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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Greeting 2008
There is always too many pictures to share and too much to say at this time of year. I will have to update this in a bit, but for now, here is the Christmas greeting that was sent out this year....and yes, I do know what year it is...but I guess I am just looking forward to what 2009 will bring! (sorry for the typo)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Halloween at the Householders
The night couldn't come soon enough! The boy's would have worn their costumes every day if they could have! Thanks to Grandma Householder for the fantastic and EXTREMELY well-liked costumes (by the neighbors as well as the boys)! They were both a hit with all the neighbors!
Enjoy the slideshow!
Enjoy the slideshow!
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Monday, October 27, 2008
What I'm up to lately...
This link here pretty much explains it all...
iLearningglobal.tv
It is something that I believe in (continuous learning and improvement) and something that I hope will bless my family's life as I share it with others.
If you know of anyone that would appreciate what is offered by this online success education community, let me know! :)
Of course, this is what I try to squeeze in, in-between the diaper changes, meals and fun with my kids!
iLearningglobal.tv
It is something that I believe in (continuous learning and improvement) and something that I hope will bless my family's life as I share it with others.
If you know of anyone that would appreciate what is offered by this online success education community, let me know! :)
Of course, this is what I try to squeeze in, in-between the diaper changes, meals and fun with my kids!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I did it!!!
Well, today was a day of accomplishment for me. So, I had to share the joy!
First, I exercised on our 3-year-old, brand new NordicTrak treadmill for this first time in about...hmmmm....2 years? And it was only the second time I have used it! THAT is an accomplishment! Yes, 3 years old...we have had it that long...bought it brand new. That alone would have made this day one to remember.
Second, I actually succeeded in having enough patience to allow my boys to help me clean the yard this morning and it was fun! :) If they are going to learn the value of hard work and enjoying the fruits of your labors, they have to labor! So, they helped me rake up all the dead leaves, pick them up and put them in the garbage and then I let them try out the blower (we have to blow our yard free of all the stuff that falls on the ground because we have "LOVELY" desert landscaping - i.e. ROCKS! for our "lawn". :) I felt I made a step forward in teaching my children the way I really want to, which sometimes clashed with my desire to just get the job done!
Next, I made it through another frustrating day of "I don't want to take a nap!"
***SIGH*****
And, Shawn and I performed "minor" surgery on my thumb where I accidentally got a cactus spine stuck in it from cleaning the yard this morning. OUCH! We had to use a razor blade to cut my thumb open a bit to get deep enough to pull it out. Shawn said I was brave. :) So, I say, "I did it!"
Last the best of all - I canned butter!!!!
Isn't it beautiful? It was really easy, but required some constant attention. You melt the butter, then slow boil it, then simmer for 5 or more minutes. Then pour/ladle in to hot jars (in oven at 250 degrees for 20 minutes). Then put the lid on (after sitting in steamy hot water). Proceed to shake every so often until the jars are just barely warm. Put in the fridge, shake them well every 5 minutes until hard. Refrigerate for at least one hour and VOILA!!! You have canned butter that should last at least 3 years!
The best part was finally crossing it off my list. But, of course, it will get put back on it again because I still have more waiting to can in my freezer! Now....where it is going to be stored? THAT is the question of the century! Just for fun....here is a picture of my kitchen!
Yep! We've finally got our food storage - and that isn't all of it! YIKES! But there is definitely a peace to knowing that if for some reason food becomes extremely expensive (not so hard to believe right now) or something, we will have food for our family.
Anyway....that was a tangent...well, not really because accomplishing the acquisition of a healthy long term food storage is definitely something to say "I did it!" about. :)
First, I exercised on our 3-year-old, brand new NordicTrak treadmill for this first time in about...hmmmm....2 years? And it was only the second time I have used it! THAT is an accomplishment! Yes, 3 years old...we have had it that long...bought it brand new. That alone would have made this day one to remember.
Second, I actually succeeded in having enough patience to allow my boys to help me clean the yard this morning and it was fun! :) If they are going to learn the value of hard work and enjoying the fruits of your labors, they have to labor! So, they helped me rake up all the dead leaves, pick them up and put them in the garbage and then I let them try out the blower (we have to blow our yard free of all the stuff that falls on the ground because we have "LOVELY" desert landscaping - i.e. ROCKS! for our "lawn". :) I felt I made a step forward in teaching my children the way I really want to, which sometimes clashed with my desire to just get the job done!
Next, I made it through another frustrating day of "I don't want to take a nap!"
***SIGH*****
And, Shawn and I performed "minor" surgery on my thumb where I accidentally got a cactus spine stuck in it from cleaning the yard this morning. OUCH! We had to use a razor blade to cut my thumb open a bit to get deep enough to pull it out. Shawn said I was brave. :) So, I say, "I did it!"
Last the best of all - I canned butter!!!!
Isn't it beautiful? It was really easy, but required some constant attention. You melt the butter, then slow boil it, then simmer for 5 or more minutes. Then pour/ladle in to hot jars (in oven at 250 degrees for 20 minutes). Then put the lid on (after sitting in steamy hot water). Proceed to shake every so often until the jars are just barely warm. Put in the fridge, shake them well every 5 minutes until hard. Refrigerate for at least one hour and VOILA!!! You have canned butter that should last at least 3 years!
The best part was finally crossing it off my list. But, of course, it will get put back on it again because I still have more waiting to can in my freezer! Now....where it is going to be stored? THAT is the question of the century! Just for fun....here is a picture of my kitchen!
Yep! We've finally got our food storage - and that isn't all of it! YIKES! But there is definitely a peace to knowing that if for some reason food becomes extremely expensive (not so hard to believe right now) or something, we will have food for our family.
Anyway....that was a tangent...well, not really because accomplishing the acquisition of a healthy long term food storage is definitely something to say "I did it!" about. :)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Alyssa's Blessing Day
Alyssa finally received her baby blessing today - one day shy of her 3-month birthday! Shawn gave her a very beautiful, inspired blessing. There were many who made comments about how beautiful it was. Those who stood in the circle were: Shawn, Shawn's father, Paul Householder, his brother Trevan, brother-in-law Eric, Bishop Scott Sandberg and Stu Manning who is a good friend of ours (and his beautiful & wonderful wife Susy) from our ward. I wish my father, John, and brother, Kent and my brothers-in-law Brian and Lanny could have participated, but the travel is a bit far from Utah. :\
She was just perfect and looked so beautiful in her blessing dress! We have both been looking forward to the day and Shawn has been meditating and fasted today for the inspiration to know what things were to be said in the blessing. Susy Manning actually caught much of it word for word and gave it to me afterward. I was sooo grateful because I have a hearing loss to begin with, and Shawn's voice is so low and quiet I had a hard time hearing him and the boy holding the microphone kept moving it farther and farther away from his mouth! :( So, I was kinda sad that I didn't hear most of it very well.
Some of the things she was blessed with included:
*The gift of Charity
*A testimony of the Book of Mormon, the Resurrection, Restoration and Joseph Smith
*She will be a blessing and a light to those around her
*That she will seek after that which is good and beneficial and the guidance of the Spirit
*As we live in a troubled world, that she will have the faith of her fathers
*Strong and healthy mind and body
*Peace of the Spirit and joy
*She will go to the temple and be sealed with a choice companion
*She will serve others and bless their lives
*She was saved to come forth in these latter days (in these troubled times) for a specific reason, which the Lord would make known to her at a later time
*Blessed to be prepared to do that which is desired of the Lord and that she will have wisdom and strength to accomplish those things
I'm sure there were a few other things said, but this is most of it. We are so very grateful to have her in our family and I am soooo happy and grateful to have a daughter! She continues to be a delight and brings much happiness and joy to all of us!
We love you beautiful Alyssa!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
A Close Call
Well, living here in Arizona we really like swimming pools. My second son, McKay, is especially drawn to water...anywhere, anytime! Well, we went to my friend's swimming pool today and he didn't want to wait for me to put on his arm floaties. So, while I and my friend had our backs to the pool (and I had already asked him to stay out of the pool until I had them on him)he decided he couldn't wait.
He got in without his floaties! :(
I'm not really sure how long he was under the water, but my friend turned around first to discover him just by the edge of the pool, standing on the bottom with his head just under the water - eyes and mouth open!
You think you will always know what to do in such a situation or assume how you would react - jump in and pull him out(or in this case it would have been lifted/thrown him out since he was so close to the side of the pool). Well, we both just were bending over trying to reach down to grab his arms and pull him up and out. We couldn't reach him as quickly and easily as we thought we could. All the time, I just couldn't believe this had happened! The thought to jump in didn't even cross my mind! DUH!!!!!!!!
WHAT WAS I THINKING?
I guess this just goes to show that in such critical situations, your brain kinda shuts off or something.
Well, we finally reached him arms and pulled him out. Thank goodness he wasn't swallowing or trying to breath under the water - he didn't cough much at all - just took a really big breath once he was out. Have you heard of dry drowning? It happens when you have inhaled enough water so that it settles in your lungs and blocks the lungs ability to absorb oxygen. So, since he wasn't coughing, I hoped this wouldn't be a possibility.
I was soooo grateful that he was safe and that we found him in time. Ethan and my friend's daughter Makayla didn't even realize it had happened.
You can bet that we won't ever go near a pool without McKay having his floaties on first again!!!
He got in without his floaties! :(
I'm not really sure how long he was under the water, but my friend turned around first to discover him just by the edge of the pool, standing on the bottom with his head just under the water - eyes and mouth open!
You think you will always know what to do in such a situation or assume how you would react - jump in and pull him out(or in this case it would have been lifted/thrown him out since he was so close to the side of the pool). Well, we both just were bending over trying to reach down to grab his arms and pull him up and out. We couldn't reach him as quickly and easily as we thought we could. All the time, I just couldn't believe this had happened! The thought to jump in didn't even cross my mind! DUH!!!!!!!!
WHAT WAS I THINKING?
I guess this just goes to show that in such critical situations, your brain kinda shuts off or something.
Well, we finally reached him arms and pulled him out. Thank goodness he wasn't swallowing or trying to breath under the water - he didn't cough much at all - just took a really big breath once he was out. Have you heard of dry drowning? It happens when you have inhaled enough water so that it settles in your lungs and blocks the lungs ability to absorb oxygen. So, since he wasn't coughing, I hoped this wouldn't be a possibility.
I was soooo grateful that he was safe and that we found him in time. Ethan and my friend's daughter Makayla didn't even realize it had happened.
You can bet that we won't ever go near a pool without McKay having his floaties on first again!!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
A Day In the Life of a Caterpillar
About a month ago, during a trip to the library, Ethan said he wanted to get books on caterpillars and butterflies. So, we got several and looked at a few of them. :) Every now and then we come across more pictures of caterpillars and butterflies and the joy of learning continues.
Well, today, a boy that was playing with Ethan and McKay happened to point out a little green curled up caterpillar that was laying inside the scooper of a toy bulldozer on our back patio! Oh, the joy! :) A while back, Jack In the Box was giving little bug jars in their kids meals. Usually, I just toss the toys we get in kids' meals (especially McDonalds'....we don't go there much anymore anyway...hate the food.) Well, I happened to think well enough to keep this one! Perfect opportunity to use it! We scooped it up and put it in the jar with a little leaf.
Here is Ethan with the caterpillar right after we found it.
Ethan just about didn't let it out of his sight all day. He even created this little "home" for the caterpiller and his family and named him after his friend Ethan Webb!
Here is his "house" - he is underneath it all with the leaves. :)
He took it with him in the car while we ran a few quick errands and he wanted to take it with him to bed for his nap! I told him that the little guy needed some air and he might die! So, a little while after Ethan woke up from his nap, he came in to my bedroom where I was feeding Alyssa and he said, "I've decided that my caterpillar needs to turn into a butterfly. I want him to live." So, I told him to take it outside and set him down by the tree.
I have to admit that it was such a thrill for me to watch my son become so enamored with a living thing and care for it like he did! It made me realize that although we don't get through all the books we check out, something still sticks and sinks in!
Well, today, a boy that was playing with Ethan and McKay happened to point out a little green curled up caterpillar that was laying inside the scooper of a toy bulldozer on our back patio! Oh, the joy! :) A while back, Jack In the Box was giving little bug jars in their kids meals. Usually, I just toss the toys we get in kids' meals (especially McDonalds'....we don't go there much anymore anyway...hate the food.) Well, I happened to think well enough to keep this one! Perfect opportunity to use it! We scooped it up and put it in the jar with a little leaf.
Here is Ethan with the caterpillar right after we found it.
Ethan just about didn't let it out of his sight all day. He even created this little "home" for the caterpiller and his family and named him after his friend Ethan Webb!
Here is his "house" - he is underneath it all with the leaves. :)
He took it with him in the car while we ran a few quick errands and he wanted to take it with him to bed for his nap! I told him that the little guy needed some air and he might die! So, a little while after Ethan woke up from his nap, he came in to my bedroom where I was feeding Alyssa and he said, "I've decided that my caterpillar needs to turn into a butterfly. I want him to live." So, I told him to take it outside and set him down by the tree.
I have to admit that it was such a thrill for me to watch my son become so enamored with a living thing and care for it like he did! It made me realize that although we don't get through all the books we check out, something still sticks and sinks in!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Snips & Snails and Puppy Dog Tails....
"That's what little boys are made of..." or so the saying goes. Mine seem to just be made of pure 100% boy energy!!! How do I ever keep up? Discipline has been my main focus over the last three weeks. I have realized I have many problems to "un-do" that I have created by being inconsistent among other things. Although I have heard about "Love and Logic Parenting" a lot, I had never read the book until my friend Mandy Masters loaned me hers....and JUST IN TIME! I started using the methods immediately and they have made a huge difference! Let the natural consequences teach and discipline (insofar as possible) and present choices, show empathy for sad choices and try your BEST to not show negative emotions. It's not always easy...but it has made a big difference for me.
Ethan and McKay are best friends. McKay adores his big brother and often repeats his words and actions verbatim. Ummmmmm........hoping that is just a stage since I know that McKay is definitely a different boy than Ethan. Ethan is great, but McKay isn't Ethan. :)
We have enjoyed swimming lessons and swimming in our community pool, trips to the zoo, the play yard inside the mall, the Hall of Flame Firefighting museum (we have a family membership) and just running errands. They are always saying to me, "Mom, I wanna go somewhere!" Little did I know that I was passing on my tendency to not be able to just sit still and hang out when I was toting them around to do all my errands. Errands aren't so fun anymore now that I have THREE to tag along with me. :\
Anyway....here are some fun pictures of my boys drinking in the joys of life!
Ethan and McKay are best friends. McKay adores his big brother and often repeats his words and actions verbatim. Ummmmmm........hoping that is just a stage since I know that McKay is definitely a different boy than Ethan. Ethan is great, but McKay isn't Ethan. :)
We have enjoyed swimming lessons and swimming in our community pool, trips to the zoo, the play yard inside the mall, the Hall of Flame Firefighting museum (we have a family membership) and just running errands. They are always saying to me, "Mom, I wanna go somewhere!" Little did I know that I was passing on my tendency to not be able to just sit still and hang out when I was toting them around to do all my errands. Errands aren't so fun anymore now that I have THREE to tag along with me. :\
Anyway....here are some fun pictures of my boys drinking in the joys of life!
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Every mother should have a little girl
This is something I have heard non-stop from old to young mothers. I must agree! I just wish she would grow a little slower!!! I don't know why this amazes me so much, since I have already seen my two boys grow so fast. I definitely am enjoying our sweet Alyssa and having lots of fun dressing her in "girly" clothes.
She is sleeping through the night and has been known to sleep up to 10 hours! (You will see from her photos that I am starving her to death by letting her sleep so long!) She was a true camper since she didn't seem the least bothered by the cold nights and slept right through her rowdy brothers' morning antics at 6:00 a.m.
We are thoroughly enjoying watching her take on her own "look" and lose the newborn look. Her eyes are becoming a beautiful deep blue and her eyelashes look like they are on their way to being just like McKay's - REALLY long! Her smile is easily shown and she loves to wake up in the morning as the videos will attest to.
We love our little girl!!!
She is sleeping through the night and has been known to sleep up to 10 hours! (You will see from her photos that I am starving her to death by letting her sleep so long!) She was a true camper since she didn't seem the least bothered by the cold nights and slept right through her rowdy brothers' morning antics at 6:00 a.m.
We are thoroughly enjoying watching her take on her own "look" and lose the newborn look. Her eyes are becoming a beautiful deep blue and her eyelashes look like they are on their way to being just like McKay's - REALLY long! Her smile is easily shown and she loves to wake up in the morning as the videos will attest to.
We love our little girl!!!
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Annual Householder Campout on the Mogollon Rim
Just in case you didn't know, there is GREAT camping in Arizona aside from the Grand Canyon/Kaibab Forest. About 2 1/2 hours from us are beautiful forests and COOLER temperatures (YAY!). Every year for the last four years, the Householder clan has gathered to enjoy some R&R by camping on the Mogollon Rim in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This year we went the weekend after Labor Day. I love the outdoors and camping and it has definitely been passed on through the DNA to our boys!
My only complaint? We never stay long enough to make all the preparation and set up time worth it. :\
Here's a little slideshow of the few photos I caught while we were there. (Note: you will not see me in any of them...it would be tooooooo SCARY!!!!)
My only complaint? We never stay long enough to make all the preparation and set up time worth it. :\
Here's a little slideshow of the few photos I caught while we were there. (Note: you will not see me in any of them...it would be tooooooo SCARY!!!!)
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Sunday, August 3, 2008
Celebrating Alyssa's First Month of Life
Well, if I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times - TIME FLIES LIKE THE WIND!!! I cannot believe that my little girl is already one month old! I wanted to make this entry on her first month birthday, but that was impossible. Life is just crazy.
I thought my family and friends would enjoy seeing some updates of Alyssa since they aren't here to share in her growth and milestones. Hope you enjoy the slideshow!
I couldn't ask for a better baby as my third child. With two VERY energetic boys running around and calling for my attention, not to mention all the "administrative" matters that I am handling right now for our household, I don't have a lot of time. But Alyssa just eats, sleeps and enjoys a few wakeful moments throughout the day. Occasionally, she will have a bubble in her tummy that needs to get out and she might complain for a bit, but overall, she has been the "perfect" baby - she even started sleeping up to 5 or 6 hours at night at about 2 weeks. She has never been on the "every 2 or 3 hours" feeding schedule. Thank goodness!
Lately she has been sleeping through the night up to 8 hours. She is gaining weight and her jaundice is gone. She had to have two blood tests to check her bilirubin levels at her one week doctor's appt. The highest it reached was 15. (Ethan's level was 25 when we took him into the hospital to stay in the isolette under the lights....they start blood transfusions at about 28.)
I love dressing her in frilly and cute things. And I'm sure I'll enjoy doing some fun things with her hair once it is long enough!
Ethan and McKay continue to enjoy holding her and are always excited when she is awake..."I want to see her eyes!!!" McKay has had a few "roughness" issues with her, but overall, he is a great brother. :)
It is interesting how our family feels much more complete now that we have our little sister and daughter with us. It' s a bit more challenging for me, but Shawn has been a HUGE help to me in managing the boys at night, in the early morning when they wake up and on Saturdays. Thank you Shawn!
Stay tuned...I'm sure there will be more to share over time. Goodbye for now!
I thought my family and friends would enjoy seeing some updates of Alyssa since they aren't here to share in her growth and milestones. Hope you enjoy the slideshow!
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I couldn't ask for a better baby as my third child. With two VERY energetic boys running around and calling for my attention, not to mention all the "administrative" matters that I am handling right now for our household, I don't have a lot of time. But Alyssa just eats, sleeps and enjoys a few wakeful moments throughout the day. Occasionally, she will have a bubble in her tummy that needs to get out and she might complain for a bit, but overall, she has been the "perfect" baby - she even started sleeping up to 5 or 6 hours at night at about 2 weeks. She has never been on the "every 2 or 3 hours" feeding schedule. Thank goodness!
Lately she has been sleeping through the night up to 8 hours. She is gaining weight and her jaundice is gone. She had to have two blood tests to check her bilirubin levels at her one week doctor's appt. The highest it reached was 15. (Ethan's level was 25 when we took him into the hospital to stay in the isolette under the lights....they start blood transfusions at about 28.)
I love dressing her in frilly and cute things. And I'm sure I'll enjoy doing some fun things with her hair once it is long enough!
Ethan and McKay continue to enjoy holding her and are always excited when she is awake..."I want to see her eyes!!!" McKay has had a few "roughness" issues with her, but overall, he is a great brother. :)
It is interesting how our family feels much more complete now that we have our little sister and daughter with us. It' s a bit more challenging for me, but Shawn has been a HUGE help to me in managing the boys at night, in the early morning when they wake up and on Saturdays. Thank you Shawn!
Stay tuned...I'm sure there will be more to share over time. Goodbye for now!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
A Mother's Day Memory of My Mom: Yvonne Geniel Jackson
On this Mother's Day, instead of taking a nap which my body dearly needs (being 32 weeks pregnant) I feel a much greater need to remember and honor my own mother on this day.
My dearest mom and best friend, Yvonne Geniel Luckau Jackson, passed away from colon cancer when I was 18 years old. It has been 20 years and I now have lived longer without her in my life that I did with her in my life. That makes me realize a few things...first, I'm getting old! Second, time is so precious and passes oh so quickly that we must cherish every moment with our loved ones because we just don't ever know how much time we have with them.
I am so extremely grateful to Mom for the time that she always gave to me and the friendship that we enjoyed together. I have absolutely no negative memories of her (except for the time she slapped my face after I said a swear word...I was about 5 maybe? Obviously, I didn't know what I had said and you can bet that I NEVER said it again!) She was a classy, elegant, funny, kind, loving, intelligent, spiritual woman. Oh that I could raise my children in the same love and spirit that she raised me and my siblings! I can't express how many times I have longed to be able to call her on the phone and ask her "How do I deal with this? What did you do about that? How did you feel about this?" ...and the list could go on forever. I held so much respect for her and never wanted to do anything to displease her. If I did, I don't remember her expressing that feeling at all.
I have often contemplated about the music that I used to listen to as a teenager (80's...the best!) and wonder what she thought about me hearing some of the lyrics to those songs! Did she ever feel concerned? If so, she never expressed it. I think, instead, she chose to offer me other options that would help keep me close to what was right. She gave me my first church music tapes - Michael McLean "Stay With Me" and one by Roger somebody...can't remember the name now...but I loved them and I listed to them and my love for "hip" church music started right there and continues today. I think that she really trusted me, in my spirit and who I really was - and she trusted me to Heavenly Father as well.
Her support in my education was much the same. I never remember her forcing me to do anything or creating any feeling of "you have to get straight A's". If I got a "B" (which I don't remember getting many of anyway) she would ask if I had done my best. If I said I had, then it was enough. I do remember her helping me on occasion with a few projects, but I never felt it was for "her glory"...it wasn't to benefit her need to have a child that excelled - it was just to show her support and desire to help me.
Some of my most cherished and dear memories include her sitting at the piano while I sang Christmas songs (or any song) beside her. I'm sure I took for granted the great talent that she had in her playing - she played very well and seemed like there wasn't anything she couldn't play. I know that my love for music and my talents were nurtured by her during these moments. I also remember going to the Ferrante & Teicher concert at Symphony Hall with our family. They were some of her favorite performers. I was captivated and loved every minute of it! From this and many other like experiences I gained a great appreciation for and love of music.
Playing sports (softball & basketball mostly) with her as my coach or manager or just greatest fan are also some of my greatest memories of her and I together. She signed me up for Bonnet Ball (girl's softball) in the 4th grade and I played through the 9th grade. She taught me everything...we practiced pitching in our backyard as well as throwing and batting. She was the kind of coach that every girl needed - she saw the purpose and lessons available behind the sport and competition and wasn't there just "to win the game". She was also the ward Young Women's Athletic Director for a few years and I thoroughly loved playing basketball with her as the coach. She was there to comfort me through stitches in my lip (I got hit by a softball) torn ligaments in my ankle and broken fingers playing basketball! I know that she made a great impact on many of the Young Women in my ward growing up.
You couldn't ever hope to win a game of Trivial Pursuit with her - she knew it all! She was an avid newspaper reader and was always very well-informed. She loved the history and art, pretty much everything about the American Indians. She played the organ for YEARS in our ward and had an incredible memory. She often reminded us "If you want a friend you have to be a friend." And she loved to spend time at our cabin in Midway, UT.
We found out about her cancer the summer before my Senior year of high school. I had two more years with her. Looking back on that time you would have thought I would have spent my time differently...but I was a busy teenager who was involved in everything from Seminary Council and Vocal Ensemble to Yearbook Staff and Concert Choir. Even during my Freshman year at BYU, I guess it just didn't sink in that my time with my mom was ticking away. I was loving and living the college life and I don't recall taking much time to go home and visit her. I have often wondered what she was thinking then. Was she feeling forgotten, taken for granted, lonely or was she continuing to give of herself as she always had with the desire that I enjoy my season of life that I was currently in? Did she wish me to be home more often? Did she feel I was failing to understand what was ahead and that our time was limited? I just don't know. I was too involved in my own little world to even think about that...something that I have regretted for many years. And when I did spend time with her (the last conversation I had with her was in the hospital) all I could think of to talk about was my current struggle with a boy! I just didn't get it. I'm sorry Mom. I obviously hadn't learned yet from your example of selflessness...and feel that I still struggle to learn this lesson.
On Monday, March 21, 1988, the first day of Spring, near 11:00 p.m. she peacefully left our home and returned to her Eternal Home. I'm sure it was a wonderful, perhaps bittersweet experience for her, but one of the hardest I have ever experienced. But how incredibly grateful I am to her for her example of motherhood, of love, of giving, of caring, of trusting, respecting, encouraging, of nurturing and teaching by example. One of my greatest blessings of life has been to have her for my mother.
I have felt her near me at times...she is probably much closer more often than I realize, watching over me, protecting and guiding me. I know I am eternally her daughter and she yet fulfills her responsibility as a mother to me in many ways. I praise her for her life, for her love, for her example and legacy that she left with me. I wish my children could know their Grandma Yvonne, but I know in time, we will all be reunited and enjoy the blessings of eternal happiness. I love you Mom! Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for all that you gave me and were and are to me.
Until we meet again...all my love,
Deanna
My dearest mom and best friend, Yvonne Geniel Luckau Jackson, passed away from colon cancer when I was 18 years old. It has been 20 years and I now have lived longer without her in my life that I did with her in my life. That makes me realize a few things...first, I'm getting old! Second, time is so precious and passes oh so quickly that we must cherish every moment with our loved ones because we just don't ever know how much time we have with them.
I am so extremely grateful to Mom for the time that she always gave to me and the friendship that we enjoyed together. I have absolutely no negative memories of her (except for the time she slapped my face after I said a swear word...I was about 5 maybe? Obviously, I didn't know what I had said and you can bet that I NEVER said it again!) She was a classy, elegant, funny, kind, loving, intelligent, spiritual woman. Oh that I could raise my children in the same love and spirit that she raised me and my siblings! I can't express how many times I have longed to be able to call her on the phone and ask her "How do I deal with this? What did you do about that? How did you feel about this?" ...and the list could go on forever. I held so much respect for her and never wanted to do anything to displease her. If I did, I don't remember her expressing that feeling at all.
I have often contemplated about the music that I used to listen to as a teenager (80's...the best!) and wonder what she thought about me hearing some of the lyrics to those songs! Did she ever feel concerned? If so, she never expressed it. I think, instead, she chose to offer me other options that would help keep me close to what was right. She gave me my first church music tapes - Michael McLean "Stay With Me" and one by Roger somebody...can't remember the name now...but I loved them and I listed to them and my love for "hip" church music started right there and continues today. I think that she really trusted me, in my spirit and who I really was - and she trusted me to Heavenly Father as well.
Her support in my education was much the same. I never remember her forcing me to do anything or creating any feeling of "you have to get straight A's". If I got a "B" (which I don't remember getting many of anyway) she would ask if I had done my best. If I said I had, then it was enough. I do remember her helping me on occasion with a few projects, but I never felt it was for "her glory"...it wasn't to benefit her need to have a child that excelled - it was just to show her support and desire to help me.
Some of my most cherished and dear memories include her sitting at the piano while I sang Christmas songs (or any song) beside her. I'm sure I took for granted the great talent that she had in her playing - she played very well and seemed like there wasn't anything she couldn't play. I know that my love for music and my talents were nurtured by her during these moments. I also remember going to the Ferrante & Teicher concert at Symphony Hall with our family. They were some of her favorite performers. I was captivated and loved every minute of it! From this and many other like experiences I gained a great appreciation for and love of music.
Playing sports (softball & basketball mostly) with her as my coach or manager or just greatest fan are also some of my greatest memories of her and I together. She signed me up for Bonnet Ball (girl's softball) in the 4th grade and I played through the 9th grade. She taught me everything...we practiced pitching in our backyard as well as throwing and batting. She was the kind of coach that every girl needed - she saw the purpose and lessons available behind the sport and competition and wasn't there just "to win the game". She was also the ward Young Women's Athletic Director for a few years and I thoroughly loved playing basketball with her as the coach. She was there to comfort me through stitches in my lip (I got hit by a softball) torn ligaments in my ankle and broken fingers playing basketball! I know that she made a great impact on many of the Young Women in my ward growing up.
You couldn't ever hope to win a game of Trivial Pursuit with her - she knew it all! She was an avid newspaper reader and was always very well-informed. She loved the history and art, pretty much everything about the American Indians. She played the organ for YEARS in our ward and had an incredible memory. She often reminded us "If you want a friend you have to be a friend." And she loved to spend time at our cabin in Midway, UT.
We found out about her cancer the summer before my Senior year of high school. I had two more years with her. Looking back on that time you would have thought I would have spent my time differently...but I was a busy teenager who was involved in everything from Seminary Council and Vocal Ensemble to Yearbook Staff and Concert Choir. Even during my Freshman year at BYU, I guess it just didn't sink in that my time with my mom was ticking away. I was loving and living the college life and I don't recall taking much time to go home and visit her. I have often wondered what she was thinking then. Was she feeling forgotten, taken for granted, lonely or was she continuing to give of herself as she always had with the desire that I enjoy my season of life that I was currently in? Did she wish me to be home more often? Did she feel I was failing to understand what was ahead and that our time was limited? I just don't know. I was too involved in my own little world to even think about that...something that I have regretted for many years. And when I did spend time with her (the last conversation I had with her was in the hospital) all I could think of to talk about was my current struggle with a boy! I just didn't get it. I'm sorry Mom. I obviously hadn't learned yet from your example of selflessness...and feel that I still struggle to learn this lesson.
On Monday, March 21, 1988, the first day of Spring, near 11:00 p.m. she peacefully left our home and returned to her Eternal Home. I'm sure it was a wonderful, perhaps bittersweet experience for her, but one of the hardest I have ever experienced. But how incredibly grateful I am to her for her example of motherhood, of love, of giving, of caring, of trusting, respecting, encouraging, of nurturing and teaching by example. One of my greatest blessings of life has been to have her for my mother.
I have felt her near me at times...she is probably much closer more often than I realize, watching over me, protecting and guiding me. I know I am eternally her daughter and she yet fulfills her responsibility as a mother to me in many ways. I praise her for her life, for her love, for her example and legacy that she left with me. I wish my children could know their Grandma Yvonne, but I know in time, we will all be reunited and enjoy the blessings of eternal happiness. I love you Mom! Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for all that you gave me and were and are to me.
Until we meet again...all my love,
Deanna
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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Lesson of the Washing Machine Hose
You may or may not know, but one of my favorite things to read is anything written by H. Wallace Goddard that writes for the Meridian Magazine online. This is one of his latest articles...it hit pretty close to home for me right now. I thought you may enjoy reading it and wanted to post it in a more conspicuous place on our blog instead of just as a link. Enjoy the read!
The Lesson of the Washing Machine Hose by H. Wallace Goddard
Okay. So the plumber inspected the house we had just bought. Among other things he told Nancy that it would be a good idea to replace the hoses on our washing machine. They could burst and flood the house. (It is worth noting that we paid him good money to replace the washers in all our faucets. They still leak just as they did before his visit.)
Nancy was quite worried about the plumber's dire predictions. She was reluctant to leave the house for a vacation without getting the hoses changed.
In contrast, I inspected the hoses and found that they seemed solid and supple - reliable, black-rubber hoses. I found no cause for alarm.
I searched my memory trying to remember anyone I had ever known who had had their washing machine hoses burst. I know it can happen. (And I am sure I will hear from many Meridian readers who have had the horrific experience.) But, on the great scale of likely calamities, it seemed to rank just a little lower than getting attacked by a marauding band of armed squirrels.
The Course of Duty
Yet I want to be a good husband and I knew that Nancy was worried. So, when we were at the Home Improvement Store (otherwise known as the Money Pit Store), I asked the clerk for replacement hoses. He led us to a set of hoses that looked like woven steel in a space-age sheath - the kind that feeds liquid oxygen into an Atlas V booster rocket.
In addition to being burst-proof, they also had an automatic shutoff feature that sensed extraordinary water flow and acted to protect your home and holdings when they suspected a leak. And they were endorsed by AARP.
Naturally we bought a set.
It was several days before I had a chance to install them. One Saturday afternoon I had a few spare minutes. I grabbed the hoses and the appropriate tools. I entered the laundry closet, shoved the dryer to the side, and wrestled the washer into a more-accessible position. I removed the old, perfectly-serviceable hoses trying to catch the loose water in a bucket. Of course the water went everywhere except in the bucket.
I put on the new hoses - which stretched my resolve to be patient almost to the breaking point since the spaces for the connections are too cramped for hands or pliers. Good design.
Automatic Features
I turned on the water. I pushed the washing machine back into place, put clothes into the washing machine, and turned it on. Nothing. Not a drop of water. Only a low growl from the washing machine. I read the instructions again. No clues. So I went to the website. Not a hint of practical guidance.
However, the website does suggest that if the hoses sense a sudden flow of water, they will shutoff. They can be reset by disconnecting them. So I wrestled the washer around, shut off the water, and disconnected the hoses. Of course water dripped and sprayed here and there. Then I reattached and tried again. Nothing.
I tried this several times as if I could reasonably expect a different outcome. Finally I detached, reattached, and turned the water on verrrry s-l-o-w-l-y.
They worked! Eureka! Intelligence conquered brute machinery. Civilization advanced.
Of course, as soon as the washer got to the rinse cycle and tried to refill the washer tub, the water shut off again. Apparently the automatic shutoff feature thinks that any use of water is suspect. This is a new kind of conservation.
The Human Reaction
When the hoses shut off again, would you guess that I found my way to my comfortable easy chair and mused on the ironies of mortality? Do you think I reflected on the Lehite challenges in the wilderness and considered myself fortunate? If so, you are mistaken.
I was mad. I was mad at the manufacturer and the plumber. But I did not write them salty letters. No, I did what any red-blooded man would do. I blamed my wife.
Why did she listen to that idiot plumber? How many people had she personally known who had had washer hoses burst? What harm could a flood do to a house built on a slab? Why didn't she trust her wise husband? etc. etc. ad nauseam.
I don't want to misrepresent my wrath. I am just civilized enough that I do not yell. I just provided a slow, scorching heat rather than an explosion. So civil!
By now I had wasted more time than I could afford. I thought about removing the lovely new hoses and selling them to NASA for a handsome sum. But I intended to get my money back from the Home Improvement Store - if I could just find my receipt. I dug in the closet where I stack them and found lots of receipts - but none for the hoses.
New Hoses
So we drove to the store and confronted the lady at the service desk. She meekly gave us a store credit. And we went looking for hoses. We were sent to aisle 27. Nothing. Then to an end cap on aisle 24. Nothing. Finally found some hoses tucked behind the appliance section in a corner. They had plain hoses without the automatic shutoff feature.
Of course the simple hoses cost more than the fancy hoses with the automatic feature. We bought them and installed them and found that the washing machine worked great. I had wasted a lot of time, scraped my knuckles, squirted water everywhere, spent additional money and hurt my wife's feelings. But the machine worked.
Yet this is not a simple victory. I do have nightmares that the hoses are not tight enough since the pliers couldn't reach the connections very well. I wake in the night thinking I should check the connections. And I wonder if we damaged the washing machine when we ran it without any water. Every groan of the old machine makes me worry.
It seems that we never have any simple victories in mortality.
A New Definition of Victory
My guess is that you can recount numerous disasters more harrowing than my encounter with the washing machine. They are universal.
But let's tinker with our assumptions. My default assumption in my run-in with the washing machine was that good sense and patience will triumph in our many challenges in life. If we live wisely, our lives will go smoothly.
Latter-day Saints may be especially vulnerable to the rosy world view. We expect to be blessed for doing what is right. Then the sky falls. We don't marry. Or our made-in-heaven marriage falls apart. Our children stray. Our careers flounder. We ask, "What did I do wrong?" "Didn't I have enough faith?" "Is God mad at me?" "Is the 'good news' really a deception?"
It turns out that doing good does not guarantee a life of contentment and fulfilled dreams. We may be blessed for our efforts with the gift of serenity - or with new challenges. God will provide precisely the experiences that can lead us to greater faith and a closer relationship with Him. We can shake our washing machine hoses at heaven or we can move resolutely and peacefully to our next rendezvous with God.
The rosy assumption does not hold up very well when we look at the lives of saints. Suffering Job. Joseph Smith. Jeremiah. Adam. Spencer W. Kimball. Jesus. These are good people who gave life their best and still got pummeled.
So maybe we should try a new assumption. Maybe life is designed to deliver a solid and growing measure of failure for each of us - especially the valiant. Maybe the Grand Designer wants us to be humble rather than self-sufficient. Maybe He wants us to learn firsthand our dependence on Him. By systematically inserting failure into our experience, we are likely to become either discouraged and bitter or relentlessly reliant on The One. We can learn to trust Him.
Any time we chafe at life, we have a need to submit to heavenly tutoring.
Trusting in the Arm of Flesh
We have had trials more troublesome than the encounter with the hoses. In the course of more than 20 miscarriages, Nancy and I tried medical help, priesthood blessings, and raw faith. Nothing seemed to help. The miscarriages became more regular. At one point I confronted and threatened God. "Why would He do this to two young people who were trying to do good?"
In process of time I learned a life-changing lesson. God does not have to explain or justify His doings to me. I simply trust Him. I thank Him for every miscarriage without understanding their purpose.
I do not believe that God caused our miscarriages. But I believe that He only allowed them because they could bless us. Out of our Big Disappointment came refining, consoling, soul-filling faith. I am thankful that He was not intimidated by my threats.
Whatever we come to depend on - our minds, our talents, our money, our connections, our bodies - will be taken from us. In the End, only one Thing is left - there is only one Thing we can depend on: Him.
We expect everything to work the way it should. Yet the world is designed so that nothing works the way we expect it to. But this is not random meanness. This is a perfect design that invites us to depend on God.
Each of us can anticipate our customized rendezvous with growth: The thing that we lean on and hate to lose is the thing that we must be willing to put on the altar. If we have any other gods but Him, we are not ready to join Him in His work.
Our Exemplary First Parents
After Adam and Eve lost everything and yet continued to trust God, they were taught. Our inspired First Mother expressed her discovery with perfect perspective:
Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient. (Moses 5:11)
Exemplary Eve said that our challenges are blessings carefully designed to help us recognize our need for Him. Everything in mortality will work against us, fail us, or disappoint us. We must not trust any thing. But God is the sure foundation on Whom we must build.
Notice how beautifully this truth harmonizes with God's invitation:
I give unto men weakness that they may be humble;
and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me;
for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me,
then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27, emphasis added)
Surrender to Conquer
If we want our talents to be refined and enlarged, we must be willing to surrender them to Him. Because of His great goodness, He will not simply strip us of everything. Instead, with perfect discernment, He takes only as much as He must in order to teach us where we will find salvation.
President Kimball is a remarkable example to all of us. He went from mere submission to actively seeking the tutoring of Heaven. After suffering throat cancer and heart trouble, he is reported to have cried to God, "I have strength yet. Give me one more mountain to climb."
If I am wise, I will call out, "Father, I have more to learn. Give me another repair encounter with the washing machine."
I hope to do better next time.
The Lesson of the Washing Machine Hose by H. Wallace Goddard
Okay. So the plumber inspected the house we had just bought. Among other things he told Nancy that it would be a good idea to replace the hoses on our washing machine. They could burst and flood the house. (It is worth noting that we paid him good money to replace the washers in all our faucets. They still leak just as they did before his visit.)
Nancy was quite worried about the plumber's dire predictions. She was reluctant to leave the house for a vacation without getting the hoses changed.
In contrast, I inspected the hoses and found that they seemed solid and supple - reliable, black-rubber hoses. I found no cause for alarm.
I searched my memory trying to remember anyone I had ever known who had had their washing machine hoses burst. I know it can happen. (And I am sure I will hear from many Meridian readers who have had the horrific experience.) But, on the great scale of likely calamities, it seemed to rank just a little lower than getting attacked by a marauding band of armed squirrels.
The Course of Duty
Yet I want to be a good husband and I knew that Nancy was worried. So, when we were at the Home Improvement Store (otherwise known as the Money Pit Store), I asked the clerk for replacement hoses. He led us to a set of hoses that looked like woven steel in a space-age sheath - the kind that feeds liquid oxygen into an Atlas V booster rocket.
In addition to being burst-proof, they also had an automatic shutoff feature that sensed extraordinary water flow and acted to protect your home and holdings when they suspected a leak. And they were endorsed by AARP.
Naturally we bought a set.
It was several days before I had a chance to install them. One Saturday afternoon I had a few spare minutes. I grabbed the hoses and the appropriate tools. I entered the laundry closet, shoved the dryer to the side, and wrestled the washer into a more-accessible position. I removed the old, perfectly-serviceable hoses trying to catch the loose water in a bucket. Of course the water went everywhere except in the bucket.
I put on the new hoses - which stretched my resolve to be patient almost to the breaking point since the spaces for the connections are too cramped for hands or pliers. Good design.
Automatic Features
I turned on the water. I pushed the washing machine back into place, put clothes into the washing machine, and turned it on. Nothing. Not a drop of water. Only a low growl from the washing machine. I read the instructions again. No clues. So I went to the website. Not a hint of practical guidance.
However, the website does suggest that if the hoses sense a sudden flow of water, they will shutoff. They can be reset by disconnecting them. So I wrestled the washer around, shut off the water, and disconnected the hoses. Of course water dripped and sprayed here and there. Then I reattached and tried again. Nothing.
I tried this several times as if I could reasonably expect a different outcome. Finally I detached, reattached, and turned the water on verrrry s-l-o-w-l-y.
They worked! Eureka! Intelligence conquered brute machinery. Civilization advanced.
Of course, as soon as the washer got to the rinse cycle and tried to refill the washer tub, the water shut off again. Apparently the automatic shutoff feature thinks that any use of water is suspect. This is a new kind of conservation.
The Human Reaction
When the hoses shut off again, would you guess that I found my way to my comfortable easy chair and mused on the ironies of mortality? Do you think I reflected on the Lehite challenges in the wilderness and considered myself fortunate? If so, you are mistaken.
I was mad. I was mad at the manufacturer and the plumber. But I did not write them salty letters. No, I did what any red-blooded man would do. I blamed my wife.
Why did she listen to that idiot plumber? How many people had she personally known who had had washer hoses burst? What harm could a flood do to a house built on a slab? Why didn't she trust her wise husband? etc. etc. ad nauseam.
I don't want to misrepresent my wrath. I am just civilized enough that I do not yell. I just provided a slow, scorching heat rather than an explosion. So civil!
By now I had wasted more time than I could afford. I thought about removing the lovely new hoses and selling them to NASA for a handsome sum. But I intended to get my money back from the Home Improvement Store - if I could just find my receipt. I dug in the closet where I stack them and found lots of receipts - but none for the hoses.
New Hoses
So we drove to the store and confronted the lady at the service desk. She meekly gave us a store credit. And we went looking for hoses. We were sent to aisle 27. Nothing. Then to an end cap on aisle 24. Nothing. Finally found some hoses tucked behind the appliance section in a corner. They had plain hoses without the automatic shutoff feature.
Of course the simple hoses cost more than the fancy hoses with the automatic feature. We bought them and installed them and found that the washing machine worked great. I had wasted a lot of time, scraped my knuckles, squirted water everywhere, spent additional money and hurt my wife's feelings. But the machine worked.
Yet this is not a simple victory. I do have nightmares that the hoses are not tight enough since the pliers couldn't reach the connections very well. I wake in the night thinking I should check the connections. And I wonder if we damaged the washing machine when we ran it without any water. Every groan of the old machine makes me worry.
It seems that we never have any simple victories in mortality.
A New Definition of Victory
My guess is that you can recount numerous disasters more harrowing than my encounter with the washing machine. They are universal.
But let's tinker with our assumptions. My default assumption in my run-in with the washing machine was that good sense and patience will triumph in our many challenges in life. If we live wisely, our lives will go smoothly.
Latter-day Saints may be especially vulnerable to the rosy world view. We expect to be blessed for doing what is right. Then the sky falls. We don't marry. Or our made-in-heaven marriage falls apart. Our children stray. Our careers flounder. We ask, "What did I do wrong?" "Didn't I have enough faith?" "Is God mad at me?" "Is the 'good news' really a deception?"
It turns out that doing good does not guarantee a life of contentment and fulfilled dreams. We may be blessed for our efforts with the gift of serenity - or with new challenges. God will provide precisely the experiences that can lead us to greater faith and a closer relationship with Him. We can shake our washing machine hoses at heaven or we can move resolutely and peacefully to our next rendezvous with God.
The rosy assumption does not hold up very well when we look at the lives of saints. Suffering Job. Joseph Smith. Jeremiah. Adam. Spencer W. Kimball. Jesus. These are good people who gave life their best and still got pummeled.
So maybe we should try a new assumption. Maybe life is designed to deliver a solid and growing measure of failure for each of us - especially the valiant. Maybe the Grand Designer wants us to be humble rather than self-sufficient. Maybe He wants us to learn firsthand our dependence on Him. By systematically inserting failure into our experience, we are likely to become either discouraged and bitter or relentlessly reliant on The One. We can learn to trust Him.
Any time we chafe at life, we have a need to submit to heavenly tutoring.
Trusting in the Arm of Flesh
We have had trials more troublesome than the encounter with the hoses. In the course of more than 20 miscarriages, Nancy and I tried medical help, priesthood blessings, and raw faith. Nothing seemed to help. The miscarriages became more regular. At one point I confronted and threatened God. "Why would He do this to two young people who were trying to do good?"
In process of time I learned a life-changing lesson. God does not have to explain or justify His doings to me. I simply trust Him. I thank Him for every miscarriage without understanding their purpose.
I do not believe that God caused our miscarriages. But I believe that He only allowed them because they could bless us. Out of our Big Disappointment came refining, consoling, soul-filling faith. I am thankful that He was not intimidated by my threats.
Whatever we come to depend on - our minds, our talents, our money, our connections, our bodies - will be taken from us. In the End, only one Thing is left - there is only one Thing we can depend on: Him.
We expect everything to work the way it should. Yet the world is designed so that nothing works the way we expect it to. But this is not random meanness. This is a perfect design that invites us to depend on God.
Each of us can anticipate our customized rendezvous with growth: The thing that we lean on and hate to lose is the thing that we must be willing to put on the altar. If we have any other gods but Him, we are not ready to join Him in His work.
Our Exemplary First Parents
After Adam and Eve lost everything and yet continued to trust God, they were taught. Our inspired First Mother expressed her discovery with perfect perspective:
Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient. (Moses 5:11)
Exemplary Eve said that our challenges are blessings carefully designed to help us recognize our need for Him. Everything in mortality will work against us, fail us, or disappoint us. We must not trust any thing. But God is the sure foundation on Whom we must build.
Notice how beautifully this truth harmonizes with God's invitation:
I give unto men weakness that they may be humble;
and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me;
for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me,
then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27, emphasis added)
Surrender to Conquer
If we want our talents to be refined and enlarged, we must be willing to surrender them to Him. Because of His great goodness, He will not simply strip us of everything. Instead, with perfect discernment, He takes only as much as He must in order to teach us where we will find salvation.
President Kimball is a remarkable example to all of us. He went from mere submission to actively seeking the tutoring of Heaven. After suffering throat cancer and heart trouble, he is reported to have cried to God, "I have strength yet. Give me one more mountain to climb."
If I am wise, I will call out, "Father, I have more to learn. Give me another repair encounter with the washing machine."
I hope to do better next time.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Spring Saturday Fun & Surprises!
Every April, Shawn's company sponsors a 5K for JA (Junior Achievement) Run/Walk event in Tempe near Tempe Town Lake. This year it was held on the grounds of the new Tempe Arts Center. Somehow I managed to pull my pregnant and exhausted body out of bed at 6:00 a.m. and we arrived by 7:30 to register, get our shirts and get ready to walk! Getting me there was a miracle alone, so I chose to walk the race in my mind. :) Uncle Kelly was there volunteering so I had someone to talk to!
Shawn pushed McKay in the stroller and Ethan (this was his 4th race that he has attended) walked the entire race this year! Way to go Ethan! (It ended up being 3.5 miles instead of 3.1) Although they came in just about last, it was a great victory!
After the race, we feasted on BBQ beef sandwiches, baked beans and potato chips (at 10:00 a.m. in the morning! Nice breakfast!) Just about the time we were getting ready to round up the kids from the bounce house they had there, a Tempe City Fire Dept. ladder truck arrived on the scene to do their Saturday equipment check and practice. Ethan has been begging me to take him to see a ladder truck for months! When we were at the Mesa City Fire Station downtown a while ago, we were just about to leave when the ladder truck pulled into the garage, drove through the garage, and left again! Bummer! But what we got to witness today was FAAAAAAAARRRRRR better than we would have ever seen at a fire station! And we were the only spectators there to enjoy it - a personal demonstration for the Householder family! It was so exciting - for Ethan and McKay AND for me too since I know how much he LOVES fire trucks and he really knows his stuff too! (He had to correct mommy and daddy that it wasn't a fire hat, but a "helmet". C'mon guys! Get it straight! :)
It was a wonderful surprise for us and made the early morning and extra effort/energy on my part so very worth it. There is just something about learning and seeing things through your children's eyes and experience that is invigorating. :) I'm sure I will be hearing constant requests to go to a fire station again soon!
Here is a little slide show for you about our morning!
Shawn pushed McKay in the stroller and Ethan (this was his 4th race that he has attended) walked the entire race this year! Way to go Ethan! (It ended up being 3.5 miles instead of 3.1) Although they came in just about last, it was a great victory!
After the race, we feasted on BBQ beef sandwiches, baked beans and potato chips (at 10:00 a.m. in the morning! Nice breakfast!) Just about the time we were getting ready to round up the kids from the bounce house they had there, a Tempe City Fire Dept. ladder truck arrived on the scene to do their Saturday equipment check and practice. Ethan has been begging me to take him to see a ladder truck for months! When we were at the Mesa City Fire Station downtown a while ago, we were just about to leave when the ladder truck pulled into the garage, drove through the garage, and left again! Bummer! But what we got to witness today was FAAAAAAAARRRRRR better than we would have ever seen at a fire station! And we were the only spectators there to enjoy it - a personal demonstration for the Householder family! It was so exciting - for Ethan and McKay AND for me too since I know how much he LOVES fire trucks and he really knows his stuff too! (He had to correct mommy and daddy that it wasn't a fire hat, but a "helmet". C'mon guys! Get it straight! :)
It was a wonderful surprise for us and made the early morning and extra effort/energy on my part so very worth it. There is just something about learning and seeing things through your children's eyes and experience that is invigorating. :) I'm sure I will be hearing constant requests to go to a fire station again soon!
Here is a little slide show for you about our morning!
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Saturday, April 5, 2008
Easter 2008
I guess posting late is better than not at all! Our Easter this year was....varied. Is that the right word? You decide...here's the story.
It all started off the day before...by the family taking a trip to urgent care. When Ethan's eyes became extremely red and oozey, we decided it was worth the time and money. And, McKay had had a runny nose for weeks that wouldn't go away. Outcome? Ethan had a severe double ear infection and McKay was diagnosed with allergies only. So, we headed home after picking up Ethan's medication.
The next day was Easter Sunday, and I was in charge of the entire Easter program (by my request). About four years ago, I had put together a nice program with narration and songs by the ward choir, soloists, family and YW choirs and a cello solo. I asked our bishop in this ward if he was open to the idea and he said he loved it! So, as the Ward Choir Director, I had the ward choir prepare three songs (Beautiful Savior, He is Risen and Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands) and asked the Primary to sing "This Is My Beloved Son", the Young Women to sing "Jesus Was No Ordinary Man", two families sang "I Stand All Amazed", I sang "Day of Tears" from "Women at the Well" by Kenneth Cope, and we had a talented married couple play a cello/violin duet of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". Shawn was the narrator with his rich, beautiful voice that was just perfect. I guess it might have looked like the "Householder Easter Program"....I worried plenty about that. But I prayed that the congregation would feel the spirit and have their testimonies of Jesus Christ increase and enjoy the program.
Well, I debated the night before about whether or not the boys should go to church...but what were my options? Both Shawn and I had to be there. His parents were coming to hear the program, but I didn't know how they would feel about taking care of some sick boys. Not to mention the way Ethan looked, anyone could think, "What on earth is he doing here looking like THAT!?" Well, we just took them anyway with a prayer that it would all work out..which it did (I took them home after the meeting.)
The program went very well, the choir sounded great and everyone that participated did so well. If I could do that as a career (envision and create church programs around specific themes) I would LOVE it! I love music and the power that it has to touch the soul and testify of the gospel!!!
Well, long story short, we had Uncle Dean and Aunt Stacy over for Easter dinner later that night. And, although I had planned on having an Easter egg hunt for the boys the day before, it just didn't happen for various reasons. So, Aunt Stacy and Uncle Dean hid the eggs for us and the boys had a great time on their hunt! (Shawn was inside making mashed potatoes for dinner.) :) (Here's a video and some pics.)
Well, by the time we were done with dinner, McKay was pulling and tapping his ear and whining a bit about it hurting...a visit to the doctor the next day revealed an ear infection for him as well. The same day (Monday) Shawn came home feeling awful and ended up staying home for three days, going back to work on Friday, and coming home feeling even worse. A visit to urgent care for him the next day revealed an ear and sinus infection for him! First time he has had an antibiotic since he was in high school! He never gets that sick. He stayed home four days this week as well. NOT usual for him at all!
Well, I guess it was inevitable that I would come down with something. Thankfully, Heavenly Father helped us stay healthy until AFTER the Easter program. But shortly thereafter, I started feeling totally energyless and little by little it got worse until I got a pretty bad head cold/cough. Thank goodness I don't think it is anything more than that right now. But it has brought me to my knees and slowed my normal pace of living drastically. That is really hard for someone like me who is constantly going. Growing a baby obviously takes a lot out of you, but add that to illness and you get just a lump of plump flesh that just needs to rest all the time!
I guess I wrote a bit more than just about Easter day. But it all kind of went together. Today we enjoyed the rare opportunity of participating in a Solemn Assembly of the church when we sustain our new prophet and First Presidency. The boys lasted about 15 minutes. I'm hoping it made some kind of impression/memory on them...at least Ethan.
Well, it's only 8:00 p.m. but I'm bushed and ready for bed. So, that's some of the latest...I could write a lot more, but it is more of a deeper personal nature...I'll save that for my personal journal. When I'm dead, you are welcome to read it! :)
It all started off the day before...by the family taking a trip to urgent care. When Ethan's eyes became extremely red and oozey, we decided it was worth the time and money. And, McKay had had a runny nose for weeks that wouldn't go away. Outcome? Ethan had a severe double ear infection and McKay was diagnosed with allergies only. So, we headed home after picking up Ethan's medication.
The next day was Easter Sunday, and I was in charge of the entire Easter program (by my request). About four years ago, I had put together a nice program with narration and songs by the ward choir, soloists, family and YW choirs and a cello solo. I asked our bishop in this ward if he was open to the idea and he said he loved it! So, as the Ward Choir Director, I had the ward choir prepare three songs (Beautiful Savior, He is Risen and Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands) and asked the Primary to sing "This Is My Beloved Son", the Young Women to sing "Jesus Was No Ordinary Man", two families sang "I Stand All Amazed", I sang "Day of Tears" from "Women at the Well" by Kenneth Cope, and we had a talented married couple play a cello/violin duet of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives". Shawn was the narrator with his rich, beautiful voice that was just perfect. I guess it might have looked like the "Householder Easter Program"....I worried plenty about that. But I prayed that the congregation would feel the spirit and have their testimonies of Jesus Christ increase and enjoy the program.
Well, I debated the night before about whether or not the boys should go to church...but what were my options? Both Shawn and I had to be there. His parents were coming to hear the program, but I didn't know how they would feel about taking care of some sick boys. Not to mention the way Ethan looked, anyone could think, "What on earth is he doing here looking like THAT!?" Well, we just took them anyway with a prayer that it would all work out..which it did (I took them home after the meeting.)
The program went very well, the choir sounded great and everyone that participated did so well. If I could do that as a career (envision and create church programs around specific themes) I would LOVE it! I love music and the power that it has to touch the soul and testify of the gospel!!!
Well, long story short, we had Uncle Dean and Aunt Stacy over for Easter dinner later that night. And, although I had planned on having an Easter egg hunt for the boys the day before, it just didn't happen for various reasons. So, Aunt Stacy and Uncle Dean hid the eggs for us and the boys had a great time on their hunt! (Shawn was inside making mashed potatoes for dinner.) :) (Here's a video and some pics.)
Well, by the time we were done with dinner, McKay was pulling and tapping his ear and whining a bit about it hurting...a visit to the doctor the next day revealed an ear infection for him as well. The same day (Monday) Shawn came home feeling awful and ended up staying home for three days, going back to work on Friday, and coming home feeling even worse. A visit to urgent care for him the next day revealed an ear and sinus infection for him! First time he has had an antibiotic since he was in high school! He never gets that sick. He stayed home four days this week as well. NOT usual for him at all!
Well, I guess it was inevitable that I would come down with something. Thankfully, Heavenly Father helped us stay healthy until AFTER the Easter program. But shortly thereafter, I started feeling totally energyless and little by little it got worse until I got a pretty bad head cold/cough. Thank goodness I don't think it is anything more than that right now. But it has brought me to my knees and slowed my normal pace of living drastically. That is really hard for someone like me who is constantly going. Growing a baby obviously takes a lot out of you, but add that to illness and you get just a lump of plump flesh that just needs to rest all the time!
I guess I wrote a bit more than just about Easter day. But it all kind of went together. Today we enjoyed the rare opportunity of participating in a Solemn Assembly of the church when we sustain our new prophet and First Presidency. The boys lasted about 15 minutes. I'm hoping it made some kind of impression/memory on them...at least Ethan.
Well, it's only 8:00 p.m. but I'm bushed and ready for bed. So, that's some of the latest...I could write a lot more, but it is more of a deeper personal nature...I'll save that for my personal journal. When I'm dead, you are welcome to read it! :)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
We're having a girl!
Yay! My many feelings and impressions were proven true on Feb. 21st when I had my ultrasound - we're going to have a girl! We are all so excited! Ethan said that he wanted a baby sister too! :) McKay I think is still not quite clued in to what it all means that mommy's tummy is getting round! No name ideas yet - but I'd entertain any ideas! :)
July 4th is the expected due date, but both the boys came around 10 days early...so we'll see! The weather here is AZ is starting to warm up fast so I hope I can make it through the next 4 months!
July 4th is the expected due date, but both the boys came around 10 days early...so we'll see! The weather here is AZ is starting to warm up fast so I hope I can make it through the next 4 months!
Something to make you (and me) smile!
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Here are just some favorite photos of our life over the last couple of months! Enjoy!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Deanna's new occupation: Airline Pilot!
This was about the coolest thing I've ever done! I flew to Utah ALONE to have a little R&R compliments of Shawn (he travels Southwest frequently and had a free ticket - it was my Christmas present!) I documented my whole trip with video and pictures for Ethan and McKay. The captain of our flight was so kind to let me sit in his seat and wear HIS Captain's hat so I could get this picture for my boys. It was a blast! I got a quick flight lesson on all the instruments and what they do too! It was one of the highlights of my trip!
This was the main reason I made the trip to Utah - to be at the sealing of my friend Sheila's little adopted girl Aleena to their family in the Timpanogos Temple on Feb. 9, 2008. (I have known Sheila for about 20 years now!) Debbie Lin, another great friend that I was roommates with for a few years at BYU was also there. It was a wonderful event - so simple, but so beautiful!
Just some favorite pics
Here are the boys after having a great time in Grandpa & Grandma Householder's back yard! McKay is a human dousing rod! He can find water anywhere, anytime!
Gotta love the 'do! Freshly awake from a nap, McKay models his most fashionable "mod" do yet!
The boys often love to give me a fashion show wearing my own shoes! McKay was putting on a pair of black boots. I just thought this was too funny to pass up!
Monday, January 28, 2008
My farewell to our beloved prophet
Shawn and I were sitting in bed talking about our ward conference talks on faith and circumstances in our own life. It had been a very very long and tiring day. We got a text phone message sent to us by Dean telling us of President Hinckley's passing. I felt sadness at first, but then rejoiced with him as I knew that he was now with his beloved Marjorie and his own family (parents/siblings, etc.) and that he perhaps was also welcomed by all the preceding prophets! What a glorious and wonderful reunion they were having!But as I think about it still, I can't help but get emotional and have to swallow the knot and blink back the tears. Oh, how I loved our dear prophet! I loved his optimism and his undying perseverance and humor and wit and courage and his endless energy! He truly forgot himself and went to work his whole entire life! What would our lives be like if we all did the same and followed him in just that one example? Truly, it would be a different world. He had such incredible vision and goals - the increase of temples around the world will always stand as a great tribute to his vision. I am so grateful for having had the experience of seeing him in person, although I never did shake his hand. But I didn't ever need to feel his handshake to know in my heart and have a deep testimony that he was God's prophet.
I love his "Nine Be's" and many other key remarks that he gave. I really enjoyed this quote I read from the Meridian Magazine's tribute: “We have every reason to be optimistic in this world,” President Hinckley insisted. “Tragedy is around, yes, Problems everywhere, yes. But look at Nauvoo. Look at what they built here in seven years and then left. But what did they do? Did they lie down and die? No! They went to work! They moved halfway across this continent and turned the soil of a desert and made it blossom as the rose. On that foundation this church has grown into a great worldwide organization affecting for good the lives of people in more than 140 nations. You can’t, you don’t, build out of pessimism or cynicism. You look with optimism, work with faith, and things happen!”
I am so grateful for his example and his enduring love and all he gave to this church. He definitely fought the good fight and won honor and glory of heaven and the respect and reverence of every member of this church.
Farewell, my dear President Hinckley. I love you!
Until we meet again....
Deanna
Following is a photo essay of Pres. Hinckley that I enjoyed from the Meridian Magazine.
http://www.ldsmag.com/photoessay/060331Hinckley.html
Here is a link to his testimony given in General Conference, April 1, 2006 just a few days before his wife Marjorie passed away:
http://meridianmagazine.com/churchupdate/080128presidenthinckleypassesaway2.html
Crib casulties - who's responsible?
Well, the picture doesn't show the true nature of the damage, but this is what greeted me in the boys room on Sunday morning. They woke up around 5:30 a.m. (they are usually up by 6:00 a.m.) and I just couldn't pull my pregnant tired body out of the bed yet. So....I turned off the monitor and drifted back to sleep. At 7:00, I woke up, and took a shower (church is at 9:00 and if I don't get one in first thing, it means we are late) and said my prayer and then braced myself for what I might find out in the living room. The usual sight is some yogurt on the floor, all over the couch and various other items strewn about. Well, what did I see? Nothing! The coast was clear and clean! I could hear the boys in their room playing so I just did a few things to enjoy the peace for a bit. Well, I got breakfast ready and went to go get the boys and opened the door to this site (actually this is a bit cleaner than what I saw...lots more diapers around with some dirty clothes on the floor.) My heart sank! The crib was totally busted on the gate side and they were using the slats to bang on the other part of the crib! I lost it....even though I had just prayed to handle whatever my eyes greeted once I walked out the door. I knew that if I was going to be willing to let two young boys - one of them a two-year-old no less, be on their own for an hour and a half and unsupervised, then who would hold the ultimate responsibility for whatever goes on while I'm sleeping? Well...me. But I was certainly not ready to handle this site! I started to cry and left the room and Ethan followed behind saying "I'm sorry! I'm sorry Mommy!" "******SIGH******"Well, I had to get Shawn's help to face the situation. There were consequences meted out and a lot of serious faces and talking. But I still can't help but feel that I am the ultimate one who is responsible for it all happening. But....I'm doing my best and I just can't get up that early and function for a full day (complete with 3 hours of church, 2 visiting teaching appts., ward choir, home teachers coming and trying to make a crock pot dinner which didn't even end until 8:00!)
Anyway...we hope it is fixed now with a little wood glue. It has to last at least for one more baby at this point!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Future Olympic Gold Medalist for Figure Skating 2026
This outing (Saturday, Jan 20, 2008) is definitely blog-worthy as it was our family's first attempt at ice skating! (Well, everyone except pregnant mommy Deanna...who was very sad she couldn't skate - I love it!) We took the boys to Arcadia Ice Arena in Phoenix for their first experience on ice! The first challenge was just getting the right size skates that would actually fit their feet...then forcing them on. That process probably took at least 20 to 30 minutes! Finally, they were ready to make their marks on the ice. (I have included some videos as well.) Once we got hold of a nifty PVC pipe "brace-like" thing for Ethan, he did pretty good! McKay just enjoyed hanging on Daddy's hands and being "pushed" along. Needless to say, it was a workout for Shawn. But a great memory maker! So, who knows??? Maybe Ethan will be a contender for the Gold in 2026! :)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Being still......
Some people know and others don't, but we currently own five homes in Detroit, MI which we bought in the Fall of 2006 thinking that they would become great investments for us. Well, if you know anything about Detroit, or the nation as a whole for that matter, then you know that the market is horrible there. We couldn't have bought at a worse time.
The past year was full of a lot of stress as a result of many things, but seemingly endless repairs and problems were the norm. We had to sell a great investment in Orem, Utah to help us pay for the repairs in Detroit. Ouch!
We put them all up for sale back in August/September 2007, with no interest at all thus far. We thought we'd try to see if there was any chance of refinancing them to start escrow on taxes and insurance - no we didn't do that to begin with - we were counseled to follow a different strategy - mistake. Unfortunately, we received word today that it's not really possible. We could...for a 3 yr. ARM at 10% and spend thousands in closing costs. NO thanks!
Well, I have a history of being pretty uptight and anxious when it comes to finances. I have often leaned more towards thinking the worst of things rather than hoping for the best - something that I am striving to change. Over the last several months I have finally come to a place in my mind and heart where I realized that stressing and worrying will not change anything, nor accomplish anything but hurt me and my family. I have no control over the market there, or the repairs that occur, etc. All I have control over is my faith and trust in Jesus Christ and a loving Heavenly Father.
"Be still, and know that I am God." More than ever in my life, now is the time for me to cling to this scripture and live with full faith in its truth. Despite all that is happening that is undesirable, I know there is purpose in it - even if it is to teach me how to be still in the face of adversity; to place my trust in an all-knowing and all-powerful God who loves me and who will be there, by my side, through whatever experiences He sees fit to send me. I picture myself lying peacefully still in His loving hands, being carried through whatever comes my way. My heart is calm, my stomach relaxed and not tied in knots from stress. I am completely at peace and feel the loving care of my Heavenly Father.
I do not believe that it is time to "give up" or just drift and see what happens. We will continue to do our part as far as we can. But if things don't turn out the way we hope, I still know that we will make it through and that whatever does happen, it won't be the end of life. We'll bounce back, and be the better for it somehow.
The past year was full of a lot of stress as a result of many things, but seemingly endless repairs and problems were the norm. We had to sell a great investment in Orem, Utah to help us pay for the repairs in Detroit. Ouch!
We put them all up for sale back in August/September 2007, with no interest at all thus far. We thought we'd try to see if there was any chance of refinancing them to start escrow on taxes and insurance - no we didn't do that to begin with - we were counseled to follow a different strategy - mistake. Unfortunately, we received word today that it's not really possible. We could...for a 3 yr. ARM at 10% and spend thousands in closing costs. NO thanks!
Well, I have a history of being pretty uptight and anxious when it comes to finances. I have often leaned more towards thinking the worst of things rather than hoping for the best - something that I am striving to change. Over the last several months I have finally come to a place in my mind and heart where I realized that stressing and worrying will not change anything, nor accomplish anything but hurt me and my family. I have no control over the market there, or the repairs that occur, etc. All I have control over is my faith and trust in Jesus Christ and a loving Heavenly Father.
"Be still, and know that I am God." More than ever in my life, now is the time for me to cling to this scripture and live with full faith in its truth. Despite all that is happening that is undesirable, I know there is purpose in it - even if it is to teach me how to be still in the face of adversity; to place my trust in an all-knowing and all-powerful God who loves me and who will be there, by my side, through whatever experiences He sees fit to send me. I picture myself lying peacefully still in His loving hands, being carried through whatever comes my way. My heart is calm, my stomach relaxed and not tied in knots from stress. I am completely at peace and feel the loving care of my Heavenly Father.
I do not believe that it is time to "give up" or just drift and see what happens. We will continue to do our part as far as we can. But if things don't turn out the way we hope, I still know that we will make it through and that whatever does happen, it won't be the end of life. We'll bounce back, and be the better for it somehow.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Unexpected pleasures
Today I took Ethan to his Gilbert Community "Active Kids Time" class which he loves and played with McKay at a nearby park while Ethan was in his class. After that, I asked Ethan if he would like to go to the library and look for some digger books. Of course, the answer was yes, so we headed over.
How unexpected and wonderful to find that the Gilbert Fire Dept. was there for a health fair and had one of their engines there for children to see and learn about! Since Ethan was a fireman for Halloween, this was a very welcome interest! We got to hear about all the controls and hoses, and axes and pumps and we all got to even sit inside the front of the engine! Cool! Ethan even wore a real honest-to-goodness fireman's hat! (Boy! Was it heavy!) McKay was quite content to just climb aboard and sit right down for a while and take it all in. The fireman even invited us to their station anytime we would like - with forewarning of course. I think we will definitely take him up on that!
I was so sad that I hadn't listened to the little (seemingly insignificant) prompting that I had before we left to take the camera with me! There would have been some great pictures!
I also realize it is past time to teach Ethan about 911 and help him learn our address and phone number! Get on it Mommy!
How unexpected and wonderful to find that the Gilbert Fire Dept. was there for a health fair and had one of their engines there for children to see and learn about! Since Ethan was a fireman for Halloween, this was a very welcome interest! We got to hear about all the controls and hoses, and axes and pumps and we all got to even sit inside the front of the engine! Cool! Ethan even wore a real honest-to-goodness fireman's hat! (Boy! Was it heavy!) McKay was quite content to just climb aboard and sit right down for a while and take it all in. The fireman even invited us to their station anytime we would like - with forewarning of course. I think we will definitely take him up on that!
I was so sad that I hadn't listened to the little (seemingly insignificant) prompting that I had before we left to take the camera with me! There would have been some great pictures!
I also realize it is past time to teach Ethan about 911 and help him learn our address and phone number! Get on it Mommy!
Friday, January 11, 2008
"Mommy, did you take a nap?"
K, I had to write this one right away. I just finished posting my first entry on our new blog. Well, while I was working on it, Ethan woke up from his nap and wanted to watch a movie. I obliged him because I was working on this, but I also felt very tired. I told him I was going to take a nap. I put the movie on for him (Thumbelina) and then went to my computer to "wrap up" for later....but as usual, it sucked me back in!
Well, Ethan just came up to me and asked me "Mommy, did you take a nap?"
I laughed and said, "No, I didn't! I guess I needed you to put me in my bed and make sure I fell asleep huh!"
To which he replied, (as he stretches out his arms as far as they will go up and down,) "I can’t put you to bed because you are heavy! You are big…like this!"
I had to laugh! Ah….the honesty of a child. ;) So, maybe something like this will help me to catch moments like this. :)
Well, Ethan just came up to me and asked me "Mommy, did you take a nap?"
I laughed and said, "No, I didn't! I guess I needed you to put me in my bed and make sure I fell asleep huh!"
To which he replied, (as he stretches out his arms as far as they will go up and down,) "I can’t put you to bed because you are heavy! You are big…like this!"
I had to laugh! Ah….the honesty of a child. ;) So, maybe something like this will help me to catch moments like this. :)
All About Us
I am Deanna Householder, the writer, editor, historian, creative mind and critic of this blog. I have no idea how long this will last or how many posts you will get out of me, but I am going to give it a good effort!
I have always loved journaling...used to be a faithful weekly journal writer (with somewhere around 12 volumes of journals). Now with four, and soon to be five, lives to keep track of, I'm hoping this will be a little easier and even funner to keep a current history of our lives for friends and family. I love the idea of having photos available too. Sometimes I am just blown away by technology!
Anyway, more about me and my family. At the time of this post, I am 38 years old. I am blessed to be the wife of Shawn Paul Householder and I am a mother of our two very active, handsome little boys, Ethan Shawn (4) and McKay Samuel (2). Currently, I am 14 weeks pregnant with our third child (hopefully a girl this time) and I am due July 4th!I always make myself too busy and I'm trying to model my husband's more laid-back personality more often. I am blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We live in Mesa, AZ, although I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have lived in Orem, Utah, as well as two years in Northridge, CA where we made many friends and lasting memories (but driving in traffic there is not a fond one!)
I love to sing (solo or in choirs) and use my creative talents. This last year, I built and started a personal concierge business, North Star Concierge, LLC.
It was very exciting to see my ideas become a reality, but the reality was really that it was taking way too much time away from my family and too much money to continue on with it. Although I know that it could have been a very successful business, I chose to stick with my first roles and responsibility of mother and wife. Heaven knows, that is enough to keep any woman busy! I have been known to play and really enjoy softball, basketball, go walking, hiking, camping (I LOVE the mountains!) as well as water ski and ride wave runners. I hope that in the future my family will enjoy an active recreational life.
Shawn Householder is my dear husband of 7 years now. We were married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 5, 2000 (the same anniversary day as my parents). Don't even ask me how he has managed to put up with me for that long. He is a blessing in my life, with his patience, his acceptance of me and tolerance for my overzealous productive nature. It is true we are so opposite in many ways, but we share the things that matter most to each of us and know that we were meant to be together to help us become all that we need to be and to learn all that we need to learn while we are here. For those of you who may not know, our "claim to fame" is being engaged after only 12 days of meeting each other, and making it to the alter without kissing first! (Long story.....)Shawn works currently as a Compliance Analyst for Capitolbancorp, Ltd., a bank holding company out of Lansing, MI. He travels about once a month. We miss him a lot when he is gone but we are so grateful for his hard work for our family.
Shawn has a talent for building computers, enjoys video games (Guild Wars is his current interest) and is a champion chocolate chip cookie maker! He is famous for his cookies! He loves his "Z" (a '90 Nissan 300 ZX) but I admire him so much for being willing to drive the little '87 Celica GTS to work every day that we bought in CA 6 years ago that isn't the most beautiful car to drive anymore. But it sure has been a great car for us.
Ethan is our oldest child (4). He is most like his mom in so many ways, and as a result, we sometimes clash. He loves to play with his digger and dump truck, but also enjoys Thomas the Train, going to the zoo (he loves animals) and watching movies. He is tall for his age, and was finally successful at mastering the potty this last summer! Hurray! He loves to eat yogurt, apples, pineapple pizza, pop, and any kind of candy, oh and of course, ice cream! He is also very very strong and energetic and we hope to enroll him in gymnastics some day. It has truly been an amazing experience to watch and hear him grow and pass through all the stages from newborn to a young little boy. His favorite word right now seems to be "why?"
McKay, our second son is now two. How the time flies! He is our cuddle bug and sensitive one (which makes him more like Shawn). From the beginning he has been what I called "My little light bulb" because he is usually always happy and smiling. McKay's favorite pastime would have anything to do with water! He enjoys sipping some and then spitting it out...on the table, in a cup, on himself...it doesn't matter! Ugh. He also just can't resist playing with his food. It just has to become a part of him somehow! He too likes yogurt, pineapple, corn, peas, Bush's country beans, pop and ice cream...and whatever cereal you happen to be eating.As I said before, we will be welcoming Baby #3 in July or maybe late June. I will be grateful for a healthy baby no matter what the gender, but I must admit that I have strong hopes for a girl this time.
Well, that is just a bit, or maybe too much about us. I'm sure from this point, you will learn much more! Enjoy!
Here is a slideshow of our favorite photo moments of 2007 (at least July through December).
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