MY CHILDREN - THE GREATEST GIFT

My sister Marty, wrote several posts recently about "Intentional Mothering".  I loved reading all of them. 

We were young mothers together and I was grateful to get ideas from her when my kids were young.  The posts made me think about my thoughts on being a mother.  Mothering my children has been the greatest gift I could ever receive.   I cared for them, nourished, loved, encouraged - all those things.  But as I look at it, I have been given more - for it is they who  taught me. I don't think I would know anything if I hadn't had the chance to mother these exceptional human beings. They were the ones who taught me patience.  They taught me to love unconditionally.  They taught me to be interested in and learn about things that I would never have thought to learn. The list goes on.
 I am sure that these children I was given to raise, were older spirits that just came to earth after me. I was meant to house them and care for them while they were young.   Each one of them have unique talents and abilities that, if I had overlooked I would have truly missed out on something marvelous.  I looked at each child when they were young and they had such dreams and hopes.  Who was I to say that anything they choose to do was impossible?  If a child told me they were going to be an NBA star, pro golfer, or a writer of the great American Novel, how could I say anything but you can do it - if you want to.  You are talented and smart and can do anything you put your mind to.  And, if you choose to do something else, you will also be equally as successful.  These children have proven me right.  Because, each one has accomplished anything they set out to do.  Each child is loyal, loving, hardworking and kind. 

 How could a mother be so blessed to be given the opportunity to have such great kids?  Having children can be a difficult, exhausting job - but it also is the most noble and grand adventure that a woman can ask for.  I intentionally had five children.  I have been blessed over and over again with the birth and life of each child.  What I have done for them is nothing compared to what they have given me. 

INNER BEAUTY

I went to a fireside Sunday night.  It celebrated all different kinds of women.  The stages of women's lives.  The sorrows and joys that women go through as we grow from young to old.  Problems and things that make us sad are unique to the individual, yet are universally felt and because of this there is a bond that ties women together.  This program had beautiful music written by a woman in this particular stake, and performed by members of the same stake.  It always amazes me how much talent exists in the church and how people are willing to give of their time and talents to uplift others. The ladies performing had to have practiced hours to give such a professional performance. 
As I watched, it struck me how different each woman looked.  Different hairstyles, ways of dressing, body shapes and sizes, but the beauty on each face was very apparant.  No voice sounded alike, yet they all sounded lovely.  My niece was part of the cast.  As I watched her and listened to her clear voice as she sang her part, I was struck by her amazing beauty.  She is truly a pretty girl, but I think that the real beauty came through because of the pureness of her voice and the conviction behind the words that she was singing.  She had that light shining through and around her that comes from within. She is just really good and real and pure. It shows and it makes her beautiful.  
I know many women like that.  Women who are righteous, good, kind, who see the best in others, who have charity.  Whatever their physical features are does not matter, for they become lovely because of what is going on inside their hearts.  In this world, that is so obsessed with the way everyone looks, it is nice to be reminded of what real beauty is all about.  A smile, a kind word, a hug...warm loving eyes.  These are things that make a woman truly beautiful..

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.  The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.  There beauty in a woman is refelected in her soul.  It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of that woman only grows with passing years."

-Audrey Hepburn 

SHOES AND FLOWERS AND SHOES, OH MY!

Everywhere I look lately, I'm seeing cute bows and flowers on everything!  Especially shoes.  They look springy. (As you can tell, I'm ready for spring).  I think to myself.  I have lots of shoes, and I make flowers.  Maybe I can solve my wants/needs without spending any money.  I'm sure I've got a little fabric tucked away somewhere.  An hour later, I've spruced up these tired old shoes and made them into something kind of fun.

It's good I'm back to taking care of the little ones on Monday.  With my obsessiveness, when something turns out somewhat successful, I am likely to have flowers on every pair of shoes that I own.  I think just this one pair will do just fine.  (Although I do have some mauve shoes that would look lovely?!?).

IS SPRING COMING SOON?

I'm kind of getting ready for spring.  I want to rid my closet of anything that is dark or heavy.  Don't these things look lovely?  Do you think the snow will ever melt so wearing anthing like this is possible?    I'm looking out for some sun and warmer temperatures.  Longer days are in the forecast.  Things are looking up.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

I've written about my neighborhood before.  Today one of our own is in surgery.  She found out just two weeks ago that she had a brain tumor.  This awful news, of course affects her family in the worst way.  She is their center, their rock.  But the news affects our neighborhood, because this lovely lady is part of all of us.  We are so close here.  We look out for one another.  We love one another. 
 There was a huge snowstorm last night.  As I drive through the streets I see so many out shovelling their neighbors driveways and walks.  Maybe for a widow, or for someone who is having a difficult time getting around.  Or maybe just to be nice.  And the shovellers aren't spring chickens either!  Men in their 70's and 80's out there making sure that those living around them will be able to get out and not slip.  Women out shovelling for those living next to them.  People taking meals in or just visiting because they know a friend is having a hard time. 

We are a blessed people..It is a good place to live.

FINE THOUGHTS HENRY DAVID

I was reading through a book of thoughts my mom gave my grama.  Grama was such a cute lady.  She would write comments here and there.  I came across this one today.  She must have liked it and I do too.
She wrote under Henry David Thoreau's name, "Fine thoughts Henry David".  When I see the handwriting of someone I loved who isn't around anymore I love it.  It's like getting a little note from them.  Grama and I used to exchange letters, even though we lived in the same city.  It was just a nice way of expressing our thoughts to each other.  So today when I saw this I thought, "thanks for the thought Grama,  I love you too."

COLORADO SPRINGS

I was able to spend the last few days in Colorado Springs with Nick.  It was so nice to see where he works, meet his friends and just spend time with him.  The Air Force Academy is very impressive.  It was fun to meet some of the people Nick teaches with.

I was able to meet one of Nick's best friends,  Dr S. Nicole and her friend Joe. I've heard so much about her, so it was nice to get to know her.  We had a great visit at her home, it was lovely.

Nick has found some interesting pieces to add to the few things he took with him.  His apartment looks and feels like Nick.  Books everywhere.  It is comfortable and peaceful.  I felt like I was on a relaxing retreat this weekend.

                                                   We hung a few pictures, to make things a bit more homey, although Nick's apartment is already warm and welcoming.  We watched movies that I would never take the time to watch at home.  I read and learned all about Tolstoy and Keats.  (something I would never do at home) .  I might even try and read something by Tolstoy.  Oh, probably never War and Peace, but maybe some of his later writings, now that I've learned something more about him and his life.  And maybe read a little poetry by Keats?  Nick always makes me want to learn more.  He's a good teacher.  Anyway, It was a great weekend,  nice to see him so happy and content with his life.  I feel relaxed.  Couldn't ask for more from a vacation.  

TRAVELS

I was able to go with Nick to meet some of the other professers.  We've seen a little of Colorado Springs.  Nick's apartment is perfect.  More to see and people to meet tomorrow.  Having a lovely rest.

GETTING AWAY

Am getting out on my own today. 

Leaving town. 

Going to visit Nick and friends at the Academy. 

I'm sure I'll have a lovely time. 

Will send a postcard and post pictures upon my return. 

Love, Polly

ABBY'S BIRTHDAY!

I knew even before Abby was born that she was strong willed.  I wanted to have another baby a year before I knew she was coming.  She made me wait.  Before she could talk, she let me know what she wanted.  She got her message across loud and clear, somehow.  I'd had two boys before her, so I was excited to have a little girl to dress up and fix her hair in curls.  She would have none of that even when she was very small.  She has always known what she wanted and worked hard to get it.  She is smart and has lots of drive.  As she has grown she has become a beautiful woman who has created a beautiful home.  She has a career that she is really good at, but her focus is her husband, her boys and her home.  She is a talented quilter.  Anyone who has been given one of her creations treasures it, even as they wrap themselves up in its warmth, knowing it was created with her loving hands.  Abby is very small.  Yet, her presence, her warmth, laughter and love fill up the room.  I have been fortunate enough to become a small part of her family by tending her boys three days a week.  I love that I can share her kids with her, but at the end of the day when Jake and Sam hear the door open and they know mom's home, you should see the light in their eyes and the smiles on their faces.  They have the best mom in the whole world.  Have a Happy Birthday Abby!  Have fun riding all the rides and enjoying your family while you vacation.  You deserve it.

Love, mom