Not A Whole Lot Changes in Ten Years

Tonight we spent some family time watching home movies from our family vacation to Colorado, Utah and Yellowstone in 2001.  It never ceases to amaze me how little my kids have changed in the ten years that have passed since that favorite trip.  Yes, they have definitely matured during that time – but their personalities are much the same. 

Greg was the narrator for much of the video.  I’m still surprised by how much of a Southern accent he had back then.  I guess I never really noticed it as he was growing up, but boy was it obvious in retrospect!  He still speaks quite slowly; he was a little embarrassed watching, probably because his girlfriend was enjoying the home movies along with us – but I thought it was cute.  It’s just part of what makes him Greg and yet another thing to love about him.   You could tell he felt important because he was given the responsibility of taking the video.  He was sure to tell us what amazing sights we were looking at and would zoom in on the names of the various geysers, springs and mudpots in Yellowstone.  I’m grateful he provided those important aspects, so that now, 10 years later, we would know what we were looking at!   He was the obvious oldest child – reprimanding a younger sibling for saying something silly, hiking in the hundred something degree heat through Arches National Park with his 1 year old brother on his back, complimenting me by taking a picture of me and mentioning my weight loss – yes, I was struggling with weight even back then. 

Then there was Mark!  Questions, questions, and more questions!  Obnoxious noises followed by even more questions.  His dad repeating the same thing over and over and over again to him, until he finally complied.  Let’s see: spitting in the hot springs to see if his spit would boil; taking a stick and “writing” in these bacterial deposits in Yellowstone, despite signs warning to leave the natural habitat undisturbed!  Curious and destructive!  Hmmmm,  wonder how New York City and its inhabitants are faring!  But I love him like crazy and miss him terribly right now.

Lindsay was the boss, well kind of. I think she and Mike were competing for that job.   Should I be even slightly surprised?  She wasn’t bossy in a mean sort of way, which did actually surprise me a little.  She would just tell people what they were supposed to be doing.  Ummm, she still does that.  She was tough as nails, doing whatever her big brothers were attempting, but there she was playing with the little ones and making sure they were safe!  That’s my Lindz!  Gotta love her too! And something else that I noticed – she was almost always with me – when she wasn’t doing some kind of daredevil thing, that is. That kind of surprised me and made me smile just a little.  Maybe she didn't really mind being with me as much as I might have thought.  

  

Then Todd . . . thinking that he was as big as the others, following in their literal footsteps; showing that he WAS bigger than Thomas – taunting and teasing just a little.  Hmmmmmm. . . .     Throwing a big rock at Mark, crying when he didn’t get his way – I should explain that he was only 4!  Well, that still doesn’t explain the rock.  But cute, with a sensitive side that teared up very easily.  And Patiently holding out a Cheeto for a groundhog.    Yep, that would be Todd, more patient with animals than with his siblings.    A little bit more challenging – but I love him lots anyway!

Thomas was only about 18 months during that vacation.  He was still so little – but he was so good.  I remember how amazed I was that he tolerated 2 weeks of camping so well and so easily.  My biggest concern was keeping his face and clothes clean so that the bears wouldn’t smell him coming!  He was pretty quiet and rarely complained.   Okay, so Thomas is a lot more vocal these days and I’m sure he would have something to say about long car rides and staying in a tent and the outdoors for so long with absolutely no electronics!  But that sweetness and innocence is still there, even today.  Who can help but love Thomas?

Needless to say, Garrett was totally bent out of shape because he didn’t make an appearance in this movie.  My thought is this: after listening to all the kids’ fussing and crying, throwing rocks and screaming to go to the bathroom, plus looking at the loaded-down Suburban with barely room to spare – well, let’s just say I’m totally amazed that Garrett made an appearance at all!  Period!  He’s lucky he’s even part of this wonderful family, but then so are we.  

Day 80 ~ My Before Picture - It's Time

Today I am posting my before picture.  That can only mean one thing . . . yes, a real diet is in my not too distant future.  It's not happening yet as I am still sneaking from the Easter baskets, but it's pretty close.  I have a little over 3 months before our trip to Florida.  Beaches and swimsuits typically go hand in hand, so it's time.  This isn't going to be easy, as this isn't going to be a couple of weeks type of thing. I'm very serious so wish me luck!

Simplify

To simplify is to make easy or uncomplicated. So how does one go about simplifying one's life? I have a little knick~knack that sits on my table in the living room that says "SIMPLIFY". I also have a sign over my front door in the foyer that reads "KEEP IT SIMPLE". I placed these things there in the hopes that I would pay attention to them on occasion. I haven't been paying attention. But still a voice whispers every once in a while into my ear, saying, "SIMPLIFY". I pretend not to hear and then the voice becomes louder still, "SIMPLIFY!"

So I am writing this entry to keep myself somewhat accountable. If I write it, it will be. Kind of like, "If you build it they will come." So if I'm taking the time to write this, then I will surely try to simplify the complexities of my life. Not that my life is that complicated, it just seems to be at times. I tend to overthink things and complicate them more. So how can I simplify?

First thing is to dejunk my home. I keep saying I am going to get rid of stuff and I manage to declutter a little bit at a time. But my house is in need of a total overhaul. I've tried to teach my kids that less can indeed be more, but I need to teach more by example and start getting rid of some stuff!

Once the decluttering process has begun, I must firmly commit to not bringing any more junk in: bought, borrowed, stolen (well, I never steal) but NOTHING can enter that is not essential. And if one new item makes it through the front door, then logically one old item must say "Adios". I'm not good at goodbyes.

I next must simplify all the complexities and complications that occur in my mind. I am an expert at making mountains out of molehills. But I'm severely lacking when it comes to creating molehills out of mountains. I'm not sure how to accomplish this feat. Prayer certainly helps and some positive self talk. So I'm resolving to do more of those.

In all things I resolve to keep it simple. Note: this is my resolution, albeit 3 weeks late. But I'm not going to overthink this. I can make a resolution any time of year. I'll keep it simple when shopping, when discussing things with my kids ( I tend to go on and on, long after they've gotten the point); I'll simplify our Family Nights, I've already been getting better at that, but those can go on and on way too long; I'll simplify my living spaces, my work spaces ~ all of which will hopefully lead to better organization. I'll keep meals simple while healthy. And speaking of decluttering and dejunking ~ that goes for my body too. Simplifying what goes in and exercising to get rid of excess. So I'm not dieting, I'm simplifying. I wrote it so now I'm accountable.

Tomorrow is a new day. I know new habits take a while. I'll give it a while. There will be challenges. But I'm ready to face them. And not give in to discouragement.

Time to simplify.

Still Catchin' Up

Not an original title, but oh well! I was just reading through my last blog entry and decided it needs to be updated - and will try to be more upbeat.

Let's see, Greg is still preparing for his mission and is making progress. Mark has set aside plans for another war documentary so my house is spared! Lindsay still has not asked to retake the driving test - and I'm not pushing so the vehicles and nerves are still intact! Todd is playing hockey with the BIG KIDS! He is the youngest on the team and has scored a goal and has no fear of those somewhat larger than him hockey players. Thomas had an awesome progress report (all A's and B's) and we are still waiting on that psychologist's appointment. And by far the biggest news of the last month is that Garrett has FINALLY mastered the art of using the potty all the time. Mike had a job interview AND his present job has been extended until the end of the year. I finished preceptorship in Labor and Delivery and absolutely LOVED it! Yes, I most definitely want to practice OB nursing one day. I have begun the job application process, but it is definitely slow and I'm satisfied to wait and see what comes my way. I have only 11 more days until my pinning ceremony - the end is so clearly in sight now, just a couple of tests to go! Hmmm . . . what else? Life is good and we are definitely blessed.

April also gave us the opportunity to celebrate Easter and remember and give gratitude for the Lord's atoning sacrifice. The bunny came and left way too much chocolate - but I haven't gained any weight back and in fact am ready to start back on that lovely road of weight loss. The trees and flowers are blooming, grass has to be cut already. Spring has finally arrived with warmer temperatures and also reminded us of the new life we are promised. That promise of life and better things to come has taken on even more special meaning these last few weeks. I have had the opportunity to reflect on memories of someone dear who has left this life way to soon. I have to have faith in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father has wonderful things planned for Henri - but I know also that so many will be impacted by this tremendous loss. I am especially saddened because I had not seen him for so many years, but hopeful that I will see him again!

So, it was a little more upbeat, but sad as well...... and full of Hope and Promises!

25 Random Things about Me

I was asked to write this for my Facebook profile, and thought I would include it here as well:

1. One of my favorite things I've done is take ballroom dance lessons with my husband. Unfortunately we have both forgotten so much we would have to start lessons from the beginning. But that would be fun!

2. I absolutely love to eat mashed potatoes. It's one of my favorite things that my mom made. I love breads too. I think I could live on starches and be happy. Maybe not that healthy, but definitely happy!

3. I am in my last semester of nursing school. It's a lot of work but I feel a sense of accomplishment.

4. I don't really feel that I have discovered any of my real talents. There are lots of things that I enjoy but I just don't think I am particularly great or talented at them. At least not in the creative sense, like art or music, cooking, sewing. But I do well in school and actually thrive somewhat on studying and doing my best. I love to learn about things I am interested in. So can school be my talent???

5. As much as I like to learn, I can't stand to watch educational stuff on TV. My husband does, but I just can't get into it.

6. But I love crime dramas and medical shows (real or fictional) and love talk radio. Oh and country music videos. This is when I have the time, which is not now!

7. I love going to concerts (country music ones, that is!). I have seen Kenny Chesney twice, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Alabama ( I think 4 times), Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks.

8. I have a quote in my profile: "Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous". I really believe that. There's no such thing as coincidence.

9. I love to burn candles. I have Spiced Pumpkin from Yankee Candle burning right now. I stock up on them and always have to stop in Yankee Candle whenever I am at the mall.

10. I am a certified elementary school teacher. I taught for about 8 years before and between pregnancies. So why am I in nursing school? Heck I don't know - see #4.

11. I have become such a night owl recently. I have been getting by with 4-5 hours of sleep on some nights. Preparing for my career in nursing. I think the night shift will certainly fit me best.

12. I really, really long to be a neonatal/postpartum nurse. I felt a clear sense that is what I am supposed to do when I was assigned to that unit in my clinical experiences.

13. I truly love babies. They make me smile. They make me cry. They are so innocent and beautiful - straight from our Father in Heaven.

14. I am quiet by nature. I often enjoy just watching people, total strangers,usually. I contemplate them and create stories in my mind about them. I wonder if I'm ever on target? I just love wondering what's going on with others.

15. Because I am quiet, I feel I'm probably considered to be snooty or aloof. I'm certainly not, but I often wonder if I give that impression.

16. Because I am quiet, I tend to surround myself with loud, crazy, busy people. That would be my family. They probably don't think I am quiet, though. My closer friends tend to be more animated and talkative.

17. A friend once told me that I was a good listener and it meant a lot to her. Even though I didn't offer much in the way of advice, I just listened and let her express herself. That made me feel good and I've tried to remember that being quiet has its strong points.

18. I like being at home. I am seldom home for long stretches of time (except when sleeping), I am usually on the go, running my kids here and there. But I am a homebody.

19. However I do love to go for drives - long drives with no particular destination in mind. I'll go the long way at times just to see if there's something different or special. Beauty can be appreciated in so many places.

20. Which reminds me of my favorite vacation ever. Mike and I and 5 children went camping out west for 2 weeks during the summer of 2001. We spent about 3 days somewhere in Colorado (near Pike's Peak and Royal Gorge), 3 days at Moab, 3 days outside of Salt Lake in the Wasatch Mountains, and about 4 days at Yellowstone. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I want to go back soon.

21. Two place I've never been that I would love to see - Hawaii and Australia!

22. It's snowing tonight! I love the snow! Not that I am really into playing in it - I just love to watch it fall. Especially big, fluffy snowflakes. Each one different - not one exactly like the other. Kind of like Heavenly Father's children. Each one pure and clean as we come to Earth. Did I mention I love babies???

23. I love all of my children very much! It is amazing how different each one is! - like my own personal snowflakes.

24. My husband and parents, and Stephanie are a huge support for me. They are so good to me! I know I am so lucky to have all of them.

25. I just got braces (again!) almost a week ago. And they still hurt so bad, it's driving me crazy! Works pretty well with the Weight Watchers plan, though, so I won't complain any more.