Falling Back

I love the fall but I've never really liked the fact that we lose daylight, and when the time changes we lose our evening light. (I personally hate driving home from McCall's dance when it's dark out.)

But on mornings like today, I enjoy the change. The kids were all in bed and ASLEEP last night by 8pm. Which meant, Erik and I were in bed at 9, asleep by 10pm.

This morning without the usual drudgery I was up reading scriptures and enjoying my "me time". When McCall was awake I already had a jump on things. Beds were made, children dressed, pancakes cooking, violin practiced, faces washed, teeth brushed, breakfast cleaned up, family prayer said, and still time to chat and give a little extra time for some loves before seeing McCall out the door. Elizabeth and Claire waving and yelling to McCall as she walked with neighbors down the street.

So... before heading up to spend some time with some treasured storybooks, I thought I'd jot down some of these feelings, hopefully I'll be able to continue this morning energy and schedule for the next few months!

A Hero

What makes a Hero? It may be someone who stands up and shows powerful strength. It may be someone who quietly stands as a beacon when trials wave over you, gently helping you through. Or someone who consistently lives up to standards you admire. It may be someone who endures trial and struggle, with strength unimaginable. You may know one... you may be one...

This organization is one of mine and I thought I'd share... click the first photo (about nilmdts) to enter... oh, and the song is wonderful and goes with the pictures so I'd start it if it doesn't begin...


http://www.nilmdts.org/start.php


Who is a hero to you? Share your comments...

If money were never an issue...

I can totally see my Claire cruising around on this wheeley bug (or battling Elizabeth for it!) I just think it is so darn cute so I thought I'd share... they also have a bee and a cow...

And look at these little play homes by iplay, they are so adorable - I'd have no problem spending an hour with Claire or Elizabeth playing.

Isn't the little mushroom house delightful?!!

And look at the little forest animals!!!

And lastly check out this game... I think I am going to get it for Claire for Christmas... don't you love the artwork? I think it's fabUlous! They also have a memory game I think I'll get for Elizabeth called Once Upon A Time with all kinds of wonderful storybook artwork on the cards. I am having so much fun looking at all these fantastic toys! I wish I could buy EVERYTHING!

Elizabeth's Brithday (from July)

So I realized I never posted pictures from Elizabeth's birthday... sorry princess... Erik was over picture's this day and while I must express my love that he jumps when told - but I only have video of the whole cake thing, no pictures...

Yesterday, driving home from Pre-school I asked "How was your day, Elizabeth?" She said.. "Today I'm cinerrrella Momma!" Today, when I picked her up as we came in the house I said, "hang your backpack up cinderella" to which Elizabeth replied, "I'm snow white today, Momma".

Elizabeth picked out The Sound of Music DVD the other weekend and wanted to watch it. Everyday since then she wants to watch it... she gazes and smiles as the characters sing and dance... her eye's get bright and her head tilts with a smile as they serenade each other in the garden... she is my romantic.

The other day Grandpa was over and asked her how old she was... she said "two"... we both replied "no Elizabeth, your are three now"... Elizabeth held her stance on being two... (I think she's got a bit of me in her -- I'm never wrong, I just change my mind!).

Elizabeth can shake it... when dancing she just loves to get in and shake and twirl. She is colorful and I'm speaking of more than just what she wants to wear.

Elizabeth tells me she loves me dozens of times during the day. She will be playing with toys and stop everything and say, "I love you Momma".

One day I got on her response to picking up toys or something and explained that when we respond we should say... "okay mom!" in a happy tone and go do what was asked... since then when I ask something she consistently says "Okay Momma!" in a very bright, very happy, grin across her whole face manner.

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Hey, check out McCall's dance The Pointe (right column scroll down under list of people links) you can access their blog under the right to dance link...

why don't I just send you there http://thepointeacademy.blogspot.com/

Baptism Day - Part II

I left out pictures at the church for McCall's baptism... she looked so pretty... I like the jump suit look on Erik too... I've always said I have a cute hubby!!

Tagged by Cute Jill

1) Post rules on your blog
2) Answer the "8" items
3) Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV shows
We are so busy in the evenings that we rarely watch anything unless it's after 9-10pm...I record some of these programs but it just builds up and I don't get around to watching it.
1. The Office (seasons on DVD)
2. Divine Design
3. NOVA
4. Dirty Jobs
5. What Not to Wear
6. Victory Garden
7. Barefoot Contessa - Ina Garten
8. A&E Religion Specials

8 Things I did Yesterday
1. Vacuum
2. Took Elizabeth to dance 1 hr.
3. Took McCall to dance 2 hrs. after that
4. Bugged Rachel for her opinion on my new jeans
5. Read books with Claire
6. Made dinner
7. did laundry
8. Played "make 20" math game with McCall among other homework

8 Things I look forward to
1. vacations
2. bedtime
3. temple
4. seeing my kids in the temple
5. making ours a family of four
6. having our home paid off - hopefully soon
7. a new dishwasher (we have a whirlpool piece of...)
8. serving a mission with Erik

8 Favorite Restaurants (Assuming Price isn't an issue ever)
1. Flemings
2. New Yorker
3. Cucina Toscana
4. Thai anything
5. Asian Star
6. Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant
7. Olive Garden (with Kids)
8. Archibald's at Gardner Village

8 Things on my wish list
1. go back to school
2. new house, or new kitchen?
3. seeing all my kids married in the temple to GOOD men (of course I would change that if we had a boy ever...)
4. paying for college for all my kids - 4yrs
5. forgiving Elizabeth's swim instructor
6. Erik have a new back, quit his job and try for the PGA tour
7. magically having my high school bust back in this life -- they are pretty deflated...
8. being on earth when the Savior returns

Maybe everything isn't Bush's fault after all.

I get irritated when one person is made the pawn. One person doesn't ruin everything in the economy, they may have strong influence but they are not the cause of all that is wrong. The congress has more power to push and pass laws then the President (read up on your American History people). The current mess has been years in the making... this mess has been created by people who save too little, spend too much. This mess has been made by people trying to live above their means and excusing debt, debt, and more debt as something acceptable. This is a mess from a society of people who have to have everything NOW. This is a problem from trying to have people who have not paid the price, who have never made a sacrifice of want but yet agencies have arbitrarily handed out loans to people who most likely would not be able to afford them, just to help people out -- well, people are helped out all right.

READ:

Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending
By STEVEN A. HOLMES
Published: September 30, 1999

In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.

The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.

Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.

In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates -- anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.

''Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment requirements,'' said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. ''Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.''

Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that 18 percent of the loans in the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market.

In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's.

''From the perspective of many people, including me, this is another thrift industry growing up around us,'' said Peter Wallison a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. ''If they fail, the government will have to step up and bail them out the way it stepped up and bailed out the thrift industry.''

To read on... http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE7DB153EF933A0575AC0A96F958260&sec=&spon=&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink


So to Pres. Bush -- I'm sorry your the pawn -- I'm sorry people are taking out the economic situation on you. I'm sorry that you are being blamed for something created under the Clinton era... I'm sorry that so many Americans and people across the globe cannot accept, cannot face up to the fact that we all played a roll in this mess. Everyone who spent money instead of laying a little aside, everyone who purchased on credit rather than having cash on hand, those are the people who are responsible -- stand up and take it like a man and take some responsibility for your own actions.

One more thought from an email on change...
To all those people who voted for change two years ago... when gas was low, home equity high, unemployment down, and the Dow up ... you wanted "change" ... you got it ... now we all get to suffer.

41 Bottles of...

Thanks to my cute Dad for coming over and helping me peel, core, slice, grind, heat, bottle, cap, boil...41 bottles of applesauce. It would have taken me three days to do the work we did in one. THANKS DAD! My legs & feet are so soar, so I know he must be feeling it too. I am so lucky to have such a great Dad who just jumps in and helps out whenever, wherever he can. He's the first to grab a baby from the parents and carry him/her around -- especially when parents and baby are fussy. He has such a big heart, he is fun to be around, and he is so full of wisdom! I feel so lucky to have him for my Dad, and count him as one of choicest blessings! I'd write more about him but I am running up to see if Erik will massage my feel before bed...most likely while enjoying a mug of ice cream!!

Warning: This could happen to you...It could happen to your...

MOTHER, YOUR SISTER OR YOUR DAUGHTER.

The strangest thing happened to me this weekend.

I was sitting at a local outdoor cafe having lunch by

myself and two men came and sat down at my table.

I gave them the death look, but they just casually

stayed at my table and wouldn't leave me alone.

I shined up my ring on my married finger, then placed

my hand on the table and I hinted to them that I

was married and that I was not interested in them.

Luckily for me they got the hint and left, but thankfully

the whole thing was captured on the Cafe's camera.

I'm sending you this picture as a warning...just in case

they try and pick you up too.


Honestly, some men think they are God's gift to women.










YUM! Thanks for this email - it made me smile!

Our Economy...

Here is an interesting clip from 2006...

I think Peter hits it on the head regarding the real problem we are facing...

Peter gets into a little trouble with the woman over working women...I'm sure she enjoyes her well paid job but I think he hits real close to what most women with children feel...

I wonder if Peter collected his penny?




I can't find anything on a follow up but here's Peter on Glenn Beck...

Baptism

Saturday may have been a cold and rainy day, but it could not have been better. I was doing fine until McCall came out of her room after having prayed alone to ask Heavenly Father if this was the right thing to do. She came out with little tears welling up in her bright eyes and told me that it was right and that Heavenly Father loved her.

That set me off and then when Erik asked me to say our morning prayer before heading out to the church I again choked up. Typically, I try to keep my tears in check but this morning Mom was such a gush!

Everything turned out wonderful ... I wouldn't change a thing. McCall sang "When I am Baptised" and it was so beautiful to hear her sweet voice singing while dressed in her white baptisimal clothing.

When I am Baptised

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain,
And ponder on the beauty of an Earth made clean again.

I want my life to be as clean as Earth right after rain,
I want to be the best I can, and live with God again.

I know when I am baptised my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiving and improve myself each day.

I want my life to be as clean as Earth right after rain,
I want to be the best I can, and live with God again.

I gave a talk on baptism and McCall's cousin, Samantha, who is a little over 9, gave a wonderful talk about the Holy Ghost. She did and awesome job! Erik did great at the baptism other than McCall said he didn't wait for her to plug her nose -- "but that was OK". The confirmation and subsequent blessing was beautiful. We all know McCall is a choice spirit and this day just confirmed it.

Afterward we just gathered at our house for some muffins and fresh fruit and juice. (Nothing too extravagant -- we wanted the focus on the event of the baptism.) She recieved some special gifts from family to remember the day.

As I stated in my talk from the words of Joseph Smith...by chosing to be baptised she has planeted a seed... She has told Heavenly Father that she will have faith and try the expirement. And from the mouth of Alma...As she nurishes that seed it will beging to sprout and grow and that seed will grow firm and strong and one day produce fruit which is white above all that is white...

We are so happy with McCall's choice and for the good things she is doing in her life. She is becoming such a powerful influence in the lives of others and I can tell she will be a strong positive influence in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ... one day to be recieved into the loving arms of our Savior - who will reward her for eternity for her diligence and faith.

Do you ever...

...hope that your cute hubby doesn't just drop in during the day? Today I do!!

I'm on the second wave of Salsa. With a three year old as my assistant and a 1 year old...well, I don't know what to call her help...I just can't seem to keep control of this whole process. I looked up and saw red splashes of tomato on my ceiling!? Great and tomorrow is the baptism! Guess it will probably be a late night!

Over the next week or two I'll be in it up to HERE with canning our applesauce...my goal is to can enough applesauce to last us two years - since my parents tree usually only produces a strong harvest ever other year - and it's the year! Ya, you can keep me in your prayers.

Our own Walden

Conference always seems to come just when I need it most. Maybe after 6 months the previous enlightenment has started to fade away and I need to submerge myself in the enriching talks once more. It seems like, while every talk is excellent, that a few are specifically just for me, directed to me, by a loving Father in Heaven.

Maybe it's because it was the first talk that it sticks our so prominently in my head. Maybe it is my love of Henry David Thoreau. I loved Elder L. Tom Perry's address on Saturday morning. I love the thought of creating our own Walden. As he broke down Thoreau's 4 necessities here are some of my quick thoughts and notes on what I heard...

1. Food: Take care of our bodies, follow the Word of Wisdom, get enough sleep; by following this counsel our bodies will be able to fulfill what is required of us. By showing respect and honoring our bodies we show obedience to God. I thought about trying to take care of my body just so it's healthy better than I have. I don't want to go to extremes, I don't want to be blown about by every new wind of doctrine - just be aware and smart.

Note to self: Get better Sleep!

2. Shelter: Live within our income & don't run into debt. Simplify our lives, create less, use less, save, thrift, ALL THE PROBLEMS OF SOCIETY STEM FROM LIVING OVER ONES MEANS. Don't get caught up in having more, don't think that what the world says is appropriate and acceptable in homes is what the Lord will look on as an acceptable use of His(our) funds. I hear of people who are losing businesses, homes, cars and such and it makes me upset because the irresponsibility of so many is causing this problem in the economy which effects everyone. We have always been counseled since the times of Joseph in Egypt that there will be times of plenty and times of famine. In those times of plenty why don't people store up something to weather the famine? People who purchased too big of a home, too much spent on a car, too much spent and not enough stored, and now the inability to sustain that lifestyle means the economy is ruined by so many bad choices by individuals. I feel bad for the employee's of businesses who's owners have done nothing but spend every cent they brought in. If those owners had stored some they would not be having to shut down and lay off so many or close down. Isn't this what Christ taught, think of others and not your own needs?

3. Clothing: simple and modest clothing, the way we dress effects our behavior and attitudes, CASUAL DRESS=CASUAL MANNERS, avoid grasping the wrong attention through dress, The Mockers of then and now had pride in there dress. With three daughters in my care I realize that every message I send to my daughters affects them more than anything the world is telling them, and unfortunately the world is telling them horrible, salvation destroying things. I think of the lilies of the field Matt. 6:28, why should we take thought...spend energy on our outward appearance so much when the lilies of the field are arrayed in the splendor and glory which Christ gave them.

Note to self: As I think of this, and my own thoughts and desires for my body, I think of my cute hubby, who, whenever I complain of my sagging chest or my chunky tummy, tells me how beautiful I am and that those things are not important. He is more concerned with my eternal salvation and happiness then a moments satisfaction in worldly pride here on earth. He is an ANGEL sent from heaven!

4. Fuel: Before he even started talking of this 4th necessity I was already thinking in the spiritual realm as opposed to storing wood, fuel, and oil. Be as the 5 virgins who had oil, be prepared, acquire a knowledge of His plan and our place in it. I loved that last bit. Isn't it true that if we really understand His plan, if we really conceptualize who we are and what we are doing here then everything falls into place and we are able to stand firm and avoid being swayed by the doctrines of Man = Satan.

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I thought this is a meaningful video..especially what is being portrayed to our youth. I say youth because I so not believe it is just our daughter, boys seeing men or women portrayed in an incorrect light have misconstrued understanding too.

You'll want to pause the music on this blog before playing....

Peterson Factoid #1

We purchased a new treadmill a few years ago to replace our old one...



Let me just throw it out there that I wanted an elliptical...

Flash back because it's Friday

Don't get me wrong...I LOVE Autumn. I think it just may be my very favorite season. I love new jeans, fabulous new sweaters, school supplies, crisp air, open windows all night long, cuddling under a soft down comforter with the cool air in the room stimulating my face and cheeks. The smell of over ripe fruits and veggies, decaying matter, the canner steaming in the kitchen, shinny glass quart bottles - filling my kitchen counter - filled with preserved treasures to give my family in the coming year. Fall leaves of yellow, orange, and red; a warm jacket and a drive up the canyon - roasted hot dogs, or maybe a turkey sandwich on crusty wheat bread, and apple beer - all to the sounds echoing off the canyon walls in the cool Autumn air. Organizing and scouring the house to prepare my nest for a long winter indoors...

To this mention of indoors I flash back to summer. This summer one of our favorite activities -- I almost hate to share it (it was so wonderful) and I hate to think others might start doing it and take our favorite grove -- but our favorite activity was heading out to Thanksgiving Point Gardens, taking a quilt, water, a snack (sometimes a delicious and ridiculously overpriced chocolate truffle for each of us) -- and spreading out beneath a grove of trees to read. The girls loved to lay and gaze around them looking at earth and it's beauty and listen to me read them a story. Edward Tulane, the Little Prince, among others, danced and played under the canopy of trees in the girls imagination.

I love reading at bedtime, I love reading Fancy Nancy to Elizabeth all day long, Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Mouse Paint to Claire...I love reading with my girls... but there is something magical about being outdoors, removed, separated from the house and it's distractions and completely immersing ourselves in the tale of a china rabbit, or a tiny prince on a tiny planet...

This is my flash back...I will miss those quite times, those peaceful times, those times when I feel like I am drinking in every moment, each second, of the joy which is so fleeting as our little ones grow. I am reminded of the scripture..."Be still and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10)... As I would sit under the shade of our beloved trees, watching the eyes of my girls on me as they waited to see if we could read "one more chapter...pleeease?" I think of Heaven and I feel it all around me -- I want this very moment to go on forever, to never stop. As the season changes, I feel a twinge of pain to think that our time together in our grove has passed...sure there is next year...but the girls will be a year older, a year closer to moving on, someday leaving me. As much as I adore autumn, right now, in this moment, I wish I could banish it, send it away and hold on to summer just a little while longer.