daily thought

To combat that "overwhelmed" feeling, use the old military maxim: Concentrate your forces and attack at the point where you may achieve a break-through. Don't sit around wringing your hands because so many problems and difficulties beset you. Pick out one, break it down into manageable parts, and go after each part in turn.

Pine Nut Picking

These photos are from 2005! Brandon went a pickin' last weekend and he's going again this weekend. Anika and I missed him so much last weekend that we are considering going along just to camp this weekend. Poor little girl, I haven't taken her camping all summer and she keeps asking if she can. So I may just have to suck it up and pack it up and head out. And accept the fact I will have to leave the tent four times a night to pee, and likely vomit in the morning. I'm still puking occasionally and can't figure that one out... never puked after 13 weeks with Anika. I am 18 weeks this week. My ultrasound is September 30th. Place your bets now... girl or boy? I'm hoping for a girl so Anika can have a sister.

Yep, 39 and a Bridesmaid! Is This Legal?

HAPPY 22 JAKE!

I remember being so excited to have a little baby in the house. And as you've heard one million times, we all treated you like our little prince. Not every child gets that much attention. We totally doted on you and we can't help but do it still. I consider you and Ian my brothers. I love you. Have a good day and be a good little boy.

quote from daily devotional

Remember...God wants you to be successful, He will always be with you.

Ancient Solution

I saw this video this morning and it gave me such a good feeling.

Do you all remember (I know Mom does) when I was a 11, 12, 13, 14 ish and was compulsive about what I called my "reading and writing"? My little routing was an hour long and would start with 15 minutes of writing in my journal. Then I read 15 in a church magazine like The New Era, then 15 of scriptures, then 15 minutes of prayer. I would freak if I missed a day. And sometimes it was so tempting to skip, especially on Friday nights when I didn't want to miss watching 20/20 with Mom! Mom, I so looked forward to watching that with you, don't know why. That's when I'd have to do my reading early.

During that same era, one of my Young Women's leaders was talking about how when she became a Mom, her spiritual growth stopped. She said when she thought about it, though she hadn't lost her testimony, she realized she hadn't grown any more in the gospel since turning her attention to all the busy things. Remember now, I was obsessive about learning the gospel, so this shocked me! I was thinking lady! are you some sort of crazy? 20 years?!

Well, now I realize just how easy it would be to let that happen. And it has been happening for years now. I gained such a strong testimony and learned so much about the gospel while young and though I haven't lost all those experiences or knowledge, I have lost that constant companion of those peaceful, quiet feelings that only effort of study can give you. And I miss the voice of the Spirit.

This video describes it perfectly. When I make the effort to pray more and read more, those peaceful, joyful feelings return and I can discern what's real, right from wrong. When I am feeling the spirit, I feel pure love and no perceived injustices like the video mentions. Also while feeling in-tune, I am not lulled by the commercial voices or feelings of wanting things. Those quiet feelings make me feel humble and joyful.

The greatest thing this video mentions is that this ancient solution requires patience and effort. That's the hard part. By the time Anika goes to bed, all I want to do is watch TV and rest. So I have decided to use some of the time she is at preschool and dedicate it to reading and prayer. I thought well that's only two measly days but then thought, at least that's more than what I'm doing now! The problem with gaining spiritual knowledge is that it takes effort. Dang it! I hate effort. I want an instant-spirit easy button!

On the other hand, it's as simple as effort. Even today, as I took time to read, it floored me how quickly those good feelings returned. Heavenly Father is so eager for us to put forth our pathetic, tiny effort so he can bless us immensely! Peace, joy, eternal life... the greatest of all gifts.

So I dare you to try it. A little scripture reading. A little prayer. You will also be floored with how quickly Heavenly Father responds with good feelings, with that voice in your 'ears' that says this is the way, walk ye in it.

For Lu

Lu, I don't know if you check this blog but I just wanted to remind you we are all thinking of you and praying for you and your family. WE LOVE YOU!

First Day of Preschool

As much as I don't love how well that top photo captured my chins, I needed to get a photo of myself with my giant baby. I can't believe she went to school today. These were taken this morning right before we left for school.

Just months ago I would have told you it was impossible, that she would be the kid bawling for Mommy. But she wasn't. She didn't even blink an eye when I said goodbye and is still talking about how much fun she had.

They have a trampoline (yikes!) and snack time. She said she licked the snack. I asked her what kind and she said it was an orange circle. I'm guessing those orange peanut butter crackers? It's just so strange she's off living her own little life two days a week that I don't know a thing about.

She is the Super Kid spotlighted on Thursday so today she got to bring home the class pet, Ted E. Bear. Thank heavens the class pet is not a live hamster or something.

Emmet made her a first-day-of-school card. Janna said he was worried about her going to school. He dictated the card...

Don't worry.
This has happened before.

I just can't get over how profound that is and he came up with it all on his own.
It applies comfortingly to everything I can think of.
Someone dies? Don't worry. This has happened before.
Accidentally buzz your head? Don't worry. This has happened before.

It's just a reminder that all of humanity goes through the same, how shall I say, crap. Someone has done it before you. Even the first day of preschool.

As Promised...

^Is this a weirdo Alana face or what?

^My first big girl bed. I literally had to google "where does the bedskirt go?" to figure out the logistics of a real bed.

I told Cara and Andrea I would post pictures of my new bed and the baby bump. Also, today was Brandon's 34th birthday, the 13th birthday of his we have celebrated together!!! Anika is wearing her preschool t-shirt in this photo above. Preschool starts Tuesday, what the?

A rad house Bemy would like!

Just when I was getting used to the pajama-like track suits.