Perry Sparkle

A great giant among men passed on today and leaves the world a better place. Elder L. Tom Perry served as an apostle of Jesus Christ and gave 100's of talks, traveled 1000's of miles to serve, and gave countless hours and years of his life to be a special witness of Jesus Christ. This man lived and died a true living example of what we all should be in this life. He exemplified goodness. My favorite thing about Elder Perry were his eyes. I would always call them; "twinkle Perry eyes."

I have always thought that Elder Perry really had a little sparkle in his sweet eyes. His jolly character, big grin, fun sense of humor and very personable character all add to that sparkle. You can tell much about a man by looking into his eyes. There is a history and a sense of who you are that eminates from those little globes. When you look into your eyes what do you see? It's a good test to evaluate who you are and what you want to become. I want to become more like Elder Perry! He was remarkable.

He just spoke to us recently at our Regional Stake Conference. His demeanor and words were inspiring and uplifting. The quotations following are about and from this wonderful Giant among men:

"Elder Perry was a great man, a friend and a tremendous leader," Gov. Gary Herbert said in a statement. "His friendly smile and optimism always encouraged everyone he met, including me, to try a little harder, to stand a little taller and to be a little better."

One of his most well-known quotes came during the 1998 semi-annual church conference, when he said: "The almost universal gift everyone can develop is the creation of a pleasant disposition, an even temperament."

 

Elder Perry you have lived and served with all your heart and soul. Thank you for the man you were!!! I pray that I can become more like you and add some "Perry Sparkle" to my eye.

Talk we listened to in his honor:

"Finding Lasting Peace and Building Eternal Families"

Be a "Lifter"

Self worth and self esteem are so important. I have been reading this great parenting book and one of the sections is on this great subject and how important it is for your children to be lifted up with a sense of self worth. Within the readings were these two quotes from amazing disciples of Christ:

"One of the root social problems of our day concerns the lack of self-esteem."

~ James E Faust

"We can add to each other's storehouse of self-esteem by giving deserved, specific commendation more often, remembering, too, that those who are breathless from going the second mile need deserved praise just as the fallen need to be lifted up."

~ Neal A Maxwell

The Maxwell quote hit home because this is something I've thought about often. There are many who seem to be doing great, who are strong and strive to be independent and enjoy life, but those people still need little pick me ups every once in a while. Sometimes I feel rundown and weary even though I may not seem to. Life has a way of wearing all of us down a bit. Even if we are happy and doing well getting compliments or assurances from others fills our self esteem storehouse a great deal!

A sweet sister in my ward texted me this on a fast Sunday (the first Sunday of each month we're invited to fast and can share our testimonies in our church meeting):

"Just wanted to say thank you for your testimony today. You have one of the sweetest testimonies I have ever heard and love when you bear it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and beliefs with me. You are an amazing woman! "

This probably seemed like a little simple text to this great woman in my ward but to me it meant the world. There is a great need in our world to lift. To lift one another and be a happier people. There is so much criticism, judging, back biting, gossiping, and the world needs more "lifters." When you think happy thoughts and voice them you allow others self esteem and your own to soar. Spread happy thoughts wherever you go. It can literally change someone's life to feel of worth and importance. Make sure your children know it, make sure your siblings feel it and most of all make sure you know it: you are of infinite worth!

The world is a wonderful and beautiful place but it can feel very dark, lonely and depressing to many. Self esteem truly is a "root of social problems" and can be tackled by being a lifter in our society and noticing the good in others. Don't pass up giving a compliment, don't allow the world to tell you who you are, be a lifter and you will make this world a beautiful place!

Dirt Digging

Today I mustered the courage to begin getting our garden beds weeded and ready for planting. Just a bit ago I had two completely done and then life got busy, we got sick and the weeds took over again. They've been a little eye sore out my kitchen window far too long and something had to be done. Also, I yearn to see little seedlings popping up! Gardening is truly therapeutic and exciting to me. Just not as comfortable being over 32 weeks pregnant.

Once the beds are weeded and all set to go the planting will begin! We've got zucchini, carrots, peas, beans and more to get buried in the earth. I'm hoping even with having a new baby on the way and lots going on that we'll get a nice fun crop this year!

It was really cute to have Jane digging beside me for a little bit. She laughed so hard when she'd toss around dirt with her little rake. Also, she enjoyed eating her first handful of dirt. Getting my girl to be a green thumb already ;).

Memorial Day

Today we proudly hung our American Flag and celebrated the freedom and sacrifice and blessing of this great nation. I love the American Flag and the colors our country holds dear. I love the Stars and Stripes. I love America. We are so blessed because so many put their lives in for their country and serve so bravely.

It was a sunny/rainy day and Jane and I enjoyed a puddle jumping walk together! She loved the rain! Then, we got to have the Cahoons down from Ashton and do some campfire cook'n and corn on the cob eat'n. It is always so much fun to hear Matt's stories, hold sweet Penelope and talk with Paige. We love them!

I am thankful for family and the joy they bring to my life. I have learned much about love, devotion, respect and service through my family.

My 89 year old Grandpa, Maynard, still honors this great nation with his service. At age 89 he still plays the bugle and marches wih fellow vets. He is from the age and generation that has great respect and pride in this nation. The freedoms we are blessed with are because of strong and faithful men like him. It was that way from the very beginning of America. Those with courage, zeal, and dedication made this country what it is. Happy Memorial Day!!

Rice, rice baby!

This little gal LOVES rice and noodles. She could live in Asia for sure! She gets that from her daddy who could eat rice every meal, every day all year long. Not very often do I let Jane just go for it crazily with her food (especially after I just mopped), but today was an exception. I have found that I don't care as much lately about her messy eating exploration habits because no matter what it will be fairly messy. Little fingers love to explore and touch everything. Jane is definitely an explorer. Even when she is totally exhausted and falling asleep she will move her little fingers and touch whatever she can reach. I love how curious she is about the world around her and how eager she is to learn and grow. So I'll keep filling bowls of rice and picking it out of hair, off the floor and wiping it off faces and fingers, cause that's what it's all about. Love this little messy eater of mine!

Tutus Dulce's

Today would be my Great Grandma "Tutu's" birthday. Each year we remember her by rolling some Dulce's! Cones, ice-cream and sprinkles always make me think of her. I was not blessed to know Ethel Melville Sorensen very well because she passed away when I was pretty young. However, there is a love and connection I feel for this great woman. I have a carousel music box she gifted me at a Christmas long ago and it is a treasure. And we are blessed to have a complete life's history she wrote to read and et to know her better.

She was a woman of humble beginnings and great class. She traveled, served and loved all throughout her long life. The only memory I really have of this amazing woman was visiting her in her condo after her leg was amputated. She lay in bed and gave all of us 3 jelly-bellys from a glass bowl. I don't know how I remember that moment but it is the one that stands out. This great woman has a legacy of family from her children to theirs, and to theirs and so on. 100's of lives affected and blessed by 1! That is so amazing to me. We all have such influence on the world around us and the future. We create legacies. From Dulce's to Great-great Grandkids our lives hold such meaning and purpose. Happy birthday Tutu and thanks for the Dulce's tradition we get to keep each year!!

Nature Shots

Now that I am on the mend finally after a long week of being sick I went back and reminisced on our nature walk last Sunday. I loved capturing the simple beauties of the trail. There are so many details in this world of ours that are stunning. They can take ones breath away, they do mine. I love the colors, textures, shapes and versatility of nature. My happy spot is sitting by water, preferably a running river, and just soaking in natures beauty. Today as I mowed our lawn (which was in dire need since this mama has been sick and I am the yard worker of the home James Edit: primary care taker of the yard) I made sure to pause if a lady bug or bee was in my path. I couldn't bear the thought of mowing them up. Then this thought led to another thought, as thoughts tend to do, of an accidental lady bug picnic years ago. At my favorite park in the world, Farrel McWhirter park, my sisters mother and I went for a picnic in the top of an old silo. As we sat down to our feast hundreds of lady bugs began to appear. It was magical. Nature is magical! Make sure you take a moment to soak it in and appreciate its beauty!

SMILE

I was listening to Pandora this afternoon with my babe while giving her lunch and the great Nat King Cole came on. He is one of my favorites. His voice is calm, soothing and trusting. The song "smile" played and I loved every word:

"Smile though your heart is aching

Smile even though it's breaking

When there are clouds in the sky,

you'll get by

If you smile through your fear and sorrow

Smile and maybe tomorrow

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness

Hide every trace of sadness

Although a tear may be ever so near

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying? 

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying

Smile, what's the use of crying? 

You'll find that life is still worthwhile

If you just smile."

Life can be trying, life can be plain dumb at moments, life can get you down. I don't think it's bad to have a little pout or tear moment but to quickly smile and realize all that life offers afterwards. There is beauty in this life and we would all do well to remember that. I once wrote in a public place a little pout pout message when I was having a hard time and instead of comfort or cheering me on I got a scolding private message. It told me to stop complaining and that I shouldn't gripe. I've contemplated that message a great deal because at first it really hurt. I'm not a rain cloud over my head type of person and rarely spread gloom and doom. But in a moment of great struggle I did and then was chastised. I felt a little miffed and hurt more. However, now as I look back there was some good in that (even though I would've rather had a cheer team) message. We all would do well to smile cause in the low times, "That's the time you must keep on trying." I am grateful for the blessings in my life that help me when the world seems cold and bitter. Especially my Mister James and Baby Jane. They bring sunshine, laughter and love to my heart when it aches.

So as good ol' Nat said, "If you just SMILE" it will help those rainclouds pass you by and allow for sunshine to poke through. Keep on smiling through life!!

Link to a great little piece by Nie (Stefanie Nielson) on life's trial:

http://nieniedialogues.com

Move for Good

I have been feeling this little man of mine a lot today!!!!!! He is a mover and a shaker. It literally has been a little roller coaster in my belly all day long. How amazing it is that life wants to move so soon in its stages of growth. We all need movement, we all yearn for adventure and seeing new things, we all are blessed by moving our bodies in healthy ways, movement is a constant need in a humans life. Bodies are incredible. That we have the ability to blink our eyes, wiggle our toes, listen with our ears, feel with our hearts that work so hard, walk and hike with our strong feet and legs, give hugs with our arms, chew delicious food with our mouths...yep bodies really are awesome and such a blessing.

There is so much in our world today that stirives to take these bodies for granted. Drugs, immodesty, laziness, alcohol, self doubt in your image...the list can be daunting and long. When standing in the grocery aisle last week I glanced at the many magazines placed there. The words that vied for attention were: hottest, sexy, and model. The media has attacked the purity and true beauty of the human body. Why do we let "them" tell us what our bodies are when it is all a lie?

We let the media of society dictate what is "true" when it is as changing as the seasons. Truth does not change. Truth is not something that flip flops with the whims of man. I want my children to know truth, to believe in themselves, to use their bodies for good to change the world. Movers and shakers are taught at an early stage. I think my little William already learns even in the womb. As I work hard in the yard, read books to his sister, make family meals, laugh, sing, serve others...he feels that. Teaching children from the very start how important their bodies are is crucial.

Growing up I was not always the most confident on how I looked, I still struggle with it sometimes. My sisters are way prettier, I don't match up to anything a model looks like, my hair is never perfect, make-up is lucky to get put on once a week, my wardrobe isn't anything to brag about. However, one thing I have been sure of my whole life, and that is to respect my body and to use it for good. I have always been blessed as I've strived to bring good into the world and to be good to my body. There is such joy in having a healthy mind and body that is able to do what it's meant to in this world. Our bodies are not perfect, and hey they aren't meant to be, but they are beautiful, every single one! They are miraculous!

So, as I raise my little movers and shakers I pray that I can help them respect their bodies and the beauty of life. Because life truly is beautiful!

Smoothie Stache

We have been really loving the world of smoothies lately. This photo sequence is of Jane guzzling a Orange Julius for breakfast. Jane, as many children do, changes her likes in food so quickly. She used to LOVE grapes and now she'll squish them between her teeth, spit it out and throw it on the floor. Well today I decided to make the grapes I had bought to eat into a smoothie. It was delicious! I just made it up with what we had in the kitchen; grapes (lots), ice, 1/4 of an apple, 1 banana. After each sip Jane would go, "mmmm." That makes for a happy mama. It's so fun to watch Jane get her little smoothie mustache to!

When mama is sick and feeling yuck having quick easy things to make for meals is key. How grateful I am that my little family is happy to sip smoothies for a while. Also, jane sat through her almost whole movie today. I felt a little guilty cause I don't like her watching lots of movies/shows but it really helped as I still needed recovery time today. And it doesn't get much better then the Disney classic, Robin Hood!!! I think this may be the best one liner movie ever made. We loved sitting and laughing and making animal noises for all the characters. Love this little gal of mine.

Shroom Hunts and Hikes

We got to spend time with our two awesome brothers and sister in laws this past weekend and it was so much fun to be together. They will both be moving by the end of summer and so it was special to have a fun filled weekend together.

We went on a great hike to a water fall and saw lots of wild flowers, a fish jump up the falls and this awesome bug! Jane hiked almost the whole way down and just giggled and giggled. We are thinking she's going to make a great hiking buddy in the future. Mommys baby bump is getting bigger, can't believe little William will join us soon!

 

Jane also loved hunting mushrooms in the snow. As Chevy boy would run by she'd burst up laughing. It was quite the adventure hunting for wild mushrooms. The man who was our guide was awesome and helped us discover "brain mushrooms."

It was Spencers 29th birthday over the weekend and MK made an awesome cake made with quinoa! It was delicious. And we did smoothies with the requirements of only 1 fruit and 3+ veggies. It was a challenge because we still have only used spinach. Ours was a pineapple, cucumber, basil, and spinach smoothie with coconut water as a base. It turned out super yummy, I was a little surprised.

I love being with family. It really is the best times and most important moments in life. I'm grateful my brothers make time for it and that we all were able to be together. I got reallllly sick Sunday night and have been quite out the last 2 days now and so I was thankful it came after the big visit. Now I just need to take it slow and get better, which is a hard thing for a Cahoon ;).

Penelope-May is such a cutie. She was so good all weekend! She's just a chill, adorable, go where mommy&daddy go girly. We had to get a shot with her and Chevy boy!

Cooking Club

I finally made a big goal come true: Cooking Club. For many years I have wanted to have a group of women together each month to have a cooking night. Food is just wonderful and I love it! And celebrating and learning more about it with other women is so fun!!! Each month we will have a different host and topic. For the kickoff I hosted with the theme of cupcakes. 

I have planned my own birthdays a lot in my life and learned from the best; my mom. For my 21st birthday I did a cupcake party and I made two, a peach and a snicker doodle. So I debated these two for this first hurrah of my cooking club. Peach won!! I love the fresh taste and secretly really enjoy a sugary peach ring. They are such an easy, quick and pretty cupcake. It was fun remeniscing my little party years ago with dear friends I grew up with and my sisters. It's amazing how food really can bring back memories.

The other ladies brought an incredible mix: churro, cheesecake, and s'more. They each were divine!!! Each event I am hoping as well to do a little service. So this evening we each chose a person we felt might need a little sweetie. We packaged them in individual cupcake boxes and everyone took one to deliver. It was such a special and wonderful evening with women I love and admire. I can't wait to continue learning together! I gave each lady a special cupcake cookbook as a little take home from the evening. It was a really special and fun way to begin a Cooking Club I hope will last a long time!

Sticks, sticks and sticks

Today was a HUGE yard day. We have had a growing pile of branches, leaves, sticks and yard waste that had to be dealt with and today was the chosen day for the event. A great friend let us borrow his trailer and we went to work. We literally filled this huge trailer twice and still have one more run to do. I never realized how much our little quarter of an acre can produce. Our trees alone bring forth enough fall leaves for the whole neighborhood to jump in! We had some big storms out down branches and we did some crazy limb trimming a while back as well. Needless to say both Mister James and I had a few battle wound scratches at the end of the day. I do love being outdoors and working in the yard but having a one year old and being pregnant sure can slow me down (a little, I also mowed our whole backyard!). I am grateful my parents taught me how to work hard and to take care of the land, and that my mister is also such a hard working hunk. It is wonderful to work side by side with your spouse. I love being with my Mister in times of work, play, learning and chill time. How important it is to do things together often in a marriage and family. That is where bonds are made and where we really test our physical strengths. Showing true strength and character really comes out when you work hard! We need to do it more often ;). 

Parenting

I picked this book up randomly at the library thinking I probably would just skim it or end up not reading it at all. I've had to renew it twice! I don't have a lot of time lately to leisure read, but have tried to squeeze in time here and there to get through this book. It has "in the LDS home" because it is written by an LDS author ad references a lot of prophets and apostles, but it is power parenting for ANY home. I have been so impressed with the topics and stories shared in this book and have gained some great insights as to how I can become a better parent and wife. There is so much that comes with becoming a parent and you kind of are just tossed into the experience to learn and grow with your children. There will be mistakes, there will be lost tempers, there will be messes, there will be tears, just count on it. But these will be the best of times, the times filled with joy, laughter, memories, love, learning and adventure. Parenting truly is he greatest adventure one can take.

Within this book are important topics that kids/youth replied to in a survey of what they would have appreciated more in their parents. Things that they felt were important but didn't get taught, or weren't held accountable for, weren't given the example for and would have enjoyed more. No parents perfect and no parent ever will be, but we all have a perfect father to look to for example. Heavenly Father is perfect and he loves us so much and desires our success and happiness. Some of the topics in the book include: Home Environment, Family Fun and Traditions, Children's Friends, Self-worth, Discipline, Movies, Expressing Love Verbally, Physical Affection, Underage Dating and more. I have truly gained such a testimony of the importance of leading by example with a 1 year old. They watch, observe and parrot everything they see. Being a good example and striving to teach our children the best principles is vital for their future and the future of our world. Parenting is the most important job on the planet and sometimes is treated as the least. It is left to teachers, youth leaders, television/media, and friends to raise our children. That is wrong and incorrect. When you bring a child into the world you have been assigned the great title of parent. It was your choice, whether you wanted or not, to bring a child to earth and you are the one to help nurture and raise them. If you take the sacred role of parent seriously you will learn life's greatest lessons, you'll become your best self, you'll learn true gratitude, selflessness and love. You will be a hero to your child/children. You will be what the world and your child need you to be! Parenthood is a privilege and blessing, and the hardest job ever. It is he thing that stretches you to your limits and to joy beyond compare. So take it seriously!

...and check this neato book out for some fun stories and advice how to work on becoming the parent your kiddos need!

Motherhood Day

Today motherhood is celebrated. It's a time to recognize the beauty and honor of women and the sacrifice and joy of mothers. Early this week we sent off Mother's Day cards to our moms/ Grammys and grandmothers/ great Grammys. It was so fun to have Janes finger print all over their special cards. She loved it and we had quite the laughs as she got paint everywhere!

Mister James pampered me throughout the week, first with some yummy chocolate, then some new sheets (ours are really warn and I had rubbed a hole :) where my feet are constantly rubbing), and then last night as I held sick little Jane he gave me my final gift: the body pillow. I'm excited to snuggle this during my naps and bedtime with this baby belly of mine.

Mother's Day morning he gave me a beautiful card with his sweet sentiments. And made his signature whale mouth crepes for me. Mister James, thanks for making me a mother, helping me feel loved and being a great father and husband. I love being a mother and learn much everyday from its role.

Mothers

A mothers love is deep. A mother is not always someone who gave birth. A mothers character is woven through sacrifice and dedication. Mother is the highest noblest calling. As the world celebrates mothers tomorrow my thoughts have been going on what makes a mother. For every woman is to be honored on Mother's Day for truly every woman possesses the nature of motherhood. Nurturing, caring for others, being strong, protective, loving, hard working, fun, multi-tasker, giving, knowledgable, and so much more are the traits I see in motherhood. My mother is a true example of motherhood and all the beauty of womanhood.

I have always appreciated, loved, and admired my mother but not until becoming a mother myself did I really realize how much. As I brought Jane into the world, as I have stayed up countless nights, as messes are cleaned up constantly, as meals are prepared, dishes cleaned, baths made, diapers changed, tears wiped, swings pushed, car seats buckled, owies kissed, stories read, teeth brushed, tantrums calmed, toys played with, groceries bought, house picked up, laundry done, Cheerios scraped off he floor, boogers wiped, smiles and giggles had...and so much more that comes from being a mom. I have come to be filled with awe at my mother. She had/has 6 children and at one point 5 under the age of 6!! She's amazing. She has always been there for me and all my siblings. She believes in us. Trusts us. Loves us. She is a true woman and an amazing mother.

The last two days my Jane girl has been sick. She has slowed down, cuddled lots and been extra clingy and sensitive. On the second day I had a moment of frustration and an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy for all I was needing to do. As I sat in my rocker in her room she hugged my knee and out of no where handed me a tissue, gave me a kiss and picked a book called "Mommy Hugs." I then cried even more. This little angel taught me in a moment of anguish that I was needed and loved and cared for. There are moments that all women have doubt, feelings of inadequacy or a lack of importance. As a busy pregnant mother behind on lots of to-dos and must-dos I definitely can be hard on myself and in turn lose my patience with those I love. Times like this little angel moment give me the boost and reminder I need that womanhood, motherhood, is tough and so worth it!! There is nothing I would trade or desire more than to be a mother. I love my Mister James for being the man of my life and for the daddy he is to jane. I love my Jane bug and the snuggles and love she gives me, and I love our William boy who gives me kicks and jabs to remind me he's about to be a part of our family. I love the opportunities I am given to stretch and enhance the qualities and gifts I've been blessed with as a woman. I rejoice in motherhood and womanhood!!!

Sleepy Babies!

We got to go and see Penelope-May again this week. We brought dinner, held her, Mister fixed their computer, I cleaned up a bit, and got to take photos of the first "bath". It was so special. She is such a tiny sweet bundle!

She has some similar mannerisms to Jane when she sleeps. Like; putting both arms behind her head, having one arm spasm straight up, fingers out and leaving it up. It's adorable. Matt and Paige are such great parents and you can tell Miss Penny-Pie (that's what I like to call her) is very loved. I think she's got daddy wrapped around her finger already ;). On the drive home baby Jane was exhausted. She never falls asleep in broad daylight. It was so sweet to see her poor little droopy eyelids finally close. Oh babies are the sweetest!!