Seeing Need

I love the movie Robots. #1- I think it's holy flippin' hilarious.  and #2- I love the key phrase in the movie. 'See a need, Fill a need'.

All summer long I got the feeling/prompting that I needed to buy extra school supplies for a friend's children. So every time I went to the store , I'd grab a few crayons, markers, etc.... and just put them aside in a bag. Last Christmas my friend became a widow with two young children- a boy Alli's age, and a girl Maggie's age.  A few months before her husband died- her grandmother who practically raised her passed away (her parents both died before she was 20)  and she lost her job on top of all of that. Let's just say it's been a rough year from my friend.

The day before school started I dropped off a big ol box of school supplies at her house. She was so overwhelmed- and couldn't believe that I would do something like that, especially since we never really hung out before this summer (the 4 kids go to school together and are really close- so this summer we got them together to play, and it just formed into a friendship). She told me that she couldn't afford to purchase school supplies for her children and was worried what she was going to do in the morning when she had to send them to school empty handed.

While I was over there her kids were saying they were hungry- and it became apparent that they had nothing after she kept trying to brush them off and finally she said "we have nothing to eat, and I don't get any social security money until next week"...... She then just brushed it off and said that she'd figure out something, as she always had before-  we talked for a while longer and then I left.

Our church encourages it's members to have a supply of food storage. While I certainly don't have a year's supply yet, I pulled a few Ikea sized bags out and filled them up with things I could and brought them over to her.

She got big tears in her eyes when I arrived at her doorstep. Then she said something that has been kind of bothering me ever since. She said 'How is it that you take the time to help- when not even my own family would ever do anything like this'.

I have always been raised with beautiful examples of Christlike love and service. My parents, Grandparents, church leaders, friends, parents of friends,etc- I have just been so overwhelmingly blessed to have been raised in such a good community where we took care of each other. I mean heck- I even lived with one of my best friends for 6 whole months while my parents were transitioning from Seattle back to Lewiston after our family business went out.  Who willingly takes in a moody 9th grade girl who thought she knew everything? Wonderful good hearted, Christ-like people, that's who.  That's just one example of service. There are just so so so many more- but the gist is: See a need, fill a need. That's the type of people I was/ and am surrounded with. People who bring meals, people who clean homes, people who fix cars, people supplying homeless with scarves/gloves/hats in winter time, people giving hand ups all around me.(Why just within this past week friends brought us dinner on a whim, another friend took all four of my children for a few hours when she thought I was in need of a mental break, another friend took the time to call when she felt a prompting- as I was having a rough day...... I guess I'm needy ;D )

I didn't take a second thought to help another in need- because it is second nature. I just am in such a bubble that I believed that if anyone saw another lacking- they would come to that person's aid. Regardless of nationality, religion, circumstance, etc- everyone needs help some help sometime. It also doesn't matter if you are fabulously rich or homeless on the street- everyone is also capable of serving others.

I felt so sorry for my friend who has never been in that type of community before. How is it that people have come so far and lost the 'It takes a villiage' mantra? It's like most people have forgotten that they are apart of a whole world of people that should be working all together! Instead it's people focusing on themselves and how they can succeed - without a thought of what they can do for others to help everyone get to a better place.

Am I writing this to toot my own horn? "Yay! I'm so awesome, pat on the back to me!" No. Fortunately for the world around us, there are many others who are doing so much more than the piddly stuff I have ever done. I'm writing this to say look around you. Make sure there aren't others out there who need you- and you haven't noticed. Ever get that little thought to visit someone? call someone? bring dinner over to someone? I believe that's a higher power (aka: Heavenly Father, or whoever you believe in) asking us to help take care of His children.


This is one of my favorite hymns at church. I love the sweet message.  I always wonder what the world would be like if everyone followed it's message. I'm pretty sure it'd be Heaven on earth. 

I want to challenge you- if you feel a prompting to help another, or if you see another in need- follow it. Who knows what could happen if you took that time to bless their lives.


See a need. Fill a need.




p.s. If you haven't seen Robots. Do it. I pretty much guarantee you'll snort because your laughing so hard.

Tid Bits

This is a tid bits and pieces kind of post- just so I can write things down......

1- A few weeks ago Chip and I played Settlers of Catan for the first time with some awesome sauce friends. We're digging it. I think it's on our "to buy" list for games now.

 2- Yesterday was our bi-annual twins club sale. I accidentally left my phone in the car and I missed a few calls. Wanna know what was so important?

Little Miss Moo lost her very first tooth! She has been DYING to lose one. She's pretty much the last one in her class to get a jack-o-lantern grin. She was elated!  The Tooth Fairy gave $2 (the going rate for the first tooth) and any additional teeth are only $1. She currently has 2 more teeth that are loose.



3-  On Friday Maggie's teacher told me she wished she had an entire classroom filled with kids just like Maggie. She's pretty much smitten with this little ginger. I thought that was pretty funny. I just said "are you sure we're talking about the same child?"


4. Choir started up last week. I love it! We've got quite a few newbies in our group (yay for fresh blood!)  and even though it gives me hives to think that Christmas is just a short 99 days away (like for real!) - it's actually fun singing Christmas songs again.

5. At the first PTA meeting of the year I was voted in as treasurer. Again.  More coming on that.

6. The boys LOVE LOVE LOVE acting like puppies or kitties. It's their new favorite thing.  They walk around making puppy licking noises- which they say "I'm supping you". I guess that noise sounds like the word 'SUP" to them- so that's what it is. Supping.

I remembered that when Maggie was 3- Nomi made her a puppy costume for Halloween. I just so happen to stumble upon it and thought the boys would totally love it. I was right. They are fighting over it constantly. The body part of the suit has an awesome tail that swishes around. Hind ends are swinging non stop over here.  **Dexter dressed himself in the Puppy hat/fancy skirt combo. He was pretty pleased with it.**

7)  Miles started going pee pee in the potty! Woot!! One day he just said he wanted to sit on it- and he went. Just like that. Pretty much anytime I sit him on the potty he'll tinkle. Nice. Still hasn't done #2 yet- but who cares- he's the earliest of all my children to show interest in the potty. I'm pretty much thinking he'll get the 'favorite child' trophy...
Dexter does not like the potty. He likes the M&M's he gets after he sits on it, but not the potty itself. He has yet to go tinkles.

8) I started a bet with Michelle. That's right. I'm officially a betting person. There's a money prize involved too....

Michelle and I were getting tired of our junk in the trunk area (and well, every other area that jiggled)  so we bet each other on who could lose the most weight by Dec 1st. We started out Tuesday.  That gives us 11 1/2 weeks. I'm guessing I'm going to lose infinity pounds and look like Barbie when I'm done. 

I bought these:

My first new pair of sneakers since I was pregnant with Alli. That's right folks. I run/exercise so much that I only need a new pair of sneakers every decade. I'm hoping these wear out sooner.

I have been using the My Fitness Tracker app on my Ipad to count calories, track exercise, and track weight loss. I like the app so far. The one thing I don't like is that when it keeps track of the calories that you burn after the exercise- it puts those calories into your daily food allotment making you feel like you've earned the right- and now deserve to cram more food into your face.  It gives you exact calories/fat/proteins/sugars, etc that you should be eating each day..... on Wednesday I put a yogurt in the tracker for my breakfast. It exceeded my amount of sugar allowed in an entire day's worth of food. A regular Yoplait yogurt! So back in the fridge it went.  I always write down my food in the tracker before I eat it- just so I don't get those kinds of surprises AFTER I ate it.

I've also been exercising for the past FIVE days in a row. New record (previously held in 2001) I'm hoping to keep it up- as let's face it- Money is on the line.... so I'm going to win. ;D  (Sorry Michelle, I love ya, but you're going down.)

9) I busted out a sweater for the first time since spring. It was glorious. I LOVE sweaters.

10) Also with the sweaters comes the extra blankets on the bed. Chip HATES this time of year. He's a Mr. Hot Box and radiates heat like no other. I'm Mrs. Icicles on my Toes and need 1000 blankets to keep me warm. I love the weight and the warmth that comes with stacks of blankets on my bed.  My mom has a blanket on her bed that I'm assuming weighs quite literally 1000lbs. It's the best thing ever. My great grandma made it out of scrap fabric- it's all patches and weird shapes- and mismatched colors. I've always loved it (AKA: I call dibs on it when mom and dad kick the bucket.... and yes, I just did that.)

11) I was downloading books on my Ipad for the kids when I came across a Sweet Pickle book that was FREE. Hello!

I think these were my very favorite books as a child. I loved them! We had every one of them and my mom would read them practically every night to us- with silly voices. I would line up all the books alphabetically- as there was a character for each letter of the alphabet. Then I would open Alligator's book and look at the inside cover and see them all lined up and I would double check to make sure I had all the books

Those were the good days.


12) Alli auditioned for hand chimes and choir in school. She got into choir and is pretty proud of herself.  She is also going to start the violin. She is so super pumped! My ears can't wait for that treat.

I remember starting the violin in 4th grade. My violin teacher had just gotten back from an Asian jail because he killed a dude who broke into his room with a machete.  Apparently Idaho only employs the finest teachers that money can buy. 


13) Two weeks ago Chip got sustained and set apart to be the Young Men's president at church. He was 1st counselor before that, so I was thinking that things wouldn't change much- no biggie.  Unfortunately I had my horse blinders on- and he's way busy. I have no idea how he's cramming so much extra stuff into the already zero time that he has.... but he's getting it done. He sure loves those young men.

14) Alli and Maggie invited their friends Gabe and Olivia to church with them- and for the past 2 weeks they have been coming. Their mom isn't ready to come, but she loves that the kids are going and is excited to hear what they have learned each week. I wish I was brave enough to be such good missionaries as my children are. What good examples to me.

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Alright that's about as much as I can think of. It's late. I'm cold. and the bed is calling.

Until next time.

Judging Others

Tonight I posted on facebook the following:

While scrap booking tonight I was eavesdropping on the table next to me. It was a group of four gals so were good friends, but hadn't gotten all together in 8 months..... Anyway this one lady was like "did you hear I'm getting divorced?" the other ladies were like did he cheat on you? Did he drink too much? Did he hit you? We're you guys fighting? All the answers were no. So they asked the reason.

I almost threw up when she answered. "we've been together for 10 years and I was bored and tired with being with the same man." then she went on to say how hard her two kids were taking it and it is really rough for them, but she is so happy being free to be with different guys. Then she went on to say how supportive her church friends were being.......

What the heck is wrong with people!?

Poor kids and soon to be ex husband..... Having to deal with a selfish mother/ wife.

Yes, I know it's a little long for a facebook status- but it was something that I couldn't get off of my mind. I'm still reeling over the conversation- and it's 3:30am as I'm writing this.  I was expecting for people to to say stuff more along the lines of "wow, that lady is just throwing her marriage away" or "How sad"... etc.... but I got some throwing "don't judge " in my face.

Ya know what? 

I am judging. I probably shouldn't. I'm the first to admit that you're not supposed to judge. But on this one I couldn't help it.

I was sitting less than 2 feet away from this group of four ladies- and we were the only ones in the room- I guess this lady who was throwing away her marriage felt comfortable in speaking candidly.  (she probably thought I was engrossed in scrapbooking the pictures of when Maggie colored herself from top to bottom... do you remember that?)  Anyway, the ladies were going around the table telling what was new to each other. Anything from 'We got a new house" to "the vacant house we are trying to rent out got vandalized and someone completely flooded the basement with over 3 feet of water and did over $10k in damage to it".... and when it was this ladies turn and she led with "did you hear I'm getting divorced?"

You would think most people would be sad/sheepish/heartbroken to say those words, but she wasn't she was quite tickled by announcing it. Her friends asked the requisite questions that friends ask-  ya know... was he abusive/cheating/drunk/were you guys fighting etc. To each she responded no. She just brushed it off with a quick " I know it's wrong, I was just bored, I wanted to bang a new man, I was tired of waking up next to the same guy over and over."....      

That's why I am judging. I know the value of marriage.  Yes. Marriage can get boring. You wake up day after day- work, cleaning, kids, carpool, dinner, dishes, etc... every. single. day. day in. day out.  It's the little part with your spouse after the kids go to bed when you can talk about your days, giggle with each other, romance each other, take a deep breath and relax together- it's those 60-120 minutes that you have together before you need to go to bed for the night that are what makes a marriage fun- what keeps you going.... 

I have a strong belief that marriage is eternal. Even if I didn't belong to the church I do, or have the same faith that I have- I can't actually think that a loving Heavenly Father would send us here to earth, command for us to marry and procreate, live a long life together- working hard and sacrificing together- form bonds that are so strong with another person and then you die and it's like *poof* nothing.   No marriage, no family, nothing. Just a vast nothingness.   I believe that our marriages will go into the hereafter. Our families will go into the hereafter. Together.  It's a bond stronger than death.  When people feel it's okay to throw something like that away- it just makes me so sad. It makes me sad for them- sad for their spouse, and especially sad for those kids who are now torn in pieces. 

I have thought long and hard on marriage. I really have. For the longest time I thought that I could only be happy if I found "THE ONE"...  and then I thought, what if "THE ONE"  would find someone before me- or what if he was silly and married someone else or decided to become a monk- then I'd be stuck alone forever because I missed my chance.  Then I started thinking- ya know what?  Basically, in a nut shell,  anyone can be "the one" As long as your partner isn't abusive (be it physically, emotionally, or to substances), doesn't cheat, and is respectful - you can make a go with pretty much anyone. You can learn to love each other- or fall back in love with each other. Yes, it does take some sucking up of pride you have to admit that sometimes you are in the wrong, it takes lots of give and take to make a marriage work- but if each of you is a decent person, you respect each other- and you have the same end goals..... you can pretty much make a run of it. 

So why am I judging? Is my marriage perfect? Ohh sure. Sure it is. NOT. Chip and I have our downs. We have fought. We have stormed out the door to cool off before it got out of hand. We have major differences of opinions. We get angry. We have horrible. rotten. no.good.days-  But we work on our marriage. We start and end our day with prayer together. Every single day. We have the same end goal. We try to treat each other with respect. Are there days/weeks/months where our marriage is boring?  YES!  Has that Reba MacEntire song "Life Out There" popped into my head? YES! Have I wondered if I should give up on the whole thing and do something just for me- something I've always longed to do? Yes.  In the end the answer is always to humble myself,  fall in love with my husband all over again (not that I've ever fell "out" of love), or fall in love even more- .... but we take the time and write love notes, do simple gestures of kindness to each other with love in our hearts (Chip washes dishes for me when he knows I'm stressing out of my mind. Is that fun for him? No. He hates that chore a super ton, but he does it because he knows that's one thing off of my plate) - or like one year he bought this Victorian book for me on the meaning of flowers- he also bought one for himself..... and randomly he'll go to a flower store - look through meanings and send me a little message with the meanings of the flowers the he got for me. and yes, I have to look them up. (Yes, I'm giving examples of what Chip has done for me- because those are things that have touched me and have been such sweet gestures. I also do things for him.... but I like remembering sweet things he does for me) ---- the point is you can *almost always re-fall in love with someone. Remember the what you fell for in the first place. I like to Focus on wanting to sit on that porch swing together with Chip, sipping lemonade and watching the great grand-kids playing in the yard- while we talk about the good ol' days of fighting bedbugs, lice, and dealing one year old twins all in the same year- or the hardships of working on a start up company that is now 4 1/2 years in the making- and yet hasn't made a single dollar but has cost us thousands and thousands of dollars.  Those things are stressful, but we are surviving it and have survived it. Together.

I was cringing as that woman was cheerfully dismissing her marriage out of boredom. She knew her kids were having a terrible time dealing with it and she just said they'd learn to deal. She wasn't too concerned about them-  right now She wanted play time.  She truly couldn't find fault in her husband other than the simple fact that she was bored. (This was a 30 minute discussion in which she was discussing it with her friends. She got pretty detailed- it wasn't a mask or a front- her friends were asking real questions and she was giving real answers. ) It took a lot to restrain myself from making any noises- but I didn't want the conversation to stop- as I was just too baffled to learn that people actually do this. 

Anyway- I believe in marriage. I believe in the sanctity of marriage.I don't think marriage should be thrown away because of pride, selfishness, or other things that can be worked out.

That conversation the woman was having with her friends completely rubbed me the wrong way tonight.  So yes. I was judging another person.  It was kind of hard for me not to. Eventually I'll humble myself and ask for forgiveness- but right now... I'm just really really saddened by the whole situation. 

* I say Almost- as I know there are some circumstances that some marriages just cannot be saved. You work and work and work and stick it out- and for whatever reason... it just needs to come to an end- but it's not a decision to be made lightly or just a quick "I'm bored"... you actually work for it- try to fix it.  

*** If for whatever reason you are divorced, please don't take it that I'm personally attacking you that your marriage didn't work. I am not. Only you knew in your heart of hearts what was right for you- and only you could make that choice.  I don't hate divorced people. I typically don't judge divorced people. That wasn't my message in this... please don't try and dissect my post and make it something it isn't. I'm was simply stating that divorce isn't something to be taken lightly. Marriage shouldn't be disposable.- and this woman was taking it, not only lightly, but with giggles. And to me.... that's wrong.   ***

Summer comes to an end

Summer has been busy, busy, busy. I feel like I've hardly had the chance to breathe, let alone blog.

I find myself come July, loathing the squelching heat. I hate the humidity. The melting make-up, the massive amount of zits that come from wearing too much sunscreen, and the hair that is so frizzy I might as well shave it off than put it in the same old bun that I have been wearing every single day. I long for the mornings where I can open my windows and crisp cool air comes dancing in. I long for the days where I can wear some cozy flannel pj bottoms, drop my tootsies in my creamy soft slippers, and sip a cup of cocoa. I pour in some 'Leaves' scented oil drops in my oil warmer- just so I can at least smell the up coming fall......

And then it hits. Mid August. As I am buying the mountain of never ending school supplies, the heap of Justin Bieber folders, and the first day of school outfit. Panic.  I start panicking because the summer, as always, has flown too quickly. We didn't get to go to the beach just one more time. We didn't get to do all that was on our summer bucket list. I haven't worn a hole in all my capri's yet from over usage....   I panic because I know that shoveling snow is right around the corner, the endless dark grey Ohio winter skies..... where I know the wind will chill me right to the bone. I know depression usually follows from too many days spent locked inside with two antsy toddlers.

Even though I panic over the upcoming frost bitten world- I try to enjoy my absolute favorite season- Fall.  Ohh how I love fall. The crisp smells, cool air, glorious sweaters.... ohh the beautiful sweaters.....   (of which I currently have my heart set on this one .And This one ).  and of course (call me crazy) but I love the smell of new school supplies.

I love watching my kids get ready for their first days of school.... the anticipation (and this year... with a new school... it was mixed feelings. Scared/Excited/Curious/Anxious/Lonely). I love watching the girls lovingly put their brand new school supplies, complete with their names on them, into their new backpacks. I love watching them 'peek' on their new school supplies daily before school starts... just to make sure that all is in order.  I love watching the girls trying on different outfits- up to 20 a day to try and pick the perfect one for the first day of school.

August 22nd was the girl's first day of school- in their brand new school. I was a little sad that my camera was broken this year- and even though I took some pictures on my Ipad using the Insta-gram feature.... I don't know how to get the photos off unless I copy and paste them off of facebook.... I'm such a tech-y loser.

Alli and Maggie were so nervous . Alli was heading off to 4th grade. I can't believe that she's in forth grade! I REMEMBER things that happen in 4th grade. It dawned on me that we are living my children's childhood right at this very moment. I know that sounds weird.... as you think.. "well, duh! You're raising kids. What do you expect?"  but part of me just thinks that my kids are in a daze... that they won't remember this stuff. They won't remember living in this poo neighbohood. They won't remember going to the poo schools. They won't remember me losing it all over them when they make bad choices......... but in all reality- they  will remember. Just like I remember getting up in preschool for show-and-tell and being utterly embarrassed that my "true love" Trevor was sitting next to me in the circle and I COMPLETELY FORGOT to bring anything for show-and-tell.... but I had broken my white sandal- the one with the flower on the top of it- on my way into pre-school that morning.... so that was one thing that I could legitimately show-and-tell, was the fact that I broke my shoe. Let's just say that Trevor was less than impressed at my sharing.  This is my kids childhood. Their tender early memories. It totally hit me.  Odd, huh?

Alli was so nervous to go into a new classroom and be with new people that she's never seen before. She was so scared she'd never make any friends. She doesn't know who to identify herself with- she's not a true tom-boy... she doesn't like sports..... but she's not a girly-girl ... I couldn't pay her to wear a dress outside of Sunday.  She was scared there would be nobody like her. She had tears in her eyes the whole morning of her first day of school, but pride.... and trying to be brave for her little sister.... made it so she never spilled a single tear.  We are now two week into school- and although she hasn't found a new bestie, she likes the people in her classroom. She loves her teacher Mrs. Stewart.  Mrs. S. is in her early to mid 40's. She greets every student with a huge smile and a hug to match. That sure put Alli to ease... and her mother too.  I am grateful that Alli has Mrs. S.


Maggie was so nervous for 1st grade that she was crying the whole morning of her first day of school. If you haven't picked up on it... Maggie is a BIT of a mama's girl. She hates being away from me. She is my little snuggle bug. When I dropped her off in her classroom, Maggie threw the biggest fit of all fits. We're talking throwing herself on the floor screaming for me not to leave her. She was so so scared. I stayed for an hour and realized that she needed for me to leave so she could grow. My eyes were so filled with tears and my heart full of prayers to give my little girl strength. It was a really emotional day for both her and I. After I ran to the car... (I had to run, because I was afraid that I'd go back into the classroom and start the sob fest again) I called my mom and just cried. Worst. Mom. Of. The. Year. Leaving my sobbing child in a place full of strangers. It was rough. Maggie has a lady named Mrs. Bierkortte. Pronounced Beer-Court-E. Maggie tried laughing that her teacher's name said "BEER" in it... that was funny for all of 2 minutes. Mrs. B. is retiring this year. She's a lovely lady who is so patient. I have never seen a child go past her and not get super excited to see her and give her a huge hug. From what I can tell, she is just another version of Maggie's old teacher Mrs. K. Thank goodness! I am grateful for her.


I was eager the whole day that the girls were in school for 3:30 to come so I could pick them up. I was anxious to see if they would be a puddle of tears, or if they had fared the day alright. The bell rang and it was all huge smiles as they ran into my arms.

What. A. Relief!



And although we've had a few mornings where it's still been hard to get up the nerve to go to a place they don't really have any friends yet- this school year is shaping up to be a whole new experience. A pleasant experience. Hopefully for all of us.



Fall, you are welcome to come now.