Lately, life has felt a little bit out of control. Most days the only thing holding me together is the knowledge that these three people love and depend on me.
Knowing that I can always call and talk to my Grandma Kay helps too.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Random Cuteness
Lately, life has felt a little bit out of control. Most days the only thing holding me together is the knowledge that these three people love and depend on me.
Knowing that I can always call and talk to my Grandma Kay helps too.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
What Do You Do When It's 102?
If you're Trevor you create abstract art...in the nude.
And if you're Austin you just sit around in a diaper waiting for someone or something to enter your line of sight so that you can smile at it.
And if by chance you fall over...
you decide it's too hot to cry for help, so instead you just pop your thumb into your mouth and watch Finding Nemo with your brother.
And if you're Austin you just sit around in a diaper waiting for someone or something to enter your line of sight so that you can smile at it.
And if by chance you fall over...
Monday, August 9, 2010
Seven Years on Eight-Nine-Ten
It is been 7 wonderful years today since I said "yes" and married Darren in the Seattle Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our life and our marriage has been a roller coaster of ups and downs, but I'm so pleased with Darren and I and the wonderful home and family we have created together.
Here's the Reader's Digest version of "our story"...
We met at an FHE activity on May 13, 2002. I wrote in my journal that night about how my friend Shauna encouraged me to got out on a date with Darren or his friend Raymond and I told her no because I would never have a chance with either one of them. Two weeks later I asked Darren out on a date to watch the sunset at the Des Moines Marina and he said yes. That summer was wonderful. We were young and in love, but I had plans to go to Eastern WA University in the fall. On the way home from orientation, Darren dumped me. He didn't even wait until we got to Mercer Island to dump me. Nope, he dumped me in Moses Lake and it was a LONG, quiet drive home.
It wasn't until Darren dumped me that I knew that he was a keeper and so two days later when we worked things out and I decided to stay in town and live with my grandma so that I could go to Shoreline CC and be closer to Darren. We did a lot of fun things while we were dating like snowboarding, the Nutcracker, walks along Alki, concerts at the Showbox, etc.
On March 28, 2003 Darren proposed at the park where we decided to get back together after our brief break up. Our engagement was one of the most stressful times of my life. Planning a wedding was stressful on top of both of us working full-time and going to school. Not to mention the financial stress as I tried to plan a wedding with only the money in my checking account. Fortunately, I have some wonderful friends and family members who really stepped up to help out.
On August 9, 2003 Darren and I entered the temple together to be married and sealed for all eternity as husband and wife. I will never forget the emotional experience it was to be in the temple with my family and friends being sealed to Darren. It was overwhelming to be accepting such a huge responsibility (eternity is a long time...especially when you are only 20 years old) but it was a wonderful day.
A lot has happened in our 7 years as a married couple and looking back I can see how the hard things we have been through, like my struggle with depression, our first year of marriage, my molar pregnancy, etc. have helped to fortify and strengthen us a couple. And I'm so pleased with us for all that we have done to be good people and good parents to our children.
That was then...
When we were so excited to see what life had in store for us.
And this is now...
When we are finding out that life is more challenging and yet more fulfilling than we ever thought possible.
Here's the Reader's Digest version of "our story"...
We met at an FHE activity on May 13, 2002. I wrote in my journal that night about how my friend Shauna encouraged me to got out on a date with Darren or his friend Raymond and I told her no because I would never have a chance with either one of them. Two weeks later I asked Darren out on a date to watch the sunset at the Des Moines Marina and he said yes. That summer was wonderful. We were young and in love, but I had plans to go to Eastern WA University in the fall. On the way home from orientation, Darren dumped me. He didn't even wait until we got to Mercer Island to dump me. Nope, he dumped me in Moses Lake and it was a LONG, quiet drive home.
It wasn't until Darren dumped me that I knew that he was a keeper and so two days later when we worked things out and I decided to stay in town and live with my grandma so that I could go to Shoreline CC and be closer to Darren. We did a lot of fun things while we were dating like snowboarding, the Nutcracker, walks along Alki, concerts at the Showbox, etc.
On March 28, 2003 Darren proposed at the park where we decided to get back together after our brief break up. Our engagement was one of the most stressful times of my life. Planning a wedding was stressful on top of both of us working full-time and going to school. Not to mention the financial stress as I tried to plan a wedding with only the money in my checking account. Fortunately, I have some wonderful friends and family members who really stepped up to help out.
On August 9, 2003 Darren and I entered the temple together to be married and sealed for all eternity as husband and wife. I will never forget the emotional experience it was to be in the temple with my family and friends being sealed to Darren. It was overwhelming to be accepting such a huge responsibility (eternity is a long time...especially when you are only 20 years old) but it was a wonderful day.
A lot has happened in our 7 years as a married couple and looking back I can see how the hard things we have been through, like my struggle with depression, our first year of marriage, my molar pregnancy, etc. have helped to fortify and strengthen us a couple. And I'm so pleased with us for all that we have done to be good people and good parents to our children.
That was then...
And this is now...
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Where Can I Turn for Peace?
I really try to only post the happy parts of my life for the world to read, but though I love my little family a lot, life isn't always peaches and cream around here.
Everyday I struggle with the two halves of myself. First, there is a half that grew up thinking that I only deserved to be marginally happy. That true happiness and success was reserved for those who deserved it. Those who grew up knowing what it felt like to be a part of a family that was normal, with parents who loved each other. And that I could never be the best mother to my children because I had no idea what that looked like.
Then there's the Mindy who learned long ago that I deserve happiness because of the good choices I have made thus far in my life. And that if I want to be a good mom to my kids all I have to do is choose to be a good mom and not let my past shape and influence my future.
Most days I can put my life into perspective and choose the better part, but today I find myself struggling more than ever to keep my temper in check and to forgive my children for not being perfect and myself too. And I find myself feeling sad that occasionally I do exactly what I want least for my children. I try so hard to make it better for them than I had and sometimes I fall short.
But isn't that the beauty and reality of this life, that we are allowed to fall so that we will turn to the Savior for comfort? The words of a hymn just came to mind, "Where Can I Turn for Peace?"
Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace?
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger or malice
I draw myself apart, searching my soul?
My boys are both napping now and I am going to do some praying hoping that when they wake I will have found some inner strength to help me through this day. I also have some "I'm sorry's" to offer not only to my children, but to Heavenly Father and my Savior as well.
Everyday I struggle with the two halves of myself. First, there is a half that grew up thinking that I only deserved to be marginally happy. That true happiness and success was reserved for those who deserved it. Those who grew up knowing what it felt like to be a part of a family that was normal, with parents who loved each other. And that I could never be the best mother to my children because I had no idea what that looked like.
Then there's the Mindy who learned long ago that I deserve happiness because of the good choices I have made thus far in my life. And that if I want to be a good mom to my kids all I have to do is choose to be a good mom and not let my past shape and influence my future.
Most days I can put my life into perspective and choose the better part, but today I find myself struggling more than ever to keep my temper in check and to forgive my children for not being perfect and myself too. And I find myself feeling sad that occasionally I do exactly what I want least for my children. I try so hard to make it better for them than I had and sometimes I fall short.
But isn't that the beauty and reality of this life, that we are allowed to fall so that we will turn to the Savior for comfort? The words of a hymn just came to mind, "Where Can I Turn for Peace?"
Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace?
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger or malice
I draw myself apart, searching my soul?
My boys are both napping now and I am going to do some praying hoping that when they wake I will have found some inner strength to help me through this day. I also have some "I'm sorry's" to offer not only to my children, but to Heavenly Father and my Savior as well.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
A Cake For Jake
A couple months ago I was asked to make a 1st birthday cake for Jake, who is the son of some good friends I knew in high school.
It takes a lot for me to feel super excited about a cake I have made. I can always see the flaws and find things about it that I feel could have been better. But this cake was different. I am pleased as punch about how well it turned out.
Thanks Eric and Kathy for trusting me with such an important cake. I enjoyed making it very much.
It takes a lot for me to feel super excited about a cake I have made. I can always see the flaws and find things about it that I feel could have been better. But this cake was different. I am pleased as punch about how well it turned out.
Thanks Eric and Kathy for trusting me with such an important cake. I enjoyed making it very much.
Torthlight 5K Run & Parade
Last night was the Torchlight 5K run and parade. The boys and I went down to cheer Darren on in the race. He finished in 19:54 which is 1 minute 46 seconds faster than his time three weeks ago. He finished 13th in his division (30-39 year olds) and 82nd overall.
Way to go Darren!
Here are some pictures of the other fun and silliness we had. Austin didn't quite know what to think about downtown Seattle.
Trevor got this chicken hat from a guy sitting near us, but refused to wear it until after I tried it on too...
Once the parade started Trevor was glued to the action.
But he took a moment to show off his giant sucker from Uncle Oudom as well as him wearing Oudom's hat.
Austin even liked the parade...well at least I think he did. He pretty much slept through it.
Even though we didn't get our boys home and in bed until nearly 11:00pm, it was a fun night together as a family.
Success!
It is has been nearly two weeks since Trevor stopped wearing a diaper and I feel confident in saying that he is now potty trained. I'm not sure if I would quantify these as accidents, but sometimes he forgets what a toilet looks like and mistakes my rhododendron or the deck for one, but at least he pulls his underwear down first. (What is it about boys thinking that the world is their toilet??)
The hardest part about potty training wasn't getting him to go in the potty. Oh no. The hardest part was getting him to put clothes back on after he went. But putting things into perspective, potty training was no where near as frustrating and transitioning him to a big boy bed...go figure. Here he is showing off his new big boy underwear.
Trevor loved the idea of getting treats and stickers for going on the toilet. At first, some leftover jelly beans from Easter were motivation enough, but eventually stale jelly beans stopped working and I had to resort to better treats, like a bowl of blueberries, fruit snacks, gum, and even beef jerky!! Stickers were always a hit, thus the filled sticker chart proudly displayed on the door of his new big boy bathroom.
We are super pleased with Trevor and he is delighted with himself for mastering a new skill. Here's an interview with Trevor about his success for your viewing pleasure.
The hardest part about potty training wasn't getting him to go in the potty. Oh no. The hardest part was getting him to put clothes back on after he went. But putting things into perspective, potty training was no where near as frustrating and transitioning him to a big boy bed...go figure. Here he is showing off his new big boy underwear.
Trevor loved the idea of getting treats and stickers for going on the toilet. At first, some leftover jelly beans from Easter were motivation enough, but eventually stale jelly beans stopped working and I had to resort to better treats, like a bowl of blueberries, fruit snacks, gum, and even beef jerky!! Stickers were always a hit, thus the filled sticker chart proudly displayed on the door of his new big boy bathroom.
We are super pleased with Trevor and he is delighted with himself for mastering a new skill. Here's an interview with Trevor about his success for your viewing pleasure.
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