Grow Gray Gracefully?

The other day I was at the V-GG doctor. I was sitting on the table, half naked. My doctor's office only has what seems like napkins to cover yourself with. I feel like I am constantly readjusting the napkin so my dimply butt isn't smiling at the doctor when he walks in. I wonder if he trains his eye to look somewhere else? Cause, that door opens right up to a smiling, dimpling butt!! Anyway, I was finished reading the magazine I had in hand and threw it across the room and successfully landed it on the counter. I didn't feel like getting up to get another magazine just in case the doctor would walk in as I was standing up, AKWARD!!! Yes, I realize with this type of doctor all dignity is lost for a few moments, but please. I sat there for a good 45 minutes, waiting... So I started playing with my hair. As a result, I began to notice several gray hairs. YIKES!!! I pulled each one out as I came upon it. I know, I know, I KNOW. For every one gray hair pulled, 7 come back. Okay, maybe it's just 2. As I sat plucking the reality of my aging self I asked myself this questin, " So, am I going to grow gray gracefully? Or am I going to fight the inevatable?" What do I do? I really don't like the gray hairs which are more like stark white and have a mind of their own!!! My first thought when I was younger was to just accept growing older, embrace it and do it gracefully. But now that I am standing at the precipice of graying hair, I'm having different thoughts.

Are you growing gray gracefully? Or are you fighting it?

25 words or less

This last Sunday was my first time teaching in Relief Society. It was a bit chaotic trying to ready myself for my lesson as well as prepare for Christmas. What a crazy week it was in deed. I complained to Brent about how unfair it was that I had all this Christmas stuff to distract me from my lesson. He just rolled his eyes and reminded me that I had been preparing for several weeks now. Which is true. I had been mentally mulling it over for a while. Still....

One of the points that I emphasised in my lesson was about a gentleman who was captured during the Vietnam War. For two years his family didn't know if he was alive, or dead. Finally his captures allowed him to write home. But limited his text to 25 words or less. Wanting his family to recognize it was him, this is what he wrote: "These things are important: temple marriage, mission, college. Press on, set goals, write history, take pictures twice a year."

As I thought about that, I wondered what I would say. What is important for me to share with my children. This is what I would write: Choose happiness. Be kind. Strive for missions and temple marriage. Serve one Another. Pray Always.

What would you say to your family in 25 words or less?

Me and Kelli

Tale of two pregnant ladies

Before

After

Kelli & Alleah, Me & Grace

Last year at our Wood Progressive dinner both Kelli and I were preggers. I insisted that she and I get a photo together. It's not very often that you are pregnant with someone so close to you. Kelli was so excited for me when she found out we were going to be pregnant at the same time. I was worried since they had been trying for years and finally found success with invetro. I didn't want her to feel like I was stealing her thunder. Being the super kind person that she is, she found joy in the situation. It was a fun photo to take. I insisted that we get another photo of the two of us with our babies. Not much has changed with me, still chubby. No wonder everyone thinks Grace looks like me. Nursing has done wonders for Kelli, LUCKY!!!

It's all about the Baby

Oooo, this is cool.

Bending over to get a closer look.

Screaming with delight over her new gift.

Thanks Grandma Penny and Grandpa Rick.

For me?

Yes, I love wrapping paper.

It might not look like it, but she is standing.

She's got some riding skills!!!

I love my new horse!!!

Thanks Grandma Donna and Papa Woody.

Look at that sweet face.

Ooo, look at that.

I love how Grace is always pointing at things.

Hey, Alleah, Let's play!!

Grace's new place to play, in the cupboard

Wish there were something in this cup for me to drink.

That girl has got some skills.

You caught me !!!

Scrunchy nose, so cute!!

Grace's walker that Brent insisted she open before Christmas.

He just new she would be walking before she had the opportunity to open it up.

She's close to walking on her own, but still enjoys the assistance of her new toy.

Grace sporting the Reindeer Antlers.

Here Mom, I want to help.

Another of Grace's new places to play.

In the dishwasher.

Yes, this is so much fun.

As much as I hate to admit it, most of the pictures that I took over Christmas were of Grace. How could I refuse though? She is so stinking cute I want to eat her up. So the end result is 80% pictures of the baby, and 20% of the other kids. Who said that the youngest never gets their picture taken? I'm pretty sure that after you've seen the plethora of photos that I just posted of
Grace, you'll agree that she is stinking cute.

Opening Gifts with the Weiss'

Here are my kids with their cousin Quanah waiting to open their gifts from Grandma Penny and Grandpa Rick. So much fun. Opening gifts is such a thrill when your a kid. My Mom always makes sure that it's a surprise. She even keeps it from me most of the time.

Wood Annual Progressive Dinner

Grandma Donna, Brooke, and Papa Woody

Cory, Alleah, and Kelli

Us.

It's become a tradition for the Wood side of our family to do a progressive dinner. Something new we started is to take pictures in front of our trees. It's a great way to see how everyone has grown and changed.

This year we started out at our home, Cory and Kelli hosted the main dish, and as always, we ended at Grandma Donna's and Papa Woody's.

Confessions of a Slacker Mom

This morning before Brent jetted off to work he brought in a few mugs full of old hot chocolate. I new how stinking and smelly those would be to open up. So being the slacker mom that I am, I left that dirty job up to the child whose chore it was to load the dishes this evening. That task fell to Jaren. He finally came to the end of the dishes in the sink when I heard him exclaim, "what the heck? how old is this stuff? it smells horrible!!" That's why I left it to him. Yup, I'm a slacker Mom.

Change... is innevitable

As I was reading Pres. Monson's talk titled Finding Joy in the Journey (which is my first lesson I get to teach next week) he mentions how nothing is more constant in our lives then change. How true this is. My life is different every single day. I am constantly changing the way I discipline my children, my cleaning routine, my exercise routine and so on.

Nothing is more shocking then realizing the change in your children.

The other day as I was talking with my friend Leslie I realized, and it hit my like a ton of bricks, I literally felt my body sway, that I have a son who is going to be in Valiant 12 this next year!! And subsequently will be entering the Young Men. Later on that week I was talking with Leslie again when I mentioned that Isabel and Annika are going to be turning 8 in March, and therefore will be baptized. Whoa, whoa, whoa, when did all this happen? It feels like it happened slowly at first, and then like a speeding bullet.

I also feel as if I am a different Mother then I was when I first started having children. I think of Anne of Green Gables when to leaves for the girls school. Rachel Lind comments on how much Anne has changed. Marilla remarks, " We are the ones that have changed."

Children do that to you. They change you. Help you to become more patient, loving, understanding, forgiving, and the list can go on. My children have changed me. I am grateful for that change and hope that I continue to change and grow.

Christmas Musings

This may sound familiar to some of you... it's my Christmas letter. I wanted to share it with the rest of you.

I am grateful for Christmas and the opportunity we have to celebrate the birth of our Savior. To reflect not only on his birth, but the circumstance in which he was born. The images we see portray the event as almost romantic. What is romantic about a stable, basically a barn where cows, horses, and sheep slept, pooped and ate. Can you imagine the smell as Mary rounded the corner? There were no nurses to pamper and help with Mary’s needs. There were no clean instruments, beds or sheets. No Doctor to catch the baby. No medication to help numb the pain. Just Joseph and I’m sure the spirit to help guide. This King of Kings was born in the most humblest of circumstances. I ask myself why? Because He himself is the most humblest of human beings. As I have listened to other commentaries on Christ's birth one in particular hit me hard. His birth was the first of many rejections. No room in the Inn. When I think of his birth my heart is softened and it makes me even more grateful for the things that I have been given. Especially as I reflect on the birth of my own daughter this year. Giving birth is a miracle. No matter if it happens in a Hospital, home or stable. In a way I guess it is romantic. I am grateful to Mary, the one who birthed our Savior and suffered in those conditions. I am grateful to Joseph who was there by Mary’s side, calming, coaxing and supporting. I am especially grateful for my Savior. For His birth, His life, His example, and His atonement. It is because of Him and his beautiful gospel that I strive to be a better more humble human being.

Ode to Mom

Penelope Sue with Grace

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday.

I don't think you ever really understand what a mother does or goes through until you become a mother yourself. My Mom was my greatest advocate growing up. She stormed to the school to fight for my injustices. Halls would be cleared by her entering, don't mess with an angry Mama Bear. She approached my Young Women's leaders and told them that if they didn't do something, they would lose me. I grew up with not so nice girls. Growing up my Mom worked 3 jobs. As much as I disliked this, I realize now that it was a sacrifice for her. To help provide and care for our family. She road her bike from Pleasant Grove to Springville everyday so that I could drive the car to Provo High.

My mother sacrificed, provided, nurtured, listened, and above all else, loved me.

Happy Birthday Mom. You are the greatest. How do I thank you for all your years and years of service and sacrifice? Thanks for ALWAYS being there for me!!!

Change... is good

As most of you know I have recently struggled with my calling as a Bear Den Leader. It is the one calling that I never wanted to own. So as I was able to tally off 2 years, I spent a lot of time on my knees trying to find peace and acceptance. Although I did find some peace, I was still ready for something new. Several Sundays ago the Young Women's presidency and Girls Camp Committee was completely redone. I had such a difficult time that Sunday. Again I found myself in the depths of despair. I don't want a big calling, I just wanted something new, a chance to serve in other capacities. I cried in the nursing room wondering what was wrong with me. What was in my character that kept me from getting a new calling? I know that other organizations had requested me, but was turned down. I literally had to leave church. Luckily, Grace was my excuse. She pooped and I had no diapers. As I was driving home many thoughts ran through my mind. The one screaming the loudest was, " Just don't go back. Quit." I really was ready to be done. But I felt worse about those thoughts and feelings then I did about not receiving a new calling. So again, I was forced to my knees, pleading for help and understanding. As I drove back to church, the last place I wanted to be, I gave myself a pep talk. "You can do this." " You are strong, and will endure to the end." After all, that's what I was doing, enduring to the end of my calling. Something amazing happened, as I sat with my primary class, my heart was once again softened. I didn't know when change was going to happen, but to be patient, and just do my best.
Just about 2 weeks ago I received the phone call that I had been hoping for. Bro. Williams came over and released me from Cub Scouts and extended me a new calling.... get ready for it.... drum roll please.... A teacher in Relief Society. This is just what my troubled heart had been praying for. A chance to serve else where, and to immerse myself in the gospel. I am excited for all the things I will re-learn and for the brand spanking new ones that will pop unexpectedly into my head. I am nervous about all the preparation and standing in front of my peers. But my excitement outweighs my fears.

Yay for me.

Christmas Quilt Tradition

Last year's quilt.
This one I am really proud of because
I did it all on my lonesome.

Quilt from 2006.
Aunt Gaye really did this one.
I was just there for moral support.

This year's quilt. Done just in the nick of time.
It was still slightly wet when I pulled it out of the
dryer and layed it on Hannah's bed.

I know these colors are non-traditional. But I LOVE them.
I really wanted my quilts to reflect what I love at certain times.
And turquiose, lime green and orange are the colors I Love right now.
I'm sure years from now the kids will pull this one out and declare
together, "What was Mom thinking."

About 4 years ago I started a new tradition for our kids. Starting Dec. 1 I place the christmas quilt on one of the kids beds. It's usually the one that has acted the best that morning. That night we gather around that child's bed and he/she gets to pick out a christmas book that either Mom or Dad reads. Then we read scriptures and say prayer. Whoever gets the quilt also gets to sleep with it that night. It rotates between all the kids.
I know I started this tradition a little late. The reason I know this is due to Jaren's reaction this year. I was encouraging all the kids to get their beds made and to be good listener's when Jaren piped up and proclaimed, " I don't care about the quilt." It was hard not to ball up in the corner and cry my eyes out. Is Jaren really to old for the quilt I wondered. Come to find out, he's not. After the other kids got the quilt I noticed Jaren make an effort and acutally made his bed. When the quilt finally made it around to his bed, I know he was secretly jumping up and down inside. Plus, I heard him make some strange noise of joy and saw the smile he tried to hide.
Traditions are what make the holidays memorable and special. I will make a new quilt every year until I decide I have plenty. I am hoping to pass a quilt to each of my children when they get married so they can begin this tradition with their own kids.
A special thanks to my Aunt Gaye. Who so graciously and willingly helped me quilt this blanket. I really appreciate her kindness and generosity. Plus the time it took. Your the best Gaye!!

Flashback

This was a video taken last year of Beckham and Roman "wrestling". I forgot how stinking funny it was that I felt compelled to share it again. The funniest part is listening to me laugh.

Tonight...

In Isabel's prayer she was thankful for our bones and the Strength that Jesus gives us.

Amen.

Life Threatening

Amy decided that we needed to make black friday a tradition. Cause what's Thanksgiving without waking up the next day before the butt crack of dawn?

So I set my alarm for 2:30 am. Yup, that's right. We were on our way to Wal-mart at 2:45am and arrived promptly at 3am. Our Walmart is opened 24hrs and they didn't shut their doors. We scouted out the store, found out where all our purchases were placed throughout. Each pallet was gaurded by a worker, I pity those poor fools. Most of the items that I desired I was able to place in my cart. Score. There was one item that I really wanted. It was on a palat in front of the electronics department. A woman had been there since 3 am with her hand ontop, it did not move for 2 hours. I decided that I had better position myself so I could get one of these coveted items. I just wanted one, is that too much to ask? The woman with the guarding hand was announcing that she needed 17. What ev lady. Meanwhile over the innercom a worker would firmly tell us, the customers, to please not touch the items on the pallets, the Sale does not begin until 5am, it is now only 4:30am. Well at about that time the guy on the corner started conspicuously ripping the heavy duty plastic. At about 4:45pm the woman in front of me poked a hole in the plastic. From there every few minutes began to tear away at it. By 4:50 there was a huge hole in which the items could be scene, but not touched. This whole time more and more people begin to fill up the ailes and several people have lined up behind me. At 4:55 the guy next to me, opposite the other dude, says "it's close enough, just take one." I was so tired of waiting and it was 4:56 so when the woman in front of me grabbed at one, the atmosphere was so intense I just couldn't help myself and grabbed for one as well. That's when all hell broke loose. The item that I had in my hand was ripped from me, people were barging in on top of me. I quickly grabbed for another, raised my hand above the crowd, lost my footing and was quickly thrown out of the way by the mob behind me and further pushed out of the way. It was complete and utter mayhem!!!!!! Later I found out that a friend of mine, 7 months pregnant, was literaly thrown to the ground.

I've decided that people lose all sense of humaness when it comes to a great deal, in limited quantities, for a limited time. Really, is an MP3 player more important then human life? I guess to some people it is.

I will, from now on, try at all costs, to avoid the Walmart on black friday.

Thanksgiving Fanfare

Of course I had to include a picture of Annika's
now healed and terribly scared foot.

Grandma Penny, Jaren, Grandpa Rick, Hannah, Brent and Grace
At the bar was seated Quanah, Beckham, Annika and Isabel

Gaye, Stephanie, Steve, Garrick, Monica and Deric

The centerpeice which was quickly replaced with a plate full of
Turkey.

hThe beautifully set table.
Mom always takes such care.
Notice the cute mini loaves of bread to labored to make!!

Two desserts I made.

The table of desserts.
Missing are Garye's cupcakes which were amazing.

Not much to say about this Thanksgiving except that it was great and uneventful. I don't say that to dis the day or anything. If most of you remember, last year Brent and I spent 3 hrs in the emergency room with Annika who got her foot caught in the treadmill. As I think back on past Thanksgivings, they've been pretty big in my life. I met my husband for the first time on Thanksgiving. I wasn't even going to dress up that day. We were just going to Steve and Sandy's, nothing big. It's a good thing I did. Who knows how long it would have taken Brent to warm up to me. According to him he knew after our group date to Festival of Trees, it was all over but the crying. 2 years later I went into labor with my first child, Jaren, on Thanksgiving. I thougt it was just some cramping. My Mom, Sister and I took a walk up dead man's hill. I beat both of them, 9 months preggers and in labor. BEAT THAT!!! Then we had a lull for a while, okay a long while until last year. I guess these moments in time remind me of what I am truly grateful for in my life. Anyway, I digress.....

The food was wonderful. My Mom worked her hiny off and it showed. The turkey was perfectly browned, the desserts divine, and the old timey stuffing should always be made every year. Gaye and Steve were there with Stephanie and Garrick. We sure missed Ryan and Michelle, and wished that somehow Jessica, Jamie and the deuce could have made it out.

Deric and I argued about how to properly carve a turkey. According to the butterball lady, I was wrong. But according to Food TV, Deric was wrong. Either way, it was fun banter and the turkey still got eaten.

Thanksgiving dinner is NOT my favorite. I don't like mashed potatoes, stuffing or plain turkey. Silly I know. But I do LOVE turkey sandwiches the next day. Which I enjoyed very much the next day on white bread (bring on the carbs baby), with cranberry sauce, mayo , salt and pepper. Ahhhhhhhh, there's nothing more comforting then an after Thanksgiving day turkey sandwich.

Life is good.

Poems of Gratitude

Mother, Mother, oh so nice
When you hug me tight
You give me delight

By: Hannah Wood(9)


Christmas is Jesus Birthday.
He love's all of the people in the World.
He gives us a lot.
I love Jesus because he gave me my Life and made me.
I Love Love Love Love my family and Jesus.

by: Isabel Wood(71/2)

At random times during this past month I recieved these poems in notes from my girls. I am grateful to them for their simple expressions of love.

There are so many things in my life to be grateful for. Last week I had the opportunity to give a short talk on Gratitude journals. Gratitude is a way for us to remember the many ways the Lord has blessed us in our lives. With the help of the Holy Ghost more memories of past blessings will come to our minds. As this begins to happen our hearts are softened as we remember. We realize that the Lord is mindful of each of us everyday of our lives.

Recently I have been having difficulty nursing Grace. First is was a yeast infection which I battled for a month. After that was finally cleared up Grace broke a top tooth. I had no problems with her bottom teeth coming in. This top tooth has rubbed my nipple raw and extremely painful to nurse. My first reaction is to focus on the negative, the pain and inconvience of the medication. Instead of the huge blessing that nursing has been for me. When Grace was born I was so affraid of not being able to nurse her at all. But it came with ease and was almost pain free. Look how long I've nursed her, almost 10 months. In addition to that I've acutally enjoyed nursing.

I am grateful to have nursed Grace for as long as I have. But the pain is just too much. I have to surrender to the pain and stop. Even though this decision was hard for me, my heart is full.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Cooking Sorceress Strikes At Book Club

The delicious Spread.

Roasted Butternut Squash Galette.

Pear, Walnut and Goat cheese salad
with Bacon Vinaigrette.

Yesterday I hosted Book Club. Of course that meant great food and great conversation. I was so excited about the menu this time. Well, I am every time. I think everything turned out wonderful. Thanks Jessica, for the suggestions. The only thing I didn't get a picture of was the dessert. I kicked up my Mom's no-bake cheese cake a couple of notches by chopping up Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses(thanks Jessica for sending those from VA.) and Pecans and sprinkled them on top of the graham cracker crust. As I served the slices I drizzled each with caramel sauce. Next time, I think I will put a little cheesecake mixture on the bottom then sprinkle with the kisses and nuts and top it off with the rest of the cheesecake mixture. For the recipes click on the appropriate picture description.

We discussed the book, Beneath a Marble Sky. It is a beautiful book about a love story surrounding the building of the Taj Mahal. My favorite part in the book was when the main character asks her true love, what gift would make you happy? He replies, "Truly Happy? To have you see yourself as I see you." How different our lives would be if we could see ourselves the way our loved ones do. I think we would be surprised.

TRIUMPH

Some of you might know of the pain and suffering we endured over the summer with the kids teeth. The only child that didn't have a cavity this past summer was Jaren. The other's, not so lucky. After about 6 visits several pulbodamies, crowns, shots, laughing gas, tears and boogers the kids teeth were mended. Their mouths weren't the only thing hurting after all that work. Our pocket book suffered much damage. Dental insurace SUCKS!!!!

Since then I have been diligent in having the kids brush and yes, even floss their teeth. They flossed everyday, if not every other day. I love flossers. Brent was inlisted to help out as well. It's a tedious task getting 5 children to do all of that in a timely manner.

This morning we were rewarded for our dedication. This time the only person to have a cavitiy was Beckham. NO ONE ELSE HAD A CAVITIY!!!!! I was grinning from ear to ear. I am so proud of them, and me for this ginormous accomplishment.

The only irritating moment of the morning was the realization that the Dentist charged me for a full extraction. When all he did was pop out a portion of one of Jaren's tooth that was protruding from his gum. It was pretty nasty looking, but a simple solution. I mean really, all the work I gave him over the summer. He couldn't just pop it out and call it good? When I got to the counter the receptionist thought that I shouldn't be charged for a full extraction. I wanted to jump over the counter and give her a big kiss.

There is something to brushing and flossing!

My Sweet Baby Grace is 9 months Old

Learning bad habits from her Dad!!

So great at expressing herself

Simple and Sweet Face.

Discovering new places to play.
The other day I could hear her whimpering but couldn't see her. I called her name and heard her call back from under the bed. And instead of grabbing her like a good mother would have, I grabbed my camera instead to document.

Wanting to play with the Barbie Dolls.

Discovering her toes and her flexability.

Yesterday we visited the Dr. for Grace's official 9 month check up. She weighs 16.95lbs(16%) and is 27.4in long (43%). She's a lightweight, takes after her Dad.

November is a time to reflect upon all the things that we are grateful for. I am truly grateful for Grace. Everyday she looks past all my weaknesses, shortcomings, and faults. She sees me as my Savior would see me. In her eyes I see a reflection of love, compassion and patience. She doesn't care how my hair looks, or if I'm wearing make-up or if I'm overweight. Grace sees past all of that and embraces me for... ME. I am so GRATEFUL for that daily reminder.

I am grateful that she reminds me to slow down and enjoy the simple and short time that I have with her as a baby. I am grateful for her laughter, her babble, her lunges, her hugs, her teeth, her chubby legs, her brown tuft of hair, her beautiful brown eyes, her nightly ritual of burying her head into the pillows. She is mine, and she is a blessing. I am so grateful that I heeded the prompting to have her. How could I imagine life without her?

There is POWER in Positive Thinking

Boy, what a ride last week was eh? Amid all the chatter about politics I accomplished what seemed like the impossible. I actually got things done around my home and other little projects that needed to be finished. I really do believe that it all came from a change of attitude within me. Thoughts are powerful things. They can lead you to believe a myriad of truths and untruths.

I also began my day with a strategy, make a list and cross things off as I go. This served two purposes. First, the list reminded me of certain things that needed to be done around the house. Cause you know where my brain exited went when I had Grace right? Out my va-g-g. And second, I felt so great to actually see things being crossed off as my day progressed. Remember, I am taking baby steps, so the list wasn't filled with huge monumental tasks. Just small ones like, vacuum the bedrooms. Or clean out the fridge. Or wash these certain walls. Small things add up to big accomplishments. And it is by small and simple things that make miracles happen. And a miracle happened in my home last week. My home was run and cleaned by a Happy mother and wife. That is a miracle. Small as it might seem, or not one at all to some of you, but to me and my own,we'll take it.

A Light in the Dark

Brent and I, goodness we're looking older.

Jaren with Grandpa Rick.

Grandma Donna and Papa Woody.

The arrow he received with the cool (fake) rabbit skin.

Jaren pinning on my Mother's pin.

This past Thursday evening at Pack Night Jaren received the highest award that a cub scout can receive, the Arrow Of Light. Brent and I are so proud of him and his accomplishment. And many thanks go out to his leaders who helped him along the way. They worked so hard for and with Jaren.
In a few short weeks Jaren will be turning 11 years old and will leave behind the Cub Scouts to enter the new and exciting world of Boy Scouts. WOW!!! I am proud of Jaren and the example he has been to his younger brother and sisters.
We wont have to attend another Pack Night for another 3 1/5 years. I will, due to my lovely calling as Den Leader. But no longer will Brent and the kids until Beckham turns 8. I don't even want to think about that day. I'm already feeling older and more gray.
My parents and Brent's parents graciously trekked down, once again, to support Jaren. We really appreciate them attending and it meant a lot to us. Not every kid lives close to both sets of grandparents. He is one lucky kid.