A Time of Thanksgiving

Thanks. We all seem to focus on this particular part of the holiday; the thanking part. We begin to realize all that we are thankful for. We come together to celebrate our thanks for country, family, God, etc. I know that I've never taken much thought about the ending of the word Thanksgiving. Giving. I sit here wondering about what it is to give. I know what I'm thankful for, but what about the giving part of this holiday? How do I give? When do I give? Do I give? What do I give? You get the point. So, I took a moment to think about what I am thankful for, and it made me realize that I do give. That this time of year, and year round, hopefully, I am giving. This is not a pat on the back, but a reassurance that while being thankful, I can also be giving.

The things that cover my thanks and giving.

My family. Could life be sweeter than it is now? I try hard not to let this time pass me by with wishful thinking of "someday" and "what if." I have an awesome best friend as a husband, two amazing little boys, and an entire extended family that loves one another. My husband and I know life, right now, is happening now, and it's great! We are happy. We are healthy. We know how to work hard and play hard. We know how to sacrifice and enjoy life on the meager student income we have. We know about ups and downs. We know about heart ache and joy. We know about failures and successes, trials and triumphs. We know about poopy diapers and teething. We know about band aids and bruises. We know about drive through and time outs. We know about no-nos and hugs. We know about firsts and lasts. We know about each other. We spend time with each other. We love each other. We trust each other. There is never a day that goes by where we, as a couple and as a family, haven't done something for one another. Plenty of opportunity to give, and give thanks.

My testimony in a living Savior, Jesus Christ. In His gospel and word as contained in the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and Ensign. In His living prophets that direct His work on this earth. In the restoration of His priesthood power, that I have witnessed change my life. In eternal families linked to our loving Father in Heaven and eternal family members. Knowing that I am a child of God, and I have a purpose and a divine heritage. A testimony that Christ died and lives for me. That Joseph Smith saw the resurrected Christ and the Father side by side. That he heard them speak, and open the heavens once again. For me. And for you. There is so much we can give with this knowledge, and many thanks we are indebted. Our service and voice is needed in people's lives who do not know the Savior.

So, with all of our thanks this holiday season, remember that to give is greater than to receive and we do have much to offer.

"The Widow's Mite" by James C. Christensen

Happy Thanks-giving.

My muse

There are few things that a mom can call her own once she is enveloped in a world of changing diapers, little people conversations, toddler cartoons, 2 am feedings, shower peep shows, potty-training, ankle leeching, lap buddies, food they'll eat, games they'll play, resturaunts they'll adapt to, their schedules, their toys, their clothes, their bath, their toilet, their movies, theirs theirs theirs. You get the point. Nothing feels like me.my.mine. For me, however, there is one thing that is a great escape. I've blogged about it before and it's music. Even when soaking in a hot bath do you ever feel like you're still on edge? The baby is still crying, the other child at the bathroom door knocking, the phone still ringing...etc. Put on your headphones and crank 'em up! WAAAAYYYY up!

There is a band in particular that has won my heart that I want everyone to know about. Okay, Led Zeppelin, sorry. I've been your faithful listener since I can remember and you'll always be that heart tugging, butterfly gut, mind reeling sound that I connect with, but I have to hand it to the British band, Muse. If you, Zeppelin, could be mastering your sound today, you'd probably be Muse. They are your younger brothers...they are genious, creative, fresh, and inspired by a mix of music genres rarely found in rock music today (much like what people experienced when Led Zeppelin hit the scene on British airwaves with their live BBC show in 1969). I've been following Muse since 2004. They've been aroud since 98-99 but never broke through to the American scene. And, they are still struggling to do so. Why? Could it be that we are still obsessing over watered down talent, pop sensations in leotards or rock groups singing soley about T'n'A? Are our minds muddled with too much media pushing Disney show graduates down our ear canals? Progressive rock has a new king. Muse. They've won best live show 7 times in the last 10 years,
their albums hit number one all around the globe and they're still cranking out the best rock sound to hit airwaves in a few decades!

A recent article in the music section of a local magazine FINALLY gave Muse some attention. I couldn't have been more proud of that article, so I will share it here (paraphrased) so everyone can understand what I think, and a handful of others in the American continent think about Muse.

"British band Muse is known and adored across the globe. With their new album, they attempt to finally break into the American hearts. All around the world, in nearly every major country, a single band has risen up and taken the long-abandonded mantle of the internationally mega-successful stadium-rock kings. That band is British chart-smashers Muse, who have taken fans and arenas alike by storm across the globe. That is, except for America.

With the long-awaited release of their newest studio album The Resistance, the band seems poised to finally cross the Atlantic and officially take over the States.

The Resistance is a big album in every way. It's been anticipated around the globe. The sounds, talent, and personalities are all larger-than-life.

The last three tracks of the record end with Muse's most ambitious project yet: a massive, three-movement symphony backed by a full orchestra playing a classically-inspired piece written in full by singer Matthew Bellamy.

When seperate, the three sections foucs on different strenghts and directions for the band, with the final piece being the most intimate and quiet music the band has recorded.

Time will tell if this release will be the one to finally break big in America. Even if we're behind the curve, their penchant for throwing caution to the wind and being over-the-top has already solidified them a spot in the greater annals of rock'n'roll history. It's exactly what makes for the pure fun that runs effortlessly through the entire album.

So give it a listen. Join The Resistance. It's just as surely one of the best albums of the year." -Brett Fieldcamp, BoydStreet magazine.

39 Things Every Mom should know

My post for today is taken from Parents magazine, Sep 2009 issue.

"When it comes to raising children, everyone's an expert. Your kids won't be little forever, so enjoy them! Wow, that was helpful. Thanks. But here's something very specific to enjoy about your little kids: They don't know what you're actually up to - so savor it while it lasts. When they get older they notice when you burn food or fall asleep at the school play. But with a toddler you can eat frosting out of a can while watching Blue's Clues and the kids will never bat an eye - or judge you for it. Want more unsolicited but toally honest advice from a mom of four kids ages 1 to 11? Of course you do.

1) You never have to go to obnoxious kid-themed restaurants. Ever. I wish someone had told me that.

2) Don't make birthday parties a huge deal.

3) Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up naptime to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul-crushing.

4) Put band-Aids on everything your kids want you to. Why not?

5) If the kids are awake, bite the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or it's the middle of the night, ignore this advice.

6) Just throw away the poopy underwear.

7) Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.

8) Teach your kids not to pee outside unless you're camping - you'll be glad you did. But if other people's kids do it, don't judge that parent too harshly - it's all about karma. (If you're in the midst of potty training all bets are off. You've gotta do what you've gotta do.)

9) Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think.

10) Don't forget about board games. You'll suffer through way too much Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, but Connect Four and Battleship aren't half bad. And Clue rocks.

11) Embrace their quirks.

12) Know this: That stain won't come out. And it's okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better.)

13) At some point it will be February. Things will seem bleak. You will think about vitamins, glasses, more exercise, more sleep, more chores, less TV, more rules, fewer rules, and organic food. Just wait. Things will get better when the snow melts. Know that it will happen again at the end of summer, right before school starts. It's the circle of life, baby.

14) Always get boy's haricuts at barber shops instead of hair salons.

15) Answer this question: What is the worst thing that can happen if your kids sleep in their clothes?

16) Never stifle a generous inclination

17) Try to like what they like. It kind of sucks when it's Bob the Builder, but the payoff will come when they discover Lemony Snicket.

18) Teach the to pump on the swings ASAP.

19) If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing her teeth, don't wake her; baby teeth do eventually fall out.

20) I know you are supposed to use natural consequences to punish bad behavior, but sometimes it's hard to think of natural consequences. In these cases try threatening your kids with clipping their toenails or some other activity they dread. I've had great success with this one, but you must find your own.

21) Get used to the word zerrissenheit. It means a state of disjointedness, and it's the new normal for most of us. At least you can feel fancy because it's German.

22) Buy kids deodorant before they need it.

23) Teach your children to make their own breakfast - and allow enough time so they can do it without pressure.

24) I can't stress this enough: Use duvet covers on your comforters and forget about a top sheet. Not only will you thank me for this advice, but your kids will thank me as well when they are learning to make their bed.

25) Remember clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.

26) Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.

27) Always pack wipes. If your kids go somehwere without you, send along wipes. It's like having a mom with them.

28) Do not allow the word weinies in your home.

29) Dress you little girls like, well, little girls.

30) Make sure your kids know how they like their eggs and burgers cooked. You don't want them to feel stress when ordering at the diner.

31) It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.

32) Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals, but don't expect your kids to play with them.

33) Just say "No" to any toy or doll that comes with packets that have to be mixed with water.

34) Teach them to like cool music. Why suffer through The Wiggles when you could be enjoying Wilco or counting along with Feist?

35) Don't buy the most expensive school-picture package. It's a waste of money.

36) Give out awards for actual achievements.

37) You're never too old to dress up and decorate your house for Halloween. And it's more fun for everyone if you are into it. It also entitles you to more candy.

38) If the school year, new babysitter, or karate class gets off to a rocky start, don't totally stress out about it. Instead, think of the improvement that can be made by the end of the year.

39) Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.

p.s. Yes, tiaras and shades do go well together."

I loved this article. Great advice for us parents!!!

Stay little.

There are many things on my mind today. For one, why do kids need to grow up? And so fast too! If they could only stay cuddly little balls of chubbyness... Kids are smart, too! I remember learning in one of my general psychology classes that children by the age of 2 have brand association. They know McDonald's from Burger King, Wal Mart from Target, Kids Gap from Children's Place. They don't just know the brand, they have a specific one they prefer. Not only does my 2 year old have this "brand" association (McDonald's Apple Juice and Fries) but he has "band" association as well. I never knew he was paying that much attention to our music choices, but he always danced and stuff. Well, now he asks specifically for "asia song" (United States of Eurasia by Muse) or "hospital song" (Hospital Beds by Cold War Kids) and others. He even sings along to most everything we play on our radio. It's amazing! If he hears snare drums he makes the sound with his mouth on the correct beat at the correct moment the snare drum sounds. Incredible! How did this happen to my baby? Now I have a three month old that, in a blink of an eye, will be doing the same thing! It's like kids go from "WAAAAAH!" to "Play asia song and have apple juice mcdonalds mommy?" You might not feel the same way. I'm sure you're sitting there going, "I can't wait for them to move out and be in college already" but I honestly don't want these young years to end! I'm sure I'll eat my words when my newborn is about 12 months old crying, runny nose, sick, running into walls learning to walk etc. But, until then...STAY LITTLE!