Yay for Springtime!

Eliza and I decided to enjoy the sunshiny weather outside and "wash" the car! Eliza opted to pull out her bathing suit for the occasion and wanted me to spray her with the hose water while she ran around on the lawn! It was a blast!

There's a video to come! If I get get blogger to cooperate with me!!!

To whom it may interest: My talk I gave in church last Sunday

I truly feel humbled to be asked to give this talk today. I shared my misgivings with my family this week as I prepared, telling them I felt INCAPABLE or Overwelmed or underwhelmed. I thought of calling the bishop and talking to him to tell him that they certainly asked the wrong person to give this talk. I played that scenario out in my mind thinking of what Bishop Pace might say when I told him that I didn't think I had enough faith to give a talk about increasing our faith in Jesus Christ. The impression came to me that he might suggest the perfect solution would be to spend hours studying the scriptures and conference talks on faith... So I continued on, still anxious. I even had stress dreams where I ended up at church and had forgotten to prepare my talk or couldn't find the talks I had researched. As I started to do more work on
the talk, I realized that the word that truly described how I felt about giving this talk was HUMBLED.

As I researched I found words from Elder Scott that said "Humility is that quality that permits us to be taught from on high through the Spirit to be given Divine inspiration to accomplish His inspired will." So I have humbly prayed to communicate what He would have me to share.

Faith has never come easily to me-- I was a stalwart member while I was a teen- probably a little over confident in my faith. Then adulthood came, living on your own, financial strain, jobs, marriage, a baby, divorce, heartache, grief over the death of one of my dearest friends to suicide, poor health- REAL LIFE- and it slapped that over-confidence right out of me. And though I still have sincere faith in my Savior, I have much less confidence in myself.

I felt like life was like Elder Uchtdorf described in one of his talks on faith from last conference: "The continual bombardment of messages [from the world] may cause confusion, doubt, and pessimism, each attacking the fundamental truths we believe in, our faith in God, and our hope in the future."

I have struggled in my life to have hope for the future and to hold on to the fundamentals of the Gospel. When I discovered myself wavering, I was shocked. How could I, someone who was SO SURE of the gospel, struggle?

As I was studying for this talk, I read the amazing talk by Richard G. Scott, The Transforming Power of Faith and Character. In his discussion on faith he described exactly how I felt. He said:

"I have personally verified that concepts like faith, prayer, love, and humility hold no great significance and produce no miracles until they become a living part of us through our own experience, aided by the sweet prompting of the Holy Spirit. In early life I found that I could learn gospel teachings intellectually and, through the power of reason and analysis, recognize that they were of significant value.

"But their enormous power and ability to stretch me beyond the limits of my imagination and capacity did not become reality until patient, consistent practice allowed the Holy Spirit to distill and expand their meaning in my heart. I found that while I was sincerely serving others, God forged my personal character. He engendered a growing capacity to recognize the direction of the Spirit. The genius of the gospel plan is that by doing those things the Lord counsels us to do, we are given every understanding and every capacity necessary to provide peace and rich fulfillment in this life. Likewise, we gain the preparation necessary for eternal happiness in the presence of the Lord."

What a wonderful promise! and assurance. I WANT that- I want to take the concepts of faith, prayer, love, and humility-- especially faith, and have it produce miracles in my life. SO HOW do we do that?

Elder Scott said: "true faith, faith unto salvation, is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, faith in His doctrines and teachings, faith in the prophetic guidance of the Lord’s anointed, faith in the capacity to discover hidden characteristics and traits that can transform life. Truly, faith in the Savior is a principle of action and power."

Elder Richard C. Edgeley said:
"Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They
are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism."

His talk is titled, "Faith- the Choice is yours." He tells us that it is our responsibility to develop our own faith. He also says that we are responsible for our lack of faith as well, which depending on where we are, can be daunting! As real life has come at me, as it does to each one of us, I have not always CHOSEN faith-- I have looked for other sources to satisfy me with happiness. fill the aching voids inside of me. But I have always come back. The reason I have always come back is simple. MY SAVIOR.

I truly know that Jesus Christ LOVES me. He is the physician for the sick. True peace of mind and healing for the soul comes only through Him.

These words from Elder Garret W. Gong truly resconate in my heart. He said:
"Having dwelt in flesh and subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, our Savior knows how to succor us, His people, in our pains, afflictions, temptations, sicknesses, even death. Having “descended below all things,” our Savior can bear our griefs and carry our sorrows. “He was wounded for our transgressions, … bruised for our iniquities … ; [with our Savior’s] stripes we are healed.

"From the councils in heaven, our Savior sought only to do His Father’s will... “He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” The world pursues enlightened self-interest. Yet the power is not in us to save ourselves. But it is in Him. Infinite and eternal, only our Savior’s Atonement transcends time and space to swallow up death, anger, bitterness, unfairness,
loneliness, and heartbreak.

"Sometimes things go wrong even though we have done our very best. A Lamb innocent and pure, our Savior weeps with and for us."

I think of the many times in my life when I have wept, truly wept... I know He was there with me! Or waiting just outside the door waiting for me to let him in so he could comfort me...

"When we always remember Him, He can stand with us “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in.” His “faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.” In drawing us to Him, our Savior also draws us to our Father in Heaven. While some things are imperfect on earth, we can trust our Heavenly Father to complete “redemption’s grand design, where justice, love, and mercy meet in harmony divine!”

I know that we cannot live passive lives! Our faith in Jesus Christ must be a choice we make every day! To obey, to study His word, to serve others. This is our responsibility and privilege.

Elder Neil L. Anderson said: "As we follow the Savior, without question there will be challenges that confront us. Approached with faith, these refining experiences bring a deeper conversion of the Savior’s reality. Approached in a worldly way, these same experiences cloud our view and weaken our resolve. Some we love and admire slip from the strait and narrow path and “[walk] no more with him...”

"In our weakened moments, the adversary seeks to steal our spiritual promises. If we are not watchful, our injured, childlike spirit will retreat back into the cold, dark crust of our former bloated ego, leaving behind the warm, healing light of the Savior...."

President Monson has promised, “Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe.” We push our spiritual roots deep, feasting daily on the words of Christ in the scriptures. We trust in the words of living prophets, placed before us to show us the way. We pray and pray and listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Ghost that leads us along and speaks peace to our soul. Whatever challenges arise, we never, never leave Him.

In John 6, The Savior asked His Apostles, “Will ye also go away?”

Peter answered: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

“… We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

When I have struggled with my faith and considered "going another way," I realize that I KNOW there IS no other way to truly find happiness.

I want to conclude with these words from Elder Gong that have gotten me through a lot, just in the last five months since I first heard them:

"The world is in commotion, but in His “only true and living Church,” there is faith and no fear. In the words of the Apostle Paul, I also solemnly testify:

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, …

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I humbly witness: God lives. He “shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes” —except the tears of joy when we see through temple mirrors of eternity and find ourselves home, pure and clean, our family generations sealed by priesthood authority in love, to shout, “Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna."

I testify that I know that God's love is real. Our Savior is waiting to comfort us. In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

Day Light Wasted Times

In an effort to motivate myself to spend more time in my room and bed, as opposed to staying up late and falling asleep on the couch, I did a little bedroom redecorating! I'm VERY pleased with the results!Finnegan is pleased as well. He believes that this knew blanket (which is sooo soft) was made solely for him and ONLY him. Usually, I don't have the heart to take it from him! but then resent him for it... yeah, that's how my brain works. It's healthy, I know.
Below is a pic of Eliza in the Anne Taylor Loft store-- all decked out in bling... I think the stuff she was wearing totaled over $200. Decking herself out in jewelry is a favorite hobby of her, which if we're in Wal-Mart or Dollar Tree, is no big deal! Here, I insisted she move very slowly, but I still let her try them on and look at herself in the mirror.
Eliza's doing wonderfully! She is still inviting everyone to her birthday and has been for the last month and a half. On our drive up to and down from Maryland, I think she invited easily a dozen gas attendants and McDonald's/Chic-Fil-A/Wendy's workers. Today she invited my doctor, last week she invited our home teacher, a lady at the bank who's name was also Eliza, the check-out clerk, a waiter, the Clinique lady at Belk who gave her some lip gloss, a little girl who was at the park, etc. etc. It should be a fun party!

But if she's invited you, it's because she thinks you're really really special and the party wouldn't be the same without you! ;)One funny conversation I had with Eliza today went like this-
Eliza: "Mom, I'm going to tell you a secret. I mean, it's not a secret, but I'm going to whisper it."
Me: "Okay."
Eliza: "[loud breathing in my ear. Eliza speaking huskily because she doesn't know how to whisper very well] Mom, watch out for Leprechauns. They'll try to trick you."
Me: "Oh yeah? Where did you hear about Leprechauns."
Eliza: [still whispering] "At school. In a book. But they'll try to trick you if you're not looking, but if you see them, then you win. But if you don't, you lose."

Then we pretended that I was wearing various combinations of colors that didn't include green, and Eliza would pretend to pinch me and then Roar with laughter when I would say Ouch!

So... Happy St. Patrick's Day!

However, boo to Day Light Savings! Booooo. As if I wasn't already ridiculously behind on things. Now I lost an hour.

Peanut, Peanut Butter and Pine Cone!

Eliza picked up a pine cone on our walk today, which reminded me of a favorite crafty activity from my kidd-o days!

Cover the pine cone in peanut butter then roll it in bird seed, and you have a homemade bird feeder!

Eliza mostly just ate the peanut butter but helped spread it on the pine cone a little bit and otherwise encouraged me as well!

She's a girl of great extremes-- she's definitely not a "laid back" personality. She's either running around singing at the top of her lungs talking about how much she loves everybody and kissing everyone she meets OR she's in total melt down mode, flipping out sobbing and making threats at me, kicking/screaming sort of stuff. (A bit of exaggeration, obviously, but it does happen.)

I love her passion, and I love that she seems so strong-willed... to a certain extent. However, when her strong will edges into stubbornness, it's such a struggle to deal with. I love her dearly, and I see so much of myself in her, so it's hard to blame her for her personality. However, I also need to give her boundaries. Trouble with that is, though, is that it appears that she does not receive consistent boundaries at her other abode.

As Eliza/Madeline would say, "Poo-Poo."

So Eliza usually has to have at least one big break down and subsequent time out (3 minutes and then see if she's ready to say sorry) /removal of privileges (no movie today or no Disney Scene-It game) when she comes back to my place after spending a longer than usual amount of time with her dad... like a long MLK weekend, for example. Welcome Home, Eliza.

I'm glad kids are resilient.

Thankfully, after the huge tantrum, and her finally saying sorry, she seems to chill out and do much better respecting the rules without having a fit every time.

On a happier note, Eliza and I had a blast at our friends' house today celebrating J.'s bday with their family and friends!



Eliza is just SO in love with H., even though she's almost 2 years older than her. She's a sweetheart. I also love that when we hang out with H's younger brother and Nicole's son, Eliza gets some boy friend time too! It's funny to think of how these four cuties will be like ten years from now!!!

Have a good weekend everyone!

My new favorite song/video

There's so much I love about this video!

I also love showing it to Eliza! I thought it might inspire her to let me do her hair without so much whining- hehe.

Plus, the song has clean lyrics, awesome dancing, and a VERY fun sound to it!

Maybe the mad hip hop dance skills could rub off on us... but Eliza went straight back to humming and dancing ballet.

Next step for brain washing my daughter into choosing the "best" extra curricular activities in her future:

I've started telling Eliza stories about soccer games I played in. It made me miss soccer a lot. I REALLY hope Eliza wants to do soccer when she's old enough!!! But ultimately, I will let her choose her own path... I just hope it's not too boring (selfish!).

Snowed in and loving it!

Somehow, it bizarrely snowed here in SC -- again! This is the second time this winter. Eliza's school was canceled and so was my work! Woo-hoo!

Snow can't even keep her off the swing!

Backyard snow expedition!

Defrosting time!

We were about to go out on a walk in the neighborhood when Eliza said her feet were "burning." Maybe we'll head back out again after lunch!

Getting to know Eliza!

For those of you who haven't heard this news already, you probably want to sit down-- it's pretty big stuff!

~~~~~Eliza.is.a.SUNBEAM.~~~~~~~

Err, for those of you who don't speak Mormon jargon, the translation is that Eliza moved up from the church nursery (baby class) to the Primary (kids age 3ish to 11). Her specific Primary class is called the Sunbeams!

I can't believe it! She's been doing pretty well, as far as I know. At least she hasn't been pulled out for any temper tantrums, accidents involving bodily fluids, or for biting, punching, scratching, or fighting with other children! SUCCESS!

Anyways, at the primary activity that we only made it to for the last 5 minutes or so yesterday, the primary leader handed me a paper with questions on it to fill out with Eliza. It's a Get to Know You Questionnaire. I think that maybe they use it to do the spotlights in Primary too? You know the game where everyone is told to stand up, and the teacher starts giving hints, "This person's favorite color is purple... This person was born in Virginia.. This person has blue eyes, etc." I used to LOVE that game!

So I started to ask Eliza the questions and thought it might be fun to share some of the answers. Since Eliza only has the attention span of a 3 1/2 yr old, though, we only made it through like half the questions.

Q #1: "What is your favorite ice cream?
A #1: "Chocolate!"

Q #2: "What is your favorite temple?"
A #2: "I've never been to a temple so I don't have a favorite."
Me: "Oh, ok." as I write down the Columbia Temple on her paper... Oops! We'll, uhh, make it her favorite before we turn in the paper....

Q #3: "What is your favorite primary song?"
A #3: Starts singing: "Lead me, guide me ::pause:: and He loves me because I'm a child of God..."
Me: "I am a Child of God?"
Eliza: "Yeah."
Me: "You really like "Follow the Prophet" and "Book of Mormon Stories too, huh?"
Eliza: "Mom, I'll be Rapunzel and you be her mean mother who stole her as a baby."

Q #4: "What is your favorite cereal?
A #4: "Captain Crunch."

Q #5: "What is your favorite holiday?"
A #5: "Christmas. Mom you be Santa, and I'll be a kid who tells you what present I want..."
.
Q #6: "What is your favorite crayon color?"
A #6: "Purple. That's my favorite one to draw with! Always and every time!"

(Newly discovered boots with purple tutu = ready to go out to play in the cold!)

Q #7: "If you could be any animal, what animal would you be?"
Q #7: "Aaaaa ZEBRAAAA! Mom, pretend that you're the mommy zebra, and I'll be the kid zebra. And I'll be the kid zebra taking a nap and you wake me up, but I'm going to be a talking zebra too..."

Q #8: "What is your favorite scripture story?"
Q #8: "............... umm, I think Daniel. Daniel and the lions."

Q #9: "What is your favorite game to play?"
Q #9: "I think Candy Land."
(Side bar- She gets mad every time we play this game and we RARELY actually make it through this game before she gets too impatient, gives up, or starts cheating... not sure that constitutes a favorite in my mind.)

So there's Eliza questions 1-9, she got stuck on the question that asked what her favorite day of the week was. She couldn't pick just one and after quite a long conversation about it and suggestions from me, Oma, and Aunt Abby, Eliza decided that she likes all the days! I chose Saturday, Abby chose Friday, and I can't remember what Mom chose. Probably Monday cause she's so hard core!

Thanks for getting to know Eliza! I'll publish more when I can borrow some more of Eliza's attention away from the constant stream of "pretend" scenarios she wants to act out.

That's my burning question for anyone out there in the universe who has an answer:

How long will this pretend play last? Will it EVER END!?

I recall wondering if the stage where she asked, "Why?" to everything would ever end, but it did after maybe 6 months or so?

Mom quickly googled "pretend play" the other night, and the page she pulled up talked about it peaking at age 6-8. Seriously? Please tell me they're wrong!!! I can't handle another 3 to 5 years of this!

I remember telling a friend last June that I was just SO sick of playing pretend ALL THE TIME. And here we are seven months later still going strong-- maybe even Stronger!" Ahhh!

Me: "Eliza, did you want pears or peaches with your lunch?"
Eliza: "Mom! I'm STILL Cinderella!"
Me: "Ugh. Cinderella? Would you like pears or peaches for lunch?"
Eliza/Cinderella: "I want a banana..."

Don't get me wrong. I'm very impressed with her creativity, and I just LOVE that she has an imagination. But... at what point has it gone too far?

Maybe I sound like a bad mom for complaining about this. Honestly, some of the stuff she comes up with is pretty amazing! but other times, I think I'm going to go crazy if I have to play pretend Santa Claus one more time... or Rapunzel and Flynn Rider ... or any of the princesses with their respective princes! Curse you, Disney!

(I shake my cyber fist at you.)