Updates...

So here's a bit of an update from the last blog. . .

No, I haven't submitted my story summary to any publishing agents .... yet. I've spent my extra time writing a couple other stories with 2 more waiting in the back of my mind. I've realized that I love to write. I'm not very good at it but I get what makes a good story. So after working on a simple story long enough it becomes what I want it to be and, I believe, one day, I'll come up with a story that's a hit for everyone....including publishing agents and publishers. So maybe I'll finish a couple more stories then submit them all at the same time.

I have face painted at 5 or 6 fairs (a couple were one day fairs and some were 3 day fairs). But, I'm at a halt with that right now. Our family has learned a lot by me tackling this new adventure. We've definitely come to appreciate one another. But one thing totally killed the momentum in it all for me. ...John and the kids came to one of the fairs to visit me. John was pushing Millie in the stroller. I was excited to see her and as I looked at her and she looked back at me, I'll never forget the look on her face, it was .... I'm not quite sure what it was but here's what it wasn't.

It held no look of attachment or close satisfaction or comfort at seeing me. It missed the connection her and I always had when we saw one another. After that I knew none of the extra income from face painting was worth it. The Lord will provide for us. Not only will we be blessed in listening to the Lord's promptings by having John go back to school but we will be blessed by having me stay at home, keeping order and love in the home, as I'm constantly there.

A mother, it seems, provides anchorage for her children. When she is constant, in presence, emotion, and spirituality, a child is secure and content. But when a mother washes about, rolling and swaying in and out of waves, either in presence, emotion, or spirituality, her children are filled with unsteadiness, unsure of what's to come. Peace is hard to find. Connection is difficult to develop.

I intend to allow my children to feel that peace to the best of my ability. Considering that it involves stability and steadfast efforts in the emotional and spiritual categories - it'll be a lifelong venture for me.

Which reminds me. There's something the spirit has led me to over and over again lately. It's the phrase/scripture, "set your house in order." And I'm trying to figure out exactly what the Lord means by this. Does he mean the things in my home? Our finances? What we are focusing on in our home? What I'm focusing on? Or all of the above? We'll just have to work on all of the above unless I get some specifics (which would be nice...hint, hint) But, we'll do what we need to do. I feel there's a reason for this counsel....I just hope it's nothing too trying. :)

Through this I'll be focusing on one of my favorite scriptures:

"Organize yourselves;
prepare every needful thing;
and establish a house,
even a house of prayer,
a house of fasting,
a house of faith,
a house of learning,
a house of glory,
a house of order,
a house of God."

Great news!!!

There are three great things that have headed my way recently. Well, let's say four...

1. I... get this, finished my children's book today! (applause, applause, applause) I've been feverishly working on it for a couple months now. It's been trying. Deep feelings that are embedded in me came out in this book and I had to clarify what it was I felt, trying to explain it in a clear way with a storyline that was appealing. One you'd like to read over and over again.

After changing a larger detail in the story line yesterday and finishing up the details of it again today, I asked John if I could, yet again, read him my story. I knew it was pretty much complete when, after reading the story, I saw his eyes glisten with tears. I felt like crying too. It was a really neat moment I'll probably never forget. I had felt like I'd never finish it...something was always needing changes.

I also did a test on Tyra by reading it to her...she paid attention the whole time and said, "I loved it!" No, she wasn't trying to humor me...the kids often say, "that was a good one!" after reading them a good book and my own book now falls into that category!

Now I'll take on the challenge of finding a publishing agent and hope a publisher finds my book worth publishing...

2. Those who know me well, know how strongly I feel about pornography and diminishing the seeds that lead to it. I've had an idea about an organization I'd like to get started that will set a standard for participating stores and advertisements, one which, when agreed to, promises they are free of any indecent materials that lie in a persons normal route through their store or such....

Recently I've received two contacts from within two different organizations. One being the Lighted Candle Society and the other being American Mother Inc. A couple mornings ago I finally decided to take the leap and contact these people within these organizations to let them know I had an idea I wanted to share with them.

I was contacted today by a woman who is serving as White Ribbon Chair (anti-pornography/decency) on the Utah state board of AMI and was invited by her to a luncheon that will take place in one week. Those attending this luncheon will be people who are also working against pornography in similar ways as I am, even, a member of the Lighted Candle Society (this is a society filled with doctors, lawyers, and such).

I hesitated contacting these people, I felt worried that I may be getting in over my head but I feel driven to this. I feel passionately about doing something to decrease the amount of people who become addicted to pornography. And I know the Lord is leading me. It was Gordon B. Hinckley's quote that pushed me to make the leap and send my e-mail(s). "The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the season to be strong. It is time to move forward without hesitation."

3. To help John get through school and to help us through the hard winter months I have decided to face paint at fairs and festivals. I have a fair I'm going to 4 out of the 5 weekends in August. I'm excited to do it. It'll be fun painting many designs on all sorts of faces. It'll only be a handful of weekends during the whole year and it will benefit us in great ways. I'm glad this opportunity came along...;)

4. The Homeschooling Book Group I started about 6 months ago is so wonderful. I love having strong, spiritual, mission-driven, thoughtful, women in my life who motivate me, enrich my mind, and are such good examples to me. I feel so blessed to have this be a part of my life.

I'm feeling excited and nervous about some of these things but they are all good things. I'm so grateful to the Lord for placing them in my path. This IS "the season to be strong and the time to move forward without hesitation."

The Lord uses ordinary people to do great things...I hope to be one of those ordinary people. I hope to be an ordinary person, who, after having passed from this earthly life, will stand in front of Heavenly Father, looking confidently into His eyes as I respond to His questions, "How have you loved? and How have you served?"

Another Triathlon!

John did the Provo triathlon this last weekend. He was awesome!
John and his friend Chan have been training together by swimming at 5 in the morning 3 times a week and by biking and running. It was fun to watch them both.
Here's the leftovers from our first salad that came straight from our garden.

We all enjoyed it - especially since we grew it ourselves.

Tri-Day

John accomplished the Salem Triathalon today! We're so proud of him! He did much better with the swim than he thought he would.

Maybe the triathalon should have been titled a dyathalon because biking was eliminated from the race due to the rain (supposedly it creates dangerous riding conditions on the road).

We're proud of him anyway!

Here's the group of tri-athletes getting ready to begin the race.

PS I felt motivated by all these men and women who have trained long and hard to take part in such a challenging event. I almost felt the desire to complete one - just so could have accomplished such a thing in this lifetime. But then I realized....I've done 4 of my own kind of "triathalons"!

Only, mine doesn't consist of 5K runs or 500 meter swims...oh no, mine is 9 months long and the hardest stretch of the "race" comes at the end. I accomplish this challenge without any energy booster packs, wet suits, or a full body massage and treats after crossing the finish line.

Such are the challenges I train for and accomplish and I do one about every 2 or 3 years!

I'm impressed. :)

OUR GOOD FOOD HABITS (currently):

Green Smoothies in the morning

Sprouts

Raw almonds

Almond milk (vanilla flavored)

Meals with veggies

Herbal Teas

8th Anniversary

8th Anniversary!

Who knew that our first likings of one another would lead us to where we are today. Who knew it would lead us into hardships we'd feel like we could endure no longer. To trials that would push on us until we'd rather be crushed. To personal decisions we'd make from minute to minute that would determine the future.

Yet, here we are now, through the roughest era, into one of love, acceptance, respect, appreciation, happiness and most of all, love.

Love you John!

Recipe & Quotes

Yup, we're still drinking our green smoothies. Here's our favorite recipe:

1 1/2 cups organic apple juice
large handful of spinach
2-3 leaves of collard
2-3 leaves of kale
1 banana
1/2 avocado

That's it! It's our secret recipe so don't share! ;) We don't mind the green color. Green is good!!! Society has simply tainted our way of thinking - it's the best color we can take into our body.

I almost want to take on Elder Grobergs diet as he served his mission on the Tongan islands. It consisted of roots, potatoes, leafy greens such as seaweed, seafood (fish, crabs, lobsters), and fruits and vegetables. Once or twice a month they'd have chicken or pork.

Doesn't that sound wonderfully healthy?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Wherever you go or whatever you do, under proper assignment, put your whole heart and soul into it and you will be happy and have joy therein. It doesn't matter whether it be family, work, missions, or other callings, joy comes from hard work and proper attitude, not location or type of work or calling."

- John H. Groberg

"It is not how much we do but the love we give that really matters."

- Mother Theresa

Oops!

Oops!

What kind of a mother would dare damage her sons eye?

One who is willing to playfully throw a large woodchip at her child's head.

Eth and I were playing together chucking woodchips from the front yards' landscaping when I tossed the largest wood chip that had yet be thrown and watched the whole process of it as it went elegantly gliding through the air, jutting squarley into Ethan's eye.

It cut the skin a bit on the eyelid and on his eyeball. The scarey part was when his pupil wasn't dilating. It must have been from the shock of the hit because eventually it began to work again.

Poor fellow.

That same day he fell down onto the rocky dirt in our backyard

as he chased a dog. He had a hard day. But we were able to cheer him up with some home made cookie dough.

Taking it easy....that's what Cedric and Millie were doing in the wagon together.

Warm days are SO wonderful!