Day 16 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Write a letter to your future spouse or children.

Since I don't plan on getting a new spouse or children, I’m going write a brief recap of my birthday week.

Monday: At 5:45 in the morning, I walked into my classroom to find streamers, balloons, and bows everywhere!

My seminary students brought a cake, sang Happy Birthday, gave me hugs, and told me that they loved me.

It was a wonderful way to start my birthday week!

Tuesday: My family took me out to Famous Dave’s for my free birthday dinner (valued at $50).

They all ate the trash can lid full of meat and I had a side salad and cornbread – hahaha!

It was a treat not to cook meat for them.

Wednesday: Rick and I went out to a Japanese Hibachi Restaurant called Nagoya. Then, we did some Christmas reconnaissance for the kids.

Thursday: Thanksgiving with the family. Rick cooked the turkey and stuffing. I cooked the veggies and rolls. Jake had some friends over to spend the night.

Friday: Recovery day! I slept in and cleaned house. Emma had a “late over” with friends.

Saturday: My 34th birthday! I taught 2 aerobics classes in the morning. Then, I took a birthday nap so that I’d be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the evening’s festivities. Rick and I went to see one of my seminary students perform in the Nutcracker ballet.

My favorite performer (next to Esther, of course) was this beautiful Great Pyranease that pulled a sled across the stage.

Afterwards we got dinner at my favorite Indian restaurant where we enjoyed Aloo Gobi, Chana Masala, and Malai Kofta (sp?). Needing to walk off our dinner, we went to Target and bought my birthday present: new workout clothes. To cap off the evening we devoured the ice cream cake Rick made.

Delish!

Day 15 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Explain your goals and aspirations and how you plan to achieve them.

I think I’ll focus on just one rather superficial goal tonight, since my time is short.

Rick and I have scheduled a cruise to the Bahamas for spring break, so we’re both motivated to ditch the Midwesterner look.

I no longer believe diets work (having been down that road before), so I want to ramp up my exercise efforts and scale down on my sugar consumption. Both areas have become problematic since I started teaching seminary. The days I don’t teach aerobics I’m “too tired” to workout. And, as a stress reliever, I find myself turning to ice cream a little too often.

I plan to achieve my goal of being svelter by exercising 6 days a week and limiting my sugary indulgences to the weekend. This should help me maintain my current level of fatness, er fitness, during the holidays. Come January I foresee some gradual changes in the tummy and tooshie department.

Day 13 AND 14 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment #1: Think of a book you’ve read, and explain why it has made a difference in your life.

Last summer, I finished reading The Book of Mormon for the umpteenth time. I will continue to read it over and over again because I know that it is a powerful and true witness of Christ. This book has been translated correctly from ancient records made by people who lived on this continent thousands of years ago. I believe the promise that if I abide by the principles taught in the Book of Mormon, I can deepen my relationship with God and Christ.

I have mastered pathetically little during my 34 years on this earth. I am hopeful that I can inch myself a little closer to who I want to be by learning and practicing what is contained inside The Book of Mormon. It truly is worth a lifetime of study.

I turn to the Book of Mormon when I need answers, comfort, encouragement, and humbling. As a mother, I use this book to teach my children right from wrong. As a wife, I use this book to understand how to keep my marriage strong. As a friend, I use this book to know how to better cheer, lift, and support others.

The Book of Mormon helps me keep an eternal perspective when making decisions big or small. Because the Book of Mormon prophesies about these last days, I can know what it is I must do to prepare for the Lord’s coming. The challenge lies is in the doing!

I hope that my friends who read my testimony feel how important the Book of Mormon is to me. It is my sincere desire that this powerful book will not be dismissed by friends because of misconception or false rumors. Read it. Pray about its truthfulness. Try the promise found in the final pages of this record:

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” [Moroni 10:4]

Assignment #2: Write your impressions of world events and other important happenings.

The chaos in the world is a warning for all of us to prepare for the Lord’s second coming. For more information on how to get ready for that day, study the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and The Doctrine and Covenants. Also, read the most current messages from our modern-day prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

Day 12 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Write about what you’d do if you were given a million dollars.

With the first ½ mil I’d pay off ALL our debts (Rick’s student loans, our mortgage, etc.). I’d save the rest for the kids’ college, missions, and weddings. The End.

I’m boring.

Thanksgivving 2010

We have never made our own Thanksgiving meal before. We've always had a family reunion or something. Since Rick and I have been married almost 15 years, we figured it was about time we cooked for ourselves. Rick was in charge of the turkey and stuffing. I was in charge of the vegetables and rolls. Costco was in charge of the pumpkin pie. The kids were in charge of getting along nicely while we worked in the kitchen.

Rick followed a recipe from my Better Homes and Gardens magazine to cook the turkey. He said it turned out really well. We both enjoyed the vegetarian stuffing he made too.

The Rhodes brand multigrain rolls turned out great, as did my mashed potatoes and almond green beans. It was a very respectable dinner.

Rick took a moonlighting shift from 4:00 to 10:00, so the kids and I stayed busy by going to see the new movie Tangled with friends. We absolutely loved it. It wasn't the princess movie we were expecting. Even Jacob said he wants to buy it when it comes out on DVD.

After the movie, we went to a dessert party at the Torres's house. Hours had passed since our Thanksgiving meal, so we were in prime condition for eating pie. Fortunately, there were many options from which to choose. We ate the night away with our friends!

Amber, Ashley, and Kaitlin:

Georgia:

Jen and Anthony:

Jared and Catharine:

Wendy and Rey:

Jess and Christy:

Max and Jake:

Penny and Christy:

We weren't with our family, but we had the next best thing. This Thanksgiving was a keeper!

Day 11 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Pick someone who is a hero in your life, and write about him or her.

Words. They’re inadequate when it comes to expressing feelings. If I were a composer or artist, I might come closer to revealing my heart. Unfortunately I’m neither. Nor am I a writer. How do I begin?

I’ve loved my sister even before I knew she was a Bonnie and not a Patrick. My first memory of her goes back to our days in Roanoke, Virginia. Her alien cries were a bit scary to me, but I remember being enamored by the little Smurf 8 years behind me.

Growing up, Bonnie was easy to love. She was cute, and sweet, and she generally let me boss her around. Her biggest weakness was her sensitivity, of which Tim and I took full advantage. We used to tease her about never wanting to move out. She vowed to live with Mom and Dad forever. Try as we might, we could not convince her that her idea was ridiculous.

Fast forward.


Bonnie got married. She had 2 CUTE kids. And yada yada yada…she got divorced.

I remember hearing the heartbreaking news while we were on a month-long rotation in Utah. We couldn’t come home and we couldn’t hug her. I felt utterly useless. My heart broke a little more each time I allowed myself to imagine the repercussions of her situation.


We eventually did get to go home. To my great sadness I found my sister quite changed. Bonnie, who once laughed so easily, didn’t find much to be happy about anymore. She had boarded up the windows to her soul and switched to survival mode.

She took great care of her two babies, though it was a great challenge. Fortunately, she had the help of our parents which made it possible for her to stay at home during this time. Bonnie started to formulate a plan for climbing out of her circumstances. She eventually went back to school and started plugging away at the required courses for a nursing program. School was daunting, and nothing seemed to fall into place in the timetable she desired. Finally, she got into the 2-year program she wanted.

It was about this time that Rick and I moved to Ohio. I felt terrible about not being available to help her out with the kids. Rick felt badly about not being available to help her out with school. We watched her struggle along from a distance, unable to be of use to her.

It turned out that Bonnie didn’t need our help. We totally underestimated her strength. She rose to the challenge of being full-time mother and full-time student. She even managed to hold a church calling and a part-time job. The singles scene has yet to bear fruit, but Bonnie is confident in her new role as independent woman. It is this new-found quality which I most admire in her.
Bonnie is graduating from nursing school in a few short weeks. The coming months will quickly bring major changes to her life. I’m not worried about my little sister though. She’s been through the fire and come out more refined and resilient. I’m beyond proud of her and I can’t wait to see what she tackles next.

You’re truly a wonder woman Bon! I love you!

Day 10 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Tell about your last truly spiritual experience and how it affected you.

I’ve been losing my battle with insomnia lately, so I never need more than one hand to count the hours of sleep I get each night.

Yesterday I hosted a seminary breakfast at my house after getting a mere 4 hours of shut-eye. Miraculously, I was able to put on a cheerful face for my students. After they went off to school however, I ached for a nap.

I called my friend Anita with the intention of backing out of our song practice. After realizing there was no other good time to get together, I decided to power through my personal fog.

When I arrived at the rehearsal, the stress we all felt was palpable. Each member of our group seemed to be having a crazier week than the next. How on earth were we going to get a handle on the 9 songs we’re supposed to sing for the Interfaith Nativity?

As we gathered around the piano, Anita turned and suggested we say a prayer. She reached out to grab our hands and expressed how grateful she was to be singing with us. She pointed out that we all have wonderful blessings in our life and that one of the greatest blessings is to be able to express our love for the Lord through music.

After her words and our prayer, we had our best practice yet. I went away feeling truly happy and spiritually full.

Then I had a nap.

Emma the Cellist

Li'l Emma will figure out a way to do what she wants.



Months ago, after starting gymnastics, piano lessons, and Junior Jazzers, Emma asked if she could join 5th grade strings at school. I said no. She would have to give up her lunch recess to take the class, and we would have to fork out money for an instrument yet again. I already had to nag her to practice the piano each day, why would she want to add one more thing to my, er, her plate?



She started going to strings anyway, without my signed permission slip. She borrowed a school cello and was on her way...



Last week she brought the darned thing home. Oh, the sounds!

She hasn't learned to tune the cello yet, so her rendition of Hot Cross Buns curls my hair. But, she's pleased as punch.

And who knows? Maybe she'll end up being the next Yo-Yo Ma.

Day 9 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Tell a story your mom or dad has told you about when you were a baby.

When my folks lived in Pocatello during grad school, Mom would take me with her to pick apricots. She said I would get into the basket and take little bites from each one. I’d be covered in sticky juice by then end. I imagine my diapers would have been a delight…

My brother Timmy came along 2 years after I did. It’s amazing he survived his first year though. I guess I was very interested in him, wanting to hold him and “help” Mommy. When he was just a newborn, I got baby Timothy out of his basinet and carried him around the neck to show him off to some visitors that came by the house. It was all my Mom could do not to freak out. She was so afraid I’d drop him if she raised her voice or anything. Can you imagine?

Day 8 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Describe your best friend. Tell why this person is your best friend.

My best friend has been part of my life for 18 years, but I’m sure we’ve known each other much longer than that. I recognized our other-worldly connection soon after we met.

In the fall of my sophomore year of high school, I landed a small part in a school play. One of the cast members, Debra, became a fast friend. She and I had performed a musical number together for church and I knew her to be a funny and talented gal. What I didn’t realize, however, was that she had an older brother named Rick. And he was cute. And smart. And a senior!

Somehow I managed to attract his attention as he built the set for our production. We flirted backstage, but I never thought he’d be interested in me. One afternoon, he offered to drive me home from practice (he had his own car – ooooyah!). I distinctly remember feeling like I knew him from somewhere, but I just couldn’t place it. Talking with him felt so comfortable and familiar.

Not soon after “the ride” Rick asked me on a date. I was about a month shy of my 16th birthday, so I wasn’t of dating age. Fortunately, my totally cool parents let me bend our family dating rule so we could go to a high school football game. Rick took me on my first official date, and he’ll be there for my last.

Our relationship continues to be comfortable and familiar. Rick makes everything better. Whether it’s doing dishes, watching TV, or taking a nap, I’m happier when sharing these things with my best friend. I miss him when he works long hours and I still get excited when he comes home. I think he’s better looking now than he’s ever been, but I’d love him no matter what he looked like.

Things aren’t perfect. But, we’re in this marriage for eternity, and we can weather it.

Love ya Babe!

Day 7 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: List some of your family traditions. Which ones are your favorite and why?

Hahahaha! I already wrote about this a year ago. See my post here: http://saundersinohio.blogspot.com/2009/12/holiday-traditions.html

Since I already completed my assignment, I think I’ll write a quick sum up of the weekend’s happenings…

We went to a matinee showing of the 7th Harry Potter movie on Friday. It’s been a long while since any of us had been to a real, live movie theater and Friday’s experience reminded us why that is the case. We’ve decided that we are even more grateful for our home theater now. Here’s why:

· Popcorn doesn’t cost $7
· We can pause the movie anytime we need to make a trip to the potty
· No one coughs on us
· We don’t have to listen to a 5-year-old say, “Holy s*** during scary parts
· We can wear our jammies
· We don’t have to sit through 20 minutes of ridiculous previews
· No lines of any kind, anywhere

We liked the movie and are anxiously awaiting the final installment (though the Harry/Hermione kissing made me a bit uncomfortable).

On Saturday we got our annual family picture taken. It will be a small miracle if there is anything useable from the shoot. It sure took a lot of smoke and mirrors to get us looking coordinated and cute.

After that stress was over, we enjoyed an early dinner at Abuelo’s. Can I just take a moment here to say how much I appreciate the times I don’t have to cook or clean up after cooking? Every time we go out to eat it’s like a mini vacation for me. And, if people don’t like their food, it’s not my fault. I love it!

Emma is in an elite singing group at her school called the Junior Jazzers. They got invited to perform at the big Perrysburg High School choral concert Saturday evening. It was a lively show, and Emmy charmed the audience when singing and dancing in “I Want to Be a Rockette” and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” Other highlights from Showfest included seeing a couple of my seminary girls singing and dancing. I’m so proud of all my girls!

Day 6 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

Simple: I’d like get more sleep.

Day 5 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: How do you want people to remember you? Why?

I'm going to keep it simple today.

I want to be remembered as a positive and generous person. I hope others feel encouraged and safe when they are with me. When I think about the people I admire most, they’re those who lift me and inspire me to be better. That's the kind of mark I hope to leave behind.

Day 4 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Write about a time when you were so happy. When you were so sad. Did you learn anything from those experiences?

Shortly after I had Emma, I remember being so filled with joy. I loved caring for my sweet little girl and her busy older brother. I felt so lucky to be able to stay at home with them full time and be a part of each milestone.

I had taken good care of myself during my second pregnancy, so I had a smooth recovery. I regained my energy quickly. Being physically healthy made it possible for me to keep up with 2 kids under 2. I was truly blessed.

Fast forward a few months.

I don’t remember much about this time other than being weighed down and so, so tired. I wasn’t myself. I couldn’t find pleasure in my life and I hurt all the time. I lost weight and physical strength. My sleep was erratic. After Rick witnessed me getting into a verbal altercation with a complete stranger in a parking lot one night, he urged me to get checked out. I was diagnosed with postpartum depression.

It took several months to find the right help for me. Once I found the best medication and a great counselor though, things got better. The fog lifted.

I learned (much later) that depression isn’t anything to be ashamed about. I also learned how important it is to accept help. Yes, we are very quick in our culture to take pills for anything that ails us. I didn’t like to be a part of that pill popping group. But, in this case, medication was an essential part of my recovery.

Day 3 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Imagine that it’s exactly ten years from today, and describe what you’d like to be doing and what you’d like your life to be like.

When I’m 43, I hope Rick and I are living in our cabin up in the mountains.
He’ll only be working 10 shifts a month in the local ED.
I’ll be staying busy serving at the temple,

reading great books, hiking my property,

and spoiling my grandbabies.

Since Thanksgiving will be just around the corner, I’ll be making final preparations for the extended family cruise we’ll take over holiday. This time, we’re heading someplace warm…

Day 2 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: What do you like to do in your free time? Don’t just list, explain why, too.

Man! These journal writing prompts really want me to get personal. If I answer honestly, I’m going to come off looking really boring, lazy, and selfish. Instead, here’s the response I’d give if I were the ideal version of myself:

In my free time I enjoy going for long runs through the nature preserve so that I can meditate and rejuvenate my spirit. On warm days, I work in my flower garden and take fresh bouquets to some of the widowed sisters in my ward. My piano is never neglected. I love to sit down and play Chopin, Debussy, and Brahams to welcome my children home from school. At the end of the night, it’s hard to send the kids to bed. Sometimes I want to read the classics to them for hours! To be fair to my husband though, I spend the rest of the evening rubbing his shoulders and listening to stories from his work day. I never grow tired of them!

Are you ready for the real response to this prompt?

Free time? Really? Well, I guess I have time when I choose to ignore stuff I should be doing and I do something else less productive. Can I call that free time? I have lots of examples of what I do to procrastinate.

I enjoy watching TV shows on Netflix after the kids go to bed. This is usually accompanied by a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. I’m working on season 1 of Monk right now because it’s on instant queue. Rick and I are waiting for disc 2 of Community to arrive in the mail. I haven’t laughed so hard at a show since 30 Rock, and that’s really saying something.

When Rick works late, I don’t want to watch TV because it’s more fun when we’re together. Instead I get on YouTube or Facebook and waste time there. I used to stalk blogs, but I found that it brought me down to see all the productive things the good mommies were doing with their time. Who needs that kind of pressure?

If it’s daytime, and I sit still for longer than 10 minutes, I have to take a nap. I’m really good at it too. My favorite spots are the couch in the basement because it’s cool and totally dark. I also have a fondness for my bed, though it’s hard to get out of it once I get in.

The last thing on my list of idleness has to be making playlists or listening to Pandora.com. Tonight’s playlist: Christmas Faves. I can literally spend hours listening to music and building wish lists on ITunes. Perhaps I should have been a DJ instead of a teacher.

So, I guess I’m not hurting for free time too much. Look at all the idleness I’m able to squeeze into the day. It’s pretty impressive when you think about it. Have I inspired you yet?

Day 1 of the 20-day Journal Challenge

Assignment: Write about your day. What was the best part about it? What was the worst?

Beep-beep…beep-beep…beep-beep…THUD! At 5:10 this morning I hit the snooze button for the last time. Why is it always so hard to wake up on Monday mornings? Why does my husband have to keep the house so darn COLD all the time?! What happened to my 4:45 wake-up plan? These thoughts, and many others, kicked around my mind as I stumbled through my morning routine.

As usual, Jake was a bear to get up for seminary. We managed to beat my early bird seminary student to the church though. Neener-neener Paul!!! On another happy note, 11 out of my 14 students showed up for class this morning, impressively on time. We were slow to warm-up, but ended up having a pretty good discussion about Doctrine & Covenants 46 (gifts of the spirit). More on that topic tomorrow…

Once Jake was successfully dropped off at junior high, I raced home to wake Miss Emma. To my surprise and delight she was awake and dressed! We had a quick breakfast, and then I drove her the 60 yards to the bus stop – HA!

On a typical Monday morning, I would have immediately gone back to bed. NOT TODAY! Instead, I stayed awake and practiced singing and playing for a Christmas concert I’ll participate in on December 4th. I’m part of a women’s group that will perform for 45 minutes during our church’s annual Interfaith Nativity.

For 3 hours we sang and laughed and talked and sang. I was disappointed in my lack of singing confidence and vocal range, but I enjoyed all the beautiful Christmas music and tight harmonies. It reminded me of old times with my pals Whitny, Alli, and Annie. Oh! How I miss those girls!
When I got home, the dog and I ate a quick sammich before I launched into my lesson planning. The greatest accomplishment of my day: finishing my seminary lesson BEFORE Jacob came home from school. Wahoo! That hardly ever happens.

Now, can you guess what our lesson is on tomorrow? Yup. We’re going to talk about journal keeping (hence the blogging). I am repenting of my blog-lessness so as NOT to be a hypocrite. I will include myself in the 20-day challenge to my students to journal each day. Who knows? Maybe this will turn into a permanent habit. Stranger things have happened.

The day is not over so I can’t absolutely choose a best and worst part. I hope the best is yet to come! Maybe the best will happen this evening as I dine with my hubby at Zia’s on the hospital’s dime (it’s recruiting season). As for the worst part of my day, I’d have to go with missing my morning nap. I have a feeling I’ll be paying for that later. I promise not to take it out on my family though. Until tomorrow…