Arts and Letters, and Relaxation

Gillian has been writing up a storm this past week. It started with her jotting down some notes on the fun times she used to have with her brothers when they were young, and it went from there with her adding amazing imaginative story lines. She has written quite a lot, a story or two a day. Elijah and I were astonished to read her beautifully written thoughts, and I thought I would share with you just a little excerpt. We both think if she keeps this talent developing each day, she will end up for sure publishing books really early.

On Friday, Jefferson received an academic award, and he was very excited. Jefferson gets excited about any kind of awards, and he takes them very seriously. (I can make him do anything as long as I introduce the idea of working for a prize or award.) He told me he would love it if Charlton and I made an appearance at the award ceremony. So, we did, and Charlton sat with him the whole time.

Saturday was spent cleaning, setting up our new treadmill, and doing laundry. In the afternoon, I attended a Chinese New Year party that a few friends threw to celebrate new babies born this past few months in our ward. Those ladies had done an excellent job in decorating, cooking the food, and preparing fun games. That was a sweet thing to do for those new mothers. After that, we ate dinner with the kids, and then Elijah and I went on a double date with some friends. We went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie, and afterward spent some time chatting and eating some tasty food.

I have to say going on dates with my husband and other couples has a much better appeal now than when we were younger and single. Besides the obvious reason of not being stressed about my date liking me or not, I also like it that we are more mature and know our minds. Elijah doesn’t talk as much as I do, but when he speaks I enjoy it tremendously because his opinions are not just made up right there and then, as some of mine are, but he has thought them through and is precise when he shares them. I would give anything to be an introvert, someone who doesn’t talk often but when he talks people listen. Nevertheless, I’m grateful for my personality.

Monday was off for my kids, so we slept in, took time in eating our breakfast, read books, and watched a movie. We, then, spent some time with friends at the playground.

The kids also attended their art class, and although I really liked Jefferson’s and Gillian’s work, it was James who requested I show his work on our blog.

Today was gray outside, and it affected me a little bit. I didn’t feel like doing anything except relax and be with my children, possibly not actively engaged. When I get this way, I get even more upset with myself, because feeling lazy is one thing I don’t appreciate. To make matters worse, the boys were complaining about me not wanting to play board games with them. Kids always expect perfection from imperfect people. I did redeem myself in their eyes later in the evening when I read to them for two hours.

Speaking of books and reading to kids, I found this really educational and beautifully illustrated art book for children. It’s very well organized according to art period, artists’ lives, and different kinds of media.

The book offered hands-on projects on how to achieve various techniques. I’ve used this book with each of my kids. With Charlton and James, I would usually look at the pictures and ask questions about them. With Gillian and Jefferson, I would ask them to copy one or two techniques or pictures that they liked. As for me, I would look at it for relaxation when I had a free minute or two.

How was your week-end?

A glimpse into Charlton's daily affairs

For the past week, my sweet Charlton hasn't been feeling that great. He would just lay down and sleep, or would want me to be near him and hold him. His appetite was gone, but fortunately he still wanted his milk. His sleep was interrupted by his coughs, and his naps were short because of his fever. Needless to say by the time dinner was over at about 6 p.m., he would fall asleep in the couch.

Yesterday he was showing sings of improvement, and today he was back to his happy self. That definitely brought a smile to my face, and I was his for the taking. Charlton started his day by happily accompanying me to the older kids' drop-off, taking a bath, eating a hearty breakfast of oatmeal, yogurt and strawberries, and nestling by me and reading books. I couldn't believe it myself when I counted them later, but we read 14 books in all, consisting of Charlton's favorite books of Froggy series, Little Critter, Winnie the Pooh, Clifford, Eric Carle books, If you give a mouse a cookie series, and a few others. I also couldn't believe we hadn't read one Curious George book or Little Bear. The whole family has memorized those by heart. I'm a person that likes to move on and try new things, so I was very happy to notice that Charlton had taken the hint.

After reading time, I usually put some music on and start my household chores, while Charlton plays on his own. This morning Charlton took my hand and started to dance. And yes, I danced with him for quite some time. He loved it when I would twirl around him or hold him in my arms and dance fast. Who would have thought a two year old could radiate such joy, and so much energy?! Here he is dancing and singing along:

While I was trying to get my house in order, Charlton kept showing me what he was doing. He played with puzzles, did several 'search and find' games, kept looking at his books, and finally begged me to play a game of Jenga, which of course I did. He would play a game of Jenga for a few minutes, and then would want to break the tower down and use them as blocks. This process continued a few times, until both of us had had enough. After giving him some lunch, I put him down for a nap. I was exhausted, and instead of getting back to my chores I sat down and read for an hour.

When James got back from school, he and I had some lunch, did some reading excercises, and then spent some time reading whatever struck James' fancy. At some point I must have fallen asleep, either because Beethoven was relaxing me or reading for hours was actually dulling my senses, but either way I woke up to find James and Charlton playing together and dancing to
a different tune, that of Johnny Cash. Wow, was I glad James had taken my place. His energy equaled that of Charlton's, and they would change their games every ten minutes, alternating between inside and outside. I wasn't able to take pictures of everything they played, but here are a few:

Making up stories of knights and battles

Playing 'hide and seek' with mom

When the older kids got back from school, they started fighting over whose buckaroo Charlton was. I sent them to take showers, and then gave them snacks. Snacks are a big deal at my house. I had a friend who gave her kids only two snacks a day to her kids, and I think that's a great idea. I don't seem to get that going at my house, though. My kids are always asking for food. At least they like to eat healthy snacks as well as just fun and tasty ones. Here is a picture showing my kids this afternoon having a snack and talking to me while I was cooking dinner (Charlton was in heaven sitting by his siblings):

Tonight Charlton didn't fall asleep early. He was still going even after dinner, reading time, and scripture. When I went to check on them tonight before turning the lights off, Charlton was enjoying some time alone:
I am so glad that his energy is back, and that my sweet Charlton is happy again. Now if I can find some of that energy for myself. Oh, please don't tell me I have to go to sleep early; I'm reading a really good book that can't wait till tomorrow.

How do you get things done at home with a toddler?

What has captured your interest this week?

Politics:

I’ve been following the Republican presidential primaries carefully. I’ve found it very interesting how many reporters have capitalized on the fact that Romney and Huntsman are Mormon, but very few have mentioned how different they are, not only in political views, but in the way they represent the Mormon church. It should at least show that we are a religion with diverse people. Just an observation.

I’ve been shocked at the recent results of South Carolina primary votes which show Newt Gingrich ahead of Romney. I’m not even a staunch supporter of Romney, but even so I would vote for him verses Gingrich. I know Newt is a very straightforward talker and has a knack for debating, nevertheless I would always choose the candidate with a strong character and moral values. Well, there is still a long way to go till the Republican Party chooses their candidate; the winner needs at least 1144 delegates to be chosen. As of now combined they have 62.

A couple of weeks ago I read about Obama denying the permit to build a pipeline that would move crude oil from Canada to Texas. I learned that this kind of undertaking would create thousands of jobs in our country as well as help with the energy crisis. Instead of helping this country become self-sufficient and improve the employment rate, which would make Obama look good for reelection by the way, the president followed the ridiculous advice of the environmentalists. Why is the advice ridiculous you might ask? Well, if you think about it, the Canadians are determined to sell their oil no matter what. If the environmentalists were concerned about the climate change or the water contamination in the Midwest, I would direct their attention to what the Canadians are determined to do. I just read the other day that the Canadians are trying to make a deal in Asia to send the oil through the Pacific. Imagine the consequences if the pipe leaks, (of which the environmentalists are so concerned about,) and the damage it can cause in the Pacific, way more drastic than in the Midwest I should say. I’m just trying to understand the decision of President Obama and his interest groups, that’s all.

Speaking of oil leaks, I just read how the Italian authorities are trying to preserve the Tuscan waters from oil spills out of the Costa Concordia. It is estimated that there are at least a half-million gallons to be removed from the enormous half-sunk cruise ship. At the end of the day, however, I feel more saddened about the death of those 16 individuals and a few more who have been missing than the water pollution. Of course accidents happen, and we can do more about the fish than the deceased at the moment, nevertheless it’s so sad and tragic for those who lost their dear ones. I feel also sad for the Captain of the ship who has been arrested and charged with manslaughter. Accidents of such grand scale may start with a little tiny mistake or an accumulation of various little problems, and it wouldn’t be only one person’s fault. Nevertheless, he was the captain and he should have stayed on board taking care of everyone else. Amidst its tragedy, it is still a miracle that 4200 passengers and crew were rescued to safety.

Religion:

According to the annual poll administered by Americans by Gallup, President Thomas S. Monson was chosen as one of the 10 “Most Admired Men.” Not that it makes any difference to my respect and love for our prophet, but it is a sign that either our church is growing and we are a mighty voting force, or that our church’s recognition is spreading out. Either way, they are both positive factors into helping our brothers and sisters come unto Christ.

I taught Relief Society this Sunday. I truly enjoy teaching for many reasons, but especially because, like many other teachers, I learn more as I study as well as from the responses of the sisters in Relief Society. This Sunday we were discussing the conference talk by Elder Richard G. Scott titled The Power of Scripture. When I asked the sisters what kind of power did the scriptures have in their lives, I enjoyed many thoughtful answers, but one particular sister (the same one who shared insightful comments in her Sunday School lesson about the Tree of Life that helped me receive my own personal revelation,) said that the scriptures not only teach her to believe but help her to act, which is what the gospel is all about. When you have responses like that you feel that you should leave it at that. In few words, Jacki shared the essence of the talk: read the scriptures and they will guide and help you live the gospel. My favorite quote from the talk related to the most special gift we as members have: personal revelation. Elder Scott says in his talk: “Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high.”

On Sunday, January 22, the church commemorated the 100 year anniversary of the beginning of the seminary and institute programs. Having taught seminary, I know how powerful that one early hour in the morning can be for our youth. My brother just moved to Albania to be a CES coordinator for that area, and besides being a bit jealous, I’m very happy and proud of him. There is nothing more beautiful than teaching the gospel to others, especially to our young people, who are the leaders of the future. President Boyd K. Packer was invited to speak to the youth of the church emphasizing the importance of seminary, and Elder L. Tom Perry joined him as well with some excellent remarks. Once again I was reminded that to teach it to others, we need to read and learn our scriptures ourselves. Elder Perry also pointed out that if we put our spiritual matters first, the secular ones will be taken care of: “Learning about sacred things should come first, providing a context and a need for secular learning. If we want to return to our Heavenly Father’s presence, our first priority should be to learn about his ways and his plan. The world might fool you into believing there is insufficient time to engage in both spiritual and secular learning. I want to warn you not to be deceived by these philosophies of men. Your learning about sacred things will facilitate, even accelerate, your secular learning.”

Entertainment:

Downton Abbey was nominated for four Golden Globe awards, and was able to win two, one of which was for best miniseries on television. I was very happy that a clean and well written show was recognized and appreciated. What took me by surprise was the fact that they had nominated Elizabeth McGovern who plays Cora, Countess of Grantham and not my two favorite actresses Maggie Smith who plays the Dowager Countess of Grantham and Michelle Dockery who plays Lady Mary Crawly. Elizabeth is a good actress, but her character is so flat you can hardly do anything with it. And Lady Mary is a much more diverse character that grows in every episode. Michelle Dockery does an exceptional job of playing such a character. And as for Maggie Smith, I would rather watch her many times over than Comedy Central itself.

I’m reading this interesting book about how to find happiness called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, and in it the author is documenting a year of her life in fulfilling all the resolutions she has set each month in order for her to achieve a more fulfilling kind of happiness. I think of myself as a very happy and kind person in general, but when I tried to work on one of her goals (to be extremely nice all day every day for a week), I failed miserably. I came to the conclusion that I need to work on patience; I don’t have much of it, especially when it comes to my family. One of the most important parts of the book is when she talks about knowing who we really are and what we really want, and then accepting that self with its strengths and limitations. She says: “You can choose what you do, but you can’t choose what you like to do.”

I took my older boys to the San Francisco Symphony the other day. I had arranged it for both of their classes to attend. Every year the San Francisco Symphony gives an one-hour program for the young audiences introducing various pieces of classical music to them. The program was just perfect for my boys and they asked to come back again. Jefferson’s favorite piece was the Gallop from Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, which is the predecessor of the music used in the French dance known as the Can-Can.

Family:

The kids are enjoying their art classes. Jefferson and James are in the same class learning how to draw, and Gillian is in a separate class learning more about the usage of color. Here are this week’s projects:

James's cats

Jefferson's soldier cats

Gillian's Primary Colors

Gillian also enjoyed taking a sewing class with her activity day group. They cut and sewed their own pyjamas. Gillian was very excited to have done something productive with her sewing skills:

Charlton hasn’t been feeling well all weekend. He had high fever, chest congestion, and labored breathing. I was so worried about him. The doctor gave him some medicine, and I’ve tried to keep him inside. Hopefully he will feel better soon. I need his beautiful smile back.

Personal:

I have been thinking a lot about the balance between family time and helping our children develop their talents. Jefferson and James have been wanting to play in little league baseball for quite some time. When one of my friends sent an email telling us about this particular baseball arrangement, I immediately wanted to sign them up. Then, the more I thought of the fact that I would need to take them to practice twice a week and a game on Saturday, the more I realized our family time would be out of the window if I made that choice. We are blessed to have Elijah arrive from work each day at 4 p.m., and the kids and I love being together with him. I know we might not have this great schedule always, but for now I want to spend every minute of it as a family. We read together, play together, and spend time just being around each other. Sure, I could use Elijah as a second driver and we can all go in different directions and in different classes, but WHY? I guess because we want our kids to love sports and develop a love for exercise, and develop their talents as much as possible. However, I know that the love and the attention they are receiving now is worth way more than any fun they would get playing sports at a young age. Right now they each have two extracurricular activities, and I think that’s plenty for the moment. What do you do to find that balance?

What have you been interested in this week?

Reflections

On Saturday, I attended Joshua's sealing to Amy and Ben, and their family. What a miracle to have the sealing power on earth and see it bless the lives of endless families. There are four children in the Wiederhold family, and three of them are adopted. Each of them have different skin color and come from different backgrounds, but when you see this family, the Spirit of Elijah takes you beyond skin color and culture boundaries. What I see when I see them is this eternal family that have been bonded through love and eternal sealing of God. As I was capturing their joy in pictures afterward, I couldn't stop my heart from rejoicing at this eternal bond very visible to my natural eye. At those moments. I didn't see angels, but I did see love surrounding this family. I'm grateful for those tender mercies of the Lord when He allows us to actually see a bit of eternal life.

On Sunday, the Lord showed me another one of his tender mercies. It had to do with the scriptures. We have read the scriptures as a family almost every day this past year. Initially, we started doing it because it is a commandment and we knew it would bless our lives. Later, it became a habit; we couldn't understand ending our night without reading them. Toward the end of the year, our children looked forward to reading them. We felt blessings of harmony and love come into our family just because of that 20 minute scripture reading. One not-so-good factor came out of it as well. I thought that reading to my children fulfilled my own reading time also. My natural self allowed that excuse to prevent me from receiving blessings from my own personal reading. I kept pushing that nagging feeling aside. I thought I had read the Book of Mormon many times, and I would get bored reading it over again, especially after reading it to my children each night.

And then, as I sat in Sunday School comfortably nestled near my husband, ready to enjoy another Sunday School lesson, but not really expecting to learn anything major, Heavenly Father humbles me in a very merciful way. I learned several insights from the scriptures that day that I had never thought before, or if I had I had forgotten. Furthermore, my heart was touched by Heavenly Father's patience and love for me. As a bonus,the insights I learned were directly connected to strengthening my testimony of reading the scriptures continually. I'm humbly grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord, and the wisdom we find in the scriptures.

Here is one of the insights I learned that day:

We were reading from 1 Nephi 8, and discussing the Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life. We learned in that chapter of the different kinds of groups that participate in the story. Two such groups were of interest to me. The first one's description is found in verses 24 and 25;

24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, ^aclinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the ^bfruit of the tree.

25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ^aashamed.

The other group is described in verse 30:

30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the ^arod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.


One of the class members made the point that the different outcome between these two groups lies in two words. The first clings to the rod, and the second holds fast. And then our instructor illustrated it in a very visual way, which worked great for me. She said that recently she has been helping her daughter become proficient with the monkey bars. Her daughter really wants to be good at it. The instructor said that because she doesn't have sufficient strength to hold fast to the monkey bars, she just "clings"to them just so she can get to the end as fast as she could. Sufficient strength was the key to my quest. If I don't read the scriptures, I won't have the kind of strength that is needed to hold fast to the rod. I'm grateful for the scriptures, but especially for God's tender mercies that allow us to grow.



On Monday, we remembered Martin Luther King Jr. and his powerful influence on the Civil Rights movement. As I reread his "I have a dream"speech, I was grateful for his amazing foresight and unbending courage to stand up for what he believed at a time that doing so would put him to danger, as it ultimately did. I admire people that know who they are and what they believe in and are not afraid to stand tall against the world. I've met very few people with such integrity and fortitude, my husband being one of them.

As I went through Dr. King's words, I kept thinking about the world today. Have we become a better society? Is there more love and equality? Are we more accepting of each other's differences? Of course it is hard to answer these broad questions with definite answers. I initially felt the answers would all be no, but as I pondered those questions further, I felt that many things have changed in our world today, some for better and some for worse. And many things have yet to make a difference. However, whether in Dr. King's time or ours, it all has to start with the individual, with us, with me.

I received a priesthood blessing tonight from my husband concerning some personal goals, in achieving of which I was in need of the Lord's help. In the end of the blessing, the Lord advised me to: "Be humble, be grateful, and be guided by the Spirit." What amazing counsel that is! If each of us were to follow that simple advice, Dr. King's dream would truly come true. I will do my part. I know it will make a difference in my life, my children's life, and by serving others as guided by the Spirit, it will make a difference in my neighbor's life as well.

I'm reading a book about how to achieve happiness (The Happiness Project.) I'm really enjoying it. In it, the author quotes Aristotle saying: "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence." And so it is. There are so many ways to achieve happiness, as this book that I'm reading is clearly demonstrating, and as our own life experiences have shown. But I couldn't help but think that the happiness that Martin Luther King Jr. had in mind in his dream had everything to do with loving our neighbor as we love God.

This year in Relief Society we are studying the words of President George Albert Smith. As soon as I started reading about his life and the principles he lived by, I felt this absolute love and admiration for him as well as a personal connection. His life of service, love and kindness is one that I saw my parents live, and one that I strive to live myself and pass it on to my children. President Smith's words are full of honesty and penetrate deep into my heart. I wish there were more people like him. This is what he has to say to all of us:

"Our ministry is one of love. Our service is one which enriches our lives. … If we are living as God intends that we should live, if we are ministering as he desires that we should minister, every day of our lives is enriched by the influence of his Spirit, our love of our fellowmen increases and our souls are enlarged until we feel that we could take into our arms all of God’s children, with a desire to bless them and bring them to an understanding of the truth.⁹"

And then as if to an answer to our quest for happiness and a fulfillment of Martin Luther King Jr.'s plea for equality and kindness toward each other, President Smith simply says this:

"Do not forget no matter how much you may give in money, no matter how you may desire the things of this world to make yourselves happy, your happiness will be in proportion to your charity and to your kindness and to your love of those with whom you associate here on earth.

It isn’t only what we receive that makes us happy; it is what we give, and the more we give of that which is uplifting and enriching to our Father’s children, the more we have to give. It grows like a great fountain of life and bubbles up to eternal happiness.^17"

In his speech Dr King, amongst his very powerful words about his dream, shares one sentence that captured my attention. It is short, but it speaks volumes. He says: "We cannot walk alone." How true those simple words are. I am my brother's keeper!