It should be me

This is who I think I need to keep up with...

The Girl in a Whirl

by ‘Dr. Sue’

(a.k.a. Vickie Gunther)

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!

You could do what I do

If you only knew how.

I study the scriptures one hour each day;

I bake,

I upholster,

I scrub,

and I pray.

I always keep all the commandments completely;

I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.

I help in their classrooms!

I sew all they wear!

I drive them to practice!

I cut all their hair!

I memorize names of the General Authorities;

I focus on things to be done by priorities.

I play the piano!

I bless with my talents!

My toilets all sparkle!

My checkbooks all balance!

Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;

I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)

I’m taking a class on the teachings of Paul,

But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all …

I track my bad habits ‘til each is abolished;

Our t-shirts are ironed!

My toenails are polished!

Our family home evenings are always delightful;

The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.

I do genealogy faithfully, too.

It’s easy to do all the things that I do!

I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;

I know all the names of each youth in my stake!

I read to my children!

I help all my neighbors!

I bless the community, too, with my labors.

I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;

My visiting teaching is done the first day!

(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.

It’s the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)

I chart resolutions and check off each goal;

I seek each “lost lamb” on my Primary roll.

I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.

But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all …

I write in my journal!

I sing in the choir!

Each day, I write “thank you’s” to those I admire.

My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!

My kids get straight A’s!

And their bedrooms are clean!

I have a home business to help make some money;

I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.

I go to the temple at least once a week;

I change the car’s tires!

I fix the sink’s leak!

I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;

I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.

I make sure I rotate our two-years’ supply;

My shopping for Christmas is done by July!

These things are not hard;

It’s good if you do them;

You can if you try!

Just set goals and pursue them!

It’s easy to do all the things that I do!

If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!

It’s easy!” she said …

… and then she dropped dead.

What a wonderful life

I recently watched an interesting show on OWN, you know the new and improved Oprah show. This particular show was an interview with women who are Hassidic Jews. I was inspired, impressed and even a bit envious. I was a nanny for a Kosher Jewish family and was impressed with their deep symbolism and faith. This interview added another layer to my high opinion of the Jewish faith.

The women explained how they live their lives with complete devotion to God. Every action of everyday is meant to show respect and love towards God. From the clothes they wear to the food they eat to their prayers they pray, everything is directed towards recognizing God in their lives. Even a simple door frame holds a mezuzah, ( yeah, I Googled that one ) reminding them of their faith.

A few things that stood out most to me was the absence of all influences from the outside world. No TV, no magazines, no radio, no internet. Ah-maze-ing! Their children spend time reading, educating and bonding as a family. Oprah gave an astounding fact that the average American child spends 7 1/2 hours a day on screen time. The Jewish mothers were shocked and wondered where children would get so much time and if they were not in school.

Oprah then asked some of the children if they recognized famous singer's/actor's names. Nothing but blank stares, the names meant absolutely nothing to them. How would it be? I personally would love to not know most actors names-- how do we as a society hold them in such high regard? For the most part, they are the purveyors of the junk we don't want in our homes! How does a society pay a football player millions of dollars and a veteran just above minimum wage?

None of the children had seen or watched a television, an older child said he could almost imagine what one would look like, but that was about as far as it went. This, as three of my children were laying on a couch watching TV, another two were on computers and the last one playing on a Kindle.

What a wonderful way to live! I think most of us would love to completely shelter our children from a majority of the worldly influences we almost unknowingly allow into our lives and homes. How many times have I vacuumed around children who are not working or helping or studying, but are watching a show that I am not the biggest fan of. I just shake my head and continue to vacuum and vow to make them turn it all off... once I am done cleaning... by myself. I will admit, the TV is a great babysitter but sometimes, it is more of a paralyzing crutch than I would like. I admired that these families were actually using the God given time they are blessed with to focus in on things that actually matter, not the Emmy's or the latest teen actress sent to rehab, but on their family. I sadly, cannot say I have done enough in that area of my/our life.

Another point that was made was in the absence of magazines, TV , etc. A young girl is not pressured by what the world considers beautiful. She is able to become the beautiful girl/woman that she truly is inside, instead of forcing herself into some box, which is usually too small and ill fitting, even for the most perfect of us. What a blessing it is to these young women to not have an ounce of worldly influence on them.

I reflected on this as I spoke with my mother, who now in her mid- sixties, was lamenting to me that she was only able to squeeze two of her three work outs in for the day. How she felt lazy and was worried about the calories she had eaten that day. And I wondered, don't we ever get too old for this? As long as I can remember, my mom has been on a diet, was always exercising and considered herself fat. She used to say she was the size of the side of a barn and sang out " Fatty Fatty two by four..." She had these horrible cartoon stickers scattered around the house of very overweight women in bikini's with skin and fat oozing out from all directions. This is not what our Heavenly Father sees when he looks at his beautiful daughters, why is that all we can see? Was that really how my dear mother saw herself? Did she forget she was a daughter of God? Seriously, don't we ever get too old for the low self esteem of our teenage years?

I have seen many a friend struggle with anorexia. Why ladies? Two things stick out to me on this one. A- No where in the history of the world or in the scriptures have we ever seen women starve themselves so a number on the scale can deem them worthy. It is amazing how an obsession becomes an addiction which evolves into an illness. B- Part of me says you are an adult, if you want to abuse your body, go right ahead. Again, aren't we a little too old for such things of naught? I have never attended a funeral where it was said " If only this dear sister had lost 20 pounds, THEN her life would have meant something "

It saddens me really and I do feel empathy for my dear friends. Believe me, I have spoken many a berating word to myself as I have struggled with Hashimoto's disease. I will tell you now, I would rather get my chubby self onto a treadmill and run three healthy 12 minute miles, than find myself so thin and weak I cannot walk a block or two with my children.

My mind continues to reflect on this intriguing interview of these remarkable women. Their demeanor was as modest as their dress. They were the true meaning of beautiful womanhood. Virtuous and lovely. They had a peaceful glow about them, something that cannot be purchased or created out in our vanity laden society. If it weren't for the whole Christian thing getting in the way, I would almost consider moving across the country to Crown Heights just to raise my family in such a wonderful environment. Especially my daughters ( the whole beard and dark hat/clothes thing is not quite as appealing to me for my sons, sorry! ).

I am inspired and hope to improve my life through their wonderful examples.

Be Grateful!!

January 2012

When I first sat down to write this post, I thought January hadn't been too very busy for us. Then, I looked at our calendar and thought to myself

" That's where January went!"

This is the first year in quite sometime our Christmas break wasn't extended by an additional week due to school closings because of winter weather. Yippee!!

I guess I should start at the very beginning... yep, it's a very good place to start.

New Years Eve.

For the first year in a looong time, there weren't any kids around. Every child was gone for the night with friends or church activities. Alex worked and then went to the Stake Dance that Jeremy and Kyle were attending. Mikenzie was at a ward activity for Beehives and Deacons. Baylie and Brandon were both at friends houses. It was kind of weird. So, James and I ended up getting Chinese take out and spending an unexpected quiet night home alone.

January 10th was Jeremy's 17th birthday. He chose to have an extra expensive Christmas gift, so the gifts for his birthday were minimal, but it's Jeremy and he was totally cool with that. We had an ice cream cake and he, being a wrestler, had cut calories all day long so he could have a piece. Such dedication!

Jeremy was also able to present his Eagle Scout project to the board, it was accepted, so we all know what that means... Driver's License!!

On the 13-14th, after days and days of gorgeous weather, James went to the Klondike with the scouts. It was the only cold weekend of the entire month! He had a good time, despite the cold. Nothing a little hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls can't fix!

On the 21st, after attending a baby shower, watching Brandon play basketball and taking Kyle to soccer practice, I got a phone call from Jeremy who was at a wrestling tournament. Second match in and he had his second concussion in six weeks. NOT good at all. He was very upset, as he had just made Varsity that week and was looking forward to lettering as a junior. That, and his girlfriend, yes, his girlfriend, was there watching. He lost both matches and was benched for head injuries. Not a good day for Jeremy. The following Wednesday, he was told by the doc, no exercise, no nothing for four long weeks. He accepted it at first, but Jeremy is kind of a slow burner, so the more it set it, the more upset he became.

Later that Saturday, James attended the three youngest's piano recital while I picked Jeremy up from the meet. He thought he was driving himself home, uh... no.

It has been 10 days and he has yet to make it through a full day of school. I think this is going to be a long, difficult time for Jeremy. He has worked so hard to reach his goals and they all seem to be in jeopardy right now, specifically, Rugby and Varsity Football, as well as grades.

On the 23rd, Alex and Jeremy had a band concert. It is so fun to see the two of them in the same band. Jeremy came home from the concert completely exhausted. Bright lights and loud sounds don't do him well these days.

Last Saturday, the 28th was a dream filled day for Brandon. He had the Pinewood Derby-- after all those years of watching his brothers, it was finally his turn to feel the thrill of watching his hand crafted car cruise down those sweet lanes at the local church gym.

However, shortly into the races, Brandon had to leave to go play basketball. Such torture. He told me he was dedicating his game to.... no, not his Mom, none other than Jimmer, of course!

It was a great day for Brandon, full of fun. His car lost, his team lost, but good memories are what he has of that day.

So, kind of a busy, productive month. I was released as YW Camp Director ( mini yay) It was one of those callings that never quite fit right and I had a feeling I would never really fulfill it. Mikenzie was disappointed, but she will have a great 3rd year at camp!

Onto to February...

Christmas Gifts

So, Christmas season is upon us. For me, every year is a real roller coaster of emotions. When the turkey from Thanksgiving has been put away and we begin to focus on Christmas, I start to think of what I will give each of my children for Christmas. To be honest, it is becoming more and more difficult to come up with any " needs " my children have.

They are almost all teenagers, they all have employment or odd jobs, and usually, when they really, really want something, they will find a way to earn enough money to purchase the said need/want.

This year has been more difficult than ever. I added up the goods in Alex's back pack the other day: iPod, cell phone, Netbook.... not cheap people! I never carried anything expensive to school, ever. I don't think any of us did in the old days. Boom boxes were forbidden and Walkman's were a luxury. We would have never considered taking one to school. It is now commonplace for kids to walk around the halls of their school with literally hundreds of dollars worth of "stuff " in their pockets and backpacks.

So, I start out with the predicament of not knowing what I am going to buy and find myself suddenly sliding into the " it's not enough " mode. I quickly loose focus on what we DO have and start to lament what we DON'T have. "If only I could buy.... instead of this cheap old.... I would be so much happier with Christmas".

How do I loose my focus so quickly?

Last night as we were perusing the aisles of Costco, being lured in with all of the fancy electronics I found myself becoming more and more depressed. Gosh, we can only afford a lame-o LCD flat screen TV instead of this nifty $3000 3-D 70" TV. Poor me, I can't have this SLR camera, my life is so stinkin' hard, sniff sniff. On and on I went, spiraling further and further down, until it hit me square in the face...

I have totally lost the true meaning of Christmas. Seriously, how did I check my sense of gratitude for my Savior and all that He has blessed me with at the Costco doors? I couldn't help but feel ashamed of my rotten attitude. And boy did I do some adjusting. My goal for the rest of the season, and hopefully all future seasons, is to remember. REMEMBER... what this season is truly about.

As I have watched my children look under the tree and shake their gifts, it makes me think of our loving Heavenly Father. Brandon is one who does not have a gift under the tree, yet. He asked me " Will you buy a gift for me too? " The spirit touched me as I pondered the meaning of his question.

How many times do we look at all of the gifts of others around us and wonder if Heavenly Father has a gift for us? Did He somehow forget how badly we wanted a gift? Did He realize that our brother or sister has a really huge gift all wrapped up and pretty, and we have nothing?

Little do we remember, our Heavenly Father would never forget us. He has numerous gifts for each of us, some tucked under the bed or in the closet, just waiting to be wrapped, and then opened, and most of all, appreciated. No child in our family would be forgotten at Christmas and no child of The Father, will ever be forgotten.

So, in the early hours of Christmas morning ( which aren't so early anymore now that we have teenagers ), each one of my dearly loved children will look around with delight amid all of the ribbon and wrapping papers and recognize the gifts, chosen, especially for them individually. A symbol of my love for each of them.

And, one morning, when Christ has come, each one of Heavenly Father's children will look around, and realize we were not forgotten. Although one gift was wrapped in different paper, and another may have had more bows, or was larger, we were each given the gifts that our Father chose for us. We will no longer wonder if we were remembered. The true meaning of Christmas will be the one and only gift that matters, as it is the greatest gift ever given.

Be Grateful!!

All about Alex

So I looked up one day and I had Senior in high school! I am not quite sure where all of the

time went, or how he grew up so quickly, but here he is, all tall, dark and handsome.

It kind of hits you in the face when you get requests in the mail for number

of tickets needed for graduation,

exact spelling for the diploma, and senior pictures being taken.

Then, for a while, you forget you have a senior, except when he stands next to you and

you have to constantly look up. That is, until the band has

"Senior Recognition Night" Then you remember,

that's right, I have a Senior!

This is us at the above mentioned evening, celebrating Seniors

( How did I get underlining, when there isn't even and underlining option? )

I see I am not the only Mom who is much shorter than her senior.

This was also the night I found out Alex actually has plans for

his eminent future, 4 years at BYU then 4 years at MIT

to become an automotive engineer/designer guy.

He is also turning mission papers in sometime in June or July.

Amazing what you find out at Senior Recognition Night,

glad

we attended.

Alex has been working hard for a year, rebuilding his monster of a car. It

went from this....

To this...

TO THIS!!!

So, if you have to have a Senior, I would probably choose one

that looks something like this. You can't get much better.

Sorry, this one is already taken and I hear the

knock off's are no where near as good as the original.

Too bad they broke the mold after making

this one!

( Seriously, the underlining thing is really annoying!

And now my font is in two different colors, neither of

which were chosen by me!)

September In A Snapshot...or two

I have no idea where September went, here are a few
quick pictures to show you what I spend most of my
time doing....

This is what I wish I could be doing. Brandon was so tired
after his football and then soccer game, he actually
fell to sleep while trying to call a friend to see
if he could play on the ride home. He finally gave in to sleep,
but he will swear to you he is NOT tired!

A picture from the above mentioned game.

Okay... if you look really close for the best looking, best
trumpet player in the group ( second from the left ) you will
see our Alex. Front row of the band... cool!

A picture of Kyle and his friend at the Sporting KC soccer game. James
took Kyle, Tyler-- the friend, and Brandon to the game.
They had a great time. I would have more pictures,
but James thought I wanted pictures of the game, not my kids
so I'm using what I got.

I LOVE finding random pictures like this one on my camera. I never
know what my girls have been up to until I take a look at
what is on my memory card. LoVe this picture of Mikenzie.
She is beautiful.

Here is Jeremy and a few pictures of his first Homecoming Dance.
Isn't he a handsome fella? Oh, alright, his date
is pretty cute too!

Yep-- Alex is 18, eighteen... EIGHT-TEEN!! Can hardly believe it myself!
He loved his cool Beatles shirt.

Random pictures showing the randomness of my life

Brandon's first football game of the year

Our awesome QB-- he really can throw a bullet, he is

the starting QB ya know. I love the fact

he is still wearing his soccer cleats and shin guards

from his game. He ran from one to the next--

we keep him busy so he doesn't drive us all

crazy with his fidgety, wiggly, hyper little self.

You should try sitting by him at church, we have to take turns

each week-- he is non-stop energy.

Jeremy's completed Eagle Scout Project!

Sorry for the blurry pic

Baylie's 11th Birthday

Sunday afternoon on the back deck,

I have such a handsome son.

Alex in his typical texting pose. I was

lucky to get him to look up at me long enough

to take a picture.

Brandon at his first soccer game of the season

Baylie at her first volleyball game of the season-- see how she is smaller than most?

That's what happens when you are a year younger than everyone in your class.

Two of my Blue Jay warriors- Kyle is in his soccer jersey and

Mikenzie is in her volleyball jersey on game day.