Think It Over

I just read a great blog by Crystal about how life's responsibilities became too much, and she finally had to excuse herself from several responsibilities she was carrying. I would like to pose a question and get your thoughts - Why do we (women especially) expect ourselves to be able to "do it all?" Why are we so reticent to say, "No, I won't be able to take that responsibility, thank you." What do you think? I'd really like to know!

My Backyard

We just recently had our backyard replanted. Every morning I go to the window facing our hill and check out how everything is doing. I thought it would be fun to share with you from time to time how the plants are progressing. This was taken on May 9, and in about a month I will post more pictures. Hopefully you will enjoy seeing everything grow as much as I do!

More Backyard Wildlife

I was lucky to get a snapshot of this bluejay in our back yard. Isn't he beautiful? If you look closely you will see the wild iris on the hill too. Isn't nature wonderful?!

My Flock of Tanagers

The other day I looked out our window that faces the hill, and to my delight there was a flock of western tanagers! They were on the rocks, in the trees, and they were also having drinks and splashing around in our little waterfall. I think they are so beautiful, they look like they belong in a pet store. I counted about 10 of them. They all fly in together, stay for a few minutes, and then they're gone. I love enjoying the wildlife up here on the hill! (Even though the deer do eat my bushes and trees, they're very picturesque!)

Wonder of Wonders, Miracle of Miracles!

I actually downloaded pictures from my new digital camera to my computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a miracle, and this is how it all came about: Jessi and David gave me a wonderful new digital camera for my birthday in January. Audra helped me learn how to use the camera when she came to visit me in April. Today (May 5) I read the instruction manual and installed the camera downloading-software CD onto my computer. Abbi talked with me til I figured out how to plug the camera cord into the USB port of the computer. I then continued to follow instructions and downloaded the pictures from my camera onto the computer. This is indeed a day of miracles!!!

But the drama doesn't end there! The whole reason I did this was because I wanted in the worst way to email some pictures to Abbi about her wedding. After I downloaded the pictures, I attempted to write an email to Abbi and attach the pictures for her to see. Typical to my experience with technology, the computer wouldn't connect to the internet. (It had NEVER done that before. (I suspected it was getting back at me because I had had a technology success.) Of course it happens now that I am trying something new. THAT is exactly why I avoided attempting the whole thing in the first place. I didn't want to face a technology frustration that I had no solution to!) However, I remained calm and called Comcast. The tech told me that my modem was on standby and all I needed to do to fix it was to press a button on the top of the modem. It worked! I wrote the email to Abbi, but when I tried to attach the pictures to the email, they wouldn't attach! (Can you see why technology sends me into HIGH ANXIETY mode???? Can you see why I avoided this experience for four months????) To my credit, I still remained calm and called Abbi again. She gave me the tip that I couldn't attach the whole file, I had to attach one picture at a time. Well, the rest is history. I attached one picture at a time and sent them on their way through cyberspace for Abbi's review!! I just knew I had to announce to the world that I FINALLY succeeded in overcoming my techno-avoidance and in successfully downloading pictures from my new digital camera onto my computer. Will wonders (and miracles) never cease?!

Jessi is a Genius!

Jessi (see above picture: she's the one with the sun glasses) is a genius. She suggested on my "I Have An Excuse" blog that maybe I could blog a little about getting ready for the wedding. Yeah, I could do that! So here goes:

Abbi, Audra and I have worked many hours on finding something for the bridesmaids to wear for the wedding. We have considered whether to choose something formal or casual. We have pondered what color to have them wear. We have agonized over what styles would work for everyone. We have searched stores and internet sites for just the right thing. We have considered skirts/tops versus dresses. We have thought about how much we want to spend for their outfits. We have examined whether to have them wear the same shoes or different shoes. We have purchased necklace and earring sets to finish off their outfits. And every time we think we have found just the perfect thing, it turns out to be the wrong color, on back order til June 22, or way too expensive! BUT thanks to Abbi, another genius, we have determined what we will do, and I think it will work. Here is the final decision: We have emailed all bridesmaids and told them to take a look at Abbi's bridal bouquet (picture on the internet), choose a color of one of the flowers, and then find a top of their choice to go with a black skirt. That way the bridesmaids will be an extension of the beautiful colors in Abbi's bouquet! Is that genius, or what? Now everyone gets to choose something they like, that is flattering on them, and everyone will be happy! Aren't weddings FUN to plan!!?? You may use our solution if you want and save you a few hours next time you plan bridesmaid dresses for your wedding!

Advice

Our niece is expecting her first baby, and her Mom asked us all to write some words of advice to her to be compiled in a book. At first I couldn't think of anything to contribute to the book. But gradually ideas came to me. Here's what I wrote down and sent to her: (she's having a boy, and they will name him Connor)

#1" After I had my first baby, the responsibility of taking care of another person was very heavy! I thought, "I'll never be able to do anything ever again!" So...Just remember when it all seems too difficult to bear, that you will make it through, and there will be much joy along the way."
#2 " When Connor gets a little older, teach him to expect difficulty and trials in life, and to meet them with optimism and a determination to learn from and overcome them.!"
#3 Praise Connor for everything good he does, and always let him know how much you love him."
#4 When Connor enters a difficult stage ( the terrible two's, for instance), just hang on and endure, and remember this stage won't last forever."

I would add to #3: Teach him how much he is loved by Heavenly Father and the Savior, first and foremost. Help him discover ways to feel that love.

I wish I had known #2 when I was younger. That was something I didn't comprehend until I was older and my children were almost grown.

I would like to hear what Jessi, Audra and others wrote for their advice. It is good to share a little wisdom that you have picked up along the way. Do you have any more wisdom that you can share with me? I'd love to hear it!