For those of you who know Julie, you are probably aware that she is having her fourth child very, very soon. For those of you who don't know Julie, you are now aware that she is having her fourth child very, very soon. Julie is an amazing mother, wife, and friend, and we sure love her. Right now, she and her family are going through some tough times, and just the other day she realized that the baby is coming soon!
Because of this, we have decided to throw her a Blogging Baby Shower (and by "we" I mean Janelle. She thought it would be a good idea. Because Janelle is full of good ideas. One reason --of many! --to love Janelle!).
Here's how it's going to work:
1. In your comment, give the best Newborn Baby advice you have heard or experienced. Although this is Julie's fourth child and she's quite the pro, it's easy to forget all things "newborn" when you have been removed from it for a few years (or months!). Not to mention all the great and undiscovered ideas out there!
2. Also, please give Julie the best advice you have for mothering more than one child whilst one is a newborn. If you have had more than four --than you deserve a medal! Oh, and you need to dish on the secrets of surviving with a household full of kidlets. Without going crazy. Is that possible? Anyway...
3. If you know Julie, give her some positive words of encouragement. If you don't know Julie, give her some positive words of encouragement!
Yay! We love you, Julie! You're one of the best things that has ever happened to Blog Land, and we're super excited for your little boy to join the world. Good luck!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Because you asked for it!
Here's a preview of the "Bridesmaid" dresses. I use the term lightly, because all three of us are married. We went all matchy-matchy because the Bride's sister, SIL, and cousin will also be matchy-matchy, although they are wearing dresses that are the pink color.
Don't we look all fab? Yeah, well, these pictures were taken in Canada after a long day of hiking! And we were tired! But we still look fab, right? Right.
L to R: Sharman (SIL), Me, Michelle (Sis)
Haircuts, Scents, Silver, and Weddings
I took the girls with me to the Recital on Monday night, but I left the boys home with their dad, since they just don't appreciate hour-long recitals just yet.
When we got home, we saw that daddy had given the boys some haircuts. #4's is just a tad shorter (not much of a difference to take pictures of it), but #3? Buzzed!
me: Wow! #3, do you like your haircut?
#3: (giggling) It tickles!
When we got home, we saw that daddy had given the boys some haircuts. #4's is just a tad shorter (not much of a difference to take pictures of it), but #3? Buzzed!
me: Wow! #3, do you like your haircut?
#3: (giggling) It tickles!
And if he isn't cute enough, yesterday he said:
Mom? I really want to carry a small crocodile!
But you have to hear it the way he says it: I weeley wanna cawey a small cwocodial! And he has the cutest pout that is accentuated by those gorgeous brown eyes. How can you not just want to kiss his face when he talks like that?
Oh? Why a crocodile? We saw some small ones at the zoo last week. He really, really liked them. But we hadn't talked about them since, and so his declaration was quite unexpected. Best part? I totally knew what he was talking about.
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For all you Twilight Fans:
Go to Summer's blog. She's having a give-a-way that is very "scent-illating". Go enter!
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Amanda D wrote a post yesterday that I just loved. If you are in need of some inspirational perspective, go check it out.
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I am leaving this weekend, dear reader. Brandon and I are flying to Atlanta, GA for my Baby Brother's wedding. That's right! Baby Brother (a.k.a. Jared) is getting married! This is strange to me. Strange because I remember the day he was born with extreme clarity. How could he be old enough to get married? Ah, well. He's marrying a fabulous Southern girl, and we're very excited for him.
Best part?
It will be the first time my parents, all my siblings, and all our spouses are in the Temple together. All 10 of us!
Even more best part?
None of the grandkids are coming.
Oh, I know, that sounds all harsh and what-not, but weddings with small children are very hard. Add in a four hour flight and babysitters (because they can't attend the actual wedding, what with it being in a Temple and all), and it turns into a vivid nightmare. So, here's a HUGE thank you to my neighbor and Cousin Courtney for taking the kids this weekend. You guys are fabulous!
Well, I'm off to get ready for this weekend. I'll try to stick around these here parts (a.k.a. Blog land) for the next 36 hours or so, but after that? I'm gone, baby! Gone!
P.S. Anybody know how to deal with the Georgia/Tennessee heat in August? While wearing a Bridesmaid dress? And wanting to look good?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
How Have You Been Changed For Good?
Last night I accompanied a former piano student during her vocal recital. She sang ten pieces; three of which I accompanied. Four pieces were accompanied by a CD, and the last three were accompanied by her friend. The friend sang a duet with my former student --this was one of the pieces I accompanied. The song? For Good from the musical Wicked.
I have never seen Wicked. I hear it's a spectacular show --I've yet to hear from someone that disliked it. I read the book, however, and to be honest? I hated it. Not the storyline; not the premise that Elphaba (a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West) was, in fact, a good person; not the tension and imagination and different twist on an old story --it was the p*rn and the oversexed language. Filthy, really. And when one feels dirty and gross after reading or watching something, it's not a good sign, eh? Yeah, yeah. I know. I should have just not read it. I realize that now. And right when I finished the book. And every time I think about it.
Anyway...
I'm amazed at how different people describe the Musical in comparison with the book. I'm glad they cleaned up the story (you'd have to if you want the general public to like it). And the music? That I've heard? Astounding! I loved every moment listening to these girls sing (not to mention my joy in accompanying them). Schwartz is a genius of dissonance and syncopation, not to mention with beautiful lyrics. It's a long song, but the lyrics are pretty powerful, so humor me and read them:
Glinda:
I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn and we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return.
Now I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you...
Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun,
Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood...
Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But...
Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.
Elphaba:
It well may be that we will never meet again
In this lifetime, so let me say before we part:
So much of me is what I have learned from you.
You'll be with me, like a hand print on my heart.
Now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend...
Like a ship blown from it's mooring by a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant wood...
Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But...
Because I knew you...
Glinda:
Because I knew you...
Both:
I have been changed for good.
Elphaba:
And just to clear the air I ask forgiveness for the things I've done you blame me for...
Glinda:
Well I guess we know there's blame to share...
Both:
And none of it seems to matter anymore!
Glinda and Elphaba (duet of words):
Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun, like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood/Like a ship blown off it's mooring by a wind off the sea, like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant wood...
Both:
Who can say...
If I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better,
Glinda:
And, because I knew you...
Elphaba:
Because I knew you...
Both:
Because I knew you...
I have been changed...
For good.
For those who don't know the story, Glinda and Elphaba were actually friends/roommates in college, who then had a falling out. They meet again, years later, after all the bad feelings have escalated --and this is the song they sing to each other. I adore these lyrics! They remind me of all the friends/enemies/acquaintances/blogging buddies I have met over the years. It's amazing how one person can change our perspective just enough that it impacts the rest of our lives, whether for good or for bad. Here are just a few random examples of how one (or more) person has changed me "for good":
*One little boy, whose tears taught me at 5 years old that I should never assume. Never.
*One arrogant piano teacher who showed me (what Heavenly Father had been trying to show me for years) that I was not to be a Concert Pianist.
*One poverty-stricken, dirty, strange boy that seemed to still love life, even though he was treated harshly by his peers.
*One young mother, whose devastating dissension into a world of drug use caused her to lose her family, her friends, and eventually her life.
*One boyfriend who helped me see that pretending to be something I'm not isn't worth it.
*One car load of strangers who, after having asked my parents for money at a rest stop --and thanks to my father's generosity-- helped us with our flat tire on the Montana freeway.
*One roommate who, in her anger and jealousy, provided me with a way to show Christ-like compassion, and offered me the incredible surprise that I was willing to show that compassion without any anger or pain.
*One young man who, while reading poetry in a college class, gave me back my sense of self-worth.
*One blog post (or two) that changed the way I would forever view Mortality.
Who has changed you for good? How have you been changed? Was it for good? For bad?
I have never seen Wicked. I hear it's a spectacular show --I've yet to hear from someone that disliked it. I read the book, however, and to be honest? I hated it. Not the storyline; not the premise that Elphaba (a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West) was, in fact, a good person; not the tension and imagination and different twist on an old story --it was the p*rn and the oversexed language. Filthy, really. And when one feels dirty and gross after reading or watching something, it's not a good sign, eh? Yeah, yeah. I know. I should have just not read it. I realize that now. And right when I finished the book. And every time I think about it.
Anyway...
I'm amazed at how different people describe the Musical in comparison with the book. I'm glad they cleaned up the story (you'd have to if you want the general public to like it). And the music? That I've heard? Astounding! I loved every moment listening to these girls sing (not to mention my joy in accompanying them). Schwartz is a genius of dissonance and syncopation, not to mention with beautiful lyrics. It's a long song, but the lyrics are pretty powerful, so humor me and read them:
Glinda:
I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn and we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return.
Now I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you...
Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun,
Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood...
Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But...
Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.
Elphaba:
It well may be that we will never meet again
In this lifetime, so let me say before we part:
So much of me is what I have learned from you.
You'll be with me, like a hand print on my heart.
Now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend...
Like a ship blown from it's mooring by a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant wood...
Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But...
Because I knew you...
Glinda:
Because I knew you...
Both:
I have been changed for good.
Elphaba:
And just to clear the air I ask forgiveness for the things I've done you blame me for...
Glinda:
Well I guess we know there's blame to share...
Both:
And none of it seems to matter anymore!
Glinda and Elphaba (duet of words):
Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun, like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood/Like a ship blown off it's mooring by a wind off the sea, like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant wood...
Both:
Who can say...
If I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better,
Glinda:
And, because I knew you...
Elphaba:
Because I knew you...
Both:
Because I knew you...
I have been changed...
For good.
For those who don't know the story, Glinda and Elphaba were actually friends/roommates in college, who then had a falling out. They meet again, years later, after all the bad feelings have escalated --and this is the song they sing to each other. I adore these lyrics! They remind me of all the friends/enemies/acquaintances/blogging buddies I have met over the years. It's amazing how one person can change our perspective just enough that it impacts the rest of our lives, whether for good or for bad. Here are just a few random examples of how one (or more) person has changed me "for good":
*One little boy, whose tears taught me at 5 years old that I should never assume. Never.
*One arrogant piano teacher who showed me (what Heavenly Father had been trying to show me for years) that I was not to be a Concert Pianist.
*One poverty-stricken, dirty, strange boy that seemed to still love life, even though he was treated harshly by his peers.
*One young mother, whose devastating dissension into a world of drug use caused her to lose her family, her friends, and eventually her life.
*One boyfriend who helped me see that pretending to be something I'm not isn't worth it.
*One car load of strangers who, after having asked my parents for money at a rest stop --and thanks to my father's generosity-- helped us with our flat tire on the Montana freeway.
*One roommate who, in her anger and jealousy, provided me with a way to show Christ-like compassion, and offered me the incredible surprise that I was willing to show that compassion without any anger or pain.
*One young man who, while reading poetry in a college class, gave me back my sense of self-worth.
*One blog post (or two) that changed the way I would forever view Mortality.
Who has changed you for good? How have you been changed? Was it for good? For bad?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Exciting! Thrilling! Oh, who am I kidding...
Well, folks. I done had myself an exciting weekend. Exciting! Not necessarily thrilling, but exciting none-the-less. And since it is my job --my duty, really --to bring you the mundane, the excitement, and the crazy random details of my life, here is the run-down:
- After the hilarity and shock over our new "garden", the kids and I headed to Hogle Zoo with my cousin and her SIL. Imagine 3 mothers, 1 uncle, and 12 children. Fun! And it truly was, to be honest. We had a great time.
- Brandon and I had date night on Friday: Dinner and shopping at Old Navy! I got myself some jeans, and I was so happy that the size 12 I put on fit like a glove. Boo-yah!
- Saturday was chore day, mixed in with loads of Scramble playing on Facebook. Man, that game is addicting...
- Saturday night, I had the pleasure of meeting Mother of the Wild Boys in Draper for some IKEA shopping and dinner at Mimi's Cafe. It was wonderful! She's a fabulous person and we had a really good time. The four plus hours we spent talking just weren't enough! She is --to use her words (which are really Anne Shirley's) --a definite kindred spirit. And I have a feeling, dear reader, that you are, too (insert lots of hugs and teary eyes and smiles here).
- Sunday was amazing. AMAZING. I should save it as a post for later, because the spiritual confirmations and experiences I had are ones I will never forget. But they can't be shared at this point (sorry!), so suffice it to say that Sunday was very, very good.
- Last night, the Bishop came by to give Brandon and I another calling. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say what it is yet, but if I can, I'll let you know tomorrow. However, because I know you are dying to know, as per my calling post, it is not a calling just for me. It's something short term, and when it's over (like the Youth Conference calling), then I will be back to being calling-less. ~sigh~
How was your weekend?
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Maybe We Should Weed the Garden --Literally!
Friday morning (June 25), I sent Brandon out to stop the water from running in our backyard spigot. It's broken; the pipe has broken somewhere inside, and so it will run constantly unless the big heavy brick is pressed against it, keep the pressure under control. Anyway, until we get a plumber to come fix it (i.e. rip a hole in our basement wall, fix the pipe, patch the wall, etc. etc.), we've been doing this make-shift-heavy-brick solution.
So, Brandon went outside to fix it. I took a shower.
As I got out of the shower, Brandon came into the room:
Get dressed, Cheryl! I have to show you something. Quick!
Get dressed, Cheryl! I have to show you something. Quick!
Because of the anxious look on his face, I threw some clothes on and followed him. He grabbed the camera on our way out the back and he firmly told the kids (who were eating breakfast) to stay inside as he shut the sliding door behind us. I had visions of our poor cat dead, or some major water damage, or maybe he found a dead body buried in the dirt? (I'm morbid like that)
Brandon: I was working on the water/brick thing, and I noticed something. You see that plant?
Next to the spigot was a very large and green plant. It was obviously healthy and I it was as high as our windows.
Brandon looked at me.
I looked at the plant.
My jaw dropped.
How did I not notice this until now?! I worked on the spigot two days earlier.
Do you recognize it?
Yeah, so we pulled it out, found another one nearby (what in the world is going on here?!), and Brandon called the police (after we laughed hysterically at the situation. How could you not laugh hysterically at the situation?). He explained the situation, but they said unless it was found dried, there's not much they can do about it. They asked if we wanted to file a report, but that seemed silly, seeing as these plants had been growing for a long time --if someone really wanted their weed, they would have taken it by now (and yes, the thought that it was our renters that might have planted it --accidentally, or purposefully --did cross our minds). So, the cops told us just to throw it into the green waste and not worry about it.
Can you believe it?! Ooh! Ooh! But the worst part? Worst? The kids saw me put these big plants into the green waste bin and said:
Hey! That was our plant!
Hey! That was our plant!
me: WHAT? (as calmly as possible)
them: We used to pick the leaves for our salads!
me: (still as calmly as possible) Your salads?
them: Our pretend salads.
me: Did you ever eat the leaves you put in your pretend salads?
them: No! Eww, mom! It's pretend.
me: Okay, that's good.
This takes needing to weed the garden to a whole new level!
Have you ever found something totally illegal and dangerous in your backyard?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I Was Born to be a Rancher. No, I'm Not Kidding.
My husband laughs at me whenever I proclaim, "Let's buy a farm! Or a ranch! Yes! Let's buy a ranch, live on it, teach our kids how to work, grow our own food, and live happily ever after as we rock in our rockers on the front porch. Doesn't that sound lovely? Ooh! That farmhouse looks good!"
He laughs. Or rolls his eyes. Or checks my head and asks if I'm having delusions.
Harumph! (but only a tiny "harumph")
Anyway, he just doesn't get it. And that's okay, because people, this Ranching gig isn't for everybody. But it's in my blood! It is! You, dear reader, might find this all kind of strange, these Ranching confessions, but stick with me, and I'll tell you why I should have had myself some Horses and Cattle:
1. Today is Pioneer Day. Most people around the world probably aren't aware about how important this holiday is to the residents in Utah. On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young led the first Mormon Pioneer company into the Salt Lake Valley. For the next 15 years or so, the LDS people continued to pour into Salt Lake City, many of whom walked the entire 1200 miles it took to get there! For Christmas a couple of years ago (2006), my mother (a wonderful family historian) presented her children with a binder called "Our Faithful Ancestors Who Crossed the Plains." This is part of the letter she presented to us:
...This book contains stories and pictures of the people who came across the plains. Every line in our family history came across the plains and I have total admiration for their dedication. I hope you will enjoy reading about their lives...Every day I thank my Heavenly Father for the opportunity of belonging to His Church. I love the Gospel and my family ----all of them past and present...
This book was just a glimpse into the heritage I have; and it amazed me. And did you notice that every line of mine crossed the plains? Drove cattle? Pulled handcarts?
Of course, if I'm going to be fair, it needs to be said that many people had Pioneer Ancestors (not just LDS) who crossed the plains of the United States, including Brandon. Nor does that mean these Pioneers settled down on farms and ranches --many were musicians, authors, teachers, artists, etc. So, the whole Ranching thing isn't necessarily related to having Pioneer Ancestors, capische? It's just a piece to my crazy mind puzzle.
2. About 10 years ago, my maternal grandmother gave me the personal life-history of her Mother-in-law (my great-grandmother). I have read this personal history (it's very journal-like) many times. Around the year 1908, she and my great-grandfather settled in Southern Alberta (by that time, my father's grandparents--both sides--and my mother's grandparents had already been settled in So. Alberta as well). They had come from Utah (like all the rest of my great-grandparents), and settled on some land near Glenwood. They were cattle ranchers, and the plains of Southern Alberta were perfect for cattle ranching. See the picture?
As I read about the life of ranching through my great-grandmother's eyes, I was intrigued; so I asked my grandmother for my grandfather's personal history, and she sent it. I learned that my grandfather, at the age of 16, quit school and ran his father's ranch in Milk River. Like his mother, his love of ranching was evident in his descriptions. I relished in his stories of life on a ranch; the hard work, the horses, the pranks, the activities, the disappointments, the successes, the entire Pioneer "spirit" of living, etc.
3. My grandfather lost his ranch is 1966/67. A blizzard of incredible proportions ripped through Southern Alberta, and the cattle got lost; they missed the shelter and the entire herd froze to death. Because so many other ranchers lost their own cattle, the banks refused to extend any loans. My grandfather was only one of several who had to relocate their families and figure out what to do; my grandfather went into real estate. So, I never knew my grandfather as a rancher. He was always the nice man, with the great smile --but I always kind of sensed some sadness in his eyes. When he died, his casket had a beautiful embroidered scene: Cattle at the watering hole. Sounds funny, but it was beautiful. They had his saddle on his casket, but I'm not sure if they buried it with him...
Let's just say that my grandfather missed his life on the plains of Alberta when he had to move to the city. As far as I know, he never complained, but I think he truly missed the life of his youth.
4. I'm a city girl, really. I was raised in a small town, though; lots of farms (it was Idaho, you know) and opportunity to work (my brother's moved pipe; I used to help a boyfriend haul hay), but nothing like what a real ranching family has to face. I'm not very good at riding horses (as my MIL can attest to) even though as a child I dreamed of owning and riding horses all day long. I've never had to harvest anything, let alone fields of alfalfa, and I don't have any kind of Calf-wrestling talent. Go figure.
In fact, as I read about ranchers --like the Pioneer Woman! --I feel conflicting feelings. Part of me is glad I can sit at my computer and hear the lawn service outside taking care of my yard. But the other part of me --the deep, deep part --is morbidly jealous, and feels quite out of place.
5. Because of all the work that has to go into a place that only thrives as well as the weakest effort/worker, I think Ranching would have been the perfect antidote to my Depression. I wouldn't have time to sit and think "Oh, poor me. Life is so sad." because I would be outside, hauling hay, moving cattle, castrating calves, branding, growing gardens, raising chickens, washing manure-covered jeans, and cooking for my brood. I'd be raising my children to work, work, work --from sun-up to sun-down --and I wouldn't have the time to get depressed, let alone stay depressed, you know? Sometimes I wonder if that's how the women before me got through everything and were so laid back about it --that Great-Grandmother of mine? Dude! Even though she was nursing her young son (and had like 5 other kids), she started nursing her neighbor's twins because they were born prematurely and caught pneumonia. So, there she was, a Rancher's wife, nursing three kids, taking care of the sick babies, and all of it with this very "Yeah, I did that. No big deal." type attitude. What the?
See? They didn't have time to be all depressed. No time. No time!
6. My children are pansies. Yes! They are! What type of work do they have to do, hmm? They pick up their rooms, put away toys and books, fold some laundry, clear a few dishes, and then...watch TV. Or play with their toys. Or color. Or run around outside. When I ask them to do a few dishes, fold some laundry, or throw away some garbage, they Freak. Out. Spoiled, is what they are, and I (along with that other handsome man who lives in our home) have spoiled them. They need to learn how to work! I need to teach them! But how? How? If we lived on a Ranch, that answer would be easy-cheesy, you know. Instead, I have to think up ways to teach them the importance of work. Hard work.
I honestly believe that there is a part of me that wants to be a Rancher. That I was born for something hard, for working the land by the sweat of my brow. Does that seem strange to you, dear reader? To feel such an affinity for something so drastically out of place with my life? Ah, well. It's okay.
I guess I could have done it if I really wanted to, you know. I could have married a Rancher if I really, really wanted to. But I didn't. I married the Right Man instead, so how can I ever complain about that? Exactly. And I won't complain.
But I'll still imagine and dream about living off the land. Perhaps driving cattle on a cool spring morning. Maybe riding my horse along the wide, empty plains, with the wind in my hair, and not a cell phone/computer/ipod in sight. Watching sunrises as I sweep my long front porch, and hearing a silence so beautiful you can feel it.
And maybe I'll write a book about it all.
Do you ever dream about something that ties you to your ancestors? Or about something that you wish you could do and sounds nice but is realistically impossible?
He laughs. Or rolls his eyes. Or checks my head and asks if I'm having delusions.
Harumph! (but only a tiny "harumph")
Anyway, he just doesn't get it. And that's okay, because people, this Ranching gig isn't for everybody. But it's in my blood! It is! You, dear reader, might find this all kind of strange, these Ranching confessions, but stick with me, and I'll tell you why I should have had myself some Horses and Cattle:
1. Today is Pioneer Day. Most people around the world probably aren't aware about how important this holiday is to the residents in Utah. On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young led the first Mormon Pioneer company into the Salt Lake Valley. For the next 15 years or so, the LDS people continued to pour into Salt Lake City, many of whom walked the entire 1200 miles it took to get there! For Christmas a couple of years ago (2006), my mother (a wonderful family historian) presented her children with a binder called "Our Faithful Ancestors Who Crossed the Plains." This is part of the letter she presented to us:
...This book contains stories and pictures of the people who came across the plains. Every line in our family history came across the plains and I have total admiration for their dedication. I hope you will enjoy reading about their lives...Every day I thank my Heavenly Father for the opportunity of belonging to His Church. I love the Gospel and my family ----all of them past and present...
This book was just a glimpse into the heritage I have; and it amazed me. And did you notice that every line of mine crossed the plains? Drove cattle? Pulled handcarts?
Of course, if I'm going to be fair, it needs to be said that many people had Pioneer Ancestors (not just LDS) who crossed the plains of the United States, including Brandon. Nor does that mean these Pioneers settled down on farms and ranches --many were musicians, authors, teachers, artists, etc. So, the whole Ranching thing isn't necessarily related to having Pioneer Ancestors, capische? It's just a piece to my crazy mind puzzle.
2. About 10 years ago, my maternal grandmother gave me the personal life-history of her Mother-in-law (my great-grandmother). I have read this personal history (it's very journal-like) many times. Around the year 1908, she and my great-grandfather settled in Southern Alberta (by that time, my father's grandparents--both sides--and my mother's grandparents had already been settled in So. Alberta as well). They had come from Utah (like all the rest of my great-grandparents), and settled on some land near Glenwood. They were cattle ranchers, and the plains of Southern Alberta were perfect for cattle ranching. See the picture?
As I read about the life of ranching through my great-grandmother's eyes, I was intrigued; so I asked my grandmother for my grandfather's personal history, and she sent it. I learned that my grandfather, at the age of 16, quit school and ran his father's ranch in Milk River. Like his mother, his love of ranching was evident in his descriptions. I relished in his stories of life on a ranch; the hard work, the horses, the pranks, the activities, the disappointments, the successes, the entire Pioneer "spirit" of living, etc.
3. My grandfather lost his ranch is 1966/67. A blizzard of incredible proportions ripped through Southern Alberta, and the cattle got lost; they missed the shelter and the entire herd froze to death. Because so many other ranchers lost their own cattle, the banks refused to extend any loans. My grandfather was only one of several who had to relocate their families and figure out what to do; my grandfather went into real estate. So, I never knew my grandfather as a rancher. He was always the nice man, with the great smile --but I always kind of sensed some sadness in his eyes. When he died, his casket had a beautiful embroidered scene: Cattle at the watering hole. Sounds funny, but it was beautiful. They had his saddle on his casket, but I'm not sure if they buried it with him...
Let's just say that my grandfather missed his life on the plains of Alberta when he had to move to the city. As far as I know, he never complained, but I think he truly missed the life of his youth.
4. I'm a city girl, really. I was raised in a small town, though; lots of farms (it was Idaho, you know) and opportunity to work (my brother's moved pipe; I used to help a boyfriend haul hay), but nothing like what a real ranching family has to face. I'm not very good at riding horses (as my MIL can attest to) even though as a child I dreamed of owning and riding horses all day long. I've never had to harvest anything, let alone fields of alfalfa, and I don't have any kind of Calf-wrestling talent. Go figure.
In fact, as I read about ranchers --like the Pioneer Woman! --I feel conflicting feelings. Part of me is glad I can sit at my computer and hear the lawn service outside taking care of my yard. But the other part of me --the deep, deep part --is morbidly jealous, and feels quite out of place.
5. Because of all the work that has to go into a place that only thrives as well as the weakest effort/worker, I think Ranching would have been the perfect antidote to my Depression. I wouldn't have time to sit and think "Oh, poor me. Life is so sad." because I would be outside, hauling hay, moving cattle, castrating calves, branding, growing gardens, raising chickens, washing manure-covered jeans, and cooking for my brood. I'd be raising my children to work, work, work --from sun-up to sun-down --and I wouldn't have the time to get depressed, let alone stay depressed, you know? Sometimes I wonder if that's how the women before me got through everything and were so laid back about it --that Great-Grandmother of mine? Dude! Even though she was nursing her young son (and had like 5 other kids), she started nursing her neighbor's twins because they were born prematurely and caught pneumonia. So, there she was, a Rancher's wife, nursing three kids, taking care of the sick babies, and all of it with this very "Yeah, I did that. No big deal." type attitude. What the?
See? They didn't have time to be all depressed. No time. No time!
6. My children are pansies. Yes! They are! What type of work do they have to do, hmm? They pick up their rooms, put away toys and books, fold some laundry, clear a few dishes, and then...watch TV. Or play with their toys. Or color. Or run around outside. When I ask them to do a few dishes, fold some laundry, or throw away some garbage, they Freak. Out. Spoiled, is what they are, and I (along with that other handsome man who lives in our home) have spoiled them. They need to learn how to work! I need to teach them! But how? How? If we lived on a Ranch, that answer would be easy-cheesy, you know. Instead, I have to think up ways to teach them the importance of work. Hard work.
I honestly believe that there is a part of me that wants to be a Rancher. That I was born for something hard, for working the land by the sweat of my brow. Does that seem strange to you, dear reader? To feel such an affinity for something so drastically out of place with my life? Ah, well. It's okay.
I guess I could have done it if I really wanted to, you know. I could have married a Rancher if I really, really wanted to. But I didn't. I married the Right Man instead, so how can I ever complain about that? Exactly. And I won't complain.
But I'll still imagine and dream about living off the land. Perhaps driving cattle on a cool spring morning. Maybe riding my horse along the wide, empty plains, with the wind in my hair, and not a cell phone/computer/ipod in sight. Watching sunrises as I sweep my long front porch, and hearing a silence so beautiful you can feel it.
And maybe I'll write a book about it all.
Do you ever dream about something that ties you to your ancestors? Or about something that you wish you could do and sounds nice but is realistically impossible?
Memory Meme
Bythelbs did this memory meme. I think my sister might have done it once. Or someone else. A lot of you have done it, gosh darn it! And I'm bad at remembering to do the meme's. Not sure why--I just am. But bythelbs would give me grief (in a very kind, non-confrontational way), and so I figured I better play along. Nobody wants the wrath of Bythelbs! (and if you know her, you know I'm totally making things up, what with her super-duper kindness and all...)
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot—anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you.
So, what kind of memories do you have about Cheryl, that Happy/Crazy mama? Is it my wit? My beauty? My unrelenting need to post about everything that crosses my mind? Perhaps you enjoy my brilliant writing? Or, maybe those memories are bad? Did I ever push you in a mud puddle? Or steal your boyfriend? (Ha! Like I could ever steal a boyfriend! Ha! That's rich...)
Anyway, memory away!
P.S. Coming up later today: I Was Born To Be a Rancher. No, I'm Not Kidding.
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have had together. It doesn’t matter if you knew me a little or a lot—anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I’ll assume you’re playing the game and I’ll come to your blog and leave one about you.
So, what kind of memories do you have about Cheryl, that Happy/Crazy mama? Is it my wit? My beauty? My unrelenting need to post about everything that crosses my mind? Perhaps you enjoy my brilliant writing? Or, maybe those memories are bad? Did I ever push you in a mud puddle? Or steal your boyfriend? (Ha! Like I could ever steal a boyfriend! Ha! That's rich...)
Anyway, memory away!
P.S. Coming up later today: I Was Born To Be a Rancher. No, I'm Not Kidding.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Flaky Friends Give-a-way at Bythelbs!
Hey, you wanna enter another give-a-way?
Me, too!
Go to Bythelbs' blog, and enter a chance to win one of Hollywood Flake's Flaky Friends! Well, particularly, $25 towards purchasing a Flaky Friend or two...
What are you waiting for? Go enter! :)
P.S. If you mention me by name, I get double the chances. So mention that you found Bythelbs through me, okay? Okay.
Me, too!
Go to Bythelbs' blog, and enter a chance to win one of Hollywood Flake's Flaky Friends! Well, particularly, $25 towards purchasing a Flaky Friend or two...
What are you waiting for? Go enter! :)
P.S. If you mention me by name, I get double the chances. So mention that you found Bythelbs through me, okay? Okay.
Why I Shouldn't Be a Youth Leader
I always thought I would make a great youth leader in the Church. I'm fun, peppy, but serious when needed, you know? I figured I would be those types of Young Women's leaders who girls talk about later in life (like how I talk about my YW's leader, Rozla), and I would just love, love, love the energy and excitement of working with teenagers.
Wow. I was wrong.
Oh, it's not that I didn't enjoy Youth Conference. On the contrary! It was fabulous! In fact, at one point, I found myself surrounded by 14 or so young women who kept asking me questions:
What were some of the best dates you went on in high school?
What were some of the worst dates you ever had?
How did you meet your husband?
How did he propose?!
It was fun to sit (in inner tubes, on a lake, no less) and talk and laugh with these girls. The best part (and I would be lying if this didn't make me proud) was that I could tell them about 90% of my dating life without being embarrassed (I totally didn't tell them the 10%; they didn't need to hear, at that moment, the stupid things I did. I'll save that for later!). I enjoyed the time I spent with these young women, during our "down" time. They truly are/were remarkable and it was great. It was!
But by the end of the weekend, I realized the truth --I'm not cut out to be a youth leader in our Church. I'm too emotional (Do they like me? What if they hate me?) and it's all very, very exhausting. On many levels. Like spiritual levels, and emotional levels, and mental levels, and physical levels. I know some adults who love working with the youth because they make them feel young again (which, ironically, I quipped "You guys make me feel 17 again!" to the girls after our dating discussions), but after three days of youth conference, I was so exhausted! I realized I didn't feel younger; I felt old and worn out. And I'm not even 30 years old!
Ah, well. This doesn't even matter, you know. I've never been a youth leader. Brandon has always worked with the Young Men (over 6 years --the entire time we've been in a family ward), and I have never worked with the Young Women until this very short Youth Conference calling (which we were released from last week). I've always done Relief Society, Primary, or Music, and I used to be sad because I had never been called to be in the YW. But now? After this? I think I'm actually okay with it. I wouldn't do a very good job of it, and so I'm perfectly content to serve in other areas of the Church.
In fact, now I just want a calling. Any calling! Can anyone explain to me why I have been back in our ward for 4 months and haven't been given a calling? I mean, my son is in nursery now; it's not like I just had a baby or something. What gives? I'm trying to be patient....patient...patient...Some people have told me to just enjoy it. Enjoy what, though? Being the permanent substitute for myriads of callings because I have the time? Enjoy no responsibility? I'm just afraid (seriously, I'm kind of scared here, people) that the Lord is making me wait so that my desire of wanting a calling will increase and increase and increase, and then when He gives me a calling, I won't say no. Not that I would have said no, but what kind of calling is it going to be?? That I have to be prepped so well for it?? Makes me a tad nervous, you know...
Do you work well with the youth? What callings do you enjoy the most? The least? Any guesses at to what calling the Lord is prepping me for? Because I have no idea!
Wow. I was wrong.
Oh, it's not that I didn't enjoy Youth Conference. On the contrary! It was fabulous! In fact, at one point, I found myself surrounded by 14 or so young women who kept asking me questions:
What were some of the best dates you went on in high school?
What were some of the worst dates you ever had?
How did you meet your husband?
How did he propose?!
It was fun to sit (in inner tubes, on a lake, no less) and talk and laugh with these girls. The best part (and I would be lying if this didn't make me proud) was that I could tell them about 90% of my dating life without being embarrassed (I totally didn't tell them the 10%; they didn't need to hear, at that moment, the stupid things I did. I'll save that for later!). I enjoyed the time I spent with these young women, during our "down" time. They truly are/were remarkable and it was great. It was!
But by the end of the weekend, I realized the truth --I'm not cut out to be a youth leader in our Church. I'm too emotional (Do they like me? What if they hate me?) and it's all very, very exhausting. On many levels. Like spiritual levels, and emotional levels, and mental levels, and physical levels. I know some adults who love working with the youth because they make them feel young again (which, ironically, I quipped "You guys make me feel 17 again!" to the girls after our dating discussions), but after three days of youth conference, I was so exhausted! I realized I didn't feel younger; I felt old and worn out. And I'm not even 30 years old!
Ah, well. This doesn't even matter, you know. I've never been a youth leader. Brandon has always worked with the Young Men (over 6 years --the entire time we've been in a family ward), and I have never worked with the Young Women until this very short Youth Conference calling (which we were released from last week). I've always done Relief Society, Primary, or Music, and I used to be sad because I had never been called to be in the YW. But now? After this? I think I'm actually okay with it. I wouldn't do a very good job of it, and so I'm perfectly content to serve in other areas of the Church.
In fact, now I just want a calling. Any calling! Can anyone explain to me why I have been back in our ward for 4 months and haven't been given a calling? I mean, my son is in nursery now; it's not like I just had a baby or something. What gives? I'm trying to be patient....patient...patient...Some people have told me to just enjoy it. Enjoy what, though? Being the permanent substitute for myriads of callings because I have the time? Enjoy no responsibility? I'm just afraid (seriously, I'm kind of scared here, people) that the Lord is making me wait so that my desire of wanting a calling will increase and increase and increase, and then when He gives me a calling, I won't say no. Not that I would have said no, but what kind of calling is it going to be?? That I have to be prepped so well for it?? Makes me a tad nervous, you know...
Do you work well with the youth? What callings do you enjoy the most? The least? Any guesses at to what calling the Lord is prepping me for? Because I have no idea!
What's Wrong with Following The Prophet?
I only lived in California for a year; if we hadn't moved, this issue would be bigger for me. Bigger as in I would have to think about it more. Bigger as in I'd have to do something about it. Bigger as in I would be facing neighbors, family, friends, and even strangers in an election that seems to be ripping people apart (not quite unlike the original Prop 22).
My friend, Janelle, wrote a very good post about this issue. I really loved her words. Mostly because sometimes, I think people try too hard to cloak themselves with random shades of grey, when in reality, it's very obvious which stance to take. I've always loved Janelle's logic. She was the one (brilliant girl that she is) who told me: "If every member of the Church actually prayed about which political leaders to vote for, don't you think we'd have amazing leaders? Wouldn't we know who to vote for?" (more or less, it's obviously not word for word). And now, she is simply saying, "Didn't we all sustain the same Prophet?"
This issue is a personal one and a toughie for a lot of people; we all struggle with different things, and this one takes the cake! Whether it's ourselves who struggle with it, family members, or friends, etc. (and believe you me, I have my fair share of friends/family who struggle with this, so please don't assume I don't understand), I think we are all affected (effected?) by this situation. But in the words of Sheri Dew (who I know, is not a Prophet, but she's pretty smart, this one):
We each have our own customized opportunities to deal with disappointment, yet our disappointments don’t change the doctrine.
I have my own set of disappointments; we all do. In fact, I'm betting that a lot of us share the same burdens. But these burdens, these problems and struggles --they don't change the doctrine. The Doctrine of Christ is eternal and never changes with the whims of the world; no matter how easily people claim otherwise.
My walking friend and I were talking about this earlier today; how easy it is for people to ignore Prophets when something seems too hard, or not applicable. Others see those who follow Prophets as ignorant, flawed, unreasonable; some see them as blind followers who can't make their own judgements. The worst part is seeing a body of people who should be united in Christ, but choose to divide themselves, claiming that the Prophets need to change their words, forgetting --forgetting --that the Prophets speak for Christ. It hurts my heart to see such division; but what can I do?
So, dear reader, what do you do? How does this make you feel? Do you believe I am wrong in wanting to follow the Prophet? Do you sustain the Prophet in all things? What's it like for you?
My friend, Janelle, wrote a very good post about this issue. I really loved her words. Mostly because sometimes, I think people try too hard to cloak themselves with random shades of grey, when in reality, it's very obvious which stance to take. I've always loved Janelle's logic. She was the one (brilliant girl that she is) who told me: "If every member of the Church actually prayed about which political leaders to vote for, don't you think we'd have amazing leaders? Wouldn't we know who to vote for?" (more or less, it's obviously not word for word). And now, she is simply saying, "Didn't we all sustain the same Prophet?"
This issue is a personal one and a toughie for a lot of people; we all struggle with different things, and this one takes the cake! Whether it's ourselves who struggle with it, family members, or friends, etc. (and believe you me, I have my fair share of friends/family who struggle with this, so please don't assume I don't understand), I think we are all affected (effected?) by this situation. But in the words of Sheri Dew (who I know, is not a Prophet, but she's pretty smart, this one):
We each have our own customized opportunities to deal with disappointment, yet our disappointments don’t change the doctrine.
I have my own set of disappointments; we all do. In fact, I'm betting that a lot of us share the same burdens. But these burdens, these problems and struggles --they don't change the doctrine. The Doctrine of Christ is eternal and never changes with the whims of the world; no matter how easily people claim otherwise.
My walking friend and I were talking about this earlier today; how easy it is for people to ignore Prophets when something seems too hard, or not applicable. Others see those who follow Prophets as ignorant, flawed, unreasonable; some see them as blind followers who can't make their own judgements. The worst part is seeing a body of people who should be united in Christ, but choose to divide themselves, claiming that the Prophets need to change their words, forgetting --forgetting --that the Prophets speak for Christ. It hurts my heart to see such division; but what can I do?
So, dear reader, what do you do? How does this make you feel? Do you believe I am wrong in wanting to follow the Prophet? Do you sustain the Prophet in all things? What's it like for you?
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ooh! Family Pictures!
Remember I mentioned that we had family pictures taken this past weekend? My friend Jan has some previews of them up on her website. Go here and take a look! What do you think?
Day Eight, Day Nine, Day Ten, and Day Eleven (July 4-7) of the Fabulous Vacation
Okay, people. Since this post was deleted the last time I worked on it, I decided to skip all the high-falutin' journal entry ways and just do a sum-up. There will be loads of pictures, but very little explanations. If you would like more details, please let me know!
DAY EIGHT:
We spent the entire day in Waterton! Woot!
BEAR'S HUMP:
Steep hike; not too long. Worth the view?? YES! And the kids found some chipmunks that were more than happy to eat seeds out of their hands.
CRANDALL LAKE:
Easier hike; not too long. But not as easy as we thought; Grandpa had to carry Pitcher Guy (my nephew) on his shoulders because the trail was not stroller accessible. Doh! The lake was beautiful, but we didn't go down to it; in hiking, what goes down, must come up! The forest, though? Fairytale-like. I wanted to settle down and build a cottage right then and there!
CAMERON LAKE:
Glacier lake; we had a picnic nearby. Figured we'd rent paddle boats and have ourselves a jolly good time. Unfortunately, the storm came. Rain and hail. Hail! But it only lasted about 20 minutes --still, it wasn't worth the wait. There was too much to see!
PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL:
Gorgeous "relic" of a place; absolutely stunning. The view of Waterton Lake behind the hotel is always worth a visit!
RED ROCK CANYON:
Good for wading in, hiking around, and apparently (as Brandon will soon show you if you look closely enough) hiking through. Too stormy (the storm from Cameron Lake followed us to Red Rock) to hike to Blackiston Falls, so we left for the day.
FAMILY PICTURES:
This is my immediate family (with Grandma); I am the oldest of four. Both the proper shot and the silly shot:
After these pictures and some yummy dinner, we played Canadian Cranium, Guitar Hero (you can't possibly play enough Guitar Hero, btw), and lit off some illegal fireworks in the gravel parking lot outside whilst-a-singin' The Star Spangled Banner. Happy Fourth of July!
DAY NINE:
Most people went home this day, but some of my cousins --and us! --stayed an extra day and we headed back to Waterton. After a great lunch, we headed to Red Rock Canyon and hiked to Blackiston Falls:
Back at Red Rock, the kids found a butterfly:
WILDLIFE!
On both days, we saw bears. Lots of bears! And deer, and Mountain Sheep. Here are some pictures of the bears and sheep (the deer were so plentiful, I didn't think to take more than a couple of pictures --you can see them on the other post of the Fabulous Vacation). FYI --the bears in the second video were incredibly close; so close, they had park rangers near by to make sure people didn't do anything stupid (we were in Red Rock on the 2nd day). And I was amazed at how many bears we saw! I have been going to Waterton for decades now, and I never saw as many bears as I saw in this one trip. It was so exciting! Oh, and please ignore all the loony commentary that you hear on these videos. I kind of sound like an idiot. Ah, well.
After we left Waterton, we went back to Lethbridge and met more family for some Chinese Food. By the time Brandon and I hit the sack (and the kiddies), we were exhausted!
The next day (DAY TEN) we went to Sacrament Meeting with my paternal grandparents. The kids were pretty good (always better when their dad is around). After church we packed as fast as we could; Brandon headed back to Calgary (he still had to do work with clients on Mon, July 7th), and we headed back to Idaho (my dad drove with me)! The drive went great, the kids were great, we made great time, and it was really...great. Ha! Anyway, we got back to my parents house and spent the night.
On Day Eleven, I cleaned out the car, packed the last of the packing that would be packed, and the kids and I headed back to Provo. We took my FIL out for dinner at Brick Oven that night for his birthday, and by the time we got home and I got the kids in bed (by then, Brandon had seen his client and had flown to Philidelphia to see other clients), I was done. Done, I tell you! Finished! Wiped out!
It was a FABULOUS vacation (if you couldn't tell by the title), so glad I did it, but it was, indeed tiring. What with that and Youth Conference, I think I need a relaxing vacation, don't you think?
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