Honarary citizen of the day!

Today was pay day, and just like every other pay day I withdrew my allowance. Yes, we have allowance. Each of us. We have a designated amount, and when it's gone, it's gone.I don't know his name, and I probably never will. But today as I put Tate in his car seat after leaving Fry's I looked up to a man that said "Hey, is this yours?" He was holding my wallet. Cash was flowing out the side. My heart skipped a beat. "Yes, thank you so much!" I almost cried. He had gotten out of his car to get it, and give it to me. Knowing full well if he didn't someone else would have picked it up.In that instant he might have thought "I could keep this". Even if he thought it, he didn't. At first I wanted to commend him for his good action, and say something embarrassing. Then I thought that I should give him something. But he was in his car and already down the isle.I wish I could thank him, and repay him for his kindness. However, I know he will be re payed. Not by me, (at least it's not likely) but by some kind stranger. Because you see just like him I have been that stranger. I am the person who returns the lost item, and I know that's why my wallet was returned today. Thank you stranger. Because you rock and you know that! (which movie, anyone?) Good Karma to you all your days!!!!

As good as it gets

Yesterday after dinner my kids were playing in the backyard with the dog. (Good thing for them are backyard is completely shaded in the evening.) They were running around and she would follow them. They would throw toys, she would retrieve them. As I watched I honestly thought this is as good as it gets. It truly filled my heart with joy. I didn't take any pictures because I was completely lost in the moment. Although I was, and still am very content. I couldn't help but wonder if the only thing that was missing was a little set of bobbing pig tails.

On a completely different note. Because what is a post if I don't talk photography. I had two weekends open up in September. So let me know if you are interested. Plus I still have most of November, and if you schedule your appointment by Dec 12th I promise to have them done by Dec 18th. Oh, and don't forget to ask about the friends and family discount. If you are reading this blog, you are considered a friend, always.

Friday night

Friday night was one so fun and ordinary. It made me think of all I have been blessed with. I love my family more than anything in the world, and nothing makes me happier than spending time with them. Especially when it's just the simple ordinary things. After Richard got home from work we went to dinner. Red Robin - yum!We don't do dinner out very often. We have three boys remember? Also we have been trying pretty hard to eat healthier. More fruits and veggies, less fat and grease. Anyways, dinner was nice, and nobody got uptight about our boys being...well, boys. When we got home the weather was gorgeous. There was a breeze and it was over cast. I took the boys on a walk around the block. While Richard mowed the front lawn. It was so nice just to live our ordinary life.

The fruits of my labor

Scripture is often left open for interpretation right? Well here is mine.

I often have a very difficult time with the fact that I don't have many talents. Before you all start in on me, don't. My husband often likes to remind me that I do, and I know he's right. He tells me "No one can be a friend like you. Not very many people can love people the way you do. blah,blah,blah." Don't get me wrong. I am very grateful for this gift my Father in Heaven has bestowed upon me. It has made my life unbelievably happy. But I wanted more. I would often pray about it. One thing I love about prayer. Is that I can talk candidly with him. He already knows me inside and out, and I can tell him everything! Oh, and I do. As I struggled with my talent issue. I prayed that I could have a talent. That not only I would love. But that could bless other people as well. It may sound silly. But what can I say? My life is full of silliness most of the time. After I realized that in order to have a talent I was going to have to work really hard. (This is where the fruits of my labor starts to come into play.) I was going to have to put my heart into something. I'm usually half hearted when it comes to hard things. "What? I'm just saying!"I'm sure you all know where I am going with this. Yes, it is photography. Seeing the fruits of my labor brings me more happiness than I ever realized it could. It's not the same happiness I fell when I think about the savior. Or my children laugh out loud. Or when my husband holds my hand. But it's close, and it brings me great joy. When people love their pictures as much as I do. Or when I see them hanging on their living room walls. Or I get a save the date magnet with pictures I took on it! Or when someone post pictures to their blog that I took. I see the fruits of my labor, and it feels good. Thank you to everyone who has been so patient in this learning, and growing phase of my life. Especially to my husband. Who is probably going to tease me about using especially. He has grown to be patient with me, and I love him. I really do have big dreams for Calhoun ink.

p.s. I am going to designate some time to do pictures at the family reunion this year. I already have one shoot lined up so if any of you are interested let me know soon. Thanks, Lori

Sunday

Today I am grateful for Sundays. Today I got to enjoy Sunday school, and half of relief society. It is the first time in quite a few months. I'm grateful for Sunday's, the time with my family, and the time to feel spiritually renewed.

Forgiveness

Today I am thankful for forgiveness. Cause Heaven knows I need to receive it much more than I need to give it.

Christmas Eve

Today was a WONDERFUL Christmas Eve! I made cookies with the boys. Actually letting them help every step of the way. Including breaking the egg. They scooped, poured, cracked, sprayed, and stirred. Richard made dinner. Which was the best present ever! Then we opened our traditional Christmas Eve present. That I finally washed, and wrapped today. The boys could not wait to open them. We ate cookies, and drank hot chocolate. Then we attempted the watch The Christmas Story. But it quickly turned into Dr. Seuss, The Grinch (Jim Carrey version). Then me & Richard had some alone time, before finally putting all the presents out. It was a perfect day, spent with my family. Whom I love more than anything in the world. Good night, and Merry Christmas!

My sweet baby boy

Today we took the kids to the park. It was a beautiful day outside. The wind was lightly blowing. But the sun was shining bright. It is what I would call a perfect Arizona Day. Today I am thankful for my sweet little baby boy. We sat on the swing, and gently swayed back, and forth. We could lightly hear the sound of the others playing in the distance. He dug his head into my chest. While he laughed the cutest most exhilarated laugh ever. He loved it, and I loved the precious moment with my baby.

My Jace

Today I am grateful for my Jace. He kept Tate entertained for hours. While I lay in bed smiling through my chattering teeth. I don't remember the last time I had the chills. But this has been no fun. Achy body, pounding headache, and fever included. I could hear them the whole time, and would occasionally check on them. Which was probably unnecessary because I could hear them both laughing the whole time. It was wonderful. In a weird sort of way.

7 great years

Today is our 7th anniversary. It has been a crazy 7 years. We have moved 4 times. Bought our first, and second house. Had 3 children. Struggled financially. Managed to stay afloat financially. Richard has finished both his bachelors, and masters degree. While I have yet to make anything out of myself. Besides wife, and mother. Which for now I have come to grips with. I am so grateful that I have had these seven years with my best friend. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. I truly feel like our trials make us stronger, and when we endure them together it makes our marriage stronger too. I Love you! Lori

All the things I have to be grateful for...

besides the obvious. Richard, Jaren, Jace, & Tate.

1. This week that I get to spend with Richard. It has spoiled me, and I truly think I might fall into a deep depression after he has to go back to work on Monday.
2. Today we filled Richards truck with gas, and it cost $39.00. That is stellar compared to the $95.00 it cost this last summer.
3. That my immediate family still loves each other, and gets along.
4. Ham, mashed potatoes, grandmas home made rolls, green bean casserole, corn on the cob, fruit punch, corn bread stuffing, pie, & more pie.
5. A warm safe haven for me and my family to lay are pretty heads at night.
6. That Tate survived his first trip to the ER. Myself as well.
7. Jaren always get greens at school.
8. The torture that is ongoing potty training.
9. That of all the places my grandma could have gone tomorrow. She is spending Thanksgiving with us.
10. My list could truly go on and on. I have always felt like I have been blessed far beyond what I ever deserve.

"You have a beautiful family"

"Thanks", was really all I could muster up, as I kissed Tates pasty cheek. Probably the best compliment I have ever received. I have heard it before only a time or two. But yesterday as we finished lunch, at our new favorite family spot. An older couple I could tell had been watching us. Sat close to the door, as the payed us this compliment. I'm not writing this down to brag, believe me it is a rare occasion that we are even brave enough to all go out for lunch. Even more unbelievable was the fact that everyone behaved themselves quite nicely. As we drove home from lunch I couldn't help but thank my father in Heaven for giving me this family. We are so far from perfect it is laughable. But there is nothing I enjoy more than their company, their smiles & laughs. Just being in my husbands presence gives me peace. I love him more than words could ever begin to describe. My children who have become quite trying as of late, bring a smile to face every single day. Even the hardest ones.

I have lately felt like I am having a mid life crisis. I know that only means I have 27 years left. At least that's what I have convinced myself. I have so much to do still. Raise three strapping young boys into adult hood. Where they will wed three of the best women this earth has to offer. Savor every moment with my husband. Even though we will spend our days together into eternity. Then there are the things I still haven't done. Like finish school, travel the world, and serve a mission. Hopefully in Africa, but I don't think they let you pick. Not really sure how that works. I know I sound a bit delusional, but I am aloud to dream, right? Anyways, I tend to dwell sometimes on the negative things. So I'm trying harder not to. Which is why I want to remember yesterday. At least the lunch experience. I am looking forward to the Holidays. Thanksgiving with my family, and Christmas with my boys. All four of them.

Election Day 08

My eyes begin to fill with tears as I walked to get in line on election day. I watched all the people around me. They were all so different. Different genders, different style clothes, different races. But I felt so proud inside. To be an American. I don't think I can quite comprehend or grasp how free we truly are. Or lucky for that matter. I am so nervous as to what is in store for this country I can hardly stand it. I also timed myself. From the time I left my house to the time I walked back through the door. I had only been gone 30 minutes. No long lines for me. Yippee! Oh, and I got a free chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A for voting. What a great day it was.

Parent teacher confrences

Today we had parent teacher conferences. We were not the least bit surprised when Mrs. Coon told us how well Jaren was doing. She said he has lots of friends, and that he was one of the top readers in the class. What??? He's a smart kid. She said with our permission she was going to start teaching him to read at a first grade level. She gave us a paper with the things he needed improvement on. The only thing he really didn't know was to count by 5's. By the time we got home. He had it down. That Daddy always striving for perfection. I don't want to over due it, but I really want to encourage my children to push themselves, and always be the best they can at everything they do. Knowing their father they have probably already inherited this jean. The one I was somehow born without. I think that's why it's important to me. I wish I would have been pushed a little harder. Sorry for the tangent. Not the point of this post. Today I am grateful that Jaren inherited his Daddy's smarts.

Being sick

Today I am being a mean Mom. Because I am a little (okay a lot more than should be aloud) grateful for my sick little Jace. He is so cuddly, lovey, and just wants his Mommy. I love my little hyper boy, but I love this side of him more. I cherish every cuddly moment even if you are contagious. It was worth it.

Patience

Today I am thankful the Lord has helped me to be patient. Lately I get frustrated easily, and will raise my voice. Yes, with the children. I am trying to teach them to stay calm and not get so worked up about things. Yet, I do the exact opposite. Last night I prayed for patience. I pleaded for forgivness, and for help to stay calm with my children. So far today we have had a wonderful day! The way the respond to me when I am patient is awesome. I think the spirit can be felt, and the atmosphere in our home is completly different. In a good way of coarse.

Feeling the spirit

Today on are way home from church Jaren was so excited about a story that was told during sharing time. Since my new calling is in primary, I too had the joy of hearing it. Jaren began to retell it word for word. He was so excited about it. He said "Mom, I cried a little bit. But I wasn't sad." I knew exactly what he meant. I could feel the spirit very strong too! I was also fighting back tears. I didn't want to be the boohooer my first day in primary. We talked about what he was feeling, and both agreed he could feel the spirit. His smile confirmed it! What a great day, I never want to forget. I am thankful for the spirit. That even a little boy of 5 can feel it, and the chance I had to help him recognize it.

This post was originally published on Sunday September 14, 2008

My big boy still loves me!

This morning we walked Jaren to school. He is so cute, and such a good boy. As we approached the school he would call out all kinds of kids name, and wave. To my surprise they all waved back happily. As we watched him play on the playground before school started. I again was amazed at how many kids would run up to him, and say Hi Jaren with big smiles on their faces. He was running around with a big group of boys they were just laughing, and playing.

Before we approached the playground he said "Mom wait. I want to give you a kiss, and a hug." He sure does love his Mommy! I will take the affection as long as it last. I'm not sure the age they start getting embarrassed of Mom. But until then I will cherish every one of these moments. When it was time for him to line up he had a bit of a hard time. He wanted to come with us. It breaks my heart. One of the teachers helped him to class, and he was on his way.

So today I am grateful for two things. One, my sweet little boy. Who loves his Mommy. Two, for all the friends he has made at school. He is just such a fun little boy.

Originally published on September 11, 2008.

Seriously? Do I need to say anything else?

You know I do! The cutest 3 year old ever! Put this on all by himself. Sometimes I just want to take a big huge bite out of him!