Crazy how things can take you back in time; little things like sounds, tastes, smells, etc. Thanks to the iPhone, hubby and I have a new game. It was a happy accident of looking for a song on his phone by typing in some lyrics. Before we knew it we were taking turns finding clips of songs we remembered as kids. There was also a fun game of guess who with songs like Unchained Melody which have been recorded by hundreds of different artists. Generally, I stink at this because I’m terrible with names of artists and actors, but I got several. Before we knew it we were just giggling and reminiscing. Today I’m listening to the soundtrack of The Man From Snowy River as a result of our goofing around. I forgot how much I liked it and am amazed at how many memories it brings back. Music is a powerful device.

A few weeks ago I went looking for some denim I knew I had somewhere for a project. As I stumbled through storage containers I found a welcome surprise in the box of cut out denim jean pockets:

This was my first stab at oil painting years ago. I found I really enjoyed it! Good old Bob Ross made it look so easy I found myself trying it along with him.

Sometimes it’s good to remember. I think I’ll tackle taste memories next…

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I spent a few minutes this morning looking back at articles I wrote the last two years at about this time. It’s amazing how many memories are stirred by reading just a few posts. I think this is the biggest plus of blogging. This is ‘journaling’ and ’scrapbooking’ at its best.

I’m at a crossroads with my blog and some projects. I’ve pushed back against creating multiple blogs for so long because to me it was all about simplifying and bringing everything under one umbrella. But I’ve recently been contemplating how some projects remain stagnant because they’re just not in the right place to get or give the right kind of attention to. I’m in process now of spreading out my blog into a few specialized ones. The lesson there I suppose is never say never. *snort*

I’m also struck by how often I find myself reminiscing thanks to Facebook. When I first joined there weren’t very many of my old classmates, friends or family on there. Now they’re coming in droves and it’s been so fun to catch up with old friends. I find it keeps me in more reflection mode on life then and now too. The twitter ap there that lets you share what you’re doing right now is such a fun way to really feel connected to people. Although I have to admit that when I spilled the beans a few weeks ago thanks to the ability to chat and connect with Facebook I questioned if it was possible to be “too connected!” *giggle* It’s one of those technologies that makes me question what else is in store.

I woke up to this fun note in my mailbox, which I really needed after spending a day in bed yesterday!

“Thank you so much! We have incorporated many of your wonderful ideas and are very excited to have our program on the 31st. This is being done on a Stake Level and will be very exciting for the girls. We have received many props from a teacher that had trees made and I will be sure to forward you a few pictures of our evening and let you know how it went. Thanks again. We love your site! Keep up the good work!”

Monique

It’s such a small thing, but it’s what keeps me going on the giant task of getting my many files digitalized and shared on my blog. On the upside of this task, I did get a lot of computer organization done this week. So here’s hoping that I’ll be able to keep up the pace and get more stuff shared.

Today I’m making a mental note to myself to send a simple word of thanks to someone who may not know how much what they share or do means to me.

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I was feeling a bit reflective this morning of our trip up the North Pacific coast several years ago. The red woods were one of our favorite stops. Cid was so small and not so sure about this building made out of a tree trunk.

I just updated my Activity Days page with some of our newest activity helps for anyone interested. The newest additions are prayer pockets and a scripture marking chart.

My Activity Days page has the files and details.

I was reading through the inaugural speech of President Obama and this section really struck me. It is full of powerful, positive visuals:

“Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished.

“…Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

“…All this we can do. All this we will do.”

So often in my life I find myself making things harder because I view my circumstances with a focus on the things that changed, and often not for the better. I forget to remember those important things that haven’t changed, those most intimate pieces of who I am and what got me as far as I’ve come. I was impressed with the President touching on this. What got me here may not get me there, but it most certainly is the springboard and foundation for it.

I pray that the positive energy and spirit of today will live on in the hearts of people everywhere, long after the sun has set and the signs of today’s inaugural event are swept away.

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At least that’s what they tell me. I was just reviewing my blog and noticed that this month marks the third new year of me blogging. The first year I shared a picture of my little boy on his new Christmas bike and a typical goals post. The second year I shared a kick start of recent accomplishments - which I’m sure was my way of trying to jump start my personal motivation to keep things moving. This year? Well, honestly I’ve been stuck in first gear since the new year found it’s way to my calendar. That doesn’t sound very much like third time’s a charm does it?

I’ve been sitting here this morning trying to define what’s been keeping me from feeling like I’m picking up positive speed so far this year. I don’t have the typical excuse of winter blues in the traditional sense of cold and snow. In fact, this morning I went out to take a picture of my neglected but growing garden for an upcoming class this weekend.

I say neglected because I haven’t done anything with it since October, no weeding, not even watering as we’ve had a wet winter here. Yet the cold tolerant plants continue to thrive and even make progress, even if it is slower. Then it hit me. You don’t have to be moving at full steam ahead to be making progress or succeeding.

Yes, there is what feels like an Everest list of projects I want to complete or get started. Focusing on them makes me feel like I’m failing or “stuck” but after contemplating my garden this morning I realized maybe I’m looking at the wrong thing. Maybe I need to spend my energies evaluating the concept of progress in general, no matter what speed. Maybe I’m in a winter garden season at the moment, a time when progress is slow and steady with less need to weed and water. There will be a season for higher maintenance as well as another for harvest and yet another for re-seeding. Funny how something as simple as a garden can help you find some answers in life.

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Well, the week was an odd one. I found myself productive and getting a lot done, yet the tug of our missing family member found its way into every day. I suspect that will continue for a while yet. On Saturday we ended the week with a bang taking the kids to see the Harlem Globetrotters. They thought that was great fun! Here’s a few photo shares and details:

The show started with “Globie” the team mascot who threw on a variety of costumes and fun.

I was surprised at the smiles the support team managed to sneak out with the burning abs and thighs that must have ensued from the trick of removing their chairs:

Then we welcomed the team with all the wonder only the Globetrotters could provide:

The kids thought the players really knew how to have fun and handle a basketball. Taylor’s been seen trying to duplicate the move of dribbling on his knees with his new mini globetrotter basketball since….

There was plenty of wonder to go around and I snuck several glances over at a very enthralled little 6 year old.

Cid was more enthralled with the cheerleading but clearly she had a good time too:

In the end I’m always amazed at how fun it is to watch people share what they love doing.

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How do I find the words to express the gratitude and love in my heart that you’ve stirred for nearly 14 years? How do I let you know how much you have given to me and to my sweet little family? Do you know you will forever be mama’s baby number one?

I can’t keep from reminiscing today. I think I need to remember all the good things to make losing you okay. Do you remember how small you were? Or how hot the asphalt was on your first walk? I remember how you couldn’t go up or down stairs because they were so much bigger than you. You fit in my hand.

It took some real work wearing down Blake to get you. He may never admit it but he’s never been sorry and he really loved you too. He even had fun playing with you, probably more than you did! And I will always remember the childless years you carried me through. Those were some long and dark times made easier by you. Only those who’ve known this heartache can truly appreciate how much you did, and it makes losing you that much harder.

I remember the ONE and only toy you ever played with. Would that the little alligator could have lasted forever. But then I feel the same way about you.

Or the first time you made the long car drive to Idaho to visit family. You were a real hit!

In your prime you could jump all the way to the top of the recliner where you’d look out the window. You could even make it up on the bed by yourself with some real effort and maybe a little help from a pillow or two.

Oh sweetie, I’m going to miss seeing you sleep soundly curled in a little ball. Not to mention the warm welcome you were always waiting at the door with whenever someone came through it.

And I’m going to miss the pitter patter of those little feet, the snorts in the background and even the snoring. It’s going to be awfully quiet without you.

Shandi, you’ve been the first baby your whole life; you’ll never be displaced. As your first groomer so aptly put it, you never knew you were a dog. You just thought you were a little person with fur. You were hon, you were. From the chocolate you never should have had to the many vacations you went on. I’m going to miss you so much! My master comforter, trusted confidant and most loyal baby. Thank you for all that you’ve given. My heart will forever have a little empty space surrounding the wonderful and warm memories of you. Thank you sweetie for being you, thank you for aging so gracefully, thank you for giving all you had to all of us. We will always love you!

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