J and CREW

Grieving

2011-06-04T14:12:00.001-07:00

This week I spent an inordinate amount of time ironing David’s high school graduation gown. I have ironed three graduation gowns in my married life . . . and David’s was, by far, my least favorite. It took so much time partly because interruptions are pretty much constant when you have cute, little people in your stewardship, partly because I haven’t ironed since Britta was born, nearly four years ago—mind you—and have likely lost my touch (but that’s a blog post all it’s own), and partly because it was really wrinkled and I have been known to be a little OCD at times. . . but MOSTLY it took so much time because it was a symbolic and emotional trip down memory lane. Where has the time gone, anyway?

When I was finishing up graduate school and ironing my own gown I was excited and relieved to be able to put all my efforts into mothering. I would miss my classmates for sure—thirty-one of us who had spent pretty much every weekday together for two years in a rich and enlightening environment—it was a wonderful time in my life and although I was sad for it to end I had something even better to look forward to. My heart was in my home with my three boys and I was thrilled to be able to be there with them full-time.

Years later when Eric finished his graduate degree I was wasn’t melancholy in the slightest. I was in awe that we had actually survived, grateful for the generosity of Microsoft who had footed the bill 100%, and so happy that we had successfully worked together to accomplish something important to both of us. I was also very much looking forward to having my hubby at home with our family a lot more often.

With David's impending graduation I am struggling to find the silver lining. There is nothing really obvious for me to look forward to. I am so sad to think that soon our family will not be together as much, I am sad to think that we will not be as involved in our son’s life, and I am sad that our kids will not have their brother around. I am sad when I realize that this is just the first of six high school graduations and I question whether I will make it through. I feel sad and I feel angry and the tears seem to always be right at the surface. I think that I am grieving. I am grieving our family life as we know it . . . a rapid-fire of activities as of late have unwittingly catapulted me from denial to anger on Kubler-Ross’s model of the five stages of grief. My time with my children is swiftly slipping away from me and I feel angry that there is nothing I can do about it. I have this animated image in my head of a man hanging off a cliff by a rope when suddenly he realizes that the rope has been yanked from him and he is suspended in mid-air. Once he realizes what has happened he starts scrambling like crazy for the rope. That is how I feel about my kids growing up—I am scrambling to hold onto their childhood and youth and I feel helpless, and even a little panicked. It really does feel like a blink of an eye and, all of a sudden, my little boy has become a hairy-legged man who can vote.

There is a part of me that understands that David will be JUST FINE—that he doesn’t really need me anymore and maybe that is another thing that I am grieving—my identity as a mom—my need to be needed. It feels vulnerable and uncomfortable and I am scrambling to find my new place. The thing is, I don’t want a new place—I LOVED my old place. The one where I kissed ow-ies, nagged about piano practice, helped with homework, and motivated with a sticker chart.

My more rational self realizes that I am being selfish—that I need to share our incredible young man with the world. He has things to do and people to serve . . . but my eyes well up and my throat tightens and I get that ugly cry face every time I think of it. His graduation is the beginning of the constant change that will be happening to this little family of ours—and it is a slippery slope, I’m afraid. So I am struggling to see the silver lining . . . I know it must be there—maybe I am just refusing to see it. Maybe I’m just not ready yet. At any rate, I hope I am able to reach a cheerful acceptance before David is forced to run away from me as fast as he can, screaming, arms flailing, because his emotional-wreck-of-a-mother is driving him absolutely crazy.

I love this guy and our family will not be the same when he leaves us.

Dear Grandma Connie--

2011-04-27T16:41:00.001-07:00

We are SO EXCITED to have you come for a visit! Here is a photo of me so that you will recognize me when you see me. I’m the cute one who cries when I’m not with my mom . . . be assured, it’s nothing personal. See you soon!Love—Inge

Our Home is Alive . . .

2011-04-15T13:51:00.001-07:00

with The Sound of Music. This isn’t an unusual occurrence, of course . . . it’s just that it’s alive with particular music these days. For the last four months or so our home has been filled with our children’s various renditions of songs from my most favorite musical. Highlights for me have been Leif’s rocker-version of “Do-Re-Me” replete with air guitar and his beatnik-reading of “Favorite Things,” snaps provided by yours truly. Then there’s sweet little Britta’s “So Long, Farewell” that somehow melds into “76 Trombones.” It’s been fun. It’s been a lot of work—but mostly fun. It’s exhilarating. It’s exhausting—but mostly it’s exhilarating. Now, after nearly four months of preparation, opening night is upon us . . . TONIGHT. Wow!! Wish us luck—or at least some leg breakage . . .

David as “Uncle Max”

Hans as “Party Guest” and “Random Nazi Guard”

Leif as “Friedrich” (Saturday Cast)

Freja as “Brigitta” (Friday Cast)

Dad as Photographer

Britta and Inge as Nap Sacrificers and, overall, Very Patient Fans.

Mom as Agent, Gopher, Chauffeur, Seamstress, Make-up Artist, Hair Stylist,
Consultant, Chef, Costume Procurer, Life Coach, Administrative Assistant, Deep Breather, etcetera.

Sheesh . . . We’ve Been Busy (Part 2)

2010-11-14T20:31:00.001-08:00

(Warning: This series is dedicated to a very patient Grandma—who cares to catch up on all our busy-ness . . . and our photos.)

Inge’s first days . . . Got milk?

Mom with her special Inge-rrito (think “burrito”). Our girl still loves a good swaddle.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-05T16:36:00.001-07:00

Big Baby (from Toy Story 3)—I oscillated all night between laughing and thinking we were clever to feeling guilty for letting Eric scribble on our sweet baby. A good mom would have dressed her up like a pretty flower or cute little elephant. When I asked Freja if she thought Inge would be mad at us when she was older and realized what we had dressed her up as—Freja grimaced and hesitantly replied, “. . . maybe.” Please forgive us Inge . . .

Cinderella –Britta has loved Cinderella since she was born it seems. I don’t really understand how—we don’t own the movie or a storybook even. When she was just beginning to talk she would excitedly point and say, “Girls” whenever she saw Disney princesses in the store or whatnot. It was extra special to me considering the difficult time she has had with words. So when she wanted a “Girl Cake” for her birthday and to be Cinderella for Halloween—she didn’t have to ask twice. She has assigned Princess roles to all the females in our family. She, of course, is Cinderella. Freja is Sleeping Beauty. I am Belle, and Inge, well, she will be have to be Ariel. She has paired everyone up with the Princess of their eye/hair color combination, except for Inge, that is—I highly doubt she will be a red head—I think Britta is feeling very willing to share the blonde hair/blue eye position with her sister. For Halloween Britta wanted Mommy to be Belle and Daddy to be "The Beast!” Funny girl.

Dryad—also known as a “Tree Spirit.” She even had me spray her with pine scent. Clever girl.

Roman Soldier—Man, can my boy wield a sword or what! He’s had lots and lots of practice.

The National Debt—The scariest of all our costumes this year. Eric was the life of the party.

Hans opted not to dress up but did help in the haunted house. David joined us at the party after work—so he was dressed as a Pizza Guy of the Papa Murphy variety. (I didn’t get a photo—darn!).

Sheesh . . . We’ve Been Busy (Part 1)

2010-11-04T17:41:00.001-07:00

April 27th we welcomed our sweet Inge Elise into our home and our family—all 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 22 inches of her. It’s been a whirlwind ever since . . .

Birthing a baby at home may not be for everyone but it’s the perfect choice for me. There is no place that I feel more comfortable and I absolutely loved having our brood present as we welcomed the newest little chickadee into our family. Remembering the awe, excitement, and love on the faces of her siblings as they admired their new baby sister, fresh from heaven, is most precious to me.

Now, six months later . . . it feels like yesterday and forever ago, all at once. So many times I have wished that I could just stop time or at least slow things down. Life is flying by and before I know it (or am ready for it) Inge will not be a baby anymore . . . I’m not quite sure how I am going to handle that. She’s such a sweet , cuddly little baby. The love is indescribable, and that’s not just because my brain is still in somewhat of a postpartum fog.

Dear Miss Cynthia . . .

2010-08-19T18:08:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much for the fun in the sun on Monday. I was plum tuckered out when I got home. Love—Britta

Opening Night Success

2010-04-18T19:50:00.001-07:00

Friday night was opening night for “The Music Man” . . . and since I'm busy and very tired and getting ready to have a baby any day here is an excellent review--writing my own would take hours. :) Besides, such wonderful compliments (and advertising) for our kids are likely more credible coming from their pretend aunt . . . as opposed to their gushing mother.:)

Have I Mentioned . . .

2010-04-12T20:05:00.001-07:00

Three of our children are involved in the Glacier Peak High School production of “The Music Man” It’s tech week this week—which means even later practices and lots more hard work. Opening night is this Friday, 16 April 2010 at 7:30 p.m. with additional shows on April 17, 23, and 24 . . . I’m hoping this baby lets me see at least one of the shows!!!

The Jorgensen Cast . . .

David as ‘Professor Harold Hill’

Hans as a member of the Quartet (The High Tenor)

Freja as Amaryllis (Friday night showings) and Gracie (Saturday night showings)

Here’s a sneak peek!!!

Getting Ready

2010-04-10T12:34:00.001-07:00

10-12 cotton receiving blankets: Check.

Approximately 502 more things still left to do . . .

Easter Happenings

2010-04-07T18:30:00.001-07:00

Britta had been asking to “Color Eggs!!!” for a couple of weeks. She was SO EXCITED.

Admiring our work . . .

Moments later . . .

Since Easter was the same weekend as General Conference we got to enjoy our traditional, homemade ‘Conference Cinnamon Rolls.’ It’s a group effort—I make the dough and Eric and Freja roll them out. That Freja has skills!

My four most favorite Priesthood holders—currently we have a Deacon, a Teacher, and a Priest!

This was Leif’s first General Priesthood meeting—he was thrilled to finally get to go with the big boys (rather than having to stay at home with us girls!)

Britta snoozed on Grandma’s lap throughout the entire afternoon session both Saturday and Sunday. Grandma’s lap—what a treat!

The indoor hunt at Grandma and Grandpa’s—because the outdoors was wet and the kids wanted to actually be able to EAT their candy.

Notice Leif wielding one of the MANY swords he and his dad have constructed in Grandpa’s woodshop over the years.

On one of her many walks exploring Grandpa’s trails Freja made this flower crown for Britta . . . I remember making them for her when she was a little girl.

It was a wonderful weekend—filled with family and the Spirit. Thanks for having us Ilsa and Newel!

Bebop with Aesop

2010-04-07T17:09:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Leif and Freja had some fun be-bopping with their friends and classmates in a school musical called “Bebop with Aesop.” The fifth and sixth grade students performed vignettes and then songs relating to the lessons found within the fables. Aesop, of course, had words of wisdom for the audience between each scene. It was a darling production and our family thoroughly enjoyed it!

While we waited for the show to begin . . .

Aesop related his words of wisdom . . .

The milkmaid skillfully taught us about not counting our chickens before they hatch . . .

Leif reminded me of my dad—with all that facial hair and his baby blues—I could not stop giggling to myself as I watched him dance around in a toga. What a hoot!

When everyone left Mom made a couple of her favorite Thespians pose for her camera . . .

Having kids is AWESOME!!!

Nice People ROCK!

2010-03-21T23:36:00.001-07:00

When I was in college, prior to being a mother, my favorite t-shirt read, “Mean People Suck.” I loved this sentiment—clear and concise, and most importantly, my opinion. My conscience was pricked on occasion when I heard conference talks addressing the importance of clean language though and I stopped wearing the shirt. As soon as I became a mother of early readers the shirt took up residence in the deep recesses of my dresser drawers as opposed to its previous home, hanging in full view, front and center in my closet.

This week I decided I need a new t-shirt . . one that shares the same sentiment, but with a positive approach. Something like, “Nice People ROCK.” Nice people, like the store clerk who gave my sweet daughter a balloon when she noticed her longingly admiring them with wide eyes. It not only made Britta’s day to have a pearly pink balloon with curly ribbon—it eased the conscience of this mama who was feeling so guilty for dragging her toddler on a day full of errands for the third time in one week. (There are much better ways to spend our time but when motherly duty calls I tend to answer—the tricky part is when my children’s needs conflict with one another. That’s when things get a bit murky, but I digress. . . ) I’m sure that store clerk had no idea the positive impact she was having on our day but her small act of kindness made all the difference.

Nice people like the patient man with the kind smile who complimented my Britta even though she was getting impatient and grumpy after waiting in line for nearly an hour for seats to her siblings’ musical. I want to focus on nice people like him instead of the ones flashing looks of disapproval and judgment my way.

Even more importantly, I want to be one of these people, I want each of my children to be one of these people . . . one of these nice people who rocks.

I loved watching Britta have so much fun with her balloon. The best was seeing her carry it around the house saying, “Taat, Taat, it looks like rain. Taat, taat, it looks like rain.” Clever Girl.

Tolo

2010-02-21T20:09:00.001-08:00

David and Stephanie—his date to Tolo . . . now don’t they look SPIFFY!

My Girl Wants Cake . . .

2010-02-21T19:59:00.001-08:00

Could this be why?

An Attempt to Explain . . .

2010-02-14T22:21:00.001-08:00

why I made a strange, and mind you, quite embarrassing hiccupping/hyperventilating sound during the leaders’ song at New Beginnings this week. Yes, me, up front and center, crying and unable to breathe, much less sing. Sigh. It vaguely reminds of that time in 7th grade when I cried and hyperventilated while giving a speech in the Optimist’s speech competition or the time I was called up to speak extemporaneously at Stake conference, I had on my lovely ‘cry face’ and could barely get the words out . . . but those are stories for another time. Or not.

The Young Men and Young Women’s theme for 2010 is based on Joshua 1:9—Be Strong and of a Good Courage. Our young women did a lovely job singing songs of faith and courage, quoting scriptures and modern-day prophets. It was inspiring and I pretty much cried throughout the entire program. I’ve thought lots and lots about this and have tried to understand the depth of my emotion. I don’t know that I have a complete explanation but I do know that I love the young women in our ward. To hear their beautiful voices sing about their knowledge that they are daughters of God, how important the Savior is to them, and their determination to follow Him was very touching and definitely brought the spirit to the meeting. How blessed they are to have this knowledge.

As I looked around the room I thought about each of the girls individually and felt such a love and admiration for each of them—for their sweet personalities, spirits, talents, and for the good choices that they make daily. As I listened to them sing about being courageous and strong in a perilous world I hoped with all my soul that they would make these good choices all their lives—because I know that this is how they will find true and lasting happiness. I also know it is difficult sometimes, that they all—that we all—have struggles and this life is often not easy. As a leader I felt this desperate plea in my heart—please girls, hear these words, let them sink into your souls, understand your potential, understand how important you are, generations are depending on you—please, please be strong.

I thought about my own feelings of fear and insecurity—much of the time I feel anything but strong and courageous. Am I doing all I can to ensure that I will be able to “return to the Savior’s arms unashamed”? Am I living the gospel fully—rather than just “halfway”? How can I improve? How do I teach the young women and my children to be brave when I, myself, am fearful?

I thought of my children and how much I love them and want them to gain strong testimonies of Jesus Christ, to live the gospel, to be happy. Raising children is serious business and sometimes downright terrifying. I feel the weight of the calling. Am I doing enough? As a mother I worry so much about whether I am doing enough to teach them and help my children. Will our influence be enough to overpower the ways of the world? Will they be strong and courageous in defending our Savior, even as the world becomes more and more perilous? Will my daughters grow up with the knowledge that they are daughters of our Heavenly Father and that He loves them? Will they believe it in their hearts? As I listened to the young women sing about not compromising I prayed that they wouldn’t.

Basically—I guess I cried the entire time because I think too much . . . or because of this . . .

Not sure which . . . maybe a little of both?

Jenny Phillips--Valient Faith . . . one of the songs the young women sang at New Beginnings.

Keep it Cool . . . Old School

2010-02-09T17:11:00.001-08:00

Today was errand day. Britta and I had great fun singing and beboping along to our new They Might Be Giants DVD—Here Come the 123’s. Here’s one of our favorite tunes.

My Personal Progress

2010-01-31T20:44:00.001-08:00

I have the privilege of working with the Young Women in our ward—and I love it. About a year ago we challenged one another, as leaders, to complete the Personal Progress Program—hoping this would serve as a motivation and example to the young women in our stewardship. The Personal Progress program is a goal-setting program that helps young women develop a testimony of Jesus Christ and prepare for temple covenants as well as future responsibilities. The Personal Progress Program focuses on the eight Young Women values—faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, integrity, and virtue. I was particularly excited by this challenge since I joined the church when I was twenty-one and didn’t have the opportunity to complete the Personal Progress program when I was a young woman. Completing the program has always been a goal I’ve had for myself, especially once I had daughters.

I have always wanted to learn to knit a sweater. I have basic knitting skills but up to this point have mostly just knit scarves. I wanted to learn to knit something more complicated and increase my skills at following a knitting pattern. Until now I’ve not made the time to improve my knitting skills—I guess it feels like an unaffordable luxury. There always seems to be so many things clamoring for my time and attention that this personal goal is consistently put aside. I don’t think this is particularly wise necessarily but haven’t quite figured out how to reconcile my desire to create with my day-to-day responsibilities and busyness. I’m a work in progress. With this Personal Progress challenge, though, my opportunity had finally arrived. How could I feel guilty knitting if it were for a Personal Progress project, for my church calling no less.

As soon as I decided to plunge in and learn to knit a sweater, for my knowledge project, I knew immediately that I wanted to give it to a sweet sister in the ward and her little miracle baby (they are all little miracles really, but this one was particularly long-awaited). This sister and I have both tasted of the trials of infertility and she has always been an incredible example to me of a stalwart, faithful, woman who follows the spirit. Her example was especially meaningful to me when my faith was at it’s weakest, when I was at the point where I did not think I could handle my trial a moment more—during my fourth watch so to say.

I will never forget the day my friend told me she was pregnant. I was overcome with joy and gratitude and I just cried and cried. It’s hard to explain completely but in that moment my testimony was strengthened ten-fold. In that moment I KNEW that our God is still a God of miracles, that HE answers prayers, that He is in charge. Even more importantly, in that moment I KNEW that He loves us and He knows us.

I hope that her sweet baby will always know what a blessed little miracle she is, and that even in her young age she has been an instrument in the Lord’s hands . . . because every time I see her I am reminded of our Heavenly Father’s love. I can’t thank her enough.

David’s HEART ATTACK!!!

2010-01-08T17:07:00.001-08:00

A question was posed . . .

An answer was given . . .

A fun memory for the whole family . . .

What does TOLO stand for anyway?

We Love You Too . . .

2009-12-17T13:44:00.001-08:00

Sweet Baby Girl. Looks like Daddy was right once again!

What are YOU thankful for?

2009-11-20T10:54:00.001-08:00

Loved this.

The Crew’s Halloween Fun

2009-11-08T21:20:00.001-08:00

The Pumpkins

It was Britta’s first year to use the saw!

The Crew are true Homestar Runner fans. We stuck with our annual theme again this year. . . well, everyone but Freja, that is. I guess she has carved Marzipan one too many times.

I must say that pumpkin carving goes quite smoothly at our house these days as everyone, but Britta, is pretty self-sufficient. My regular job is to sift through the pumpkin goop for all the seeds so that we can roast them . . . yum!

Hermione Hair

Freja wanted authentic ‘Hermione Hair’ for Halloween. “Hermione hair like the movie, not the book.” She insisted that rag curls would do the trick . . . we couldn’t stop laughing at the initial result. Her hair was so curly! It looked more like Hermione’s hair though as it relaxed throughout the day.

The Garb

Check out that cute stinger! It was especially cute when she walked.

Sisters!

This was Leif’s last year of trick-or-treating—next year he will be twelve and he’ll move on to new ways to celebrate. He was recovering from an illness, so unfortunately he didn’t go out with a bang like he had hoped.

Hans and David both had parties to attend . . . Hans’s was a costume party and David’s wasn’t. David helped pass out candy until it was time for his party.

This Mama couldn’t get enough of her little Bumblebee . . .

Trick-or-Treating in the Northwest

Mostly it just drizzled but at one point it started raining hard enough that the use of an umbrella became necessary to keep my little Bee warm and dry. Britta insisted on carrying the umbrella herself, along with her bucket-full of treats. It was quite the challenge for her but she was determined (and stubborn). After a long, and very slow walk up the hill, we called it a night.

The Most Heartwarming “Boo” Ever . . .

2009-11-06T18:53:00.001-08:00

Around these parts, maybe around most parts, there is a little tradition connected with Halloween called “Boo-ing.” It goes something like this: A friendly, and completely unknown spook , or group of spooks, mischievously deposits Halloween goodies on a dear one’s front porch before they ding-dong-ditch their home. When the folks living inside unknowingly answer the door they are pleasantly surprised with the found sweeties and the thoughtfulness of the spooks who delivered them. Because they are so appreciative they return the trick to two of their favorite friends and so it goes until Halloween arrives. The spooks who left the treats also leave their calling card (a photocopy of a “Boo”) that the recipients hang on their door to alert other spooks that may come to call that their home has already been visited this season.

As Halloween approached my younger children mentioned how they “couldn’t wait to be Boo-ed.” I didn’t think much about it as I had other pressing things on my mind. Soon we were merely days away from Halloween and still, the spooks had not come-a-calling. I didn’t realize how sad this had made my children until one day after school it happened. We got that exciting, doorbell-ditching-ring and this is what we found.

This was a “Boo-ing” of the home-made, very best, hand-crafted kind. Some considerate and empathic young neighborhood spook or spooks of the male-variety (we’re nearly certain) overheard my wee ones on the school bus, earlier that day, expressing their grief that we had not yet been “Boo-ed” and they took matters into their own hands. They crafted their calling card, raided their family’s pantry for fruit snacks, and used profuse amounts of tape to secure their offering—they sensed a need and they met it with enthusiasm. I’ve never felt more proud to display my “Boo” sign. Children’s kindness . . . you can’t beat it. It warmed the heart of this Mama—and that is just what my heart needed. I suppose this is evidence that even Halloween can inspire goodness and giving. Some parents somewhere should feel very proud of their special little spooks . . . I certainly do.

Award-Winning

2009-09-25T16:37:00.001-07:00

If there were an award for the saddest, most neglected fuchsia in the neighborhood . . . I would get it.

I’m sorry little fuchsia, I don’t know how I let this happen to you . . .

Look who’s not a BABY anymore!

2009-09-24T16:49:00.001-07:00

Britta, kicking back with a book in her bouncy seat . . . reminiscing about the good ol’ days of babyhood. Funny girl.

It’s that time of year . . . again . . . already

2009-09-13T18:58:00.001-07:00

School started last week and it’s a bittersweet time. Sweet in that I am truly grateful our children love school and learning and that they were so excited to begin a new year. Bitter in that not only is it hard for me to turn over my children to another’s care day after day but the beginning of each new school year serves as a painful reminder that our children are each one year closer to being out of the nest . . . my nest. And this, my friends, is the saddest of sad thoughts for this Mama Bird. Each year I take photos, give hugs, smile, tell them I love them, wish them a happy day, smile again, and then head for the door *quickly* before the tears come. It’s always a long walk back to the car.

These two will be in the same class this year. We’ll see how that goes!

These two, being in high school and all, do not fancy their Mama following them to the bus stop with the camera, or to school for that perfect desk shot. So I had to restrain myself. Next week they’ll be starting early morning seminary—which means an earlier start for all of us!

On the upside . . . we’ve been blessed with great schools and wonderful teachers and the beginning of the new school year means that I will get to spend even more one-on-one time with this Cutie-Patootie . . . and that is definitely something to look forward to.

The “Pants Incident” (as referred to by Freja)

2009-08-22T19:25:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when you have a cheeky brother named Leif . . .

Points to anyone who could tell that she is wearing her brothers’ underwear . . . several pair of them!

Where in the heck are The Jorgensens?

2009-08-09T21:33:00.001-07:00

Last year at this time we had just begun our family trek to the Southwest. It was a fabulous time visiting friends and relatives and enjoying nature’s beauty as we drove across the western states. I remember our trip with such fondness and wish we could do it every year. Dance with me down memory lane . . .

Bonus points awarded to anyone who noticed Eric getting bitten on his backside!

Click here for our inspiration . . . for both the impressive dance moves and the shameless conceptual rip-off. :) Imitation (no matter how bad) is the ultimate form of flattery, so I am told . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

David . . . The Unpaid Intern

2009-08-02T20:52:00.001-07:00

Lately around our home—usually during chore time—we’ve been hearing the phrase “YOU’RE the Unpaid Intern . . . YOU do the work!” quite often . For some reason it always makes me chuckle .

David has landed an internship, albeit unpaid, this summer with the Snohomish School District ,working on their websites. It’s been challenging and rewarding and he really seems to enjoy it.

I finally asked my kids where this funny phrase came from anyway. They explained to me that it came from a Sponge Bob episode and proceeded to relay it in the best character voices they could muster. “That’s MISTER Dr. Professor Patrick to YOOOOUUUU!!! . . . YOU’RE the Unpaid Intern! YOU do the work!” I REALLY don’t know why I think this is so funny—but I do.

The scary thing is . . . we don’t even have cable. What would it be like around here if we did!

Mario Kart Love Song

2009-08-02T20:01:00.001-07:00

My boys showed me this song weeks ago and I still find myself humming the tune. I, personally, don’t know much at all about video games but I guess I know enough about Mario Kart to appreciate this clever singer/songwriter. It’s quite sweet, really. Yes, that IS yarn taped to his face.

My very own Mario Bros.—Mario and Luigi . . . Halloween 2004. Fun Times.

Yes, we were just a tad bit excited . . .

2009-07-19T21:33:00.001-07:00

So the new Harry Potter movie is out. We were beyond excited that it was rated PG and we were able to take our family to the theater to see it. We are big fans of the series . . . we read each book aloud as a family as soon as we can get our hands on it. It usually takes a week or two—during which time we have to hide the book so no one, Eric and I included, will read ahead! It’s been a fun family tradition and something we all enjoy.

The movie was a hit with our crew.

To make it extra special we decided to make some “Muggle” tees to wear to the show. It was David’s idea and we had a great time making them together and wearing them as a family—a very fun and unifying experience for us all.

Freja decided to dress like a Muggle-born—like her dear friend Hermione.

Our Baby Muggle got to stay home with Mackenzie, our cute babysitter, having lots of fun playing dress-up. Mama Muggle got to focus on the movie. Win-win, I say.

So Glad I Gave Up . . .

2009-06-21T00:56:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs5PjSn1-iI

This ‘Queen of What Ifs’ is ever so grateful I decided to give up . . . thirteen years ago today, in fact. Happy Anniversary Dear.

p.s. I am still working on those “half-empty glasses.”

Have you seen the hand of God in your family’s life today? If so, write it down!

2009-05-15T18:01:00.001-07:00

I was blessed to teach the combined Young Women in our ward again this month. The topic was Personal Records. My favorite part of the lesson was the story and quotes from President Eyering. I just love him.

In the November 2007 Conference President Henry B, Eyering gave a talk entitled “O Remember, Remember.” He described an experience he had in which he felt inspired to begin writing down daily family experiences. He was feeling particularly blessed by the service of a family member and as he was pondering on the service provided for them he heard in his mind—not in his own voice—these words: “I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.” He immediately went inside and although he was very tired he didn’t go to bed but instead followed the prompting and began to write. He said, “And as I did, I understood the message I had heard in my mind. I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, (someday when they would need it), how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family.”

He went on to say, “I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: ‘How have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?’ As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened.”

I have a testimony of this.

My Beautiful Mama

2009-05-13T16:04:00.001-07:00

As is often the case with me, I am behind on things . . . I wanted to share this photo of my mom for Mother’s Day. I love this photo. Isn’t she beautiful! I love my mom so much and am so grateful for her many teachings and years of service to me and our family. It’s hard to fully express the gratitude I have for my dear mama. . .

Thanks Mom! Thanks for teaching me to work hard. Thanks for helping me understand, from the youngest age, that my most important role is that of a mother—that this is where I would find true joy. Thanks for coming to visit and helping out when our own babies arrived, sharing confidence and expertise with me. Thanks for helping me understand that I deserved better and that I had options at a very crucial crossroads in my life. Thanks for teaching me to be kind and to serve others. Thanks for teaching me homemaking skills and for introducing me to Mary Kay. Thanks for praying for me. Thanks for loving me. Thanks for teaching me how to smile. I love your smile and I love you!

Happy Mother’s Day Connie Sue!

Walking the fine line between humility and humiliation . . .

2009-04-30T15:24:00.001-07:00

Yep! These are our Christmas cards, from 2008 . . . and I just mailed them out this week, the end of April. That’s got to be our family record of lameness. I must admit I was tempted to just let it go and hope no one noticed but in the end decided it would be a good lesson for me . . . a lesson in humility. A humble, even public admission that I don’t have a complete handle on my life, that, indeed, hard as it is to admit, I can’t do everything. My dear husband spent so much time writing and printing the letters (back in December—like a good little elf) it just wouldn’t be right for me not to own this, to take responsibility and fully admit that I was the weak link in our Christmas greeting endeavor. It’s a fine line though and I’m feeling rather wobbly.

My Favorite Piano Guys

2009-04-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

Here is an awesome new video from my second favorite Piano Guy! He’s amazing.

. . . and here is a photo of my most favorite Piano Guy this Christmas at his first paying gig. He amazes me too.

A Random, Peaceful, Friday Afternoon

2009-04-17T18:17:00.001-07:00

I LOVE our Friday afternoons. The crew gets out of school two hours early, allowing for some relaxing, unscheduled time at home. They are all usually so busy with homework and activities it’s often the only day of the week that they get some free time for themselves.

We can always count on David to fill our house with beautiful music. He’s talented, that guy.

Hans, pumping iron. He’s always diligent at putting first things first, getting his exercise and work out of the way before play.

Leif enjoying Hans’s DS. What a generous brother Hans is!

Freja, enjoying the Webkinz or American Girl website.

Last but not least, our sleeping Princess Britta. It’s always a good day when she gets a nap!

Funny Freja

2009-04-17T17:41:00.001-07:00

Dear Mrs. Nielsen

2009-04-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

Dear Mrs. Nielsen—My mom really loves your blog. She appreciates how much you enjoy your life as a wife and mother and she just raves about your darling children. I must admit that Mr. Nicholas, in particular, has caught my eye. I hope to meet the “Little Critter” someday. I will certainly be on the look-out for him in a few years at BYU, provided he chooses that fine institution as his choice for higher learning and growth . . . but I digress. Thank you for inspiring my own dear mother to try to live her life more fully, more beautifully. We are so very happy that you are recovering and that your beautiful children have been blessed to have their beautiful mother back. You are truly an inspiration. Much Love—Britta Liesl

P. S. This little birdie onesie was made just for you. It’s one of my favorites.

For Eric

2009-04-16T16:33:00.001-07:00

I will forever love you for taking me the way I am.

Harvest Time

2009-04-16T15:15:00.001-07:00

It was recently ‘Harvest Time’ at our house—time to finally harvest the hair I’ve been farming over the last year so that I could donate it to Locks of Love. This is the fourth time I’ve been able to donate my hair and it’s always a fun and rewarding endeavor. As I’m growing my hair out it inevitably gets to a point where it looks really bad, drives me crazy, and I am so tempted to cut it. Then I try and remember that if I just hold on a little longer I will have enough length to donate. My hair grows fast, it’s the least I can do, right? So when you see my long, heavy hair looking less than it’s best, likely in a ponytail day after day, just know it’s for a good cause. :) That’s my story anyway, and I’m sticking to it!

Our dear Freja has been begging to donate her hair for a year or so now and I finally relented. I felt quite hesitant to say good-bye to her long blonde locks but Eric properly chastened me for not supporting her in her charitable desires and so I agreed. Her hair does NOT grow fast, all the more special that she wanted to give it away I suppose.

This was a memorable mother-daughter bonding experience and we are both thrilled with our lightened do’s. Thanks Shyanne!

I love the very excited and pleased look on Freja’s face.

In Search of a Mantra

2009-03-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

“Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you but on what happens inside of you.”

President Harold B. Lee, 1974

"What you need is a mantra . . ." my dear sister friend Thelma said to me in one of our many long telephone conversations in which she lovingly offers a much-needed listening ear and even-more-needed encouragement and validation. She went on to explain that in one of the roughest times in her life she found herself reading a certain chapter of scriptures several times a day to help get her through. It became her mantra of sorts. Her words have been on my mind ever since . . .

Last month I had the privilege of teaching the Young Women in our ward. The topic--Finding Joy Now. The Lord in His infinite wisdom knew that I was really the one who needed such a lesson so I was blessed with the assignment. It seems that's often the case with me . . . maybe it's just that I'm in need of lots of lessons. Anyway, I am embarrassed to admit that I struggle to find joy now. I am a worrier. It's in my genes, every one of them. I feel such a responsibility in teaching the Young Women though and took my assignment very seriously. I studied and read and read some more. Intellectually I could grasp the concepts, putting them into practice in the face of potential lay-offs, images in my mind of my children being abducted (you don't want to know), and a rapidly declining economy suggesting an imminent Depression is another thing completely. Maybe the adversary was working a little overtime with me but the entire time I was preparing for this lesson my struggle to find joy intensified.

Often when I am in the middle of a challenge or problem it feels like I am running a very long race--a difficult and uncomfortable experience for me requiring tremendous endurance and intense concentration. I am not a very good runner--it's easy for me to get discouraged and really tired. I often give myself pep talks as I run. I tell myself that surely the race is almost over and I am just certain that I can even see the finish line in the distance. I tell myself that I will feel so much happier when this race (struggle) is over. Invariably though, what I think is the end of the race is just a bend in the road, presenting itself as a new challenge or problem to overcome. I am tempted to wish that the race would be easy. Teaching this lesson reminded me that I need to enjoy the running a lot more.

The President of our church, President Thomas S. Monson, said in a recent conference, “This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.”

In that same talk President Monson quoted an author named Sarah Ban Breathnach, “Both abundance and lack of abundance exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend . . . when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us happiness—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”

One of my favorite talks that I read while preparing for my lesson was the talk given by Elder Wirthlin entitled "Come What May and Love It." I have read it several times since--it makes me laugh, it touches my heart, it provides perspective. Click here if you too are in need of some heart touching, perspective providing laughter.

The day after I presented my lesson I received a sweet e-mail from my friend Linda. She is the Young Women's President in our ward. She is kind, encouraging, and faithful and I am learning so much from her. Either she was in tune or I was overly transparent--maybe a bit of both--but she sent a link to a beautiful talk given by Elder Holland entitled "Come Unto Me." It brought me much peace. Click here if you too are in need of peace.

This is one of my favorite parts of Elder Holland's talk ". . . the night of the greatest suffering that has ever taken place in the world or that ever will take place, the Savior said, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid' (John 14:27). I submit to you, that may be one of the Savior’s commandments that is, even in the hearts of otherwise faithful Latter-day Saints, almost universally disobeyed; and yet I wonder whether our resistance to this invitation could be any more grievous to the Lord’s merciful heart. I can tell you this as a parent: as concerned as I would be if somewhere in their lives one of my children were seriously troubled or unhappy or disobedient, nevertheless I would be infinitely more devastated if I felt that at such a time that child could not trust me to help or thought his or her interest was unimportant to me or unsafe in my care. In that same spirit, I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands or trust in his commandments." This reminded me of the loving nature of our Father in Heaven. It brings peace and gratitude to my heart.

As I drove to the temple by myself several days later I heard this song in my car and I felt the spirit so strongly--I was actually brought to tears. I know, I'm a goofy sap. When I related this to Eric he kind of raised his skeptical eyebrows and grinned, "Really?" Thankfully he loves his crazy wife. I had to remind him of the comment he, himself, recently made in Sunday school about how the spirit speaks to everyone in different ways--in ways that we can each best understand . . . right before he related a story about an investigator on his mission who claimed that he was told to read the scriptures by a Ouija board. Different strokes for different folks, I say. Maybe he wouldn't have listened to the spirit in any other way. I have always been prone (vulnerable?) to hearing the spirit speak to me through unlikely music . . . like the time when I was in sixth grade and a couple of friends and I prepared a special musical number for church. We were rehearsed and ready to sing "Fading Fast" by the Go-Go's (one of my MOST favorite groups at the time). At first glance it's a simple breakup song but in our minds, with a little imagination, it was an assertive stance against the devil. Our big plans were foiled at the last minute when we did a run through for my friend's mother and surprisingly she felt that our song wasn't appropriate for church. She insisted that instead we quickly learn "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" for our performance. I don't know . . . go here and decide for yourself--it's a compelling argument.

And so with eyes wide open and my dear friend's words resonating in my ears, I find my many Mantras, all around, gathered at my feet like little red flags waiting for me to see, waiting for me to allow them to strengthen and help me--just like Heavenly Father intended when He gifted them to me.

. . . And now I am going to take another piece of advice from my wise friend Thelma. I'm going to quickly click the "Publish Post" button . . . before I second guess myself and chicken out.

"Spicy Baby"

2009-01-19T17:08:00.001-08:00

The other night our dear Freja was having a hard time eating her dinner. I don't know why. It was two bean chili with avocado and it was yummy, if I do say so myself. Even still, she didn't share this opinion and was feeling quite dejected.

I put forth my best motherly effort in attempts to get her to eat--to no avail. Then I happened to look at my other dear daughter, Britta, and said with a chuckle, "Look at Britta, she certainly likes it!"

Freja's incredulous reply, "That's because she's a SPICY BABY! I am more of a mild girl." What can I say, I have a spicy baby. Eric says she's takes after her mom. :)

Eeeeek!!

2009-01-16T16:36:00.000-08:00

Look what I found in my kitchen sink. Don't worry, it's just our non-living toy mouse. He's actually quite cute. I was just caught off guard a bit (insert a healthy scream). When I demanded to know who had played such a joke on mother my family looked at me with innocent faces and then quickly blamed the baby. Yeah right, "the baby" .

2009-01-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

And here I thought he couldn't multi-task.