Its all about YOU!

So one of my very smart cousins re-posted something on Facebook the other day that I decided I would read. It was a very good piece about changing our mindset for success and It talked about 6 things that we need to forget and when we do our lives will change for the better. As I was reading this my mind automatically changed them to the positive form that we need to remember. Here is the result of my reverse interpretation.

Jim teaching our 2 year old to swim! Xander loves it. He never gives up!

My beautiful sister when she graduated. Couldn't be prouder of her persistence!

 First thing the article said was "I am not smart enough" well in order to change that we need to start thinking "God created me with endless possibilities" How important it is to remember that we can be anything we want to become. outside influences tell us all the time that we are not smart enough for that, its to hard, don't waste your time on something you will fail at. Who cares what they say. If you put your mind to it and have faith that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, then you can. That as simple as it is. And if you do fail it only helps you learn and in turn, learning makes you smarter as well. It is always a win win if you just try.

scariest and most amazing experience I have had yet in my life. 

best blessing came from it though. just one more piece of the puzzle that is our little family!

Second thing was "I am to inexperienced". Well so was Thomas Edison when he was young but he didn't let that stop him. He persevered through much and came out experienced. To that I reply " There are always new things to learn and experience."  Through doing you gain experience. Through excusing yourself you gain nothing.

Married My Hero! December 11, 2010

Went Through the temple with him! and our soon to be baby boy!

Was sealed to both the loves of my life and became what we had been striving to be! An eternal Family!
December 23, 2011

Xander in front of the temple In Utah. He knows it is the most important place in his life.
He has felt the blessings from it and the love our family has experienced because we have chosen the temple!

Third was "Its too late for me." Well I have learned as a mother and a wife that "It is Never, EVER, to late". Aside from food spoiling on me because I kept saying "oh i will get to that" There is always time. When something is important It is just never to late. There is always time to mend a relationship, or start one for that matter. There is always time to teach your child or spend time with them. There is always time to make memories and to experience something you have always wanted to do.  Leaving something doesn't make it impossible to do later, just more difficult at times and difficulty is daunting. However, it is not impossible, especially when you come to know that you are a child of God, and there are things saved for you to do later that are better then anything you can imagine.

Before I go on I wanted to shout out to my siblings and their amazing examples to me! I love you all and the amazing people you are becoming!

My Brother Daniel is always working his butt off to make people happy! No matter how he is feeling. 

             

My Brother Kimball is one of the smartest young man I know despite all his fears!

My Sister Kyre takes charge of her life and doesn't let anything stop her from getting what she wants!

My sister Cyera has always known her goal and striven to reach them no matter who tells her she cant!

My Brother Matt has always put out efforts to make his life better in spite of  what circumstances deal him! 

                         
on to the next point!
Fourth is "I cant be happy until..." LIE! Yes you can. You just choose not to. "You can choose to be happy now!" You are the only one who can make you feel anything. Sure I know for a fact that outside influences can have an affect on us but really, really the choice is yours. Do you really need that new toy to be happy, or do you just want it so much that you are letting your happiness and well being depend on it. Do you really care that much about what someone said about you that you are willing to believe them and be less then your best. Be happy, just because you can. Not because life is perfect because we are know its not but just because you can.  

This is Me!

Fifth thing mentioned was "This is just who I am". This one was very personal to me because I often excuse myself with this, thinking that there is no changing my core so why try. WRONG! "It is always possible to change" My Husband is so forgiving. No matter what I do he kisses me and tells me he loves me no matter what. I cant even believe the number of times that I have said that horrible phrase to him and he has told me "you can change it if you want to Tal". Slam dunk Jim. I am so lucky to have a brilliant and loving husband who is always pushing me to be better and not to excuse myself because all it does is hold me back from becoming who I want to become.

Jim can do anything

And I mean anything!

And lastly was "I'm to busy". Have you ever noticed that when something is important you will change all plans and schedules to fit it in. So really, are you to busy or do you just not want to do it. "There is always time for the important things". Prioritize whats important. Is that show that you love on TV really that important that you tell your child who is begging you to play that you are busy right now. NO! Is it really OK to skip someones special event because you are to busy, and then go home and play on your phone or air your laundry on Facebook. Are you really to busy, or are you just becoming lazy in a world that is making it so easy to do so. I most defiantly don't mean to say that nobody is really busy. There are times and situations that really are busy. I have constantly told my mom and Jim is constantly telling me to not load ourselves up with so many things that we are exhausted and busy all the time. Those days that I do that it is my choice to be busy. Not one person makes me do it.

Together we made our dreams come true. 

And we will continue to make them come true together. 

Society puts so many ideas in our head of who we should be and what we should and should not do. We were created with the end goal to become Gods with our Father in Heaven. I choose to follow the limitless path that God created for us. I can soar to unbelievable heights if I choose to let my feet leave the ground. There is nothing I cant accomplish if I really want to. What do you choose? 

we WILL soar!

and support!

no matter what we are told!

The sight of the article I read was www.lifehack.org and the article is called 6 limiting beliefs that you should change today. Good for a read.

WHY NOT!

Well lately Xander has been asking us "why not?" no matter what the situation. Every time we answer the why not we are greeted with another and another. We know this is a learning thing and most of the time we are more then happy to keep answering the question over and over. The other day was particularly full of them. Jim finally said very kindly "Xander enough with the why not OK" so Xander stopped for a while and went about his activities and a few hours later I asked Jim to do something for me his answer ironically was "sure, why not." What happened next was so priceless to both of us as well as a learning experience for us. Xander looked up at Jim and said "Dad enough with the why not already" All we could do was laugh and of course Xander laughed with us without knowing truly how funny the moment had been to us. Made me think a lot though. How important every little thing we do is to our children. It is so important that everything we tell our children also apply to us as much as possible. Of course we cant stop touching knives or cooking on the stove but maybe the lesson for our children is better served to teach them how to safely be around them and use them. Now obvious that you would never give your little child a sharp knife, but maybe a plastic one to practice with or a butter knife. Xander helps me cook all the time. He knows he is allowed to touch and help with everything in the kitchen as long as I am there and we have been having so much fun doing it all together. The best part is that when I am not there he is not interested in any of the cupboards or drawers or anything in the kitchen for that matter. Just like the kitchen I have taken a different approach to the constant questioning of "why not?" instead of any short answers or brushing off I have tried to be completely honest and talk to him about the situation. Amazingly enough the "why not?" has morphed from multiples within seconds to one with a satisfied answer. His learning is satisfied. I often had to remind myself that he was not questioning what I asked him to do, he was learning why it is important. I have noticed that the next time I ask him to do something he understands it now and no longer asks why. Young children learn so fast. Yesterday was fast and testimony Sunday. I get up every Sunday and bear my testimony because when I was younger my wonderful middle brother challenged me to bear my testimony every time I had the chance. I often feel like people might be getting sick of hearing from me but I persist because if for nobody else I need it. Well yesterday was a different day for me all together. Xander came up with me and I helped him to share his little testimony. He had no fear and I would like to think it is because he has watched me do it his whole life so he knew if mom can do it so can he. I couldn't have been more proud of his willingness at this small age to go up there and tell people what he believes. What an inspiration to me. I am a true believer that our children can do great things. They are more able then we can comprehend and all they need to be given is the faith from parents and important people around them and they will soar! I am amazed that Xander is turning three at the end of this month. His life is such a blessing in mine. I would be such a different person without him. He is so kind and loving. So willing to learn and serve. I am excited for the day when he is in my shoes, I can wait there is no rush, but Im excited to see the man he will become and the lives he will change with his goodness and brilliance. I have made a promise to myself to tell him how wonderful he is everyday and about all the things I am so proud of in him, in hopes that he will continue on in them and make his talents shine. Life is so wonderful at every stage. It is all on us though if each stage isnt better then the next because we build our wonderful little children up into teens and then adults. We can be a friend or an enemy, a teacher or a critic, a confidant or someone who doesnt care. Its up to us! You, Me, Jim, and every other parents out there. I choose to be the person that makes my child the best he can be. Someone that I will be so proud of to one day tell the whole world, "that is my son, and I couldnt have been more proud" It doesnt matter what he does for a living, it doesnt matter where he lives. All that matters is if he is charitable and kind, full of faith, with a good sense of humor and a humble heart. If he becomes all of these things I will know that I have done my job. Until then I have work to do.

Tonight was a memorable night. We were going about our normal bedtime routine with Xander. Potty, Teeth, Jammies, Prayers. We started helping Xander with saying the prayer and for the first time he took over and started to say parts without help. He thanked Heavenly Father for his grandparents and aunts and uncles and IRONMAN. It made me smile. This kid loves Ironman. When I say "I love you" and he says "Mom I love you more then Ironman" it makes my heart sore. He has such a unique personality and spirit about him. I love him more and more every day.

Today I made a little collage of Jim and Xander. I was looking through all the pictures on my hard drive and was amazed at how much both of them have changed in the past three years. I am so proud of both my men.

What a wonderful life it is. 

I had the opportunity to go with my cute little family away for the weekend. We went to Cardston and Waterton for the long weekend before summer was officially over. We spent time with cousins and aunts and uncles, jims siblings, my siblings, both our parents and lots of other loved ones. What a better way to spend our last days of summer. 

We celebrated my grandmothers birthday, our niece, Theresa's, birthday, the end of summer, our love for family and warm weather. It was a wonderful weekend. Xander had so much fun playing with his cousins. Especially his cousin Faythey. She kept a close eye on him the whole weekend. She went into the bathroom at one point and we heard Xander saying "wheres my girlfriend" and when she came out she said called out for her "sweetheart". It was so awesome. I am so glad that Xander can spend time getting to know his extended family. It is so important to both Jim and myself. We took Xander to Cameron Falls and Redrock Canyon in Wateron. He really enjoyed being outside and playing in the water. 

These are the kind of experiences that I hope and pray Xander will have lots more of so he can have the blessing of wonderful memories from his childhood just as I was blessed with. 

Who is your Hero?

When looking up the definition of a hero it says "a man (woman) of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his (her) brave deeds and noble qualities." it also added "a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal." 

xander and his favorite hero ever!

I love that Xander is able to understand and use all sorts of words in his daily life. He is able to communicate what he would like or what is making him upset. He is also able to communicate how much he loves us or what he thinks of us. The other day while Jim was playing hide and go seek with him, during one of the breaks between hiding Xander felt it important to tell Jim "Dad, your my hero." 

As I watched on and tried not to let the beautiful moment make me cry. (because we all know I'm a crier) It got me thinking. What are the things that make us a Hero in someones eyes. It could be something simple like that hide and go seek game, it could be something deep like a big hug and an "I love you".

 It could be something like an aunty that loves to spend time with her nephews and makes it a priority.

Aunty Rosie

Aunty Lexie

It could be something like a friend that takes the time to make a little child feel special. Someone that claims the title of family, just because they love you. 

Uncle Dylan

It could be the people in your life that would do anything to see you smile. They would do anything to spend their spare time with you just to watch you succeed. 

Grandpa Atwood

Grandma Atwood

Or those relatives that don't see you very often but even as a young child you could never forget the impression they have made on your heart and spirit.

Uncle Batman (Doug) 

Great Grandpa Houseman 

Great Grandma Bee

Great Grandma Easthope and Grandma

It could be those who love to wrestle and let you get away with things that maybe a mother or father would never let you get away with, but they do so as safely as possible and always catch you when you fall or take the fall when you get caught. 

Uncle Matt

Uncle Dano

Uncle Kimball

 There are so many different kinds of heroic acts and so many ways to become a hero in the eyes or a child or anyone for that matter. Xander has so many heroes in his life. So many people to look up to and to remember someone for the good things and influences they have placed into your life. 

I have to thank all the Heroes in my life. The people who changed my life growing up. The people who loved me despite my downfalls. Those who encouraged me to be a better version of myself. I also have to thank all the heroes in Jim's life. Those who helped him get to me. Helped him get through the rough patches and believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself. 

Now I saved the best for last. 

Jesus Christ, Savior/Superhero

There has never been a better example of a Hero.

Not for you, not for me, or any other person that has been or ever will be in this world. 

He sacrificed his own life so that we would never have to suffer alone. He took upon himself every pain, every sorrow, every wrong doing. He knows how we feel when we are sad, angry, depressed, anxious, upset, devastated, broken, lonely or empty. He has felt it all by his own free will and choice. 

AND HE STILL LOVES US DESPITE ALL THAT HE WENT THROUGH!

He would do it again in a heart beat if we needed it. 

He loves me when I don't love myself.

He cries when I cry.

He laughs when I laugh.

Jesus Christ is my Savior.

He is my Hero.

He is our older brother.

In closing I leave you with a challenge. 

Find the Heroes in your every day life. 

They are everywhere. See the little things that bless you. The people that love you. The people who love your child when hes acting crazy. The people who provide service all around you. Those who teach, listen and talk with you. Be open to all who could be a hero in your life and remember to thank them for being that way. It brings your heroes up and encourages them to keep going on doing what they are doing. Providing future heroes as others learn from them. 

Yeah for food storage.

My mother taught me that it is so important that I have a food storage. She also taught me that when someone offers me produce so never say no thanks. We went an picked cherries the other day. Seven gallons of them. They were so beautiful and so delicious. Then we came home and my mother jucied them all for me and then I got to try my hand at making jelly and syrup for the first time. It was so easy. I have no idea why I have always been so worried I would destroy it if I tried. I always thought it was so pressured and time sensative that I just wouldn't do it. Well today I did it. 5 batches of jelly and 11 jars of syrup. It was no hard at all. Trust me. If I can do this then anyone can do it. 

I always knew how important food storage was. I always had a food storage when I lived on my own. My closet would be half filled with clothing and half filled with food. I rarely spent any money on food at all which lots of my friends thought was weird. I always bought things in bulk when they went on good sales and that was just how I was raised. Well when I got married it changed. I started running into times where money was a rare thing and I was always so nervous. However, somehow there has always been food. I have never had an empty shelf. I give credit to my mother for  teaching me how to shop smart. I read a funny meme on Facebook the other day that said " when the fridge is empty and I feel like I'm going to starve and then all I the sudden my mom goes in and pulls a three course meal out of it" and I went wow that's how I felt when I was younger and now I feel on the other side of the quote. I hope and pray that as this generation becomes more and more about fast food and convienence eating that I can teach my kids what my mom taught me. So no matter what happens in their lifetime they can be prepared and ready knowing heir families are going I be ok. 

Like Father, Like Son

Today I was looking through some old pictures on our computer and I found an awesome picture of Jim when he was younger. Around the same age as Xander is. Such a cute little boy. 

This is the Picture that I found. 

I love it so much. As I was looking at it Xander came up to me and started talking to me. I have always thought Xander looked alot like I did as a child but wow. I was shocked. 

Here is my Xander boy only a few weeks ago. 

So I decided I need to compare these two cute faces and here is what we got.  

Same chin

same ears

same face shape

Same hair color

same nose

very similar eyes

wow, yup these two must be related. Not that I ever doubted but I love it as I watch Xander grow to see the things that I love so much in my husband start to manifest more and more in my son whom I love so much. SO WONDERFUL. These are just a small part about why being a mother is the best Job/Calling anyone can choose in this life. There is Nothing, NOTHING, better then motherhood. I am so happy that I have been blessed with such a smart little man. His health has always been good and he loves to play and learn. I may not have the blessing right now of multiple children however if he is all that I am blessed with I will have had more then my share. Thank you Father in Heaven for knowing me better then I know myself. For blessing me with an amazing Husband and Child. Thank you for understanding my pain and comforting me and lifting me when I can no longer life myself. There have been times when I have not understood, there are still times when I dont understand, however, they will not overtake me. 

Just like the famous poem "Footprints" I know that lone set of footprints in my life does not belong to me. It belongs to my Savior and he will never give up on me, he will only let my trials rain down until I cannot take the rain anymore. Then he will step in and carry me through it. I also understand (and this one was hard to learn) that my Lord cannot take away my trial, but he can be there through it if I ask him to be and have faith that he will listen. I am grateful for learning experiences. I pray that someday I will be able to use these experiences for the benefit of others around me. That will be worth everything. 

Cant put a $ on memories!

I have loved taking pictures for a long time now. I love to take pictures of everything I see. My husband and I just recently bought a wonderful camera that is so much fun to play with. 

I have been told from time to time that I could do this for a living if I wanted to. Here is my reasoning why I haven't wanted to. I love to take pictures. I love it so much that I carry my camera with me everywhere I go. 

I love to take pictures for people in their special moment. 

I love to catch the beauty in everything around me. 

I would gladly, any time I am asked take pictures for anyone. 

My reason, I could never charge someone, so that they could have a tangible copy of dearest memories.  

I feel it is so important to always take a million pictures. They are a window into the eyes of the past. 

They help people to slow down and gaze at the beauty that often times is missed. 

I will always take pictures. I will always give of my pictures freely to those who would enjoy and love them. 

These last two are very important to me. When I was younger I took these pictures. I had a little cheap camera with very little extra on it. I took these pictures with it. Capturing what I think to be a beautiful sight that might have been missed by others. It was nothing fancy. It proves that anyone with a cell phone, a point and click camera or anything else can catch beautiful things around them. You just have to be willing to open your eyes and look.