"At this time of Christmas, this season when gifts are given, let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life."President Gordon B. Hinckley
thanks to Dani, Lindsay's sister
Friday, November 30, 2007
A flash back...
I wrote this a few years ago when Aubrie was 4, she is now almost 10. We were given an assignment in Relief Society to write about a spiritual experience. The experiences of all of the sisters of the Ward were printed in a book, and given to each of us. What a treasure. I was just browsing through my files the other day and found this. I hope you enjoy.
As a mother I find myself looking for those small moments that reward my efforts. It’s these small, profound moments that make everything worth while. Sleepless nights, endless dishes, and mountains of laundry are easily forgotten in these shining moments. I’ve recently been rewarded with a moment that will never be forgotten. Aubrie, my oldest, is almost 4 years old and has been going through another growth spurt. She has been plagued with aching legs, like her daddy was when he was young. Fits of pain usually strike in the middle of the night and result in almost inconsolable pain. On one of these nights after the pain had passed I sat rocking her in my arms. In the pale light I studied her sleeping features for several minutes. While rocking, I thought of how many times I had taken her in my arms and loved her in these short 4 years. As my feelings of love and sympathy swelled I was given a glimpse of the love that Heavenly Father has for Aubrie, and the strength of her spirit. It was as if I could see past the 4 year old body and see the full potential of her spirit. As I sat quietly basking in the moment, the Holy Spirit testified to my soul of her strength and my responsibility as her mother, teacher, and example. I sat rocking her for longer than normal in gratitude for the experience, wanting and needing to be closer to her for a little longer. When the rough times come I will be able to reflect back on this moment to help me remember.
Sheri Stevens
As a mother I find myself looking for those small moments that reward my efforts. It’s these small, profound moments that make everything worth while. Sleepless nights, endless dishes, and mountains of laundry are easily forgotten in these shining moments. I’ve recently been rewarded with a moment that will never be forgotten. Aubrie, my oldest, is almost 4 years old and has been going through another growth spurt. She has been plagued with aching legs, like her daddy was when he was young. Fits of pain usually strike in the middle of the night and result in almost inconsolable pain. On one of these nights after the pain had passed I sat rocking her in my arms. In the pale light I studied her sleeping features for several minutes. While rocking, I thought of how many times I had taken her in my arms and loved her in these short 4 years. As my feelings of love and sympathy swelled I was given a glimpse of the love that Heavenly Father has for Aubrie, and the strength of her spirit. It was as if I could see past the 4 year old body and see the full potential of her spirit. As I sat quietly basking in the moment, the Holy Spirit testified to my soul of her strength and my responsibility as her mother, teacher, and example. I sat rocking her for longer than normal in gratitude for the experience, wanting and needing to be closer to her for a little longer. When the rough times come I will be able to reflect back on this moment to help me remember.
Sheri Stevens
Monday, November 26, 2007
Dive into the Holiday season
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Lots of food, family and fun. It is always nice to spend time with people you enjoy being around. We spent most of our time in Mattawa with Matt's family.
While there Aubrie learned, from a cousin, that Santa is not real. Oh boy. She cried herself to sleep that night and then when she asked me about it I was accused of being a liar and a cheat, the whole 'I hate you' bit. She was most hurt to know that I had been the one to write the letters back from Santa. Shocked is too inadequate of a word to describe her feelings. She took it all rather hard. Matt took her for a drive and they discussed the pros of knowing. She had 7000 questions all day. But she was mad that she could not stay up to place the elf for the next day with me. Hmmm.
The kids are so tired. It seems that a whole week of getting to bed late had caught up with them. Jesse has been taking 3-4 hour naps and still going to bed at 8pm.
Thank you to all of you who've kept us in your prayers. This Sunday was much better. They were still kids and wiggly, but I handled it much better. I'm grateful that Heavely Father hears our prayers, and answers them.
I am gearing up for the new year in Primary, so if anyone has any great ideas, let me know.
While there Aubrie learned, from a cousin, that Santa is not real. Oh boy. She cried herself to sleep that night and then when she asked me about it I was accused of being a liar and a cheat, the whole 'I hate you' bit. She was most hurt to know that I had been the one to write the letters back from Santa. Shocked is too inadequate of a word to describe her feelings. She took it all rather hard. Matt took her for a drive and they discussed the pros of knowing. She had 7000 questions all day. But she was mad that she could not stay up to place the elf for the next day with me. Hmmm.
The kids are so tired. It seems that a whole week of getting to bed late had caught up with them. Jesse has been taking 3-4 hour naps and still going to bed at 8pm.
Thank you to all of you who've kept us in your prayers. This Sunday was much better. They were still kids and wiggly, but I handled it much better. I'm grateful that Heavely Father hears our prayers, and answers them.
I am gearing up for the new year in Primary, so if anyone has any great ideas, let me know.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sundays
Yesterday was a hard one. Matt is on the High Council and yesterday was a speaking day for him. He had to speak in the Spanish Branch in Mattawa. Hence, I had all of the kids for Sacrament meeting by myself again. I'm waiting to learn what it is I need to learn. When Matt is with us we sit toward the front of the chapel, but when he's gone we occupy a bench near the back. I usually sit behind a couple in our ward whose children are all grown. They are help when I have to go out to nurse Andee, but I didn't need to do that yesterday. The kids were just being themselves, but I could feel myself getting really worked up. What's wrong with me? I kept thinking this over and over. I know that how I feel about my children permeates the surface and they can tell if I'm worked up. Chill out. A sweet sister behind me took Andee and so then I had a lap for Jesse to sit on and free arms to help feet dislodge from the bench in front and tickle arms and necks to distract them. Hmmm. It can only get better as they get older. Right?
Friday, November 16, 2007
What was I thinking?
Talk about being mortified!
The other night we had a guy here to measure the kitchen to give us an estimate for some updates. While we were talking Jesse and Keeley couldn't stay away. They were so interested in everything were talking about.
Sweet Jesse, my boy of too many words came up with a great topic of conversation. Pointing to the front of my pants he declares in a too loud voice, "MOMMY IS THAT YOUR PENIS."
ohmyheck!
After three unsuccessful attempts to shush the poor child, and I'm sure thirteen shades of redface later, I had to address the subject.
Thankfully, the man just kept right on talking to Matt and pretended he didn't hear a thing. I'm sure it was a topic of conversation at his dinner table and the source of many chuckles.
At times like this, I often wonder 'what was I thinking teaching this child the correct term for his most favorite body part?' At least if we taught him it was his 'front' or even just his 'private' it might not have been such an embarrasing moment.
Oh well, my kids know their parts and have curiosity about the parts of others. What can I say.
The other night we had a guy here to measure the kitchen to give us an estimate for some updates. While we were talking Jesse and Keeley couldn't stay away. They were so interested in everything were talking about.
Sweet Jesse, my boy of too many words came up with a great topic of conversation. Pointing to the front of my pants he declares in a too loud voice, "MOMMY IS THAT YOUR PENIS."
ohmyheck!
After three unsuccessful attempts to shush the poor child, and I'm sure thirteen shades of redface later, I had to address the subject.
Thankfully, the man just kept right on talking to Matt and pretended he didn't hear a thing. I'm sure it was a topic of conversation at his dinner table and the source of many chuckles.
At times like this, I often wonder 'what was I thinking teaching this child the correct term for his most favorite body part?' At least if we taught him it was his 'front' or even just his 'private' it might not have been such an embarrasing moment.
Oh well, my kids know their parts and have curiosity about the parts of others. What can I say.
What's In A Name
It just struck me as funny today, how much time and effort we spend choosing the perfect name for our children. But, if you're like me, you seldom use their given name. I have so many nick-names for my kids here are a few: (terms in bold are the most frequently used)
- Aubrie - Toots (you say it like you say tootsie roll), sister, girly
- Keeley - Squealy, sister, girly, Niblet, bliblet
- Henry - Bud, buddy, buddy buddy, Otis, Buck-o-boy
- Jesse - Buster, buddy, bud, Wubby, lubby, nubby, wub, djwub-(no it's not misspelled)
- Andee - Pretty, girly, baby, sweetums, snort
What do you call your kids?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
