One Week Vacation!

This morning was my last morning before my week off "work" as mother/wife/negotiator/chauffeur/cook/maid/friendship-advisor/sock-specialist/gardener/counselor/nurse/artist/geologist/historian/lunch-lady/teacher/banker/hair-stylist/administrator/designer/repair-person/zoo-keeper/back-rub-specialist/manicurist/math-writing-tutor/dishwasher/dog-walker/fund-negotiator/student/manners-reminder/mate/muse/coach, I think ... works well here, ...

"In a culture that measures worth and achievements almost solely in terms of money the intensive work of rearing responsible adults accounts for little." -Ann Crittenden

I would concede that the world does possibly measure motherhood worth but when did I begin to care what how the world measures something that I take delight in; something that is measured in the peace and comfort, the simple look in my childrens eyes, the feel of their arms around my neck, and making room on my lap for them to snuggle is my measurement. No matter if I do the job less than adequate, no matter if I fail again and again in the area of patience, no matter if I am "late" for work because I can't seem to pull myself out from under the comfort of the covers. My "work", my children, are more than happy to join me under those covers, and some of the best work is done with them in the comfort of my arms, as together, we waken to join the ranks of the motherhood business that day.

I prefer the following philosophy: "We at Mother: The Job know that Mothers are the mighty engine behind the human workforce that fuels the economy, as well as the nucleus of our society’s integrity. We embrace mothers in the workplace and mothers at home, advocating change in social policy and in the corporate culture so that mothers and their families can thrive.

The message products designed at Mother: The Job show the undeniable social and economic value of the care giving work and labor of mothers. We know that by raising her child from infancy to adulthood, and that child’s productivity in the marketplace and in society thereafter, she is a producer of “human capital” and of the good citizen as well."

So the world will be richer because of mothers, even if we take a week off the "job" from time to time. Warning: Next year will be my 15th year at the job, I plan to bump my time off up to two weeks. Fair?? I guess it is when you make the rules for your own employment. And I will be better at the job because I always can't wait to be back at it; refreshed, with the desire to do it better than ever.

Mothers have a special place in their children’s lives because of the bondage that starts from pregnancy and develops through childhood, youth, and adolescence. A mother’s involvement with her children is unique and different because there is a strong emotional and social bonding occurring in between. Bonding with children comes only with a day-to-day unconditional love and care of the family. We need to recognize the inextricable strong link that exists between the mothers and the welfare of the whole family including the father and children. Every thing is well if the mother is well in the household. A Jewish proverb says, “God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers.”

To be back in my special place, their lives, and Brians arms. I will look forward to next Wednesday, but for now, I am off...to pack, take the kids to the orthodontist, clean, wash sheets, carpool - oh wait, I drive everyday, Piano, Scouts, Football, Young Men's, write notes to everyone, get each their sweet treat to leave under their pillow, shower, and be to the airport by .... 6!!! Yikes, I better get.

Mary Poppins Tao

Okay, awake and remembering what "seeds" were planted in me yesterday.

The tao was to wake up with a better "attitude". I woke up with a sweet husband, memories of our evening together. The very loud Homecoming party the U was having.

Boys waking up at 930 because the music was blaring so loud. Jeremy wanted us to tell the party to go to bed. Instead, we shut the windows, and turned on some music for them in their room. I woke up to their music still playing. Be still, my soul....

Okay, why the Mary Poppins. As I was doing the dishes this morning, (the dishes I wouldn't let Brian finish last night because I wanted to take a walk with him up to the Homecoming party...the blaring music...and just enjoy the evening and his company)...dot, dot, dot...

Mary Poppins...in our kitchen (where I was doing dishes) my kids have posted the song from the movie, with a plea to us, Mom and Dad. It goes:

If you want this choice position,
have a cheery disposition,
Rosy cheeks, no warts!
Play games, all sort
You must be kind, you must be witty
Very sweet and fairly pretty
Take us on outings, give us treats
Sing songs, bring sweets
Never be cross or cruel
Never give us castor oil or gruel
Love us as a son and daughter
And never smell of barley water
If you won't scold and dominate us
We will never give you cause to hate us
We won't hide your spectacles
So you can't see Put toads in your bed
Or pepper in your tea
Hurry, Mommy! Many thanks
Sincerely, Gavin, Clarissa, Sam, Jeremy!

Okay, so that sums it up. I am humming this in my head this morning, hoping for a better day with myself. Never be cross or cruel....if you wont scold and dominate us...

I will be nice, I will be patient, I will filter the things that are in my head before my mouth reveals my weaknesses. I am the mother.

Although I frequently remind my kids that they had the choice to come to me, and they knew very well what they were getting themselves into. They must know something I don't.

Ready to learn, ready to nurture the seeds that I have within me.

--stacie
'Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain'

Email Forward - The Fern and the Bamboo

van-Gogh --- The Poplars at Saint-Rémy

Loved this forward (thank you colleen)...wanted to share:

THE FERN & THE BAMBOO

One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality.....

I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me... "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied. "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".

He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.

It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others."

He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful." "Your time will come," God said to me. "You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." I left the forest and brought back this story.

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you........ Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you Happiness. Bad days give you Experiences. Both are essential to life. Keep going... Happiness keeps you Sweet, Trials keep you Strong, Sorrows keep you Human, Failures keep you Humble, Success keeps you Glowing, But Only God keeps you Going! Have a great day! The Son is shining!! God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

Feng Shui Tip of the Day

--from the "tao of the Elfin Poet" (a blog I love to follow):

love this photo - from astronomy picture of the day (today)

"In Taoist Feng Shui, there is a well-guarded secret set of codes that will, when mastered properly, allow you to have any and everything you want in life. These codes are called 'The Five Mystic Codes' and are really for study by only the most serious students. The first of these Five Codes is called The Heart Secret and says that anyone -- even you -- can train yourself to the point that whatever you spend time thinking about will literally happen. This first code purports that you must maintain a mastery over your thoughts before you can manifest your wishes and desires. The premise is that this thinking is done using your very first thought in the morning. The absolute moment you awaken you must then think only about what it is that you would like to come true. You cannot open your eyes, or even let any wandering thoughts stray through your mind. And, even though this sounds relatively simple, it demands focus, concentration, repetition and practice. A powerful discipline with the ability to effect a hugely positive change.

On this one: You snooze, you lose! Ellen Whitehurst, Astrology.com "


Me: okay, so I was thinking back to my post: not breathing...can't remember who to call.

advice to myself: ..."very first thought of the morning. The absolute moment you awaken you must think only about what it is that you would like."

Summary...that is what my problem is. I wake up grumpy (brian, just kidding!).

Then I get up and act like grumpy.

Dear Grandma,

You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine, you make me happy, when skies are gray...
I know you won't read this, and I am writing it to myself. I miss you. I already do. I miss being your dancing girl. I miss the smell of bread baking in the oven. I miss your laugh, your smile; the look in your eyes that tells me even if I did the very worst thing in the world that I am okay. I bought a card today for you, it says; Lifes hard unless you have a Grandma. I will give it to you someday.

My life has been hard, Grandma. But because of you I am happy inside out. You have listened to the worst, the best, the crazy things that make up me. You have forgiven me for spilling nail polish on your counter tops, for telling white lies, for anything I could have ever done to disappoint you. You are an intricate part of all my seasons.

In January I think of your birthday, the day this world was blessed with an angel. I think of the lovely stories of your youth, the things that bring smiles and sometimes tears. Thinking of you and your dear brother, Uncle Bill, living through the depression, all the new things of the world plaguing your youth. How frightening those times must have been. I think of your dear mother, whom I love beyond all understanding. The comfort she gave to me, I know that she loves you; that she wants to bring you home. I think of birthday cakes with money in them, and bringing you white donuts, the white donut cake Gavin and I tried to hide money in. You played along, and we had a grand time. Always a grand time with Grandma. Grandma you are an angel.

In February, the time for valentines. I love to remember how Grandpa spoils you with valentines. I couldn't wait to come after the holiday, to see what he would surprise you with this year. Pink hearts all over, telling you of your beauty, your charm, you’re knitting his heart, his love of you, and knowing that you love him. You are looking at my sweetheart; a month to celebrate love, his creativity, your kindnesses all year, him giving you one day, you giving him them all, celebrated in a month of love. Grandma you are love.

March; Grandpas birthday. You make it special, always. He is lucky to have your home baked bread in round tin cans, it always tastes better when you make it, he misses that. All the goodies you have bottled and canned. The love you cook into every meal, keeping him and his together. The treat drawer, something of magic in the world of Grandpa and every little child greeted in your home. You are always keeping everything so wonderful. So capable of making things beautiful. So able to fix, and be thrifty with everything. I have learned all this from your example. Grandma you are beautiful.

April; Easter. My favorite memory, of doing the Easter baskets with you, giving to the widows, running from porch to porch. The detail you put into every basket and message, but more the love that you show as you do what the Savior would do; to remember and serve the widows, the lonely, those who need more than most. On such a special day, remembering the resurrection, the hope that all will be well, the Atonement; which makes us whole. Hundreds of those little baskets, and hours of your time, and never anything but a smile, a peaceful love that I have felt as we followed in your footsteps to give to others. Grandma you are giving.

In May, the flowers, the seasons changing, time to plant, to open Fish Lake, shopping at thrift stores, finding just the right little things. I love the walks to see the horses, you telling my children all the things I remember you telling me. Looking at the blossoms, thinking of the fruit that we pray to be blessed with during the harvest; these memories I am now harvesting.
Playing in the breezeway with the marbles and the marble toy, oh, to have that back for just one more moment. Telling you of the cute things that the children are doing, and having you tip your head and laugh. Listening to you and Grandpa sing, why can’t I remember all of the songs. Xoxoxo, kiss you once, kiss you twice, and kiss you once again, it’s been a long, long time. Listening to Grandpa play the trumpet, and hearing about you playing in the band with him. Talk of your dates, marriage, early struggles, trials, challenges, supporting one another and reaching for the long term, basking in all the efforts you and Grandpa have made, your eternal marriage, and hoping for that same blessing for Brian and myself. Talking about the temple, your primary class, the training school kids [adults:0)] and loving them with the Savior's love. I learned love from you. Will you ever know how much you mean to me? Grandma is memories.

June and trips to Fish Lake. Thank you for taking me with you. For the late night talks and games. For staying up with me to hold my babies, rocking them for me so I could sleep. Walks to the water hole, and church at the lodge. I can close my eyes and smell the sweet scent of the aspen trees, and hear the leaves blowing in the wind. I can see you lovingly preparing a meal for us to enjoy. Love in all the service you have given makes each morsel so much sweeter, more nourishing. It's no wonder that Fish Lake is my Heaven on Earth. I know how much you want to return there, and whenever I go I will look for you to be there. Grandma you are Heaven.

July and Steele Days, I will never forget. Throwing the candy to the little ones. Making sure everyone of us had the treat that we most desired. Your thoughtfulness and insight to all of your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren. Honoring you and seeing the delight as you rode in Brian's truck in the parade. Hearing you tell me that it was like being royalty, because you are Grandma. You are a queen. When I was asked to throw the candy for you these past couple of years I felt as though something inside of me was breaking. I wanted you to be there, and then I felt you within me. I am you, you are a part of all that makes me who I am. May I honor you. Grandma you are priceless.
August is hard, for as my birthdays come and go I will miss your greetings. xoxoxo and your signature, hearing you sing happy birthday to me, with Grandpa. Knowing that you indeed celebrate my life, makes me more precious. I will miss that. Grandma, you are a happy day.

September. I will never forget. The way you held me when Brian lost his father. You were there to remember with me the wonderful man that he was. I remember thinking that you, Grandpa, and he were the same age; that I was thankful to still have you. Now...well, you know, I feel so lost. But I do believe that you will be in my dreams, counseling me, cheering me on, holding me again. Say hi to Dad, he will be one of those greeting you, happy to see you. I will want to do better, to improve my life. To make you proud, always. Grandma, you are my angel.
October, this month, as I drove to school today, watching the leaves dancing on the street, they reminded me of you, your dancing, your grace. And now it is His grace we pray for, to allow you to enter back into his presence.
Now, to hear my little Jeremy pray for you Grandma, please take her back to be with you. Don't let her hurt anymore, Let her be with her mommy and daddy, her brothers and sisters if she has any up there. Bless Grandpa to be happy, not sad, to have comfort, from the Holy Ghost. Only seven, he has more faith than I, he has so much love, to want to see you rest and without aches of age. And faith that all will be well, for Grandpa. Gratitude that the spirit can comfort us. We will be well, Grandma. Into the winter we go, and knowing that it is okay for you to let go. For spring will come again. And we will see you again.
I think of the Halloween party's, the games you planned. The baby jars of candy, fun for all ages. Knowing that I mattered because there was always a jar of my favorite, and somehow I always won that jar. I know now that it was not chance or luck, but love. I loved playing the donut on the string with you. You have such a competitive nature, no wonder where we all get it. To hear you laugh, once again. I will dream of it. Grandma you are fun.

November. What is to come of November? Veterans Day, all the times that we celebrated, with gratitude that Grandpa was home, with stories of the war, of the depression, with thankfulness that we are present, not past, and together. Hearing the clock in your breeze way, and you and Grandpa singing: Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun;...
Your little pies, the smell of thanksgiving in your home. Each of us expressing what we are most thankful for. The tenderness in your preparations, your absolute willingness to give a dose of love to every one of us, we are so many, and we all feel we are your favorite. Grandma, you are my favorite.
December; will be hard.
To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal ...
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.
ecclesiastes 3:1-8

December; I will miss you, Mrs. Clause. I will miss your sweet attention to me, to everyone who is lucky to be called yours. I couldn't wait to hear your bells as we sang Here Comes Mrs. Clause. You with your darling little elf. It didn't matter what you gave us, but in the end your gift was always my favorite. Grandma you are hope, you are faith, you are patience, long suffering, you are mine.
A couple of weeks ago I came into the room, you said to me, "there you are my dancing girl. help me up. let's dance." As I held you in my arms, being your strength now, after so many years of your strength holding me up, I realized this was our last dance. Thank you for that. Thank you for loving me, and for seeing me for who I would become, and will become. Thank you for having faith in me, faith in Him, and for showing me there is a better way. A way of patience, of peace, of enduring all that we are given. You have endured, now rest, Grandma. We will remember, we will be thrifty, we will remember the widows, we will watch over Grandpa here, as you will from Heaven.
Grandma you are patience, peace.

You are my angel,
you are love,
you are beautiful.
You are giving,
you are memories,
you are heaven,
you are priceless.
You are a happy day,
you are fun,
you are my favorite, my friend.
You are my Sunshine!
You are patience, you are peace, you are my angel.

Grandma, I love you. Yes, so many times; good times, hard times, have passed in my life. Because of you loving me I know this truth, Life's hard, Unless you have a Grandma - and I have the best!, I have you.

My dancing Grandma. Thank you for loving me, for teaching me to bake bread, dry and bottle fruit, Thank you for the lessons in sewing, manners, stitching, care-giving, service, dancing and life. Life lessons - I have learned so much by your side.

You pray, you laugh, you love and let me be who I am. I love you for so many reasons. Memories - the marble toy, Fish Lake, The Family Tree Restaurant, thrift store shopping, sweet taffy, your love of dolls, your love of heritage, teaching me to love and cherish ours.

You say it like it is, the truth is not optional. You kissing me three times (my favorite number) kiss you once, kiss you twice, kiss you once again...

I will always cherish going to the rest homes with you, singing and dancing. I never felt anything but just thankful for being there with you and Grandpa. To see the love between you both, and the honest desire to love and serve these people, who needed Sunshine, in their rainy season. You are my Sunshine, you are their Sunshine; Grandma, you are Sunshine.

You fix everything. A bandaid for this, a bit of hard work for that - my hear aches, healed at your side, reminding me of our Brother's love. Turning me to the Lord, always His will. You are my amazing, my amazing example of love, of light. Grandma, if there is anything I could tell you, it would be you are beautiful; inside and out. You have given me, and others millions of memories.

A heritage; heart; and heaven awaits. We will keep you in our memories. What you forget now, we will keep. you, my beautiful Grandma, rest; we love you and keep you. xoxoxoxoxo
We love you, xoxoxo