids will only eat his creations. Not mine.
Mike is always trying to be better. I admire this quality so much. He is always trying to get better. Working on his weaknesses, Reminding me that we should always be doing more to be more like Christ. He wants to be a better person day by day.
Mike is Mike...even with quirks,insecurities,strengths,opinions, habits, and love of Metallica, I married HIM. I have NEVER regretted binding myself to him. I love claiming him as my husband. He is such an amazing man. Im glag he chose me and I chose him. I cant imagine life without him.
“Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.”
― John Greenleaf Whittier
I love what I recently read in the Ensign magazine. Im paraphrasing but, it said that the temple is a place you get married. Having a celestial marriage is something you create after you are married. Im glad I get to build that with you Mike. Its been peaks and valleys and that is how God planned life. Working in unison to get through trials gives us a connection we might not have any other way. We also have long spans of peace and happiness and I am grateful for that too.
I love you babe. Thank you for 10 Amazing years, 4 children, and Happiness that I dont deserve but cherish. The journey continues...
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