We have been working real hard at trying to do the "right" things as a family so that we can receive much needed blessings in our lives. In doing this I would have bet that our home would become one of less yelling, fighting, selfishness and even laziness. Well it seems to opposite has happened. We began this new quest of righteous living just over a week ago and in this past week we have had to dive over hurdles and obstacles that were not present before.
Points in question, Brett has been a wonderful, quiet and easy going person most of our married life. This week he has been so grouchy and honoree. Case in point, he never yells, never! Yet this week he has yelled at our dog at least three times and at our kids a few. Steve, who really never questions authority has begun to talk back and question us as parents. Mike....Well he is Mike, no more needs to be said. Brittany, has again used her "tone" with everyone and has lacked patience with most everyone in the family and then Sam. Sam never, ever gets upset, mad, inpatient with anyone yet just today she was selfish and let Brittany know that she could not see her egg experiment. She has never done this before. Even the dog has been a problem with disobeying and not listening. Then last night I come home from work and am faced with a change that through me for a loop. With this change came the thoughts...."What are the chances?" and better yet, "My Heavenly Father really is not that funny", and last but not least "are you kidding me, is this some kind of joke". I cannot elaborate as to what the change was but I really struggled with this and went to bed feeling like I was being punished for something.
Then today, it hit me. I have been focused on everyone Else's actions and never stopped to think about how I have been feeling this past week. I have had the best week of MY life! Everyone around me seems to have been transformed into different members of the family and yet I have not cared one bit. I have found such joy, peace and love this past week I have nothing to complain about. Even this change that I was not too pleased with was no big deal. I could and would be fine. My family is tolerable and a joy to be around. (since when?) Since last week! And I know that is because I am receiving the much needed blessings by living "right".
You see our loving Father in Heaven said "I did not say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it".
It really has been worth it! I have enjoyed every moment sitting with my husband and kids and reading scriptures together. I have loved to peace I feel when praying together as a family. I have had such comfort in knowing that what ever comes my way during the day, I can handle it. It really is so biggie. Life is not easy and sometimes can be a real bummer and you know what? Living right is not wrong but just sometimes hard. And that is "right" by me!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Bear Lake really is a Bear!
Over the years you have all heard me rant and rave about my time at Bear Lake. You would think when listening to me that it is worse than having a tooth pulled without Novocaine. Well, I had another tooth pulled again today! Yes, the family was headed to Bear Lake and you guessed it I was thrilled!
Now, Let's not get too far ahead because once I am there, it is pleasant and really enjoyable. But somehow, I forget this part and always go back to the beginning of this family adventure. I Liken it to Labor and having a baby! Labor hurts!! It hurts really, really bad! Yea, just like having a baby this Bear Lake trip. But once you see the end result, WA LA! It is like having the baby. It is beautiful and you really are glad and think it was so worth it.
Anyway, back to the trip. I was in the Labor stage and not really enjoying the packing, planning, organizing, and so forth.
It starts with getting the laundry done because no matter how many outfits the kids have, the one they want is never clean and they just cannot go without it. So starts the three loads to clean all the different required pieces of clothing needed for the trip. Then of course run to the store to gather all the food needed for the 2 days we will be there. You see we eat way too much food. No one should eat 12 chocolate muffins, 3 packages of bacon, 6 pounds of hamburger, 4 bags of chips, 2 containers of dip, 12 two liters of pop, 3 12 packs of coke, 24 hoagie sandwiches, just to start. I am sure I could list the entire menu but time and space are limited.
Then of course, you cannot forget the dog! Who is willing to watch the dog? Gosh, and what about the cat, fish and hamsters? Who would like to be a zoo keeper for the weekend? I know call mom! She is always willing to give up her weekend to watch our loving pets. She enjoys that like I enjoy Bear Lake. (This time we gave her a break and asked the Brother-in-Law, I really like him) So, gather the dogie bed, water bowl, food bowl, Food bin (that needs to be full of fresh food) and of course the portable kennel and load it into the back of the truck. Goodness, I have to unpack the car because it will not all fit with all the food and bags I have already packed. What was I thinking? I am not going to worry about the other animals if they live, Great! If not oh, well. Of course I am kidding, I think but my heck enough is enough. I run the dog to the sitter and give the required instructions.
So, back to the planning. After the laundry is done, I fold it and the savages go through the piles to find what they need. It is all there and yet I still get the..."MOM, have you seen?" or "Mom, do you know where?" Are you kidding me!
I go down and get the bags and hope that clothes get packed in them. No, I am really serious. I have been blamed in the past for...Let me quote "you did not pack my Gloves!" That of course came from my husband. Not the KIDS! But a grown man who remembered to pack his videos and phone, and four wheeler but not his own gloves. Yes, This is Bear Lake what else was I expecting.
Lets see, Have I re-packed the car yet? I cannot remember, but if not then yes, that has to be done too. So pack ALL the bags, blankets, snow clothes, snow sleds, video consoles and games, computers, books, and of course we better not forget "Teddy" or "blankie" because Sam would not be able to sleep without them. That is another blog in itself.
It is like a tetris puzzle. But, like the miracle worker I am It fits. We don't but all our stuff does.
By now, It is time to run carpool and gather the troops. This is when life gets real interesting. Everyone thinking they are busy and helping and yet nothing is getting done. Why? Why me? Just about this same time, Brett roles in happy as can be, clapping his hands together like a young boy going to Disneyland. "Are you ready to go" (Big smile on his face) What I would do for a bat about now. Of course I am ready to go. I have had nothing to do all day but wait around for all the kids and hubby to get home from their busy days and set off on this wonderful family weekend. So we load up the car(s) and head out. Or so we think, but wait, someone has to go Potty! And, Oh, I forgot my bathing suit! And, did you remember to bring the games for the X-box? And, Hey did we turn off all the lights in the house?
Yes, This is why I love Bear Lake. It is such a peaceful place to get away and spend time with family. I wonder if this is why they say there is a "Bear Lake monster"?
Now, Let's not get too far ahead because once I am there, it is pleasant and really enjoyable. But somehow, I forget this part and always go back to the beginning of this family adventure. I Liken it to Labor and having a baby! Labor hurts!! It hurts really, really bad! Yea, just like having a baby this Bear Lake trip. But once you see the end result, WA LA! It is like having the baby. It is beautiful and you really are glad and think it was so worth it.
Anyway, back to the trip. I was in the Labor stage and not really enjoying the packing, planning, organizing, and so forth.
It starts with getting the laundry done because no matter how many outfits the kids have, the one they want is never clean and they just cannot go without it. So starts the three loads to clean all the different required pieces of clothing needed for the trip. Then of course run to the store to gather all the food needed for the 2 days we will be there. You see we eat way too much food. No one should eat 12 chocolate muffins, 3 packages of bacon, 6 pounds of hamburger, 4 bags of chips, 2 containers of dip, 12 two liters of pop, 3 12 packs of coke, 24 hoagie sandwiches, just to start. I am sure I could list the entire menu but time and space are limited.
Then of course, you cannot forget the dog! Who is willing to watch the dog? Gosh, and what about the cat, fish and hamsters? Who would like to be a zoo keeper for the weekend? I know call mom! She is always willing to give up her weekend to watch our loving pets. She enjoys that like I enjoy Bear Lake. (This time we gave her a break and asked the Brother-in-Law, I really like him) So, gather the dogie bed, water bowl, food bowl, Food bin (that needs to be full of fresh food) and of course the portable kennel and load it into the back of the truck. Goodness, I have to unpack the car because it will not all fit with all the food and bags I have already packed. What was I thinking? I am not going to worry about the other animals if they live, Great! If not oh, well. Of course I am kidding, I think but my heck enough is enough. I run the dog to the sitter and give the required instructions.
So, back to the planning. After the laundry is done, I fold it and the savages go through the piles to find what they need. It is all there and yet I still get the..."MOM, have you seen?" or "Mom, do you know where?" Are you kidding me!
I go down and get the bags and hope that clothes get packed in them. No, I am really serious. I have been blamed in the past for...Let me quote "you did not pack my Gloves!" That of course came from my husband. Not the KIDS! But a grown man who remembered to pack his videos and phone, and four wheeler but not his own gloves. Yes, This is Bear Lake what else was I expecting.
Lets see, Have I re-packed the car yet? I cannot remember, but if not then yes, that has to be done too. So pack ALL the bags, blankets, snow clothes, snow sleds, video consoles and games, computers, books, and of course we better not forget "Teddy" or "blankie" because Sam would not be able to sleep without them. That is another blog in itself.
It is like a tetris puzzle. But, like the miracle worker I am It fits. We don't but all our stuff does.
By now, It is time to run carpool and gather the troops. This is when life gets real interesting. Everyone thinking they are busy and helping and yet nothing is getting done. Why? Why me? Just about this same time, Brett roles in happy as can be, clapping his hands together like a young boy going to Disneyland. "Are you ready to go" (Big smile on his face) What I would do for a bat about now. Of course I am ready to go. I have had nothing to do all day but wait around for all the kids and hubby to get home from their busy days and set off on this wonderful family weekend. So we load up the car(s) and head out. Or so we think, but wait, someone has to go Potty! And, Oh, I forgot my bathing suit! And, did you remember to bring the games for the X-box? And, Hey did we turn off all the lights in the house?
Yes, This is why I love Bear Lake. It is such a peaceful place to get away and spend time with family. I wonder if this is why they say there is a "Bear Lake monster"?
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