If someone that I haven’t seen in a few months asks me, “What’s new with you and your family these days?” I will most likely reply, “Oh you know, nothing much. Just normal life. Daniel works, the kids go to school, and I fill in the gaps.” Nothing we do or experience in our lives is earth-shattering. But as I have reviewed our photos from the beginning of the year until now, trying to get inspiration on what to write, we have done a few interesting things so far in 2017.
Daniel has been traveling for work this year and has visited smelly and loud (India), refreshing and delicious (Malaysia), and beautiful and quaint (Netherlands) places. For the most part he likes traveling. Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, and developing professionally have been enlightening to him. But I think the part he has liked best so far was when he got a his feet cleaned at a Fish Spa. True story. See attached photo.
As for me, the only thing I could share that some people may not know is that last September I joined Millennial Choirs and Orchestras. The main goal of this organization is to bring back music into our culture that testifies of God and Christ. It has been amazing to be a part of this group. The Spirit testifies so easily to me of the divinity and reality of Christ through music. My testimony has been and continues to be strengthened as I participate in the choir and share my testimony, through music, with others at our concerts.
Zach begrudgingly started playing basketball for the first time this winter and quickly discovered that he really enjoys it. It is fun to see him embrace a sport that Daniel’s family loves. We did try baseball, but the best word that described it for all involved parties was “torture”. (Sorry, Dad.) This past year I have seen a lot of personal growth from Zachary as he navigates the tricky roads that you come to as you get older. I am impressed with the decisions he makes.
Madelyn just had her Suzuki Book One recital for violin. She has loved learning this instrument. She also started all-day school this year and loves learning and being with friends. If there is something good in life to be found, you can count on her to find it. I have been impressed with her desire to push herself at this young of an age to excel in many areas of her life.
Did you know that fourth graders can get a free pass to the National Parks for themselves and their family? Zach got one and we have been determined to make good use of it, even if it means going to Bryce Canyon in sub-zero temperatures. Did you also know that Bryce Canyon is gorgeous in the winter? It’s a fact. There’s also a bundle of fun snow things to do there.
Speaking of beautiful places, Daniel and I had the chance to go to Turks and Caicos at the end of February. Never heard of it? Either had I. But it is like the best kept secret in the world. Amazing beaches, snorkeling, temperatures, and water. It was nice to reconnect with Daniel since most of our days at home are of the crazy sort. Mom stayed with kids and I’m pretty sure they didn’t miss us at all. But we did come back to happy kids that love their grandparents even more than they did before.
In Turks and Caicos I couldn’t turn my phone on since I don’t have an international roaming plan. After a week of not being a slave to the dings and sounds my phone makes I was intrigued by how much I liked it. I was able to enjoy being present and immersed in each moment my trip had to offer. I realized that at home whenever a text alert would come through or when a new email would light up my home screen, I would be split between what was happening in my present state and what my phone had to offer. You can’t really be fully present at more than one place at a time, and on my trip I decided I didn’t like that. I didn’t like my lack of ability to give 100% of my attention to the conversation I was having with my kids when a text came through and distracted me. I didn’t like talking to Daniel after the kids went to bed, but really only half-talking to him because I was also checking out something on my phone. I didn’t like that I was not as efficient as I could be during the day because I would keep getting side-tracked by whatever was buzzing on my phone. So I decided on my trip that when I came home I would turn off my phone alerts (except for incoming calls) and leave my phone in my purse or room instead of at my side all the time. That was a month ago and I haven’t looked back. And I don’t think I have missed out on anything too important. I respond to my texts and emails when I get around to it, and it is ok. I have noticed a difference in the quality of my life and the relationships I value the most.
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In my never-ending quest to try and become a better mother, I went to the temple last week hoping to receive some inspiration on ways I could improve my relationships with my kids. I felt like there was a barrier I needed to break through in order to get better results with my kids, but I couldn’t quite understand what that barrier was. As I was sitting in the Celestial Room thinking about it, I got the clear impression that I needed to allow myself to show unconditional love to my children regardless of whatever circumstance I may be facing with them. I can’t hold back love from them even if I am being personally torn up by choices they may be making. I know as parents we love our children no matter what, but how good are we at showing that love, no matter what? It’s easy to show that love during the good times, but when you feel like your relationship is being put through the fiery furnace it can be so much harder to show that love. I learned that at those hard times your child, and you, need that love the most. As I have acted on that impression I got in the temple I have seen great changes in the relationships I have with my children. When it comes to needing parental advice, God truly is the best source we have.
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