Saturday, May 28, 2011

Apron of the Week--Christmas Eve


In our family, Christmas Day is very informal. It begins very early with excited children ready to empty their stockings and open their presents. We have a delicious breakfast that usually includes cinnamon rolls, eggs, bacon, hot cocoa and orange juice. We listen to Christmas music, watch a bit of the parade on television, and enjoy our gifts. Around 2 pm we have an early Christmas Dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, jello salad, butterhorns, Ginger Ale, Cherry Seven-Up, chocolate pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and coconut pie. We eat, relax, and enjoy each other's company. There are board games, movies, and tossing the football around in the yard.

Christmas Eve is a more formal affair. We have a prime rib roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, German Chocolate cake, Red Velvet cake, and Sparking Apple Cider. We read the Christmas Story from Luke and ponder on the marvelous occurrence of our Savior's birth. We listen to Christmas music and watch Christmas movies while we sip our hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream. We read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore. We gather around the piano and sing carols and soak up the bubbling excitement of the children.

On Christmas Eve, I wear a formal apron for this formal occasion. It is a lovely red satin with a red lacy overlay. It is decorated with red sequins and is truly a grand lady of an apron. It is my pleasure to share it with you!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Cousin's Camp 2011

Each year we try to have a week or so of "Cousin's Camp". This is a time for the family to get together and have fun. Sometimes we do activities, go out to eat, watch movies, or just hang out together. It is a great time for the children to strengthen their relationships with each other. It is always enjoyable and exhausting! This year for Cousin's Camp we went to a park, played water games, had Noah's baptism, and went on an airboat ride in the bayou. Tomorrow we have a birthday party at Chuck e Cheese and swimming at the pool. Then on Wednesday, Jeff is taking the older ones to play Laser Tag.

It has been a very full house. Besides Jeff, me, and our own six children, we have had my parents, Jeff's parents, my sister and her eight children, Rachel, Travis, and Eloise for a grand total of 24! Fortunately we have had the space with this house. I am certainly grateful for it at times like these. (Please forgive the mess in this picture! All the children were holed up in the media room to sleep--and it shows! ;). Luke and Andrew were napping and not in the picture.)



We had a wonderful time Friday night. The adults went to Bocage and Houmas House. It was very enjoyable to spend time together and enjoy each other's company. This was especially true of Noah's baptism. I am so proud of Noah and his decision to be baptized. I know his Heavenly Father is so very proud of him, too. He was eager to make this special covenant and my heart is so full of happiness at his faith. What a blessing he is! Jeff and I stayed later for the Ellis' children's baptisms. It was sweet to see them make this special choice. When we got home, Noah had a "low episode" and the boys saw him almost have a seizure. It was the first time they had ever witnessed it and I think they have a better understanding of how serious diabetes is. He recovered quickly after we fed him grapes and soda--not the best to bring someone up from lows, but it was readily available. We took pictures and enjoyed the rest of the evening together.


Noah is thrilled to be a Cub Scout. He is working on his Bobcat now--and loving every minute of it! I know that he will excel at this program. It really fits his outdoors-loving personality perfectly. Even though many days are so tiring--as I look at how precious these children are--I am so grateful for the privilege of being their mother.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Apron of the Week--Birthday Party Apron


May is a very special month in our family. Three of our six beautiful children were born in May. John John was born on the 2nd, Noah on the 22nd, and Seth on the 29th. This translates to a lot of birthday cake during this month. By the time Seth's special day rolls around I am tempted to ask, "Wouldn't you like a birthday PIE?" But, I don't do that, because each child is precious and sharing a tradition like birthday cake shouldn't be denied. Now, if HE decides one of these years that he would prefer a pie, I will be happy to oblige! :)

Because we are right in the middle of what I call "Birthday Season", I would like to share my "Birthday Apron" with you. It features an adorable scene with a mix of six kittens and puppies anxiously awaiting their birthday treat. It is a festive scene and a very fun apron. I love the colorful polka dots and the general sense of happiness and celebration this apron portrays. I wear it on birthdays, so this apron gets worn 8 times a year. What delightful memories are made--and they are associated with this thin piece of cloth! When I pull the "Birthday Apron" out, it is as if I am pulling out memories of birthdays past with it.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Apron of the Week


(I started this post yesterday, but with technical issues at Blogger I am posting it today)

Those of you who know me know that I LOVE aprons. My collection now contains about 50 items. I actually get a couple requests per week to see them; so, I decided on Thursdays I will do an "Apron of the Week" post. I might miss one here or there, but I will try to stay consistent.

For this inaugural post I have chosen one of my most favorite aprons. I call it my "New-Year's-Eve-Party-Don't-Do-Any-Work-In-This-Just-Look-Pretty" Apron. It is truly a work of art. It is a half apron made of a lustrous champagne colored satin with a delicately embroidered overlay. Can you say GORGEOUS? It is spectacularly lovely...

This fine piece of art is not to be used as a towel for sticky fingers or to wipe children's runny noses. No, the sole purpose of this beautiful object is to be admired...preferably from afar...or behind glass...and NEVER worn while serving anything that might stain.

Useful? Probably not. Beautiful? Most Certainly. Nothing like a fantastic apron to outshine the dress it covers...

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Mother's Love


I am eternally grateful for the love of a wonderful mother. She has taught me that giving yourself to the care and nurturing of others brings it's own blessings and rewards.

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
"No one should ever underestimate the profound power of a mother’s love. Not ever.” These are the words of Steve Mikita, who was born with a muscle disease that has confined him to a wheelchair for more than five decades.

His earliest memory is not about being frustrated that he could not stand, walk, ride a bicycle, or kneel to pray. His earliest memory, he writes, is "of being kissed—a lot—by my mother. . . . In her arms, I experienced the priceless gift of a mother’s love.”

Every day until Steve was 18 and left for college, his mother was the first to greet him in the morning and the last to say goodnight, and she arose three or four times each night to turn him from one side to another. "She did it all, and without a single complaint,” he remembers. "She did it gladly and cheerfully. I was never made to feel that I was a burden. Rather, I was her son, and she viewed the service she gave to me as a gift and a privilege.”

His mother, and countless others, give all they have to their children. In ways large and small, day after day, they sacrifice and serve; they demonstrate courage, confidence, and faith. They willingly walk into the valley of the shadow of death to give birth and then continue to give life and love all their days. No mother is perfect, but most do their best to nurture, teach, and love.

Steve Mikita says of his mother, who passed away decades ago: "Without her love, I would never have come to know [God’s] love. Without her at my side during trial after trial, I would not have approached my life with a muscle disease with as much optimism, resolve, and resilience as I have. . . . It was she who taught me to believe there is purpose in trials. . . . Her love filled the gaps. Her love was my strength.”1

May the Lord bless and keep such mothers.

Hope of a Coming Day


This was actually delivered on Easter Sunday; but, I find it very appropriate after the tornados that ravaged the South--particularly the area around my hometown in Alabama...

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
Thousands of years ago, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed the Lord’s great promise of a coming day: "Beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3). To all who face the ugly realities of life, to any who mourn the loss of a loved one, to all who feel the weight of life’s burdens, consider the glorious promise of an empty tomb: what once was dead is alive, what once was broken is whole, what once was lost is found.

One older couple experienced these realities in a personal way when their home caught fire and burned to the ground. Shocked and saddened, the couple began the painful process of rebuilding their home and their lives. They will tell you that it wasn’t easy, but all along the way they were comforted by thoughtful neighbors, caring friends, and devoted family members. They tried to remember their blessings and focus on what matters most.

They came to know that even in times of trial, against what seemed like overwhelming challenges, life goes on. No matter how dark the night, the sun rises again in the morning. No matter how deep the ashes, they can give rise to beauty. And any burden, no matter how heavy, can ultimately be lifted.

Even though life can be hard at times, we can trust divine promises and hold on to the hope of a coming day. On a spring day never to be forgotten, simple words with the most profound message were spoken. Those words, uttered in a garden near an empty tomb some two thousand years ago, still resound in our hearts with hope and sweet assurance: "He is not here: for he is risen” (Matthew 28:6).

Sunday, May 8, 2011

On Mothers


Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever--Author Unknown


Mother's Day means more to me now than ever. My first experiences with Mother's Day were those as a child. I made my mother cards featuring my hand prints as flowers or butterflies. I sang "Mother, I Love You" with the other children during Sacrament Meeting. I gave her kisses and hugs and participated in the general festive spirit.

As I got older, I truly began to appreciate all that she had sacrificed for me. I bought her "nicer" gifts, though, I am sure, not as meaningful or as precious to her as those earlier gifts from the heart. Then, on March 6, 2000--I became a mother with the birth of my son, Adam. Mother's Day took on a new meaning then. I realized that although I appreciated my mother and the many, many things she did for me, I truly did not understand the extent of her sacrifices. The pregnancy, labor and delivery were difficult things; but being a mother is much more than giving birth to a baby. There are sicknesses, accidents, arguments, dirty clothes, wet sheets, diseases, scraped knees, vaccinations, hurt feelings, broken dishes, spilled tears, tracked dirt, and broken hearts. A mother soothes all of these bumps in life. Her gentle touch and kind word acts as a salve to an injured spirit and provides a soft place to fall.

I have been blessed with six wonderful children. Now it is my turn to receive these precious handmade gifts. I get sweet coupons for promised services, pictures drawn by budding artists, and little flowers plucked from outside. At times like this, when I can feel their love so strongly and see it reflected so clearly in their eyes I feel the luckiest of women.

My heart hurts for those women who yearn to be mothers and haven't gotten to have a child. Yet, my heart knows that ALL women can mother. Many women who haven't been blessed with children of their own act as mothers to the children around them. Their nurturing spirits can bless the lives of all the children they come into contact with.

So, even though I might complain about something my children may have said or done, I am so grateful for the privilege of being their mother. I am honored to have their special spirits in our family. I am blessed to hear their laughter and see their goodness. Every stretch mark, every pound, every sleepless night is WORTH IT!

The sweetest sounds to mortals given
Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.
~William Goldsmith Brown

Friday, May 6, 2011

The Trip to Salt Lake City


My mother arrived at 10:30 or so on Wednesday evening. She was there to watch over my babies while I went to my very first writer's conference EVER!! The next morning, Jeff dropped Jill and me off at the airport. We cruised through security and made our way onto the airplane. We had no problems and arrived in Houston in time. With such a short layover, we were unable to get breakfast. We were SO hungry. Fortunately, Continental/United had their snack boxes available.

Jill had talked about a particular snack box before. She was very happy to find that this particular snack box was still being served. She bought one and I bought two just in case we needed snacks for our hotel room. We were not disappointed in this snack box! It is called Tapas and contained 3 different kinds of crackers, a parmesan cheese spread, a marinated artichoke and red pepper topping, garden vegetable hummus, olives, and a very stong (thank goodness! :) ) yummy, anise-flavored mint. The snack box was very filling and delicious. We were surprised to find it was only 553 calories...I'll take that!! :)

Our flight to Salt Lake City was pleasant. We visited and I finished Betsy Brannon Green's "Murder By Design". (Very good!). We caught a quick shuttle to our hotel and were able to check in early. We were hungry and decided to have an early Cinco de Mayo Dinner at Red Iguana. The food was fine--not the best I've had but good for Salt Lake City I was told. The non-alcoholic Pina Colada was delicious. We called the shuttle and rode back to the hotel. We were towards the back of the shuttle and felt every bump--occasionally coming off of our seats. Who needs Disney World, we joked!

I showered and turned in early, sleeping over 9 hours. That was awesome! We just woke, dressed, and enjoyed a continental breakfast. Conference begins soon!!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Week of the Field Trip (Part 2)


With all that has happened recently--the tornados, the death of Osama Bin Laden, etc.--I had not taken the time to convey my experiences with Noah on his class field trip. We were to visit LSU. We met at Mike the Tiger's habitat. It is a very nice area with a pool, waterfall, lots of grass, and several trees. He is behind two fences and a plexi-glass like partition (this is by the pool so that visitors can see him swimming). We enjoyed watching him pace back and forth and even swim a little. i'm glad the pool is there to keep him cooler in warmer weather. Noah was excited to be so close to a live tiger. We went to the gift shop beside the habitat and Noah picked out a stuffed tiger he named "Mike" (very original! ;) But it is much better than the name he originally picked out that rhymes with "hootchie" and starts with a "c". For some reason that name seemed wrong--and it was!--and I convinced him to choose another. I am very satisfied with "Mike").

After spending time at the habitat we toured the stadium. The children had a nice time watching a video presentation about LSU football. We were able to tour the locker room (very large, carpeted, and a little smelly) and see their hall of champions. I got a photograph of their national championship trophy because Nick Saban was coach at the time...Roll Tide! Then we were able to go through the tunnel and out onto the field. The kids loved this. They raced the 100 yards back and forth and really enjoyed the experience.

After the stadium, the children were free to go off with their chaperones. Noah and I visited the Indian Mounds, the Greek Theatre, and the Natural History Museum. Noah especially loved the museum with it's stuffed animals. We then broke for lunch which was a picnic on the parade grounds.

I really appreciated this one on one time with my Noah. He is a sweet, affectionate child and i truly feel so blessed to have the privilege of being his mommy!

Monday, May 2, 2011

This Bittersweet Week in Review



On Tuesday I left earlier for my trip to Alabama then planned in order to get ahead of an upcoming storm. I was told that the next day or so would bring with it serious weather. I hurriedly packed, loaded the children into the van, cancelled my nail appointment, and got on the road. The first hour or so was rainy and I was fearful of what the drive would bring. However, after that first hour, we had beautiful weather to travel in and I was very grateful. I arrived at my parent's house ready to enjoy our Spring Break. My father said that we had bad weather coming, though, and so we did what we could to prepare to go to the shelter.


My parents live in a mobile home. They had scheduled it to be moved on May 2nd in preparation for the construction of their home. Because mobile homes are very unsafe to be in during a tornado, my father built a shelter. I call it the "Hobbit Hole" because it is mostly underground with earth rounded over it. It is only similar to a real "Hobbit's" home in shape, however. Where Tolkien had imagined dry, cheerful, cozy habitations, our Hobbit Hole is quite the opposite. I have to say that I hate it! It is built of cross ties and is dark, damp and smelly. However, during a tornado, I LOVE that Hobbit Hole!! I was very thankful to have a place to go with my parents and children that would offer us protection from the raging winds.


As it would turn out, we would use that shelter on two separate occasions. The first was at 5 am on Wednesday, April 27th. We grabbed our prepared bags containing diapers, wipes, Noah's insulin kit, flashlights, water, snacks, etc. We roused the children and hurriedly carried them outside and into the shelter. It was a tense hour as we sat there in the near dark. The children were understandably irritable. It was not a pleasant experience. After the storm had passed, we returned to the house with grateful hearts and happy that we had survived what we thought was the worst. Unfortunately, the worst was yet to come.

Mother and I drove around to see how extensive the damage was. Our electricity had gone out during the storm, and we had no idea how long we would have to go without it. We were dismayed to find many, many trees down. Power lines laced the road. There were many places that were uncrossable. We were very sad to hear that there were 5 deaths related to the storm, and once again were very grateful for our safety.

While we were out, we heard that there was another line of storms headed for us. This seemed incongruous with the calm weather we were experiencing. I now really understand the phrase, "calm before the storm". Our power came back on around 1 pm. We only lost power for about 8 hours--and during the morning to early afternoon--arguably the best possible time during dangerous weather to have to go without electricity . Then, we heard about the tornado assaulting Tuscaloosa. We hurried the children back into the shelter. My father came down and said that it was the worst tornado he had ever seen; this is saying a lot as he spent 20 years in the Navy as a weatherman. We waited, our hearts pounding, for the bad weather to hit. There was only a light sprinkle of rain here and there. The trees were almost swirling and we expected the worst. We saw very dark clouds moving to the north of us--later realizing that this was the terrible storm that had already caused so much death and destruction and had more in her path.

Throughout the weather, I used my Iphone to stay in touch with those around me via Facebook. I heard of the damage around us and I was very fearful of what else would be discovered. I called my brother, Shane, to check on him and his wife and little boy. I didn't get an answer and was very fearful for their safety. Shane later called me and recounted his experience in the storm. He had been at work at Longhorn Steakhouse in Midtown. He heard the tornado as it made its way down McFarland Boulevard. Once he realized that it would not hit him directly, he went outside to watch. He says it was just horrible. After it had passed he ran to see what he could do to help. There was destruction everywhere. He saw a badly injured man on a board. There would not be time to wait for an ambulance. He offered his truck and they loaded the poor man onto the truck bed, and with a police escort my hero brother drove him the short distance to DCH (Druid City Hospital). Two other men in the collapsed house that this man had been pulled out of were not as fortunate. They were already dead. I feel so terrible that my brother had to endure this scene of horror. It is bad enough for trained doctors and trauma nurses, but for everyday people it is truly devastating. We would later learn that at least 50 people would die in Tuscaloosa due to this tornado, with 1000+ injured, and hundreds still missing. The storm continued on, claiming more lives and property.

I had looked forward to watching the Royal Wedding, but due to the weather related conditions I only managed to catch the highlights. I was pleased with what I saw. Princess Katherine is very likable and I loved how modest and graceful her dress was. My friend Becky McCain was to be married to her sweetheart, Steve Ennis, on Saturday, April 30. This was up in the air, now, and we waited hoping that they would be able to be sealed. Fortunately, things were able to go as smoothly as possible. It was so wonderful to be able to see Becky be married to her beau. It was a lovely, life-affirming ceremony. It was truly a bright spot in the week.

Church on Sunday was charged. Teams were sent out to gauge the needs in the Pleasant Grove/Concord area. This is all in preparation for the Mormons Helping Hands outreach that will begin this week. For 4-6 weeks teams from across the Southeast will gather in affected areas to clear debris, cut and remove trees, make whatever repairs possible, and generally administer to the needs of those whose lives have forever been impacted by this storm.

We drove home Sunday afternoon/evening. I saw posted on Facebook that the President was going to make an important announcement regarding National Security. When the news got out that Osama Bin Laden was dead, I was elated. How much death and misery had he brought into this world? The tornado had done it's terrible damage, but it was not an intentional, premeditated attack. Osama and Al Qaeda did their destruction intentionally. I was so glad that he was forever denied any more opportunity to wreak havoc on this earth. His time is over--thanks to America and her servicemen and women.

So now, a new week has started. My sweet little John John turns six today. I am so glad that such wonderful news started this day off right.

Happy Birthday, John!