Raising Resilience.

Swinging in a hammock on a summers Eve, the look of wonder and curiosity filled Janes eyes. As I am venturing further down the path of raising a child I appreciate articles written on important parenting topics. Most recently: resilience!

Raising resilient and strong children is so important. And it truly is greatly affected by the parenting that occurs to that child! There ultimately is a choice made by an individual but the habits and traditions he's taught can dramatically bless his life's path. I firmly believe that it is a parents sacred duty and responsibility to teach their children. In ALL things. Faith, education, relationships, nutrition, first aid...it can be daunting to think you're responsible to teach, but it's 1day at a time...and YES, it is your responsibility. I recently read these two articles and really enjoyed the concepts and thoughts they shared. Each is on tips and advice to patents raising children.

As I look around at the children and youth of our day there is great concern that they are not being taught. They are not getting the direction that helps them realize who they are, their potential and their ability (and need) to do hard things. I see many just try to fit in, following the fads of the time, focusing conversations on gossip rather than intellectual or worthwhile topics. There is more concern on praise than learning. Phones have become an appendage to the body. Little time is spent on developing oneself and in giving service. There needs to be a makeover on respect and etiquette. That said, there are many amazing children and youth out there that rise to the goodness within them and seek opportunities to stretch and grow.

I firmly believe that becoming more resilient is crucial to ones character and growth! Even many of the adults in our society need a bit more resilience. We, many of us, run from hard things.

"We know two things about adversity and resilience: First, there is “an opposition in all things” (2 Nephi 2:11). Second, obtaining anything of great worth often requires great sacrifice." This is true! I pray that I can strive to become a more resilient individual and that I can teach my children it's importance as well. For anything truly gloriously worth it in this life takes effort and hardwork, pushing forward in times of trial, realizing the blessings of learning, and seeking opportunities of growth. Seek resilience. Teach resilience.

Links to the articles (seriously, go read them):

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/03/raising-resilient-children?cid=social_20140728_28653626&lang=eng

And this one....

https://www.lds.org/liahona/2014/07/ten-tips-for-parents-of-young-adults?lang=eng

The Great Outdoors

I'm so lucky to have a man who loves the outdoors and is SO much fun to be with in every activity I do. James is an all around AWESOME man! This week has been epic with our new family exercise goals and striving to be outdoors together more. We bought new work out shoes (James' first pair he's ever got!), got a steal of a deal bike trailer and hung two wonderful hammocks in the yard.

We've already ventured out with Jane in the little buggy (it looks so fun, I want to ride in it) and it's been wonderful biking around beautiful Idaho Falls. We have some lofty and scenic routes we want to do before winter hits. Being outdoors truly enlivens my soul. After we hung our hammocks we just laid in them and watched a squirrel jumping in the branches above, birds chirping, and the sunshine fade out of the sky. I had a major ab work out laugh attack and we talked and talked while pretending we were by the ocean with umbrella drinks in hand. I love being with my Mister James and having our little buddy Jane join in the fun!

Today I was...

Today I was.....-fill in the blank-.

I have decided on a new outlook as a mother and I kinda like it. Oftentimes when you are a stay at home mom you can beat up on yourself and get down. You're 'just' a stay at home mom, without a career, status or importance. Day in day out your cleaning, feeding kids, cleaning some more, taking care of nap times, laundry, cleaning again, yard work, playing (entertaining) kids, oh yeah cleaning again...and yes, day in day out over and over again. But you know what, mothers!? You're a million times more versatile and important than any business suite out there. You're a baker, a landscaper, an artist, a specialty chef, a creator of life...yep! Day in and day out you are INCREDIBLE! There is much in this society today that would grind into your mind that you're not pretty enough, smart enough or worth very much. That is false. You are raising the future! That's amazing! There are those who may mock your values and standards as a woman, ignore them. Or better yet, disprove them and show what a worthy woman is capable of. There is GREAT worth and importance in the "day to day" duties of a mother. Never underestimate the power to BE daily!

Now I'm not saying this to toot my motherhood horn but to share how changing a perspective can make a life feel more fulfilled and a person more happy. Yesterday I was an athlete, jogging for the first time in a long while. Today I was a professional chef as I whipped out tons of zucchini bread and filled zucchini boats. Tomorrow I plan to be a landscape artist as I weed the yard and hang a hammock. Who knows what I'll get to be the next day! Having a love of life and keeping busy with that life you've been blessed with is what makes it worth living! So, mothers (and any others out there), take a look at all the many things you accomplish and do and realize how very wonderful life is! We have the great opportunity to become anything we want. Especially in this modern era, we have access, daily, to be what we want to be! There is so much to learn and each day presents endless possibilities. So what are you going to be today?

Today I was...........

(Both of these recipes turned out yum yum by the way, I'll have to post them!)

Pioneer Day!

Happy Pioneer Day, July 24th, 2014

What an important thing to honor...the pioneers of history! Our lives would not be what they are today if it weren't for the ones who went before us. Paving the way of freedom, faith, discoveries, following dreams, sacrifice. Not only the incredible handcart, covered wagon pioneers that crossed the plains, but pilgrims, the founding fathers of America, inventors who have made life incredible and people live healthier and longer, each woman bringing her child into the world... there are all types of pioneers.

I have been blessed to have many incredible pioneers in my family tree. People I look up to a great deal and try and live up to and emulate. Men and women who put the things of most importance in this life FIRST. They are courageous and humble. One of these pioneers, my mother, made a sweet comment to me, "You and I come from

a long line of strong men and women, and on this Pioneer Day I couldn't be
more grateful for such a legacy.  And then to think that we are part of
that line, that others will look to us someday as their ancestors.  We have
much to live up to for the blessings we have been given." How very true. Not only does Pioneer Day cause us to reflect on those brave souls of the past, but also on how we want to be remembered by posterity in the future.

Do we today pull handcarts or walk a thousand miles or more? Do we leave our homes and every earthly possession? There is much that we may never experience as pioneers of the past did, but we have the daily opportunity to be modern pioneers. In the way we serve, raise families, share of what we have with others, the talents we develop and enhance, the records we keep, in standing for truth and goodness...there are ways unnumbered to be a pioneer.

I hope that I can instill the Pioneer Spirit into our home. That my children will be ever grateful for the rich heritage that is theirs, and that they'll see goodness in their parents, and then continue in that spirit of pioneering themselves. Thank you to the pioneer men and women of this world!

Family Times

When going through photos I was happily remembering this wonderful time with James' brother Anthony and his little family...then I realized I had not blogged about it or recorded it somewhere. And since this blog will most likely be our journal I decided to fix that mistake. 

Anthony, Krystal and Evelyn came for a brief and FUN visit in April and we packed in the fun! We ventured to Fall Creek Falls and saw the grand Tetons in Wyoming. A favorite spot for us all.

We made painted toast :) and Evelyn was so sweet with Baby Jane! She loved helping her keep her binki in! We walked down by the temple and the falls of Idaho Falls. Adventured to the Dunes and battled the crazyyyyy wind. Baby Jane was tucked safely in dad's jacket cause the sand was blasting us!

It was such a fun and enjoyable time getting to know them better and being together as family! Those are times most treasured in this life. Family really is what it's all about and it meant so much to us that they'd come to see Jane in those early months of her life!

Practicing like a Pro!

Little Feet

Jane has been practicing walking with us and 

I finally decided to take a little video of it. 

Those little feet are just so precious! 

Isn't it amazing all that we learn in our first year of life! 

How curious and brave little people are!

Lovely day.

I really enjoy opportunities to serve and the thrill of finding Jane Austen pathways to walk on. Today I was blessed with both!

A woman in our ward sent out a plea for help to make food for a sudden funeral. The family was in need of a great meal as they gathered to commemorate the life life of a loved one. I volunteered to make a cake. And boy was it fun! I haven't made and decorated a cake for a long time and forgot how much I love it. The decorating part is my favorite!

Then during my daily walk with Jane I decided to venture down the overgrown trail that follows the canal...and my goodness! It was like stepping back in time. I loved not having cars zooming by and hearing the babbling water instead. We enjoyed picking wild pants for a Bouqet. It was a beautiful discovery finding this path, and I do believe we shall walk on it more!

Eyes

Deep blue eyes....how I can get lost in their beauty. I have always loved looking into people's eyes. They tell so much about the soul of a person. When Mister James and I were dating we would have "staring contests" and one time made an all time record of 5 minutes. It was a neat experience to really look, deeply and sincerely, into someone's eyes. Noticing the lines of color, the little specks and patterns, and the depth of their pupil. Now I do the same with Jane, staring in her sweet eyes brings peace and love into my heart.

You should take a minute sometime to just stare into the eyes of a loved one. With all the hustle bustle of this world it would do us well, I think, to close our mouths, have our feet pause, let our hands let go of our phones, and just stare with our magnificent eyes and wonder at the beautiful world and the people in it.

Real Food

Using fresh produce from a garden you planted is so much fun! We've been enjoying salads lately. And then it became a must to try some veggies in a stir fry. Mister James LOVES rice and so a meal including it is always a hit. Using coconut oil added a great flavor and sesame seeds on top adds the sprinkles to the Real Food meal. My cute cousin just started a great food blog on using "real food", check it out:

http://www.twothirdscup.com/two-thirds-cup/

U R Special!

This week started off with a bang that has gotten me behind on blogging, on cleaning, on getting things done and on being happy. There is a lot of sadness in this beautiful world of ours, and when you hear, see and are dished it, it can get overwhelming and disheartening. However, each of us, YOU included, is special and full of greatness. And that's what helps me get through things... remembering that innately all of us are good and we are all important. No matter what someone belittles you with or what experiences you go through, YOU can rise above them and show what you're made of.

There were hard things said to my Mister James and about our family that made the mama bear come out and my heart grow heavy. Sometimes I want to calmly play the time old classic, Bambi. And put repeat on the scene where Thumpers mother has him say the advice he's been taught, "If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all." How many lives would be blessed if we took the advice of that smart rabbit.

Remember to use your head before words are said or written that can hurt another person. The morning after our hard night I got a pick-me-up bacon maple bar and orange juice for my Mister. I can't wait to do things like that for my children!! It brings me a lot of joy and helps me forget my sorrows when I serve someone else. I sure love this little family of mine a bushel and a peck, they are a barrel of fun and my heart is there's forever!

Saturday is a Special Day...

"Saturday is a special day...it's the day 

we get ready for Sunday!"

Last evening we had tub time outside and it was epic! Dad discovered a funny trick to make Jane smile in the tub. And Jane discovered her parents like water fights! :) We went wild splashing each other with her tub water and ringing out her towels on each other. She just watched us like we were crazy. It was a fun water date to get ready for Sunday.

Then today, Sunday, I got to dress Miss Jane in her Sunday Best! My sweet college roommate, Tami Porter Cayton, mailed Jane this sweet outfit and I love it!! Little girl clothes are soooo much fun, especially the dresses! "Put on your Sunday Clothes, and have your picture took!"

Watch this great musical link about putting those Sunday clothes on:

http://vimeo.com/m/72068026

Janes 1/2 Birthday

Popsicle Picnic on Jane's 6th Month!

Today was the 1/2 way mark to a year for our little lady. She is growing so quickly and we just adore her. I was talking to my mom and she said she would bake 1/2 a cake on our very first half birthday...I never knew. But we are going to start that tradition! Today was just way too hot though so we made homemade popsicles instead (but sunday we'll go out with a bang and do 1/2 a cake, just bake it at night!). They turned our delicious: raspberry lemonade blueberry. My mom had gifted me a popsicle maker last year on my birthday and we hadn't used it yet, so we finally broke it out. 

Jane is a sweet, content, smart, observant, fun, an eater, loves to be outside, sucks on just about everything, loves to make noise, babbles to fall asleep, smiles lots, loves bath time, has eaten quite an array of foods already (banana and strawberry being her favorite), laughs, rolls over like a pro, walks like a champ (holding our fingers of course), is very curious, loves to watch dad fix things, hangs out with mom all day long, is beautiful and just adorable.

We feel so blessed to have this little princess in our lives. This morning, as I called her our little princess James smiled, and then I said to Jane, "You are a Princess for a King sent you to us!" Which is so true. There is a Father in Heaven who has sent our little angel to us. He watches over His children and is a King. He loves us so very much! Every night before Jane goes to sleep I sing (LOTS) of songs to her. Among them is the sweet Hymn, "I am a Child of God." I love the words to this song. It has always been a favorite of mine. I had the Primary Children sing it to me before I left on my mission! The words are simple and powerful. And I believe in them completely. Life is important. WE are important. And I hope my little Jane knows that all her life! That she's important!

I am a child of God,

And He has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind and dear.

I am a child of God,

And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand His words

Before it grows too late.

I am a child of God.

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do His will

I'll live with Him once more.

I am a child of God.

His promises are sure;

Celestial glory shall be mine

If I can but endure

Chorus:

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with Him someday.

Link to a video of the Song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOrcqqpHCt8

"Wow, that felt like senior photos."

Our Gigi's big 24!

Happiest of birthdays to my favorite little sister!!!!! Andrea you are such a special and dear young lady! Our family is so blessed to have you in it! I'm so grateful I got to be the closest sibling in age because it allowed me to share a room with you and hang out often. I loved listening to Oldies with you, baking in our Easy Bake Oven, going to our "Secret Meadow", dropping rocks in the "wishing well" rain gutter, making "nests" out of lawn clippings...oh the good ol' days. One of my favorite memories of traveling was going to Leavenworth, just you and me! We rode bikes, stayed in our own little hotel room, ate out together and had a ball!! Being in NYC, Baltimore and Williamsburg is also a great memory I love! 

Andrea is such a caring and observant individual. She notices the simple things and takes life at a slower pace. She is amazing with animals and knows so much about dogs and birds! Andrea is one to always help out. During Spencer's wedding you were Janes little buddy! I'll never forget how helpful you were that whole weekend!! Jane LOVES her Aunt Andrea!!!!!!!!! 

We love you Andrea! Here's your happy birthday dance (music is a honky tonk piano playing "Roll out the barrel" one of the Andrew Sisters songs! Remember listening to them!?) from Jane and us:

http://youtu.be/sg1mVvJV-UA

Amazing Pesto Dinner

We had an amazing meal yesterday to break our fast. Each first Sunday of the month our faith has a Sunday where members are invited to fast. You can choose to fast for any purpose or reason you may need to at the time. It's a beautiful reminder to go without and to dedicate that sacrifice for a specific purpose. It's always nice to have a really good meal to eat when your fast is over, and this past Sunday was epic!

I had made some homemade basil pesto from our little basil plant and so that inspired a menu of deliciousness!! James made amazing dill potatoes and peppers, cooked up some mushrooms and the had got pasta and creamy vodka sauce. Then the chicken...oh the chicken! It was cooked in olive oil with a bit of Italian seasoning then topped with the pesto. Incredible meal that tantalized our taste buds. Mmmmmmm.

Link to the pesto recipe (warning: it needs a LOT of fresh basil, I only had enough to half the recipe);

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/m/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto/

Our BFF

Spencer Bradly Cahoon got married two weeks ago and it was a very special event. He truly is James and I's BFF. What a blessing and unique position it is to have your brother be one of your best friends and then marry a man who's best friend was that same brother! We love Spencer and feel blessed he's part of our lives. I always wanted to name a child after him but I say they all have him in their namesake with our last name being "Spencer". He he! Marriage is a beautiful thing and a man and woman learn to become their best and strongest selves through it! Deep commitment and love truly changes a life. We're so excited for Spencer and Mary Katherine and the happy union they've made!

(James and I decorated their car in the hot parking garage after the temple send off, Jane was such a patient and good girl! It was really fun!)

Our Daily Walk

Each day, since Jane was about 1 1/2 months old, I have tried to go on a daily walk. It has been wonderful for me and, I think, for Jane. It gives us both time to be outdoors enjoying the sunshine and fresh air and for Jane to explore with her curious eyes. Today I didn't quite time it perfectly because we went walking at the hottest time of the day, whoops. But it did make our non-ACed home feel cooler when we got back. 

I love being outside. Idaho does make it an adventure with its two weather extremes! Freezing and boiling! I do love it in the summer though when the wild weed flowers grow by the canals!! I call these ones the sunshine balls. Yellow truly is one of the happiest colors on earth! I'm so grateful I get to have a walking buddy. She's growing so fast! She's already sitting in the stroller like a big girl! Hopefully Jane continues to love going on walks with me even when she's older. For it has become a very fun tradition!

Independence Day

"I have said that the Declaration of Independence is the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation’s destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost."

— Frederick Douglass, July 5, 1852

What a day to remember the many freedoms we are so blessed with because of the sacrifices and lives of others! We are so blessed and privileged. We enjoyed watching the Idaho Falls Parade pass by. James had never witnessed the candy throwing at parades and was quite entertained by the children scattering out to collect it. My favorite thing at parades are the marching bands!

Yummy foods are another favorite part of holidays. This year we made fruit pizzas, kebabs (in James' Father's Day gift) and homemade vanilla bean ice-cream. Mmm we love berry season!

Jane enjoyed "nap time" with dad and cooling off outside. We had the Penalos over and got to enjoy their great company playing games, eating, doing fireworks, watching Jane dip her toes in the ice-cream bucket and hanging out! It was fun to celebrate with friends! Happy 4th of July! What a notion we live in!

Practice 4th!

Well....this lack of sleep mama thought today was the 4th of July! For real!! I woke up early and put out our flag, got dressed and laid out Janes little outfit, prepped our yummy breakfast and sent my family a "Happy 4th of July" text. Well, I guess we're all prepped for tomorrow! Practice run :)!

I live this great nation, I love red, white & blue and I love to party...guess I just got ahead of myself! James and I are also watching "Band of Brothers" together and it has increased my appreciation for all the many lives given to protect freedom! We are a blessed people and really need to remember and thank the men and women who have given their lives and time for that freedom. I love America!

A Dahl of a time!

My dearest friend and roommate of 4 years at BYU-Idaho came to visit with her sweet family. Christina, Alex, Conner and little Spencer were so fun to hang out with. It's amazing how much our lives have changed from the first day we met one another. We're both graduated, married, have kids, I've served a mission, she works, we both have learned and grown a great deal. Stina (her college nick-name) is truly a friend that lasts, one you feel you pick up right from the last time you were together. She's taught me a great deal, and I love the memories we share. She's a friend that has loved me through all my faults and mistakes. I sure love this young lady and treasure her friendship!

For the 2 days we were all together we packed it in! We went on a tour of a nuclear plant, had three picnics (one very windy one), made s'mores, walked around an Asian garden, watched shows, stayed up late, explored Craters of the Moon and ran around with little ones. It was so much fun to be together!

Conner loved "the baby" and especially loved swinging with her. It is always fun to see Jane interact with other kids. She loves observing and watching what all the "big kids" do. We enjoyed our fun and full weekend with the Dahls!!!

Oh how friendships can change a life....thanks Stina for changing mine for the better!