A Tangled Enjoyable Mess

Before I share the thoughts in my head, let me start with a disclaimer:

I know I have created my CRAZY life. It is self inflicted. I know it and I kind of like it that way.

My life, simply put is crazy.  Let me tell you what I did today and you tell me if your day was less crazy or more:

6:50 am: The alarm goes off  and I get up without too much difficulty (happy I am finally back on east coast time)
6:51: Wake up Ethan so he can beat Calvin to the newly painted/decorated "boy" shower.
6:52:  I sit by Ethan's bedside until I am sure he is actually awake. After he unpleasantly moans, "Mom! I am awake!" I leave.
6:57:  I go back to my warm bed for my daily "study" time.
7:00-7:10: Read scriptures on Smart phone (sometimes longer, sometimes a shorter time frame...but at least I do it daily people).
7:10-7:30: Check email, Facebook, texts and play a few hands of Words With Friends.
7:30-7:45:  Ask my two middle school boys if they want me to make them breakfast, which leads to their daily reply, "No!" Ask the boys if they want me to make them a lunch..."No!"  Ask the boys if they would like a Huggle. The look in their eyes say, "No!" but I take that silence as a resounding "YES!"  I get my hugs and we pray.  And just like that, hree kids are officially gone for the day (Garth takes Sommer to early morning seminary each morning...bless that man!)
7:45-8:00: Hop back in bed and play a few more rounds of WWF...kick some butt as well as my own.  I await the arrival of my snuggly Tater Tot.  We snuggle.  I then shower and get dressed.
8:00: I wake up Ashton who loves to sleep in and has informed me how painful it is to be woken up each morning. He says he prefers to wake up "naturally."
8:00-8:45: I am overjoyed that 7 and 9 year olds allow me at this age to not only make them breakfast and lunch but actually talk to me in the morning. They each chose who will empty the top or bottom of the dishwasher, practice the piano and head out the door to "play" until the bus comes.
I don't go anywhere until the bus comes.  This is a necessity due to their active nature and the multiple times they have come in crying with a skinned knee needing not only a band-aid but comfort only a mother can give.  Today brought a special surprise.  No, there wasn't any blood...instead Ashton came in crying because he had stepped in poo.  This was a lovely addition to my already crazy morning since it was "soft" poo and his shoes have the deepest treads taking full advantage of "housing" that nasty substance.
8:45: I clean shoe in record time. The bus comes.  All five children and husband are off...I will be joining them 15 minutes later.
8:45-9:00: Straighten morning disaster (and last nights mess...shhh...don't tell)...I won't have any other time to tidy up.
9:00:  Make the 25 mile drive to get fingerprinted (no, not a criminal...just going to be a substitute teacher with all of my extra time..ha).
10:00:  Quickly change into workout gear for my 10:05 training session.
11:00: Quickly change back into clothes
11:01 Call to see when we can get broken washing machine fixed (say a little prayer thanking Heavenly Father for my amazing mother-n-law who offers to do our wash...FOLDING INCLUDED!)
11:05: Call to schedule space for our next coupon class (do you wanna come?)
11:15: Meet Jean for lunch.
12:45:  Stop at T-Mobile to buy a case for new phone.
12:50:  Quickly change into workout gear for my 8 mile run (I am training for Boston so it is a necessity).
2:00: Quickly change back into clothes.
2:30: First piano student arrives
7:00: Last piano student leaves
7:00: Make dinner
7:30: Family Home Evening starts (bribe children by reminding them that when holding FHE, treats will be served///they quickly comply).
8:00: Ignore dishes until tomorrow (or hope one of the kids will do them)
8:01: Hop in bed for my evening of mindless TV (I need to post about that...or maybe not)
9:00: Hop out of bed to tuck in little boys
9:01: Hop back in bed for my evening of mindless TV.
10:00: Hop out of bed to tuck in older boys (this just means I offer a back scratch and in return get a hug and some good conversation...sometimes.)
10:01 (notice the sometimes...most of the time, they mumble...goodnight mom) Hop back in bed for my evening of mindless TV.
11:00: Catch up with WWF.
11:30. Earplugs in, pillows (two) fluffed, block the little light on TV that is much too bright, and fall asleep within minutes.

And so the next day brings much of the same. I constantly go nonstop until 8 or 9 each night. And you know what... I love it. It reminds me when Matt and I went to the show, the Blue Man Group on our trip to Vegas (BTW...we thought it was kind of dumb for us but would have been perfect for our 12 year old sons). At the very end of the show, streams and streams of toilet paper-like material falls from the back of the auditorium. It is then dragged over the entire audience. This tangled mess continues to flow over everyone for what seems like an eternity. There was so much paper surrounding each of us but instead of worry...it brought uncontrollable laughter. I had tears streaming down my face as the non-stop paper passed its way up and over and around Matt and I.

It really was the best part of the show...that Tangled Enjoyable Mess.

And such is my life...the best part truly is the Tangled Enjoyable Mess.

The Back Up Plan(s)

I love back up plans.

It seems too often that moments before we are running out the door to church, I hear one of my younger children exclaim, "I can't find my shoes!"

It used to stress both Garth and I tremendously as we quickly scoured our house, searching for the missing shoe.  But now, I don't get stressed.  I simply have a pair of Crocs as my back up plan.

Today the black Crocs saved the day.  Did Ashton look his Sunday best?  Not quite.  Did he have shoes to wear, yes.

Back up plans are essential.  Notice how I put an "s" on plans...sometimes we need more than one back up.

On our 6 hour drive from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas last week, Mike, Matt and I needed a back up plan when Mike noticed the light on the "empty tank" lit up.  We were having so much fun, we failed to even check such an essential item...gas...before setting out on our adventure.  And if you have traveled I-15 south, you are well aware that gas stations are few and far between.

Mike made it clear he had a back up plan...Matt and I.  He calmly and resolutely explained that not if but when we ran out of gas, Matt and I would place our running shoes on and...you guessed it, "run" to get gas.

As we continued to drive mile after mile on fumes, we anxiously awaited (especially Matt and I) for a town that would provide us with a full tank. 

After 5 miles passed and no towns in site, I went with my back up plan...a quick prayer. 

I honestly think we drove at least 20 miles with an empty tank.

And gratefully, no running took place that day...see...we needed more than one plan.

We often hear about the importance of staying out of debt, having savings, a storage of food and water.  These are back up plans!

Most people believe that debt isn't real, that saving for a rainy day is pointless (and of course no fun) and storing food is totally dumb.

It's not.

This past year, Garth lost his job AND experienced illness.  How grateful we were to be out of debt, had just enough money to meet our needs and food to feed our family.

And we had multiple back up plans set and ready to put into effect.

Do I like Crocs? Absolutely not. In fact, the funniest quote I read the other day posted on Facebook by my friend read,

"Wow, that's a nice lookin' pair of Crocs," said no one ever.

Do they cover our feet? Yes.

Do I like to run out of gas? No.  Do I want to run 5 miles to get it when if I happen to have an empty tank? No.  Do I believe in the power of prayer. Absolutely.

Do I like having a limited supply of funds? No.  Do I like all of my five children?  BIG YES!  Am I willing to give up the things of the world, instant gratification and the like in order to have those amazing children?  Oh yes and yes...

“If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

D&C 38:30

Fabulous Family

We did it!

Thank you Dad for orchestrating our little family reunion last week!

And thank you mom for turning 70.

And a special thank you to Marylin, who took our family photos!

(no one was harmed in these pictures...except for my pride in the last one posted)

I love my family.

Seriously the coolest guys ever.

And the best women around.

and just for your entertainment...introducing "Living in the 80's"

Heather and Hilary

What an amazing weekend.

My only request is we don't wait another 20 years (and we hide the above photo).

I love you all.

Magic...Not

I believe in miracles but I don't really believe in "magic." I mean...do you?!

David Copperfield would like to make us believe he can actually place a hanging car from his stage without us seeing him do so.  He would also lead us to believe he can make a group of 20 audience members disappear from a sealed box (and David C also wants us to believe that he is still 40 years old as seen in this giant poster taken 20 years ago)

And getting to meet David Copperfield backstage doesn't happen magically either (that requires a brother who whispers, "Follow me and keep your mouth shut").

Casinos in Las Vegas try to make you believe that everyone is a winner. The belief that the bright lights, free drinks, and "happy" people will magically make you an instant millionaire...is simply not true.

Sometimes though, you may get "lucky" on your first ever gambling experience and win $200!

Thinking I won't gain 10 pounds when I may or may not eat an entire loaf of cinnamon bread from Great Harvest Bread (I don't know what I am talking about), Chipotle every other day (still don't know what I am referring to) or one of my chocolate bars from my secret stash each night (nope, no idea...) is complete hogwash. Pants will eventually get tight, fat will begin to form around the mid-section...even though I may believe that "overnight" I gained 10 pounds...not true...the weight gain happened over 6 nights.

So, truth is, I totally believe in miracles.  They come (we drove 20 some miles on an empty tank with the light on in the middle of nowhere....making it to Nephi, UT just in time).  But the only way "magic" happens is through our own hard work (or avoiding the many buffets...oh how I love Creme Brule), a little luck, and of course David Copperfield.

See..Vegas can really teach some great life lessons.

Words

Words are powerful.
They can build a person up or they can tear a person down. 

Words are powerful.
They can create a change for the better or they can keep one complacent.

Words are powerful
They can bring joy or they can bring sadness.

What words are you choosing to use...with yourself, with your family, friends? 

Take a moment to view short video that illustates the power of words.

By simply using "different words," we can make immeasurable differences in our own lives and the lives of those we love (can you imagine if you changed the words you used and the TONE?).

This year I will be trying to use different words that convey the same meaning, especially with my children.

Instead of my requests turning into nagging, I hope they will build confidence and a desire to complete the tasks at hand.

For example

My normal request:

"I need you to empty the dishwasher!"

My new approach using different words:

"You are so wonderful at emptying the dishwasher! I can always count on you putting everything in its proper place while being so careful!"  Will you please work your magic and empty it for me?"

It doesn't take much "changing" to see change.

Making it to the Top...Following His Lead

Our second round of mountain running took place in Lehi, Utah only two days later.  We decided to run up one of the smaller peaks along the Wasatch Mountains.  Our dad drove us to the base of the mountain about 1 mile from their home in Lehi.

There was no path to follow leading us to the top of this mountain.  Random trails made by dirt bikes from years past and deer were our only guide. 

Because of the remote location and difficult terrain, Matt stayed with me, leading me to our destination to the top of mountain peak.

We spotted numerous groups of deer along our trek up the mountain.  Our biggest thrill came when we spotted two stoic elk, positioned themselves along the ridge adjacent to ours.  Decked in massive antlers, they watched us make our climb as the sun rose behind their backs.

The climb to the top was rather simple.  Having Matt as my guide, we quickly reached the top. After reaching our destination, we decided to name the peak, Mount Linda, in honor of my mother's 70th birthday.  A perfect rock was found that formed the exact lines of this ridge.  We presented it to her upon our return to her home.

The difficult part of this climb came as we began our descent back to the town of Lehi.  Matt had spotted a set of tracks made by a recreational vehicle on the ridge beside us.  He decided that would be our goal...to make it to those tracks.  We headed down the opposite side of the ridge and were immediately met with deep snow on a steep hillside as well as sections of alders requiring us to bend and twist in order to make our way through.

There was absolutely no point in our descent that I doubted Matt.  He had climbed miles and miles of mountain ranges in Alaska, Utah, and Nevada. I knew he could get us down the mountain safely...I trusted him completely.  And Matt knew I would follow his every step.  I literally placed my foot into the place his foot would leave...over and over again as we made our way down.

I was amazed as he easily followed random tracks made by deer that had traversed the mountain side earlier in small herds.  Matt made his way quickly.  I followed quickly.  There was little time to dottle as the deep snow made its way into our socks and began to freeze our ankles.  Matt knew, we needed to make our way in a timely manner.

At one point, I saw him look back at me. Seeing a hint of worry in my eyes, he reassured me as he pointed to the tracks which looked far in the distance, "Relax Heather. We will be to the tracks within five minutes."

And sure enough, five minutes of deep snow, led to the tracks we had seen from the top of the ridge.  As we began to run down the tracks, Matt quickly told me to follow him once again as he moved from the slippery surface of the iced tracks to the middle. I worried only for a moment quickly realizing how much easier it was to run down in the soft snow.  Stride for stride we made amazing progress and before I knew it, we had reached the bottom of the mountain.

How exhilarating it had been to make it to the top.  How grateful I was for Matt with the knowledge to lead us back down safely.

After running the few miles back to the house (a total of 7), we were greeted by our sweet nieces exclaiming, "We saw you at the top!"

Come to find out, my dad had been following us the entire time with his binoculars, watching our progress as we made it to the peak.  I love that he was there too, just in case we needed him.

We aren't simply wandering aimlessly around on our journey here on earth.  We have purpose.  We each have our mountains to climb, each given our own pace, each with One to follow in time of need and each being watched at all times by Him.

It makes me happy to know that.

Making it to the Top...At Your Own Pace

My brother Matt, is a mountain runner. I am not.  I prefer a nice flat run where I can get myself into a comfortable pace and run.

Mountain running doesn't offer comfort and requires a totally different strategy.

Lucky for me (sense the sarcasm?), Matt took me on not one, but two, mountain runs this week. 

Our first run took place in the beautiful Red Rock Canyon right outside of Las Vegas.  Within minutes of our "run," my heart was pounding, legs aching, which quickly led to negative thoughts entering my mind (and maybe a few inappropriate words). I wasn't worried if I was going to make it to the top, I wondered if I would be able to keep up.

After five minutes, I knew I wouldn't be able to stick with Matt's pace (and a slower runner NEVER wants to slow a faster runner).  I did what I have always done on my runs with my brother...sent him on ahead.  Whew!

I knew if I stayed on the trail, I would be fine. 

And after seeing him quickly disappear up the mountain (see above picture...he is a small dot up in the canyon), I was ready to make my own ascent to the top.

Luckily our journey here is set by our own pace not someone else's.

We have a path we can follow. And although the path may be smooth and flat at times, we eventually have to face the mountain and leave our place of comfort. If we are going to make it to the top and reach our goal, we will need to leave the easy path and pace and face the unsteady shale, the jagged rocks and steep climb.

And so it was that day at Red Rock I realized that although each of us vary in our ability, we are all able...we just may take longer than someone else.


Matt made the climb in under 30 minutes. He not only had a body conditioned for climbing but he knew the path he should take.  He passed other climbers who commented to me after I asked if they had seen my "jerky brother" that indeed they had seen the amazing runner, my brother, actually "running" up the rocky mountain side.

I on the other hand, took much longer.  And although I did pass the other climbers as well (come on people, I am in shape too...just not in "Matt" shape), it took me more time.  I ended up taking a few wrong paths, leading to more difficult passes on the rocks.  I even had to walk at times.

After reaching the first summit, Matt was there waiting for me (he had already been to the top) ready to join me for the final ascend and lead me to the top of Turtlehead peak.

Together we reached the top.

And as we looked down into the valley below, we both smiled, happy.

(Wait until tomorrow, when I share my thoughts on our Utah climb to Mount Linda!)