Rescue

 This Sunday, I was getting ready to lead the music at the front of the chapel just as the prelude music was ending, when I once again took notice of the empty bench that Haven was saving for our family.  I had come early with Dallin and Haven.  Jeff and the younger kids were just minutes behind us, but they had not yet arrived.

Then it hit me.  I had taken Jeff’s keys, since I was driving his car, but had not left my own keys behind.  It was possible there was a spare he could use, but I wasn’t sure, and that empty bench seemed to call out otherwise.

I felt terrible as I envisioned my family stranded at home-- all dressed up with no place to go.  I considered darting from the chapel and racing home to get them, but no, it was time for the opening hymn.  After the song, I once again considered making a quick getaway, but before I could act, it was time for the next hymn.  I led that song too, then raced outside to check my phone-- a message.  From Harrison.

 “Oh, hi, Mom?  Do you think you could bring us some keys so we could get to church?  Ok, thanks, bye.”  Funny kid. 

I called, no answer.

I drove home.  The house was empty.

I did notice Lydia’s sandals were on the stairs, and the umbrella stroller was gone, but not the double stroller.  They were walking.  Even Lydia.

I drove the route I thought they would take, but didn’t find them.  I drove back along a slightly different route.  Still, no luck. 

Finally, after a short prayer, they appeared up the road in front of me, about a mile and a half from home-- a beautiful family in their Sunday best-- Lydia in tennis shoes and socks.

I helped them get loaded in the car while I apologized to them for taking their keys.  They cheerfully commented that they got to eat blackberries, and Lydia said, “You rescued us!” 

They were a pretty cheerful group for having spent the last thirty minutes on a long, hot walk.  Incidentally, today Jeff took my two booster seats in his car to work. 

“Ha ha, we’ll see how she likes this!”

Very Pink

 

My brother once said to me, "If it's not on sale, it's not for sale."  I am that kind of girl.  I am not drawn to measly 30% clearance signs.  I feel so insulted that the store takes a couple bucks off the price, calls it a clearance sale, and expects you to trip over yourself getting there before everything's gone.  But the other day I was drawn to the real clearance rack at Target-- the 50% clearance rack.  It seemed to be like a blinking green traffic light-- blinking to get my attention, and green, calling "buy, buy!"  (Not the blinking yellow arrows that have popped up everywhere, and no one is sure exactly what they mean-- are they just the same as a solid green light-- left turns yielding to through traffic, but just more annoying like people dancing with Liberty Tax and Little Ceasars Pizza signs?  But I digress.)

I rifled through these on-sale, thus for-sale clothes, and came across  this dress-- cute, check.  Flowers, check.  Lydia's size, check. " Lydia, do you like this dress?"

"No.  It's not very. . . pink."

Fair point.  Now adding very pink to my checklist.

Lucy

I love Lucy.

Moving Mountains

I have often wondered about faith.  Sometimes we pray, and we get the chicken we desire so greatly.  Other times, a child is taken from us, even amidst great outpourings of faithful prayers.  In the Book of Mormon, Helaman's son, Nephi was given the power to do great miracles through his faith.  The Lord spoke to him, and said this:

Behold, thou art Nephi, and I am God.

Behold, I declare it unto thee in the presence of mine angels, that ye shall have power over this people, and shall smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people.

Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people.

And thus, if ye shall say unto this temple it shall be rent in twain, it shall be done.

And if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou cast down and become smooth, it shall be done.

And behold, if ye shall say that God shall smite this people, it shall come to pass (Helaman 10:6-10).

What power Nephi had!  What faith to move mountains and call down destruction, and seal in heaven and on earth! What makes a faith like Nephi's?

I think the answer is found in the two verses preceding this passage:

Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.

And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will (Helaman 10:4-5).

Nephi obeyed the Lord with unwearyingness-- even valuing this obedience above his own life.  He came to the point that he would not ask for anything contrary to the will of God.  He wanted for himself and others what the Lord wanted for him.

I want to be that kind of disciple.

ABC's

PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON

I've been thinking a lot lately about what a prophet chooses to tell us today.  A prophet teaches the gospel, directs the Lord's church, and leads us into happier, more peaceful lives.  What, then, has our living prophet taught us lately about finding greater happiness and peace?  In January, the kids and I were talking about this very thing.  When we paused to review the words of our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, we didn't find counsel on living the commandments more completely, or being better at doing everything we feel we are supposed to do-- though those would be other good things to focus on.  What our prophet taught us today, to find peace and happines, were three simple ABC's.

Have a Positive Attitude

A in my ABCs refers to attitude. William James, a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher, wrote, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”¹

 Believe in Yourself

B is for believe—in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles.

Face Challenges with Courage

C is for courage. Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently.

When President Monson led his people by his words at the beginning of the year, he did so in positive paths of belief and courage.  When I feel the need for more peace and happiness in my life, I am going to trust our prophet. 

Watery Eyes

The other day, I was trying to encourage Micah to practice his writing while I was busy doing other things. I got out an alphabet book and told him to find the letters in his name and trace, then practice writing them. He was super-excited until he finished the M's. After that, not so much. I coaxed him into practicing his I's as well before he announced that he was all done. So using my mom creativity, I said, “Well, Mi is a nice name, we can just call you Mi. I wonder if the people at kindergarten will know how to spell it. What do you think, Mi?” He laughed and protested at my silliness and was persuaded into practicing his C's. When he lost interest again, and I began calling him, “Mic,” he laughed and protested again, but this time, he said, “Mom, you are making my eyes water.”

I gave Micah a hug and an apology for hurting his feelings. He gave me a greater appreciation for his simple honesty, and a determination to never make his eyes water again.

Miss Mischief

 
Look at this face!  You'd never guess she tried to get us all thrown in jail a couple of times last weekend.  While shopping on our girls' night, she found some sheets with a to-die-for pink and purple print, and immediately concealed them surreptitiously at the bottom of the stroller.  Luckily, I was watching her shenanigans and put them back.  It should have tipped me off, however, that she was likely to repeat that behavior.  A few minutes later she showed me some darling, pink, jelly shoes that were about four sizes too small for her.  After commenting on her wonderful taste in shoes, I asked her to put them back.  We then went to the skirt section, then to the dressing rooms before Lucy let us know her good-behavior window was over.  We headed to the front, paid for our purchases, and went to leave, when the alarm buzzed.  The friendly sales clerk offered to check if they had left a buzzer-setter-offer thing on our purchases.  Nope.  So, we tried to leave again.  Same thing.  I peeked into our stroller and was mortified to see those darling pink jelly shoes.  “Hmm, I guess we were trying to steal something!”  I exclaimed with a nervous laugh.  Less laughter emitted from the friendly sales clerk as he took the pink police magnets from my hand.  Let’s hope it’s not a sign of things to come for Lydia.

Ode to Buffalo Wings

”The body says what words cannot.” Martha Graham

Though her words do enhance the entire experience.  "So happy!"  Stick around for the slow mo ballerina at 1:50. It's totally worth it.

Hi-yah!

Max's Tae Kwon Do Test

Go Max!

[han-dee]

I took the younger three on a walk the other day. While we were walking, Micah said, “These shoes sure are handy!” I smiled to myself and told him that they definitely were handy.  After a pause, he asked, “What does handy mean?”

Sertifiticket

"Certificate. Free time with kids. I will help you with the thing that you are doing. Turn back to Max after used 4 times."

Sertifitickets are the key to peace on earth.  Or at least on Tuesdays at our house between 4 and 5:00.

The Most Important Cause

[T]here is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life.

[T]he most important cause of our lifetime is our families. 

Put everything you do outside the home in subjection to and in support of what happens inside your home.

[M. Russell Ballard, April 2012 General Conference, "That the Lost May Be Found."]

Life is Beautiful

I had to share this picture of a top that Haven made for Lydia in her Family and Consumer Sciences Class at school.  So cute!!

This morning, Lydia came to me while I was folding laundry. As if she were telling me what she wanted to do for her birthday, or what her baby doll was going to eat, she said:

“My life. . . my life. . . is. . . so. . . beautiful.”

Mine too.

Flash Cards en Francais

I found this blog called The Graphics Fairy. She offers free vintage images (sorted by category-- architecture, transportation, botanical, etc.-- click on "Search" for categories) to use in any number of decorating projects. Dallin has been very interested in French recently, so I thought it would be fun to use some images of vintage objects to make flash cards, and frame them in the entry way. Easy, fun, cheap, and done quickly. Now I'm eager to use some more of her images!

Come Listen

This weekend we get to listen to living prophets speak. General Conference happens every six months, and it is my favorite time of the year. Our whole family looks forward to being able to be together and feast on the words spoken to encourage us, inspire us, direct us, and lead us to be better followers of Christ. Come listen too-- Sunday, April 1st, 10am MDT.

Branson Break

My mom is wonderful. She is hardworking, thoughtful, caring, practical, funny, and matter-of-fact. She also serves her children tirelessly-- including those of us who have left home to rear our own families. This year we wanted to repay her in a small way. My sister-in-law Holly had the idea for us to take her on a trip to the place she's always wanted to go. You guessed it-- Branson, Mo. I had never heard of it before either. It's an entertainment destination-- like Las Vegas, but without the gambling and other adult entertainment.

We started by presenting her with the surprise on Christmas Day. Hers was the last gift to be opened, and she had to follow a treasure hunt before she discovered the treasure-- a trip to Branson with all her daughters and daughters-in-law for her birthday in February.


Some highlights from the trip:


This little angel sat with me on four different flight almost without making a peep. (The car rides around Branson during which she cried incessantly-- not so much of a highlight.)

Getting to travel with my mom and my sister, Hannah, which turned out to be a huge blessing when our flight was delayed 4 1/2 hours and I couldn't get home until the next day. So grateful for families!!

These gift bags that my sister-in-law, Kristen, put together for all of us as we arrived-- complete with owl necklaces to honor "our wise lady." She is so thoughtful and unassuming. When I grow up I want to be like Kristen.

Eating out with all the ladies. I even got a baked sweet potato with cinnamon butter as a side dish. It was awesome! Thanks to Kandis for soothing Lucy to sleep so I could finish my dinner.

This water, fire, music, and lights show outside the restaurant. Really fun.

Seeing the Twelve Irish Tenors. Afterwards, as we paused to meet them and thank them for their performance, my unsuspecting mom was serenaded by a rousing, Irish-drinking version of Happy Birthday by these 12 Irish men. Happy Birthday Mom! I think those are tears in her eyes. Either she is emotionally moved, or mightily embarrassed.

The Girls with a few of the tenors. "Tag me!" one of them called out as the picture was taken!

Glow-in the dark miniature golf, Splash-mountain style! Thanks to Julie for pushing my stroller during nearly the whole course-- you can probably blame me for being on the loser's side! And to Holly for helping to carry my stroller down the stairs. It was a good type of trip to be on my own with a baby-- with lots of other moms who miss their babies!!


Planking in the Hughes Brothers' Theatre. This was the punishment for the losers in miniature golf. Did anyone notice I was golfing with a real, live, moving baby in a baby carrier?? The Hughes Brothers show was awesome as well-- amazing family!

And lots and lots of chatting and eating great food around this table! Other memories:
Kandis's hand signal that will go down in history.
Kimberly allowing us all a moment to pause to consider our personality colors.
Leaving Melanie off the reimbursement list (sorry again!)
Heidi keeping my lactating self company.
Holly, Julie and Mom's trip to Arkansas while Kandis, Kristen, Hannah, and Kimberly were up to no good.
Julie, Mom, and Hannah singing with me every primary song we can think of to try to soothe Lucy in the car.
Melanie's awesome photography skills in the church foyer.
Late night talks and tons of ideas on how to become better women.
Thanks girls for the first semi-annual Barlow girls trip! (You guys are ready to go again in August, right?)

Certificate of Appreciation

Everyone needs one of these every once in a while. Mine was resting on the dashboard when Jeff picked me up from the airport after our girls trip to Branson, Mo.

Dallin was the author/designer, but he got all the kids to sign it. I'm glad my absence made their hearts grow fonder. I missed them too! What a way to come home!

More Family Photos

I wanted to share the individual photos from the photo shoot we had in August. They were taken by Annie Ruden in our ward-- she is wonderful! Of course, Lucy's not in these pictures, but I'll share some more of her before long.

Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole

I am trying to follow some simple rules of thumb as I prepare meals for our family-- half the plate = fruits and vegetables, 1/4 of the plate = whole grains, and 1/4 of the plate = lean protein. Then encourage milk or other dairy products as well.

We had this for dinner tonight. I loved it! I had made it before, but made some changes this time. I used barley instead of brown rice (both are good, but I wanted to use barley this time.) I added two stalks of celery, about five chicken tenders, cooked and diced, about five fresh mushrooms, diced, and about 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds. It was wonderful, filling, healthy, and simple to put together! If you try it, let me know what you think!

Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole

3 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

¾ cup lentils

½ cup brown rice

¾ cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon garlic powder (I use more)

1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or a blend is preferable)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Mix all ingredients except the cheese in a baking dish (I use an 11 x 7).

Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes.

Then remove the foil, add the cheese, and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Recording the Love

Recently, Maxwell has taken to recording his feelings in his journal. In fact, on Sunday I went to check on the boys, and he and Micah were sitting in their bedroom with their journals open. I expressed my pleasure at seeing them involved in such a worthwhile activity. Max responded, "What? I'm just writing about my family." His words: "I love my family. I love them so much."

It is so fun to see a little bit of Max's perspective-- especially because it's a happy perspective! I was particularly pleased to see him include his mom in his journal. He brought home a gratitude book from school with pages for all kinds of things he was grateful for. Somehow I didn't make that cut.

Here are a few of his endearing journal entries-- devoted to Dad, Mom, and Dallin:

Playing tennis together.

Playing Skipbo together.

Computing together.

We love you too, Max.

Less is More

Dallin brought this website to my attention. Check out this demotivator on perspective. I thought it was hilarious:

PERSPECTIVE

Less is more. Unless you're standing next to the one with more. Then less just looks pathetic.

(both photos from housebeautiful.com)

This rings true for me when I try to label my lack of decorating effort/ambition, "minimalist." Funny.

Our Great Work

When Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was president of BYU, he compared the building of our lives to the building of the Salt Lake Temple. I love his quote, and think about it often in terms of the family I am striving to build:

“The prestigious Scientific American referred to [the Salt Lake Temple] as a ‘monument to Mormon perseverance.’ And so it was.

Blood, toil, tears, and sweat. The best things are always worth finishing.

‘Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?’ (1 Corinthians 3:16.) Most assuredly we are.

As long and laborious as the effort may seem, we must keep shaping and setting the stones that will make our accomplishments ‘a grand and imposing spectacle.’

We must take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, dream dreams and see visions, work toward their realization, wait patiently when we have no other choice, lean on our sword and rest a while, but get up and fight again. …

We are laying the foundation of a great work—our own inestimable future” (However Long and Hard the Road [1985], 127).

Here are some pictures of our greatest works.

Micah - 5 (Micah has a killer smile)

Lydia - 2, making sure her hands are in position

Lydia - pleased with her performance

Harrison - 9, with Jeff (doing the Big Mac Rap together-- Jeff did the "Big Mac" background beat - handsome boys!)

Lydia with Lucy - about a week old (our little girls)

Haven - 11, and Maxwell - 7 (I love that they wanted to play together)

Dallin - 13 (I love to watch him play the trumpet-- he's got soul!)