The Silence of the Turkeys

I'm so happy, and I don't know why! Of course, I am grateful for the Gospel, Mark, our home, his almost-job, our family and friends, and living in America. We're blessed as a people, and I'm quite aware of that. But now, just because of a sameness to our days that gives me a chance to relax and make goals and progress a little at a time. I think this is the longest that Mark and I have ever gone without feeling like things were up in the air (although we did have a little bump in the road a while back!). Also, I've been eating yams or sweet potatoes (Mark doesn't remember which) since Thanksgiving, and they're helping me be stronger and happier. Did you know they're the most nutrition-dense food in the whole produce department? Yay for nutrition! Today we all went to church. Another kid in Primary was disgusted and fascinated about my abruptly ending legs, but he got over it, as I just acted normal and we participated in Primary. His name is Alex, and when they talked about our Earthly home, he said, "I'm not an Earthling!" He was very adamant about that, even when we tried to help him understand. He became very friendly towards me by the end of Sharing Time. I think it was the super brake handles on my wheelchair. We had a great Thanksgiving week. Ben, Linda, Josh, Haley, Dallin, Hunter, and Danny, Melinda, Alex, Tristan, and Alaina came for an early afternoon, traditional feast. Then we put on the Polar Express, after trying some other movies, and Alaina and Tristan watched it with me, while everyone else was in the living room visiting. Alaina is such a cuddlebug! Tristan was having a hard time with worrying about everything imaginable, so we teased him briefly, asking him about fixing the economy, etc. Sadly, Justin couldn't make it up this time. So to Justin, Phillip, and Megan, Brooks, Aiden, Audrey, and Anya, I say, "Happy Thanksgiving!" And now, to the rest of the holiday season! We're trying to make little gifts for people, and we know that everyone is trying to save money, and it's actually more enjoyable this way. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. We love you!!

Cute Kittens

The following is sort of a collage of some of the cute kittens out there on the Internet

(I also posted previously today, if you missed it)

Happy Pre-Thanksgiving Monday!

Just a little fatter than Tut

Sheesh, it's so late in the year already! Can you believe it? Mark is excited for Thanksgiving this week. He always enjoys cooking and baking for others, as you know, and we all gain from his talents. ;) Although I'm trying not to; I really want to just eat what I would on my own, and in the serving size that I'd eat on my own. That would help! Last week we went to see New Moon with Seth. We enjoyed it, although it lacked the music and the intensity and romance of the first movie. Also, I didn't like the new vampire contacts. Robt. Pattinson's makeup was not flattering! Also, his physique left much to be desired - and I don't even like muscle-y types! The Volturi encounter was also a letdown. What I did like was Jacob's hair being better, the story, Bella's dad, the huge wolves, and just seeing more of my favorite characters. Going with a crowd and hearing their laughs and sighs and screams was the best part of all. Especially Mark and Seth's moans of enjoyment! Ha! I got to substitute-teach in Relief Society yesterday, and it was on one of my favorite talks of all time: Elder Holland's talk, "Safety for the Soul." Unapologetic and very clear about the truth of the Book of Mormon, it provided a chance for us all to think about how we can be deceived in these times and how to avoid it, and to ask ourselves how we are testifying of the Book of Mormon. How do we want to do that, unequivocably and without fear? I could more easily talk before a crowd of strangers than share my testimony with individuals that I know. For that reason, I need to do the latter more often. I need to extend myself to others more, in friendly and helping ways. And we need to have more Family Home Evenings! It's just continuing to push the envelope a bit, not going overboard and then sputtering out, like an untrimmed wick. Never let it be said that my wick was not trimmed! Seth was home yesterday - he called in sick to work. He's had a cold for a while now, and he'd been working extra for someone else, and it caught up with him. I think it's the first time he's stayed home sick from work. Mark made us some beef tenderloin (which was too hard for me to chew - but that's just me, not the food) and cheesey potatoes, and then he baked some sugar cookies and we watched some old Farrah Fawcett movies. One was simply awful, and the second wasn't bad - it was verrry old, and therefore pretty funny. Called "Murder on Flight 502." Now Mark's gone to work and it's still snowy outside, from yesterday, and that's about all there is to tell you, except that Tut and Jasmine were really wrestling around yesterday. Tut throws his weight around, but Jasmine is more passionate, so they're pretty evenly matched. I felt sorry for little Jasmine. The night before, Mark brought her into our room and held her on his shoulder, which was something I've never witnessed before. It turned out, she'd killed a spider and Mark was grateful to her. Do you think if I would kill spiders he'd hold me on his shoulder? Instead, I hold spiders (or I've been know to) and kill Mark's shoulder! I write more when I think of something, okay? xoxoxo

Laying Hold

I think I've blogged before about laying hold of good things and how important it is. I just want to emphasize that. Fill your life with good, uplifting music, associations, and interests, and always have a variety of positive things and thoughts and activities in your life.

That doesn't mean you have to be a busy bee or on the run all the time. It just means that if you fill your life with positive things and moments and thoughts, you won't have room for negative ones. You can train your mind to think of other things and in other ways, when negative thoughts occur. Have something in mind already, to think about at those times. Maybe think about what you wanted for Christmas when you were little. Even used repeatedly, this type of mind direction, simple as it is, can heal your mind's automatic direction into worry, anxiety, and discouragement.

Yes, the scriptures can seem negative in their warnings, but some people should only think about every positive aspect of the scriptures and not dwell on the spewings out of the mouth parts. A great counselor with LDS Social Services taught me that, and I believe it's true. Some people need to fear before they'll even consider being obedient, and those scriptures are for them. Others, as the Book of Mormon says, don't need to be humbled to want to obey.

You readers of my blog, the ones that I'm aware of, probably should concentrate on the joyful aspects of Heavenly Father's plan; if God meant to be punitive or harsh, He wouldn't have given us the Atonement, which is offered freely to all, for unlimited use. I love that!

Basically, what is required is holding to the iron rod in our daily lives, clinging to the word of God, and praying to and counseling with Him. Go to Him humbly and simply, each day. That is what is needed, and it is so easy. Please continue to do that.

I think of our forebearers, and how they had testimonies of this Gospel, and how many sacrifices they made for the Gospel. They are on the other side of the veil now - at least, most of them are - and they want their descendants to stay true to the legacy of the truth which was handed down. Their earthly lives must seem like a whisper to them now, compared to their lives in their real home. And the earthly concerns that they experienced at one time probably seem very insignificant.

If they could send us a message, I think part of what they'd want us to know is to enjoy our blessings, be a positive example, and to see each other as we really are. We would have so much fun if we'd do those things, and let everything else go, as much as possible.

When things happen that make us sad or frightened or frustrated, don't dwell on it, except as necessary. Pray, and then let Heavenly Father work His plan in your life and the lives of your loved ones.

I'm saying this to myself as much as anybody. It helps me so much when I catch myself trying to take over for Heavenly Father. He doesn't need me to manage the world! He just needs me to be grateful and loving and to keep in touch with Him!

I hope this little reminder will help you, too. :)

Love and Hugs!

xoxoxo

Getting Cozy

We are watching Spirited Away right now, and it's warm in our room. Mark is drinking something warm, and I just drank some hot chocolate he made for me. Seth is home from work, and it's snowy and cold outdoors. I like the way the bathhouse in Spirited Away seems warm, with hot water and plenty of food. It makes me feel cozy inside. I used to be afraid of winter, afraid of being cold. Now I enjoy it, because I look forward to being by a warm fire, baking, eating soup, and the holidays, even if the holidays are still a bit scary (but only if I forget that I can give homemade gifts; then that feels cozy, too :). I'm lucky, because I rarely have to go outdoors when it's cold. We keep our house pretty cold, but I can warm up in one way or another, either a room heater, a hot bath, or a fireplace. We went to see 2012 last night, and we really enjoyed it. The special effects are amazing. You do have to suspend disbelief occasionally, but it didn't have language or anything in it, and it was exciting throughout, with a good feeling to it and a sense of humor. That's generally what critics hate, so I always consider that when reading movie reviews. Often our favorite shows aren't reviewed very well. So, how are you staying cozy when the weather's cold or miserable outside? What are some of your favorite things to do this time of year? Blessings! xoxoxo

Comment on Tara's Video Link Below

( photo credit: Melinda)

I just want to have this video on my blog, too, so everyone I know might view it some day.

I think it's wonderful how childlike all the people around the world are when they're being silly and dancing and having fun.

That must be how Heavenly Father sees us.

Seeing this, I want to include everyone when I think about "us" and "we,"

And never, ever again feel like there's an anonymous "them" out there.

We are still children in God's eyes, and His eyes see things as they really are.

I know that Satan and his work is real, and that we have to be realistic and aware,

But from now on, I just want to remember that we are all dancers, too!

Copying Tara's Link

http://

Early November

Grandpa with Ben and Linda's Joshua - 3.5 months old and 13 pounds

Joshua, in Mommy Linda's arms

Joshua, on my lap

Doesn't he look rather shocked?

Tut, satisfied after he does the below... Yuck! Sleeping off the toilet water? On our pillow! :/

Sorry I haven't had many exciting things to report on. I do have one funny thing from Primary yesterday: the kids were asked to think of one thing they were thankful for. I murmured, "My husband," so the little boy next to me copied and said out loud, "My husband!"

Haha!

So, hope you enjoyed the pictures above.

And keep blogging!

xoxoxo

More on the Women in My Family

In response to Megan's questions on my last post, I'll write another one! Mostly, I want to know about the things you have seen the women in your family do. For Megan, I might add that you've seen Grandma Buis loving her family, including the in-laws, and making some things for you girls, serving in the church, always offering food to us, and reading, writing letters, and watching animal shows on television. And your Grandma Cripe did lots of beadwork and baked cookies, at the least! (Harder for me to remember her. I know she kept busy!) Both grandmas loved old houses, and so do I and I know you do, too. My mom would've loved your old house! As for your aunts, well, that defies explanation! I will mention Sandy's cooking and crazy-cool haunted houses, even if you've only heard about the latter ones. :) With Grandma Jeanie, you would've seen a very gracious lady that's devoted to her family and the Gospel, and who makes her surroundings and herself very beautiful. And, with me, I might add that you've seen me do some clay sculpture and painting, crafts and jewelry making; also, you still remember me being a runner and exercising, growing roses, selling cosmetics, loving the outdoors, going to college, and opening our home to others. (I won't mention the cluttered papers and too much used furniture in the garage, having too many toys, not to mention too many pets!) It's easy to think of things I have done or not done! It's amazing that you love to sew, since you didn't witness it growing up. Thanks to MamaJo for filling in some gaps! Of the things you've seen, tell me what you will continue with yourself, okay? (After you tell us what you've seen the women in your family do.) I think it would be great to journal/blog about this, and then make a family collection/history of the women, then do the same for the men. That would give a clearer shape to a narrative. As for the quilts, I didn't think the quilt we sold was made by a family member, or I wouldn't have sold it. But, even so, I still sooooooooo regret selling it!! The red and white one was made by your great-great grandmother on my mom's side, probably her mom's mother, who was Malinda, but I'll have to make sure what her last name was - or you can look it up on Family Search. Thank you for the questions and responses! I look forward to receiving more, from all of my readers!

On Learning: The Women in My Family

Right now Sheri Howard is having a giveaway here, of some scraps from making her book quilt, and an autographed copy of her book, Ruby Dots. Sheri dedicates her book to her mother, who was always sewing clothes for Sheri and her sister. The comments on her post run the gamut, from no sewing taught, to the many who credit their mothers with inspiring them to sew. As I reflected on those comments and considered what I have seen the women in my family doing, I thought about how skills are learned almost by osmosis, if you see your grandmother, mother, or aunts doing them. My mother didn't sew with a machine at all. My dad even bought her a new sewing machine when I was 12, but she never used it. I used it to sew my cheerleading outfit, with incredible frustration, I might add! And I made an a-line paisley skirt for home ec. That was it. But in later years, my mother hand-sewed. She made little aprons for Megan and Melinda, and little tied quilts for my first four children (the other kids were born after she died). And I like to hand sew. I think this translates into my love of beadwork and painstaking art and craft projects. It feels so traditional and comforting to make things carefully and slowly by hand. It's like reading a favorite book slowly, or writing letters by hand, or sketching outdoors: I feel connected to the past, and to my female ancestors. I don't think I ever saw my grandmothers do any sewing, although my father's mother, Grandma Buis, was forever surrounded by balls of material she was winding for rag quilts. (How I wish I had some of that material now!) I remember her entire attic was filled with multi-colored balls of material. Most of them seemed to be dark-colored with small patterns. I imagine they were made from old clothing, so that may have been the colors she wore. I wish I could go back in time and see her wearing her dresses, see her house and what she did. The same goes for my mother's mother, Grandma Wakefield (later, Gray). I don't know why, but I've always felt a strong pull towards the elderly, wanting to ask them questions about long ago. I asked my Grandma Wakefield lots of questions, and we got some of her responses on tape. :) Nowadays, you can scan old photos and zoom in on their clothes, hair, jewelry, and the backgrounds. That's the best part of the picture! (I notice that there wasn't much grass in the yards, and what grass there was wasn't mowed very often. Reel mowers cut the grass differently than lawn mowers do today. The grass looked more natural and unshorn when you were done. But they could be heavy to push! At least to a little girl of four, which was the age I tried mowing our grass with one. I think I held out for two or three pushes.) Anyway, sometimes I wonder if I'm wrong to edit the backgrounds out of our photos (unless it's a background I like). Maybe I'm cheating our descendents out of a peek into our lives! So, although I don't have a heritage of sewing in my background, I did see gardening, canning, baking, cooking, doing church work, telling stories, loving books, storing keepsakes, writing letters, being frugal, and serving others. And I saw a lot of love... I wonder what female traditions you have observed in your families. Would you write about them? Include your aunts and older sisters, if you have them. Thanks! xoxoxo

Today in Primary

I sat with the Sunbeams this week, along with their teacher and another adult. They are a very wiggly bunch! A little boy eyed me suspiciously. "What happened to your legs?" This was in a stage whisper. I whispered back, "The doctor removed them for me, because they didn't get enough blood." I always add the caution that it won't happen to them, when children ask. "Why did your dog harm your legs?" I tried to answer him, but I never did get him to understand, in our little game of telephone. Who knows what idea he ended up with, but he soon thought of something else to ask me. "Why do you only have one tooth?" "I have other teeth. That's just the one that shows up." He didn't look quite satisfied, but then a little fellow Sunbeam named Aubrey started yelling at him about not having a turn (throwing the candy corn beanbag into the pumpkin during their activity), and she was very indignant about it. The little boy didn't have anything at all to do with picking the tossers, but I could tell she was just getting started with him. Al Pacino in curls. So, I had her sit next to me... Aubrey sat quietly for a few seconds. Then I heard a very loud stage whisper. "Something stinks in here." I didn't smell anything, so I tried to ignore her. "You have stinky breath." This said very loudly, with fingers up her nostrils. I got a piece of gum out of my purse and plugged her nose with it. No. That's a lie. I chewed the gum. Next, "Why do you have a bird ring?" I tried to look attentive. "Oh, it's a flower ring." This inspection and dissection of my being continued until the senior sharing time. This time, I sat behind the classes... Sweet Alexandria pulled a chair out of line and placed it at my side. Next thing I knew, I heard her whisper, "What is that white thing on the end of your leg?" At least she whispered quietly. "My sock," I replied. She reached down and pulled on my skirt, arranging it to cover my socks. A little while later..."What happened to you?" She was looking at my temple. "I don't know," I said. I wasn't sure what she was referring to. "I must have bumped my head." She seemed satisfied. Then she arranged my hair to cover my temple. That apparently wasn't adequate to the job, so she stood up, got behind my wheelchair, and arranged my hair to her liking. We ran out of time before she could fix my makeup and file my nails. Next Sunday I'm bringing a marker, so they can design a jack-o'-lantern on my head. :)