Attack!!!!

Do you ever have those day's? Maybe the attack is on the outside from boss, kids, deadlines, etc. Or maybe the attack is on the inside from a voice that tells you not to try, your stupid, why bother! I know it's Satan's voice, but I assume it is his way of stopping some wonderful person from doing wonderful good in the world.
Yep, I have those days! "Why"? I wonder. What purpose does it serve Satan that I should feel so low. What good was I up to anyway? They don't always last long but feel so debilitating.
So what do you do about those days?

and finaly- Be Mine,Valentine!

Today is Valentine's day in the classroom realm. Last night we were all a buzz, making valentine's and talking about who likes who. And my sons are very excited to have a special someone to give a special Valentine to. They worried that she might say no-or what if she said yes. I am just a bit surprised. I don't remember feeling this way in the 3rd or 4th grade. But I hoped the best for them and helped them prepare, pick out cloths to look their best, and have all their valentines ready. They wanted just the right bag for their valentines to go in. And Hailey was in on the whole thing with her Valentine for 'Ben'. She came in with a little pink bag she had found in my room. It said "Victoria Secret" with writing inside that said "give me sexy".
Oh! GIVE ME TIME! No Hailey, you CAN'T put your Valentine's in that. A big Ziplock bag will do just fine.
Wish them luck! I hope they have fun in their class parties. I hope they have the courage to give their Valentine's away. I hope the recipiants receive them with grace and kindness. And I hope they come home realizing Valentine's Day is really just the day you give your mom a big hug-and that's ALL!

Love of Nature

and who doesn't love nature. Volumes could be said on this subject, but I wont carry on here.
Instead I am shamelessly going to show you the tree that blooms at our bus stop. Yes, I know there is a blizzard going on. Am I rubbing it in? Maybe. 5 feet of snow?! How 'bout a tree with soft blooms that look like snow. And when the wind blows and the petals fall to the ground, no shoveling! It's just makes me want to dance under it-like the scene from Edward Scissor hands, but with out getting cut! It's a beautiful Valentine from Mother Nature all right.
(mother always did like me best!)

Brothers

I've heard a lot of gripes about Valentine's Day. Some legit and some from grumpy souls who just don't think out side the box. So this is my week of love-all the kinds we really celebrate. The love of our parents, love for animals, and today, the love we have for our family. We got this shot of Mackay and Grant at the park with out them realizing it. I could blow it up and frame it! I love to see my kids getting along and I ache when they don't. I have a few regrets about lost years with siblings who are so much fun to be with now. I know I have missed out.
Friends, and cousins like wise. My cousin Shara is a guru for girls with out sisters.

"Sisters present themselves beautifully through cousins and friends! :)" she advised.

What would life be without these connections?
Imagine the picture above with only one little boy.

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~ Roger Caras

Jango turned one on Sunday. We made him a treat of peanut butter and dog food. Hey, he's a dog and peanut butter spreads easier than cow pies! I never thought I would enjoy him as much as I have. He is the work and the joys of a child but without the college expense. Tonight while sitting on Hailey's bed, I heard him at the front door jiggling his collar-which really means he's wagging his whole body. It took me a second to realize Chris was home for dinner from his shift and Jango had been the first to hear him at the door. When we opened the door, Jango could hardly hold in his excitement. Actually, he didn't hold it in, why would he-he's a dog! Everyone deserves that kind of greeting when they come home and all six of us get it! Happy Birthday Jango-we love you!

Entitlement

Mackay is having a fit in this picture. A good one! Mackay, I'm so sorry but Dad and I just laughed. Mackay, you're gonna have to do better than that. You have three older siblings, and a dramatic sister on top of that! We've weathered a lot of tantrums and come through relatively unscathed. So sorry you are experiencing the terrible twos, but really-get over it! Soon.
I think the terrible two's are just a rehearsal for the rest of our experiences about what we want, what we will give in to and what each of us are entitled to. Each family and pocket book has to determine for themselves what their children get but there is one absolute guideline that has been given to us, through modern prophets.
"Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."
So, Mackay, and Jack, Grant and Hailey- we love you and we're committed to giving you everything you are entitled to. Just remember everything else is a bonus, No tantrums please!

A life lesson

"Why am I still alive?" I've heard the question more than once, but then I've worked in Geriatrics and have Grandparents who live exceptionally long lives.
My Grandfather just died after living 97yrs.
I've pondered those last years that seem to drag on for some. I wonder at others who try to end it prematurely. I'm not sure the Lords time frame but I have seen that there are things learned at every stage that make me conclude that I hope to live to a ripe old age. Here are a few age appropriate nuggets of wisdom.
A 6 yr old learned that oatmeal on a road trip can be more fun and yummier than McD's.
A 36 yr old learned that taking your little sister with you on your date wouldn't have been the end of the world and now regrets not doing it. (Hey, it may not be too late!)
A late 40's learned that while in twenties, you may have wished you could go back and do it over better, you really don't want to go back and do it again.
A 50 something learned that it's OK to change your mind about careers and try something else.
A 70 something learns it's never to late to change your heart and your ways
At 97, all faults are over looked, just living and being there for family is a great purpose and being there for that long is a great accomplishment!

thank you

from one funeral to another...
My husband's co-worker was shot and killed last Thursday. His funeral was today. This evening, they held a memorial procession through Gilbert, AZ to the Police Department, where a small memorial service was held for the community and for people like me (with sick kids) who didn't attend the funeral. All along the streets of Gilbert, people came out and waved flags and held 'thank you' signs. My husband said he cried the whole way in his cop car. Oakleys hid tears well. No wonder ALL cops wear them. It was really beautiful to see the support and love of this town for their police (even thought they may be forced to cut their pay). I found my husband at the memorial and we stood together and listened to the words and music. Afterward a Mother who had walked to the memorial with two small children in a wagon came up to my husband. Her daughter held out a small American Flag to Chris and mom said "say thank you". It is just my imagination but I think she was looking at me as well.
A friend taught me once to pray for the spouses of our government leaders. I have taken that a step further to pray for my church leaders wives and police spouses along with my Presidents wife and government leaders spouses. Those are the support for people who do tough jobs and make difficult decisions. Its hard enough out in the world, these people need to come home to a family who understands long days and frustrated conversations about work. I pray for wives who will tell their husbands to do go no matter the cost and who won't leave them for the price they pay in their time.

Thank you Officer Eric Shuhandler for your life served protecting ours. And thanks to the Shuhandler family who lent their loved one to us long enough to make a difference.