{crumb cake}

Sometimes when I am really stressed out I like to make various bakes goods. This morning it happened to be sour cream crumb cake. This was the second weekend alone with all of the children and the thought of getting everybody to church and then to behave once we arrived seemed like the most daunting task. The kids were already fighting and whining about really important things like who was going to sit in which chair. One "awesome" daughter came over for the fifth time and said, "Mom, Bridger is in the seat that I want to sit in. At that point I didn't know what to say so I just blurted out, "Then just go sit on the floor and eat". "Did I really just say that", I thought.  Trust me though I wanted to say something much worse.  I had finally gotten around to dishing my own serving of crumb cake and wished I could go eat mine outside in peace. Instead I took my own advice and settled for the floor. Funny thing happened after that. Every single one of our moods lightened up and before I knew it I was surrounded by 5 active children who had come to join me. Not the most conventional way of eating crumb cake but it was then & there that my prayers were answered. Mandy walked in the door unannounced to help us get ready for church. She was so amused by the sight of all of us sitting there that she went to get the camera. What I remember most was that we all ended up making it to church in rather chipper moods which is a miracle. You see it was just the day before that I sat in the shower telling my Heavenly Father that I could only do my best. I told him that I would try really hard but that I need a little extra help to make it the rest of the way. Again, my prayers were heard.

As I sat in church and listened to the speaker talk about putting ourselves in a position to not only hear promptings to help those in need and to be an instrument in thy hand but then to be bold enough to act on those promptings, I felt inspired to try even a little bit harder. I can do great things with the Lord on my side...even if they are hard. When it is His will, He always helps to make up the difference. Usually through angels here on this earth.

P.S. - "Awesome" is code for not awesome.  I love that sister always says, "My kids are being so awesome" when they really are being little scoundrels.

{table for two}

Maile kept pointing to her cup this morning and telling Maren that her cup was called clear. Maren kept saying, "my cup is not "Claire". Out of frustration Maile said, "Maren not your friend Claire..ccleeaarr"

The conversations between these two are quite entertaining.

The best was when the girls scurried down onto the floor to reap the rewards of a large shattered candy cane. Without thinking I said, "girls stop picking things up off the floor like little rats. Maren looked up at me and said, " Mom we're not rats we're mouses". Well then, carry on, carry on, I thought. What was I suppose to say to that one except its mice, not mouses. They really put me in place on a daily basis. I mean why did I even have to tell them not to eat the candy cane off the floor when there are many more real problems out there in the world.

They are the best teachers.

Sisters are my inspiration

Towards the end of the day I am tired.  I have dirty kids.  I do not feel like putting them in the bath because let's face it there are those days that I am done and just want everybody in bed.  Then I think of my sisters and my recent visit to Oregon.  If I were in Oregon right now observing my sisters, they surely would have all of the kids bathed by now with dishes done, floors vacuumed, and stories told.  Of course that was only after a nice meal had been cooked.  I don't think I have fully seen what my sisters were capable of doing as mothers until I was observing their every move as I sat all by myself without any distractions from my kids.

*******

As I sat in the back of my Mom & Dad's car after picking me up from the airport I recounted my trip back to them.  "Annie is sure efficient", I told my parents.  She knows how to get any job done quickly and is always cultivating herself in the knowledge sector  My sister Liza once said, "Annie is pregnant and she still runs circles around me".  I have no idea how she is able to do it all.  She is the real deal.  The kids are constantly getting all of the stimulation they need and more.  She really loves being a Mom and it shows.  When we had gone to church she busted out a notebook where she had already studied the lessons and jotted down some notes.  She made me want to be better.  

Then there is Liza.  How could just one little Momma make everybody feel so loved and important.  I really do not know how she does it.  I know she is tired but she always finds time to make a welcome or birthday banner to any special person in her life @ that moment.  She also seems to be so in tune to receive personal inspiration.  Liza's plan of action is completely different from Annie but easily just as affective.  She is fine staying at home having and basking in laughter, dancing & games.  She tells me of feelings that she really needs to keep things simple so that she can enjoy life @ home with the kids.  She also makes me want to be better.  (I also need to include that when we last took the kids to the park she and I had a race on the swing set to see who could get the highest first, just in case I were to forget)

Two sisters that go about doing things different but pretty much hoping for the same end result and that is what is most important, THE END RESULT.  In the meantime I just need to figure out how to get from point A to point B in the best way possible for my family to achieve my own personal goal. I know there are different ways of doing things to achieve the end result of having well-behaved, well-adjusted & well-learned children who understand the Plan of Salvation that was defined by our Savior.  Both sisters approaches seem to be working.

I am inspired my them & want to be better.  I came home and truly wanted to be a better Mom. 

Thank goodness for sisters who help to fill my cup.

P.S. - We mustn't forget about Mary.  She will make an excellent wife & mother, for this I am sure of.  She inspires me in many other ways and because of her I wished  I would approach things with less judgement & with less guile.  I love all of her sweetness.  She is pure sunshine.  All of her service to me will never be forgotten. Last time Mary was in town she called the girls up to take them on a date to Jamba Juice.