99

Recently at church in Sunday School we had a lesson with parables. I LOVE parables! I look for them all the time. I even write my own parables with lessons that I have learned in my life. (Someday I will have to share my parable about the quilt that I never finished because I kept doing it wrong…it was very profound for me. ..seriously, a quilt!)

I have often thought about the parable of the Shepherd and the 99. That the shepherd will go after the wandering sheep that has lost its way. It always bothered me. Why go after the stupid sheep that obviously weren’t smart enough to stay where it was suppose to. Survival of the fittest right?!? Those other sheep that did what they were told deserved to be with the Shepherd. Right?

My favorite parable EVER is of the prodigal son. I think that is why I love the story of A Christmas Carol, the story is a beautiful example of it never being to late to see the goodness in others. I can’t wait for the holiday season so that I can watch my various selections of the film A Christmas Carol. I pretty much watch one just about everyday. Plus we read it together and I listen to it on audio. Yep..I love that story…

The other day we were watching and episode of BBC’s Planet Earth and these two parables came face to face with me. Yep, I was getting inspiration while watching the animals in the grassland. Its never conventional for me is it?!

The particular part was about this massive migration of caribou (I call them Santa’s reindeer but apparently they are different). A wolf was also looking for some dinner. The herd was the obvious place to find its next meal. The wolf proceeded to go after a deer/caribou. The narrator then proceeded to talk about how the wolf wanted to get one of the weaker deer/caribous separated from the herd because it would be easier to conquer without the protection of the others.

DING DING DING! Did you get that?

When we are away from the herd, we are weaker and more likely to get ourselves caught by a wolf, or by Satan at least. Satan is trying to get us away from the herd since we will not be as safe and will most likely fall.

I love this picture. When a lamb wanders off, the shepherd will go anywhere to save it. They are the ones that are found in the most danger.

So if we are the deer, and Satan is the wolf, then what is the herd in the parable? Well…if could be family, or church but ultimately I believe it is the Savior. Can we be any safer in the Shepherd’s arms?

Which brought me to the original parable. I felt as if water was being splashed on my face when I realized that the Savior was going after the lost sheep and leaving the herd because that was when the lamb was in the most danger.

(I wish you could hear the bells going off in my head…you don’t get quite the same effect reading them....)

WHAM!

That was when I realized that I am the lost sheep. I have never placed myself in that position of the parable. I always assumed that the Savior was going after the "big time" sinners. Not so much the ones that were trying to follow him. ( I have SO much to learn.)

I am the prodigal child that the savior has gone out to save. I am Ebenezer who has only realized partially of what I have been blind to. The Savior will continue to rescue me to the safety of the herd and I will do my best to not to wiggle out of his arms. I still need saved from my sins. My shepherd will save me.

Not only that, but he is doing the same for you. He is doing it for all of us. He is waiting to hold us in his arms and carry us to safety if we just let him.

I wonder what I’ll learn next week in Sunday School….

Why I hate Mother's day.

Ahh Mother’s Day. The day that everyone takes a moment to say wonderful beautiful things about their mom. Today on facebook I saw the following comments

Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful moms out there!!!”

Happy Mothers Day to all you beautiful Mothers!

☼ ♥ If you have an amazing MOTHER, put this as your status♥ ☼

(Let it be said that although I did not make a similar post, I love my mom TONS! She is amazing!)! It is obvious that people love their mothers’ and love mother’s day. Mother’s love the breakfast in bed with the freshly squeezed juice, the homemade card, the house delightfully clean with not a dirty dish in sight . All mothers love spending the day relaxing in the sun, reading a favorite book, not changing any diapers, and their feet are massaged all day long. Ahhh…I love those days.

Actually, today I confessed something to Cory. I hate Mother’s day. Well “hate” may be a too strong of a word. Perhaps its just a bitter feeling that I have. Why do I feel this way?? I think I figured it out.

For years I have dreaded mother’s day. When it was approaching, the advertising would drive me insane! In my pre-mom years, I was a florist. Mother’s day was THE MOTHER of flower days. The people would call and have us select, arrange, and deliver their vases of love to their mothers. Some of them would comment about the obligation of doing something for their mother, others would specifically have flowers sent to their mother so that they wouldn’t have to approach or call them themselves. Gah. It wasn’t always a loving atmosphere. Now, the day has become so hyped up that I don’t know how any mom can survive the day without a myriad of guilt for expecting but not receiving THE perfect Hallmark day as described above.

Oh wait. You didn’t have a foot massage all day either? Were you one of the lucky mom’s that didn’t have to wash the dishes tonight? Did this lack of a perfect day for such a hard working mom, such as yourself, cause any tension in the household?

THAT is why I don’t like Mother’s day. Those feelings do nothing to improve the relationships in any family.

Mother’s day was created by a few different people. One was Julia Howe, she was a pacifist that wanted to organize the mothers to stop war. The other one was Ann Jarvis who wanted to organize the mothers to improve sanitary and health conditions. Interestingly, Ann’s daughter Anna, was the one who was able to make it an official holiday. Then, later in life, she became its biggest opponent saying that it had become to commercialized and just a reason to sell cards. She even said she regretted lobbying for the holiday.

Then, the kingpin himself, Pres. Wilson declared it a holiday in 1914. When I learned that President Wilson was behind mother’s day I KNEW there was something wrong with it. Pres. Wilson did so much against the constitution that anything he touched with his signature had the prowess of destroying the country someday. A little to strong of an opinion? Umm…nope. So what was his motivation behind mother’s day? Some sources say that he originally declared Mother’s Day to recognize the mother’s whose sons were lost at war. Perhaps that was his motivation. I really don’t know. His wife had been sick at the time and passed away shortly after the declaration, perhaps that was his motivation. I do know that all of the other policy he passed and declared, have been under the view that "the U.S. Constitution prevents the government from meeting the country's needs by enumerating rights that the government may not infringe." ... in other words, you are not smart enough to make the decisions to take care of yourself, you need the government to do that for you and the constitution is in the way! (Sorry everyone! This was not suppose to be a rant on Pres. Wison.) I’m just saying, that according to the pattern he had set with his other policies, there is a good chance that he used the same motivation with this one. Was he saying that we don’t appreciate our mothers and so we need a gov’t holiday to do it? idk…do you appreciate your mom on other days besides the one issued by the gov’t?

Today for mother’s day I was not home with my kids. We were at my sister’s house far far away enjoying their company and my parents. It was a blast!! Her home is always one of my favorite places to go. As we were there, I don’t think any of my kids remembered it was Mother’s day as none of them said anything to me concerning it. They were having fun with their cousins and then they were being whisked off to my parents farm for a week.

I was sitting in church trying to justify myself for being grumpy over the lack of Mother’s day spirit around me. Where were the trumpets as I walked? Where were the cascades of flower petals that shouted to the world how great of a mother I am? Where is the chocolate, the fancy dinners, and the shouts of praise from my family??? As I was pondering, a great realization came over me. My boys and my husband have made me breakfast in bed at least once a month over the past year. They have massaged my feet endless times. They have made me homemade cards that tell me how much they love me. They have given me the best hugs. They have even washed the dishes without being told. So why would I be upset if it didn’t happen today? Does that mean that they love me less? Heck no. Why do I need a government holiday to dictate when my boys can express their love for their mom and why do I need commercials to tell me how my boys can express their love???

Is it nice to be remembered and recognized on Mother’s day? Of course, but that doesn’t define the only time that we should remember our mothers. I have been wondering how it would be different without a holiday for mothers. Would it be like when we take care of the sick and afflicted? When they need something, we help them, take care of their needs, and not wait to be told when and how to do it?

On Christmas we think of the Savior and his life, is this the only day we think of him? If it is, then you are missing out on so many blessings. It is the same with Mother’s day. If you only think of doing nice things for your mom on mother’s day, or are just facebooking your Mother’s day message to her, you are missing out.

Is this an entry of a embittered mom who didn’t get all she wanted for Mother’s day? Ha! No way! I am one of the lucky ones who get bits and pieces of Mother’s day all throughout the year.

Twelfth Night

Cast picture.

For the past two year I have been a mentor for the local commonwealth. I have loved it! I have grown so much as a person and have probably learned more than the scholars. As the cherry on top of our two semesters of studying Shakespeare, we performed the play Twelfth Night.(yes that was an interesting play to edit to an appropriate script!!!) You may remember that last year we performed Comedy of Errors. What an experience!! I love watching professionals perform Shakespeare, but there is something magical when 12 and 13 year olds perform and understand it. They did such a great job!

Malvolio with his yellow stocking in confinement for going crazy!

Luke was Duke Orsinio.
Which thankfully, although a main character, was a lot smaller than last year's play.


When the Duke decides to love Viola who has been secretly serving him as a man.

Luke's studies have increased a lot this year and a larger part might have been a detriment. Luke had to play the romantic role. And although he didn't have as many lines, it was a BIG STRETCH for him to act romantic and in love.


The Duke Orsinio expressing his love for Olivia!!

It was very interesting to cast the play. I was the director and a good friend of mine, Kalleen, was the producer. When we sat down after auditions, we immediately felt the weight of the play. We have been trained that the play isn't about the "play." Its about the scholars experience. They learn and grow so much and those things are more important than the performance of the play. I love watching the scholars' self esteem grow and their confidence soar!! One of the students who received a larger part was so overwhelmed. He struggled memorizing the 13 line soliloquy in the previous semester. He was faced with memorizing well over 100 lines. He struggled at first, but then something clicked and the lines just flowed out of him. When it was time for opening night, he was nervous but he did great! Each performance after that he did better and better. It was very inspiring to me. To watch him dig deep and find the courage to take the part and not to quit was so great! What a great example to me of "doing hard things."


The Duke Orsinio looking for Olivia, he solicits Feste's help to fetch her from the house.

Several other students would hardly whisper in class. At first I didn't even think they would go on stage! But they did! And they said their lines and gave a great big smile after conquering this fear in them.

BIG thanks for those who came and watched!! It meant so much!! Especially my sister who traveled so far to watch with her Key of Liberty class. Katy you're the best!!

Sigh. But now it is over. Sniff. And I am not mentoring the class next year as I have other things I need to focus on. Sniff sniff. I will miss these amazing scholars!!! I know I will see them at times, but it won't be the same. I am not the same as I was when I began mentoring. I am changed. What a great feeling!

I am anxious to discover our next adventure! I'll let you know what it is....as soon as i figure it out. :-)

Happy day!

First 5k

I know that I am not a skinny chick (well yet anyway.) I have struggled with my fluffy volume of a body for the last half of my life. When I was in high school I was in the school beauty pagent "Jr.Miss." At the time I didn't think I was FAT, I had self doubts about myself but overall I thought I was ok. Well, the gal that was doing the costumes told me that I was to fat for the outfits that they had selected for one of the numbers. That they were going to have to take two costumes and sew them together to make the one costume for me. I'm sure she meant well when she told me these things, but it didn't help my self talk. It obviously made an impact on me since I still remember it so vividly. I even remember were we were when we had the conversation. However, I didn't really start gaining a lot of weight until I opened up about the assault a few years later. Food then became (and still is) a drug to me.

This is me at the Jr.Miss pageant thing. My mom made that dress! I loved it!

So it may be a little random that I decided to run my first 5k for my 35th birthday. I wanted to do something memorable that I had never done before and this is what I thought would be fun...lol..I have so much to learn....

Ok granted I did not run the entire thing, I think I ran about half of it and quickly walked the rest. The race was sponsored by the Biggest Loser show .I love Biggest Loser! I tend to watch it with a big bag of chocolate as I lay on my bed. I know I know...not the inspiration that the show really intended. I did not prepare as much as I wanted to. I have a bazillion excuses for why I didn't run as much as I should have, but they are all excuses. I let other things become a priority for the hard work necessary to run the complete 5k. I hope to try again in November.


When the race started there was a lot of energy! It felt like electricity was pulsing through the crowd. It was wet, cold, windy, and not very pleasant conditions for running a 5k, but that didn't stop the crowd from getting really excited.

If you look closely you can see all of the former contestants. The one in pink is Sarah Nitta and she still in the competition. I met her briefly after the race and she was so sweet and nice. She looked great!

Note to self: I naively assumed that since we were all going to be running a race, exercising, and getting all sweaty (in the rain no less!)that people would be dressed comfortably and most likely what one would exercise in. Nope. WRONG! Please remember that I have never participated in a race nor have I ever watched a race so I had no idea what I was getting into. The people were completely decked out! Some had tutus on, some had crazy hair, I ran behind a gal for a while that had this bright pink jacket with tons of sequins on it that said "Think Pink!" It was insane!! I showed up very low key, very little make-up, no costume, and ready to go!...I did not realize that the 5k was an excuse to party with your exercising buddies. Too fun!

The most profound moment during the race was when I saw my family waiting for me at the top of the hill. They jumped up and down, cheered, and gave me a boost of happy energy. As soon as I saw them I immediately started running again even though I thought I had ran the last little bit out of me. My family got me through the most difficult part of the race, when I wanted to walk-really-really-slow-to-the-car-in-the-parking-lot-that-we-were-running-in, they were there to remind me what my goal was.

Cory joined me for the last lap of the race. He had Mark in his arms and was walking...while I was running. I guess I'm not that fast of a runner..lol..but I loved having him with me while I bobbed along. Maybe I can get him to run with me in November (or maybe I can get that old man from the race who was pushing his wife in a wheelchair and sailed past me.....no really that happened.)

There were some of the Biggest Loser previous cast there running with us. They gave us all high 5's and yelled "you can do it!" whenever they would run past us. I was able to get Ada's and Adam's autograph on my wet shirt (very awkward moment....please sign my wet sweaty shirt!!).


Anyway, I had a blast and I hope to do something like this again. My journey with my weight continues. I know my family will be there for me when I feel like I can't reach my goals or want to quit, just like they were there for me at the race.
Thanks everyone!
Have a happy day!

THIS AND THAT

Yes you guessed it!! It is time to play blog-catch-up-with-a-modge-podge-of-pictures!!!! Hooray!!

Silly Ben on a car ride with his dad and Grandpa Sutton. He loves being silly!!

This past weekend Cory, Luke and myself went to the TJED forum. I LOVE going to it each year. As one who teaches at home, I love attending and being around people who do the same thing. It is very empowering for me. I loved catching up with friends that I hadn't seen in a while and I loved soaking in the knowledge that was given. My favorite classes were about how to teach history and then another one about physics and science. Very cool stuff!!

The opening speaker was the CEO of the Arbinger institute. If you haven't ever read their books, I HIGHLY recommend all of them. (Their website has many articles that are available for free to download and read.) We arrived nice and early so we could sit in the front. It was so worth it! I had heard the principles taught before, but after a while, I started receiving some nice personal insights.


These are the kids that we were able to hang out with! Nate, Luke and Emma were a blast! Emma drove up with us and Nate joined us there.

Cory, Luke and myself gave a presentation to the love of learner's center. We did all sorts of fun science things with a balloon. Luke did his famous display of putting a balloon in fire without having it pop, and stabbing a skewer inside a balloon without it popping. I did some static electricity experiments with a soda can and made all of their hair (and mine) stand on end. Then Cory stood on top of a bunch of balloons without them popping. The kids were SO attentive! Most kids start losing their interest after about 10-15 minutes, but these kids were focused and engaged for the full hour we were there. I was so impressed!!



This is before we started, they were a little excited. There was a lot of energy in that room!

This is the day after we got home. I love this picture! Mark LOVES his Dad and runs up to him whenever Dad comes home.


Spring is here!!! I love spring!! I don't like the allergies that my kids and that Cory gets. It almost wipes them out!


This is in Toquerville. We were driving down the road with I snapped the picture. I really like how it turned out.

This is my plum tree. Thankfully when it snowed the other day I didn't loose my blossoms! I was SO worried!

This concludes this edition of blog-whatever-you-want!!!
Have a great day everyone!

Birthday happenings

My birthday was a few weeks ago but I had so much fun with my family that I wanted to show off their awesomeness. Besides that...how often do you get to go to Chuckie Cheese as an adult for your pre-birthday!

My OLDER sister.

Anna is a fierce competitor! I had no idea! And she won everything without making us feel like the losers we are! Woo Anna!


Mark on the Barney train..he liked it way to much.


Ray and Anna...can you tell we are all related???

With my Dad..Love you Dad!

On the way to Vegas, where the family was gathering, it was snowing here and as we passed through the gorge, the snow clouds were low and very lovely. Needless to say when we arrived at Vegas, it was sunny and warm!!

That night we enjoyed cake for me and my dad, and we had fun with the plethora of sparklers that my brother had collected. My brother is a conductor for a symphony and had them perform my FAVORITE song at their concert that night. How lucky am I?!?!?!

On my actual birthday, we went hiking up and Zion. We even saw some wild turkeys.

Then Cory made me my FAVORITE treat-jalapeno poppers! Ohhhh they are so good!!!
Thanks hun! It was a great way to celebrate becoming middle aged. :)

Something fun in the mail!

In December Cory took his last final at Dixie State College. He turned in his last paper in, had one last argument with his professors, and drove away. It doesn't seem that long ago that he finished his associates degree, but at the same time it has seemed like FOREVER ago when he started. I have loved watching Cory learn and grow at school. He would question his professors and write papers about unconventional topics. When he questioned the righteousness public school system in a debate class my heart soared with pride!! Of course he had to defend the public schools and that was eye opening as well..lol.. When he did an observation in our local commonwealth (not a public school by the way...) it became obvious that his professor did not have the same point of view with Cory. I loved being there as Cory discovered what he believed from his professors and what he did not. How he would study in depth on a topic that would come up even though there was no paper due or assignment about the specific topic. I love how he would analyze the different points of views taught and loved a great discussion in class and with fellow classmates. I loved it that, even when he was a senior, he would still ask me to check over his papers. I only have an associates and he was studying things way out of my league.

Cory received his bachelor's degree in the mail and I drove it up to him at work. He worked so hard for it!! He earned about an overall 3.87 GPA (might be a little higher..I don't remember...) and was the student of the semester.

Way to go hun!!! I am so thrilled for your success in school!! To think, 5 years ago you were overwhelmed in math class and nervous to turn in your first paper. Now you have aced statistics, algebra, and turned in who knows how many hundreds of pages of papers.

What a great adventure this has been!! I am so excited for the next one!! Love you!