Aunt Liz!!!!

Here's a list of my various titles:

Daughter
Granddaughter
Daughter-in-law
Sister
Sister-in-law
Niece
Cousin
Mother
Wife
Friend
and- drum roll please . . . . .AUNT!!!!!!!

My sister-in-law, Kristy, had a baby girl last night!!!! Isabella Sophia. I surprised myself in how emotional and happy I felt with the news. Kristy and Cory kept us in suspense with the gender, making shopping a little frustrating, but the phone call about her arrival much more exciting!

Although it was a long day of shopping and the girls got to bed way past their bedtime, I was too excited to sleep. I stayed up 'till 3:30 in the morning making baby bows for my new, sweet, beautiful little niece. I don't have pictures of her to post, but I do have photos of the bows, and the quilt I made her a few months ago, hoping she'd be a girl. Kristy asked for a princess themed blue and pink quilt. I personalized it a bit by adding the ice skaters. Kristy was a talented figure skater, and when I saw that pretty blue fabric I knew it had to be for her baby (even though I wasn't sure it was a she yet)

I can't wait to see her wear those bows or to wrap her up in her new blanket! Note the "Made with Love by Aunt Liz" tag. (you can see it better if you click on the photo) I already love her so much!

Hurricanes

Many of you probably heard about Hurricane Ida, not because it was dangerous but because it was the only hurricane to hit the US this year, so the news channels got a little excited. I'll admit even I had my nervous moments as the storm blew closer, and voluntary evacuation orders for our area went out. I double checked our 72 hour kits, and kept several storm watch internet windows open. Thankfully it came and went over our home as little more than a windy, stormy night. The next day skies were gray, the seas were a bit high, but the area was safe. We visited the beach and admired a view of unusually high, rough waves and cool strong winds. Staring out at the sea causes many to pause and ponder about life. In my gratitude this storm was mild, my thoughts of course turned to what I was most grateful for. There's a much read scripture in the Book of Mormon. It's in 3 Nephi 14, verses 24 and 25. They are words spoken by the Savior during his visit to the Americas, after his death and resurrection in Israel.

24 Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock—
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.

The "rock" of course represents the Savior and his gospel. My thoughts turned to what are protected in that "house upon a rock". Everything that is most precious to me is in my home. Thankfully they are also what I can bring with me should we need to evacuate- my family. By "house" the scripture isn't referring to a structure, but to our families, the most important thing we build, fortify, and love. Occasionally it takes a storm or even hurricane to remind us what is most precious. The rough rains and winds tear down worldly walls, and cause us to focus all our energy on protecting what is most dear. I'm grateful the strength our faith in the Savior and obedience to his laws brings to our family. In a way, I'm even grateful for hurricanes.

Here's a slideshow of family visits to the ocean, ending with our stop at the beach after Hurricane Ida. It may be difficult to see the difference in the photos, but the waves that day were very high for our usually mild, quiet beach on the gulf. We've seen days where the beachfront water is as smooth and clear as glass. Have that in your mind when you look at the rough waves in those later photos!

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There's a Right Way to Live and be Happy

While I was home visiting my family, my little brother was writing an essay for an English course. The prompt for the essay was to write about one of the most important lessons he'd learned in his life. I heard him call out into the kitchen, "Hey Mom, what's the most important lesson I've ever learned?"

We laughed, and gave various silly suggestions such as "Wash your hands after going to the bathroom". Then my mom called back, "How about, there's a right way to live and be happy?"

My brother and I recognized those words as the first line to a children's song we learned at church, and chimed in together:

There's a right way to live and be happy,
it is choosing the right every day.
I am learning the teachings of Jesus
they will help me and show me the way

My mom smiled, but said, "I think that's the most important lesson Dad and I have ever taught you. There is a right way to live and be happy".

Everyone is searching for happiness. It is what even the most empty, cruel people on earth secretly want, but have forgotten what it's like, or even how to search. I believe there is not only one way to be happy that is right for everyone, but that knowing that right way is not enough.

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I can personally testify that church is directed by God himself. It is his true church, and through it we all may have spiritual direction and guidance towards everything that is wonderful and happy. The gospel knowledge of that faith is beautiful, and true. I invite anyone who wants to know the right way to live and to find real happiness, to read The Book of Mormon, and decide for yourself through prayer if it is true. If you are seeking the truth with faith, you will love what you have found.

However knowing the truth about how to live will not be enough. With that truth comes living it everyday. I draw focus to this thought, because it is something that has been on my mind recently. I have seen people I love and care about, who share the same gospel truth I do, make bad decisions that fill their lives with trials and sorrow. They and others wonder, was there something different that could have been done? Could those roads taken been avoided? I think they can.

"it is choosing the right everyday . . . "

Try choosing to read the scriptures for 15 minutes instead of catching the last 15 minutes of a television show, and then making that choice again the next day, and then the next. If you're a new parent, may I suggest raising your children so they don't have a memory of a night they didn't sit as a family, and read the word of God, or pray together. If your children are older, start now, and be consistent. Not sometimes, not occasionally, not when you get around to it. Occasionally will easily turn to infrequent, which will turn to never. A once spiritually dedicated family, will turn to one that is confused, weak, and failing. The family will begin to feel comfortable in a mediocre dedication to the gospel, which results in a casual attitude towards obedience. However a family that is consistent in it's daily gospel habits, is one that is consistently happy, and constantly knows what is right. Choose who you will serve every single day, not once in your life. It isn't just one way to be happy. It is the way. It sounds so basic and simple, almost ludicrous. Can 15 minutes a day of scripture study save a family? Is one little prayer everyday before school or work really going to make a difference? Try it for yourself. You wont be disappointed, and neither will your family. You will never look back on that time with regret.

A few things I love about Daddy not being deployed

If someone knows how to summarize in words all the combined emotions of having a deployed spouse home again, I'm impressed. I don't think I'm even going to try to describe how great it is. Either you already know, and would be reading what you've felt yourself, or you don't have to know, so why suffer through a sappy description? Instead I've made a little list of silly things that have surprised me in how un-silly they are to have again, now that my sweetheart is home. Just to be different, I'm listing 11. We all have a tendency to make lists of 10. Here's my attempt at being nonconformist.

1. Creaks and noises at night don't make me nervous anymore

2. There's someone else to answer the call of, "Mommy, there's poop on the rug!"

3. When we're driving as a family somewhere, I can safely turn to look at the girls, or grab things they dropped

4. I don't need my cellphone on me every waking moment

5. I don't feel the need to check my email every time I walk by the computer

6. It's rewarding again to make a nice meal for dinner

7. The question, "Which do you want to do, the supper dishes or bathe the girls?" is so much better than "Which should I do first . . .?"

8. When the sodas, cookies, candy, chips, etc. start to disappear, I know it's not because I ate them all myself

9. When I want hugs and kisses, I get them

10. Spiders and ugly bugs are a "Daddy" thing again

11. My house being filled with the confusing sounds of 3 simultaneous games of college football streaming in from internet radio, ESPN.com, and the tv doesn't bother me in the least

Welcome back, Daddy! We missed you more than we can say . . .

Merrylee's First Birthday

I've broken several of my "blogging rules".

#1. I wont post more pictures than would overwhelm the average viewier

We all have busy lives, and spending 20 minutes looking at photos of other people's kids doesn't usually make the top of a "to-do" list.

#2. I wont add a new post more often than every week or so

I want to give friends and family time to look at what I last posted before something new is up.

I guess all this time away from Scott has scrambled my brain a bit, because this is the 4th photo-slideshow I've posted . . . in 4 days. Honestly, Daddy being gone is a major factor to my rule breaking. I'm posting them for him. If anyone else just happens to want to see the faces of my family over 100 times in 4 days, I've made it easy for you!

Last but certainly not least . . . Merrylee's First Birthday Photos!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

We're thinking about planning a visit to the National Zoo before I head back home, so maybe I can sneak in one more slideshow . . . .

Another Slideshow

And yet, this isn't the last one I'm going to post . . .

These are pictures from a 3 generation photo shoot we had today.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Virginia in the Fall

For Merrylee's birthday we went to the Fall Festival at Cox Farms. It was a perfect day. We sure missed Daddy. He would have loved being there too. If you feel a little photoed out after my last slideshow, or think you may have something better to do than sit and watch 75 beautiful, fall-festive pictures slowly glide by, don't worry. I didn't make this for you.

More pictures to come of Merrylee's first cupcake, and opening her gifts.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A Day at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Finding Hope

No one will forget this date 8 years ago. As we remember with prayerful respect and gratitude those who lost their lives, let us also remember those who survived. Let us be better friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. May we all remember what's important in life, and be grateful for what we did not lose that day.

For Daddy

Scott asked me to post video of the girls he can watch while he's gone. Merrylee seems to be growing and changing the most, so this post is all about her. This is a lot of footage for someone other than a parent, grandparent, or possibly adoring aunt or uncle. I understand of course why it'd be hard to watch it all. It's all too easy to feel overwhelmed by all that sweet baby cuteness. We're around her all the time you see, so we can handle it. Don't feel bad if after a minute or two you feel inadequate to the task of finishing it. She is pretty cute. Not many people are used to so much concentrated sweetness. Just relax, and watch as much as you can handle. You can always take a break, come back and finish watching it later.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We miss you Daddy. This movie was made just for you, with love from all 3 of your girls.

You're Never Alone

Usually I don't post more often than every week or so. I want to give my friends a chance to read my notes or messages before I've put up something new. This couldn't wait though. This little youtube video filled me to the brim with encouragement, and reminded me yet one more time that I'm not doing this alone. As soon as I watched it, I knew I had to pass it on.



I couldn't help but relate to how Sister Dalton talks about how she feels towards those on the sidelines cheering her on. She thinks, "they don't understand. I still have so much farther to go . . ."

I've had similar thoughts these past few weeks. However this video helped me realize while my friends and family may not understand, they still love me, and are on my side. They want me to succeed and be happy, and are cheering me on. Of course the one person who knows exactly what is in my heart and precisely what I'm going through, has been with me every single step of the way, and will be there until the very end. My gratitude goes to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I can feel him pushing me forward, even on days when I'm sure my strength has run out.

Music for the Soul

A good friend posted this youtube video on her blog, and I've had a hard time resisting copying the idea. Ever feel a bit embarrassed at how much you like a silly, simple, trendy song? You can't help it, you just love it! Well, I love Taylor Swift's Love Story. In this video, Jon Schmidt, a popular pianst, has arranged it along with Coldplay's Viva La Vida, another song I enjoy. I've been put in my place by a more educated musician than myself (whom I know and love) with the not-so-subtle reminder that this isn't music at it's best, in fact it's composition is pretty simple. She's right of course. It's no Bach or Chopin. I don't care. I love this arrangement. I've listened to it close to 50 times now, and it still gives me goosebumps. Not to mention, Jon Schmidt and his friend on the cello look like they're having so much fun as they play! It makes just about everyone who ever took a piano class, wish they hadn't given it up, or still practiced. Enough of my mindless comments. Just watch it, and I dare you not to like it!

By the way, I'd like to dedicate this post to a few people:

1. The love of my life, who I miss so much, and think of whenever I hear any song with the tiniest hint of romance- not excluding Disney and Barbie songs from Anny's movies
2. Emma, who first posted this video on her blog and introduced it to me
3. Anny, my three year old, who's just as crazy about Love Story aka Princess Song as I am, and knows every word
4. The accompanying orchestra, which isn't represented in the video, but none-the-less add so much to the music (in other words, violinists rule!)
4. Katie, my sister, who's pretty much Jon Schmidt's #1 fan. She drew a picture of him once, and spent about 3 hours on the shading of his upper lip. It's probably the best drawing she's ever done

It's the Climb

Day 4 of my husband's deployment, and already I feel heartbroken, and miss him like crazy. Yesterday was especially difficult, because I had to spend our 5th anniversary without him. We're being watched over though. Friends and family have reached out, calling, writing emails and notes of comfort, and giving us strength.

I spent the day of our anniversary keeping busy, cleaning, and taking care of the girls. That evening, we celebrated together, and had a girls night at home. I bought takeout from my favorite Italian restaurant, and rented a Chick Flick. The Hannah Montana movie, actually. I never would have guessed that silly movie would give me advice I needed to hear. She sings a song called The Climb.

Here's the music video, if you've never heard the song



The sweet and simple theme of the song reminded me that to stay happy during this lonely time, I need to find joy in the journey. It's not about enduring a challenging time, eyes focused on when it's over, it's about being happy no matter what circumstances you're in. Little Miley caught that presice theme in her song. Never thought I'd be among one of the screaming Hannah fans, but last night, I cheered and danced right along with my little girls, and celebrated the best 5 years of my life.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Tender Mercies

Last Saturday, instead of enjoying some much needed extra sleep, we left our house at 4 am, so we could be in Birmingham, AL by 10 am. Why, do you ask, would we load our two babies in the car, so early on a Saturday, and drive so far, to Birmingham? Because my husband is about to leave for his first deployment, and we really wanted a chance to visit the temple before he left. To quote President Hinckley, our former prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,

"Every man or woman who goes to the temple in a spirit of sincerity and faith leaves the house of the Lord a better man or woman. There is need for constant improvement in all of our lives. There is need occasionally to leave the noise and the tumult of the world and step within the walls of a sacred house of God, there to feel His spirit in an environment of holiness and peace"
("Of Missions, Temples, and Stewardship," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 53

If anyone needed the blessings that come from visiting the temple, I did. I'm about to enter a new phase in my life, one that I've been dreading. In order to stay happy, I need to get used to my husband being gone. This isn't just his first deployment, it's the begining of a regular schedule, requiring him to be away 2 out of every 5 months, for the next few years. Never have I felt so much inward and emotional turmoil, stress and worry. How will I make it on my own? How will I handle feeling lonely? How do I not worry about what my husband is doing, or question if he's safe? Will we be safe while he's gone? Will I be strong enough to take care of the girls completely on my own, with no one to share the emotional and phsical burdens? How will our marriage survive the distance and time apart? How will we change? Will I be ok with those unavoidable changes, and will they be for the better?

When we entered the temple together, exhausted as we both were from the trip, all of those questions faded away, and I felt flooded with peace. While our temporal concerns didn't go away, I felt more capable of dealing with them. I am still worried, and am not happy for the day he has to leave. I know however, that we'll get through it. God is at the head of our family, and he will not leave us comfortless. I am now able to view the future with acceptance and hope, rather than fear and dread.


As if to prove he is there and mindful of us, Heavenly Father showed us several personal tender mercies through that visit.

1. Our great friends, Brent and Katie, watched our girls in the nearby church while my husband and I went in the temple. They kept them happy and comfortable while we were away. We couldn't have made that trip without them.
2. Both girls, who don't nap well outside of their own beds, slept for over an hour without trouble on the floor of the church nursery room.
3. In our rush to begin the long drive home, we accidently left Anny's Minnie Mouse doll at the church. That little Minnie is very special to her, and we were so sad to lose it. However to summarize an amazing string of events, we were able to contact a lady from Birmingham, a sweet and wonderful woman who teaches Sunday School to the 3 year olds in that building, who found Anny's Minnie, and mailed it back to us right away.

Heavenly Father is mindful of us. The blessings that come from the temple are not only eternal, but immediate and personal too.

one . . . two . . . three!

I know this is a bit late in posting, but our baby Anny turned three!!! Here's 3 photos representing each of her 3 birthdays.

One . . . .





two . . .





three!!!!!!!!!!!




We love you Riannyn!! Our lives changed forever when you came into the world, and we're so much happier for it!

Our Caribbean Cruise

Scott and I went on a fabulous 4 night Caribbean Cruise with Royal Caribbean cruiselines. Grandma Andrews and Aunt Olivia stayed with the girls at home so we could have an entire week to ourselves. Here's a slideshow of some of the prettier views from our ship and ashore. We left out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and made ports of call at the Florida Keys and Cozumel, Mexico. Everything was beautiful and perfect. We're happy to be back with our girls whom we missed very much, but are grateful to have such wonderful memories of just the two of us on this romantic vacation! (there's music with the slideshow, so turn off my music player if you want to hear it)

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Rockin' Out with Guitar Hero

Anyone "in the know" about Guitar Hero, knows about Through the Fire and Flames. Try it if you've never played it before. It's the last song in the bonus section of GH3. You'll see. That song is crazy!!! Well, here's my crazy family rockin' out to that song. Even if you're not a Guitar Hero fan, you'll enjoy the video. I have the coolest husband. He loves nothing more than playing with his kids, and will do anything to make them laugh and get excited. The girls definitely loved this! Turn off my music player so you can hear the song.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Kids say the darndest things . . .

We went to a baptism this past Saturday, and took the girls. On the program was this beautiful picture of the Savior and John the Baptist.



Scott, being the sweet father he is, took the opportunity to teach Anny a little about baptism. He decided to use the picture as a visual. He asked her if she knew what was going on in the picture. She nodded, and pointing to John the Baptist, said, "He's going to hit Jesus in the head".

Needless to say, she was corrected very quickly.

The only thing cuter than a cute baby . . . .

. . . is a cute baby giggling! Turn off my music player for full effect!!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our little dancer

We went to Virginia for my baby sister's wedding. Everything was perfect and beautiful, especially the bride! Anny never wanted to leave pretty Aunt Katie's side while she was in her beautiful white dress. Anny kept saying, "She's a princess!"

At the reception, Anny almost never left the dance floor! Here's some photos where she's dancing with her new Uncle Brenton, Uncle Peter, Grandpa, Aunt Katie, and my little cousin Corrigan. That's just a sampling of her many dance partners. She also danced with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Aunt Cindy, and many of the other family and friend guests at the reception. We had a great time, and Katie graciously shared the "belle of the ball" position with her spunky little blond niece.

Little Rylee

I love that we call Riannyn, Anny. I love nicknames. It sets those who know you apart from those who don't. They're sweet, and personal. Liz is short for Elizabeth of course. My Dad says you can make more nicknames out of Elizabeth than any other name. He called me by as many as he could think of. Betty, Liza, Beth, Bethy-sue, Eliza, Liz . . . Those who have known me for a really long time remember my "Lizzy" days. When I told my husband I could recognize friends who have known and loved me for years because they still call me Lizzy, he decided he too should be a part of that group. When he proposed, he said, "Lizzy, will you marry me?".

I wanted a nickname for Merrylee, but couldn't think of one. Thankfully I have a very creative sister (thank's Buggy), who immediately came up with one- Rylee. Like Anny is taken directly from the spelling of Riannyn (RiANNYn), Rylee is at the end of Merrylee (MerRYLEE). We held off calling her that for a little while so we could get used to her beautiful full name. (by the way, it's pronounced like the word "merrily", some of you still seem confused by that. My fault, the spelling is confusing . . .), We also waited because Anny couldn't pronounce her "l's" or "r's". Rylee to her was "Why-wee". Not quite so cute. However our brilliantly advanced eldest daughter can now pronounce her "l's" quite proficiently! So we're taking the leap, and are going to start using Merrylee's sweet nickname, Rylee. Feel free to use it too! Here's some sweet photos of the little darling herself.

He Lives

As I post these sweet Easter photos of my family, I feel it only appropriate to include my testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose resurrection is what we truly celebrate on Easter. I know Jesus Christ lives. He is the son of God, and our spirit brother. He lived a perfect life here on earth. He loved and blessed both those who loved him, and those who hated and betrayed him. He was baptized in the river Jordan. He cleansed the temple. He healed the sick, and even raised the dead. He taught lessons of forgiveness, and service, sacrifice and love. He suffered for the sins of the world in Gethsemane. He died on the cross. However the plans of our Heavenly Father cannot be frustrated. After the third day, the Savior's body and soul were reunited. He left the tomb, and walked, talked, and ate with those he loved. He conquered death, and because of this, we too will be resurrected after death. I love our Savior, and am so grateful for what he sacrificed and did for me. I will always try to follow his perfect example. I know that when I do I and my family are blessed.

My testimony is not complete without mentioning my knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I can personally witness that Jesus Christ's church is on the earth again. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that one true church. It is led by a modern day prophet, who answers to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and directs this church as they would have it led. Part of this restored gospel is the Book of Mormon. It is a true and wonderful book, filled with further testimony of Jesus Christ. That book has brought me comfort, strength, and direction my entire life. Joseph Smith was God's chosen prophet to restore his church to the earth. Through the power of God Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates. He then through the guidance of God organized this church.

I know these things are true not just because they were taught to me by those I love and trust, but because as they were taught to me, my heart felt full, and warm. I knew without a doubt that these things were true. Every bit of joy and happiness I have felt in my life come back to my knowledge of the Savior and his restored gospel. It is my deepest hope that my family I cherish and my friends and neighbors whom I love are blessed with and will live by the knowledge that I have. I end my testimony in the wonderful name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lovebug

There's just something about a WWII love story that pulls at my emotions. It was the era of innocence, family, big bands, and pretty dresses with matching high heels and lipstick. Then there were those heartbreaking goodbyes as brothers, husbands, and fathers left for the war, knowing full well that goodbye can be the last. This music video captures some of that in a sweet way. I like it. Maybe it's silly of me, but I tear up just a little every time I watch it.

Alternative to Spanking

I received an email from a friend with this little story and photo. It's not about me, obviously, as I don't have a son. Some of you may have already seen it, but I thought it was worth posting. This is a well timed post for me, as Anny has been driving me crazy this week. She's definitely testing her limits. Here's to all you parents in the same boat as me right now, or have been there. If you can handle the suspense, read the email before you check out the photo.

Most of the American populace thinks it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of 'those moments.' One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk. Some say it's the vibration from the car, others say it's the time away from any distractions such as TV, Video Games, Computer, IPod, etc. Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together. Eye to eye contact helps a lot, too. I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique.

Sincerely,

Your Friend

Ode to Teenagers (the good ones)

I will shamelessly admit I am a fan of High School Musical. While I confess I like cheesy storylines and pop music, I think I'm drawn to the movie for different reasons. It illustrates a high school experience completely different from my own, and that's a good thing.

There is no shortage of cute high school flicks, with generic geeky and popular clicks. Sometimes the popular group is mean, but still these movies don't capture what high school is really like. They leave out the constant flow of profanity in the hallways. What about the never ending waft of marijuana coming from the bathrooms? Occasionally a film or TV show will show the metal detectors at the doorways, but they don't illustrate the regular violent scenes that forced the school administration to install them. What I saw growing up, were little girls, ages 14, 15, and 16, wearing skimpy, tight, and revealing clothing. I wish I could forget the nauseating displays of much-too-public affection in every corner. Now add hormones, insecurity, low self esteem, and make the halls more than a bit overcrowded with awkward bodies. The supposed role models that were my teachers and administrators spent more time teaching about "personal expression", "free speech", and "self discovery" than history and literature. Books with high morals were taken out the school library for fear of "offending". Required reading often contained language and scenes most of the students couldn't legally view in movies without a fake ID. What about Prom night, when the kids are dressed up and supposedly displaying better behavior? The girls came dressed in trashy, too short gowns, showing off their much too young, not-quite-adult bodies. There weren't sweet and romantic slow songs. The kids were bored by those. They demanded from the DJ fast trashy tunes so they could try out the latest dirty dance move they saw on a rap music video. Not a recipe for positive growth, or "best time of your life" experiences. Some of you may think I'm describing some scary inner city school. I'm not. I'm describing what I and 2,000 other students saw everyday in the 3rd richest county in the United States. And that was what it looked like 10 years ago. I can only imagine what the high school experience has become now.

Yet still, amongst all the sleaze, there were and still are boys and girls who refuse to join in. They too are tempted to use profanity when they're frustrated, embarrassed, or angry. But they don't. They have the same awkward bodies as their peers, but keep them covered, and treat them with respect. The same powerful hormones pull them towards the opposite sex, but they keep their feelings in check enough to control their actions. Instead of making fun of others in an attempt look better, they avoid gossip, and encourage their friends to make good decisions. They don't know the taste of beer, and have no idea how much cigarettes cost. No one even invites them to parties with alcohol and drugs, and they're grateful for that. After school hours for these few are filled with practicing sports and musical instruments, volunteer work, service projects, and regular studying for classes. They don't know who they are any more than the other kids. But they know who they want to be, and they make their decisions accordingly. They are often lonely, and rarely respected or praised for this continuous battle they fight everyday. Their drive to live better comes from great faith in God, and their strength is fueled by loving parents and family. They are happy, and everyone can see it. If they are remembered in any way among their peers, it's how they were positive, uplifting, and cheerful.

Here's to those boys and girls who made it through those horrible 4 years unscathed. You may have felt lonely then, but you definitely weren't and are not alone. And to those still living the nightmare, stay true to your faith, and never forget who you really want to be after graduation. Because much to the disappointment of those who in some twisted way hope high school will last forever, it doesn't.

Chairs that Spin and Applesauce

My best friend from highschool, Stacey, came to visit with her husband, Tait, and their two kids, Chase (3) and Izzy, (1). Anny and Chase are like 2 peas in a pod, and had so much fun. Here's where they discovered the joys of a spinny chair and a friend.

Our growing baby had her first taste of real food a few days ago. We gave her applesauce. It wasn't a big hit. We gave her sweet potatoes the next day, and she liked those a lot better. Here are some photos of the dissapointing applesauce.

It's a Love Story

Our "Love Story" isn't unique, or heart wrenchingly dreamy. I suppose there is some romance to being married to an Air Force pilot, but no happy couple likes to be separated by hundreds of miles, no matter how patriotic the cause, and that's what pilots do. They fly away. However despite the heartache I know will come with my husband's first deployment, I can still say with all my heart it's worth it for the moments he's here. He really is my Romeo, knight in shining armor, and Prince Charming all in one. Not to mention he's very much a hero in our daughters' eyes. I love Taylor Swift's song Love Story, because despite its unrealistic lyrics of princes and princesses in love, it still reminds me of our own story. Probably because underneath all her pretty descriptions is a song about real, intoxicating, everlasting, butterflies-in-your-tummy love, and that's what we have.

Minnie Mouse Cuts In

Merrylee was chattering away today in her swing, of course until I pulled out the video camera. Then she looked at me curiously, and silently. Anny was also curious about what I was doing, and brought a little friend with her to check it out.

Look Anny, snow!

We drove to New Hampshire last week to attend the funeral for my husband's Uncle Carl. While it was a sad ocassion, it was nice to see so much family, and the girls got to experience that neat white stuff that comes with really cold temperatures! Merrylee didn't seem too impressed, but Anny, who sleeps with a stuffed snowman, was very excited. She's here with Grandma, and her Aunt Felicity. Grandma is holding "Snowman" Anny's stuffed friend.

An Eensy Weensy Story

Thanks to all of you who read and commented on my first page of April Magic. It's on hold for now, while I try to figure out where I want the story to go. In the meantime I wrote a short little children's story, for fun. I haven't decided if it's just a good writing exercise, or something I want to refine and maybe send to a children's publisher, but I thought I'd at least post it here, and see if any of you like it! No title yet. If anyone has any cute suggestions for one, let me know!


He cast his many eyes up the dark tunnel that was his personal mountain to overcome. Reaching the end of that vertical tube of metal would open a world of opportunities to him. Food, glory, honor. He has no name, because spiders don't have names. They do however, have goals.

He wasn't a special spider. He was simply an ordinary brown spider, without special advantages like jumping, or a poisonous bite. He wasn't even large. In fact, he could even be described as eensy or weensy. Despite his insignificance, he dreamed big. His dream was to build a web to be proud of. From the corner of the gutter to the wooden siding of the big house, it would sparkle with dew from the morning sun. By mid afternoon it would be large and invisible to prey, promising an end to his hungry nights. Stunning even humans, they would pause to gaze at the glory of its geometric beauty, thinking it too perfect to destroy. He could already picture his almost living dream, there at the end of the tunnel. The tall, slippery, black tunnel that was the water spout.

Wayne sighed as he kicked his grass stained sneaker against a rock in the garden. His mood was as gray as the stormy clouds overhead. "Leonard" he mumbled, "Leonard the bully."

Scratching at the tears peeking out his eyes, he recalled the hurtful names Leonard screamed at him during the recess basketball game. Wayne had worked so hard, and practiced so long. Not long enough. He still stumbled over his feet, and missed crucial baskets. The other boys might have been more patient with him, if it weren't for Leonard. Leonard made laughing at him part of the game. Wayne gazed up at the basketball hoop above him. So high. So impossible. He'd never be good, and Leonard would never go away. It wasn't worth the effort to keep practicing. In frustration, he kicked his basketball across the yard. Running to go kick it again, he noticed a tiny spider by the foot of the ball. Lifting his foot to smash it, Wayne yelled, "I hate spiders! I hate basketball, and I hate Leonards!"

The spider scurried away, barely avoiding disaster that would come from Wayne's shoe. As he lifted his foot high to stomp again, the spider dodged into a crack in the cement. Eight legs flying, he made it to the water spout, and started his precarious assent. His goal and precious dream now combined with a desperate will to survive.

"NOOOOO!" screamed Wayne in frustration, "I hate you! I hate you Leonard! You wont win. I wont let you!!!"

Wayne ran around the side of the house for the garden hose. With a squeak from the pipes, he twisted it on so the water sprayed at full force.

Frantic were the spider's thoughts as he scrambled up the steep, dark tunnel. He had the will power to survive, and a dream to push him forward. He'd reach the top, and make his web, his web to be proud of. Even this hateful human boy wouldn't dare harm him then. Not when he saw his glittering, perfect, masterpiece. He could see something bright at the end of the darkness, and knew he was almost there. It was a shining source of hope, so very close. And then the water came. Great cold bursts of it, sending him crashing down the metal tunnel and swirling into a small pool at the base of the waterspout.

Standing over the tiny spider, hose in hand, was Wayne. Trembling in his shadow, the spider looked up, his many eyes giving him a dozen perspectives of this monster boy. Wayne glared back, seeing not the spider, but Leonard's mocking face. Just then a ray of sun peeked out of the clouds, filtered around the trees, and brought a soft yellow glow to the yard. Wayne could feel it warming his cheeks, and watched it reflect off the puddle at his feet. Relaxing his clenched fist that held the hose, he saw the little spider again. "You're not Leonard", Wayne whispered. Tossing the hose into the flower bed, he said under his breath, "You're me".

Slowly he bent down, picked up his ball, and turned back to his basketball hoop. The spider dashed to the safety of the shadows. He stared up the long, metal tunnel, a faint light sparkling at its end, and started climbing.

April Magic

I've had the beginings of a story running around in my head for a few years, and I decided it's time I stop daydreaming about it, and actually write it down. It's still a draft, so don't be too critical, but if this were the first page of a book you picked up, would you keep reading? Let me know what you think!

April felt the book slide from her fingers as she started to nod off. It hit the floor with a soft thud. She glanced at Mindy, her roommate. Sound asleep. Good. Her fingertips tingled slightly as she willed the magic to bring the book back to her hand. It was the painting on the dust cover that brought this one to April's attention. Delicately poised by a flower, was a tiny fairy, glowing slightly. The creature seemed much too pretty to be real, which is exactly why April bought the book. So far the story hadn't disappointed her. It was filled with rich descriptions of a beautiful land, and fantastic creatures. The very words on the page seemed to sparkle, and April felt instantly transported into a place more exotic and wonderful than the dull college dormitory where she lived. Her clock read 2:15 AM. She needed to stop staying up so late reading. It's not as if she didn't have other things she should be studying. College professors seemed to take pleasure in assigning weeks worth of material to learn each night. April often wondered how her peers managed it. How did they absorb all that knowledge and keep up with the heavy workload? She refused to find out. Her father had warned her against this. "Don't become dependant on the magic," he had said. "It feels like an extra hand, and very easily becomes a second nature you're barely aware of. Where would I be though if I hadn't learned to do everything on my own, with out its aid?"
April let out a soft sigh. She knew he was right. It was much easier than she had thought, discovering her new gift. The magic wasn't at all like it was in her fantasy books. Those stories described something wild, and hard to master. Magic was something with a mind of it's own, that daring warlocks tried to control. To April, it was simply an extension of her self. She controlled it as easily as she controlled her own limbs. It was special, but not exactly mysterious. She probably hadn't discovered all it's posiblities yet, but so far it seemed pretty simple. When she wanted something she couldn't reach, it came. If she needed to absorb the knowledge of a book for a test, she picked up the book, and let the knowledge seep into her mind. She wasn't a computer, with every sentence locked in her memory. Learning the book felt more like watching a movie she hadn't seen in awhile. Just as the distant memory of the movie becomes clear again, the lessons from the book would come to the forefront of her mind. It wasn't that way with every book she touched. She controlled it. When she wanted to learn the contents of a book without reading it, she did.
"I'm not lazy," April told herself. "I just want to be able to choose for myself what I spend all my time thinking about. If I tried to actually read every word in those textbooks, I'd never have time for this," she thought, while tracing the wings of the pretty fairy on the cover with her finger. She had this amazing mysterious skill, yet nothing about her life seemed magical at all. It still showed no resemblance to the fairy tales she couldn't get enough of.

Thou shalt not steal cont.

Many modern day leaders, particularly those in powerful government positions starting this new year, have written a new definition for stealing. They have reformed the commandment. It is now, "Thou shalt not steal, unless you or someone else is presented with difficult situations". It was tactfully done. They started with laws that required everyone to give a little out of their earnings to welfare programs that help the less fortunate. Most agree to this form of stealing. If everyone is donating, it's not really stealing, right? But that's not the current law anymore. The laws have evolved. Everyone does not donate. Only a few do. Only those who make more than a specified amount must donate. So "We the People" created laws, forcing not everyone, but just some, to give away their earned money to people who did not work for it. Stealing has been legalized. It's done in the name of sympathy, of course. No one enjoys watching others suffer. We all in some form or another have suffered hardship. We feel for those who suffer more. We want to help. After all, if we don't some people could starve. Others could suffer. A few may even die. So stealing is ok. It's ok as long as it reduces suffering. That's the idea being pushed anyway, and it's what today's children believe. During my discussion of A Single Shard with my fifth graders I presented them with a hypothetical dilemma. I said they had a loved one who was starving. When I asked if in that case they'd steal food, they all replied that they would. They all agreed there are conditions that make it ok.
I have to say I think Crane-man from A Single Shard would disagree with this new definition. "Stealing and begging, Crane-man often said, made a man no better than a dog". He would say we are teaching our children to live no better than dogs. We are teaching them that when the going gets tough, don't work harder, take from others. And if others wont give it to you, we'll make them. Who are those who have worked and earned enough for their food? They are the successful. Who are the ones we take from? Again, the successful. So we are teaching our children when life gets really hard, don't work to be successful, but rather take from the successful. We'll help you do it. Such a process does not build characters like those I read about in Linda Park's book. I like to think America was built on the shoulders of those who fought hardship. When their lives got difficult, they worked harder. They found ways to solve their problems. Sometimes they failed. But when the failed, they tried again. I'm sure they asked others for help. They didn't beg or demand it though. When requests for help were turned down, they kept working. They learned from their failures. They accomplished the impossible, and they became great. They taught their children to be great. Thanks to our revolutionary, sympathetic laws we are only coasting on that greatness, and through these new policies are teaching our children when they reach truly difficult challenges to stop working. They should stop working, bow their heads in defeat, hold out their empty hands, and expect them to be filled. Rather than work for dignity, sometimes, when life gets really hard, it's ok to stop being human. It's ok to be a dog.
I am fighting this new definition. My children will follow the original commandment. They will look at stealing as more shameful than digging through dirt and trash for their food. Instead of holding empty hands out to others and demanding help they will reach for the stars, and someday, I know they will grasp them.

Riannyn and Merrylee

Thou shalt not steal

I remember a discussion I had with some of my 5th grade students as a teacher. They were reading A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park. The story takes place in a twelfth-century Korean village. The main character is Tree-ear, an orphan boy, living under a bridge with a crippled old man, Crane-man. Despite their extremely humbling circumstances, Crane-man proves to be a very loving and wise guardian to Tree-ear. Crane-man is not able to work or provide much for the orphan boy. However he teaches Tree-ear to survive by "foraging in the woods and rubbish heaps, and gathering fallen grain heads in the autumn." You and I would imagine these methods of finding food the lowest a human could stoop. The author suggests otherwise. Even lower than looking through the waste and discarded things of others, is stealing or begging. Searching the woods and sorting through trash is humble, but it is still working honorably for your meal. "Stealing and begging, Crane-man said, made a man no better than a dog. Work gives a man dignity, [and] stealing takes it away."
My students, just as you and I, immediately agreed that of course, stealing is wrong. In theory we all believe that. In theory. We understand working to save money for what we want is right. Stealing or begging is the easy way out, and it's wrong. It's taking something we didn't work for, and don't deserve. "Thou shalt not steal" is a very basic commandment we all understand and claim to have no problem with. However admitting stealing is wrong means working for our meals is the right course to take no matter how difficult, challenging, or humiliating that may be. Working for our bread is not always easy. However that is what makes the meal satisfying. Despite their challenges, Crane-man and Tree-ear were happy. They accepted help sometimes. Accepting help is ok. Forcing others to help you is not. The characters were true to their values. They never forced others to help them, and they never stopped working. They struggled, lived humbly to the extreme, and even suffered. Eventually Tree-ear grows old enough to find work, and better their situation. It is a story of hardship, perseverance, and greatness as a result of very hard, honest work.
I enjoyed this story so much because it told a story foreign to our modern practices. Today the common lesson is stealing is wrong most of the time. However if you're really hungry, or really tired, or your child is sick, it's forgiven. In fact we even teach that if your friends' children are hungry, or the man in the next town is sick, you can even steal for them. If the more fortunate are mean, stingy, and unwilling to donate or give charity, then it's our job to make them. Right? to be continued . . .