tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76448639906839084272024-03-12T17:33:39.027-07:00We Seek After These ThingsA personal quest to seek after things that are "virtuous, lovely, of good report, [and] praiseworthy." (Article of Faith 13)Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-51697051311417601852022-02-15T10:23:00.005-08:002022-02-15T12:48:17.764-08:00Grasshopper Green<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_PyAzRsFefSmOFExCV5hAHMu_QJaSPQJS5lrcWoYOnZwDJ1QTbVKsr1eeisAerJMoNhVqnR4bsKFbWTDrV_Oz-wk7ra0U67ZD39l83dkJQ7ldAM5hme6pVUDhd8T90_1PwSZp6CrCoUn6Lk3_fRImNIBb7OFRXSo5EyK3o0RAhZoyGVGvYTu9U3HpdQ=s3648" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_PyAzRsFefSmOFExCV5hAHMu_QJaSPQJS5lrcWoYOnZwDJ1QTbVKsr1eeisAerJMoNhVqnR4bsKFbWTDrV_Oz-wk7ra0U67ZD39l83dkJQ7ldAM5hme6pVUDhd8T90_1PwSZp6CrCoUn6Lk3_fRImNIBb7OFRXSo5EyK3o0RAhZoyGVGvYTu9U3HpdQ=w240-h318" width="240" /></a></div><br />This morning, my Rebecca is home with me again. She, along with her three siblings, has a genetic condition called Cystic Fibrosis. It is a terminal degenerative disease that affects primarily the lungs, pancreas, liver, digestive system, and reproductive systems to start with. Although there is more and more promising research, currently there is no cure. This is her third week home from school. <p></p><p>Because of their CF, my kids tend to get sick easier and stay sick longer, especially Rebecca. It seems like she and her older sister have always had more trouble with lungs than the boys. </p><p>This is a story about my Rebecca, to help those close to us understand why we are doing things the way we are doing them regarding masking, restricted activities when indoors without masks, and are facing the difficult decision of potentially taking Rebecca out of her award winning arts middle school. </p><p>If you're interested, please feel free to keep reading. </p><p>Before COVID, Rebecca was seeing 5 or 6 different specialists and had a surgery scheduled to try to address her constant bouts of sickness. About every month, she would get very sick and have to be home and be put on antibiotics, which, of course, aren't very good to have to be constantly on. </p><p>She was also lonely and couldn't do much outside of the home because she wasn't feeling well, and anyway, there wasn't very much time to try to do anything when she had to be on her "sick schedule", which included a percussion vest and three or four different types of nebulizer medications every 4 hours. </p><p>The treatments took a little over an hour, with more time to set up and disinfect afterwards. The 6 or so hours of treatments didn't even include the other medications she had to take multiple times a day. A few inhalers, and at least 12 pills throughout the day was pretty normal. </p><p>Then someone discovered that a new kind of infection was spreading across the entire world. It was the coronavirus and was especially hard on older people and those with chronic lung conditions or other underlying health problems. </p><p>Having four children with Cystic Fibrosis and having so much to do to keep them healthy even when they were well, the family decided to be very careful. The doctors told them to wear masks and not go indoors where people were not masked, or even outdoors unless everyone was at least 6 feet apart. </p><p>If you don't know, Cystic Fibrosis patients are generally not allowed to be closer than 6 feet apart from each other, because they can share really dangerous germs that are kind of unique to those with lung conditions like COPD or CF. All of a sudden, it was like the whole world had CF. </p><p>Rebecca remembered having another family that went to their church years ago whose children also had Cystic Fibrosis. </p><p>She remembered how they had to be kept separate at activities and how, if they had been in a classroom before them, her mom and the other family's mom would come and wipe down the chairs inbetween so there wasn't a chance they would share dangerous germs like pseudomonas aurigenosa. </p><p>Her brother got that one once. They offered IV antibiotics if the inhaled ones didn't work and it took him a whole year of intense treatments to get it out of his lungs. They were grateful it finally went away, as that was one of the 'CF bugs' that could quickly lead to lung scarring, reduced lung function, and eventually needing a lung transplant. </p><p>Anyway, back to the story. </p><p>There was a problem. While Rebecca and her family had to act like everyone had CF, lots of people didn't have to protect themselves that way and chose not to do those things that would make it so that Rebecca and other immunocompromised people like her could continue their normal activities safely. </p><p>Rebecca and her family had to stop going to church on Sunday. They had to stop participating in their churches activities during the week. It was just not worth the risk. </p><p>Rebecca's mom ran a business where families came together to make music. They had to work hard to find creative ways to keep making music safely. </p><p>They did classes online - that Rebecca liked to help with. They did classes distanced outdoors - Rebecca liked these too and often came with her mom to get some fresh air and participate in the healing music making. They even did a few classes indoors with masks and filtration systems and doors and windows open to get good air flow. These were all good ways to still get together and be safe. </p><p>Unfortunately, not alot of other businesses were going to all of that work and there were still no groups Rebecca and her siblings could participate in safely. </p><p>However, they started to notice a blessing in all of the hard things. </p><p>Rebecca stopped getting sick. </p><p>First, it was one month, then another and another, until they finally called off the surgery because she was doing so well! </p><p>They stopped having to go to the specialists and she was able to stop being on her sick protocols. In fact, about a year later, her clinic reduced her normal medications because she was doing so well! </p><p>She was living more normally than she had ever lived in her entire 10 years of life and her little body was getting a chance to restore its natural health defenses. She had more time to play and do the things little girls like to do. It was wonderful. </p><p>Or, it would have been. </p><p>Now that she was well enough to go out, she still couldn't because there were very few places and groups of people who It would be safe to spend time with. </p><p>As time went on, the sickness grew more widespread and affected more and more people. States started to require that everyone follow CF protocols with other CFers. Masked indoors and unmasked but distanced outdoors. </p><p>Rebecca knew it was hard for those who weren't used to it, but this change also made it so that her family could return to church and she could return to activities! (If the safety protocols were being observed.) </p><p>Rebecca got into and was enrolled in the arts middle school in her area. Her mom talked to the school and they found ways to try to keep Rebecca safe at school, like sitting outside the lunchroom by herself during lunch, when all the other kids would have their masks off. They put a plan in place so that if Rebecca got sick, the teachers would allow her a little more time to get work in. </p><p>Rebecca took all advanced classes and, although she did get sick a couple times, she again and again got all As and Bs. She worked hard at her schooling, even while home on sick treatments. She worked hard at practicing on the cello her school gave her as part of being in the orchestra. She practiced her choir pieces on her own even when she wasn't able to be in school. </p><p>She received 7 student of the month awards in the first 5 months of school and was known for being helpful and friendly. She performed in concerts and made a best friend. </p><p>Her mom was so grateful for everyone who was willing to mask so Rebecca could have those opportunities. </p><p>Thank you so much if you've read this far. </p><p>I've been told again and again that I shouldn't live in fear. Many who have not walked our path the last 10 years, who haven't dealt with the constant disruption this disease is for our family, say that my kids could live so normally if we just let them attend all of the unmasked activities. </p><p>They don't realize that that would just be a path to further isolation and very real physical harm. CFers rarely get away with being sick and not needing additional heavy pharmaceuticals, since the mucus in their lungs is particularly thick and sticky and infections don't leave the body naturally but stay awhile and wreak havoc. </p><p>They don't realize the courage that it takes to say no. To not be hurt when those around us choose to act in ways that endanger and ultimately make it impossible for my kids to participate in normal activities. They don't realize that it isn't an option for us to pretend that everything's normal. </p><p>Just a few weeks after our local school district shut everything down for a 5 day pause to try to get a handle on the detrimental amount of sickness that was making normal operations impossible, our State officials decided to end the mask mandate for Nevada. (Just in time for the Superbowl...) 😉</p><p>The local schools, under intense pressure, decided to do the same. </p><p>We are still in flu season. Though COVID numbers and hospitalizations are going down, there is still a heightened danger of infection. </p><p>While some are burning masks and celebrating the end of the 'abuse' that was making students wear masks in school, our family is once again isolated, trying to find ways for our children to thrive when there are few or no resources available. </p><p>Even close, kind-hearted friends and family suggest that our precautions are unwarranted. </p><p>I don't feel a need to change to fit someone else's misunderstanding of our circumstances. I got over that a long time ago. </p><p>And I refuse to try to mandate what others choose to do. </p><p>But, I do feel a need to tell our story and share an alternate viewpoint. </p><p>We are the exception, and no, the world shouldn't change to suit us. But I'm sending out a plea to those who have different fears and concerns to please be compassionate and stop telling those of us who have to take additional precautions that we are wrong to do so, that our concerns are invalid. It is exhausting when we are already tired. </p><p>And if it's not too much trouble, be creative with us and help us find a place where we can be a part ... safely. </p><p>On the bright side, we get more Well Educated Heart in when she's home sick. (WEH is an awesome FREE resource for heart education. ❤)</p><p>We read the story of Grasshopper Green today from the rotation and adored it. ❤ </p><p>Here's the link if you want to read it yourself. 😊</p><p>https://issuu.com/librariesofhope3/docs/storiesofinsects?e=23965438/37548829 </p>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-30926226750968562652018-11-30T12:05:00.000-08:002018-12-01T13:41:51.179-08:00My 6 favorite things for fibromyalgia relief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vkNwOQDE94JluIjhJ_PfKHINdOuWyFm7H4VX5475ssGgagE6lTqiqgtPj3qsr5pXDU7kYUSDQtci8viX_fQ_H70S6gwpiXjMGxlsBNfK2dDeMD6ljVWQtiMc_ajOBLgIzbgsoLq_lmKC/s1600/fibromyalgia-relief-horizontal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vkNwOQDE94JluIjhJ_PfKHINdOuWyFm7H4VX5475ssGgagE6lTqiqgtPj3qsr5pXDU7kYUSDQtci8viX_fQ_H70S6gwpiXjMGxlsBNfK2dDeMD6ljVWQtiMc_ajOBLgIzbgsoLq_lmKC/s320/fibromyalgia-relief-horizontal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some days you get a mile run/walk in, some days you sit in a hot bath and cry because you hurt everywhere, can't think clearly, and everytime you try to move, the dizziness and fatigue make you worry you'll throw up.<br />
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Although I've suffered with fibromyalgia my entire life, it's been awhile since I've been hit with a fibromyalgia flare up. I mean, of course I always hurt, and there are times I can tell my brain is just not working up to par, but beat-down, drag-out, full-symptom disabled mode has, God be thanked, been rare lately.<br />
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But, today's my day, apparently, to remember just how bad it can be.<br />
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I'm reminded as well, just how hard it was to raise my little kids when high stress and no sleep was a recipe for fairly common flare ups. And, anyone who lives with chronic pain knows that that does not leave you at your best.<br />
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Today though, I want to mark this flare up misery with a little gratitude for the huge respite I've experienced in the last 6 months or so, as well as share some of the things that I believe have helped reduce my symptoms and the frequency of my crashes throughout my life.<br />
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1. Lower stress. Let me start by saying that, although we can control our boundaries and how much of others' stress we take on (which is so important - watch Brene Brown's youtube videos if you struggle with this!), we can not always control our circumstances.<br />
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For instance, my husband and I were taking college classes constantly, raising 4 kids, and working multiple jobs up until 6 months ago. Recently, I've settled on my future goals with my music studio and education. Finally, after 9 years into their diagnosis, we've come to terms with our 4 children's CF diagnosis and have a pattern of care we can manage and some kind of a reasonable expectation of their health for the future. Just this month, we have prospects of moving beyond 130% below poverty level for the first time in our married lives. All of my children sleep through the night now, and have for the last 5 years or so. ;) And, maybe most importantly, in the last year, I've finally been in a place to receive counseling for myself to gain coping mechanisms to deal with childhood abuse. We are experiencing less stress in our home! Lol. In fact, I'll be honest, in 36 years of life and 17 years of marriage, I've never experienced this low of a level of mental, emotional, financial, and physical stress before. Lowered stress has definitely been a game changer. However, if you are reading this and thinking, I'm not there yet. I can't reduce my stress! Then in that case, do what you can, simplify any way you can, but the second one on my list applies to you and is even more important.<br />
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2. Hope. Connect with diety. Have a daily devotional where you: journal, pray, meditate, read scripture, express gratitude, make goals, and create. Have things around you that remind you to look up, smile, and focus on something positive instead of your pain for just a moment of relief throughout your day. Along with this, it's important that you allow yourself to believe that you are doing better than you think you are. Give yourself permission to receive grace and acceptance from God for where you are in your life. Despite what you think when you're surrounded by the pain, you are not always like this. Keep hope alive that things will get better again.<br />
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3. Rest. Get some. Sleep is one of the greatest tools to stop the vicious fibromyalgia cycle. I know everytime you lay down and try to close your eyes, every muscle and joint takes the opportunity to unkindly remind you that it's unhappy. I know sometimes the throbbing, aching, underlying pain isn't as much of a problem as the startling random pains that run like electricity through delicate and numb fingers, or hit like a baseball bat to your left knee, leaving you breathless. A couple of tips that I've found help calm the pain enough to get that precious rest are: hot epsom salt bath, GENTLE massage or light touches from someone who will listen and respond to what is and what is not helpful (even if it doesn't make logical sense), dark room free from distractions (I know, I know, I've been too distracted by the pain to be able to handle a dark quiet room, but remember, pain makes you more sensitive to light and sound, your best chance is dark and quiet), Intentional meditation (Breathe in for 5, out for 4. Notice your breathing, slow it down. Notice your heartbeat, slow it down with your breathing. Clear your mind. Acknowledge each concern and dismiss it, like dropping leaves into a stream. Register white and other noise. Keep breathing. Let your lungs expand to their full capacity. Imagine yourself weightless and moving in a frictionless space. Or, if more helpful, imagine yourself grounded and the sun beating on each part of your body, moving from your toes to your face. Relax each area as the sun moves along to include it.), heat on tender areas (electric heat pack, heated rice pillow, or hot running water).<br />
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4. Stretch and exercise. This one, I'm going to qualify with a very firm 'with caution'. When one has fibromyalgia, pain is constant, and so, the added discomfort and soreness that one would normally get from gentle exercise is magnified. In my experience, it's also vital to remember that your body may not rebound and heal as quickly as someone else's. As an avid exerciser throughout my life, I can now tell when a normal exercise routine or stretch is going to put me out for a couple days and I do not cross that line. When you feel you can, do a little. It's better than nothing and leaves you able to do something else another day. Limited energy is a hallmark of fibromyalgia - I think because our bodies are tired from processing constant input. So guage carefully. If you feel you can do something, low-impact activities are best. Among these, I've found the following have worked best for me: walking (preferably somewhere where you can feel the sun and connect with nature. This is also where I get my devotional in sometimes by listening to scriptures from my phone or having a conversation with God as I walk.), or elliptical indoors, Vinyasa flow yoga with any needed modifications (constant movement rather than holding stagnant poses puts less stress on the joints), and Tai Chi. Morning and evening sun salutations help me with stiff, sore muscles and pain both, before I go to bed, as well as first thing in the morning. Limited repetitions of muscle group specific strength exercises using only body weight have also been doable and helpful to me to increase overall strength and try to address bone density issues from not being able to do high impact workouts. Walking 30 minutes 3 times a week and doing 30 reps a day of something used to be my goal and I found if I could meet that goal, I felt much better. A caution though, you have to decide what your limits are. Something is much better than nothing.<br />
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5. When you feel you can, gently connect with the outside world. It is very easy to feel physically and socially isolated when you are, of necessity, home-bound and in pain. Find an online support group. Have an at-home hobby with out of home ties. Reach out to family and friends if you need help. Make someone's day by sending them a 'thinking of you' text or snail mail card. Make a list and get supplies when you are feeling well so you don't have to try to be creative when you are having trouble thinking. Depression is common for people with fibromyalgia, and one of the greatest ways to fight that depression is to know you can do something to lift another human being, and that there are still things in your capacity to do that make you important and needed.<br />
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6. Fuel your body. Eat a whole foods, plant-based diet and drink plenty of water. This is one I have just started experimenting with and I have had fantastic results. Dr. Fuhrman, The China Study, and the facebook group 'Discovering the Word of Wisdom' are great places to start learning how to fuel your body with nutritious food as well as protect it from the side effects of our S.A.D. (standard American diet), which consists mostly of processed, nutritionally barren grain, sugar, fat, and salt. About 4 weeks after I started only eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, I was noticing less pain and inflammation, more energy, and a happier overall outlook. I have also noticed that I have gotten sick less. Everytime I vary from this way of eating, I can feel things getting worse again. And, again, when I return to eating closer to a plant based diet with no meat (the first day I tried a plant-based diet, I was shocked because for the first time since beginning tracking my food a year earlier, I was actually close to my protein and iron goals - go oats, rice, and beans!) and no added sugars or oils, I feel amazing again. (This is still a work in progress for me and has been a slow steady transition, so I'm definitely not 100%, but even then, I am noticing the good effects!)<br />
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So, that's my two cents.<br />
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Originally, I came across the idea for this by reading the article at the website in the picture (where I got the picture from-I was drawn in by the alluring promise!). I felt I wanted to add my experience to the conversation. Thanks for reading. I hope it helps someone fighting with chronic pain, or sheds some light on the condition for those trying to help, but who have no experience with it of their own. I assume it is like many things, where it is hard to understand unless you've experienced it. On that note, if you're suffering and feel very much alone, don't discount the promise that there is one who has had personal experience with every one of your trials. You aren't walking your path alone. Christ already walked it, got to the end, and came back to walk next to you.Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-59839772331849943632016-02-19T16:18:00.001-08:002016-02-19T16:18:54.093-08:00An oldie, but a goodie<p dir="ltr">Today, I came across a link on my fb feed that I couldn't ignore! </p>
<p dir="ltr">It was from John Bytheway - in case you don't know who he is, he is a religious speaker/comedian who was really big in the <a href="http://mormon.org">LDS</a> community when I was a teenager. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We went to his classes at <a href="http://edweek.byu.edu/about">BYU Education Week</a> and even had a few of his cassette tapes at home - back when cassette tapes existed. ;)</p>
<p dir="ltr">He always had a fun message for the youth, grounded in important truths. It takes someone special to balance those two. </p>
<p dir="ltr">In fact, my sister and I were such fans that I remember the youthful heartache we both experienced when we learned that John had gotten married! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Well, here's just a little taste of a few classic parodies he put together from that long gone era. :)</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hope you enjoy! </p>
<p dir="ltr">http://johnbytheway.com/i-hope-they-call-me-on-a-mission/</p>
Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-87788782334213949022016-01-17T16:44:00.001-08:002016-09-05T02:36:38.403-07:00The most beautiful title<p dir="ltr">This morning was rough. After a really rough Christmas season and two weeks with bronchitis, little sleep and the accompanying physical pain of fibromyalgia, I woke up this morning with no motivation. My stomach wheeled at the churning thoughts of everything that I needed to accomplish and an overwhelming weight settled on my spirit.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"I can't", I thought. "I just can't." I can not get up at 5am this morning and make sure my 4 CF kids get their treatments and meds. After a tiring night trying to make my 14 year old feel special on her birthday with her father gone and her brother vomiting from one of his severe migraines, I was especially hopeless. </p>
<p dir="ltr">My mind went through a list of the expectations I had of myself, as though to confirm that it really was impossible to accomplish everything I had been set to do. I can't be the Wolf den mother for 11 boys, primary chorister, bishop's wife, mother, college student, volunteer, visiting teacher, homemaker, supportive sister, daughter to parents in poor health, and Christlike all at once.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I turned to my scriptures, like I always do, for perspective on the morning. I needed 'strength beyond my own'.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I read some great quotes in our upcoming Gospel Doctrine lesson on righteously enduring. It validated the presence of a depressive spirit and counseled us to hang on and look with faith toward a day when we would be blessed for our steadfastness. (As I type this, I feel a sweet assurance I didn't feel at the time, although I did recognize the truth in the statement. I feel a sweet, healing presence now.)</p>
<p dir="ltr">I rolled out of bed and to my knees, the only thought that stood out in the many pleas that came to mind was that I would be able to do what the Lord expected of me today. I could not ask for the strength to do what he would do if he was here, because he is so much stronger than me, so perfect, but I could ask that I be able to do what God expected of me - knowing all my weaknesses, my pride, my offended heart, my physical pain, my fears - after all of that, to do what He knew I was still able to do with his assistance. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I felt a little assured and went out, determined that I would do my best. </p>
<p dir="ltr">My determination lasted about 15 minutes. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It only took one petulant look from my 5 year old when I told her I was making a Bento Box for her sandwich today to break all my resolve. </p>
<p dir="ltr">She doesn't like Bento Boxes. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I can't figure out why. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It was going to be my way of feeling like a good mother. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Of showing my kids and the world that I care about them. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It was cheap. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It wasn't what she wanted. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I wasn't what she wanted. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I wasn't good enough. </p>
<p dir="ltr">My fear, perhaps my greatest fear, I felt, had <u>been</u> validated. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I got defensive and angry. </p>
<p dir="ltr">"Well then, maybe you don't get a lunch at all until you can appreciate what I make."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Not a bad sentiment, but it was said with an angry, resentful and defensive heart. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And I realized that I had just self-validated the thought that I was found wanting, in my ungracious response to my child. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I had failed. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Again. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I tried to hold back the tears, but the disappointment was too great. I was so disappointed in my own weakness. And Satan whispered that my tears would bring my husband more concern and unhappiness. That I was failing and hurting him too. Satan is a jerk. And I believed every whisper. </p>
<p dir="ltr">But Satan can't hide all truth. </p>
<p dir="ltr">My wonderful husband was concerned, but he still wanted a kiss goodbye before he went to work. </p>
<p dir="ltr">My emotions stabilized a little during the drive to school as the spirit worked overtime to bring to mind successes, quotes, hymns, counsel, and other comforting thoughts and truths, pulling from hours and days of accumulated study and effort on my part and an eternity of other's concern and service. I listened with my heart to these soothing influences,which shows an improvement in and of itself to times past, when my self-defeat would have drowned out such gentle persuasions. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And we got to school. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Thank heavens for 1/2 hour commutes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I needed every moment of that time to reach a place where I could appreciate what was to follow. </p>
<p dir="ltr">We pulled up to the school and I haven't spent the drive in a tirade. (A touch on my thoughts reminds me that not long ago just getting to school in this vehicle was considered a miracle, and we never did really find the problem, but. ..here we are.) And even though we are late, I can honestly wish my children a good day and blessings. I see my 14 year old leave the car, not with the tears she left the house with, but with a smile to accompany her birthday cupcakes. My 11 year old pops out of the car with a smile. My 5 year old still has some petulance, but is willing to be goaded into a half-smile. And my sweet 9 year old boy still needs a practice spelling test. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I am able to gently coach him through studying, then a test, on which he gets 100%. And as he leaves the car, with confidence and a cheeky smile, he says 'Bye mom!'.</p>
<p dir="ltr">And that was the moment. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The moment I realized that the humble word 'mom', is the best title ever. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Anything else I do or don't do. Anything else I succeed or don't succeed at. My husband and children, my own personal stewardship, my family - they are the most important thing. They are the sweetest blessing and reward.</p>
<p dir="ltr">That word,  'mom', as spoken by a 9 year old boy, encompassed so much meaning. Trust that I loved him, that I would be back, that he was safe, that all was going to be alright. All that hope and comfort and assurance was brought to him through having parents. Through having a 'mom'.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I was enough. </p>
Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-73531062151351013832015-10-29T19:08:00.001-07:002015-10-29T19:50:12.878-07:00Updated ContentHead over to <a href="http://walkinginhenderson.blogspot.com/">Walking In Henderson</a> for my first blog post about the different places to walk in the Las Vegas Valley! (This one will be VERY familiar to some, unlike some of the other, more hidden treasures I hope to be posting about soon.) :)<br />
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We also have a great new posting in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OurDahlHouse?ref=hdr_shop_menu">OurDahlHouse Etsy shop</a> that we are very excited about! Ryan has poured his heart and soul into this new adventure and has tested out our skills and tools in making the kids Halloween costumes. We really liked how the lightweight pvc chain mail worked out for Joseph and felt it should be our first Etsy offering in the way of costumes. Plan ahead and order early, for Cosplay, Ren Fair, or next year's Halloween costumes! ;)<br />
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And last, but not least, an introduction to <a href="http://womanautomotive.blogspot.com/">Woman Automotive</a> has been posted with content coming soon. Go check it out!<br />
<br />Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-3825046090007827652015-09-24T15:32:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:32:24.900-07:00ExpansionI am entering a new adventure!<br />
<br />
I am going to expand my blog with some of my past and current interests, so please be patient with me! I hope to be able to share worthwhile information and experiences in three specific areas of my life - music, via 'Musically Inclined', hiking, via 'Walking in Henderson', and my love of empowering women in their capacity to DIY concerning their means of transportation with 'Woman Automotive'.<br />
<br />
Please be patient with me as I upload and update content. I am learning about various platforms, etc...<br />
<br />
I look forward to sharing some fun and, hopefully, informative experiences with you.<br />
<br />
Keep 'seeking' after the good and worthy!<br />
<br />
KerriKerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-64117619629136883242015-04-01T07:32:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:10:46.064-07:00After the trial of our faith<p>This last month or so has been very special to me. I don't know exactly why Heavenly Father has blessed me so much, but several areas where I have felt particularly weak have been noticeably strengthened and I have felt progress and insight in areas I have been working on and praying on for years.</p>
<p>This morning, I felt I should share this journal entry from last week. The day before this had been challenging and very discouraging, but I had pushed myself to see and note my blessings, then came the next day:</p>
<p>"God shows himself in our lives after the trial of our faith, because He can do no miracle where there is no faith.</p>
<p>I am so grateful for clarity and wisdom that has never failed to come through trial, faith, studying the word of God, prayer, worship, pondering, and service. Today it was reading the account of the Savior coming to his disciples over the stormy sea. They were struggling, He was willing to be with them and help them, but He also did not force himself on them. They were afraid and He knew it. He comforted them. Paul exerted himself to walk where Christ walked-showing a willingness to have faith, but also showing doubt perhaps in requesting a miracle, and at the least, showing impulsivity...or maybe a real desire...any way, he does fine until he perceives the waves.</p>
<p>Here I was struck.</p>
<p>I have been focusing on the fears around me.</p>
<p>I have not been focused on the Savior's power to save. Physically as well as spiritually. </p>
<p>My Savior became lost to my view as I pondered more on the waves than on Him.</p>
<p>And I started to sink.</p>
<p>But I also did not forget to call out. And I 'immediately' felt him reach for me.</p>
<p>I am still tired. But I am lighter. I am still hurting, but I literally can't feel the pain when I am feeling the spirit. I am working on physical concerns, but they are not currently overwhelming.</p>
<p>I have started again to ask God to direct me in my day, but I'm balancing that more with making my own plans, deliberating and using my agency to discern a course."</p>
<p>I know there is hope, happiness, and the possibility for further progression ahead when we continue to choose faith - when we focus on our Savior and reach out to him in our storms.</p>
<p>John 5:39 <br>
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."</p>
<p>http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/5.39?lang=eng </p>
Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-43862340146271294382014-11-24T21:08:00.001-08:002015-09-24T15:10:46.016-07:00Perfection <p>Yesterday I thought I didn't have anything to write in my journal, but in an attempt to be obedient, I started writing anyway. By the second word I knew the thoughts I was writing were not my own original ideas, but I was grateful for the, for me, timely insights and felt I should share.</p>
<p>Here you go...</p>
<p>I am blessed. I am snuggling with my sweetheart in a calm quiet house on a Sunday morning, knowing that in just a little bit I get to go to church, take the sacrament and study the word of God! :)</p>
<p>Could life be any better?</p>
<p>The little anxieties of life, the little imperfections, can be ignored. It is me that needs to become perfect, not what surrounds me-at least not until I have improved enough to be able to live in a perfect world.</p>
<p>Rather than rail at life's imperfections, I need to work on my own in order to deserve the perfect eternity waiting for me...so, I need to work on patience, charity, brotherly kindness, service... </p>
<p>I want to learn to be the kind of person who would be comfortable in the perfect world I want. It doesn't work the other way around - "I'd be perfect if everything around me was perfect." We are who we are. If we act imperfectly in an imperfect world, it is because we are imperfect inside. </p>
<p>It is that friction that allows us to see, desire, ask, act, and finally change our character. </p>
<p>Once we are perfect inside, the outside situation will not affect our character. </p>
<p>Christ maintained his perfection in a world, not only imperfect in comforts and convenience, but blatant in it's injustice and cruelty, specifically and maliciously aimed at him.</p>
<p>What provocation do I really have that justifies impatience, hatred, selfishness, pride, grudge-holding, or retaliation? </p>
<p>If I look to punish, I am looking for further punishment to Him who took ALL our stripes. </p>
<p>It has been paid for. </p>
<p>And as to inconvenience and disruption to my comfort-I need to change my perspective. </p>
<p>All are opportunities to hone Heavenly skills and fulfill the purpose of this life-to change - to overcome the natural man - to practice becoming like Jesus, who was patient and filled with love and had the power of the spirit in all of the circumstances of His life; who was wise and correct in speech, pure, honest, forgiving, and declared truth without fear.</p>
<p>I aspire to remember these insights and am grateful for them.</p>
<p>I pray I can remember to use my time wisely.</p>
<p>I am needing Heavenly help constantly. I am also alot more calm. I am learning-hopefully in time to protect my childen-about imperfection, worth, and patience.</p>
<p>God, the Holy Spirit and Ryan are my teachers and counselors.</p>
<p>I am so grateful.</p>
<p>"My God is an awesome God!" :)<br>
(I taught the chorus of that song to Rebecca today...best thing ever.)</p>
Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-715291978518530192014-09-28T20:27:00.000-07:002015-09-24T15:10:46.077-07:00A little insightI haven't 'blogged' in awhile but felt a need to share an experience tonight.<br />
<br />
Today I was having a really hard time - you know, one of those 'I am failing' mommy moments. There was no particular cause I could see for it even. I just felt heavy, unable to think even. I felt paralyzed.<br />
<br />
I was close to tears when I remembered - or was prompted, rather - to ask my kind Heavenly Father what He wanted me to learn from feeling this way.<br />
<br />
I felt a little lighter as the silent prayer put the situation into perspective and I felt that maybe this was an exercise in faith and empathy.<br />
<br />
In faith, because just the other day I had felt approval from God, not because I am perfect, but because I am trying. I had to exercise faith that that was how God felt about me, not the negative feelings that I was having at that moment. It was interesting to have both feelings so close together and feel the difference in where they must be coming from.<br />
<br />
In empathy, because it reminded me that those feelings had been almost a constant companion for me during the sleepless-nights, tantrum days of raising small children. It reminded me that many of the women around me were still in those days and could use encouragement and prayers. It reminded me that the fruits of motherhood are truly 'slow-ripening', as one of my favorite Mormon authors has said.<br />
<br />
Anyway, remember, you are doing better than you think. You are loved more than you know. Keep having faith that the small, seemingly inconsequential actions you persist in doing today are leading to beautiful fruit in the future.<br />
<br />
With encouragement,<br />
<br />
KerriKerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-45993158211721229622014-01-01T22:00:00.001-08:002015-09-24T15:24:41.863-07:00Happy New Year!<p>Journal,</p>
<p>Last night, we brought in the New Year with Lord of the Rings and video games, poppers and pjs. Maybe next year we will focus on more kid-involved activities, although, all of the kids enjoyed watching/helping Ryan play "Twilight Princess" and watching (an edited version, via mom and the remote control) "Lord of the Rings". Joseph and Kristen have been quoting it.</p>
<p>Today has been much more involved with the kids. I've had the chance to play Mario Kart with each of them and then Ryan and I played catch with them in the cul de sac until the lights went on. We briefly went and watched football at the Dahls and Dad Dahl barbequed. I appreciate more after last week what it takes to host a family.</p>
<p>I had a hard time getting things together enough to even have the elders stop by for dinner last night. Today I didn't want to see anyone but Ryan and my kids. Ryan says he has been trying to get that thought across to me for about 13 years now. ;)</p>
<p>Wonderful feeling today as we added a picture of Christ to our new sticker chart wall. Felt prompted to have the kids make "Home Dojos" for themselves as the background for their stickers, then as they follow the master (Christ) they get stickers. I love having a way to reward them that has no down side, since all other systems are accountability-based.</p>
<p>That was fun, making those with the kids. :)</p>
<p>Tonight, looking through and picking the picture of Christ, "Go with me" and "He came for me" both were playing in my head and I was so happy.</p>
<p>I am learning to be honest and trusting with Christ.</p>
<p>I trust Ryan. This has been a huge step.</p>
<p>I got to tuck in the kids again tonight. Rebecca makes sure I don't miss a night. I'm still sure she watched from Heaven before she was born and decided on certain things she was not going to miss out on when she got here-and that was one of them. :D</p>
<p>"Are you going to check on me?" in a plaintive little voice always touches Ryan and I. It touches me that Ryan's response to her is always, "Of course she is. Mommy always checks on you, doesn't she?" </p>
<p>I am grateful. I am so grateful.</p>
<p>Goodnight.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa7awrrzT7eeKEloNb_v2J7X0q5D2ZJwwqe1hQTxMAdnPoPwilLDUOz9YMOftG6WbhE7TL2utoRYrvgQ_aOw_DhtyfJkXbD3W4awFi-ofUvd_iMBm0Ujr-rNqxwH2i9jGOkaLeo4itABv/s1600/2014-01-01%25252020.50.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNa7awrrzT7eeKEloNb_v2J7X0q5D2ZJwwqe1hQTxMAdnPoPwilLDUOz9YMOftG6WbhE7TL2utoRYrvgQ_aOw_DhtyfJkXbD3W4awFi-ofUvd_iMBm0Ujr-rNqxwH2i9jGOkaLeo4itABv/s640/2014-01-01%25252020.50.41.jpg"> </a> </div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-13122410404909315532013-07-26T08:52:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:24:41.786-07:00Peek into my week<div><p>A journal entry from this last week with some of the worthwhile things I feel I am learning in my continuing walk with God. :) Chin up everyone! Keep plugging (and praying! and reading scriptures!...)</p>
<p>Journal,</p>
<p>Yesterday, Heavenly Father provided me insight about my current goals for my family's health.<br>
1. Just because I was raised with sugary and salty food, doesn't mean that I have to carry on that tradition. But it explains why I gravitate towards those foods for myself and my family. 2. I don't have to make unhealthy foods to make sure the kids eat "enough". On the whole, we eat far more calories than we need, so if the kids only have 1/2-1 helping of something, or even only the required bite, as long as they drink, they can be just fine. (They'll be all the more willing to try something healthy at the next meal.)</p>
<p>At the same time as this shift occurred, I was also able to align my inner compass again and Charleston easily ran East and West, from California to New York, Valley View from North to South-Canada to Mexico.</p>
<p>I have heard that when the spirit is enlightening one area of your understanding, it sometimes also enlightens other areas, just by association, just like light illuminates everything it can touch-an entire room.</p>
<p>The kids went swimming with their cousins again last night. They had so much fun!</p>
<p>Kristen, Joseph, Benjamin and I watched "The Avengers" together yesterday. I can still be a good example to my kids without pretending perfection. They need to be protected still, but they also need to be trusted and have experience choosing for themselves.</p>
<p>Benjamin picked serving Grandma Esther as his item of service before we watched the movie-so all of the kids gathered flowers from the ice plants and took them to her with a hug. They obviously felt good about the experience. She came over and returned one of the baseball gloves and later came over and played audience for Kim's and my new arrangement of mom's pioneer song. :) It has such possibilities!</p>
<p>Rebecca is getting the brunt of my new outlooks as a parent. Her consequences are direct and natural, and sometimes seem harsh-but they are life lessons and are free from my confusing meddling that only prolong the lesson needing to be learned.</p>
<p>For instance, she continually took her blanket out of her bed-she was told that instead of washing it continually, which was the initial consequence, that it would be thrown away. Well, her last piece was "thrown away" the other day. (After it was thrown away, I rescued it and am going to incorporate it into a blanket I will make for her eventually, but for now she is without it, but has a better understanding of consequence.)</p>
<p>Another example is that she was told she can not go swimming if she has had a poop accident...makes sense, right? Well, she didn't use the bathroom yesterday and instead had an accident. She (lovingly, with gentle reminders about how it came about) did not go swimming with her cousins and siblings last night, but all she could talk about was how she was going to use the bathroom and go swimming next time.</p>
<p>With the other kids I would have been heartbroken, I would have tried to shield them from the consequences of their mistakes. I hope, and think I an doing Rebecca more of a service than I did them. (And they, I think have been protected by my best intentions, and can now benefit from a healthier approach.)</p>
<p>Anyway, I am still trying to let God into every experience and have constant communication with the spirit-and live worthy of it. I am repenting of pride and selfishness, sins of offense and omission...recognizing those weaknesses is a lot more efficient than trying to pretend they are not there...</p>
<p>Ryan's last full day was yesterday. :) Family time!</p>
<p> </p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-84199463623455295332013-07-05T23:08:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:24:41.962-07:00It's been awhile...<div><p>This has been a good recoup week.</p>
<p>It's kind of funny-I often only take the counsel to "have hope in better things to come" and, "ponder on the things of eternity" when I feel my life is difficult and I am wishing for better things. </p>
<p>This morning, I caught myself pondering on the hope for better things while being completely content. How joyous it was to contemplate greater peace and joy even than I was experiencing at that time! </p>
<p>The eternities are not just going to be better than your worst day, they are going to be better than your best possible day to a degree far beyond your comprehension.</p>
<p>I. Love. Life.</p>
<p>I. Love. Ryan.</p>
<p>I. Love. Our potential together.</p>
<p>Goodnight!</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-35912558132070865802013-05-20T06:19:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:24:41.848-07:00All these things in moderation<div><p>It's been awhile since I've written.</p>
<p>But this morning I realized more deeply a very worthwhile truth that has been pretty hard for me to grasp...</p>
<p>Moderation.</p>
<p>You don't hear many motivational speakers choosing that as their motto...can you imagine it?</p>
<p>"You can do it ... But don't push yourself<i> too </i>hard!"</p>
<p>"Self mastery ... But go at it <i>slowly."</i></p>
<p>I just couldn't get my mind around it. If it's good, you do it with all you've got-if it's not, you stay as far away from it as you possibly can. (There is truth here, by the way-it just doesn't contradict moderation like I thought it did.)</p>
<p>God's plan for our progression is "line upon line, precept on precept." God's way is "do your best...your very best" with the understanding that this is going to be a life-long (and longer) process.</p>
<p>... So, I've started elliptical<i>-</i>ing :P about 30 minutes in the morning. At first, I couldn't do even 30 seconds. Then Ryan pointed out that maybe if I didn't start out trying to sprint I would have a better chance at sustaining my efforts.</p>
<p>In my extreme mind set, feeling to a degree that it was cheating, I allowed myself to go at a much slower pace. I was able to last 2 minutes, then 5, and now my current 30. </p>
<p>My overall pace is much faster than it used to be, but I still give myself the freedom to slow down when needed, or change my stride to the much easier reverse when what I really want to do is get off the machine and crawl back in my bed.</p>
<p>I am allowing myself a third option in life as well as in my exercises besides sprinting and complete failure ... trying. And in doing so, I am much better at accepting and forgiving when necessary others' efforts at "trying" as well.</p>
<p>It doesn't matter if we see in what way others are trying by the way. It probably looks very different from our own version of trying. What matters is the realization that we are all trying. For myself, and those around me who might need some encouragement, I am going to raise the standard of, not mediocrity, but moderation. It is one step at a time that we achieve lasting success.</p>
<p>In that spirit-go and do your best ... and be <i>kind</i> and <i>patient</i> with yourself! </p>
<p>God certainly will be. He has shown himself to be kind and patient with his children-and don't we want to be like him? ;)</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-54499033615572443122013-03-07T20:37:00.001-08:002015-09-24T15:24:41.884-07:00An experiment<div><p>Today, I felt drained when I said my morning prayer. It was a short prayer, essentially asking that I make it through the day.</p>
<p>Then, on the way home from taking the kids to school, a Christian radio program reminded me that "making it through" wasn't enough, and I really needed to continue to pray for wisdom in order to be able to handle situations that may arise in a day. "Seeing through God's eyes" is the way he put it.</p>
<p>I realized then, that after my prayer I had been struck with a seemingly strange resolve-only strange because in my state of mind, I was not thinking in this direction at all.</p>
<p>It was a resolve that today-no matter what else I did, I wasn't going to criticize my kids. Not one bit. I was going to only comment on their positive qualities and accomplishments. (And I was going to do alot of it to keep myself from slipping into critiques.)</p>
<p>It hasn't been easy.</p>
<p>I had only peripherally realized that in an attempt to keep things running I had fallen into a habit of giving constant reminders and suggestions on how things could be done better, or at all, with very little or no praise.</p>
<p>Sometimes my discourse with my children even fell further, into discouragement and projected disappointment.</p>
<p>Oh, how inspired was that wisdom! Given to me when I was too unwise and too tired to ask for it.</p>
<p>Today I watched my children bloom as I showered them with constant compliments. Every situation had a new feel to it. Previous irritations (No, DON'T play with your brother, get your teeth brushed) became a way to find something good (I love how you are so fun and love your siblings, now I really need you to hurry and brush your teeth.) </p>
<p>Correction, when needed, was done with a feeling of love and appreciation on my end-and some correction was left unsaid as true intent was more easily discerned.</p>
<p>It has changed my day. It has made me remember that we, all of us, are intrinsically good. I will find it. I will praise it. I will remind my children, my husband, and myself of it daily.</p>
<p>It is a good seed, for it is delicious to me. :D (Book of mormon reference-if you haven't picked up your copy yet, visit mormon.org for a free copy sent straight to your door!)</p>
<p>And may God bless each of us with that great worthwhile, wisdom.</p>
<p>Goodnight!<br>
</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-50142153798334707992013-02-27T05:41:00.001-08:002015-09-24T15:24:41.877-07:00Keeping track<div><p>I was reminded this morning of how often a little eternal truth is presented to my mind-you know, one of those moments of clarity that fills you with the spirit from head to toe and you *understand* something.</p>
<p>Not that they come every day, week, or month, but they are often enough that I have come to recognize them for what they are. </p>
<p>I realized too, the importance of recording them. Although they often seem to come at inconvenient times like, when I've just fallen asleep, or I'm checking out at the grocery store, or even just getting ready for the day, they are still sunshine from God that I don't just want to wander through, but want to hold onto for the future. </p>
<p>(And can I recognize that maybe God's timing isn't the problem, maybe I'm not in tune with his priority list?) ;)</p>
<p>Anyway, I'm going to try to do better at recording them.</p>
<p>What a blessing the companionship of the Holy Ghost is!</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-8085609825403570112013-02-24T20:55:00.001-08:002015-09-24T15:24:41.957-07:00One more<div><p>Giggling tonight...just got a text from a good friend who said she had missed most of a church meeting because of "wiggly and restless toddler syndrome". (Anyone else been there?)</p>
<p>Better yet, we figured out the acronym would be WARTS.</p>
<p>A totally justifiable reason to call your beloved wiggly worm a wart.</p>
<p>Lol!</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-17491079269574580392013-02-24T20:40:00.001-08:002015-09-24T15:24:41.794-07:00A few thoughts...<div><p>A pastor on the radio described Daniel as someone who "didn't focus on the circumstances, but kept his eye on God." I love this. Surely it can help me to "endure well"!</p>
<p>Scripture study tonight was beautiful. All the kids with their scriptures, all wanting to read. They are getting really good at their chores too. It was much less stressful today to get everything done.</p>
<p>Parenting makes much more sense the fourth time around. :P</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-62286259277322594532012-12-30T20:48:00.001-08:002015-09-24T15:24:41.890-07:00End of the year thoughts<div><p>I can't believe we are at the end of the year already.</p>
<p>It has been a good year-very full and very good. </p>
<p>I am grateful for the people in my life who make it busy but so worthwhile.</p>
<p>Today, my 10 year old kissed me on the cheek and twirled away in her new red Christmas dress like a dream. Her touch is so precious. I see a time in not too long, when I will miss it - when the opportunities to enjoy it will be few and far between.</p>
<p>She is beautiful. </p>
<p>She asked tonight if she couldn't use her Christmas money to help pay for my disabled sister's medications. She is learning, but still retains her helpful and compassionate heart-even though she can also stand up for herself and sometimes have her mother's temper. ;)</p>
<p>My eight year old has grown this past year. He is taller and taps wherever he goes. He taught a lesson on scriptures today for "home primary"-as my oldest calls it. (We were home sick today.)</p>
<p>He said the scriptures are powerful. They are our sword and as we read them we can get back to Heavenly Father. I love his testimony and determination to do what is right and do his best-even if it is hard. That is something his dad taught him early on. He has really taken it to heart. I really believe there is nothing he can't do-especially as he continues to keep his baptismal covenant, reading his scriptures and saying his prayers and rememberingm Christ.</p>
<p>My six year old has gotten a little whiny-we need to help him there, but he is still the best helper and big brother. He may get tired or frustrated, but it disappears instantly when he has found a way to help someone. He loves to make a difference.</p>
<p>He is also still so sweet and forgiving. He is tender-hearted but still rough and tumble boy.</p>
<p>I am grateful for my six year old!</p>
<p>My two year old is growing up fast. She astounds me with her full sentences and strong will. Her sweet smile and still-chubby form makes her absolutely addicting. She is growing up though and has started to feel the impact of defying mommy and daddy's will, where before she couldn't seem to understand why her siblings would ever "not listen".</p>
<p>I owe her more structure.</p>
<p>My sweetheart and I have grown too. It has been a difficult switch to take time and energy to plan growth for our marriage. I learn alot from him-like how I don't often think of how my actions impact him-and that affects him, how there are better ways to handle things than just off of emotion.</p>
<p>As for myself-I am a 30 year old red head. Married almost 12 years now and mother of four. I am a disciple of Christ, a homemaker (the most difficult and versatile job in the world), and a lover of music-especially hymns. I am an artist, a craft-er, a no-pattern seamstress, a singer, pianist, and snuggler. I love a good book, a rainy day, a good movie and a bed full of children to share it with, all cozy under covers with snacks to share. I love clean sheets and an empty sink. I enjoy flattering clothes but am most comfortable in yoga pants and a t-shirt. I aspire to be healthy and athletic and am an amateur nutritionist.</p>
<p>I love nature and being outdoors. I love to learn about and observe astronomical phenomenon. I love to journal write, do genealogy, and my favorite place to be-if I could have my way every day-is the temple. </p>
<p>I still have a temper, but it's getting better and I do poorly when I don't get sleep. I love mornings. I'd rather have sausage than bacon and orange juice than soda. I like the tart taste of real cranberry juice.</p>
<p>I am learning to be more accepting of people how they are but want to be careful to maintain my understanding of God's standards and defend what is right.</p>
<p>I love my family.</p>
<p>It's good to take stock now and again. :)</p>
<p>I am so grateful to God. Everything good in my life comes from Him.</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-21912133149870206752012-12-07T20:58:00.001-08:002015-09-24T15:24:41.802-07:00Move on<div><p>"Apologize and move on." Advice given to me by Cheryl Cardall.</p>
<p>I followed it tonight and Kristen, Joseph, and Benjamin forgave me for my short temper tonight. I especially needed it from Kristen.</p>
<p>Joseph said he'd always forgive me and I was the best mom he knew. It warmed my heart and I told them I would try harder.</p>
<p>Thank you Cheryl.</p>
<p>Sometimes I feel justified in my anger with the kids or a situation and I try to put the blame on someone else, but the fact is, I am the one making the decision. I do not have the spirit when I feel contention. That message is the one I need to send to my kids. Not that it's ok when mom does it, but that there are eternal truths in action here.</p>
<p>I'm grateful for the chance I had to feel the gift of forgiveness from my kids tonight.</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-33895704218896205102012-11-13T20:31:00.001-08:002015-09-24T15:24:41.840-07:00Thankful list<div><p>Today,</p>
<p>Blessed to have everyone come home safe.</p>
<p>Blessed to have time to spend with Kristen this morning helping her go over assignments.</p>
<p>Blessed to have family prayers and scripture study!</p>
<p>Blessed to have cars that work.</p>
<p>Blessed to have contacts.</p>
<p>Blessed with (apparently) the ability to confuse the utility company.</p>
<p>Blessed to hear Rebecca squeal-laugh while playing peek-a-boo.</p>
<p>Blessed to have food to eat and a son, two actually, who swear they love burned garlic bread. :P</p>
<p>Blessed to have a sweetheart who loves me, no matter what predicament I get myself into (although he'd rather that I didn't...)</p>
<p>Blessed to live another day.</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-20775250753466186332012-10-18T10:25:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:24:41.798-07:00Sitting here<div><p>Sitting here as ' base' while my 5 and 2 year-old run around me and in and out of the room chasing each other with empty water guns.</p>
<p>I have been realizing lately how much I take for granted, like being a stay-at-home mom, having a comfortable mortgage payment, not to mention just having a home.</p>
<p>There are so many things.</p>
<p>And so I revel, for just a moment, in being the one they jump on when they are "scared", in feeling their small arms tight around my neck and their soft cheeks against mine. I breathe in the last remnants of that "baby" smell and admire their dimples as they outgrow ... everything. Everything baby and dependent and soft.</p>
<p>And I resolve - again - to not take for granted these moments. To cherish and nurture. To smile more. To be distracted less.</p>
<p>And so, though I am pressed with things to do, for a moment I sit and am a part of their world.</p>
<p>And it's precious to me.</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-4781569505234896192012-08-30T21:50:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:24:41.870-07:00A note from tonight<div><p>I am going to post this-although it is actually from August of 2012-a little more than half way through my "journey" of last year. It is a mark of progress that I no longer spend the bulk of my time and energy looking for ways to feel guilty.</p>
<p>Read on...</p>
<p>"Just got home from choir where I got to sing with a wonderful choir and conductor-two awesome sisters especially made it fun.</p>
<p>Another sister gave me a bag of clothes for Joseph to grow into. I felt God's love and awareness that he inspired her to bless us in this way.</p>
<p>My first instinct tonight in prayer was to apologize to God for my ingratitude today or for any complaining, or even for experiencing moments that weren't completely joyful-but was answered with a feeling that I didn't need to analyze and apologize. That he did it just because he loved me. No guilt needed.</p>
<p>I didn't quite know how to take it.</p>
<p>But I am pondering on it and it's implications for me as a mother...mostly though, I feel I am to just accept it and relax. I'm doing ok and God understands."</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-85815564669319128302012-08-09T22:45:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:24:41.970-07:00At peace<div><p>My thoughts tonight are a reflection, or summation of alot of recent events.</p>
<p>I have a new "calling" or responsibility in my church; that of teaching the 18 month to 3 year olds for two hours on Sundays. It is wonderful for many reasons, one of which is that my husband was recently asked to serve with me. I have missed the women's class tremendously and the responsibilities I had there, but I feel deeply the satisfaction of being where God wants me to be. Looking back, I see ways I was prepared for the change-like purchasing the teaching manual for that class months before to use in my own home and many insights lately on the purity and love of children.</p>
<p>Another recent event is that the doctors discovered two weeks ago that my dad's kidney cancer has doubled in size. We should find out any day if it has spread, but surgery to remove the kidney is petty definite and the test results have not come back to tell us whether his remaining kidney would be strong enough to sustain him.</p>
<p>The cancer fight has been close to my heart lately, with the recent death of a good woman who is going to be missed greatly and continuing prayers for another four cancer patients (two adults and two children).</p>
<p>But although my dad's news is not good, I feel at peace, knowing that in each case above I have seen God's will, and his mercy shown. I know he is watchful over my dad.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, this news has seemed to bridge a gap in a way, and lately I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know my dad better than I ever have before. I am grateful. </p>
<p>I'll stop there because it's late, but getting through to the other side of difficulties and having made it through on faith makes looking back on the journey a joy. Sometimes you only see the footprints in the sand when it's all over. </p>
<p>The assurance though, is that they will for sure be there when you look back. He walks with us. The trick is seeing him in the middle of the trial-or having faith enough to believe he is there anyway.</p>
<p>G'night!</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-15783730780365575712012-07-08T22:51:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:24:41.791-07:00"Oooh! Those are so illegal."<div><p>4th of July, My 8 year old son saw "the big fireworks" being shot off all throughout the neighborhood. When he asked why we didn't have any of those to light off, we answered that they were illegal and explained why.</p>
<p>My 8-year old has always had a firm sense of justice and every time after that, when he would see a glittery umbrella erupt, he would "Ooooh!", followed by, "Those are SO illegal." :P</p>
<p>I took the opportunity to let him know that they were also beautuful-they were just being used in the wrong place. It made me think of another talk we are going to have to have soon along the lines of intimacy and chastity. Another powerful and beautiful thing that, at the wrong time or place, can consume and destroy.</p>
<p>I'm so grateful for such a timely parallel for such a difficult topic.</p>
<p>I love it when Heavenly Father provides the answers in advance!</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7644863990683908427.post-33887780259793222572012-07-07T23:21:00.001-07:002015-09-24T15:24:48.800-07:00Closing the door, making the Sabbath a day of rest<div><p>I have always loved Sundays. The way I would wake up to find grandma sitting in her rocking chair, studying her scriptures instead of watching the news, dressed in her nicest - and curlers in her hair. We'd have our breakfast in quiet, unless she had her Sunday country on the sterio. :) Either way, it was calm and peaceful and a wonderful way for one to prepare one's mind for spiritual matters.</p>
<p>Getting to the church and finding "our" pew, right under the vent and a little forward of the clock in the large chapel, lighted by thin windows that reached to the top of the cathedral-like ceiling as well as by rows of low-hanging chandeliers was another cue to my young mind that matters of great importance were to be presented to any who came prepared to take the jeweled messages in.</p>
<p>Rich organ prelude invited and hushed the congregation.</p>
<p>It was a time marked and set aside.</p>
<p>Then I grew up and got married.</p>
<p>And then I had children. ;)</p>
<p>My Sundays became harried. Preparation for the Sabbath seemed entirely out of reach, no matter how many baths I had my children get in the day before.</p>
<p>Last minute blow-outs, 20 pound diaper backpacks, and a knowledge that I'd probably be walking halls once I finally got to church was my new norm.</p>
<p>I found that with one child I averaged about 1/2 an hour late. With two children, it doubled to an hour. When we discovered we would be blessed with a third, well, lets just say I "girded up my loins". Not knowing how late I'd be with this one, I remember the morning I started getting everyone ready with an arrival time in my head that was a full 4 hours before we had to be there.</p>
<p>What I'm really trying to get to, is that I've struggled ever since then to reclaim the day of rest I know Sunday is supposed to be.</p>
<p>And I think we've made some progress.</p>
<p>First off; alot, I found, had to do with my way of thinking. </p>
<p>Ie. I may not be able to rest from changing diapers or cooking dinner, but what can I rest from? Laundry? Sweeping and mopping? Kids' homework?</p>
<p>Second; What Sunday appropriate activities can I fill my time with that I don't usually get to do? These are things I enjoy, things that give back,  like service, writing thank you cards, making a treat to share with someone, going on a car ride, making a craft or playing a game with the kids, going on a walk...all the things I wish I could get to during a busy week that really do build bonds of love in a family.</p>
<p>Between these two-and, I won't lie, my kids getting older and more self-sufficient (I have a 10, 8, 5, and 2 year old), over time and with much trial and error, I have learned to close the door on weekday projects. I have come to recognize that even if my Sunday is busy, it is busy with all the things that I love most. It is truly becoming a rest from my labors.</p>
</div>Kerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18373631481413148282noreply@blogger.com0