Rhythm-the pulse of life

This is an entry from my personal journal. I am curious to know if any of you recently, mother or not, have felt an inner drive to slow down a bit. I don't quite understand all of the connections made by the author, like for example the asthma and allergies part, but I enjoyed reading this so much that I thought I would pass it along. Thanks to my dear friend for sharing it with me.

I have been having a very strong internal battle with myself lately. What I really want is to be home. To be available. I want to have a clean and organized home, filled with love and I, for the most part have been enjoying doing what it takes to do that, and if not at the moment I always enjoy the nice rewards that come afterward. It is hard to not overschedule ourselves when there really are so many great options of good things to do out there. But when I really think about what I want for my family right now it is to not be so busy that I don't have time to go for bikerides with the kids, which is what they really are asking for. Right now I find myself saying "no" to bikerides all too often because we are too "busy", "we have too many other things we need to get done today." So, this article that a friend sent to me has in essence "given me permission" to do what my inner self has been telling me to do and slooooooooooow down. One of my favorite afterschool memories growing up was to come home to some freshly baked homemade cookies. This was years ago and I can still picture in my mind what those cookies looked like and smell how the house smelled. I want to be able to slow down enough to make those cookies with my kids too. I think those moments of comfort and security given to a child freely is what makes the world go 'round. Well, I better get to bed, I have an important day ahead of me and my children deserve a well rested mother.

Camera Broken Again

Labor Day weekend we had a first-rate time when we got our canoe out on the water, but unfortunately our camera was not in a waterproof bag... so... it may be a little while before you see some pics. I did pick up a disposable camera because the day after labor day was Leila's first day of first grade. So, when I get those developed I will see about putting those on the blog.

Other than that, we are all still alive and doing well. Leila has gotten really good on her two wheeler bike and is loving 1st grade, Mia is enjoying being the oldest around here while Leila is at school and Lucy is growing out of babyhood quite quickly. Sam is teaching an early morning seminary class for the youth in our area and I am enjoying getting back into a routine with school back in session.

Grandma is here for a visit!

She is the one taking the picture and we are so happy that she came and spent some time with us Northern California Burgoyne Bunch.

Before and After

My mom came for a visit right after we moved to our new home. I am so grateful for the help that she gave while visiting us. The first picture is when she first arrived to our new home and the second one is when she was leaving our new home. What a difference! Thanks Mom!

Jelly Belly Factory

We went to the Jelly Belly factory while my mom was here with Aunt Kelli and their cousins Finn and Cole. I loved when Cole waved to the workers and they waved back.



In this picture you can see a bit of Lucy's concentration to keep her hat on.

After the Jelly Belly Factory

We had some lunch and the kids had a great time playing together.

Our New Park- made even better with family

Brad, Kelli and the boys came over for the Saturday before my mom left to go back to Hawaii. We walked to the park and back which was quite an adventure in itself considering the park is just over a mile away. We had a great time and are so happy to have visits from family. Anyone is welcome to come visit anytime. Come on over.