Spiritual Giant

This picture represents one of my most rewarding mom moments of all time.  The picture itself has no significance other than the way my sweet Twodles looked when he said something that made me feel like all my efforts as a momma were worth it.  I don't ever want to forget!

I sat feeding Goob his usual breakfast fav, oatmeal while Twodles fed himself like a big boy.  Twodles is currently in the "why" or  "what does that mean" stage, which is actually really exciting to see his little brain connecting ideas and learning.

Today's Q&A session began with "what does aftermoon (afternoon) mean?"  I explained.

His next question was "when is church?"  I told him that it was on Sunday, in the afternoon.

He smiled.

Then I asked "do you like church?" He replied "yes!"

When I asked why he liked church I was expecting him to say something like "goldfish" which is the snack he has during sunday school, or some other 2-year-old appropriate response. Instead he blew me out of my seat.

"I like the Spirit...do you like the Spirit mommy?"

Immediately tears came streaming down my face (which you know sparked another question "are you sad mommy?" hahaha)  I couldn't believe that my little boy could say something so perfect, completely unscripted or memorized.

I took the time to tell him I had happy tears, and that I did in fact love the Spirit.

At some point something that Mr Medic and I have said or done has sunk into his tiny heart and he knows that at church we feel the Spirit.

I hope to always help him have opportunities at church and at home to feel the Spirit and remember that he likes it.

<3

Rookie Mistakes & Beginners Luck

I started back to the gym on campus way too late, and now I'm regretting it.  I was able to go back a few times before Mr Medic graduated and it was completely invigorating.  That specific place is where I gained my willpower 2 years ago.  I participated in a weight loss program through the college and it changed my life.  I triumphed over physical and mental limits I thought I could never overcome, so naturally stepping through those doors brought back a lot of wonderful memories.

One particular experience was when my team did a stationary cycling challenge.  We were to see how far we could bike in just 30 minutes.  Not only were the seats almost unbearably uncomfortable, but I had never really cycled before.  I spun and spun, never stopping, but several times my eyes welled with tears because I felt like I was going to die.  I was in so much physical pain I felt like I could never make it 30 minutes.  With the help of enthusiastic teammates and my own pride, I did it.  (P.S. I don't ever want to participate in a cycling class again!)

I didn't want to let go of my special place even though I knew I had to since soon neither of us would be students.  The rebel in me asked if my ID would work once Mr Medic graduated, and they assumed that it might for a while.  Rather than be thoroughly embarrassed trying and get turned away like a criminal, I decided to go for a run OUTSIDE!

The last time I ran outside was years ago.  I decided the same night of a 5K that I would run it, without previous training. (Don't laugh, I need training for even that short of a distance)

Todays run was like a double edge sword.  I made a lot of mistakes that I will hopefully learn from, and there was definitely some greatness that came from it too!

ROOKIE MISTAKES:

- While the rest of me was ok temperature wise, my hands were pretty cold
- Exercise induced asthma is way worse in the cold (I forgot since the gym isn't usually cold)
- I need more music
- Running against the wind slows my pace considerably...I may as well have been walking!
- I wish my ipod was an iphone so I didn't have to also carry a phone for safety.  There's nowhere to put that thing except in the bra (sorry TMI)

BEGINNERS LUCK:

- Despite all the setbacks, I ran that mile faster than I ever do on the track.  I think it's quite nice to have something up ahead that you can tell yourself "I can totally go to that point!" Then as you near that goal, you can look ahead and say "I can make it there too!"

My PR for the mile!  hahaha

And there's nothing like a good ol' cool down stretch

I hope to make running outdoors more of a habit.  Plus there's no gym membership required.  Who can argue with $FREE.99?

Although I do not ever intend on becoming a running pro I would like any tips on making things go a little smoother, so please share.  Thank you much!

Growing my Tree

I have been trying really hard to put in a good bit of time each day to read my scriptures and pray.  I am finding it increasingly difficult to acquire the quiet time I would like to focus spiritually.  Any moment that is opportune for praying and studying conveniently happens to be when I am so dog-tired from a full day of mommy-ing that I can't even think straight anymore.  I am learning though, that sometimes we have phases in life where we just have to be satisfied with our level best, and that there simply won't always be a full hour of uninterrupted time to ponder and meditate.

In an effort to cultivate a deep-rooted lifelong habit of scripture study and a bit of a spiritual pick-me-up, I have decided to dedicate a tab on the blog titled "Growing my Tree" of my daily spiritual insights.

A tree is only as strong as its roots

I hope that it enables me to dig a little deeper (do you have the Princess and the Frog song in your head now?) into what I am learning and find applications to my everyday life.  I need reminders of what my purpose is, what my end goals should be, and encouragement to keep moving forward. (There's a plug for Meet the Robinson's hahaha)  It is also my hope that something I share will inspire or lift someone else.

I would LOVE your thoughts and insight, kind of like a cyber scripture study group, if you will.

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.

Life Lessons

Two is a hard age to be, and to live with!  Luckily there are moments of excitement and development that make all the tantrums and whining worth it.  Being able to teach a life lesson and have it be somewhat understood is one of those moments!

I've always been taught about the importance of paying tithing or 1/10 of all your increase.  It's returning to God some of what is already His to begin with.  I know without question that tithing is one of the sole reasons we aren't starving and have our needs met.  

Twodles was able to pay tithing for some birthday money he got from Grandpa!  He thought it was so neat!