Monday Pondering

So I have decided that in honor of all the May birthdays... my hubby, his bro, my brother-in-law Joel, my little sis, nephew Carter... I would wrap this weeks question around them. It is an easy and fun one this week...

"What is your favorite birthday memory?"

Have fun, post some pics, conjure up some memories and don't forget to share. Enjoy!

So They Say Its Your Birthday...

Happy Happy Birthday to my favorite 28-year-old twins! I was once told that when I married a twin I got 2 for the price of 1... and what a lucky girl that I am that I ended up with a set of good ones. First off, my dear sweet husband! Happy birthday sweetie...I love you! What a wonderful man that I married and how blessed I am to have someone that honestly opens a whole new world to me. We are as different as night and day and have learned a beautiful dance in our marriage. He is everything that I am not and more. He has taught me how to love life, how to laugh, how to give, how to love. What a good man he is. Happy Birthday baby!
And my Josh, also a wonderful man. He has always been so sweet to me and so welcoming. He is truly the big brother that I never had. I was a little worried if he would let me borrow his twin brother for a while but he graciously gave him over to this silly girl while still keeping a loving watch over him. Josh is a wonderful brother to both of us and we love him dearly! Happy birthday Joshy.
What a joy and a pain it has been to watch these two boys. I use the term "boys" very accurately because I have watched both of them go from boys to men, honorable men, strong men, loving men. I have watched them love each other, protect each other, bug each other, defend each other, and support each other. I love you boys and am forever thankful for the day that you entered this wonderful world. Happy Birthday to my boys!
P.S. yes, the only pictures I have of the two of them together is at each of our weddings, pathetic, I know. Note to self, take more pictures of the twins!

Pondering #2

What are the things that are absolutely essential in your life and how do you simplify and purify your perspective?


Absolutely essential...those are definitely defining words that causes one to really look inside and dig deep into their soul. As I have pondered I have realized that often times in our human world we categorize those things with little importance such as: favorite TV shows, shopping trips, or a blog of a friend of a friend as "absolutely essential", of which I am guilty. I have found myself many times rearranging my schedule to fit in a TV show or not taking advantage of toddler play time to finish a sink full of dishes and somehow rationalizing that it is "absolutely essential" that I do so. However, as I have pondered this past week about where I have drawn the line in my life and what things I truly consider as absolutely essential I have realized that it really boils down to two things, the gospel and my loved ones. I have seen that when my focus is on the real essential things in my life that every thing else falls into the proper place and proper perspective. However, I must admit that it is easier said than done because those things that are essential require energy whereas those not so important things require nothing but zoning out.
It has been interesting this week as I have thought about the concept of energy as it relates to the essential things of life because the greatest lesson was taught to me by my almost 2-year-old. As I was watching him shoot hoops the other day I was amazed at how he just kept going and the common thought came to my mind, "oh, if only I could have that much energy," to which quickly followed, "we all do, just for different things." As I continued to think about that I realized that the reason why he kept going and going is because he loves it, he thrives on it, where as for me, I don't find quite the enjoyment out of a plastic basketball hoop and a rubber ball. However, if it is taking pictures, searching for the right easter outfit for Cade, or finishing a project for a loved one I have all the energy I need to keep going. Which brings us back to the "absolutely essential" things in life. Many times the things that we have the most energy for are the things we mistakenly categorize as essential, for example: how many of us can recite the names, plot, details, and location of our favorite TV show but in the same breath cannot recall the sequence of events in the Book of Mormon? Once again, I am guilty. But can you imagine how amazing life would be if we put the time into not only recognizing the need to rearrange our priorities but actually placing the things that are absolutely essential into the correct category and truly finding a love and a passion for them. Can you imagine the energy that would come and the things that would happen as we were able to keep going? Can you imagine the difference we could make in the world and most importantly our families? Can you imagine the immense payoff we would receive for the time it would take to reevaluate and rearrange?
So, back to the simple question, what are the things that are absolutely essential in my life? I would have to respond, the gospel and my loved ones. I am continually reevaluating and rearranging my perspective so that my actions align with my words and desires. And secondly, how do I simplify and purify my perspective? It is a journey, one that never ends because this life is all about learning how to simplify and purify in every season of life. I have found great solace and direction in my "hour of pondering." I cherish the time that Cade naps, that is the time that is all about the inside me. I am not only able to shower, hallelujah, but that is when I reminisce past memories, evaluate actions, determine to become better, think of my family, and ponder those things that are absolutely essential and how I can make a difference. I have a few quiet moments to ponder my scriptures and pray uninterrupted. That is how I simplify and purify my life in the season that I am in.
So, in closing of my long journey, I encourage everyone to dig deep, find what is absolutely essential in your life and ask yourself if you have the energy to keep going with it. And if not, how can you get it? Can you imagine....

Jumping and Escalators

Jared and I took Cade to the mall the other day because it was too hot to go to the park. We had a great time looking at the fountains and playing in the playland. Cade, however, decided to ditch the "little kid" toys for something a little more grown up, jumping ledges and escalators. He had so much fun jumping off of everything he could find, I swear this kid has no fear. Our little dare devil also had a wonderful time going up and down, up and down, and up and down the escalator. He is actually getting pretty good at getting on and off the moving steps. We had a great time watching his little mind working and trying to find his next challenge. Oh the innocence of little boys.

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!

This weekend we had the opportunity to go to Disneyland, only one of my Favorite places in the world, for my nephew Carter's birthday! Carter man turned the big 1-0 on Wednesday, Happy Birthday Bud! Here is a recap of our weekend that we went non-stop. We left early Saturday morning and all couldn't wait to see those Mickey Mouse ears!

As you can see, Jared was his usual excited self and Cade was a little unsure about all that was happening around him. The twins were so excited to go to Disneyland and even found enjoyment in the ticket lines. And Cade, my sweet Cade, he was just happy that I let him hold his own cup that had NO lid on it, daring I know but I was please that most of it ended up in his mouth.

As I mentioned before, I love Disneyland, it is truly a magical place for me. The music, the people, the characters, the princesses, just the excitement is so contagious. I honestly dance through main street when I get there. I also found it rather comical that the older boys had sworn they would not go in "Small world," haha, the first ride we were on, "Small world," and they all left saying, "that was neat, huh?"

Once again, this is our little Amelia, I love this little angel baby. I really think that she is my favorite person to take pictures of. Yes, over Cade, but that is only because she LOVES the camera and he ignores it at all cost. When she sees the camera she knows it is all about her and what girl doesn't love that!? I also loved to watch Chandler. He is such a tender kid. I don't know very many 12 year-old-boys that don't walk 10 steps in front of their mom let alone HOLD HER HAND. It was so sweet to watch him naturally walk with his arm around her or holding her hand, he is a good boy.

Cade was not too keen on very many of the rides however the Carousel was a hit. He went on it not one, not two, but three times. He loved it and would laugh and laugh. By the time the third time came around with no nap and an early morning added to it he was out for the count. It was so tender and Nana's shoulder was a little bit damp. We had a great time and are so thankful for our family! We love you guys and thanks again!

Monday is Here Again!

It is Monday again, which means time for another pondering. If you are just joining our "pond" you can find more information by clicking here
While I was running at the gym this morning I was thinking about what the question should be this week. I was reading a talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen that was given in the Sunday morning session of this past conference and came across a quote that really struck and inspired me.

"How do we find our way through the many things that matter? We simplify and purify our perspective. Some things are evil and must be avoided; some things are nice; some things are important; and some things are absolutely essential."

So thus is the spring board for this weeks question. Drum roll please....

What are the things that are absolutely essential in your life and how do you simplify and purify your perspective?

I know it is kind of a loaded question but think on it, ponder on it in those few quiet moments you have while driving, cooking chicken, stepping into the shower, blow drying your hair, whenever you get a moment take some time and think. You might be surprised with what you come up with. Don't forget to share your insights and journey on Friday on your blog. Enjoy!

Love

First of all want to say thank you to everyone who has participated in our weekly pondering, I hope you have had a great journey. What a joy it has been to ponder about the women in my life and the lessons that have been shared. As I thought about what has made me "me" I realized that I have, as I am sure many other have been as well, taught, shaped and guided by love. Love is one of the most amazing influences in ones life and I think has been the most life altering influence in my little existence.

Mom
As I have pondered our question this week about my mom and what she has taught me I have thought of many lessons that she has provided and countless instances that she has exemplified them. However, I think that the most important lesson has been to Love the Lord. I have always known that my mom loves our Savior and that she has a deep and unshakable testimony. I never wondered where she stood on an issue or if it was the correct stance because I knew that she upheld and abided by truth. I never had to wonder where she was at night after family prayer, she could always be found sitting in bed reading her scriptures. I never had to wonder who the tissue was being passed to on Sunday, mom always had tears. I never had to wonder if we would ever have enough to eat, mom (and dad) always paid tithing. I never had to wonder if we would be together forever as a family, mom always keeps her temple covenants. I never had to wonder if she spoke truth, she follows our Savior. Along with seeing her example I also always heard her lessons. She taught me to find my own testimony, my own love, my own relationship, my own faith in Jesus Christ. She taught me how important it is to know who I am, where I am going, and that the Savior is ALWAYS by my side. I honor my mom for her faith and her desire to allow me to find my own testimony as well. I love you mom and thank you for teaching me about the Savior and his unconditional love.

As I continued to ponder this week I realized that there are many other women in my life that have also taught me about love and the many different avenues it exists in.

Grandma
I love my grandma so much and feel it such an honor to be her granddaughter. Of all the lessons that my grandma has shared with me the one that stands out the most and I call upon most frequently is the Love of Courage. My grandma is a very brave, strong, and courageous woman that has been placed in many positions to cultivate and develop her gift of courage. She has taught me to always give love, service and time but to never forget that I am an individual of great purpose. She has taught me to take courage and never fear, I hold the future in my hands and the only thing that can hold me back is myself. I had the opportunity to have her and my mom drop me off at college. The whole experience was a little nerve racking and quite overwhelming for me. As we unpacked my things and they prepared to leave my emotions got the best of me and my and tears started flowing. I was so afraid. So nervouss. So scared. My grandma looked me in the eyes and said, "Lacey, who has the power?" I looked back, with reluctance in my eyes and replied, "oh grandma, don't make me do it." She said, "go ahead it will make you feel better." As she pulled her arms up to the flexing position she asked again, "who has the power?" I laughed through my tears and responded with my arms also in flexing position, "I do." That memory has given me strength time and time again to push through the fear and reach my dreams. I love you gma!

Mama Rosa (or Nana as Cade would say)
I am so lucky to not only have an amazing mom but an incredible mother in law as well. She has loved me and accepted me, faults and all, since day one. As I have continued to ponder I have realized how much Rosemarie has taught me to Love Work. She is one of the hardest working people I know. The thing that I have learned from her though is not just to work but to do so with a happy heart. I have watched Rosemarie find happiness, joy, and goodness in even the most miserable of circumstances. I am also so thankful that she has not only shared her priceless example with me but also with my dear husband. I was so lucky to marry a man that knows how to work and has the deep desire to do all that he can to provide for his family. As I have thought about her gift and example of working hard I had to chuckle because that is actually how I ended up with my husband. I worked with Rosemarie at their family owned business. We worked side by side for a couple of months until she had to put even more work into the situation and convince Jared to take me out. What a lucky girl I am!! Thank you Mama Rosa for all that you have done. Thank you for finding the good in working. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for teaching Jared. Thank you for loving Cade. I love you!

Alli...my baby sis!
Oh my baby sister Alli, how I love her! I have always been so worried that she would grow up with a "little sister complex" and feel as if she was living in my shadow because in all reality I wanted to be just like her. Although Alli is 4 1/2 years younger than I am she has taught me lessons far beyond her years. I think the most important lesson Alli has taught me is to Love Life. Allison is the happiest, bubbliest, most easy going person I know. She truly finds pure joy in all that she does and then allows others to feel of and enjoy in her happiness as well. I have seen Alli brighten the most dark of circumstances just by walking into a room. I joy in my sister, in who she is and who she makes me want to be. She has shown me how much goodness there is in the world and how to make the most of it. She has shown me that life is exciting and it is up to us to allow peace to penetrate our souls. I am so thankful for my baby sister and hope to become even half the woman that she is. I love you my alli and thank you for sharing your beauty with me.



Melissa
I, once again, am so lucky to have such a wonderful family. Melissa is my sister-in-law and I love her to pieces and am so thankful for her and her lessons. I have always felt a strong connection to Melissa and have drawn upon her strength many times. One of the greatest lessons that melissa has taught me is to Love being a Mom. We moved to Vegas when Cade was 6 weeks old and had to blessing and opportunity of living with Melissa and her sweet family for almost a year. Melissa was there during my early motherhood days and helped me through the "what am I doing?!" stages of infant hood. She has taught me to joy in what I am doing. She has taught me to put down the dishes and pick up the dump trucks. She has taught me that no phone call is more important than a toddler hug. She has shown me that it doesn't matter how gourmet a meal is as long as it makes it into their tummys. I have watched her run errands, drop off and pick up kids, make lunches, allow her dinner to get cold while others are eating, share her most prized possessions and kiss away tears, all with a smile on her face and gratitude in her heart. She has shown me that motherhood is a gift not a sacrifice. I am so thankful for her lessons and her continual reminders of what I need to be doing with my little one. Thanks Melis, I love you.

What an honor it has been to reminisce in old memories and to stir up warm feeling about the women that I love. Thank you to all the wonderful women in my life, those who I have mentioned and those who I have not, thank you for loving me and teaching me how to love!