Voice of the People

Scripture of the day:  "And now it came to pass that Ammon and king Limhi began to consult with the people how they should deliver themselves out of bondage; and even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the people concerning the matter."  -Mosiah 22:1 (The Book of Mormon)

Upon reading this, it was immediately apparent that this verse describes a quality of a good leader or even a parent.  I'm definitely guilty of occasionally trying to make plans without consulting the Lord on what He knows is best, and at the same time, I cannot forget how equally important it is to also involve those around me, especially those who are directly affected.

I know Mr Medic and I will have many opportunities as parents to involve our children in decision making.  Not every decision made will be one that everyone agrees upon 100% of the time, but I'd like to think that having "the voice of the people" will facilitate keeping everyone a little more happy, or at least help each member of the family feel like their opinion and ideas are important.

As I imagine involving our children more in decision making, I can see it helping them build confidence, be more willing to contribute in other areas of family life, and enable them to better execute their personal decisions more effectively.

Later in the same chapter the king hears an idea from one specific person and ends up accepting that plan to free his people from bondage.  It could be likely that the king already had a solution in mind, but it is also possible that his idea may not have been the best way.  Great ideas can come from unlikely sources!

Our Little Man

I can't believe that 9 whole months have passed since our sweet Goob joined our family.  If you ask Mr Medic his opinion on little babies he would respond "I hate the first year!"  You would think I might say something similar, but I've got momnesia!  I suffer on a daily basis and seem to quickly forget the not so fun moments.  Although this babe is far from sleeping through the night, I am somehow able to function from day to day.  And he sure makes up for rough nights with his sweet smile and contagious giggle during the day.  

Isn't he handsome?

Here are some fun facts about Goob:

• First tooth on January 26, 2013
• Crawling with more coordination/consistency on February 8, 2013
• Pulls himself up for the first time on February 22, 2013 (and subsequently falls out of the crib)
• Starts waving to someone at church on February 24, 2013
• Second tooth on March 7, 2013
• Loves to chew on baby wipes (don't let you kids do that.  They can make them go blind...its a battle every time I change a diaper)
• Is a little more snuggly than Twodles ever was
• Is a blankie boy just like his big brother, and a binkie boy not at all like his big brother
• Wants to eat normal food rather than pureed baby food
• Likes to drink from a sippy cup
• Starts scaling the couch on March 19, 2013
• Is going through a bit of a separation anxiety phase right now
• Has a rolling giggle when he is tickled 
• 18 lbs as of March 18, 2013
• Doesn't handle teething well
• Seems to play more independently than Twodles did
• Has sensitive skin and the cutest little birth mark on his left cheek you can see above
• HE LOOKS MORE LIKE ME THAN HIS DADDY!!!!!!
• Nicknames include:  Goob, Goobie JJ, Goobie Loob, Goober, etc

We sure love you Goob!

In His Presence

Scripture of the Day:  "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths..." - 2 Nephi 12:3, The Book of Mormon

The mountain of the Lord is understood to be the temple.

There are many reason why we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints go to the temple.  This verse explains just two:  the temple is a place we can be taught of His ways, and we can walk in his paths.

Each of us, like the primary song suggests, is trying to be like Jesus.  By going to the temple often we are taught about His ways, and in turn can be more like Him.

The phrase "we can walk in his paths" seems very literal to me.  The temple is His house.  He is there. We are walking where He is walking, it is hallowed ground.

In the past Mr Medic and I have tried to attend the temple once a week.  If we wanted to we could walk to the temple, it is that close.  Since having children our attendance has not been so frequent.  But I would like to change that.

An online reference titled: "How Can We Make the Most of Temple Attendance?" tells us this:

When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.

Ideally I would like to be going every week, but I think we may have to work back up to that.  So, with the help of Mr Medic we will be setting a goal of how often we will go and on what day.  I believe that when we make a specific plan we are more likely to stick to that plan.

If you know you have a birthday party to attend on a specific day, you do whatever it takes beforehand to be there, right?  Same principle is true for attending the temple.  If you set a specific day, you are more likely to plan your week or month around that special day that has already been set.

And, as if being able to learn of the Lord and walk in His paths isn't blessing enough from attending the temple:

...when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent. (link here)

What a comfort to know that I have no reason to worry, no matter what happens.  I know that if I attend the temple I can have that peace and reassurance.

I be Educated

Just in case anyone was wondering, I've spent more time in Idaho than any other place I've lived.  I think it's now safe to say that I'm from here.

This adventure all started thanks to Josh Weed.  I was set to go to a local private university.  Already registered for classes, attended new student orientations, the whole bit.  Then Mr Weed, a newly returned missionary started urging me to apply for BYU-Idaho.  At first I was totally turned off by the idea.  You couldn't pay me money to go to a church school.  It wasn't like I was anti-mormon or anything.  In fact, nowhere close to that, but I just had no desire to go there.  It was too late though, the "Sprit of Ricks" seed was already planted in my heart and soon I found myself jumping for joy on my bed that I'd been accepted.

Here I am 10 YEARS later.  I have loads to show for those 10 years too.  One of my most recent accomplishments is a Bachelors degree, and I'm the first in my immediate family to do so!

I paid a lot of money to wear that cap and gown

My motivation to graduate-teach by example

Couldn't have done it without this hunk by my side

Grammy is one of my biggest supporters

Grad present from mom 

Ceramics Professor and mentor.  He put up with a lot

It's official!

I decided that instead of being embarrassed that it's taken so long, I will embrace the many wonderful and amazing things I have accomplished during those glorious 10 years.

You have my permission to stop reading now!

"Study abroad" for first semester of college- I did a study abroad of sorts my first semester on Vashon Island in WA.  We were a small group and just about all of us went a little nutty with island fever. While there I mastered the ability to shower during our 5 minute break, died my hair dark for the first time ever, participated in several service projects, spied on the boys dorms to see if they were talking about us, and ate way too much food.

We are Family- I was blessed to make some of the greatest friends during my single days.  My roommates quickly became family.  They supported me through trials and embraced my more wacky moments.  They are who taught me what unconditional love was.  They are who reinforced true gospel principles I was taught growing up.  I will forever cherish them <3

Manager at Cold Stone Creamery- You better believe I could mix up your favorite creation to perfection or decorate a bomb.com ice cream cake!  I even gave my take-home to the roommates on a regular basis. Ironically everyone liked me then ;)

Pulled my fair share of all-nighters- To be an art major and a perfectionist are a bad combo. Combine those with procrastination and you've got the perfect recipe for all-night art projects.  If only I could handle them the same today!

Served in almost every calling imaginable- Home evening coordinator, Special Events Coordinator, RS secretary, Activities chair, Temple Prep teacher, RS teacher, visiting teaching coordinator, Primary and RS President

Resident Assistant for almost 2 years- Man those were the days!  Hated by many and liked by few.

Snowboarding daredevil- Took my first and last jump while snowboarding and fractured a rib.  Subsequently I provided entertainment and lots of laughs for those who witnessed me hopped up on pain killers.

Served a 18 month proselyting mission- I went to the Cincinnati Ohio mission and served in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.

The famous Cincinnati Chili

Married my sweetheart- Not 5 months after coming home from my mission I married Mr Medic. I've never regretted that choice for one minute!  Our love story can be read here.  

Grades- I'm not all there when in comes to learning new things, memorizing, test taking, etc.  Secular knowledge just isn't my thing.  This is where I won't mention how many courses I had to retake in order to get a passing grade! BUT, I did have one straight A semester and it was the most rewarding semester of my life.  

Tamed the Arc beast- Instead of one minor I did two small ones (also known as clusters) One of the was in applied arts.  I wanted to take courses that would supplement my degree in art.  I took "unconventional" (for Idaho at least) courses that would allow me to create using different mediums.  One of those courses was Welding.  I was one of two girls in the class.  The other was a beefy crass farm girl that Mr Medic said "could probably weld two pieces of cow poop together." Needless to say, I did not fit in.  I remember introductions- it was my turn to say why I was taking the course and when I responded "I want to make art with metal" everyone just stared at me like I was crazy.  I didn't do half bad, but when it came time for Arc welding I bawled like a baby.  I mean, seriously...have you ever seen the stuff?  Its like lightening bolts at your fingertips.  It was by far the freakiest thing I had ever done.  I wasn't lying when I said I bawled like a baby.  I was so terrified the first time I tried it solo that I ran out of the lab crying my eyes out.  The lab aids were probably laughing their heads off as soon as I left.  With persistence I completed the course and would actually like to learn more someday!

Work- Aside from managing at Cold Stone I have held several jobs while in school.  I worked at a phone survey company and honestly didn't mind the work too bad.  The people managing and the place on the other hand, were another story.  I put in SIX HOURS as Lady Liberty for Liberty Tax in the dead of winter.  I never went back to that one, and never got paid either.  I worked as a teachers aid for children with behavioral challenges, which should have given me all the preparation I needed to deal with the terrible twos.  I also worked at Melaleuca as a wellness rep, and on their market research team.  I eventually became a self taught graphic designer wannabe.  I have never taken any courses in graphic design, but really do enjoy it.  While pregnant with Twodles I worked as a substitute teacher, and I think even subbed 1 or 2 times after he was born if Mr Medic could be at home.  We went to scout camp for a summer, which was a paid position, but it was seriously nickels and dimes! The last job I had was for 6 hours during the 2012 presidential campaign season.  I called citizens to ask them whether they thought that Obama's policies have helped or hurt the economy.  I don't plan to work for money again any time soon, aside from the fun little earring-making hobby I have.  

Starting a Family- After almost 2 years of sometimes impatiently waiting we were blessed to grow our family.  Twodles was such a wonderful addition.  Then just over one year after having Twodles we found out we were expecting our second.  Family planning has been one particular area that we rely heavily on the Lord for guidance.  Whether it be the timing or financially preparing for children, the Lord always helps us know what will work for us.  

Couldn't ask for more adorable and sweet boys!

Reliving my Single Days-  One week before I gave birth to our first baby, Mr Medic was assigned to a lay ministry leadership position in a single college student church congregation.  We were both asked to attend and serve there.  I was assigned to help students who were going on missions or getting married prepare to go to the temple.  Weekly we would attend the single student congregation for 3 hours, and then Twodles and I would go directly to our regular congregation for an hour.  Along with my assignment in the singles congregation I also held a service position in our regular congregation.  It was such a neat opportunity to interact with and serve our peers. 

Single mom-  Mr Medic packed his bags for a 7 week internship when Twodles was just 5 weeks old.   Because of this, I was able to appreciate my own mom just a little more.  Parenting on your own 100% of the time is tough stuff.  I got in a groove and did exceptionally well, and before we knew it daddy was home.  That wouldn't be the last time though.  Mr Medic had a 2 week hiatus when Twodles was 1 while assigned wildfires during the summer, and then again for 1 month when Goob was about 7 weeks old.  The last one was by far the hardest.  Twodles was old enough to verbalize missing his daddy and as luck would have it, was growing in to his "terrible two" role.  

Participated in "Biggest Winner"- Six months after having Twodles I decided to take control of my physical condition and joined a program through the University.  Keeping track of calorie intake, portion control, and regular exercise enabled me to lose 20 lbs. during the 8 week program and then almost 20 lbs more after.  It was one of the most empowering experiences of my life.  It was proof that with hard work and determination I can do anything.  

Before                                                            After

Be Prepared-  Mr Medic and I decided we would fulfill one of his dreams to work at his favorite Scout Camp as a family for the summer.  We were in the great outdoors for 6 glorious weeks.  Twodles was nearly 1 by then.  Mr Medic was the Camp Medical Director and I was the Handicraft Director.  We stayed there during the week and came home for less than 24 hours on the weekend.  It was so neat to learn the scout culture.  I really did grow to love and appreciate that organization.  I think its wonderful to give young men a place to learn skills that will stay with them for a lifetime.  There were definitely some tough times.  Having a 1 year old in the wilderness and trying to meet his needs while still fulfilling our job responsibilities was hard.  We learned a few things from that summer: 1. Even though I struggle or occasionally seem to not be having a good experience, I am able to latch on to the positive and call it a great experience overall.  2. Mr Medic doesn't quite have that same skill.  He will more likely remember it as being a not-so-fun experience. 

National Bone Marrow Registry- Before my mission I registered to become a bone marrow donor, then thought nothing more of it, until we had a young man in our church congregation be diagnosed with cancer.  I was reminded of my commitment to save a life if the opportunity arose and I wanted others to have the same chance.  I organized the drive completely from scratch and we had great success with over 100 people who registered.

I could probably go on for ages with all that has happened in 10 years, but these are just a few that come to mind and have impacted me the most.  I am so grateful I was guided here and that I have had wonderful experiences to shape me into someone a little better each day.  I hope that my persistence in gaining a college education will be something that my children admire and use as motivation in their own lives.

This is Halloween

Before having kids I swore I would never resort to bribery...and I never really needed to until now!  Yes I am that mom who bribed my kid with every imaginable thing to be desired by a child, trying to get him into the costume I handmade.  When bribery wouldn't work I threatened him!  hahahaha

There were days when he liked wearing it....

And days when he absolutely did not...

One of the very first times I was able to get him in the costume, keep it on, and actually enjoy it a little was by distraction.  I had him in some jammies that had animals on them.  I told him that the animals would get cold if they didn't have their jammies on over them.  Then I distracted him like nobodies business while slipping him into it.  It was quite the process to say the least.  

But, you bet your bottom dollar that I could never get him to sport this awesomeness...

I considered myself lucky when most of the time this is how he ended up....

Can anyone guess what he's watching?  It's his pretty girl, Audrey (from The Lorax)

We did a practice run the weekend before Halloween.  Brown bear and The Lorax

This is about the time I started getting desperate for him to wear a mustache.  At the above mentioned practice run, people kept asking if he was a pumpkin.  Are you kidding me?!?!?!  A pumpkin...really?  I didn't spend so much time hand making this costume with no pattern (which I've never attempted before) just so he could be a pumpkin.  So, I concocted another smaller mustache out of the fleece that could be taped to his face, instead of put around his head with elastic.

Usually Grammy has been around when I bribe/threaten to try and get him to wear the costume and mustache, but this time Mr Medic was home.  It was a sheer nightmare.  I admit now that I was being a touch ridiculous, and at one point Mr Medic asked "is this for him or for you?"  He was screaming, and I may or may not have started acting like a bit of a two year old myself.  I could get him to kiss the mustache, thinking that would help him develop a bit of a "relationship" with it, but he never would put it on.  

Then Mr Medics mom gave me the brilliant idea to paint it on!  HELLO, why didn't I think of that!  Of course as soon as that problem was solved, one more arose and now the kid wouldn't wear the hat with attached eyebrows!  So, we went to our church activity with a mustache, but no eyebrows!  Grrrrrrrr  Thankfully for Halloween day we got all the kinks worked out...mostly.  

My first attempt at an orange wig was....creative, to say the least.  I am from a poe-dunk town, which means there are no orange wigs anywhere, so I made one from 3 witches hats that had a string of orange hair attached.  Not only did I already look like frumpy-Audrey-after-two-kids,  but as Mr Medic so lovingly pointed out I looked more like Ronald McDonald's sister... 

Trick or treat story time at the Library!  (Don't laugh TOO much)

So I opted for spraying my hair instead, which for some reason felt 10x "prettier" than the wig...

Trunk or Treat crashers! 

Twodles had fun, but was a bit weary of the moving skeleton hand...the need for sugar prevailed!

Truffula tree and brown bear

Thanks to parent tax, I'll be enjoying some of that later!

And, for those who haven't seen the movie-shame on you/get over the "political brainwash" and just watch it.  here are some reference pictures...

Twodles first love- Audrey

The Lorax-speaker of the trees and Truffula tree (my personal fav)

Brown Bear and Truffula tree

Hope you enjoyed one of the best holidays of all year, and didn't have as much fuss as I did in making it all come together!  

P.S. How do you get you kids to do something that's not of huge importance, but more just for your own kicks?

Will the real Mr Medic Please Stand Up

Maybe I'm the only wife that gets excited when I can actually help Mr Medic with something other than the typical June Cleaver thing-having food on the table, or a clean and tidy home.  I always beg for something to do, usually with no result.  Its not like I can help him with his homework.  First of all his classes are way over my head, and secondly that's just kind of weird.

I think my need to "do something" for him stems from me always asking for his help.  Whether it's help with the kids when he really should be doing homework, getting things ready for a get together I've planned, or even getting the hair off my back after I brush it (I'm still in the shedding-like-crazy-I-just-had-a-baby phase)

Basically I want to feel like we are both giving and taking on an equal level.

Well yesterday was my lucky day.  I got TWO requests!  I can't remember the last time I was able to fulfill a need of his, so this was a special treat.

First, he called needing me to find out some information to put on his med school applications, and then when he got home we had a little fun taking some pictures to attach.

I don't have the luxury of photoshop to make me look better than I really am, so we do it old school style around here which usually consists of Mr Medic taking thousands of pictures of the exact same thing so I can get one that is juuuuusst right.

It was pretty hilarious having the tables turned this time.  I pointed out that now he should understand why I take so many pictures of the same thing-when its important you want it just right.  He remarked that yes, it is necessary...when its important!  He must not understand that its SUPER important that all my blog/FB peeps see me in tiptop condish! (I'm only mostly joking about how important looking fab is)

So here's a couple from our photo shoot:

We lovingly name this: Photos By Deb*.  We were dying laughing.
Uncle Rico's got some pretty good competition.

I know it may seem silly, but it was actually really fun, and something I will never forget.  I keep staring at these and it makes me so happy.  This is the Mr Medic I know, but not a lot of people get to see.  I feel like he is so busy all of the time that it's hard for him to enjoy time hanging out and relaxing with others.  These pictures represent only one of the many reasons I married this kid.  I love to laugh, and he sure make me laugh, a lot.  

*As much as we would have loved to use one of the others, we went with the center one for the applications.  Wish that baby face luck!  

Sticky Surfaces = Happy Heart

Have you ever felt like your life would never be the same once you had kids?

Well...you're right!

I remember when Twodles was hitting all those little milestones in development, it was fun and exciting but there were also moments when I was a touch annoyed about the change it brought to our lives. Don't get me wrong, those times were very few and far between, but if you've had a child you can identify with the blockades all over the house to keep kiddies out of the untouchables, stained couches, stinky diapers permeating through the house right when someone stops in unexpectedly, sticky surfaces, clothes soaking in the bathroom sink to remove blowout stains, and so much more.  I sometimes felt like our orderly home that once had "nice" things was long gone.

I've come to realize that the little evidences of children living in our home are so sweet and precious.

Battle zone

Twodles clean-up job

Making messes while mommy is busy

Dino's need to be refrigerated, didn't you know!

Very first hand picked flower for mom!  

I am learning to find joy in those things that at times have rubbed me the wrong way, or cause me to lose my patience.  Stained clothes soaking in the sink mean that my baby is getting much needed nutrients and his body is functioning properly, or that Twodles actually ate and enjoyed his lunch.  Sticky surfaces indicate that Twodles has been a good boy and was rewarded with a tasty sucker, or that we have been playing with play-dough or blowing bubbles.  The blockades show that I care about my boys safety and want to protect them from harm.

I just love the little things that catch my attention every once in a while to remind me just how lucky we are to have our boys in our lives!  I am so glad to be a mom and to see each of them change our lives for the better.  Its not the things that matter-the clean smooth surfaces, or pristine living quarters- its the people...and I LOVE MY PEOPLE!  


What are some little things you have noticed that help you to appreciate life just a little more?  

YOU'RE DOING IT

We welcomed our second sweet little baby boy into our family on Monday, June 18th at 9:18 p.m.

It was quite the experience, one that will definitely be blogged soon enough, but I wanted to share something else first.

Baby and I had been in the hospital for what felt like an eternity, but in reality was only 5 days.  I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Mr. Medic and Twodles to rescue us from the less than tasty meals, constant monitoring, one crabby nurse lady, and much more less than ideal circumstances.  I was all packed and ready to go when they finally walked through the door with bright rosy cheeks.  Mr. Medic explained that it was way too hot to leave just yet, and that we should wait until it cooled off a bit.  No AC is just one of the many downfalls of our clunker car.

We finally made our way out of the hospital, and were on our way home.  It felt so great to breath the fresh air and to be out of the confines of my little room.  As we drove home I kept looking over to my sweet husband and back at my two adorable boys.  I felt an overwhelming sense of completeness, not that we were done having kids or anything, but a feeling of "this is what life is all about!"  My desires were becoming a reality, no matter how impossible it may have sometimes seemed.

I immediately thought of a clip from the movie "Hook" that sort of explains how I was feeling.

You see, Peter could't see what was right in front of him.  He wanted so bad to enjoy the moment, but he let his apprehensions get the best of him.  Too often I get caught up in the impossibility of things and how there's just no way I can ever do X, Y, Z.  I've always had a desire to be a mother to lots of children, and most of the time the idea seems completely crazy. Only when I put my trust and faith in God am I able to see a clear vision of my goals and take smalls steps to accomplish them.  There I is was driving home with my family, with another little body occupying the back seat.  I was DOING IT!

I don't know if that makes any sense, but it is what it is!