1. Madilyn's countenance changed after giving her a foot zone. Amazing!
2. Greg was reminiscing about the effects of his cancer treatment - pain in his legs. We walked those hospital halls at all hours of the day and night. 2.5 So thankful for forgiving friends! 3. Bella painted her toe and fingernails - a different pattern per foot/hand. She is glad she is in Little Tykes now so she can have polish on her fingers, too. 4. The tooth fairy is visiting three children tonight to pick up three teeth. Madilyn's tooth has been under her pillow for a few nights already, but Greg and William's are fresh. 5. Will took Greg to Harbor Freight to exchange some tools. They were there forever; Greg said it was so fun trying to decide which ones to get. 6. Will and I had date night at home. He picked up Firehouse Subs which we ate at the kitchen table while the kids were upstairs watching a movie. He wanted to leave the kids home with Greg (12), but I'm just not ready for him to do that. I think he is completely capable and that the kids would be just fine watching a movie (since it is a rare thing). I think if we lived in a smaller, safer town, I would be more willing... Will is not so sure. He thinks I am over protective. Perhaps I am. 7. Levi loves to practice walking... he doesn't even crawl yet - he scootches his body with his hands, but is not up on his hands and knees yet. He is fearless/foolish. He doesn't see anything wrong with trying to walk to open space. Perhaps he needs some lessons in falling - the hard wood floor is not very merciful, though. 8. Will sang Levi to sleep while playing the guitar... the rest of us benefited as well. We love to hear him play and sing. Madilyn and I talked about how it reminds us of Pa and his fiddle in Little House on the Prairie. 9. Emma Leigh is such a good sister to Rosie (most of the time). Today, she prepped some strawberries for her. What a sweetie. 10. The older kids were carving a good portion of the day today. They were using the Handicrafts carving kit they got for Christmas.
0 Comments
1. Rosie says, "Mom, see you later!" as she slides down the stairs in a pillowcase. Love it!
1. Greg gave his first youth-speaker talk in Sacrament Meeting today. He did awesome! He wrote the first draft on his own. I showed him the farmer story, but he found all the other references. Will and I only helped him so it flowed better. I was impressed with his initial efforts and his presentation. He didn't appear nervous and even looked up from his paper a few times. You can read it here. Proud mom! I sure love that young man!!
2. I needed to be reminded of the story of the farmer and why it is important to have vision and drive to accomplish the plan. I often feel like the farmer - staying busy all day, but accomplishing nothing. It produces a very unfulfilling feeling. 2.5 My most essential long term goal is to receive Exaltation. I feel like I am on the path, but I am not specific in my plans to progress on that path. 3. I need to ponder these questions and suggest my kids to ponder these so we can discuss them during their personal interviews: Does my life have meaning? Do I believe in God? Do I believe that God knows and loves me? Do I believe God hears and answers my prayers? Am I truly happy? Are my efforts leading me to the highest spiritual goals and values in life? [source] 4. Why does Emma Leigh keep having accidents? She needs a foot zone for sure. Perhaps she needs more positive attention. I believe that the root of every problem is a lack of feeling loved. My poor sweetheart, don't you know how much I love you?! 5. A friend's mom passed away a few days ago. I hunted her down at church so I could give her a huge hug. I know what it feels like losing a Mom during the holidays. She asked if it gets easier. With my eyes full of tears, I shook my head. It does when you don't think about it. My advice was to stay busy. It will need processing, but for now stay busy. An intune friend told me my mom's hell is knowing the pain it causes us. I think there is probably truth in that. If I can stay on top of it and not get down-hearted and depressed (which really is no helpful and really does no good), and remember happiness will come as I forget myself and go to work sharing the good news of the gospel, I am in a much better position to be a source of happiness for Mom. 6. Omni 1:12 - am I coloring the muscle test, or am I being warned?? -Leigh Ann 1. The first thing out of Emma Leigh's mouth this morning was, "I can't wait for Christmas again!" She must have had so much fun these last few days to be so excited for it to happen again.
2. Levi was asleep on my bed. Rosie wanted to lie down on my bed and snuggle with me under a warm (hair dryer powered!) blanket. The hair dryer wouldn't reach around him and so I told her I could hold her instead. She didn't like that idea and asked for the carseat (for Levi) so she could then snuggle on the bed. It was very clever of her, so we did it. Win-win-win: Levi stayed asleep in the carseat, she took a much needed nap, and I got to snuggle with her under a warm blanket. I always enjoy the warm air from the hair dryer... it reminds me of getting warm by the vents in the floor in my childhood years. 3. I offered to put together a reception for my sister-in-law who is getting married soon. As I was waiting for her reply, my mind was racing with ideas and resources. I was bummed when she declined. I hope she doesn't regret not having one. As she said, the most important thing is being sealed for time and all eternity in the temple and everything else is just extra. This is absolutely true. Yet, I believe celebrating it gives a chance for family and friends to show their love and support, it's tradition and although that is not reason enough to do it, it preserves the specialness of marriage and gives future generations something to look forward to - a beautiful day of celebration, family, and friends. One can definitely go overboard and go into debt which is not advisable, but I think it is good and lovely to have a simple reception. 1. Finished wrapping around 3am. I couldn't fall asleep. I was semi nervous about the kids. I like having them near. Having them asleep downstairs was different. I was also nervous because I was so. very. tired that I wouldn't be coherent if they needed me. In my dream, Greg said, "Mom" in the tone of voice the kids use when Levi is choking or someone is seriously hurt - it means I am seriously nervous and need help. I awoke from my sleep and checked on the kids. Levi and Emma Leigh were in my bed and were fine. I was tempted to go back to sleep. Luckily, I checked on Rosie who was taken up to bed after falling asleep in the van fully dressed - including a hooded jacket. She was asleep on her belly, with the hood of the jacket covering her face. I'm not sure how close of a call it was, but the thought that she could have suffocated was enough for me to offer a prayer of gratitude for being awoken from a deep sleep to see to it that there was no obstruction to her being able to breathe freely. God be thanked for the tender mercies in my life!
2. Aunt Judy made two special loaves of cinnamon sugar (dairy free) bread just for me so that I could enjoy our traditional Christmas breakfast. I am so impressed that she would even think about doing it - definitely something I could count on Mom doing. Feeling loved. -Leigh Ann 1. Will, all I want for Christmas is you!
We celebrate Christmas with Will's family on Christmas Eve. To lighten our shopping load, Will went out after we put the kids to bed on the 23rd. The last text conversation ended at 11:40pm and it seemed he was finishing up. An hour later, I still hadn't heard from him. His phone went straight to voice mail. I knew Target was closed by then and had no idea where he was. By 1:00am my thoughts were racing - full of fear. I tested he was fine, but my body was full of anxiety. I knew I had to calm down so I could feel the Spirit to know what I needed to do or where I needed to look. Earlier that day, I thought I wanted to be debt free, have land, and live simply... when I thought something had happened to him, all I wanted was my man. Nothing else mattered. I was on my knees praying he would walk in the door any minute when at last he did! (He was still shopping when he realized his phone battery died and he was trying to get it charged.) 2. Keeping with tradition, the kids fell asleep downstairs watching classic Christmas movies while Will and I were upstairs wrapping gifts. 3. Being 10, Madilyn joined Santa's Helpers - and what a help she was! 4. Aunt Judy saved the day... I hadn't bought the spiral bound hymnal for Will and was running out of time. She went above and beyond. 5. I left Levi with Will while I was picking up the wrapped {!} gift from Judy. He was exhausted but wouldn't fall asleep - probably overstimulated; that's what happens when you have twenty or so cousins running around. Will took Levi into Grandpa's office and played Every Rose has it's Thorn on the guitar while singing to him and he fell right to sleep. That sweet little love of mine loves music. 6. The Lord loves me. I lost one of my favorite blankets of Levi. My dear friend, Sara B, made it for him. It is so soft and warm and the perfect size. When I was about to bring him into the house is when I realized it was missing. I had already brought a load into the house and figured I must have grabbed it. I couldn't see it inside and assumed I overlooked it in the Jeep. After wrapping some presents, nursing Levi, and chatting with a friend who was dropping off goodies. I was ready to head to Grandma's. It wasn't in the Jeep. I prayed all the windy way back to Hobby Lobby. I knew it fell out while I was struggling to get Levi's carseat in the Jeep. Fearing the wind blew it across the street or it got ran over or someone took it, I prayed in earnest. There it was lying in a shopping cart propped up onto a curb. Sighs of relief and tears of joy. I hugged that cozy little blanket and said a prayer of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for good people in the world - specifically those at Hobby Lobby around 3:10pm. (Interesting that I had almost parked in two other stalls before deciding on the one I did - perhaps I was being guided). 7. Grandma made the cutest pajama pants with the kids' names embroidered on them. 8. Grandma had the kids go shopping in her room for their Christmas gifts. I knew Madilyn would choose very carefully and Emma Leigh would just grab the first one that caught her eye. I love seeing the individuality of my kids. -Leigh Ann 1. Rosanna swept up the mess she made of baby cereal. On her own! 2. Grandma watched the kids so Will and I could go shopping. We bought more stuff this time. Smile. 3. Grandma said what great workers Madilyn and Bella were. They helped her make all the goodies for Christmas dinner tomorrow. It took them 3 hours and they never tired out. Proud Mom! 4. Greg and William helped Uncle Jimmy, too! I love when they learn things {and build memories} while they are being watched!! 5. Will installed cloth doors for the Jeep. I love how the kids rush to his side whenever they know he is working on a project. It's been over a year since our nice hard doors were stolen -took them right off the hinges in front of our house... the nerve! Will claims it has kept him humble and that it is cheaper to get bundled up than buy new doors. I'm so thankful he finally came to his senses - it's tough to get over a cold when you are in cold windy weather for an hour or so a day. 6. Emma said, "Look Mom, it fits" as she showed me a skirt rolled at the waist a few times to barely lift it off the floor. She got a pair of sandals that were at least a few sizes too big out of our clothing closet and was ready to go to Grandma's. She makes me smile. 7. Around 11pm, Greg says he finally has his idea for his talk on Sunday and wants to record it before he forgets. Of course I let him, I"m the same way. I've got to write it down or I'll be up all night trying to remember it. 8. Went to our neighbor's engagement party to meet her fiance'. We have known her for 10 years and can't believe she is old enough to be engaged. The chicken tortilla soup was delicious and one that I will be adding to our menu. I love having fabulous neighbors!! 11. I smile when I think that I used to want the perfect tree decorated perfectly. Now I'm happy the kids are rearranging the ornaments every few minutes and that Levi is touching the branches of this real noble fir. On the tree this year, we included the glittered pine cones the kids made with Grandma a few months ago. I love walking in the family room and smelling Christmas. 12. Last year we were delivered $1000 on Christmas Eve -from an anonymous Saint. Earlier that day I had been crying sad tears not knowing how to make ends meet. After the doorbell rang, and the envelope delivered, I was crying happy tears knowing the Lord is looking out for me and my family. I was filled with joy and gratitude and a desire to pay it forward. I hope to reflect on that experience at least yearly and look forward to the time I can bring that kind of relief and happiness to a fellow passerby. 13. Some elves have been delivering the 12 days of Christmas to us. I have learned some tricks: stop ringing the doorbell after the first few nights and do the drop off at various times. Genius. Thank you, Elves, for making this holiday season bright! I must admit I'm astonished; Will's not the bishop any longer and yet someone is willingly spending quite a bit of time and money on a huge family to spread some Christmas cheer. I love it!! ...and yet I shrink in shame. I know I could never pull off something as wonderful as this. It takes a lot of prep and follow through; both of which -as my record shows- I'm not good at. I have guilt over the many many many times service has been done to me and our family and I haven't expressed properly (through thank you cards or returned service or plate of goodies) the gratitude I have felt. Many times, I think up the idea and get halfway through completion and then something comes up and I don't finish and follow through with the thank you card or the returned service, or the plate of goodies. Ugh. I have hope that I can change. Until then, I hope my prayers of gratitude are felt and the Lord is sending blessings upon your heads for your service. -Leigh Ann 1. Will woke up early, rode his bike to the park, came home and studied Jesus the Christ. Madilyn grabbed her book, The Long Winter, and read beside him. Wish I would have been awake to see my man inspiring our daughter. 1.5 Will made breakfast {biscuits, hash browns and eggs} and then we did the dishes together. 2. Papa and LeAnne watched the kids - last minute, as always. 3. I forgot to call Dad yesterday to check up on him. It must be tough having your wedding anniversary the same day as your wife's burial anniversary. 4. We saw a meteor while driving home from Papa's! 5. After seeing me do it, Rosanna broke her french fries into tiny pieces to share with Levi. So sweet! 6. Madilyn was the hero at Papa's. Levi only wanted Madilyn. Bella described it, "LeAnne had Levi then she gave him to Papa because he was crying, then Papa gave him to LeAnne because he was crying and then Madilyn took him and he stopped crying." I love that Levi felt safety, love, and security from his sister. 7. Levi was soo happy to see me when we got back from shopping. His legs were happily kicking and he gave me kisses (and chin bites). 8. Shopping with my best friend. Gone a few hours and only bought one item. Nice. 9. Rosanna came up to me while I was doing the dishes and said, "My toe feels better." 10. Greg is a great hunter! 11. William suggested we read about Christ first thing on Christmas morning, so it's not all about the presents. Ohh so sweet! Greg didn't like the idea. Ha ha. 12. Will read more of A Christmas Carol in candlelight... I tend to get all Scrooge-like if I'm not reminded yearly. 13. I have a kink in my neck/shoulder... I know it's emotional. Feeling so much anxiety about wanting/needing a change, but so indecisive and scared to make the wrong choice. 14. At Papa's, Emma Leigh and Bella made a little 'fire' out of dead leaves, berries and twigs and surrounded it by stones. It was hidden in the bushes. I checked it out by flashlight after shopping. I love to see the fruits of their imagination! 15. Bella frequently asks if we have to drive home on the freeway. When we ask why she doesn't like it she just says, "I don't know; I just don't like it." Interesting. -Leigh Ann Serve a small bowl of frozen peas next to a big bowl of vegetable soup. You can add peas to cool the soup down. Brilliant!
|
I'm a DownerA Charming Wife to Will. MEAL plansMondayFruit Tray & Juiced Apples
Oatmeal Salad and Sandwiches Veggie Tray & Juiced Carrots Chicken Stroganoff Chocolate Pudding TuesdayFruit Tray & Juiced Apples
Granola Salad & Chicken Salad Sandwiches Veggie Tray & Juiced Carrots Yummy Chicken, Brown Rice & Broccoli Wednesday,Fruit Tray & Juiced Apples
Fried Egg & Tortilla Rolls Salad & Sandwiches Veggie Tray & Juiced Carrots Sloppy Joes ThursdayFruit Tray
Pumpkin Muffins Orange Chicken FridayFruit
Veggie Tray Cheese Pizza & Spaghetti Squash with meat sauce SaturdayFruit Tray & Juiced Apples
Cinnamon Rolls Leftovers Veggie Tray & Juiced Carrots Tin Foil Dinners & Rolls SundayFruit Tray
Granola Chips & Salsa Leftovers Sausage & Vegetable Soup Archives
March 2018
following: |