A fun-filled weekend!

When we were invited to spend the weekend with some of my favorite people, we packed right up and went. Well, truthfully, I forgot half my stuff at home, but I blame that on getting up so early every day and thinking a little too much on Daily Seminary!

Of course, long walks with Molly are an important part of every get-together. Molly loves belonging to so many people. Sadly, the little mini-sports-fanatic is terrified of her. Seeing how much fun his sister has with her, he tries to bravely move towards her for a quick touch. Molly responds with friendly bark, which is not well received. Here's Schmillian and her pet dog.

The bike-a-thon was an unexpected bonus. It was great to see Schmillian's school and see her in action with her friends.

As you see, mini does not want to be left out of any activity. So he commandeered some other child's bike!

Since the weather was beautiful, we went to a fabulous park filled with things to climb on, swing on, and run around in. It was tough to snap pictures in a the excitement of jumping from one thing to another. Everyone left with their teeth intact and no blood...always a good thing!

Have you ever heard of The Melt? Well, the Food Network made it famous, and we went there just for fun. This little stoop outside provided a little entertainment while we waited for a table. Thank goodness, because mini-sports-fanatic isn't a fan of waiting for a table!

And one last picture all dressed up in Sunday clothes.

Until next time...Thanks for the memories and for all the smiles!

A Delicious Idea

Mark and I spend most Saturday afternoons/evenings serving in the Chicago Illinois Temple. Often we bring food to share during a break with others that serve with us . It's a fun way to get to know each other better as we share favorite dishes and conversation.

I was looking for a fun recipe to try and found these...

Gooey Cookie Pie Bites

A picture can never capture just how delicious these little bites are. You will be a rock star when you bring these to your next get-together. But don't wait for an excuse to make them. Do it today! Thanks to those fabulous bloggers at Our Best Bites!

Funny Conversations!

Well, this post will have no pictures, but it might make you smile. The first conversation occurred a few months ago, but it still makes me laugh...

Friend: What do your older sons do?

Me: The oldest is a podiatrist finishing the last year of his residency, the second son is pursuing a doctorate at BYU, and the third one is in dental school.

Friend: Wow...three doctors, and your youngest is thinking about research, too. Your kids are so smart...They must get it from their father!

Me: Ummm...

Okay, now for something a lot cuter. A few days ago I had a conversation with my favorite 3-year-old girl. She was telling me what a fun visit she had with her cousins that stopped by her house on their way to Canada. Since all the cousins on our side of the family are boys, she makes a lot of compromises to play with them! She doesn't seem to mind a bit, but here's how the conversation went...

Me: I heard you had a lot of fun playing with your cousins when they visited.

Schmillian: Yeah. They really like to play with bugs and look for rocks. We were looking for a lot of rocks.

Me: Oh, that sounds fun. Do you like bugs and rocks?

Schmillian: Well, I REALLY like flowers!

A Most Wonderful Week

I have looked forward to visiting The Researcher and his family for about a year now. I can't believe the week has come and gone...but it was something that will keep me smiling until the next time!

It was great fun playing with...

"The Excavator"

and "The Cowboy."

The week was packed with fun. We arrived in time to see the Pioneer Day Parade. We were so glad so many of those we love were able to meet us there.

Thanks to Kingfish and The Nurse for hosting us throughout the week. Backyard Croquet was lots of fun with the cousins.

It was great to introduce The Excavator to horses...up close and personal. He was so brave to ride with his cousins.

Our trip culminated with a trip to Flaming Gorge. Even the little guys got in on the fishing action.

What a beautiful place. But spending the week with those I love outside of numbers and don't see too often can't really be described.

Cousin Camp - Day 5

Gus took the day off for the last day of Cousin Camp...Hooray! The rain went away, but it was still cold. But Gus rounded up some coats (a little big) for some outdoor ball fun.

Books, making cookies, watching movies, and a couple more walks for Molly made for a pretty successful day.

Cousin Camp ended with something beyond exciting, though...more like a dream!

On Saturday it was time to load up and go home. We took two cars since we had two different destinations. On the way, I looked back to see a very sad little face. "Why are you looking like that? I thought you had fun at Mumsy's house!" With a little quivering chin, "Well, I'm looking like this because I'm going to miss you so much." I know just how she feels!!!

Cousin Camp - Day 4

I've been experiencing some computer issues, but here's Day 4...better late than never!

It was rainy and turned cold. Since no one brought a coat, we enjoyed inside activities. (And yes, it really was cold enough for a coat!)

Two stainless trash cans can provide lots of laughs like mirrors at a fun house!

Crafts and games rounded out the day.

At the end of the day, we went to the garden to pick some lettuce for a great salad.

Cousin Camp - Day 3

SOMEBODY has a loose tooth, so we spent a little time making tooth pillows so we'll be ready for the tooth fairy. We think they turned out pretty well!

Our exciting adventure for the day was a train ride to The Choo Choo Restaurant where we enjoyed fabulous cupcakes topped with sprinkles and a train whistle. As far as we know, this was one person's first time on a real train. Everyone loved talking to the friendly conductor and playing the ABC game while we rode.

We were so glad our other cousin called and we were able to talk to him on the webcam. We think he's so cute!

All in all another great day!

Cousin Camp - Day 2

In case a Mom is wondering how her child(ren) are, we're having TONS of fun!!! We're having a little heat wave here, so we spent more time at the beach today. A picnic (with bugs) and making cherry crumble were a few of the things we enjoyed together.

Molly is loving all the extra attention she is getting this week...long walks and lots of treats. She

loves a houseful of people. So do I!

This conversation made me smile:

Goldilocks: "I'm so glad I got to ride in your car, Mumsy. I LOVE your car. We have two cars...an old one and a new one. I like the old one the best."

Me: "Why do you like the old one?"

Goldilocks: "Because it shakes when you ride in it. The new one doesn't shake."

Followed by this little voice...

"We have two cars, too. A now and a now one."

Cousin Camp - Day 1

Sunday was a great day as the newest member of our family was given his name and a blessing. We were so glad to have so many of our family there, but of course, missed those that weren't able to come.

This was a great kick-off for Cousin Camp. It's exciting to have three here this year. Things are off to a great start. I know at least one mother that's a little curious about what's going on and how the cousins are doing. So...here's a little recap of the first day.

There was no sleeping in. Everyone was so excited about "doing fun things!" The sun came out about 10 am, which meant we could to go to the beach.

All agreed the best part of the day was going to the beach, with eating ice cream coming in at a close second!

We stayed busy all day and ended the day with a movie..."How the Grinch Stole Christmas." At Cousin Camp, we watch whatever we can all agree on! Oh, I must include this morale booster...

Little G: "Mumsy, you're really old."

Me: "I am? I didn't think I was so old."

Little G: "You can't see those lines?"

Big G: "That's kinda rude to say, even if it's true!"

Mother's Day Musing

Since I became a mother, I've mostly hated Mother's Day. That's because I set myself up to be disappointed...year after year. I kept thinking the boys would realize how important it is to recognize what a fabulous mother they have and show their appreciation. Well, even if I was just a mediocre mother, didn't I deserve a little recognition? I mean, I always gave my mother meaningful gifts. Remember the year - I think it was for her birthday rather than Mother's Day - but anyway...

I COULD NOT wait to give her a fabulous bicycle-built-for-two. She didn't seem as excited as I thought she would be. She was pregnant with her 4th child and probably not in a bike-riding mood. How thoughtful of me (and the rest of us, I might add!)

We did enjoy some fun rides on that bike a few years later, peddling as fast as we could while the 3-legged dog nipped at our heels. So she was able to enjoy the bike.

Or how about the time someone asked me what her favorite food was. I said "Rice." I still remember her incredulous look, "Rice? Why would you say rice?" "Well, you always say you love rice. And you make it every Sunday."

When I think about it now, I have no idea what her favorite color was. Or her favorite food. I never asked her, to tell you the truth. But I know lots of things she loves. Every time I see a beautiful bird in my yard she's right there with me...telling me to be quiet so we can see it longer. Every time I'm with my children and grandchildren I think how proud she is of them...how much she loves them. She knows I love her outside of numbers because I told her many times, and I tried to show her.

Here's a picture of Mama, Daddy and me on the day I was baptized in the Episcopal church.

Even though it's not too clear, I love it because it shows what a southern belle Mama always was.

My sons have become more thoughtful, and they have married wonderful girls that remember me in thoughtful ways. I've already received gifts and cards in the mail that I will open on Sunday. Having a missionary makes Mother's Day one of the best days of the year for me...I'll get to talk to my baby that's all grown up now and inviting others to come to Christ.

I am sorry for the time I wasted being selfish and self-absorbed. I am forever grateful to be a mother. My mother taught me how fun it could be, and I'm glad for that, too. This Mother's Day will be as it should...filled with joy because of my "Angel Mother" and because of my opportunity to be Mom, Martha, and Mumsy to some of the most wonderful people in the world. I love you all outside of numbers!

Right place. Right time.

I had SO much fun playing with Schmillian and Mister the week before Easter. I was all set for a week of egg hunting, candy eating, singing and lots of laughing. However, Schmillian taught me something about the little people that are joining our families now. The activity she loved most was opening the 12 eggs filled with scripture verses to read and talk about and a little object to help us remember the most important things about the atonement, death and resurrection of the Savior.

We did it several times every day for a week. Schmillian loved sharing it with her Mama and Daddy. The story never grew old. No worries about teaching her that Easter is more than eggs and a bunny. She's the one that reminded me.

Simon, of Cyrene, is mentioned briefly in the scriptures. He was someone that was "coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus." That's all we know. But oh, how the Savior must love him.

Since the atonement of Christ is central to our Heavenly Father's plan, no part of it could have been "coincidental" or happenstance. He was right where he was supposed to be at the time he was supposed to be there to serve the Savior.

I want to be that kind of person. I have no doubt that there are people I can lift or help if I am at the right place at the right time. May we all try to be like Simon.

So grateful

This time of year set aside to celebrate the atonement and resurrection of our Savior fills me with joy every year. It is my favorite time...spring is more beautiful than ever after the harsh weather of Chicagoland. The world around me truly testifies of Christ and the hope He brings.

There are no words to adequately express my feelings. I am often so disappointed in myself, I can only imagine how my Heavenly Father and Christ must feel, yet their love is greater than I can comprehend and constant. They are willing to forgive and forget...to enable me to move forward. The Savior reaches out to me and to each of us in love, inviting us to learn and try again to become more. I believe He recognizes that we are doing our best, and that as we learn more, we will be more.

One of His apostles, Richard G. Scott said, "We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day." For me, there is so much hope in that statement. Sometimes I feel so inadequate to do something, yet as I try to "act like" I think a person would act in that capacity, I slowly transform into someone that's a little more competent.

The enabling power of the atonement of Christ takes away all excuses. Each of us has the power to choose faith in the Savior.

As I think of the resurrection of the Savior, I am filled with hope and gratitude. I think of those women who loved Jesus and must have suffered unimaginable grief as He was tortured and crucified. How as soon as the Sabbath had ended, they must have hurried to the tomb to anoint His body with spices...their final act of love. I cannot imagine the feelings of hopelessness and despair they must have felt. Then to find the tomb empty...to think someone had taken Him must have magnified their feelings. But realizing that He was resurrected and they would see Him again..that we will all live again and in His presence if we choose to live as He lives. I cannot comprehend the joy!

I only know the joy I feel to know that I will be reunited with Mama and those I love who have gone on before me. I know they live in spirit now and that one glorious day, we will all be resurrected. We can live together as families forever with all those we love. We will see things as they really are, and all things about our mortal lives will make sense. There are no words!

Musings on Failure

I have to start this post by saying I was born into an incredible family of successful people. I often marvel at this blessing and try to live up to the opportunities I've been given.

One of my brothers is working with me on a family project. We've been emailing and talking quite a bit lately. I admire him for so many things. After a recent conversation with him, I decided to act on some of his advice to me.

I am really good at seeing others' talents. I consider myself one of the best cheerleaders around. If there's something you need to do, I believe you can, and I will do all I can to encourage and help you do it. I believe this is a great talent, and it brings me untold joy.

However, I often let my fear of failure prevent me from trying or doing things. I will not allow others to dwell on those thoughts. Following this conversation with my brother, I remembered what I already know...perhaps the biggest failure is the failure to try.

I've wanted to sew myself a skirt for several years. About two years ago I bought a pattern. It had a zipper. I don't know how to put in a zipper. I've only sewed costumes. I don't know how to make adjustments if it doesn't fit.

Well, look at this...not too closely, but still, I think it's good enough to wear.

Progress! Maybe slow, but progress nonetheless!

I just wanted to share what's making me smile today...not fishing for complements or reassurances. I would love to hear what's making you smile, though.

Positively Amazing!

Here is the view from my window...

Trying to follow the counsel of President Thomas S. Monson to "refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought," I want to share some amazing talent with you.

Last Saturday Mark and I traveled downtown to "Snow Days Chicago" at Navy Pier. Professional sculptors transform huge blocks of snow into beautiful sculptures for all to view, free of charge. This Indian sculpture took 1st place.

Here's Mark standing in front of a sculpted "Palace."

And I'm standing in front of the People's Choice winner, "Medusa."

We finished shoveling our driveway by around 10 am this morning with a little help from our neighbors across the street...3 wonderful teens and a 10-year-old that repeatedly volunteered until I relented. Since last Thursday I have seen some of the best of Chicago. I am grateful for people that share themselves...kindness, strong arms and backs, and artistic talent!

Kindness

Ever-present hustle and bustle, honking, fast talking...it's all part of life in a big city. The first year I moved here heartburn became my constant companion. I needed to wear a sign, "Careful...I'm slow."

Sadly, I have adapted. I have come to expect people to brush past without a nod or a look. People are in a rush, and I know to get out of the way. Even your friends don't have time for small talk. That's what makes last Thursday so special...

The Chamber of Commerce sponsors a series called Leaders In Action. I am on the committee, so I had arrived at 6:45 am to set up. We had discussed the fact that snow was on its way. For a girl from Louisiana, the winter here is a killer. Everyone knows I'm from the south by the way I talk, so it's always a subject of conversation.

The speaker was kind of a bust, unfortunately. Since this is a kind of high dollar event, we were discussing how to handle possible complaints as we cleaned up. In a city full of abrupt and sometimes rude people, we knew what was coming.

But then something wonderful happened. I walked out to my car to find someone had brushed the snow from my windshield and the driver's side windows. Just like that, my day, which had been so normal (and a little bit boring from the speaker) became memorable in a great way.

I can make a difference for someone in little, seemingly inconsequential ways...and I'm going to try...everyday! Think what a difference it would make if we all did it to together.

A nice place to rest

Sometime last year I stumbled upon Ana White's Knock-Off DIY Furniture site. Her free designs are fabulous. I was very excited for Gus to make Schmillian a "big girl bed" before her brother made his debut into the family.

I feel like my purpose in life is to help others realize the talents they have but may not recognize. What does that mean, you may ask. Well, let's just say Gus wasn't completely convinced he could do this. However, I kept insisting, "Ana says anyone can do it. You're good at building things."

He reminded me he doesn't have woodworking tools. "But she says you don't need special tools. And you can build a bed in an afternoon." Eventually, he got excited about it, too. So...we called pretty last minute and were on our way to the future DDS's home.

Well, it was an adventure...leaving the building supply place with wood hanging out the windows of our car, since we don't own a truck and don't know anyone in that area that does...buying a few "must have" tools...just to mention a few things. We really took Ana at her word and only had a day to do it.

A few things didn't go perfectly, but the cheerleader in me is never far away, and I just kept praying, encouraging, complementing, laughing (a little nervously, as we had quite an investment in the project by then)...you know how it goes.

But by golly...look what Gus made...

Now, to say I was excited about this would be an understatement. My faith in Gus increased exponentially. So...

The Doctor's sons need new beds before their new baby comes. We would need to build TWO beds AND a storage unit, so we allowed TWO days before Christmas. I told you I have great faith in what Gus can do!

Well, after two LONG days in the garage in very cold temps (he cut some things here, when it was about 7 degrees), look what Gus built...

I know...there are no words. The boys were almost as excited as I was about it. They declared it the best Christmas present EVER...until the next day when they opened their other presents! It was the best Christmas present Gus ever gave me, and I have so many more projects in mind...Go, Gus, Go!!!