Every so often I have weeks where I miss my family in a major way. I'm the oldest of six children and every single one of them is within 4 hours of home. And then there's me...14 hours. Not a quick trip, not an easy drop-in. If I lived 4 hours away, I'd go home all the time. I love family time; I love mom and dad and I love sitting on the back deck of my parent's house while we talk and watch the kids play.
I was in the car the other day and a song came on. And I immediately wanted my sister, Anna. She and I have this thing...music. We text each other song titles all the time and it's just an understanding; it means "go listen, you'll love it". And it means "I thought of you when I heard this and thinking of you makes me happy". And while I was listening to this song I was momentarily completely amazed that life gives us ways to love each other from a distance. For brief moments, I can be with a family member in spirit. As the song played, she was in the passenger seat with me and we were singing it and I could hear her laugh and say, "I love that line!". And of course we'd be on our way to the beach while we listened.
Life surrounds us with ways to stay connected to those that aren't nearby. Our loved ones are everywhere in the lovely things around us. It's in the simple things. I couldn't think of another person I wanted to call more when the Giant's won the World Series last year than my brother, Daniel. And he gives me a reason to love the Giants even more because every time they play, I know Dan is watching. And it feels like we're on the couch together talking about how great Hunter Pence is.
Then there's Kyle...the one person I call when I struggle with a scary midnight cough in my child and can't calm my frustrations and fears on the outcome. He's a calming influence and a voice of reason. He's all the sudden sitting on the couch with me in the middle of the night, calming my crying child. And we talk in the middle of the night in quiet voices about life. And then when I have tiny triumphs, I can't wait to call him. But he always beats me to it and calls me first. And then somehow, something that was so hard all of the sudden becomes easy.
Last week I got my hair colored...that's huge for me. And I just knew I needed to call my sister, Jenn. She'd love it. She'd tell me it was awesome and that I looked ten pounds lighter and that I should go buy a new outfit to match my new hair. And for a moment she was beside me in a dressing room telling me how awesome I looked in this new outfit. I can't get a new haircut without thinking about Jenn.
Jess...we've had amazing conversations about the deeper things in life. And just last year we gained common ground in motherhood. And we spent hours on the phone in the beginning talking about the joys and hardships of motherhood. And now I can't walk by baby clothes without wanting to call her. And for a moment, we're in the middle of a sale rack looking for cute baby clothes while I remind her she's a good mother.
Then there's dad, a true pillar in my life and a spiritual giant. I can't get through a Sunday afternoon without missing my dad. Sunday's are his favorite. He reads, takes walks, visits with family, and spends the day focusing on God's blessings. And now I take walks with my husband on Sunday afternoons and for a moment, I'm with my dad on a walk. And he holds my hand because that's what he likes to do and we wouldn't get through the walk without him telling me how beautiful I was...he's good at that. He tells me all the time.
And mom...truly my best friend. Everything lovely reminds me of her: a swatch of cute fabric, a great new recipe, a quilt, Downton Abbey, the new book I'm reading, the new flowers I planted in front, EVERYTHING reminds me of mom. And I have thousands of moments with her in my mind about the things that happen everyday. And then I can't stand it and actually call her. And we talk for two hours about everything and nothing and I ache to have her here. So I wrap myself in one of her quilts that's on my couch and watch an episode of Gilmore Girls and for a moment, she's here and we're talking about how Rory should have ended up with Jess.
I spend every day of my life loving them from a distance.
Now, it may appear that I'm simply homesick. But, in actuality, all this sentiment lends itself to a boundless amount of gratitude for one special person...Jesus Christ. Stick with me on the connection.
I gave a church lesson today and we were able to watch a beautiful Easter message about Christ. I'll share it at the end of this post. The message is simple: HE IS HERE. Christ, who was crucified and died, rose again on the third day. And He is here, all around us, in everything good.
There are facts and realities that cannot be avoided in this life. One of the most certain is that we will all die. People leave us as they leave this life in death, and we are left to love them from a distance. And they leave things behind that remind us of them, and we still have moments with them in some respect.
But today, as I watched, I was overcome with gratitude for the resurrection. Christ erases the distance. He allows any parting to be temporary...most importantly our distance from Him and our loving Heavenly Father. Someday, if I do my part, the distance between He and I will be gone permanently. And in the meantime, He's left blessings all around me that allow us to have moments together: His peaceful words in the scriptures, my wonderful husband, my beautiful children, the crickets outside at night, the gentle summer breeze, all lend itself to His presence in my life. HE IS HERE. And I can have moments with Him as I fall to my knees and pray to Him. And these moments are REAL. And just as I can speak with my family, I can speak to Him. Our conversations are real, His love is real. The distance is gone.
As you can tell, my family is pretty great. I think being homesick is a good sign that you come from a wonderful home. You wouldn't miss something if you didn't love it a lot, right?
As I grow older, I find myself becoming a new kind of homesick...for a home I came from long ago with my Father in Heaven. Christ has provided the way back. I look forward to that day as I enjoy this earthly experience in all it's splendor.
And in the meantime...He's loving me from a distance.
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-04-1010-he-lives-celebrate-easter-because-jesus-christ-lives?category=topics/easter&lang=eng
Happy Easter
Sarah
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Free Printable: Weekly Menu
Here's a free printable for the day. I like to plan my weekly meals and this is an easy and cute way to display what you have planned for the week. Simply save the image to your computer, upload to your favorite photo printing store, print as an 8x10, put in a frame, and buy some wet erase markers. Simple as that! You could use dry erase markers if you prefer, but I like the cleaner look of the wet erase. Have fun with this!
(right-click image below and save as a jpg to your computer)
See how cute it looks.
All ready to go...now the tricky part is sticking to it.
Sarah Luvs It!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Why Kindness Counts
People surprise me all the time...mostly with their kindness and goodness. I witness service everyday in all its forms. I believe people to be generally good. I like to see people for the amazing things they are or can become. I like to like people.
But every so often I am taken aback for just a moment. Tonight I had an interesting experience. I was in the grocery store with all three of my kids. My youngest had to go to the bathroom so I sent him in with my other two so he could get started while I finished putting some cilantro in the cart. I walked towards the bathroom, taking the baby isle as the shortest route. I passed a young mom and her son being pushed in a stroller. I didn't think much of it. As I passed her she called out and said, "Excuse me, can you help me please? I need to buy diapers and I didn't bring enough money. Do you have money you could spare?" I took in the whole scene. She looked rough...her son, even rougher. He was the dirtiest baby I'd seen. No shoes, crazy hair, dirt all over, and very squirmy. He was chewing on a banana and trying to be good. I NEVER carry cash and had all of $0.47. I'm a credit kind of gal. I gave her all the change I had and she said thank you. I went into the bathroom, finished helping my son, and stood as he finished up. And was hit with the strong impression that I should go out, find her, and offer to buy her diapers.
So I gathered my kids, and walked every isle until I found her. I told her that she could come with me and that I would buy her diapers. She said OK and followed. We waited for a moment in line while she told me about her abusive husband that she'd just left. She showed me a bruise on her neck. She told me how she'd attempted to walk to Walmart to return something she didn't need so that she could get diapers, but stopped because it was too hot and too hard. I listened with sympathy and told her I was sorry she had to go through those things.
It was our turn. I told her to go ahead of me. She placed the diapers on the check stand. I stepped up to the cashier and told her that I needed those diapers put into a separate bag and that I would pay for them along with my groceries. The cashier looked at me in a stupor. I repeated again what needed to be done. Her manager was now with us also and looked as confused as she did. He hesitated but did as I asked. I turned to the girl and told her to take the bag. She said thank you and left. The manager followed her.
I don't serve others to be recognized. That's not the point. I didn't need the cashier to say anything. But I knew that if she did say something that it would be words like, "That was nice". What I got wasn't what I was expecting. AT ALL. The minute the girl was out of earshot, the cashier turned to me and got after me. "You shouldn't have done that for her. She's in here all the time begging for money. She did this last week. She lies to you. She gives herself those bruises. You shouldn't ever help her again." I didn't know what to say. So all I said was "Hmmm." She treated me like I had been taken and fooled. And then an awkward silence ensued as the manager followed the girl out to tell her to stop coming in. After a moment the cashier looked at me quickly and said quietly, "But that was very nice of you. I understand why a mom like you would want to help." I smiled at her and simply said, "It didn't hurt me to do it." And she didn't say any more to me.
Now it gets interesting. I walked out to my car and here was this girl....getting into a car that was being driven by another adult. It was a nice car. The girl looked at me and said thank you again. I could see a hint of shame in her eyes, the look that said, "I lied to you." And I just smiled. But inside I felt a little disappointed. I had been taken. The cashier was right. But this feeling lasted for only a second before I was humbled for letting that thought in.
I believe in God. I KNOW Him to be real. How, you may ask? I find it sufficient to say that it is for reasons that can't be explained. The wind can't be seen...but I can feel it and see the evidence of it's power. That's the most basic way of me explaining it to you. I believe He leads us to people. I know He sees the bigger picture and nudges us in certain directions and then waits for us to listen and act. And He is so good at teaching us. And tonight He taught me. As I let disappointment in at knowing this girl had lied, He was quick to speak to my mind. "I didn't ask you to judge her. I asked you to buy her diapers. That's all you need to worry about." And that was that. I pushed the thought aside and didn't worry another second about it. I would listen to God.
The world is interesting. We look at people and if we consider them to be undeserving, we see any act of service towards them as a waste of time. But sometimes service isn't about the other person at all. Maybe tonight was about me. Maybe it was my turn to be tested. Maybe tonight was the night that God said, "I'd like to know if Sarah will listen to me tonight. I'd like to know if she'll part with $10. I'd like to know if she'll stand up to a cashier. I'd like to know if she'll still be happy about it after learning that someone lied to her. I'd like to know if she'll just trust me". Sometimes it's about me.
I'll never know what that girl truly does and does not need. And that's OK. It doesn't matter. Bottom line...we're all undeserving. God is the one who wakes me up every morning and allows me to live another day. He gives me each breath I take. He gave me my beautiful family. He allows us to be together. He gives me EVERYTHING. And there are days that I'm ungrateful and undeserving and He still blesses me. He's merciful and kind and gives me things I don't deserve. So who am I to withhold blessings from others, when what I give them has already been given to me by God in the first place? My money belongs to Him, those diapers belong to Him, that girl belongs to Him. And every so often He allows us to be an instrument in His hands.
I don't give money to everyone that asks. But there are times when charity is needed and kindness is called for. Listen to His voice for those times when He needs you. Don't judge others based on your perception of their deserving. We're all undeserving and we're all in need of God's love.
Find someone to love today.
But every so often I am taken aback for just a moment. Tonight I had an interesting experience. I was in the grocery store with all three of my kids. My youngest had to go to the bathroom so I sent him in with my other two so he could get started while I finished putting some cilantro in the cart. I walked towards the bathroom, taking the baby isle as the shortest route. I passed a young mom and her son being pushed in a stroller. I didn't think much of it. As I passed her she called out and said, "Excuse me, can you help me please? I need to buy diapers and I didn't bring enough money. Do you have money you could spare?" I took in the whole scene. She looked rough...her son, even rougher. He was the dirtiest baby I'd seen. No shoes, crazy hair, dirt all over, and very squirmy. He was chewing on a banana and trying to be good. I NEVER carry cash and had all of $0.47. I'm a credit kind of gal. I gave her all the change I had and she said thank you. I went into the bathroom, finished helping my son, and stood as he finished up. And was hit with the strong impression that I should go out, find her, and offer to buy her diapers.
So I gathered my kids, and walked every isle until I found her. I told her that she could come with me and that I would buy her diapers. She said OK and followed. We waited for a moment in line while she told me about her abusive husband that she'd just left. She showed me a bruise on her neck. She told me how she'd attempted to walk to Walmart to return something she didn't need so that she could get diapers, but stopped because it was too hot and too hard. I listened with sympathy and told her I was sorry she had to go through those things.
It was our turn. I told her to go ahead of me. She placed the diapers on the check stand. I stepped up to the cashier and told her that I needed those diapers put into a separate bag and that I would pay for them along with my groceries. The cashier looked at me in a stupor. I repeated again what needed to be done. Her manager was now with us also and looked as confused as she did. He hesitated but did as I asked. I turned to the girl and told her to take the bag. She said thank you and left. The manager followed her.
I don't serve others to be recognized. That's not the point. I didn't need the cashier to say anything. But I knew that if she did say something that it would be words like, "That was nice". What I got wasn't what I was expecting. AT ALL. The minute the girl was out of earshot, the cashier turned to me and got after me. "You shouldn't have done that for her. She's in here all the time begging for money. She did this last week. She lies to you. She gives herself those bruises. You shouldn't ever help her again." I didn't know what to say. So all I said was "Hmmm." She treated me like I had been taken and fooled. And then an awkward silence ensued as the manager followed the girl out to tell her to stop coming in. After a moment the cashier looked at me quickly and said quietly, "But that was very nice of you. I understand why a mom like you would want to help." I smiled at her and simply said, "It didn't hurt me to do it." And she didn't say any more to me.
Now it gets interesting. I walked out to my car and here was this girl....getting into a car that was being driven by another adult. It was a nice car. The girl looked at me and said thank you again. I could see a hint of shame in her eyes, the look that said, "I lied to you." And I just smiled. But inside I felt a little disappointed. I had been taken. The cashier was right. But this feeling lasted for only a second before I was humbled for letting that thought in.
I believe in God. I KNOW Him to be real. How, you may ask? I find it sufficient to say that it is for reasons that can't be explained. The wind can't be seen...but I can feel it and see the evidence of it's power. That's the most basic way of me explaining it to you. I believe He leads us to people. I know He sees the bigger picture and nudges us in certain directions and then waits for us to listen and act. And He is so good at teaching us. And tonight He taught me. As I let disappointment in at knowing this girl had lied, He was quick to speak to my mind. "I didn't ask you to judge her. I asked you to buy her diapers. That's all you need to worry about." And that was that. I pushed the thought aside and didn't worry another second about it. I would listen to God.
The world is interesting. We look at people and if we consider them to be undeserving, we see any act of service towards them as a waste of time. But sometimes service isn't about the other person at all. Maybe tonight was about me. Maybe it was my turn to be tested. Maybe tonight was the night that God said, "I'd like to know if Sarah will listen to me tonight. I'd like to know if she'll part with $10. I'd like to know if she'll stand up to a cashier. I'd like to know if she'll still be happy about it after learning that someone lied to her. I'd like to know if she'll just trust me". Sometimes it's about me.
I'll never know what that girl truly does and does not need. And that's OK. It doesn't matter. Bottom line...we're all undeserving. God is the one who wakes me up every morning and allows me to live another day. He gives me each breath I take. He gave me my beautiful family. He allows us to be together. He gives me EVERYTHING. And there are days that I'm ungrateful and undeserving and He still blesses me. He's merciful and kind and gives me things I don't deserve. So who am I to withhold blessings from others, when what I give them has already been given to me by God in the first place? My money belongs to Him, those diapers belong to Him, that girl belongs to Him. And every so often He allows us to be an instrument in His hands.
I don't give money to everyone that asks. But there are times when charity is needed and kindness is called for. Listen to His voice for those times when He needs you. Don't judge others based on your perception of their deserving. We're all undeserving and we're all in need of God's love.
Find someone to love today.
"We are all in need of mercy" - Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Friday, June 6, 2014
How to Save Your Leftover Smoothies and My Favorite Green Smoothie
We love making smoothies in our house. We love fruit smoothies, green smoothies (look for my favorite recipe below), chocolate smoothies, any smoothie. But it's inevitable that there's always some leftovers and I used to feel awful having to throw the rest out. Smoothies change real quick after a while. They separate and don't keep in the fridge. But here's a great way to salvage those leftovers! You won't ever have to throw away the leftovers ever again!
Make your smoothie (this one is a watermelon, raspberry, lime, carrot smoothie)! And then drink your smoothie!
And then tell your leftovers to stop freaking out! They're going to be saved!
Get out a small SNACK SIZE Ziploc bag. It is absolutely important that it is this size. I'll tell you why in a minute...
Pour the rest into the bag and then lay it FLAT in the freezer. Now next time you make the exact same smoothie, simply tear open the bag and then slide it down one side of the blender (this is why you need the small size bag. You want it to fit in the blender). And since it's already frozen, you don't need ice for your smoothie! Voila! The flavor of your smoothie will be better because you're not having to use ice that waters down the flavor!
If you don't have the small Ziplocs, you can also pour the remnants in an ice tray, wait for them to freeze, and then put them in a larger Freezer bag to use as the start for your next smoothie. Pick whatever you'd like to use and feel good about saving!
Here's my favorite green smoothie right now. I save the leftovers of this all the time:
Sarah Luvs It! Have a great weekend!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Why Giving Up Was the Best Thing I Ever Did
Ten years ago I gave up. I knew I had to quit. And I've never regretted a single minute since. Let me tell you why.
This time of year is special. Mother's Day. Graduations. The birthday of my first child. All these things combined cause me to pause each year and reflect on the past.
I started college in the fall of 2002. It was amazing. There's nothing like starting a new chapter in your life. I loved the classes, the variety of people, the life experience I was gaining. Going to college was never an option for me. Of course I was going. I was an English fanatic and was going to get my English degree. I quickly learned that Elementary Education was more up my alley and switched majors. I also met my amazing husband and we got married a short time later. All this marriage stuff combined with all this learning about children stuff and I was as baby-hungry as an animal that eats babies. :) Needless to say, a short five months after we got married, I was pregnant. We were elated. My husband is four years older than I am and graduation for him was scheduled for a week before our baby was due. Perfection.
But this meant a lot for me. I knew we couldn't pal around campus and pretend that we had time to kill before we needed a real job to support our family. He was already looking and I knew it would take us to who-knows-where. I had already put in almost a year a half of school. I was about 2-3 semesters away from having a degree in Preschool. And I knew I couldn't finish.
When I registered for what I knew would be my last semester of college, I signed up for things that still counted towards my major. I wanted to do all I could. I also took my husband's advice and signed up for a couple classes that were just for fun. He reminded me college should be functional and fun. It was a GREAT semester and I worked hard. I got good grades and finished feeling happy with what I had done. And then I gave up. I gave up everything I had worked for to do the best job in the world...wife and mother.
I won't lie...my husband's graduation day was bittersweet. I was so proud of his accomplishments. I cried when he walked across the stage. I cried for the love I felt for him, cried for all the hard work I knew he had done, cried for the exciting future ahead of him...and I cried for me. I cried for this moment that I'd never have, this accomplishment I'd never feel, this chapter of my life that was ending.
Our daughter was born less than two weeks later, we moved to California for our first real job nine days after that, and my world was turned upside down. Thoughts of college went out the door and my whole world revolved around nighttime feedings for the next few years. Two more beautiful children came to us and life was a whirlwind of diapers, cheerios, and spilled milk. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I'm sure you all understand.
Everyone needs validation, something to say "You've accomplished something and I recognize it". And every time graduation would roll around for friends and family of May each year, I would have small pangs in my heart that I was missing out. I wanted that piece of paper that told me I was special, that I had worked hard, that I could be a valuable asset to someone. I watched a neighbor go to school every week with three kids and get her degree. From my eyes she had it all together. She was able to do it all. Be a great mother, a great wife, finish school, be the perfect example for her kids to follow. Her kids would look at her someday and say, "Mom did it. We can too".
All you guardians (and I say this because parents come in all forms) out there know how hard it is sometimes. Typical forms of validation don't exist for us: the paycheck, the bonus, the raise, the promotion, the vacation time. What I wouldn't give for a time card sometimes...can I clock out for just 15 minutes so I can pee? No, no you can't. Can I take a lunch break? Maybe, and then I only have the leftovers of a PB&J to offer you.
So I began to wonder if I wasn't trying hard enough. I wondered if I had given up too easily. Maybe I could and should finish college. I thought it would somehow quantify my self-worth. Now my reasons for wanting a degree had nothing to do with being marketable in the workforce. I thought that having it would mean I was more of a person, someone who could accomplish anything, someone who could do more than clean house and change diapers. I wanted to be interesting and specialized.
After some serious self-reflection and prayer, I came to terms with giving up college. Heavenly Father told me I was doing the right thing and that if I needed that degree someday, He would tell me so and then provide a way for me to get it.
People give up every day. And by "give up", I mean SACRIFICE. And I'm not just talking stay-at-home moms here. Mothers who go to college give up too...give up every spare minute after their kids go to bed to finish homework so they're able to give their children all they have during waking hours.
Working moms give up time they wish they could have to go on field trips just so they can have enough money to feed their kids. Fathers give up those first moments at home with their kiddos so that there's enough money for rent. Grandparents give up their retirement years to raise grandchildren that don't have parents around. And the list could go on. My point is, we all give up at some point...give up dreams, give up parts of ourselves for a greater good.
Sacrifice has always been taught to me to mean giving up something good for something better. And that's exactly what giving up college was for me. And I'm still amazing despite my lack of degree. I'm educated. I'm interesting. I'm specialized in a thousand things: cooking, cleaning, sewing, playing Candyland, tying shoes, doing a mean ponytail, being an awesome PTG president, making amazing cookies, and a gazillion other things. I'm worth something. I'm enough.
What-ifs are inevitable. Do I wonder sometimes what I'd be doing with a degree? Sure. Do I picture myself being the world's greatest teacher sometimes? You betcha. But I smile and look around me at all that I got in return for giving that up. And I can look at it without regret and despise. Because I love what I have.
It's ok to mourn lost experiences. It's ok to wish we could do more than we can. But it's ok to bury the past. Move forward with firm footing in your decisions. Own them and give your whole heart to them. Be glad for those that get to go through the experiences you don't. Be sympathetic to those that want the experiences you have. Be happy for the person that finished college. Be happy for the person who didn't. Be happy for the mom that works. Be happy for the mom that stays home. Bottom line...be grateful. And give up...give up something good for something better. And be ok with what it cost you.
For those of you wondering...I finally got that piece of paper...the one that says "You've accomplished something and I recognize it". I finally got that piece of paper that told me I was special, that I had worked hard, that I could be a valuable asset to someone. I took a picture to commemorate the moment:
This time of year is special. Mother's Day. Graduations. The birthday of my first child. All these things combined cause me to pause each year and reflect on the past.
I started college in the fall of 2002. It was amazing. There's nothing like starting a new chapter in your life. I loved the classes, the variety of people, the life experience I was gaining. Going to college was never an option for me. Of course I was going. I was an English fanatic and was going to get my English degree. I quickly learned that Elementary Education was more up my alley and switched majors. I also met my amazing husband and we got married a short time later. All this marriage stuff combined with all this learning about children stuff and I was as baby-hungry as an animal that eats babies. :) Needless to say, a short five months after we got married, I was pregnant. We were elated. My husband is four years older than I am and graduation for him was scheduled for a week before our baby was due. Perfection.
But this meant a lot for me. I knew we couldn't pal around campus and pretend that we had time to kill before we needed a real job to support our family. He was already looking and I knew it would take us to who-knows-where. I had already put in almost a year a half of school. I was about 2-3 semesters away from having a degree in Preschool. And I knew I couldn't finish.
When I registered for what I knew would be my last semester of college, I signed up for things that still counted towards my major. I wanted to do all I could. I also took my husband's advice and signed up for a couple classes that were just for fun. He reminded me college should be functional and fun. It was a GREAT semester and I worked hard. I got good grades and finished feeling happy with what I had done. And then I gave up. I gave up everything I had worked for to do the best job in the world...wife and mother.
I won't lie...my husband's graduation day was bittersweet. I was so proud of his accomplishments. I cried when he walked across the stage. I cried for the love I felt for him, cried for all the hard work I knew he had done, cried for the exciting future ahead of him...and I cried for me. I cried for this moment that I'd never have, this accomplishment I'd never feel, this chapter of my life that was ending.
Our daughter was born less than two weeks later, we moved to California for our first real job nine days after that, and my world was turned upside down. Thoughts of college went out the door and my whole world revolved around nighttime feedings for the next few years. Two more beautiful children came to us and life was a whirlwind of diapers, cheerios, and spilled milk. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I'm sure you all understand.
Everyone needs validation, something to say "You've accomplished something and I recognize it". And every time graduation would roll around for friends and family of May each year, I would have small pangs in my heart that I was missing out. I wanted that piece of paper that told me I was special, that I had worked hard, that I could be a valuable asset to someone. I watched a neighbor go to school every week with three kids and get her degree. From my eyes she had it all together. She was able to do it all. Be a great mother, a great wife, finish school, be the perfect example for her kids to follow. Her kids would look at her someday and say, "Mom did it. We can too".
All you guardians (and I say this because parents come in all forms) out there know how hard it is sometimes. Typical forms of validation don't exist for us: the paycheck, the bonus, the raise, the promotion, the vacation time. What I wouldn't give for a time card sometimes...can I clock out for just 15 minutes so I can pee? No, no you can't. Can I take a lunch break? Maybe, and then I only have the leftovers of a PB&J to offer you.
So I began to wonder if I wasn't trying hard enough. I wondered if I had given up too easily. Maybe I could and should finish college. I thought it would somehow quantify my self-worth. Now my reasons for wanting a degree had nothing to do with being marketable in the workforce. I thought that having it would mean I was more of a person, someone who could accomplish anything, someone who could do more than clean house and change diapers. I wanted to be interesting and specialized.
After some serious self-reflection and prayer, I came to terms with giving up college. Heavenly Father told me I was doing the right thing and that if I needed that degree someday, He would tell me so and then provide a way for me to get it.
People give up every day. And by "give up", I mean SACRIFICE. And I'm not just talking stay-at-home moms here. Mothers who go to college give up too...give up every spare minute after their kids go to bed to finish homework so they're able to give their children all they have during waking hours.
Working moms give up time they wish they could have to go on field trips just so they can have enough money to feed their kids. Fathers give up those first moments at home with their kiddos so that there's enough money for rent. Grandparents give up their retirement years to raise grandchildren that don't have parents around. And the list could go on. My point is, we all give up at some point...give up dreams, give up parts of ourselves for a greater good.
Sacrifice has always been taught to me to mean giving up something good for something better. And that's exactly what giving up college was for me. And I'm still amazing despite my lack of degree. I'm educated. I'm interesting. I'm specialized in a thousand things: cooking, cleaning, sewing, playing Candyland, tying shoes, doing a mean ponytail, being an awesome PTG president, making amazing cookies, and a gazillion other things. I'm worth something. I'm enough.
What-ifs are inevitable. Do I wonder sometimes what I'd be doing with a degree? Sure. Do I picture myself being the world's greatest teacher sometimes? You betcha. But I smile and look around me at all that I got in return for giving that up. And I can look at it without regret and despise. Because I love what I have.
It's ok to mourn lost experiences. It's ok to wish we could do more than we can. But it's ok to bury the past. Move forward with firm footing in your decisions. Own them and give your whole heart to them. Be glad for those that get to go through the experiences you don't. Be sympathetic to those that want the experiences you have. Be happy for the person that finished college. Be happy for the person who didn't. Be happy for the mom that works. Be happy for the mom that stays home. Bottom line...be grateful. And give up...give up something good for something better. And be ok with what it cost you.
For those of you wondering...I finally got that piece of paper...the one that says "You've accomplished something and I recognize it". I finally got that piece of paper that told me I was special, that I had worked hard, that I could be a valuable asset to someone. I took a picture to commemorate the moment:
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Sarah Luvs It: Summer Fun List Printable
Summer is soon approaching and for all you guardians out there, this means 8-9 weeks of finding things to prevent that dreaded phrase, "I'm bored!" I sit down with my kiddos right before every summer break and have them write down things that they want to do. And, within reason, we try to do them. We like to plan days by themes sometimes. It helps us stay varied and on track. Some days the chosen activity doesn't take all day and we fill in with other things like chores, swimming, or an impromptu movie. But this printable should get you started! Print it as an 8x10, put it in a frame, and write on the lines with a dry erase marker! Use the weekend to catch up and plan the next week!
Here's some ideas for each day:
1. Make Something Monday - crafting projects, bake something, create a gift for someone who has a special event coming, Lego creations, sewing, car tracks, painting, bubble mix, etc!
2. Take a Trip Tuesday - Go to grandma's house, local movie theatre, museum, aquarium, the beach, roller skating, miniature golf, hiking, nature walks, etc.
3. Water Wednesday - swimming pool, lake, beach, water gun fights, balloon fights, water art on the driveway, sprinklers, etc.
4. Thinking Cap Thursday - science projects, reading, local library, museums, planetariums, review things you learned in school the previous school year, go to a class you signed up for, etc.
5. Friend Day Friday - pick a friend to have over to play, plan a park playdate or swim date, serve a friend who needs help or a pick-me-up, write a friend a letter, Face Time or Skype friends you haven't seen in a while, etc.
Utilize websites like your local chamber of commerce. They're experts at knowing what's going on in the area! And don't be afraid to branch out! Pack the kids up and be brave...drive 3 hours to an amazing beach and play! You can do it! As long as you plan ahead and have the necessary help, you'll be glad you went!
Have fun planning for this summer!
(right-click on the image, save to your computer, and print as an 8x10 to frame.
Use a dry erase marker on the glass to plan events for each day.)
Here's some ideas for each day:
1. Make Something Monday - crafting projects, bake something, create a gift for someone who has a special event coming, Lego creations, sewing, car tracks, painting, bubble mix, etc!
2. Take a Trip Tuesday - Go to grandma's house, local movie theatre, museum, aquarium, the beach, roller skating, miniature golf, hiking, nature walks, etc.
3. Water Wednesday - swimming pool, lake, beach, water gun fights, balloon fights, water art on the driveway, sprinklers, etc.
4. Thinking Cap Thursday - science projects, reading, local library, museums, planetariums, review things you learned in school the previous school year, go to a class you signed up for, etc.
5. Friend Day Friday - pick a friend to have over to play, plan a park playdate or swim date, serve a friend who needs help or a pick-me-up, write a friend a letter, Face Time or Skype friends you haven't seen in a while, etc.
Utilize websites like your local chamber of commerce. They're experts at knowing what's going on in the area! And don't be afraid to branch out! Pack the kids up and be brave...drive 3 hours to an amazing beach and play! You can do it! As long as you plan ahead and have the necessary help, you'll be glad you went!
Have fun planning for this summer!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Sarah Luvs It: Teacher Appreciation Idea
Today's post is a shout out to all those wonderful teachers out there! You know who they are...and I'm a little biased because my son's kindergarten teacher is also his aunt. And she's DA BOMB.
This past week was Teacher Appreciation Week and what better to way to show the love than with a clever and cute gift?! Feel free to use the free printable below to attach to this uber-girlie gift pack. It's for an 8.5x11 piece of cardstock. And sorry to all you fella teachers out there...this one is girls only, unless you don't mind a nice shade of sparkle red nail polish!
Supplies:
1 Container of your choice (I used a chevron printed Tupperware)
1 bottle nail polish
1 travel size bottle nail polish remover
1 mini manicure set
1 package Q-Tips
1 package cotton pads
1 tube lotion
1 set of nail separators
1 bag decorative basket filler
Open your Tupperware and put some basket filler in the bottom.
Now print the following on an 8.5 x 11 piece of cardstock (just click on the image and print it). I also backed mine with another colorful piece of cardstock just to give it a punch of color.
Now close up your Tupperware and add the printable to the front. I used just plain 'ol Scotch Tape to attach mine. Add a pretty bow and Voila! A great gift!
This past week was Teacher Appreciation Week and what better to way to show the love than with a clever and cute gift?! Feel free to use the free printable below to attach to this uber-girlie gift pack. It's for an 8.5x11 piece of cardstock. And sorry to all you fella teachers out there...this one is girls only, unless you don't mind a nice shade of sparkle red nail polish!
Supplies:
1 Container of your choice (I used a chevron printed Tupperware)
1 bottle nail polish
1 travel size bottle nail polish remover
1 mini manicure set
1 package Q-Tips
1 package cotton pads
1 tube lotion
1 set of nail separators
1 bag decorative basket filler
Open your Tupperware and put some basket filler in the bottom.
Now put all the other items in the Tupperware so it looks pretty!
Here's what it looks like before we close things up!
Now print the following on an 8.5 x 11 piece of cardstock (just click on the image and print it). I also backed mine with another colorful piece of cardstock just to give it a punch of color.
Now close up your Tupperware and add the printable to the front. I used just plain 'ol Scotch Tape to attach mine. Add a pretty bow and Voila! A great gift!
Now go appreciate your favorite teachers!
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