Mulberry Street

I had a moment straight out of this new Mormon Message tonight. Not the one where the mother throws up her hands and defeatedly says "Go to bed!"  No, I have those moments on a regular basis. Rather, I shared the experience when the mom stares blankly during her child's prayer and is suddenly caught off gaurd by something he says. My four-year-old son said in his prayer tonight, "Thank you for the things we ask for," and suddenly I think, I have not been asking for the right things or asking for anything at all.   I had the impression that I needed to get on my knees and ask my Heavenly Father for help raising my children. That I need to pray for each of my three children, by name, with sincerity because my normal pleading-blanket-statement-prayers are not cutting it.  In the hour since, I have reflected on the things I thought I was teaching my children. I swear I've become a broken record, but I told them...again, that when you make a choice, you have...

I'm tired.  Like, really, really, really, exhausted.  I have a to-do list a mile long (including preparing for the impending birth of my next child), but I can't seem to accomplish any of them these days.  Simple things like, packing a hospital bag or doing the dishes, feel like mountains I have to climb.  So instead, I fill my days with trips to the park, running treats to school, or napping in the basement.  Those require the least amount of effort and the least resistance from my kids (they always get to watch TV when I sleep).  I suppose that those are my three priorities right now- playing with my kids, caring for their needs, and resting whenever possible.  (I know that this next line is a straight from my slacker broken record, but I don't want to neglect my appreciation for his help.)  Eric is a gem and picks up so much slack around the house, that I am finally getting over the guilt.  He is the one that says, "Don't feel guilty...

It was a gradual decline, but when I hit bottom, I hit hard. For a few months prior to my "episode," I felt a little different. I even mentioned the word depression out loud a few times, but dismissed the feelings and kept pushing forward. I was trying to get pregnant, I had five more races on the calendar, and two kids at home All. Day. Long. for the entire summer.   I didn’t have a choice, but to ignore my feelings and get on with my to-do list.   Actually, I did have a choice and I chose to ignore my feelings.   I recognize that now. It's really difficult to explain what it's like to not feel like yourself. I'm still not quite sure how to put everything into words. Perhaps that’s because I am still not 100% myself yet, even five months after the “episode.”   The good thing is, I feel more and more like myself all the time.   I’ve learned some valuable lessons about myself, my children, and my relationship with my family.   I have learned that I am not ...

"Praise to The Man" YouTube Video

Every night we sing "I Am A Child Of God" before bed.  And sometimes, Emory joins in and melts my heart. YouTube Video

I'm on my motherhood kick...again, but this time I have things to share. I have said it before and I know I'll say it again and again and again.  I am so blessed to have wonderful women in my life to confide in, to share with, and to learn from.  Most recently, I received an email from my dear friend Alison with a link to this Talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God" , which I barely remember from 2008 (probably because I was so new to this mothering thing), but re-read on a day when I needed to hear and feel the spirit tell me what I needed to hear and feel.  The things that stood out to me most are: "I am impressed by countless mothers who have learned how important it is to focus on the things that can only be done in a particular season of life. If a child lives with parents for 18 or 19 years, that span is only one-fourth of a parent’s life. And the most formative time of all, the early years in a child’s life, represents less than one-tenth...

Too Much Noise by Ann McGovern pictures by Simms Taback There are a lot of bad children books out there.  No joke.  I am amazed that so many bad books get published.  This, however, is a great book.  I'm not sure where I found this book, but I am sure glad I brought it home.  Each time I read the story I smile at the simple lessons within it's pages.  Peter, our main character, is frustrated with all the noise in his house and seeks council from the wise man.  The wise man teaches him, over time, that all the noise he is complaining about, isn't much noise at all.  I am just as guilty as Peter in this story.  I am.  I think my noise is unbearable, that I simply have too much of it, and that someone should magically take it all away.  This happens when I have lost my perspective.  It is hard to keep perspective when you are focused on less important things in life.  It usually isn't until I stumble a...

How does your garden grow? My garden grows in pots.  However, this year I pulled out some hostas and ornamental grasses to plant in the ground.  I'm not sure if that was the best idea, but, we'll find out in time.  This year I am growing the following: Herbs - basil, parsley, cilantro, oregano, rosemary, sage, and tarragon; Veggies - tomatoes, beans, peas, three varieties of lettuce, green onions, and summer squash.  Last week I threw some corn seeds in the ground, so we'll see what becomes of those.  I figured I should plant things that I frequently buy from the store and things that we don't eat enough of (ie. lettuce). This weekend I watched the following on gardening:  Back to Eden complete film  here.  The film is very long...like an hour AND a half long, but interesting and simple and practical.  If you're into gardening at all you'll likely enjoy it.  The film did make me want to move, just so I can star...