This weekend Elli will turn four! I figured it was taking me long enough to write about Hawaii (sorry for those who were hoping to read about it) that I decided to get a head start on Elli's Birthday. Elli will have a party on Saturday afternoon with some friends. She decided to have a Safari Birthday. We'll set up our giant tent in the back yard and have the party there. The "explorers" will get to hunt around the back yard for hidden animals. It should be great! Yes, pictures will be posted - I promise! And then we'll have a little family party on Sunday. Elli says for her special birthday dinner she wants macaroni & cheese and cupcakes. I love little kids - dinner doesn't get much easier than that! Then she'll actually celebrate her birthday again at preschool on Monday with her friends there. So I suppose after three days of cupcakes she'll be sick of them right? I doubt it.
Some fun facts about Elli:
Weight: 43 lbs.
Height: To be measured on her actual birthday
Favorite color: dark blue (second year running!)
Favorite thing to do at school: painting
Favorite thing to do at home: play chase with Daddy
Favorite Book: Mater and the Ghostlight
Favorite Movie: Cars and Madagascar 2
Favorite TV Show: Dora
Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite Animal: Lions
Favorite Song: Yankee Doodle (second year running)
What she wants to be when she grows up: a cheerleader (this was not at my prompting either!)
Mom's Bragging Points: Elli is very smart! She can count to 100 and has learned how to negotiate very well. She knows her address and phone number by heart. She loves reading scriptures at night and remembers them later at church or when she plays. She loves to give hugs and help out with Addison. She is a great friend and has a very active imagination.
Elli's Birthday Wish List:
Pretend kitchen stuff - food and dishes
A mini-4 wheeler (or power wheels) - Lauren, are you still using yours for your kids?
Games (board games and card games)
Matchbox Cars
4-5T or XS (4/5) Clothes
Little Pet Shop toys
My Little Ponies (really big right now!)
Puzzles
Check back after this weekend for pictures from Elli's parties!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Hawaii Details Coming Soon
Hello Everyone,
Boy it's been a long time since I wrote on the blog. We just got back from Hawaii a week ago and had a wonderful time. I'll post some pictures and tell you all about it soon. It's too late tonight. So check back later!
Thanks,
Alesha
Boy it's been a long time since I wrote on the blog. We just got back from Hawaii a week ago and had a wonderful time. I'll post some pictures and tell you all about it soon. It's too late tonight. So check back later!
Thanks,
Alesha
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Happy Anniversary Baby!
This past Saturday, Ruston and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Most people say they can't believe how time flies, but I am constantly surprised by how much we've done in the past six years! I feel like we've been together for so long now and I have loved every moment. Major highlights include: both of us graduating from the U of Utah, getting sealed in the Bountiful Temple, buying a home, moving to Ohio, starting dental school, having Elli and Addison, graduating dental school, moving to Vale, opening Munk Family Dental and (while we still haven't sold our Ohio home or have a third kid in the works - bummer) we have learned and loved so much that there are no regrets at all.
To celebrate our special day, Ruston took me shopping in Boise for a well needed closet update! That was awesome. Then we went to dinner at Outback - hey, don't laugh...that's my kind of food! Who wants to eat some teeny tiny blob of food that you can hardly pronounce from a fancy shmancy place when you can have cheese fries smothered in fry sauce? Who are you trying to kid anyway? Then after dinner, we went to a local water/fun park. The water park was closed because it was too cold outside. But in the Fun Park there were two mini-golf courses, bumper boats, laser tag, arcade games, and two go-kart racing tracks. We stayed until they closed at midnight and had a great time there. I would highly recommend it! That will be an anniversary to remember for a long time.
The kids are doing great. Elli is really getting into our Book of Mormon stories at night. Lately she and Addison will charge through the house in full attack mode. When I ask her what they're doing she says, "Mommy, we're fighting for our freedom!" (Captain Moroni). And the other day she walked into the room without her shirt on and said, "Look I'm a Lamanite Warrior!" I asked her to explain and she reminded me that in the pictures none of the Lamanites ever wear shirts. Fair enough. Almost anything that resembles a flag has been deemed the Title of Liberty too. She cracks me up.
Addison is getting so smart and cute. Yesterday, Papa taught her how to hold up one finger when someone asks how old she is. She can also point out parts of her face. She likes to point at our eyes and I am suddenly reminded of Elli at this age - lovingly trying to gouge our eyes out with her new found ability to recognize eyes. She loves to have us pray and is always the first to fold her arms at the table. She's also picking up new words every day. She's such a sweet baby.
Ruston is starting to work five days a week now. I know, I know, real dentists don't work five days a week, but he's still new at this remember. Actually he just recently got an invitation from a local clinic to work one day a week for them. In addition to that his office is open MWF and he works on prisoners at the prison on Tuesday's. So now he's really busy during the week, but we don't mind. He never complains and works so hard. We are so blessed to have him taking care of us.
Things are still the same with our home in Ohio. It's still ours! It drives me crazy! We have it listed for $89,500 and not one offer has come in. That is so far BELOW our actual mortgage I can hardly stand it. I guess we might auction it if nothing happens soon. Viola and I were talking the other day and frankly the only good thing that has happened with not selling the house is that if we had sold it within the first few months of being here, we probably would have moved out of their house. And then we all, but especially the kids, would have missed out on all the together time as a family. Sure it's a little crowded at times and we all drive each other a little crazy - but now we can't imagine living anywhere else. This is home and we're most likely here to stay. But who knows, we have to sell that house first.
Anyway, I'll try to do better about keeping up on the blog. Elli starts preschool in a few weeks and I'll try to post about that. We'll see! Have a great week.
p.s. Only two months till ADA in Hawaii! Any other dentists/students going?
To celebrate our special day, Ruston took me shopping in Boise for a well needed closet update! That was awesome. Then we went to dinner at Outback - hey, don't laugh...that's my kind of food! Who wants to eat some teeny tiny blob of food that you can hardly pronounce from a fancy shmancy place when you can have cheese fries smothered in fry sauce? Who are you trying to kid anyway? Then after dinner, we went to a local water/fun park. The water park was closed because it was too cold outside. But in the Fun Park there were two mini-golf courses, bumper boats, laser tag, arcade games, and two go-kart racing tracks. We stayed until they closed at midnight and had a great time there. I would highly recommend it! That will be an anniversary to remember for a long time.
The kids are doing great. Elli is really getting into our Book of Mormon stories at night. Lately she and Addison will charge through the house in full attack mode. When I ask her what they're doing she says, "Mommy, we're fighting for our freedom!" (Captain Moroni). And the other day she walked into the room without her shirt on and said, "Look I'm a Lamanite Warrior!" I asked her to explain and she reminded me that in the pictures none of the Lamanites ever wear shirts. Fair enough. Almost anything that resembles a flag has been deemed the Title of Liberty too. She cracks me up.
Addison is getting so smart and cute. Yesterday, Papa taught her how to hold up one finger when someone asks how old she is. She can also point out parts of her face. She likes to point at our eyes and I am suddenly reminded of Elli at this age - lovingly trying to gouge our eyes out with her new found ability to recognize eyes. She loves to have us pray and is always the first to fold her arms at the table. She's also picking up new words every day. She's such a sweet baby.
Ruston is starting to work five days a week now. I know, I know, real dentists don't work five days a week, but he's still new at this remember. Actually he just recently got an invitation from a local clinic to work one day a week for them. In addition to that his office is open MWF and he works on prisoners at the prison on Tuesday's. So now he's really busy during the week, but we don't mind. He never complains and works so hard. We are so blessed to have him taking care of us.
Things are still the same with our home in Ohio. It's still ours! It drives me crazy! We have it listed for $89,500 and not one offer has come in. That is so far BELOW our actual mortgage I can hardly stand it. I guess we might auction it if nothing happens soon. Viola and I were talking the other day and frankly the only good thing that has happened with not selling the house is that if we had sold it within the first few months of being here, we probably would have moved out of their house. And then we all, but especially the kids, would have missed out on all the together time as a family. Sure it's a little crowded at times and we all drive each other a little crazy - but now we can't imagine living anywhere else. This is home and we're most likely here to stay. But who knows, we have to sell that house first.
Anyway, I'll try to do better about keeping up on the blog. Elli starts preschool in a few weeks and I'll try to post about that. We'll see! Have a great week.
p.s. Only two months till ADA in Hawaii! Any other dentists/students going?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Fun In Utah
Wow! After these past weeks, there is so much to write about. Anything I missed, you can read about it on Andrea's blog. She has a lot of great pics too, so check her out. Anyway, these first pictures are in Utah for our Munk Family Reunion. Andrea and her kids were vacationing with us in Oregon so we all drove together to Utah where we met up with Lauren and her kids. First stop was the Dinosaur Park and Museum in Ogden Canyon. That was great. I was a little unsure at first when Andrea's kids told me how scary it was (I can't hardly watch Jurassic Park, what were my poor little babies going to be like with those big monsters?!) But to my complete surprise - the kids loved it. Neither one got scared. Go figure! We did have a little issue with Elli getting sleepy in the middle of the walking trail, but after some coersive persuasion and a few threats we went on our way. This was a great place for all kids and adults. Even Ruston got to find a statue of his favorite dino...the ankliosaurus (big spikey ball on the tail!) Unfortunately his camera ran out of batteries within the first 20 minutes of being there. So, again, see Andrea's blog for more pics.
The next day we were in Salt Lake City. Ruston's and my old stomping grounds. Go Utes! It was great to be back to visit. Lots had changed, but there was still plenty that we remembered. We decided we'll have to go back another time when we can go do activities without our kids holding us back. The restaurants, parks, stores, and church sites - all brought back a wave of memories from when we were dating. What a fun time. We all went to Gateway Mall to let the kids play in the splash park. It was so stinking hot! I don't think anyone actually played in the water except Andrea's kids - but we all enjoyed watching the fountains. Ruston only got to stay for a day and a half because of work (ya I know - those silly people with jobs...always spoiling the fun!) but we did try to pack as much time as we could while he was there. I was sad we couldn't see Jason or Josh - but I guess they had to work too? Maybe next year guys. We missed you.
I had more stuff written here, but a glitch in my computer just erased it. I will retype it tomorrow. Too tired for now.
The next day we were in Salt Lake City. Ruston's and my old stomping grounds. Go Utes! It was great to be back to visit. Lots had changed, but there was still plenty that we remembered. We decided we'll have to go back another time when we can go do activities without our kids holding us back. The restaurants, parks, stores, and church sites - all brought back a wave of memories from when we were dating. What a fun time. We all went to Gateway Mall to let the kids play in the splash park. It was so stinking hot! I don't think anyone actually played in the water except Andrea's kids - but we all enjoyed watching the fountains. Ruston only got to stay for a day and a half because of work (ya I know - those silly people with jobs...always spoiling the fun!) but we did try to pack as much time as we could while he was there. I was sad we couldn't see Jason or Josh - but I guess they had to work too? Maybe next year guys. We missed you.
I had more stuff written here, but a glitch in my computer just erased it. I will retype it tomorrow. Too tired for now.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Okay, Okay A New Entry Is Coming...
I just have to get all the pictures downloaded onto our computer. This has been an awesome summer so far and we've had so much fun that there hasn't been anytime to blog. But I promise I'll do it soon, so check back in a day or two!
Friday, April 17, 2009
I Have A New Sister!
Hooray! Eric and Bruna were married in Estacada, OR on Saturday March 21st. The wedding and reception were beautiful and I've never seen Eric so happy. I got to spend the week with Eric, Bruna and her mother - who flew all the way from Brazil to be at the wedding! Bruna is the sweetest girl ever. It's no wonder that Eric loves her. So they are back happily in Myrtle Beach and looking forward to their honeymoon to Brazil in July. There are lots of pictures from the wedding, so take some time to look around the blog!
Life in Vale is going well. We have started the garden for this year and it is even bigger than last year. But now that Addison can walk around outside I hope to be able to work a little more than last year. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a hobby garden, because sometimes it feels like more work than I would like, but I know I will be happy with the harvest this fall.
Our home in Ohio still hasn't sold. We are getting so frustrated. Spring Break came and went with a few people through, but no offers. The repairs are done from where the house was broken into in January and the yard looks great thanks to Larry and Misty. I don't know what the hold up is. So we just continue to wait! At least we have wonderful family to wait with. We are still happily living with Ruston's parents - going on 11 months now! Not many people could do that. But Heavenly Father has blessed us all with a little more patience and a lot of love. Things are really great here. I'm so thankful for wonderful in-laws who are quickly becoming very dear friends.
Elli is currently suffering from croup - lots of fun! It's a virus so there's not much to do but, again, sit and wait. That seems to be an ongoing theme in our lives! We read lots of books and she gets to watch a little more tv than usual. But she's still an active three year old who doesn't really want to sit still unless she has to. But thank goodness for Cars and Lightning McQueen. We've watched it every day this week and that keeps her happy for the rest of the day.
Ruston's office is doing well. He's cut down to seeing patients three days a week for now. The business seems to go in cycles - 6 months ago it was slow too. But then it picked back up. He still keeps busy on the off days though. Sometimes he works at the local prison and sometimes he just works in the office catching up on paperwork or business meetings with associates. He hasn't found time to go golfing yet this year, but I'm sure it won't be much longer now. It's hard to believe he hasn't been working for even a full year. This sure has been a wonderful year!
We hope you are all having a great year too. Enjoy the sunshine and don't forget to tell your spouse that you love them every single day.
p.s. I am reading a wonderful book about strengthening marriages - not that there is any problem with mine, but with the marriages of our friends and family falling apart all around us we figured it's better to not have a problems to begin with! The author says these three points:
1. Treat your spouse as if you loved them with your last breath - no matter how contrary to that you might feel at any one moment.
2. Think hard every day about how you can make their life worth living.
3. Be the kind of person you would want to love, hug, come home to, and sarcrifice for.
So I say, if your life/marriage isn't happy - you have to change yourself. You change it with an outpouring of love and affection - not demands and ultimatums. What have you done to strengthen your marriage today? Comment on the blog and share positive things you've done lately to help build your marriage. I know a few people out there who might benefit from your experiences.
Love, Alesha
Life in Vale is going well. We have started the garden for this year and it is even bigger than last year. But now that Addison can walk around outside I hope to be able to work a little more than last year. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a hobby garden, because sometimes it feels like more work than I would like, but I know I will be happy with the harvest this fall.
Our home in Ohio still hasn't sold. We are getting so frustrated. Spring Break came and went with a few people through, but no offers. The repairs are done from where the house was broken into in January and the yard looks great thanks to Larry and Misty. I don't know what the hold up is. So we just continue to wait! At least we have wonderful family to wait with. We are still happily living with Ruston's parents - going on 11 months now! Not many people could do that. But Heavenly Father has blessed us all with a little more patience and a lot of love. Things are really great here. I'm so thankful for wonderful in-laws who are quickly becoming very dear friends.
Elli is currently suffering from croup - lots of fun! It's a virus so there's not much to do but, again, sit and wait. That seems to be an ongoing theme in our lives! We read lots of books and she gets to watch a little more tv than usual. But she's still an active three year old who doesn't really want to sit still unless she has to. But thank goodness for Cars and Lightning McQueen. We've watched it every day this week and that keeps her happy for the rest of the day.
Ruston's office is doing well. He's cut down to seeing patients three days a week for now. The business seems to go in cycles - 6 months ago it was slow too. But then it picked back up. He still keeps busy on the off days though. Sometimes he works at the local prison and sometimes he just works in the office catching up on paperwork or business meetings with associates. He hasn't found time to go golfing yet this year, but I'm sure it won't be much longer now. It's hard to believe he hasn't been working for even a full year. This sure has been a wonderful year!
We hope you are all having a great year too. Enjoy the sunshine and don't forget to tell your spouse that you love them every single day.
p.s. I am reading a wonderful book about strengthening marriages - not that there is any problem with mine, but with the marriages of our friends and family falling apart all around us we figured it's better to not have a problems to begin with! The author says these three points:
1. Treat your spouse as if you loved them with your last breath - no matter how contrary to that you might feel at any one moment.
2. Think hard every day about how you can make their life worth living.
3. Be the kind of person you would want to love, hug, come home to, and sarcrifice for.
So I say, if your life/marriage isn't happy - you have to change yourself. You change it with an outpouring of love and affection - not demands and ultimatums. What have you done to strengthen your marriage today? Comment on the blog and share positive things you've done lately to help build your marriage. I know a few people out there who might benefit from your experiences.
Love, Alesha
Friday, March 6, 2009
Pay It Forward!
Pay It Forward...My sister-in-law Becky is playing a game on her blog and I decided to do it too. So this is how it works - The first 3 people to leave a comment on this (my) post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift. Come on! You know you want something from me!!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wedding Bells!!!
Hooray! I am so excited to announce that my brother Eric is getting married! Eric met Bruna, a beautiful Brazillian gal, in Myrtle Beach, SC. They are in love and so happy to be getting married Saturday March 21st at Noon. They'll tie the knot at my parent's ward building, in Estacada, OR. I haven't met Bruna yet (although neither of my brothers met Ruston before we got married due to their being overseas in the Army), but I have heard so many great things about her. My parents think she is wonderful and they love how sweet Eric is to her too.
After going back to SC when the wedding is through, they will hang out for a few months and then take their Honeymoon to Brazil to visit her family in July. How fun is that! Ruston and I thought about going too, but it's just a little too much money in the long run. But at least getting them a gift will be easy - I'll give you two hints: it's green and spends well!
I will drive over to Portland on the Monday before the wedding (the 16th) to spend most of the week helping get everything ready. Elli and Addison will come too of course. Ruston will fly out after he's done with work Friday. I can't wait - this is so exciting! The last Lougheed wedding.
Congratulations Eric and Bruna!
After going back to SC when the wedding is through, they will hang out for a few months and then take their Honeymoon to Brazil to visit her family in July. How fun is that! Ruston and I thought about going too, but it's just a little too much money in the long run. But at least getting them a gift will be easy - I'll give you two hints: it's green and spends well!
I will drive over to Portland on the Monday before the wedding (the 16th) to spend most of the week helping get everything ready. Elli and Addison will come too of course. Ruston will fly out after he's done with work Friday. I can't wait - this is so exciting! The last Lougheed wedding.
Congratulations Eric and Bruna!
Friday, February 6, 2009
A Week of Firsts
This has been a fun week for us. Elli just started taking a dance class. It's a very elementary ballet class for 3-4 year old girls. She knows a few of the girls and it's in Vale, so she's making lots of new friends. I'm going to have to take the video camera on of these weeks - the girls are hilarious. It's kind of like watching little kids play soccer - all swarmed around the ball. These little ones are always bumping into each other or dancing in the wrong direction. I love it! She's only been doing it for two classes though, so I'm sure they'll all improve over the coming months.
Another exciting thing is that today Addison took her first steps! We were playing in living room and she took a few steps toward some toys. After a lot of coaching, we got her to take four more steps. But that was all - she had had enough by the time I got out the video camera. It may not be too much longer before she's walking!
Elli went to visit the dentist for the first time today. She has the most amazing dentist, but I'm pretty sure he was hitting on me during her exam. No, just kidding - it was Ruston of course! She held really still for her cleaning and does not have any cavities. She got to come home with all sorts of goodies (toothbrushes, floss, etc.) that she promptly opened as soon as we got home. Do other kids of dentists get that excited about floss? Really, you'd think it was magical. She's silly!
Also, Elli has discovered her first imaginary friend. I don't suppose she really thinks he's real like some kids do with their "friends", but Goofy has a son named Max and she talks about him all day long. Sometimes he's napping, or eating. She has a key to his house and sometimes she says he's her husband. The only thing that kills me is when she has to go to the bathroom and stops outside the bathroom door. I ask her what she's doing and she tells me (as she's dancing frantically) that Max is going potty and she has to wait until he's out. At least she has the manners to wait patiently, but he's not real and so I yell for her to get in there before she has an accident. She does as she's told at that point.
Ruston had a fantastic month at the office. He's been working hard and loving being a dentist. Since we live 20 minutes from the office, he's often a few minutes late for dinner but I know he tries. Besides, I have him home for weekends and evenings. Some people don't have it that good, so I can't complain. The office is a fun place to visit. He has great employees that keep him busy and are fun to work with. It's hard to believe that he's only been working for eight months. It all feels so comfortable that it seems like we've been doing this forever. Everything is working out great. Now if only we could sell that stupid house in Ohio!
Another exciting thing is that today Addison took her first steps! We were playing in living room and she took a few steps toward some toys. After a lot of coaching, we got her to take four more steps. But that was all - she had had enough by the time I got out the video camera. It may not be too much longer before she's walking!
Elli went to visit the dentist for the first time today. She has the most amazing dentist, but I'm pretty sure he was hitting on me during her exam. No, just kidding - it was Ruston of course! She held really still for her cleaning and does not have any cavities. She got to come home with all sorts of goodies (toothbrushes, floss, etc.) that she promptly opened as soon as we got home. Do other kids of dentists get that excited about floss? Really, you'd think it was magical. She's silly!
Also, Elli has discovered her first imaginary friend. I don't suppose she really thinks he's real like some kids do with their "friends", but Goofy has a son named Max and she talks about him all day long. Sometimes he's napping, or eating. She has a key to his house and sometimes she says he's her husband. The only thing that kills me is when she has to go to the bathroom and stops outside the bathroom door. I ask her what she's doing and she tells me (as she's dancing frantically) that Max is going potty and she has to wait until he's out. At least she has the manners to wait patiently, but he's not real and so I yell for her to get in there before she has an accident. She does as she's told at that point.
Ruston had a fantastic month at the office. He's been working hard and loving being a dentist. Since we live 20 minutes from the office, he's often a few minutes late for dinner but I know he tries. Besides, I have him home for weekends and evenings. Some people don't have it that good, so I can't complain. The office is a fun place to visit. He has great employees that keep him busy and are fun to work with. It's hard to believe that he's only been working for eight months. It all feels so comfortable that it seems like we've been doing this forever. Everything is working out great. Now if only we could sell that stupid house in Ohio!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Our Funny Girls!
Addison had her birthday this week (1/14) and is now one year old! That went by really fast. The strange thing is she still seems very much like a baby to me. I look at pictures of Elli at this age and think that she was so much more mature at one. But either way, she is wonderful and we love her. I don't know if I mentioned before but she said her first word after Christmas. She said "Mickey" when she saw Elli's stuffed Mickey toy. Also, just the other day, she said "uh oh" when she dropped her sippy cup. And we have determined that there is a particular tone of "baba" that means grandma. She says it when she sees Viola and there is no question that that is exactly what she is trying to say.
I usually like asking Elli questions on her birthday about favorite color and songs, etc. But obviously it's a little hard to ask a baby. So from what I can tell she loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on tv, she thinks water is the greatest thing ever (unless it's for a bath), she loves bananas and doesn't like ground beef. She is 27 inches tall and weighs a "hefty" 17 pounds. Little, I know! She's great at giving hugs and kisses and is a joy to be around.
Elli is also very sweet and very funny too. Over New Years we were in Vegas with Andrea's family. As most of you know Janson (Elli's cousin) has type 1 diabeties (sorry on the spelling!) and it has just become a way of life for them. Elli thought that all the new words and poking of fingers was really interesting. She got a little stuffed dog for Christmas that she named "Jaq" (think Lady and the Tramp). Anyway, one say she held Jaq very carefully and told me that she needed to check Jaq because he was getting low. I looked at her and asked, "is that because he has diabeties?" Without missing a beat she replied, "no mommy, he has doggy-beties!) Well, that's rather observant! I should've figured that out on my own!
Then the other day, she came up to me and put her little hand on my face. She softly touched my cheek and neck then said, "mommy, your face looks like a toe-let". (For some reason Elli has decided that toilet should be pronounced with a southern drawl and has become toe-let!) Well, I couldn't figure out how I looked like a toilet so I asked her to explain. This she had a little bit harder time saying, "you know it's round and then goes down to the floor." When adults look at a toilet we look at it from above. She sees it almost straight on. So the bowl and stem area sort of look like a face, jaw and neck of a person - in a three year old sort of way. I decided to take that as a compliment toward the smoothness of my skin, but I still have to laugh at being compared to the toe-let!
So in other news, I got called to teach Sunbeams. I'm not too excited about it, but I know that there are far worse callings and I did grow to love the Nursery while I was there. So, I guess I have to learn to love it if the Lord ever plans to release me from this calling. There are eight little girls in the class (3-4 years old) and they are still adjusting to not being in Nursery (I guess I graduated with them). I take snacks, we sing songs, it's okay - but I have a feeling I will start to understand patience more fully after this is over. Wish me luck!
Gotta run - it's getting late for me. I'll post photos of Addison's birthday soon; keep checking back.
Love, Alesha
I usually like asking Elli questions on her birthday about favorite color and songs, etc. But obviously it's a little hard to ask a baby. So from what I can tell she loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on tv, she thinks water is the greatest thing ever (unless it's for a bath), she loves bananas and doesn't like ground beef. She is 27 inches tall and weighs a "hefty" 17 pounds. Little, I know! She's great at giving hugs and kisses and is a joy to be around.
Elli is also very sweet and very funny too. Over New Years we were in Vegas with Andrea's family. As most of you know Janson (Elli's cousin) has type 1 diabeties (sorry on the spelling!) and it has just become a way of life for them. Elli thought that all the new words and poking of fingers was really interesting. She got a little stuffed dog for Christmas that she named "Jaq" (think Lady and the Tramp). Anyway, one say she held Jaq very carefully and told me that she needed to check Jaq because he was getting low. I looked at her and asked, "is that because he has diabeties?" Without missing a beat she replied, "no mommy, he has doggy-beties!) Well, that's rather observant! I should've figured that out on my own!
Then the other day, she came up to me and put her little hand on my face. She softly touched my cheek and neck then said, "mommy, your face looks like a toe-let". (For some reason Elli has decided that toilet should be pronounced with a southern drawl and has become toe-let!) Well, I couldn't figure out how I looked like a toilet so I asked her to explain. This she had a little bit harder time saying, "you know it's round and then goes down to the floor." When adults look at a toilet we look at it from above. She sees it almost straight on. So the bowl and stem area sort of look like a face, jaw and neck of a person - in a three year old sort of way. I decided to take that as a compliment toward the smoothness of my skin, but I still have to laugh at being compared to the toe-let!
So in other news, I got called to teach Sunbeams. I'm not too excited about it, but I know that there are far worse callings and I did grow to love the Nursery while I was there. So, I guess I have to learn to love it if the Lord ever plans to release me from this calling. There are eight little girls in the class (3-4 years old) and they are still adjusting to not being in Nursery (I guess I graduated with them). I take snacks, we sing songs, it's okay - but I have a feeling I will start to understand patience more fully after this is over. Wish me luck!
Gotta run - it's getting late for me. I'll post photos of Addison's birthday soon; keep checking back.
Love, Alesha
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A few reflective thoughts for the New Year
I've been doing a lot of thinking as we've rolled into 2009. It started with a quote Lauren and Josh gave along with a gift this Christmas (Lauren you'll have to email it to me) and while I don't remember the words exactly, I remember the message behind it that there is a need in this world for perspective and simplicity. Christmas wasn't about the gifts that glitter or price tags that added up. Christmas, and life, is about finding happiness and getting our priorities in order. I have made many resolutions for myself over the years and the thing I find consistent is my desire to be happy. Not that I'm unhappy, but that there is always room for something more to bring us higher and make us better.
Maybe this is your year to be bold and try new things. New career, new home, new hobbies - whatever. Henry David Thoreau once said, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." I think everyone should have a dream and should live it. But always keep in mind the welfare of those we love and the commitments we have made.
Or maybe this is your year to unwind and reflect. Sometimes when life gets too crazy it can feel overwhelming. I know I get like that a lot. We look for happiness and peace. We crave the loving care of someone who doesn't judge, but will just listen as we tell our story. In those moments I turn to a favorite quote from Anne Frank, possibly one of the most incredible girls who has ever lived. She had a terrible life and still found hope, faith and the ability to look for the good in everything. She said, "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."
God does want us to be happy. That's why we are here! We have a loving Heavenly father who has made a plan of happiness for each of us. Maybe this is your year to find a renewal in your faith. We have friends of many religions and I hope that each of you take time to find God again this year. He loves you. He wants you to be happy. Our church has taught us that "happiness...is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ".
So, as you take time this year to expand or simplify your world, make yourself better, and search for happiness. Don't forget to spend some time talking to the One who really matters. One who loves you and will never leave you alone. Keep wishing people a "Happy New Year" and then think about what it really means to be happy.
Elder L. Tom Perry said recently, "In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test—to return and live with our Heavenly Father."
I believe that is true and I wish you all happiness and peace in this New Year.
Love, Alesha
p.s. Check out www.mormon.com or www.lds.org for answers to life's big questions and more instruction on how to be happy.
Maybe this is your year to be bold and try new things. New career, new home, new hobbies - whatever. Henry David Thoreau once said, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." I think everyone should have a dream and should live it. But always keep in mind the welfare of those we love and the commitments we have made.
Or maybe this is your year to unwind and reflect. Sometimes when life gets too crazy it can feel overwhelming. I know I get like that a lot. We look for happiness and peace. We crave the loving care of someone who doesn't judge, but will just listen as we tell our story. In those moments I turn to a favorite quote from Anne Frank, possibly one of the most incredible girls who has ever lived. She had a terrible life and still found hope, faith and the ability to look for the good in everything. She said, "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."
God does want us to be happy. That's why we are here! We have a loving Heavenly father who has made a plan of happiness for each of us. Maybe this is your year to find a renewal in your faith. We have friends of many religions and I hope that each of you take time to find God again this year. He loves you. He wants you to be happy. Our church has taught us that "happiness...is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ".
So, as you take time this year to expand or simplify your world, make yourself better, and search for happiness. Don't forget to spend some time talking to the One who really matters. One who loves you and will never leave you alone. Keep wishing people a "Happy New Year" and then think about what it really means to be happy.
Elder L. Tom Perry said recently, "In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test—to return and live with our Heavenly Father."
I believe that is true and I wish you all happiness and peace in this New Year.
Love, Alesha
p.s. Check out www.mormon.com or www.lds.org for answers to life's big questions and more instruction on how to be happy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)