A Century of Honor

I know there are already photos and videos of our experiences with A Century Of Honor Celebration.  I just wanted to share my own tidbits.  I knew it was a chance of a lifetime for Zachary to participate, and I am SO grateful he was asked to.  What I didn't know was just how much it would effect me personally.  I am so proud of my son.  Not only because he worked hard or because he did a fantastic job, but because he is well on his way to be a man of honor.  As I sat and watched rehearsal after rehearsal I heard that phrase MANY times!  I have had a lot of time to reflect on what it means in general and what it means to me specifically.

First of all, I have to admit I was a little frustrated during the first rehearsal.  The boys were flicking each other in the head, shouting, blowing at each other's faces, etc.  I thought there was no way they would be ready in two weeks time!  With only 4 practices.  But Brother Eggert, the man in charge of instructing them, did So much more than teach them a song.  He taught them what the words they were singing meant.  He shared stories of honorable men, and encouraged the boys (he called them men which I thought was so cute!) to be like those honorable men.  He used patience, praised for obedience, and never showed any negative feelings throughout.  With each performance I saw these young men improve so much, both in song and behavior.  They wanted to prove to this man that they were indeed those honorable men.  At the last practice he said, "I am so proud to know the future is in your hands.  You are indeed honorable men, and I have no doubt you will do what you came here to do."  May not be his exact words, but you get the gist.  From that moment on I could not keep a dry eye as those young men sang each of their songs.  They are such strong,brave, honorable boys.  If they could accomplish what they did at 8-11 years old, I too have no fear for our future.

Secondly, I grew up in a house where scouting was a big part.  My dad was scoutmaster for a long time, each of my brothers earned their Eagle.  I am proud of them for it.  But this time it is MY son.  My chance to instill in him those values.  I have developed a new perspective and appreciation for the scouting program, and all the leaders who make it possible.

Lastly, I got to see the prophet!!!  I was within a few feet of him as well as several apostles.  What an experience!  As each of those men entered the room the spirit testified to me that they truly were men of God.  Mouthpieces for our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!!  On Sunday we discussed prophets and their role during Sunday School. There was never any doubt in my mind that these men were chosen men of God.  But to see them in person, to feel of their presence, and to share in the spirit they carry with them.  It was overwhelming.  You could almost taste the love we as members have for them.  Again, it was amazing.

I know for sure if my son had not been a participant, I would not have even cared if I viewed the program on television.  I know this came to me for a reason.  I gained a renewed sense of duty as a mother to make sure my children (Girls too) learn the importance of being "honorable."  Most importantly, that I need to stand as a witness myself.  I need and want to exude honor in all I do as well.  What a night!  I can't even measure my gratitude.

30 day challenges

" The next 30 days are going to pass whether you like it or not.  So why not think of something you have always wanted to try, and give it a shot for the next 30 days." - Matt Cutts

The other night my husband shared something with me that I know will change my life; or at least the way I view life.  As a mother of 6 young children I often find myself in the "have to zone."  I posted about this before.  But after watching this less than 4 minute pep talk I was reminded that I can do ANYTHING if I want.  The thought of trying something new often scares me.  I am a creature of habit, I like to stay well inside my comfort zone.  But I also itch.. I itch for new things.  I LOVE to try new recipes, new craft projects, new piano songs, etc.  but rarely give myself time for that.  So this is it for me!  My excuse so to speak.  Now I don't really have any strong desires to go sky diving or cliff jumping.  I don't really know what I have been "dying to try" as he puts it.  But the thought remains the same.  By setting a goal of focusing on one thing for 30 days; I can allow myself time to improve.  That is what I ultimately want to do; improve.

My first 30 day challenge is simple.  I hope to write a thank you note to someone who has touched my life recently.  I think we live in a thankless world.  I often think to myself how grateful I am for what people do for me, but do they know that?  Now you may argue that they don't NEED to know that they blessed my life somehow, and that may be true. But I need it.  I need to acknowledge the people who bless my life.  Who knows, maybe you will be a recipient of one of those notes!

So that leaves me with just one question:  What is your new 30 day challenge?

Fast Approaching

I cannot believe how fast Christmas is coming this year!  It seems to get worse each year.  I have enjoyed having our activity advent to focus on.  I haven't been able to post much due to illness in our home.  We were able to go to Temple Square which was great fun.  Unfortunately it was rainy the night we went which meant we had to speed it up a bit.  We were wet and cold towards the end, but enjoyed it nonetheless.  We also tried gingerbread houses for the first time.  Thank goodness for the kits from Costco!!  Made my night so much less stressful.  We bought a couple and tackled each one in teams.  It was certainly a night to remember.

                                                                                  


Another thing I am happy to cross off my list is the making and delivering of neighbor gifts.  I want my gifts to be useful but inexpensive as well.  Candy and cookies are great, but in my house we get SO many sometimes!  I am usually tormented for weeks trying to come up with something original (I am lacking in the creativity department) but this year my idea came to me before Thanksgiving!!  I am happy to say this was 100% my idea, no pinterest needed.  I do wish the tags were dressed up a bit.  We have had printer issues.  The caption says "We're "dishing" out the "joy" this holiday season.  I was able to get the joy pretty cheap from Amazon. I thought it would be nice to get some dish towels to go along with the dish soap. I think they turned out great!

Making Room

I really don't want to post about every activity we do for our advent, but some I think are worthy of one.  One of the things I included was our "making room" tradition.  We always have the kids go through some of their things and decide on a few to donate.  In the past I have focused more on  "If you want toys from Santa you gotta get rid of some first."  This time I tried to help them understand their toys and things would get good use from children less fortunate.  The thing that interests me is how different my children are from each other.  Every one of them was less than happy at the beginning.  I asked for 5 things each.  They could be books, clothes, or toys.  A few of my children grumbled for half a second and then went straight to it, in fact they didn't want to stop at 5! A few of my kids were okay with 5 and ONLY 5.  Then I had one that tried to negotiate with me, talking me down on the number of things.  And of course I had one that gave me 1 thing and promised to get more later, but still hasn't.  The other thing that gets me is their choice of things.  I have to bite my tongue when they choose the thing that I searched all over town for because they wanted it SO BAD last year!  Sometimes I just have to talk them out of it because it didn't get enough use to have made my trouble worth it.  It was a great experience I think, and now we have just a tad more room for heaps that will come at Christmas.

Keeping It Real

               I want to start out by saying I LOVE pinterest.  It is filled with great ideas and I want to try them all.  But I have to keep it real.  There is such a temptation to be "as cute" as or "as good" as what I see posted there.  The truth is, I simply don't have time to devote to making things cute.  I did see something I new I wanted to become a tradition in our home.  Everyday my oldest asks me, "can we do something fun today?"  With as many options as there are around the holidays I wanted to make an activity advent calendar so they could have something to look forward to, and help the time until Christmas pass a little more quickly (cause that is exactly what I need; time to pass more quickly).  I saw all types of amazing things on pinterest.  But again, as a mother of 6, I have to keep it real. So I did the best I could!  I went to put it together this morning and realized I didn't have enough clothespins and I forgot to put numbers on them.  Oh well..

                       Today's activity was to make countdown chains.  The kids asked me if they could do that the day after Thanksgiving so I thought it would be a great way to begin.  This morning I told them I had a surprise.  I expected them to jump up and down when they saw the envelopes, and then to be so excited they couldn't wait to do the chain. Instead they grumbled that the envelopes were the surprise.  Typical.. Its okay though. They got excited later,  then I realized I was out of Christmas colored construction paper.  Who needs Green and Red and White anyway?  Overall I think we are off to a good start.

The beginning of something new!

This blog is dedicated to those of us who thrive on the feeling of accomplishment.  I think its fair to say that's most of us!  Why the name "You Can Too?"  Let me explain:

When I was growing up I often saw my mother making lists of everything she had accomplished throughout the day.  As a child I thought it was silly, but now as an adult and mother of 6 I get it!
We often feel like we are not worth much unless we volunteer 5 days a week, have a "major" calling in our church, or serve hundreds of hours a year, or even have a career.  I can't tell you how many times I have said to myself, "I would do that too but I can't, I am a mom instead."  It is so easy to fall into the trap of "I just do this" or "I can only do that."  Just a few weeks ago I was in such a trap.  I was so down on myself feeling like I don't accomplish anything because I "have to" do the laundry or I "have to" get groceries, etc.  I felt like my agency was stripped from me.  Thanks to my AWESOME husband, I was given a new direction.  He reminded me that we ALWAYS have a choice.  The choice may be between changing a dirty diaper or wiping vomit off the floor, but it is a choice! I CHOSE to be a mother, and everything that goes with it.  Because of this choice I am blessed beyond recognition. He helped me understand that if I viewed my life this way, I would feel free!  I believe his exact words were, "As soon as you take charge of your actions you will feel such liberation."  And he was absolutely right!  It has opened a new world for me!

I wanted to create a place where I can share the ups and downs of my new found freedom.  I function best by sharing, whether its good or bad.  I have a lot of hopes and dreams.  Until recently I felt those things were out of reach.. but they are aren't!  I can do it, and you can too!

I had to include pictures of the beautiful children I CHOSE to raise.