is this familiar to anyone else?

Setting: Our home, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM

Situation: Nap time. Supposedly.

What I shouldn't be hearing: Noises. From both kids' rooms.

What I find when I look in George's room:

Seriously. All by himself. I had absolutely no clue.

What I find when I peek over Pearlie's crib:

Could she look any less sleepy?

But wait! Great news! Someone in our house got a nap!

This really was all happening at the same time and it cracked me up. Though in full disclosure, I must confess that this isn't quite as funny as it seems because John's "nap" really was only like a 15 minute rest (though he did fall asleep) in between his post-church meetings and a home teaching appointment, but still. Babies not napping while husbands nap? Surely I can't be the only wife that this happens to, right? Love those not sleepy babes. And that very sleepy man. Lots and lots.

And since we are talking about Sundays, I'll throw these pictures from a couple of Sundays ago on here. I thought my kiddos looked sweet in their matching blues, so I snapped a few pictures while we were sitting on the couch.

Little Miss Blueberry Eyes. I could eat her.

George was happy to smile for the camera. That is, happy just as long as he could be upside down and look through his legs. Because that is totally normal.

Chubby little fingers that she cannot keep out of her mouth.

Pea is sitting by herself pretty well now. Oh, and if her little dress looks like a piece of vintage heaven, that's because it is. It was worn by her Aunt Lisa 28 years ago. Love little treasures like that. Next time I will try to get some pictures of G in which he is right side up. Or upside up, as he would say.

earth right after rain

I am loving the sunshine today, but I actually really enjoyed the rainy days last week as well. We were able to put Baby G's raincoat and boots to good use, and I brought the camera out with us in case there were any photo-worthy moments. As I have looked (and looked and looked) through those rainy day photos I have had a song running through my head. "When I am Baptized" is my favorite primary song, and one of my favorite religious songs in general. The melody is simple and beautiful, and the words speak to me.

There is a quality in these photos that has caused me to ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again and the symbolism in rain and baptism. I have thought about the absolute joy that playing in the rain puddles brought to my little boy. It is the kind of joy that can only be felt when you are free from the weight of mistakes and transgression. It is the kind of joy that God wants us to feel. Untarnished by the burden of guilt or sorrow, without regret of choices--big or little-- that have offended our spirits . I look at these pictures and feel so motivated to be a more pure and lovely version of myself. To let go of things that hold me back and to give up things that can keep me from the constant blessing of His spirit. The gloriousness (not a word?) of these thoughts lies in this sentence of the song: ...and I can be forgiven and improve myself each day. While there is such beauty in the "earth made clean again," how much more beautiful is the soul that is made new, clean, and fresh daily by honest repentance and forgiveness? I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain. I want to be the best I can... I feel renewed today. Renewed to make my life more holy, to make my spirit brighter, to have days filled with the same pure joy as my little, perfect boy.

give said the little stream

There are lots and lots of reasons that I feel grateful to be a member of the LDS Church. Obviously the main one being the truth that resonates within me regarding matters of the spirit. I have received answers and peace and sustaining from powers that are higher than me and feel so grateful to have my spirit so filled through the Gospel that I believe to be truth. But another thing that truly fills my heart with gratitude and pride is the LDS Church's involvment in the betterment of societies ranging from entire comminity efforts clear down to the needs of an individual. I love the humanitarian and welfare programs in my church. I have had opportunties to be deeply involved in both and my experiences have changed who I am. When I read this little article by Dr. Laura (who I have a love/hate relationship with, but mostly think she does a whole lot of good) I knew I wanted to share it. Here you go:

Blessings in Disguise, written by Dr. Laura Schlessinger on December 18, 2008

"I have always been impressed with the mentality of the Mormons with respect
to the issue of charity. I had a tour of their main charity facilities,
and was amazed at what I saw and learned. There are absolutely no handouts
– they barter!
Here’s how it works: if you could lose your home, or if you need food, clothing, medicine or toys for your children, the Church takes financial care of your needs. In exchange, you provide services to the very mechanism that rescued you. This means that folks in the bakeries are people who have benefited from the charitable services; those helping in the stores that sell thrift clothing, housewares and food are those who have benefited from the charitable services, and so on.

The basic concept is to preserve a sense of dignity and pride in those who have temporary need by giving them an opportunity to use their skills in the service of others. Walking around the premises, I felt the uplifted attitude of all who were there: smiles, waves, and straight backs.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints provides for people all over the world – not only with goods and goodwill, but with the opportunity to not lose a sense of self when “things” are lost.

I probably sound like an advertisement for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am not a member of their religion, but I am impressed with their charitable philosophy, because I believe it teaches our children their real value, while motivating and uplifting them at the same time.

Their young people who graduate high school are expected to go on two-year “missions,” reminiscent of the Peace Corps. These young people come back much more mature, as they’ve experienced the pain and need of others, and have sacrificed two years of their own comfort to be of service to others. Other youngsters just don’t want to skip a beat in their acquisition of iPods, cell phones, and other “Internet in your hand” gadgets.

I believe that the economic disaster our country is in right now is a kind of blessing in disguise with respect to values. Without values, life just provides us with “things,” but not necessarily with any profound meaning."