"Words on Women & Strength"

This is a beautiful reminder of the power behind women and cherished friendships. A dear friend sent to me months ago and I was waiting for the right time to post it. After another evening spent among friends tonight, I feel so blessed to have these types of bonds in my life. The past 24 hours have been so uplifting, so beautiful. I am grateful to friends that inspire, friends that come to me for advice, friends that listen, friends that make me laugh, and especially friends that genuinely care about me and my family. That is why this tribute touches my heart - enjoy . . .

You've.been.on.my.mind.

Five simple words said out of genuine love and concern, one friend to another. Sometimes that's all it takes to relieve ourselves of a burden, a troubled mind, a heavy heart. My sincerest "thank-you" to a dear friend, a kindred spirit who lightened my soul today . . . you've been on my mind . . . how easy, how meaningful to those who struggle for a small moment, who lose sight of themselves, who need a connection.

Thanks friend for helping me feel myself once again.

So simple . . .

Yesterday. Perfect. Sun. Blue sky. Slight breeze. Time with my little girls. Time reading together on the back patio. Time for a walk, scooter, swings, basketball. Time to listen and laugh. Resting together. Swimming with Dad. Late night movie with friends . . . snuggling on the couch with my sweethearts. Yes, it is the simple things. Happy, happy summer's day!

My 12-year old

It was Caroline's 12th birthday on May 25th and I'm just now getting around to blogging about what a special, sweet, polite, kind, sincere . . . I could go on forever describing this girl! We are truly blessed to have Caroline in our life and I am so pleased with her optimism, helpfulness, and especially her sensitivity. She is a genuine friend to all who know her, and a very patient older sister to Sophie and Liza. In the 6th graduation poll, she was voted "happiest" out of all the 6th graders and I couldn't agree more. Caroline brightens the room with her smile and keeps us smiling ourselves with her witty remarks and laughter.

To celebrate of our very own "Sweet Caroline," here is a short video of our girl (unfortunately, I don't have any pics of her when she was tiny scanned, so I just used some from the past four years) . . .

Summer

Just for a season

no schedules, no plans, nowhere to be

listen to the rain fall, smell the scent of fresh pine

late nights, night games, late-overs

time for each other, time to breathe

finding balance once again

seeking simplicity.

A few reminders

that the month of May is nothing to complain about . . .

1. Beautiful spring mornings

2. Spring Lacrosse

3. The view of the mountains during a lacrosse game

4. Healthy kids who can run and enjoy life to the fullest

5. The FUN RUN

6. Good friends and popcicles

7. Good friends, popcicles, and blue skies

8. Waterfalls

9. The 2nd grade opera

10. Mother's Day

11. Graduations

12. Celebrating with family

13. May flowers
14. Did I mention beautiful, stunning, bright, take your breath away mornings in the canyon?

Need a smile?

Chris sent this to me today and it's just one of those things that makes you grin ear to ear (he knows I'm a sucker for anything sweet and romantic) - enjoy!

May MADNESS . . .

Mother's Day pre-school program ~ 2nd Grade informance ~ soccer practices ~ soccer games ~ ballet dress-rehearsals ~ ballet performances ~ Elementary fun run ~ Student Body Officer elections ~ 6th grade country fair ~ field trips ~ 2nd grade Opera ~ Piano recital ~ Jr. tennis tournament ~ LAX practices ~ LAX games ~ Pre-school graduation program ~ 6th grade graduation party ~ school projects ~ awards ceremonies ~ Jr. High fun run ~ Caroline's 12th birthday ~ Temple celebration rehearsals & performance ~ Tennis league begins ~ club meetings ~ school fundraisers ~ teacher appreciation ~ yard work ~ last day of school . . . .

. . . wish us luck!

8 Things About Me . . .

OK, tag time - my friend Kathryn tagged me, so since these are always fun and if you're bored enough to actually read this, here goes . . .

8 Things I look forward to:

1. Being outside - whatever the activity
2. Time alone with Chris
3. Bedtime stories, songs, and silly kisses with the little girls
4. Connecting with friends
5. Listening to music on my i-pod while I do housework
6. Playing the piano when I have the house to myself
7. The last day of school and beginning of summer vacation!
8. The jetted tub at the end of a long day . . . candles, bath salts, steam, and the blinds open just enough to gaze up at the sky, stars, and mountains . . . AHHHH!!

8 Things I did yesterday:

1. Helped out at the annual "Fun Run" at the elementary school all morning.

2. Went to Sophie's 2nd grade class opera practice to play piano.

3. Worked in the yard for a couple of hours.

4. Cleaned the house with Ryan and Caroline in preparation of Chris' dad who is spending the weekend.

5. Received a little Mother's Day surprise in the mail from my mom - and hoping that she'll be happy with a phone call since I forgot to get anything in the mail early enough.

6. Met Kevin (Chris' brother) and the rest of the Cantera clan downtown for dinner to celebrate his graduation from the 'U' - Masters in History - way to go!

7. Found myself covered in throw-up on the drive home from said dinner (PF Changs - I'll leave the visuals up to my readers). Story: Liza said she wasn't feeling well, I had *thankfully* told my father-in-law to take the front seat, so I took her out of her seatbelt to cuddle with her and before we know it . . . . yep, disgusting. I think I've earned my stripes.

8. Enjoyed a BLISSFUL, long, relaxing, soak in the jetted tub after we had finally cleaned up the car, Liza, clothing, shoes, purse, phone, jewelry . . .

8 Things I wish I could do:

1. Rock climb well enough to have all the gear and actually know what I was doing.
2. Surf.
3. Follow through and finish projects I begin.
4. Write a book.
5. Be a wonderful gardener.
6. Stay organized.
8. Travel the world.

8 Shows I watch (amendment: I don't watch TV, really maybe once every 5 or 6 months . . . so, I'll write the last 8 movies or DVDs I watched):

1. Bolt
2. Twilight (dvd)
3. Slumdog Millionaire (dvd)
4. Mad Men (dvd) - ok, I guess this is tv :-).
5. Vicky Christina Barcelona (dvd)
6. No Country For Old Men (dvd)
7. Son of Rambow (dvd)
8. Meet the Parents (dvd)

8 people I want to know 8 things about

1. Jenna (because it's about time you put something on your blog!)
2. Joan
3. Michelle
4. Nancy
5. Kristin J. (I'm not letting you off the hook ;-)
6. Kristen R.
7. Brianna
8. Carrie

Liza's faith

This evening before we began eating dinner, Chris asked Liza to offer the prayer on the food. She was saying such a sweet, thoughtful prayer - asking a blessing on Grandma Pat on her mission, blessing the food, asking that we all be nice to each other, saying thanks for the nice day and her trip to the zoo (really, she was on a roll). Then, just as I was thinking what a spiritual pre-schooler I have, she ended the prayer with this bold statement: " . . . and please help me and Sophie eat really fast so that we can go back outside and play with our friends. Amen."

The rest of us were immediately in hysterics, and the poor girl just could not understand why her prayer was so entertaining. The frustration of our reaction to her plea for divine assistance in finishing her meal was clearly written all over her face. Then, literally 3 minutes later, after she had inhaled her plate of spaghetti, she announced: "SEE . . . my prayer worked, I'm done . . . can I go back outside now?"

I.am.SO.sore.

but ECSTATIC that I finished the race in a respectable time: 2:06:03. I ran the entire distance with an average pace of 9:38 and came in the top third of my age division (even with stopping for potty breaks). It really was so much fun, and kudos to Jenna for giving me that push to run my first 1/2 marathon because I would have never done it without her . . . the crowds, music, and constant chatter along the route actually made the race enjoyable. However, that last mile was the longest mile I have ever run in my entire life - Kathryn, you were right - my legs were begging for mercy and today I'm paying for it . . . my quads and calves are burning!

Now I really want to run another 1/2 and see what my time might be if I actually train for it beforehand. Who wants to meet me in Moab next march for their annual marathon - any takers?? It's much more fun when you run with friends :-).

He's coming . . .

Everyone has their favorite artist whom they adore, collect all their albums, know every song by heart, as well as exactly which album in what year that song was recorded. For me, that songwriter is Jackson Browne. I have Chris to thank for introducing me to such an amazing talent, a poet whose lyrics and music speak directly to the heart and soul. Chris a long time fan and has even met JB in person, we've attended three of his concerts together, and this morning I was screaming in the phone when Chris called and told me Browne was coming to Deer Valley this summer and we were going - SWEET!

So, in celebration of one of the greatest singer/songwriters to ever grace the planet, enjoy a retrospective set to one of my favorite songs from his latest album Time the Conquerer . . .

It's all about FAMILY

I thought I would share a video I put together for my family from last summer (oh, before you play the video, turn off the blog music :-). After spending a couple wonderful days up here in Oregon visiting Jenna, I realize how blessed I am to have such a great sister. It seem like just yesterday we were growing up under the same roof with our bedrooms right next door, and now here we are raising our own children and learning from life's ups and downs. To be honest, our relationship hasn't always been strong, but the last couple of years we've gradually become closer, and spending time up here with Jen's family is just what we needed to strengthen our bond even more.

Thanks Jen for inviting me to your home to spend the weekend . . . here's to making more memories together in the future!

I'm not joking . . .

when I say I'm jumping on a plane tomorrow morning and heading to Oregon to run my first half marathon WITHOUT any training whatsoever. Seriously people, what am I thinking?? Hmmm, something like, "you'll be that idiot collapsing at the finish line after everyone has already gone home and it's dark!"

Here's the story: I have known about the marathon for months, but as luck would have it, illness hit the week I began training back at the beginning of March and I was stuck with various lame lung and allergy related symtoms until yesterday - great. I ran a couple miles today and felt good, so I'm crossing my fingers that seven times that amount will be just as pleasant ;-). I couldn't be more excited taking off for a long weekend to visit my sister Jenna and her little family in Corvallis, OR . . . no kids, no responsiblities, no phone calls, no driving, nada. Chris will be taking over the kids' activity and social calendar for a few days - what a guy!

Now I'm off on my adventure and hoping that between the lower altitude, the moist air, the pressure to stay up with my sister, and some unbelievable positive "I can do this" thinking, I will at least finish the race. I consider myself a person who runs to stay in shape once or twice a week for a few miles, but 13 miles - never. I think the greatest distance I've ever run at one time was 6 or 7 miles. So, in the spirit of challenging myself to something new, exciting, and probably incredibly painful . . . here goes! Wish me luck :-).

The Little Things

I found this tea towel at one of my favorite boutiques the other day and just had to get it for my oven door, and since I do have days that are less than favorable, I wanted this little reminder that it is those little things that make me the happiest and bring the most joy into my daily life.

In eastern philosophy, the more one dwells on the negative, the more that negativity becomes part of his/her soul, until it eventually takes over. It can be hard to stop that cycle of thinking and there are certainly days when I begin to dwell on the negative, but when my mind turns to those little things that bring joy into my every day, the cycle stops and is replaced with optimism and peace.

Here are just a few of the small, seemingly insignificant things that make me smile and remind me that life IS good:

the sunrise through the kitchen windows

the sweet touch from Chris as he wakes me up every morning and sits on the edge of the bed to talk before he leaves for the day

the eager hugs and kisses from warm little bodies each morning

the mountains surrounding our home, and how they never fail to impress each time I walk back home from the mailbox

good friends, uplifting discussions, spontaneous conversations with neighbors outside while the kids play

laughter, giggles, squeals of delight

the excitement and nonstop chatter surrounding the kids when they arrive home from school each day

the peace inside the house when I have it to myself

the unexpected, touching conversation with a child while we're fixing dinner together

listening to a little one read out loud

taking the time to savor a book, listen to music, or play piano

freshly changed sheets on the bed, soft pillows, and the stars - always there, out the window for me to enjoy as I fall asleep

I liked this . . .

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.

~ Henri Nouwen

I happened to find myself in the doctor's office this afternoon (no worries - allergies), and found this quote in a magazine. It spoke to me, so I thought I would share.

a thought for today

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

~ Mother Teresa

Spring and FLOWERS

After being teased incessantly by mother nature the past few weeks, spring is here to stay . . . I'm sure by just saying that I've now cursed the weather and we'll see snow again before June - never fails. But for the moment and in celebration of the bright blue skies, warmer temperatures, blossoms, and green appearing everywhere, Liza and I packed up lunch, grabbed some friends, and headed to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point yesterday. Truly a perfect afternoon and celebration of the season. If you've never been to the gardens down there, make it happen - you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Here are some more cute photos from our afternoon. Michelle has a really great, awesome, amazing, make me drool camera, so her pictures look better than mine every would - check them out!

Happy, happy, happy day :-).

"True"

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men. Indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul. We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

~13th Article of Faith~

Today in sacrament meeting Ryan spoke as a youth speaker about the 13th Article of Faith. His talk included a wonderful quote by President Hinckley, as well as some thoughtful personal insights and testimony from Ryan. I was quite impressed, given the fact that he remembered he had a talk last night at 10pm (church begins at 9am), and wrote the majority of it this morning - oh well, live and learn.

This evening in Family Home Evening our lesson focused again on this insightful declaration of what we, as members of the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-Day Saints, truly believe. The part I wanted the children to really understand is what it means to be "true." Do we profess to believe and act according to our standards in one arena of life, only to behave differently when we find ourselves among others whose standards are not as high? I think that staying "true" can be a struggle for just about anyone at any age. How do our actions everyday in every situation truly reflect our devotion and committment to the Lord? We then discussed what it means to be "hypocritical" and how difficult it would be to share the gospel with those who observe us behaving less than our standards dictate. I do believe that keeping the 13th article of faith close to our hearts will keep our family strong and bless each member with greater integrity.


This is the quote Ryan used in his talk: "This article of faith is one of the basic declarations of our theology. We ought to reflect on it again and again. I wish that every family in the Church would write out that article of faith and put it on a mirror where every member of the family would see it every day. Then, whenever we might be tempted to do anything shoddy or dishonest or immoral, there would come into our minds with some force this great, encompassing statement of the ethics of our behavior. There would be less rationalizing over some elements of our personal conduct which we try to justify with one excuse or another."

~ President Gordon B. Hinckley

14 years ago

I love this boy!

Chris and I were reminiscing this morning about our Ryan and how everyone told us that we'll blink and he'll be grown up. Where have the years gone? Wasn't it just yesterday we were putting him in the stroller for walks down Timpview Drive in our old Provo neighborhood? Weren't we just trying to figure out the baby thing - nighttime feedings, diapers, baths in the sink, etc.? Now we've moved on from babies to teens, in really, what seems like a blink of the eye. But what a journey it's been raising a son and watch him year after year turn from a darling little boy into a handsome young man. Today when I picked him up at school for our traditional birthday lunch outing I glanced at his Converse and told him that his feet are about the size that he was the day we brought him home from the hospital!

We are so proud of Ryan. He's truly grown up to be responsible, kind, helpful, honest, and a great brother and friend. Of course he's not perfect, believe me, he has his moments, but for the majority of the time, he really is fabulous and I couldn't ask for a better son.

So, in celebration of one of my favorite days of the year, here are some favorite pics of my favorite boy . . .

Happy 14th Ryan Christopher -

We LOVE you!