Helpful Hints from Melanie

Do you have a little one who loves their pacifier?

Do your binkies disappear just when you need one most?

Are you tired of searching underneath the furniture while your baby cries?

Never fear! There is a simple alternative that doesn't require a midnight run to WalMart!

Just dig through your container of Duplos* until you find a person with a friendly smile and a nice smooth head.

Quickly pop the Duplo person (headfirst) into baby's mouth and voila! Problem solved!

Brianne came up with this solution all by herself! She seems well satisfied with Patty the pacifier. Patty was originally the namesake of Patty's Pony Stable received by Marianne a number of years ago.


*This solution assumes that you, in fact, have a container of Duplos. At our house Duplos/Legos are an indispensible part of childhood. If you are lacking in that area, I suggest a trip to a toystore ASAP. We happen to have an extra large rubbermaid container that is close to overflowing. It contains Duplos collected over many years, including some now classified as collector's items dating back to the early 1980s. We are well stocked for grandchildren for years to come.

The Shakespeare Conquest

King Evan

earned his royal rank
in September of 2010
by reading and watching
17
Shakespeare plays
in only one week!

Even more impressive,
he completed this conquest
during a week when his royal mother was
gone to the hospital most of the time.

This weekend,
King Evan
(along with 15 other young Queens and Kings)
was honored at a Shakespearean celebration.

They drank sparking cider from crystal goblets
and feasted on delicious food
served on gold chargers.

They enjoyed the finest entertainment by
Shakespearean actors
who somehow managed to turn King Lear
into a comedy!

A royal jester was even in attendance.

Huzzah!!

Sweet Sunday - Come Follow Me

One day at church a young mom came over to tell me a story. She told me that she was puzzled as she watched her 3 year old daughter and finally asked, "What game are you playing?"

Her daughter replied, "I'm playing Primary."

As the mom continued watching, she suddenly knew exactly what her daughter was doing.

"You're pretending to be Sister Hartz, aren't you?"

As she told me the story she explained, "She was doing a great impression of you. She had your mannerisms and everything."

That little Sunbeam was the one doing the impression, but it really made an impression on me! I realized that lots of eyes were on me, watching my every move. Were my words and actions worthy of emulation?

Today in nursery I had a similar experience. We were singing songs together and I realized that some of the children were watching me to see what actions they should be doing. I noticed lots of little eyes watching me very closely.

Do I always keep my eyes on the Savior? How would my life be different if I always looked to Him and watched Him closely? The scriptures tell us that's exactly what He wants us to do.

Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. D & C 19:23

Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. D & C 6:36

Anyone Want Nachos?

This morning I left my house for the first time since Sunday. This afternoon I arrived home feeling tired. I climbed out of my car with my arms full of bags. Too full I guess, because I dropped a bottle of salsa. It shattered all over the cement--a mess of tomatoes, glass and driveway dirt.

I was surprised by the crash of breaking glass, but I was even more surprised by my reaction. I didn't feel upset or frustrated. I just cleaned up the mess with a bit of help from Evan.

Now I'm pondering . . . .

Am I becoming more patient?
Have a learned to master my emotions?
Is this a new, calmer me?
Have I cleaned up so many messes that it just doesn't phase me anymore?
Did I run out of energy?
or was it just a fluke?

I don't know the answer, but I do know that I found two other bottles of salsa in my cupboard. Best of all, we have plenty of tortilla chips!

Just Breathe

We got knocked down by a nasty cold at our house. Nothing has seemed to cut through the congestion and it has been a struggle to breathe.

But I know there is something to be learned from and to be grateful for in every situation.

I am grateful for the time I have had with my children. When we were feeling up to it, we were able to read and listen to some wonderful books together.

I am grateful to a friend who called "just because she was thinking of me".

I am grateful for my sweet husband who drove 90 minutes out of his way to come home and help me. He made numerous trips to the store and didn't complain when we told him it had to be "Kleenex Ultra Soft" not some other, cheaper brand.

I am grateful for the deeper understanding I have when I read this scripture. It now seems very literal to me.

I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another--I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.
Mosiah 2:21

I am grateful for the breath that has been lent to me and the constant support I receive. I hope I can gain a better understanding of how to serve Him and his children.

Sweet Sunday!

Sunday seems like the perfect time to share this quote from C. S. Lewis. I've read it several times, but I recently re-discovered it on my newest favorite blog:

http://www.atonementblog.com/

If you don't read blogs regularly, you can even subscribe and have your daily dose of heaven sent straight to your inbox. This blog is a great help in staying focused on the Savior every single day.

End of my testimonial, here's the quote:

Remember, this repentance, this willing submission to humiliation and a kind of death, is not something God demands of you before He will take you back and which He could let you off if he chose: it is simply a description of what going back to Him is like. If you ask God to take you back without it, you are really asking Him to let you go back without going back. It cannot happen.

Very well, then, we must go through with it. But the same badness which makes us need it, makes us unable to do it. Can we do it if God helps us? Yes, but what do we mean when we talk of God helping us? We mean God putting into us a bit of Himself, so to speak.

He lends us a little of His reasoning powers and that is how we think: He puts a little of His love into us and that is how we love one another. When you teach a child writing, you hold its hand while it forms the letters: that is, it forms the letters because you are forming them.

We love and reason because God loves and reasons and holds our hand while we do it.

C.S. Lewis
Mere Christianity, Book II, Chapter 4

Why Read? Part Four

Plain and simple: I love reading! It is my default mode, my favorite thing to do. I would read even if I didn't have a reason.

But I do have a reason! Actually, as I explained before, I have a number of different reasons to read, but the most important one is because of the result I am seeking. What is that result?

The result I am aiming for is to become educated. Not in a lofty, "I'm smarter than you" sort of way. Rather, in an "I'm better than me" sort of way. My hope is that as I read, I will learn and change little by little so that eventually I have the type of education described by God's prophets.

"Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world’s work, and the power to appreciate life." Brigham Young

" The aim of education is to develop resources . . . that will contribute to well-being as long as life endures; to develop power of self-mastery that he may never be a slave to indulgence or other weaknesses, to develop [strong] manhood, beautiful womanhood . . . a friend, a companion, a fit husband or wife, an exemplary father or a loving intelligent mother, one who can face life with courage, meet disaster with fortitude, and face death without fear." David O. McKay


This year I am going to post quotations from the books I read that are helping me gain my education. Take a look just below my "I'm A Mormon" button. My first quote is from Gilead: A Novel. The book is in the form of a letter written by an elderly small town preacher to his almost 7 year old son. It is unlike any book I've ever read. It is different, but beautiful and thought-provoking.

Happy Birthday Mom

Celebrating
the day you were born
69 years ago

Remembering
3 1/2 months
without you

Waiting
for the day
we are together
for eternity.

Time for an Update

Aaron got to hear Condoleezza Rice speak at BYU last week. He even skipped his Book of Mormon class to stay for the Q & A session. Was it wrong of me to say, "Great choice son!"? Can you spot him in the crowd?

Maybe it's just my eyes, but I can't find him!
UPDATE: Take a look at the comments for this post!

Marianne has been taking lots of fantastic photographs. Have you seen her picture a day site? Take a look! Just click HERE.

Evan has spent the last 3 1/2 weeks playing with these non-stop. They really are cool!
As a bonus, you get a glimpse of the stool he built for the carpentry merit badge. It works well as a building/staging area for the magnets as long as you stay clear of the screws.


Brianne (in addition to being the world's cutest child prodigy) has learned to crawl! Ryan and Molly are busy working, swimming, teaching Primary and keeping up with her.



John is fully embracing his role as "Papa John" and was recently seen flying his granddaughter around the cemetery while chasing cousins.


Me? Well, I am embarrassed to admit that I have succumbed to product placement marketing. I actually bought a book that says "as seen in the film Despicable ME" on the cover. Yes, I've even been playing with the little kitten puppets. But hey, it was on sale! Who could resist? Apparently, not me.

What's Old is New

Even the most organized, minimalistic people leave behind a whole lot of stuff when they pass away. No matter how often you clean up and donate to DI, you will still leave behind clothes, furniture and personal items that were part of your life of earth.

Last week, my dad asked my sister and me to clean out our mom's closet. Mom's closet was clean and well-organized, but it was still a tough assignment. We found a few things for ourselves, saved some items as keepsakes for family members and got rid of the rest. It was an emotionally draining experience. I am grateful that I was prepared by helping to clean out John's parents' belongings.

My sweet mother-in-law, Mary Alice, passed away in 1990, so many of her belongings were given away or disposed of years ago. Since my father-in-law survived for another 16 years, he of course, kept many useful things that were "theirs". Upon his passing, some of his things were sorted through and organized, but his second wife, Pearl continued living in the home, so many of his possessions remained in his home. Pearl passed away last spring, so it was only last summer that all of John's parents' belongings were finally divided, sold or donated.

Sorting through a lifetime of "stuff" is a big job. John's family worked hard and took care of everything, finally even selling the family home last fall.

During our New Year's trip to Utah, we picked up this "survivor" that belonged to Mary Alice. This little cabinet sat in her entryway for years. Even when Pearl redecorated and refurnished the home, she kept this cabinet. Now it is my turn to have it in my entryway. It contains some of Mary Alice's treasures and is a reminder to me of her Christlike life and example.


People are always more important that things, but I am grateful to have some tangible reminders of people I love who are waiting for me on the other side.

Lost and Broken

On the day of my mom's funeral, John had the foresight to make an audio recording of the services. Later, my dad told me he would like a written copy of the talks. I knew that several talented photographers had taken pictures that day, so I suggested that we put together a book that included photos as well.

I decided I could work on it over the next month or so and have it ready for my dad for Christmas. Denise, Kristin and Marianne were kind enough to share their photos with me. Some of my siblings emailed me their talks, but I knew that I would have to transcribe several of the talks. The trouble was, I couldn't find the mini-cassette tape with the funeral recording.

John had set the tape aside for me on his desk and showed me where it was, but his desk gets awfully messy.

Marianne used the cassette recorder frequently for her flute lessons. She said she was careful to use a new tape, but it is easy to get those things confused.

I was frustrated that someone had lost that tape!

I prayed about it and was sure that it would turn up sooner or later. I got to work on the book and finished as much of it as I could. Christmas came and went and I still couldn't find the lost tape.

Evan offered to help me. He searched all over and gathered every mini-cassette tape in the house. He started listening to them, when things went from bad to worse. The cassette player broke! Admittedly, micro-cassette recorders are pretty old school. Most stores only carry digital recorders now. I found what I needed online and bought it, having faith that the lost tape would soon be found.

Photo books can get pricey, especially if you're making several copies, so I was grateful to have a really good coupon code to use! The trouble was, it expired at the end of the year. Besides we were leaving the next day for a trip to Utah.

I was so frustrated and prayed some more. I knew that the Lord knew where the tape was, why wouldn't he help us find it? Suddenly, it hit me. I had been silently blaming everyone else for losing that tape! I had never acknowledged that it may have been ME who lost the tape. Just minutes after I repented of my prideful thoughts, Evan called to me. He had found the lost tape--right behind MY dresser!

Everything came together and I spent a good portion of our car ride transcribing the talks and finishing the photo book. I was able to place the order just hours before the coupon expired.

I am grateful that because of the Savior, what was lost is found.

I am also grateful that:

"Broken clouds give rain
Broken soil grows grain
Broken bread feeds man for one more day

Broken storms yield light
The break of day heals night
Broken pride turns blindness into sight

Broken souls that need his mending
Broken hearts for offering
I believe that God loves broken things"

Lyrics by Kenneth Cope
(from a CD my Mom gave me for my birthday in August that I can't listen to without crying.)

You can listen HERE

Why Read? Part Three

I've thought about this some more and I realized that there is another reason I am motivated to read. As I looked over my list of books read last year, I pondered WHY I decided to read them. I was surprised to find that I read most of them because I was inspired to read them.

Take a look at the list below and you'll see what I mean.

1. Evan was reading these and convinced me to join him:
Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Swiss Family Robinson by Johann D. Wyss
Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle -He loved this one and literally "hounded" me to take turns reading aloud with him. I actually fell asleep one night while he was reading and he was kind of insulted.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Actually I was "previewing" this book for Evan. I was fascinated with it, but I don't think he ever got around to it!

2. These books came highly recommended to me by someone I respect:

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle - My dad wouldn't leave me alone until I read this. Apparently Evan inherited his skills of persuasion.

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Trapp - Marianne loves the Sound of Music and asked me to read this one to her and Evan. It was fun to re-read this gem.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen - My friend Angela kept mentioning this book, so I read it in 2009. In 2010 I read the young reader's edition to my kids for a girl's group my friend Rachel organized.
The Yearling by Marjorie Rawlings - I read author Lois Lowry's blog and she loves this classic.
Song of the Lark by Willa Cather - A tour guide at the Chicago Institute of art, showed us the painting by this name and mentioned the book. My mom and sister love Cather, so I knew I had to read it!
A Man for All Seasons by Robert Bolt - My friend Patti made major changes in her life after reading this play.
Yearning for the Living God by F. Enzio Busche - My friend Sheree loved this book & so did I!

Clues for Acting Shakespeare by Wesley van Tassel - Another book Sheree told me I needed to read to prepare for the Classical Acting project I mentor.
Weakness is Not Sin by Wendy Ulrich - I had been wanting to read this enlightening book, so when my sister bought it, I figured it was a sign! (Thanks for saving me some $ Jenny)

The Enoch Letters by Neal A. Maxwell - My sister Jenny kept talking about this one. I've read it twice now.
Satan's War on Free Agency by Greg Wright - our Bishop mentioned this book one Sunday.
Consciousness Beyond Life by Pim van Lommel - also recommended by the Bishop (though not in his ecclesiastical capacity)
Silence of God by Gale Sears - my friends Becky & Becki used this in a history class they teach. It is historical fiction, but tells the true story of the only LDS family in St Petersburg during the Bolshevik Revolution.
Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner - my friend Kathy told me how much she enjoys Stegner's work and I wasn't disappointed.

The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn - I read about this one in a catalog, but Jenny confirmed that it is a great read that includes lots great people, places and events from history.

3. Nothing inspires me to read a book like having to lead a discussion!
Here are a few we discussed at our commonwealth school.
Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens by Oliver DeMille & Shanon Brooks
Oedipus the King by Sophocles
Tartuffe by Moliere

4. A great author inspires me to keep coming back again and again!
Shakespeare - As You Like It, King Lear
Truman Madsen - Eternal Man, Four Essays on Love, Christ and the Inner Life, The Highest in Us, The Radiant Life

C.S. Lewis - Till We Have Faces

5. Sometimes I receive inspiration from the Lord that I need to read a book.
I feel that I was being prepared and strengthened before the loss of my mother by reading the Madsen listed books above as well as these:
The Book of Mormon
50 Signs of the Times by David Ridges
To Him That Believeth by Frederick W. Babbel - an old favorite that my family loves
Bring Forth Your Light by Frederick W. Babbel

6. Occasionally a book review is enough to inspire me to read!
Educating for Human Greatness by Lynn Stoddard

Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte - It didn't quite deliver the hilarity promised.

A Christ Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman

Deliverance From Depression by GG Vandagriff - A great book about the atonement, even if you're not depressed!

Poetry Matters by Ralph Fletcher

Sounder by William Armstrong - This led me to read Sourland and The MacLeod Place by the same author.

7. Sometimes I feel inspired that there is something my children need to hear.
Growing Up by Brad Wilcox
What's the Big Deal About Pornography? by Jill C. Manning

8. Finally, I am inspired by FREE books!
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen was free on my Kindle, so I re-read this little pearl.
Drive by Daniel Pink - When I had to wait 3 hours for John at a mall in Palm Springs, I headed to Borders and read this book. I enjoyed it, but not as much as his A Whole New Mind that I blogged about a couple of years ago.

It amazed me that I didn't read a single book that I wasn't inspired to read. If you would like a review of any of the above books, just let me know. Maybe I'll inspire you to read something new!

Who or what inspires you to read?

Why Read? Part Two*

Why do you read? Which of these reasons apply?

1. to get information (a recipe, product review, instructions, directions, your teenager's journal**, medical answers, etc.)
2. entertainment/escape (novels, magazines, newspapers, websites)
3. requirement (homework, job training, work assignment, lesson prep)
4. to connect with someone (facebook, letters, emails, blogs, journals, biography, historical fiction)
5. gain understanding/inspiration (scriptures, non-fiction, church magazines)
6. physical response (distraction from pain/discomfort, relaxation, to fall asleep)

At various times, I have read for nearly all of the above reasons, but the most important reason isn't on the list. I'll tell you more about that later.

For now, I'd really like to hear your reasons for reading. Please leave a comment. If you're not a reader, why not? Your reasons are valid reasons too. I'm interested!



*Don't worry if you can't remember part one. I wrote it months ago!

**I do not read my children's journals for information--entertainment maybe, but not information! Wouldn't most of us just be happy if our children actually wrote in journals?! My son did tell me about a recent lesson at church. The teacher was talking about journals and one of the boys sighed and said, "Well I write in my journal, but my Dad keeps sneaking in to read it when I'm not there." Evan thought it was pretty funny that his friend knew all about his Dad's "secret".

Ringing in the New Year

With kazoo duets

Paper crowns
(sadly this is what I look like when I stay up past midnight)

family members
(who look really good after midnight!)

Lots of beautiful snow

And even better than snow,

ICICLES!!

We had a great trip to Utah.
The kids got their fill of snow.
John (and the boys) got to ski.
Marianne checked out a new cupcake bakery.
We were spoiled by John's sister and family
and my aunt Muff and family.
Aaron is back at school sans wisdom teeth

and I came home to find these treasures waiting for me

a necklace with the initials of my true love and I


and a CD of pictures of this beauty


and her beautiful parents


2011 is looking good already!