2010 World Cup

If I had an ounce of athletic ability, and had my younger life to do over.......I would be a soccer player without a doubt! Soccer is such an organic sport, it is simple........run like heck, and kick the ball! It doesn't involve a lot of gear or equipment and it leaves the player with a feeling of power and freedom.

As a teenager, my boy crazy side was intrigued by the fact that the players all resembled male super models in shorts and shin guards. That, along with the fancy foot work, attracted me to the sport for somewhat shallow reasons! But my interest has remained, and though dormant, my dream is to run the field with all MY power and freedom.

I saw this video for the 2010 World Cup in Africa today, and felt my old love for soccer wash over me.........just like the good ol' days! It is one of the only sports where competition is on a global level, and every country lives and breaths loyalty for their team. The US is one of the only countries where soccer isn't loved as widely. In some ways it's too bad, perhaps it would bring our country together!!

Anyway, check out the video! My girls and I have been dancing to it all morning!

April Mother of the Month

Our Mother of the Month for April is my life long friend Heather Grimes. She and I go way back. We grew up in the same ward in Provo Utah, and have remained friends ever since. Heather has faced many trials and tough choices throughout her life, and I am greatly inspired by the person she is today. She is an awesome wife and mother, and has been an amazing friend. We haven't seen much of each other during the last several years, but we've kept in touch through blogging, facebook and email.

Heather, you are such a strong and amazing woman!! Your friendship has meant so much to me over the years. Thank you for your example of courage and love.

1. Age - 32

2. Number of children - 2, Hannah who is 6, Jaidyn who is 5

3. What is your secret weapon? - My secret weapon is using job charts and having a routine. It works wonders.

4. Favorite go-to recipe - My favorite recipe is mini meatloaves you make in your muffin tin. Here's a link to the recipe from my blog... http://marcandheathergrimes.blogspot.com/2009/01/heathers-mini-meatloaf.html

5. Personal thoughts on Motherhood - I feel very blessed to be a mother to some amazing children. I'm also grateful that Heavenly Father trusted me with them. Motherhood isn't easy but the smiles and love you get from your children make those hard days and moments seem small.

6. Favorite Movie - I have two favorite movies: Gladiator and Moulin Rouge

7. Favorite book for children - My favorite book for children is The Giving Tree, By Shel Siverstein.

8. Your definition of happiness - My definition of happiness is knowing we are an eternal family and I can always have my children and husband at my side. Snuggles and playing together are an amazing definition of happiness.

9. Favorite motivational or funny quote - My favorite quote is from a movie... "We are the makers of music and we are the dreamers of dreams." - Willy Wonka

10. something you have learned from your mother - I have learned from my mother how to show unconditional love. She showed nothing but love through my trials that I know broke her heart over and over again. She's an amazing example of love and charity for others. I'm grateful to call her mother.

Wedding Day

I love weddings.

That's why it's a shame that there was so much stress and anxiety surrounding the one and only wedding day I will ever have.

I was on such a mission to make it there and follow through with my commitment that I almost forgot to enjoy the planning, the decision-making, the excitement! I didn't even hire a photographer for goodness sake! Gasp! I know.

My beautiful sister-in-law is getting married in two days, and I am so very excited! I'm doing the cake! Wish me luck.

Of course I realize that the most important part of your wedding day is the ceremony. It is where the magic starts and where the promises are made but, I must admit I am a sucker for pretty things, and I get caught up in the party side of it too. I love color and decor, lighting and ambiance. There is a small part of myself that feels like the life of a wedding planner must be so romantic and glamorous! I wish I could live in a world of flowers and linens and catering and perfect celebration......minus the bridezillas of course.

Over the last year I have discovered three lovely wedding blogs that I like to sneak a peek at from time to time.

Once Wed
Snippet & Ink
100 Layer Cake

I love seeing all of the beautiful, creative, and often "done on a budget" ideas people have. Go check them out, and enjoy!

photo taken from Snippet & Ink

Million x Million

Every day I tell my girls I love them a million x a million, which, come on......that's a million million. Is it even possible to love more than that?

I think not.

Let's do this thing!

This is a view of our deck! It needs some serious love and care. Love and care that I have been withholding. Not because I don't feel it, but simply because I have been loving and caring for more important things.

Lucky for our deck, and all those who have ever had to witness our dirty diaper bag hanging next to the front door (nasty), I will finally be turning my attention and affection outside of my home. It will be hard for me to share my heart, but I feel it is important to express myself and my love in all areas of my stewardship. I want our yard and home to be inviting, and I want it to be an expression of who we are.....and we are NOT a bag of dirty diapers blowing in the breeze my friends......we are freshly mowed grass, a flourishing garden, and happy flowers.

Just wait.............you'll see!

Courage my Love

Adeline is our apprehensive child. She is a homebody, and when I say homebody I mean she likes to be held tightly against her mother's body, and most of the time nobody else will do.

She ponders daily on many serious subjects, and I like to imagine that she is visualizing all of the great things she will accomplish during her life.

Having a second child has caused me to realize that indeed all children are different. They arrive with different personalities, strengths, and missions to fulfill. I really think that coming to earth was harder for Adeline than it was for Emilee. I try to create a sense of security and safety around her....I desire to instill the confidence she will need to branch out and embrace her purpose here on earth! It is all so wonderful and exciting!

Addy, I love it when daddy brings you to our bed in the mornings. You wiggle and smile as we lay tummy to tummy......mommy and baby. You reach for my face, lay your sweet head on my chest and suck on your tiny thumb. You gaze at me with those beautiful blues and lift me out of my morning slump. I love that about you.

Be strong my sweet Adeline. Life is yours...it is now. Soak it in, wrap your soft little arms around it and take courage my love. All things are possible for you......my beautiful baby girl.

Who do I think I am?

I was sexually abused as a young girl, by my own Grandfather. Without even realizing it those experiences, along with others in my life, left me with a huge injury. What I felt was a sure knowledge that all men were selfish at the core, and given enough time, they are ALL bound to abuse your precious gift of trust.

Heavy. I know.

If this makes you squirm and feel uncomfortable, I don't blame you.....it makes me squirm and feel uncomfortable too. I have to bring it up though, because if those events had not happened, I'm afraid that the incredible experiences of this past week wouldn't have needed to happen either......and that would really be a shame.

On Monday morning I had an impression.

This was one I had received multiple times in the last few months. I had dismissed it over and over again, honestly thinking it was nothing. But on Monday morning, I acted on it......and quite honestly it has changed everything for me!!!

This week I have been forced to stand face to face with the things that have caused me to cower and ache. These things have held me captive with fear and have cultivated within my heart and spirit the absolute inability to really truly trust.

This week I looked my pain and distrust square in the eyes.......I explained that I really didn't need them hanging around anymore and then I walked away. I'll admit, it was the kind of walk where you keep looking back, and at times you really want to run back and embrace your old familiar friends....you want to, even though you know they're no good for you.

I realize none of this may make any sense to those of you reading it, but what it comes down to is that I have chosen something that I don't think I could have chosen just a few short years ago!!! I have chosen to trust, forgive, let go, and love with everything I have. In some ways it hasn't been pretty, because I've had to fight against those parts of myself that hold on to old habits and bitterness, but I know that the higher parts of myself are winning this battle.....I can see it, I can feel it.

The Lord has been close at hand this week, He has walked the halls of our home. Angels have ministered, and the details of every miracle will be documented in a less public place.

What I really wanted to share here though, for anyone it may help, is this......Whoever you think you are and whatever you believe about yourself, is most likely untrue. I dare say that you are far greater and much more capable than you imagine. When you feel paralyzed by those things that you fear or resent, or you feel stuck in a constant spiral of trying and failing...........don't you dare give up!!! I am certain that there will come a day you will be faced with a choice. You can look up at where you are headed and decide that there is too much pain involved if you are ever going to make it, or you can look back at this mountain we are all climbing and realize just how far you have come.

The extremely personal events of this past week, are not singular to my life alone......we are all given the chance to change from who we think we are into what we really are. Powerful children of a loving God.

Believe it. It is true.

I really want to know

Hi there. How are you today? Thank you for checking in!

Occasionally I have someone tell me that they are following my blog, or that they like to stop in from time to time......to which I usually respond..."Really?" and "Thank you!" Any blogger knows how fun it is to find out someone is reading all of the random things they are throwing out into the blogosphere.

My request is this. If you "follow" my blog, please become a follower, if you don't really "follow" but you are reading this post right now, please leave a comment. I'm just really curious as to how many people are actually reading!

Don't be afraid.....make yourself known! I recently changed my comments so that ANYONE can comment, not just those on Blogger.

Please speak up! I can't wait to hear from you!

Love,
Michelle

P.S. Adeline says Hi!

Ole, Ole, Ole

I saw this online today....and I wept. I am a weepy girl, so that is not unusual for me. Elizabeth Gilbert has different beliefs and understandings of god and life, but her words and ideas resonated with something I deeply believe, and have even experienced!

My teenage years were my "writing" years. Actually all of my life I have been writing silly poems and stories, but as a teenager I began to feel the "rumble across the landscape" as Ruth Stone puts it. I have realized that there are words and ideas that have been given to me and I have been so honored to write them and share them with the world....or, rather my small circle of influence.

Creation is always something we do WITH God....regardless of the form in which it comes. There is a burning desire within me to create! I have always wished to be a window to the divinity and love of our Heavenly Father, and I believe that we do this, not only in writing, painting, composing.....but in creating a safe, clean home. We are alight with this divine fire as we prepare meals, and teach lessons. We shine when we support and create confidence in those around us!

It is a beautiful thing. I thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to work so closely with Him....for allowing me to create!