On a soap box.....

I love Christmas. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude as i walked the halls of Reece and Quincy's elementary school- i saw pictures of christmas trees and other decorations that indicated the approaching holiday. Of course i was saddened that no mention of our Savior can be included at school but i was still grateful that the children can at least celebrate christmas to some extent. I stopped by the principal's office, to express my gratitude for living in a school district that still allows the holiday celebration, only to be told that it might change in the near future. WHAT!!!!!!!
Apparently some families just don't think it's appropriate and don't share in the belief of Christmas- it offends them. that's when I stepped up on my soap box and spoke my heart.....

"SO WHAT!!!!!!"

"Why is the majority always cowtowing to the minority? These christmas opposing families demand tolerance and respect-what about tolerating and respecting my family's beliefs? This is ridiculous! Well I would like to know if and when this issue will be debated and presented in front of the school board. I will get involved!"
Too bad the principal was doing evaluations in a classroom- BUT the receptionist got an earful and thankfully she agreed with me. I guess I'll have to spend some energy writing a letter to the school board. Don't think for a minute i would have wavered from my soap box if I was speaking to the principal. OK well I better get drafting my ever important letter to the school board......

it will be O.K.

so many thoughts are running through my mind as i sit here typing.
1. is it really december in 2 days?
2. are we really only 30 + days away from celebrating a new year?
3. are we going to be finacially able to navigate all of our responsibilities (quinn's employer isn't in a great financial place right now and consequently it trickles down to us. ie- no more paid health insurance premium for the family, behind on Quinn's commission payments and definately NO christmas bonus)
4. will my children learn the true meaning of christmas?
5. will i get all my errands done and still be able to spend 2 hours at the gym?
6. should i look for a part time job?
7. do other mothers, aside from my sister, experience feelings of anxiety and panic when the house is in disarray and the children are extremely noisy? are there really humans out there that enjoy all the mess and the noise? really?????
despite the above mentioned thoughts (and some that will remain unrevealed) i feel a bit of excitement bubbling. there is a little hop in my step, a smile that is threatening to surface. i wonder-is it the approaching christmas holiday? is it the spiritually uplifting day at church? NO! it's back to school for the kids! 3 weeks they have been out for track break and finally they return tomorrow. i'm trying to hide my excitement but it's hard. i really can't wait! granted the school session will be short lived as they get out for christmas break in a few weeks BUT nonetheless i will treasure their time in school more than i ever i have. oh i can hardly wait for tomorrow! everything will be OK!

ranting and raving AND Gratitude

since this is MY blog and i feel like getting some stuff off my chest here it goes......
Adam Lambert-huge fan when he was on American Idol- one talented individual. Lost all respect last night after his performance on AMA. Couldn't even stomach the whole thing. After the first very inappropriate act, by him, we shut it off and vowed to never ever support him in any way. I guess the more important question i should ask myself is why was i even watching the AMA's in the first place. I don't really enjoy any kind of popular music and viewing the show was NOT an appropriate Sabbath day activity, in my opinion. I should have known better. The adversary really has his claws in deep. Scary times we find ourselves in these days. Then i hear that the healthcare bill passed the senate on saturday. did you know that our taxes will be paying for abortions? i am a pro lifer. if someone is stupid enough to have unprotected sex before or after they are married that IS their choice-of course there are the unfortunate circumstances such as rape or incest that warrant careful consideration but i don't believe that is the reason most abortions are performed. I don't want one penny i work for to supporting abortion in anyway. Where is my choice in that?
I have already mentioned this before BUT the two things I am most grateful for is my membership in and my testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I often wonder how i would navigate through life without my testimony and i don't think i would.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 21

My creative juices have been shifted to high gear since starting my gratitude posts. I do think everyday we can find something new to be grateful for and i'm glad for the opportunity to think outside the box. Today I was visiting with a stranger when she revealed that her husband has brain cancer and they are moving to Argentina next month to be closer to his family for a few years. REALLY? She didn't sound bitter. She appeared to be at peace. I sensed more the "this is what life has dealt us" attitude and they were anxious for their new adventure. Today I am grateful for the opportunity I had to visit with this individual today. It's no secret for anyone who knows me.....I AM A CONTROL FREAK! i live with the illusion that i control most things around me. It's so ridiculous. I am working on letting go and as i do i can feel the anxiety leave my being and the peace take hold. The stranger gave me strength to carry on. After our short visit I had a greater appreciation for the truth.......the only thing i can really control is my response to life and what the Lord puts in my path. I trust Heavenly Father and Jesus. I know they know what is best for me. I will do better at NOT fighting against Them and embracing the trials put in my path.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 20

1. healthy competition
2. Will- he let's us shadow him at the gym and we get an amazing workout for FREE.
3. YW night in excellence.
4. guitar music.
5. opportunity to stay at home-i may have already mentioned this but even though it's a struggle i am so grateful to be able to stay in the home full time.
6. q-tips.
7. children's imaginations.
8. missed naps-that mean EARLY bedtime. YEEHAW.
9. 24 hour grocery stores.
10. the color lime green. -so cheery
11. losing.- makes winning so much sweeter.
12. winning.
13. my seamstress friend, Tina.
14. fuzzy soft scarves.
15. bookmarks
16. belts.
17. consignment stores
18. press and seal wrap-so handy
19. 100% cotton balls
20. toe nails- when i was training for my half marathon i actually lost one of my toe nails- really helped me appreciate them. see we can always find gratitude in even the most obscure things. :)

Attitude of Gratitude Day 19

1. that extra 15 minutes added to the original 45 minute spinning class-now it's one whole hour of bliss.- really it just means i can eat a little more yummy treats over the holidays.
2. tights- stylish and warm.
3. my neighbor- she brought me a yummy sugar cookie recipe last night.
4. drew- reece's friend.
5. sawyer pest control.
6. pens that write.
7. hair color.
8. short checkout lines.
9. children who sleep in.
10. garage.
11. polka dots.
12. crazy ideas.
13. quinn's patience.
14. montessori.
15. my neighbor, who is an elementary school principal, and will listen to my rants and raves.
16. a good vacuum
17. ceramic tile kitchen countertops.
18. braces
19. retainers
20. dental floss.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 18

1. snow melt-melts those icy patches quick.
2. glue guns.
3. so thankful for the sound of the front door opening and closing at 5:30 p.m. because that means quinn is home!
4. our ranch style home- it's big enough for our family and i can hear everything that is going on in all the rooms.
5. cotton.
6. step stools.
7. express lanes.
8. feather pillows
9. family home evening.
10. the sound of Reece singing primary songs to trey.
11. ziploc bags.
12. people who will explain things to me more than once.
13. safety seals
14. smoke detectors
15. fire fighters
16. mirrors
17. junior mints
18. self check out lines
19. finding money in a coat pocket
20. utensils.