Monday, September 21, 2009

My New Family History

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCFLQSy6alE

A couple Sundays ago I was in Sunday school being taught a lesson of which I much needed. All too often I take our vehicles for granted and am quick to anger and murmur. I forget that the trials of our time, though different, are nothing our ancestors had to bear. This short video was played during the class. A story of which my husband had already shared with me. But I had never seen this talk in which Gordon B Hinckley sets the perfect tone for the story in which C. Allen Huntington (one of Alex's ancestors) was one of the three 18 year old boys who were "true to the faith." This brought me to tears. How many times have I murmured about making yet another move to my husband? How many times has he taken me in his arms to calm my stress? We jokingly discuss of how if we'd been asked to leave Jerusalem, I probably would have perished with my riches. This story reminds me of the great and wonderful things that are before me if I will be but "true to the faith." Hope you enjoy this as much as I did. I am so pleased to be a part of such a great heritage. My children have a great example to look up to for the rest of their lives.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Letter is "C"

My sister gave me this letter a while back to pick my ten favorite things that begin with it. I guess a friend of hers gave her the letter "M" to do the same thing. She gave me C. So here are mine:
1. Christmas - I believe this is the perfect one to start off with because one, I love this holiday and two, having Christ as my number one priority in everything I do and in making every decision has been key to my happiness. Having a Christ-centered home and "Celebrating" it couldn't possibly go together better. Decorating at Christmas time is limitless now. You don't have to stick to red and green anymore. You can use blues, silvers, golds, and I've seen some pretty pink and white trees that I thought were just so fun. Can't you tell I'm excited for Christmas to be here already. "Cards," paper "Chains," "Colors" "Cuddling" with Hot "Chocolate." What could be better?

2. Common Sense - Anyone who knows me, knows what a big Glenn Beck fan I am and how much I love and advocate for "Conservatism." Big government is just not for me. Please hop on board the 9/12 Project if you haven't already. And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, Glenn Beck's Common Sense is a nice short easy read of a book with Thomas Paine's original Common Sense attached to it. He's the reason politics have become so easy for me to understand.

3. The "China" Study - And yet another book I've fallen in love with. It doesn't really promote a specific diet of any kind. It does however, encourage Veganism and Raw foods. I'm no animal rights activist of any kind and do on occasion indulge in cooked foods but as of late, I've become aware that a high percentage of the food I eat is dead. Good science has proof. Statistics are proof and for me, there is no greater proof than the China Study. It's so simple and yet it has been a challenge. But I will say this, eating more plants boosts energy. I mean real energy and you really do feel full. I've also noticed my skin and hair have a nicer glow. Green smoothies have been a great help.

4. Cleanliness - Cleanliness is next to Godliness right? Did I spell that right? Anyways, I think I may have an OCD problem and Gio will understand this I'm sure. Once I get into Cleaning mode, I get addicted to it, so much so that I actually take out Q-tips to clean things like the dirt on computer keys and the crevices in tiles or vents of any kind. Well whatever my problem is, at least I'm growing closer to God right?

5. Cuddles - I know only my siblings will understand. And I feel deprived as of late because I haven't gotten my cuddles from them for a few years now. But when I was single, I loved cuddling with my little brother and sisters in front of a good movie. "Cuddle?" These days, I suppose I do most of my cuddling with my super handsome and huggable Hubby and my Cuddle bugs Orion and Chrysalis. But hugging and cuddling bring me a sense of "comfort" I can't live without.

6. Charity - I find that this word merited being up here because it is only when I do service for others that I find myself to be a brighter person. Yes there are times when I wonder if my service is really needed or if I'm trying for a worthless cause, but I have never felt down about myself after having done such charitable deeds. Whether it be babysitting, or helping someone with homework, or washing their dishes. Also, this has significance to me because when my son was given his blessing, his father spoke of all the charitable works he would bring about and even though he is only 2 right now, I've already seen how loving and giving he can be. He has taught me more about Charity than I cared to know about. In the way he shares his cars with his sister and tells her, "Don't Cwy." In the way he comes to tell me that "Cwis hurt a head," when she bumps into a chair. And when I am crying for whatever reason and he sees me, he crawls into my lap and with a quizzical expression asks, "Mommy, wattza madder?" Yes, charity is without a doubt one of my favorite things. Both in giving service to others and in receiving it.

7. Chrysalises - This may be a given. But I have always loved butterflies and have been fascinated with the process of metamorphosis. To me, there is nothing more beautiful and magical all at the same time. To me, a Chrysalis represents so much. A new birth. A new phase of life. A transition. A new awareness. A new perspective. I love it. It's the reason my little girl has the name she has. She is my Chrysalis bug and she is one of my favorite things.

8. Corn Chowder and Cauliflower Soup - How's that for "C's?" So I've been experimenting with more Vegan foods and these two are some of my favorites. Nothing like them. I know they are cooked but who can resist these yummy hot soups? I'm on the verge of something new. Maybe I'll try making these raw in a Vita Mix. I think they might be just as good.

9. Chocolate Chip Cookies - Okay, so this doesn't really fit into Raw or Green Foods. It's not even Vegan. But since I haven't been Vegan all my life and am still in the transition stage, I couldn't resist. And this is the one thing I will allow myself to indulge in every once in a while. But for a long time it was probably my biggest vice on the planet. Nothing like baked butter with tons of sugar, refined flour, and chocolate chips thrown into the mix. Yup, sure sounds healthy. Let's just all be thankful that I've gotten addicted to mangoes and spinach lately. I'm gonna learn how to make dehydrated cookies with almonds and dark chocolate instead. Anyone interested in learning with me?

10. Cooing - I guess at this point in my life this is definitely one of my favorites. I love my babies. My son may not coo as much as he used to but I loved it when he did. I love it when my little girl does it too. What's not to love? Can you tell I'm a Mom?

And lucky number 11 cuz I had to fit this in, goes to (and G, I know you were wondering how I was gonna fit dance into this with the letter "C"):

11. Cirque du Soleil - There is no greater fusion of "Contemporary" Art, Music, and Dance. Enough said. Those who know me need no explanation. This has always been a part of me. Always will be. Surreal in nature. As surreal as being a wife and mom are now. These things I couldn't live without.

Now, who wants a letter? I know you want to do this too.
Lilypie 1st Birthday Ticker

Our little swimmer