more like Mary

 

These are the busiest days of my motherhood, and I don't think things are going to slow down. As my children get older and are more involved in school and sports and music and church and everything else that is beneficial and good, I think this will become the norm. I have never been a "busy" person, and so this new reality has been a difficult adjustment for me. But I had a revelation at the temple this morning and I'd like to share it here.

I have always been uncomfortable with the story of Mary and Martha. Remember, when Jesus Christ came to their house, Martha got busy. There was legitimate work that needed to be done to prepare for and accommodate His visit, and she was going to see that it was completed. Mary, on the other hand, ignored the work and sat at the Savior's feet. I have always been a Martha, and so when the Savior gently rebuked her for complaining that Mary wasn't helping, I couldn't help but take a small bit of offense. But I am beginning to see that sometimes (all the times), I need to be a Mary.

So when there is housework to be done and children to shuttle and food to prepare and so much sewing to do, I can't lose sight of the most important work--the spiritual and holy work--for myself and my family. On our busiest days, I need to set aside those less important things to make sure I am making time for personal and family scripture study, for meaningful personal and family prayer, and for things like Family Home Evening, family councils, and church callings.

I was feeling particularly burdened by my load this morning and thought about skipping my weekly temple time to get some work done. But I remembered the commitment I had made to my Heavenly Father to get to the temple as often as I can, and I remembered how great I feel when I visit the temple, so I went. And in the midst of my worry and weariness, the Spirit taught me (as it does every time I let it).

Here's to being more like Mary, for setting aside more time for holiness and for worrying a little less about the less important things.

on a wednesday

I've been down with a cold all week. The kind of cold that makes your brain feel fuzzy and your limbs feel weak. It hit Stella, too. So we're taking it easy and putting off our chores and work for another day.

I've been replaying the talks from last Saturday's Women's Conference the past few days. They were all so great, but Sister Carol F. McKonkie's talk on holiness really resonated with me. If you have a few minutes today, it's worth a listen.

She says, "Holiness is in the striving and the struggle to keep the commandments and to honor the covenants we have made with God. Holiness is making the choices that will keep the Holy Ghost as our guide. Holiness is setting aside our natural tendencies and becoming a saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Every moment of our lives must be holiness to the Lord."

And, "If we would be holy, we must learn to sit at the feet of the Holy One of Israel and give time to holiness. Do we set aside the phone? The never ending to-do list? The cares of worldliness? Prayer, study, and heeding the word of God invites His cleansing and healing love into our souls. Take time to be holy, that we may be filled with His sacred and sanctifying spirit."

As I have changed some habits and given more of my time to holiness, I have felt an increase in knowledge and peace and love in my life. I know that our Heavenly Father wants to bless us with these things, but we have to seek them. Reading my scriptures everyday, attending the temple as often as I can, and fulfilling my duties at church have helped me to feel His peace.

I am grateful for church leaders who instruct and testify and help me to come closer to my Savior. This weekend is General Conference, two whole days of instruction and testimony, and I am really looking forward to it.

happy weekend

I've been giving wisteria updates on my instagram feed this week. Just when I don't think it can get any more beautiful, I wake up the next morning to more leaves and fuller flowers. When we drive away from our house, I make everyone stop and admire it with me. Oh, I love it! I look forward to it all year long.

This is our last day of spring break. We have had the best week. We have mostly stuck close to home, which suits us all so well. I had to run a few errands yesterday and nearly had to drag Stella and Elliot along. They would have been more than happy to stay in the basement, but they needed some sunlight on their skin. The mornings have been cool and the evenings just right for a jump on the trampoline or a walk around the block. This morning we took advantage of our last day off to go on another hike. Even Mike came along. Seeing my whole family together made my heart grow a few sizes. I'll be sad to send them back to school on Monday.

We keep putting off the yard work, but tomorrow we are going to have to buckle down and get it done. We have lemons to pick and new flowers to plant and the lawn to mow. I'm excited to use the new hose I bought yesterday (it's kink free and won't leak!). It's the little things. :)

I saw this quick little video on Facebook and wanted to share it here. It has such a happy message:

Have a great weekend!

happy weekend/week

Every year Mike and I go away for a week together without our kids. It is stressful but it is also the best thing ever. Next week is that week! So I've been spending this week getting ready - freezing meals, cleaning house, bathing cats, etc. My mom is coming to take care of our kids and I am so grateful.

I love my life, but I am really looking forward to not thinking about five am wake up calls, carpools, and making dinner. I know Mike is really looking forward to not thinking about school and work. Instead, we'll be sitting on the beach, making plans and setting goals for this next year, and probably doing lots of thinking about nothing, too. I can't wait.

The best part is that I know we will come home refreshed and revived and ready to get back into the thick of it. Do you go away with your spouse without your children? It takes a lot of work, but I am really glad that Mike has made it a priority in our marriage.

Have a good weekend and a great next week!

happy weekend

There were lots of tears at our house this week, as Stella's sweet little gray kitten, Pedro, passed away. I think he'd been sick for a long time, and he just got weaker and weaker and was no longer eating. We buried him underneath our pretty lilac vine and now every year when it blooms, we'll remember him. It was hard watching my kids mourn, but I think it brought us all a little bit closer together, which was a happy blessing.

Mike and I didn't have any big plans for our anniversary yesterday. We lifted weights together and grabbed Cafe Rio for lunch before he went to class. But we're not big celebrators, anyway, so it felt just right. I got him a pretty brass tie bar with M + S engraved on it. He made me ring once, long before we were married (and even before his mission) that had our initials engraved on the inside like that. And then he did the same on my wedding ring, too.

Almost everything I made for dinner this week was a big flop. Some weeks are like that, aren't they? Mabel and I liked this Broccoli and Cheddar Gratin, but we were the only ones who did. Next week I'll save myself some grief and make fish sticks and pancakes every night instead. Ha!

I'm trying to muster up the energy to go for a run this morning. Wish me luck and have a happy weekend!

happy weekend

My friend and I took advantage of our terrific weather and hiked Camelback Mountain yesterday. I am not really a hiker, but I love hiking Camelback. It is steep and difficult and it just feels really good to climb those boulders all the way to the top. During Spring Break I want to try some of the hikes Kayla listed on her blog with my kids. I know there are a lot of beautiful things to see in this desert, and we're going to find them.

For dinner this week, we tried these Little Quinoa Patties and some really great pasta. I'll share the pasta recipe below. We ate the quinoa patties like hamburgers with a side of roasted sweet and regular potatoes.

My friend (and everyone's friend), Ellen, sent me this pasta recipe and I am totally going to add it to our favorites:

Farfalle Alle Erbe e Panna Rosa, from Lisa Ure
1 pound farfalle (bowtie) pasta
4 tablespoons of butter
2 teaspoons of fresh basil, finely chopped
1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 teaspoon of fresh sage, finely chopped (I didn't have sage, so I skipped it.)
1/2 beef bouillon cube (I used a teaspoon of chicken Better Than Bouillon.)
2 pounds fresh ripe plum tomatoes
1 teaspoon of salt
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup of heavy cream

Peel, seed, and cut the tomatoes into a 1/4 inch dice.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the herbs and bouillon and stir with a wooden spoon for one minute or until the bullion has dissolved completely. Don't let the butter burn. Add the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 5-10 minutes or until the tomatoes have reduced and separated from the butter. Raise the heat to medium-high and pour in the cream. Cook, stirring frequently, until it has reduced by about half. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

While the sauce is cooking, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and cook your pasta al dente. Then drain it and toss it with the sauce.


This weekend Oliver will be off on a scout campout while the rest of us recover from this long, tiresome week. Hopefully there's some good food in there somewhere, too.

Have a happy weekend!

happy weekend

It seems like most of the country is being blanketed by snow right now, but here in Arizona it is 85 degrees! My kids came home from school yesterday with pink, sunburned noses. Ah! I'm not ready for the heat, but I sure love an Arizona spring. Our lilac vine is about to go crazy with blossoms and I can't wait.

I never wanted to be the mom who was constantly in the car, shuttling kids to a million different places, but I was totally that mom this week. Man alive, I'm exhausted! It was my week to drive the carpool to high school plus it seems like I was going back and forth to Oliver's school (about 15 minutes away) a million times. Add in the usual piano lessons and choir practice and mutual and scouts and I'll tell you what, I am ready for the weekend.

Mabel joined the tennis team at school, so our big plans this weekend include buying active wear (please tell me you've seen this video!) and looking at tennis rackets.

Recipes I tried this week: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos (Loved these! I added chicken and avocado.), Turkey and Swiss Sloppy Joes (a surprise hit), and Brazilian Style Black Beans and Rice (My first time successfully cooking dried beans! I used our instant pot. Not as good as my favorite beans from Tucanos, but pretty all right.)

Are your kids passing out valentines? Stella doesn't want to, but Elliot does. Maybe these heart pom pom bookmarks will change Stella's mind?

Have a happy weekend!

on a monday

I'm putting my house back together one room at a time today. I got an early start on the kitchen. While I was steaming the floor, I listened to the third chapter of Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley. I had to share this quote:

"There is a terrible ailment of pessimism in the land. It's almost endemic. We're constantly fed a steady and sour diet of character assassination, faultfinding, evil speaking of one another. ...

"I come with a plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I'm suggesting that we accentuate the positive. I'm asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort.

"I am not asking that all criticism be silent. Growth comes with correction. Strength comes with repentance. Wise is the man or woman who, committing mistakes pointed out by others, changes his or her course. I am not suggesting that our conversation be all honey. Clever expression that is sincere and honest is a skill to be sought and cultivated. What I am suggesting and asking is that we turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good in the land and times in which we live, that we speak of one another's virtues more than we speak of one another's faults, that optimism replace pessimism. Let our faith replace our fears.

"We have every reason to be optimistic in this world. Tragedy is around, yes. Problems everywhere, yes. But ... you can't, you don't, build out of pessimism or cynicism. You look with optimism, work with faith, and things happen.

"Do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight through the clouds. Opportunities will eventually open to you. Do not let the prophets of gloom endanger your possibilities."

What a great way to start a new week! I hope your Monday is a happy one.

happy weekend

How in the world is it Friday already?! This is one of those weeks where the days really flew by, which makes the weekend even more exciting, doesn't it? We are all ready for a break.

Tonight Mike and I get to go to a large, regional meeting at church for parents of teenagers. And then tomorrow night I get to bring my class of 14-16 year old girls to another meeting just for the teens. I will take copious notes and share them next week. I am really looking forward to hearing the wisdom from some leaders in our church on the issues parents of teens face these days. I think it's going to be good.

I talked about this on instagram the other day, but I'll share it here, too. Elliot's reading has really improved since we started taking turns reading the scriptures out loud during dinner. I used to read the scriptures to the kids in the morning while they ate their breakfast, and that worked fine. But this school year our schedules have changed and dinner time reading is a better fit for our family. We keep a set of inexpensive scriptures on a cake stand in the middle of our table at all times, so they are easily accessible and easily replaceable, since we pass them around while we are eating and greasy fingers are inevitable. It is a nice break from the evening rush.

I'm in a major dinner rut. We've been eating too many potatoes and eggs at our house lately. What is your go-to dinner recipe? I'd love to try something new.

I hope the sun is shining wherever you are this weekend!

happy weekend

Happy weekend, indeed! My kids and I had a really fun trip to California this week, but we are happy to be back at home with Mike. We have nothing at all planned for the next few days except sushi with friends and a whole lot of laundry and homework catch-up. It sounds really nice, actually.

If you read anything on the internet today, I hope it is this: In Defense of the Ordinary. And then have your kids read it, too.

A few excerpts: "Why isn't it enough to just be a kind person? Why can't we spend our time doing service hours because we love the Savior, not because we are trying to achieve the perfect college essay? Why can't we choose an extra-curricular or a class because we want to try it, not because it's going to help us reach some high goal or prove our worth? Not everyone is going to be the best at everything. In fact, very VERY few of us will be the best at anything. And that's ok.

"We are special because we are HIS. We are worthy because we were born. That is all that matters. And yes, that may make us average, in the sense that everyone qualifies for such a designation, but since when was that not enough?

"We should all strive for greatness, but we should expand its meaning and do it for ourselves, not society's expectations. It's about who we want to become, not who we want people to think we are. And it should be rooted in God's desires for us."

YES! Yes! Yes. I love this and I want my children to know it. Being kind and being good at loving others are far superior to maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

It's supposed to be rainy here this weekend. I always feel like baking when it's rainy. I made these whole wheat carrot muffins yesterday for the kids' afternoon snack. We are trying to get back to some good habits after our vacation and they really hit the spot.

Have a good weekend!

happy weekend

We have the eleven o'clock time slot at church this year, which makes walking to church much more appealing than the eight thirty slot. Plus the weather has been really fantastic. I love January. I hope it never ends.

Here's something exciting: Dandee is back to blogging! I have loved her blog for years and I am so happy that she is writing there again. I know blogging isn't as popular as it once was, but I will love it forever and ever.

I keep thinking I am going to get back on my no added sugar routine, but I have had the hardest time since the new year started. But! Every day is a new day and a fresh start and maybe today is the day. (But it's probably not.)

I've been working on lots of sewing projects lately, which means I have been watching quite a few shows. I made it through all of the seasons of the Great British Sewing Bee, and now I'm half way through Victoria. Great Britain makes the best tv. That's all there is to it.

Something I'm looking forward to this weekend: My sister is flying in to town and then we're driving to California together to see our other sister who is visiting there for a few days. Hooray!

I hope you have a fun weekend!

a five dollar solution

A couple of weeks ago, I realized that I had slipped back into the habit of looking at my phone right before I fell asleep at night and again as soon as I woke up the next morning. Instead of connecting with Mike or focusing on my prayers or thinking about the day ahead of me, I was scrolling through instagram. I didn't like the way that made me feel. So I picked up a little alarm clock at the store and I've started leaving my phone in the kitchen when I head to bed. It is a small thing, but it's made such a difference.

happy weekend

We spent last weekend in the mountains, just a couple of hours away, where there was a little bit of snow. It was so beautiful! We were severely underdressed, of course, but it sure was pretty. When I look out my window today at home, the sun is shining and warm, the grass is green, and the leaves are finally falling off all of the trees. Winter in Arizona is a little backwards, but it's my favorite.

I've been trying to think of small changes I can make, shifts in my habits, to help me accomplish my new year's resolution. I've been seeking inspiration in lots of places, and found some in this little video. My favorite part is when Josh talked about how any time spent with family can be quality time. Even if we are doing something mundane or small, we can do it together. Usually, I want to get my work done and move on to something else, but involving my kids can be a sweet experience. I need to remember that. And complimenting! Josh had lots of good advice on how to compliment our children. It is so important and sometimes it can feel a little awkward for me. I definitely need to work on that.

I like the idea of having one big, broad resolution for the year, but then finding small ways that I can accomplish it every day. This is new for me and it just feels right this year.

Today I have spent the morning puttering, and new year puttering is the best. I see my home with fresh eyes. Piles that have been languishing for months finally get put away. Furniture gets rearranged. Drawers get cleared. It feels really great.

Is it snowy and cold where you are? Or sunny and bright? Whatever the weather, I hope you have a happy weekend.

happy weekend

Hooray for the weekend! No more packing lunches or waking up when it's still pitch black outside to get kids ready for school. . . at least for a couple of days. We are counting down until Christmas break at our house. After today, only 2.5 school days left. And then Christmas!

Our presents are mostly wrapped and under the tree. Our neighbor treat plates have been delivered. Our stockings are ready to be stuffed. And because we just barely got our tree, it is not even close to being dead yet. :) We are in a good spot and I am so glad. Instead of frantically finishing up last minute shopping, we can just enjoy the build-up to the big day. And probably eat too many cookies, too.

My three older kids had their piano recital last Sunday. Afterwards, Mike made them grab the kittens for the picture I was taking to commemorate the night. Those kittens! We all have ringworm and they have terrible gas, but my family loves them anyway. Our older cat, Inez, is finally coming around to them, I think. She looks at us like we're crazy, but she has a point and also, she's always done that.

This afternoon is the first grade Winter Musical, which I am sure will be a good time. With a trip to the temple and a viewing of the new Star Wars, our weekend is rounding out to be pretty great. I hope yours is, too.

Oh, and don't forget today's Light the World challenge! We can show compassion like Jesus did by leaving only kind messages on social media or babysitting for a single parent so they can finish their Christmas shopping or giving up our seat on the train. There are lots of small ways to show compassion, but my heart is breaking for Aleppo. If you are looking to do something a little more major, consider donating to the David Nott Foundation. They are a British charity that is doing good work there and wherever else there is conflict. Another good spot to donate would be the White Helmets.

happy weekend

See that chair behind Stella? That's where our Christmas tree is supposed to be, but we haven't had time to pick one up yet! Crossing my fingers it happens tomorrow. I think this is the latest we've ever gotten a tree and I am totally missing it. The pine scent I have in my wax melter thingy just isn't cutting it.

For the first time in a long time I didn't worry about cleaning my house this week. I mean, I picked up and tidied and cleaned the kitchen every night, but I didn't dust or do the bathrooms and it was sort of liberating. I just had other stuff to do, you know? Things like hiking Camelback with a friend or going to the temple or watching the Great British Sewing Bee. Important stuff!

If you are in town, don't miss the Mesa Temple Lights. We're hoping to be there tonight with hot chocolate and doughnuts.

Today's Light the World is: Jesus Visited the Lonely and So Can You. My favorite, totally easy and do-able idea: Send a friendly text to someone who could use a boost. No one come to mind? Pray and ask God for someone that needs an uplifting text. Another idea is to write a letter to someone who is living away from home. My kids and I are going to write letters to the missionaries serving from our ward after school today. Have I mentioned how much I love this Christmas advent?! I love it.

Have a merry weekend!

happy weekend

Kittens, kittens everywhere! You can't sit down at our house without a kitten climbing onto our lap (or back). This is perhaps my favorite picture of Mike ever. You can't really tell, but he is totally in his element. Ha!

We have a happy day planned today. First, Elliot is getting his stitches out and will hopefully be out of his knee brace. Then we'll pick up my parents from the airport. And tonight we are attending Mabel's MCO concert, Good Will Toward Men. These concerts are always the highlight of the Christmas season for me. They are so powerful. I am really looking forward to it.

Have you put up your Christmas tree? We haven't gotten ours yet, but maybe we can swing by the tree lot (I mean Home Depot) tomorrow.

I love the ideas for today's 25 days of service. I think "Tell your parents they were right. Be specific!" is my favorite. Good thing my parents are coming into town today. It is a small but good way to #LIGHTtheWORLD.

Have a happy weekend!

siblings

This morning, Stella and Elliot were complaining that they were bored so I sent them downstairs and told them them to play a game. Next thing I knew, extreme giggling was coming from the basement family room. I am so grateful that my children are friends with each other. I've never been good at setting up playdates for them, and I am thankful that they have learned to play so well with each other instead. I especially love it when Oliver joins in.

We had a really relaxing day at home filled with leftovers and pajamas and naps. I hope you did, too!

opportunities and answered prayers

When we were trying to decide if Mike would attend BYU or ASU for his MBA program, one of the biggest deterrents to moving was leaving the schooling opportunities for our children here in Arizona. I am sure there are great opportunities in Utah, too, but I loved the path my kids were on here and I was hesitant to change it. As I dropped Mabel off early this morning at her high school, I remembered how grateful I am that she gets to attend the school and program that she does. It was a difficult decision to send her there instead of our neighborhood high school, a decision that required lots of prayer (and some fasting). Ultimately, Mike, Mabel, and I all felt really good about it, and I am so grateful. Personal revelation is a gift from Heavenly Father, one that I rely on daily. Being able to pray to Him, and then receive answers to my prayers through the prompting of the spirit is miraculous and wonderful and something I hope I never take for granted.

mco and a happy weekend

I know I've talked about this before, but Mabel sings with the Millennial Choir and Orchestra. This dominates our Thursday nights, as we spend our evening far from home, waiting for her to rehearse. The director of the choir requires perfection from the participants, and they rise to it, every time. I am thankful that we are able to provide this experience for Mabel. I have seen her singing ability and her faith in Jesus Christ grow as she sings the songs of His birth, and I gratefully sacrifice our Thursday evenings for it.

If you live in Dallas, Utah, Idaho, Orange County, California, or here in Arizona, you can find information about their Christmas concerts here. This concert is always a highlight of the Christmas season for me, and I highly recommend attending a performance if possible.

I started listening to Christmas music yesterday while I was doing some alterations, and I don't regret it one bit. I love Thanksgiving, and I am in no hurry to get to December, but filling my home with Christmas music just feels right. It definitely put me in a merry mood.

We are looking forward to perfect weather this weekend, time off of school, and hopefully a date night. How about you?

Have a happy weekend!

happy weekend

Oliver built a pretty epic cup tower last night. Elliot was crazy about it. Literally crazy. Ha!

Hooray for the weekend! I feel like we are really earning our weekends these days. Friday gets here and we all sigh with relief. We did it! We made it through another week! Phew.

I'm going to put 37 down as the year my body gave up on me. I was running the other day and realized that it was more of a shuffle than a run and I honestly couldn't pick up the pace. That was as fast as I could go! And I wake up with sore hand joints every morning. Does this happen to you, too? I've heard fish oil helps, but haven't committed to it yet. I've never minded getting older, but now I'm not so sure. My friend, Sarah, posted about this book about aging. I think I need to check it out.

I made this baked oatmeal this week and replaced the sugar with two mashed ripe bananas and it was delicious. There is still a sprinkling of brown sugar on top, which gives it just the right amount of crunchy sweetness. Someday, if I keep trying, my kids won't leave a pile of raisins at the bottom of their bowls, right?

This article made me laugh.

And I've seen this one floating around Facebook. Mike once went to a meeting where a family therapist was speaking about pornography. He said that smart phones were the worst thing that had ever happened to his practice. Our daughter, Mabel, is 14 and every single one of her friends has a smart phone. She doesn't even have a phone yet! I tell her she'll thank us someday. That's totally what teenagers want to hear, I'm sure. Do you have thoughts on this?

I have halloween costumes to sew and halloween party lip sync moves to memorize today. What are you up to?

Have a fun weekend!