About mom

(Another treasure from the drafts file!  1.16.2011)

My friend Amber did a cute little tag and tagged anyone who has kids that could talk. (And I do the same.) I decided to find out what Addie really thinks of me so here it is!

Kimber
1. What does mom always say to you?
Not for a while

2. What makes mom happy?
Getting Tickled

3. What makes mom sad?
Getting hit

4. How does mom make you laugh?
Tickling

5. How old is mom?
4

6. How tall is mom?
This tall...or this tall....or this tall  {As she motions downward with her hand}

7. What does mom like to do?
Play Memory with you

8. What is mom's job?
Do something on the computer

9. What is mom's favorite food?
Hot Tamales

10. How do you know your mom loves you?
Give you a kiss and a hug

Addie:
1. What does mom always say to you?
Clean something

2. What makes mom happy?
When I help you

3. What makes mom sad?
When I get hurt really bad or you don't get to see me when you have a baby in the hospital

4. How does mom make you laugh?
When Lucy does something funny

5. How old is mom?
28

6. How tall is mom?
That's a hard one.  30?

7. What does mom like to do?
Play with us

8. What is mom's job?
Cleaning the house

9. What is mom's favorite food?
Popcorn

10. How do you know your mom loves you?
You give me a hug and I give you a hug

Happiness Hacks

One of my favorite podcasts is "Happier with Gretchen Rubin".  On the podcast they offer "happiness hacks"- quick ideas that make life easier or more pleasant.  According to Gretchen's Four Tendencies quiz I am a questioner, which in part means I am always looking for ways to improve something or make it easier.  So over time I have collected quite a few of my own happiness hacks.  Here are a few:

First off is the Drop Stop.  An insert that fit snugly between your seat and center console preventing crumbs, keys, phones, change, etc from slipping into the pit of darkness.

Along the same lines is that black mat I use under my kitchen sink.  My disposal gave me a few fits lately, dripping moldy and rotten water.  It happened twice within a short amount of time!  Gross!  To prevent further stench and avoid damage, I set out to find a solution.  I came across this shoe mat at Walmart one day and for under $5 it was the perfect solution!  It works like a charm!  I can set my dish wand on it and not worry about it getting the wood wet.

I love chapstick!  I apply is several time through out the day.  One way to ensure it's always available is to have located in several places throughout the house.  The two most important places I keep them are in my nightstand and in the kitchen windowsill.

For some reason we have a lot of socks in our house.  And so many of them do not have mates.  I'll never understand how that happens!  One way to minimize the problem is to have a sock bin.  I keep one on the dryer so as I am folding clothes I can toss singles in until the match comes through in another load.  Every few weeks I go through the bin and anything that hasn't been matched in a while goes to the trash.  No sense in keeping a single sock around!

There's not such thing as having the best of both worlds when it comes to sleep.  You can't be an night owl and an early riser- at least not for long before you crash.  The older I get the more I come to enjoy getting up and going to bed early.  I like to be up no later than 5:15, get my exercise done, pray, read and have a few minutes to myself before getting my kids up for school.  It's been a few weeks since I've been able to do this (too many late nights) but boy, it's my favorite way to start the day!

For the past year or so I have been treating myself to a manicure once a month.  It only takes an hour and the girl that does my nails is so pleasant.  Having nicely painted nails and spending an hour with Kasee brings me a lot of joy!  

I used to plan four weeks of meals at one time.  Sometimes it was easy and other times it was a real struggle.  I've changed my method to only planning one week at a time.  It actually comes out to only five meals because of date night (we call it freezer night because the kids get to eat anything that can be cooked at 425 degrees, haha!) and Sunday dinner at the Hatch's.  Taking smaller bites of this task has made life much happier!

Divine Signatures

A few weeks ago in Fast and Testimony meeting a former bishop of our's mentioned a book called "Divine Signatures."  A book about miracles, coincidences (there is no such thing.  I just don't have a better word), and the tender mercies of the Lord.

He told a personal story of a time when he needed to see the hand of the Lord in his life as a way of knowing he was in the right path.  The Papermill had closed down resulting in his job loss and his wife having to go to work.  He had bought some calves hoping to raise them then turn around and sell them for a profit.  He began to question his decision to pursue that and one morning knelt on the living room floor asking the Lord to give him a "divine signature" so he could know he was on the right path.  Two days later he sold the calves for above market value and made a nice profit!

His story and the mention of the book piqued my interest.  I downloaded a copy of the book onto my Deseretbook app and although I am not a reader by nature, I dove in and started reading.  The stories shared of the miracles and tender mercies people experienced were truly inspiring!  The author shares dozen of stories throughout the book that reflect the love and care He has for us.  The author mentions again and again that He wants to bless us!

Little did I know that just a few short days later I would need my own divine signature.

Last Wednesday I learned of a concerning fact that would greatly impact my little family if it was not resolved by the middle of this week.  I was sick to my stomach!  I kept it all to myself so no one else would be worried but the burden was heavy.  I began asking Heavenly Father to send me a divine signature.  I truly wearied him with my prayers.  In the book the author tells of a time he needed something so much that he decided to fast every other day until the situation was resolved.  He only had to fast twice and his problem was solved- it actually turned out so much better than he could have ever thought!

I decided I would try the same approach.  On Thursday, Saturday and Monday I fasted.  No one knew but me.  I spent many hours on my knees praying, silently praying, pleading, putting my faith in action and hoping I wasn't foolishly looking for a miracle.  I didn't want a miracle, I wanted a divine signature of his hand in my life!

Last night I told Heavenly Father what my plan for the day was and hoped that He would send that signature when I needed it the most.  I had to face the music this morning and make a phone call to find out the news.  My hands were shaking, I could barely hold it together, I was nervous beyond words and I was afraid that the signature may not come.  I knew it wasn't because He wasn't aware of me or that he hadn't heard my prayers, but that maybe it wasn't time.  Or many because of the agency of others it wasn't meant to be.

It took all I had to dial the phone!  The phone rang, I explained the reason for my call and after (what seemed like) a long pause, the man on the other end gave me the news.  He had no idea that on the other end of the phone I was feeling very humbled and almost speechless!  Heavenly Father had heard my prayers!  He had sent that divine signature!  I could barely get off of my knees after offering the most heartfelt prayer of gratitude I have ever offered.

He is so kind.  So very very kind.

If you feel you need some proof that He is aware of you and your circumstances in your life, put this to the test.  He is waiting to bless you.

Future Firsts

Another treasure from the drafts folder.  How fun is this?  I'll have to do it again and get Lucy's list of firsts too.

Addie:

First job-
Secretary at McClaran's

First boy to take you on a date-
Kyson Perry or Davyn McCray

Color of your first prom dress-
Turquoise

First car-

Kimber:

First job-
Secretary

First boy to take you on a date-
Aiden Coor

Color of first prom dress-
Hot pink

First car-

Taking a break from Instagram

I've always treaded lightly when it comes to social media.  I had a Facebook account for a short time but never used it and ended up permanently deleting my account.  I have never missed it!  However, I do have two Instagram accounts; an account where I follow friends and family and they follow me and a private account with one follower, my good friend Raygon, where I post regularly as a way of journaling our family life.  Those pictures are printed into a Chatbook series that we fan through often to reflect on good times and memories.

I've tried to be careful with my usage of Instagram, never checking it too many times in a day or letting it become an addition.  I can't say I was perfect at those things, but I tried!  It is fun to check in on my family to see what's new with them or to see what new adventures my friends were having.  But over time it began to wear on me.  To put it boldly, it left me feeling fat and boring!  Women, even friends and family, were posting just the "right" picture- perfect smile, hair in place, tummy in and face pulled forward so no double chin is visible.  And September must have been the month to be at Disneyland, because oh my!  It seemed like everyone was there!  Everyone but me, that is.

I was beginning to feel like everyone had it better- more time to travel, exercise, hang with friends, go on exciting dates with her husband, be organized, make great meals and treats for their family, etc.  Within minutes of me having this realization I decided I needed to take a hiatus from Instagram and before I knew it the app was gone!

That happened on September 22nd.  I have never decided how long this hiatus would last.  I have considered never going back but I do enjoy the connection with my family.  It could last another week or month or longer.  When I feel like I am ready to face the big bad world of social media, I'll go back.

During this time I've had some realizations that have helped me change how I will handle Instagram when I go back:

• Naturally, people really only post their highlights.  No one wants to share their rock bottom moments with the world, of course.  But I need to take the things that are shared at face value.  Out of thirty pictures taken within a 15 second timeframe, a person is going to chose the very best photo out of the bunch.  I don't blame them, but I have to remember that.

• I am careful who I follow or who follows me, but I am going to reduce it even more.  I think I currently follow two "influencers".  They're actually pretty fun to watch but they are two of the people doing so many of the fun things so often that they'll have to go bye bye.  I am going to unfollow anyone I don't feel makes me life better after seeing their posts.  And I will relinquish their permission to follow me as well.  

• I want to show more of my real life.  No more framing pictures in a way that hides the pile of dirty clothes or dishes.  No more hiding my no makeup face or messy haired kids.  It'll just be us being us. 

• I want to use my account as a platform to share more of my beliefs and my testimony.  I want others to feel uplifted after seeing something I've shared.

• I am who I am and I have to be comfortable with that.  I'm just not the mom who leaves my kids on a regular basis to take exotic vacations alone with my husband or leave for a weekend long girls trip to some fun destination.  I'm not that mom who has a totally fit body and eats salad for every meal.  I don't wear amazing outfits every day.  I'm just me.  I'm overly involved in my kids' lives, I exercise but always in moderation, I eat good but allow myself to enjoy treats, I don't have the best wardrobe but I always dress modestly.  And honestly, those are the things that matter.

Elder Stevenson's talk in General Conference was just perfect for my situation.  He talked about reality vs. what is portrayed on social media.  I loved these words from his talk:

"Many (if not most) of the pictures posted on social media tend to portray life at its very best—often unrealistically. We have all seen beautiful images of home decor, wonderful vacation spots, smiling selfies, elaborate food preparation, and seemingly unattainable body images.

Here, for example, is an image that you might see on someone’s social media account. However, it doesn’t quite capture the full picture of what is actually going on in real life.

Comparing our own seemingly average existence with others’ well-edited, perfectly crafted lives as represented on social media may leave us with feelings of discouragement, envy, and even failure...

With so many appropriate and inspired uses of technology, let us use it to teach, inspire, and lift ourselves and to encourage others to become their finest—rather than to portray our idealized virtual selves. Let us also teach and demonstrate the righteous use of technology to the rising generation and warn against the associated hazards and destructive use of it. Viewing social media through the lens of the gospel can prevent it from becoming a spiritual eclipse in our lives."

He said it perfectly!  And if you want more, watch his address to the women at BYU Women's Conference.

It' s been a breath of fresh air to take the comparison trap out of my life.  I have been better focused on things that matter and overall felt better about myself.  When I do go back I will be armed with new knowledge and ready to try to "teach, inspire, and lift ourselves and to encourage others to become their finest."

At least that is my hope.

Bishop Hatch

Another post dug out from the drafts folder.  I started this on January 28, 2015.

Jared has now been serving as the bishop of our ward for 14 months.  We've been on quite a ride!  I will forever be grateful for the six years he spent as a counselor in the bishopric.  That was a good "warm up" for what we are now experiencing.

There are a few things that have remained the same:

• I still sit alone on Sunday's
• He is still gone every Tuesday and Wednesday night
• Sunday's are still long
• Getting to church is still more difficult than making it through church

And there are a lot of things that have changed:

• We upgraded our cell phone plan to unlimited minutes and texts.  He eats up thousands of minutes every month.
• Yes, he is gone on Tuesday and Wednesday night but he is also gone many other nights as well.
• I've learned that the life of a Bishop's wife can be quite lonely.
• I've also learned that I can do all sorts of difficult things I would have never attempted before (i.e., clean up the blood from a dead dog, take over the outside chores and more)
• We appreciate family time more.
• I'm alone a lot more.

September 26, 2017

As time goes on and Jared still serves as bishop I thought I would add to my list of things that have changed.

• We appreciate our good marriage more than ever
• Although I still do hard things because he isn't around, I have also learned that some things can wait
• Some people really know how to show their appreciation for the sacrifices our family makes
• We've learned to move forward without him when it comes to living everyday life.  I go on vacation alone with the kids, I make decisions that I don't feel he needs to be bothered with, I fix things around the house, etc.
• My concerns and problems actually matter and the concerns and problems that other people have don't outweigh mine, so I need to share them with my husband
• Sadly, we leave him out of most things.  As we fanned through our many Chatbooks the other night he commented that I do a lot without him.  Not just big things, but a lot of little things too. 

We are on the down slide of this and I have to say that a little piece of me is looking forward to having him to ourselves for once in a very long time.  Most of me is sad that it will end.  The blessings have been incredible!  Getting to know people better is so wonderful!  The opportunities that have been given to us have been so tender.  Watching Jared work through the spirit has been so neat- there is no way this calling could be done without the mantle.

Even though this season of our life is very busy and he is gone a lot, I still wouldn't change this opportunity for anything.  I am so thankful for all of the lessons we learned, the love that has grown, how much it's made us grow as people and a couple and mostly, how it has strengthened my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dad

I found this in my drafts folder from April of 2011. I'm sure I never published it because I meant to add more memories.  Since it's over six years old and I haven't finished it, I think I'll leave it as is and hit publish.


Sunday's do something to me.  They get me thinking about all the blessings I enjoy and the wonderful life I have.  And that's good because sometimes by the time Tuesday rolls around I've already forgotten about it all.

Today I have been thinking of my Dad.  I am so lucky.  I think I have the best Dad ever.  He is wise, he is kind, he is fun, he is gentle, he is patient.  And much more.

If I had to pinpoint some of my favorite memories of my Dad it would be these:

When he would come home from work we would race out to his truck trying to be the first to get our hands on his leftover snacks from the day.  A watered down pop and Zingers, or some type of Hostess snack.

Tickling us with his whiskers.

Sleeping with us outside on the trampoline.  Even though he would go back in the house after we were all asleep.

Drawing spiders and scorpions on our hands during church.

He and my Mom watch a show every night and he will usually eat a bowl of popcorn with Hot Tamales or Good n' Plenty's.  He also loves black licorice.

Somehow he has managed to create an immunity to motion sickness.  He and his brothers go hunting in Alaska every other year and one of them will videotape the trip.  When they get home that brother will make a copy of it for the others.  It's full of bumpy rides, walking through thick brush, basically lots of motion.  To a normal person, like me, it's nauseating and I can't stand to watch it.  But every morning, and I do mean every morning, at about 5:00 you will find him watching a few minutes of an "A Movie".  They've had to start calling them that because their wives are tired of hearing about it.  He watches with a huge smile and I can see it truly makes him happy.

He has more tolerance than any other person I have ever met.  His truck has a strange quirk.  The blinker is constantly ticking like it's on.  No lights blink, you just get the noise.  It's quite an undertaking to get it fixed so for now he just lives with it.  He says if he can hear it then he knows the radio is too quite.  Now that's tolerance!

He is always available when I need advice, a good story or comfort.

When I was 8 months pregnant with Lucy our A/C went out.  It was June and really hot.  It got to 90 degrees in my house and we finally just accepted that we would have to replace our unit.  Instead my Dad {along with my Mom} drove up to my house, crawled into my attic {with his bad back} and got it running again.  Then they turned around and went home. They drove all that way just to help me out.
It's no secret that he live with horrible back pain.  But he always manages to keep a smile on his face and a good attitude.  You know it is a really bad day because you will find him busy serving someone else.  He will usually make bread for a friend or some yummy soup.

He is a great speaker and people always look forward to hearing the cool stories he will tell.

He taught me a very important lessons once.  On our way home from camping one of my brothers was whistling and it was really bugging me.  I kept asking him to stop but just like a little brother, he wouldn't.  I finally complained to my Dad and he said "don't you think that sometimes you do things that drive me crazy?  I never say anything."  I have tried to remember that and tried to show my kids the same patience.

He truly leads by example.

Waking us up in the morning for prayers and scriptures by saying,  "come for pray-ors!"