"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Friday, February 5, 2010

This is a repost from a couple years ago

I thought this was worth reposting because I often find myself feeling this way. I hope it reminds you of your divine calling.

Healing Balm For My Soul

A great friend sent this to me. She will never know how much I needed it right now. Thank you Jules!

If you're a mom, this will hit home.

I'm invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going . she's going . she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it."  And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Kathleen B. Morgan
390 Brushy Ridge Road
New Canaan, CT 06840

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Just Some Cute Pics & an Update

It’s been a really long time since I posted anything! In my defense, I’ve been a little busy moving. Still, it’s no excuse. This whole unpacking thing is taking far longer than I ever anticipated. Grrrrrrrrr.

I think we finally have a handle on the main level. We just have a few more pictures to hang, and a few more boxes to shuffle. The upstairs, well, that’s a different story.

Can I just say, I am ready for Spring! I’m over all this mud and snow. We have never seen our yard. We have seen pictures of it in the Summer time, but I am itching to get out there and get my hands on it! I guess the fact that we can’t be outside will force us to finish the inside first.

I’ve been trying to get some  pictures of Vivian for a cute baby contest on Live with Regis and Kelly. It’s for Parenting Magazine. The grand prize is a $250,000 scholarship. I also entered Vivi and Jacob in Parenting Magazine’s model search. So the following pictures are a result of trying to get some decent shots. I’ve come to the conclusion that I NEED to learn Photoshop. I was going to sign up for a class, but not knowing what Rich and Karen’s schedules will be in the next few weeks, I decided against it. Maybe next term.

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This is Vivi’s mad face. Whenever I take her picture, she starts dictating what kind of shot I should take next. She’ll say “Mama, I do mad face.” or “Mama, I see my tongue.” She is so funny!

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What a ham!

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Well, there you have it! My kids are such shrinking violets.

I am going to start blogging more. At least, that’s my plan. Stay tuned.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Merry Christmas From The Stones!

Click to play this Smilebox scrapbook: Stone Christmas 2009
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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Jacob's Soccer Team

I obviously have a lot of blogging to catch up on. I’ve been a little out of sorts since turning our life upside down and moving to Utah.

One of the first things I did was sign Jacob up for the city soccer league. He was in HEAVEN! He scored a goal in his first game.


It was such a kick to watch all these little 4 and 5-year-olds running up and down the field, trying to get a piece of the ball, even if it meant steam rolling their own team mates!
Jacob definitely has some great kicking skills. Now all we have to do is get him to RUN FAST!

I LOVE this picture. Click on it so you can see their faces. It cracks me up!

Here is Jacob lining up to score a goal. I love the goalie's face.


Look at how tiny they are. SO CUTE!!! Jacob was a giant compared to a lot of these kids.
Nice kick Jacob!

Jacob loved being the goalie, but most of the time he was swinging from the top of the goal, or staring at airplanes and the like.


There were more than a few injuries, and Jacob was convinced they were intentional because “the other team just wants us to lose!”




Yeah! High five Coach George! Great job buddy!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

We Are Moving to Utah...

In one week! Holy cow, I'm freaking out! I'm super happy, because this is what we've wanted for a long time, but it is insanely short notice, and I'm completely overwhelmed with the task ahead. Rich has to start on July 13th. So, we're going to pack light, go on up, then I'll come back at the beginning to middle of August to take care of things here. I'll have to purge, pack, clean, paint, fix, and ready the house for renting. Then, I'll have to find renters. YIKES!!! I really want to curl up into the fetal position and cry.

I have so many emotions running through my heart and mind at this point. I'm excited our dream is finally coming true, but scared of all the uncertainty and unknown. I'm overwhelmed, and a little terrified of having to do almost everything in regards to the house on my own. I'm worried about taking a pay cut, and the standard of living we will have to adapt to. But, I'm overjoyed that I will be closer to my parents, and that we will be able to enroll Jacob into the school of our dreams.

I've never experienced so much internal turmoil. I know everything will be okay. I know there will be a lot of people to help me. But, it doesn't lessen the knot in my stomach, or the sadness I feel at leaving our wonderful ward, and good friends and family here.

We have loved living here in Surprise, and could not have asked for a better ward. I'm certain there is not a better ward in the entire church! I'm so grateful for modern technology, and the way it makes the world a little bit smaller. Knowing this makes the sadness of leaving a little less.

So, on to the new chapter in our life. On to renew old friendships, and reunite with distant loved ones. Heavenly Father really does work in mysterious ways.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Thanks Amanda!!!

Amanda Avalos took these darling pictures for us. Vivian, of course, was NOT cooperative. We spent an hour and a half chasing her all over the park. It's a good thing Amanda wore her running shoes!
You're amazing Amanda!
Cuties

                           precious baby
                           No more pictures
                                   Sweet boy

                                     tree hugger
 
My Joy


                         Eyes
Miss Sass


Vivi Red Dress A Rare Moment 

Monday, May 18, 2009

I Need To Find A Home

For these guys...
And this guy.


Meet Scout!
He is playful and adventurous. He is also a cuddler. He was the first one to venture out of the bed, and he loves to explore. He's got a lot of spunk!



Meet Princess!
She is sweet and cuddly. She loves to play with her siblings. I think she has a beautiful face!



Meet Ollie!
He's a little cutie. He has white "socks" on his back feet. He loves to romp around and tackle his brother and sister. He's also a cuddler.



Meet Jordan!
Isn't he a little cutie? He is also a cuddler. He needs a good home. He is well trained. he cooks (he owns his own Kitchen Aid) and cleans. He has a nicer wardrobe than I do. He is a returned missionary. He owns his own business. He has had years of training from his mom and sisters. He is well groomed. He has a boat. He loves to travel. He loves his mother. He is 26. He's a good boy!




He is free to a cute, loving girl.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Pinewood Derby Here We Come!

Our ward is having a Ward Pinewood Derby today. Everyone can participate, so naturally, we thought it would be fun for our little man to join the race.He wanted a golden car, so we spray painted it gold, then I free handed the flames. I'm thinking I should apply for a job at West Coast Customs. What do you think?


For some unknown reason, he wanted his car to have the number 9 on it. We tried to get him to do a number 1, or number 5 (because he is 5 years old). He said he needs a higher number, but could not explain why that was so important. I used a scrapbooking rub-on number. Cool, huh?


Have you seen that commercial with the little boy who makes his own car for the pinewood derby? His car is very basic. When he gets to the race he sees that all the other boys' cars are all tricked out, and he looks a little concerned. You hear his dad talking about how he told him just to do his best and have fun.

We've been having this discussion with Jacob all day long. He is so competitive, and gets really upset when he doesn't win. He's obsessed with being #1. We keep going over how the Pinewood Derby is all about having fun, and congratulating the people who win. We explained that all the kids want to win, but not everyone can. We are happy for the winners, and excited that we got to participate. His response: Yeah, but I'm going to win because my car's the fastest.

*sigh*

I'll keep repeating my mantra to him, and pray that he exercises good sportsmanship. But, as the dad says at the end of the commercial, as his son takes home the trophy; "winning isn't bad either."

I'll post an update on the outcome of the derby.


*Update*

Well, our awesome car did not do as well as we had hoped. He came in 3rd in the first heat, and 6th (last) in the second heat.
Though he was a little disapointed, he took it like a champ and was happy to have raced. His only comment was "all the other kids' cars are faster. Mine is just a slow poke."

We've learned form our mistakes, and next year I think we'll go for a little more streamline design. It was a great time!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Thanks Aunt Kim! Thanks Grandma!

Aunt Kim came to stay with us for a week so she could play with us, and help our mamma. She got up early with Viv so Mamma could sleep a little. She made us breakfast, and played outside. Aunt Kim and Vivi spent a lot of quality time in the back yard because they got locked out! We ate at Macayo's a lot, cause that's Aunt Kim's favorite. They don't have Macayo's in Idaho, where she lives.
Each night, when I say my prayers, I thank Heavenly Father that Aunt Kim could come and stay with us for a while. We miss her!
When are you coming to see me again Aunt Kim? We are going to Grandma and Grandpa's house in a couple of weeks so my mamma can go see the doctor there. Wanna come play with us?

Grandma came to stay with us too. Mamme needs a lot of help lateley wrangling Vivi and me. Grandma read us stories, and played games. She took good care of us so mamma could get some rest. Grandma even cleaned my room, and Vivi's room and organized everything! Mamma says now that my room is all cleaned, we can decorate it with rocket ships, and glow in the dark stars! Grandma is the best!
Grandma, We're coming to stay with you and Grandpa for a couple of weeks! Can we go to the dinosaur museum and the aquarium? Can we make cookies and play in the water?

We can't wait to see you!

Friday, May 8, 2009

The Fashionable Miss Vivian

This may be my favorite outfit ever! She is so her own person.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Just Plain Silly

This is Going to be sort of a catch-up post for the long distance fam. Lots of pictures!

I think this pic is SO indicative of Vivi's personality right now. The terrible twos are in full swing. She is so defiant, and WILL NOT be contained. Pose for a picture? Forget about it! Be nice to her brother? Rarely. Do you see her trying to get away from Jacob as he tries to hold her hand outside the Mesa Temple? *sigh*























This was going to be such a cute picture...
Except Vivian wouldn't sit still for even a second. Jacob gave it his best shot, but to no avail.

Ah, then there's Easter. Do you think I could get a decent shot of them together? Not a chance. I did, however, get this shot of Vivian with her binkie in her mouth and a jump rope in her ear.










This is an "I'm not going to cooperate at all" pose.














At least the little man is somewhat cooperative. He looked so cute in his bright Easter colors.















I do love this pic. I love how Vivi is looking up to her big brother. I need to find a better blank background spot... or take the picture down when I have them pose. I wanted to take some photos outside, but that would have been a disaster with Vivian. As evidenced in some of the pics below, if there is a speck of mud anywhere, she will find it!



Ah, here we go again.



We found several of these little surprises in our Easter eggs. Jacob, who does not like egg yolks, was not impressed.






He was impressed with his chocolate bunny, and the fact that mom actually let him eat some of it BEFORE breakfast!















The spoils of the day! Vivi got a Tinkerbell outfit from the Easter bunny.







A princess costume, and chocolate! It doesn't get much better than that for Viv.






Jacob loves to take self potraits.




Vivan is OBSESSED with this sweater and hat. It's 95 degrees outside and she insists on wearing them... overtop of her heavy winter jammies, which she also insists on wearing.
















The hat again.














































I think this is my favorite ensemble. She has her own sense of style!


















Then there's the sidewalk chalk. The sidewalk has to be covered with water so she can smear the chalk all over everything, especially herself. You'll notice she is decked out in half of a princess costume.










What did I tell you about the mud?



I suppose I would pay good money for this type of mud bath at a fancy spa. Crazy baby!











She must get the crazy from her brother. Here he is pretending to be a monkey.
















He even had to eat a banana, which is not really his favorite, to prove his point.

Her Royal Highness, princess Vivian!


Even a princess needs to swing sometimes.









I should take all my pictures while they are in the Mustang. It's the only time Vivi will sit still next to Jacob!


I got this pic before Viv picked up her lunch and ran away.


Everything's all good if you've got your binkie.



Jacob came downstairs in this tux which he wore for his Uncle Robert's wedding two years ago. He says it's his tap dancing outfit. I really wish he had a top hat. We were all treated to a little ditty.


So, there it is. It's pretty much a day in the life of the Stone clan. There is never a shortage of entertainment, concerts, messes... uh, I mean artwork, drama, kisses, hugs, "I wuff you Mama," and hopefully nap time!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

What Would Simon Say?

Future American Idol? You be the judge...

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Simon: (say it with a British accent) "Absolutely the best performance of the night."

Randy: "Dawg, that was HOT!"

Kara: "You are such an amazing artist! You took that song and made it your own!"

Paula: (with a dazed look on her face, speaking like she has a mouth full of peanut butter) "Is the sky purple? Oh look, budder but-but-butterflies. You are such a shiny star. I love you!" This comment takes her a full 10 minutes to spit out.

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I wish Jacob would come out of his shell. It's so hard to get him to express himself. And in case you were wondering, Jacob did improv those two songs, and yes, that is Rich in the background providing the guitar track. My family is so talented! Jacob gets his dance moves from me.

Tune in tomorrow. I'm hoping I get voted off. Or at least sent on a weekend getaway... At a spa. A quiet one. ("You Had a Bad Day" is playing in the background).

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

I'm Forcing Myself To Post

I have a lot to post about, but I just don't have the motivation. However, I'm tired, as I'm sure you are, of looking at the same thing every time I open my blog. So, here we go.

Jacob's 2 Wheeler


Jacob has been saying for some time that he wanted us to take the training wheels off his bike, but we felt he just hadn't had enough practice. Then, Darla told me about this ingenious invention called the Balance Buddy (shown here) that attaches to the back wheel where the training wheels once were. You hold the handle while they ride. Presto! No back aches, no falling over of the bike. Jacob was riding by himself in a matter of 20 minutes. It gave him confidence and stability. We took the Balance Buddy off of the bike the next day. He is riding like a pro. I highly recommend this little tool. I got mine on Amazon for $17.99.

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He is super proud of himself, as are we. I can't believe how big my baby is getting. Next, he'll be starting kindergarten *sob,* losing teeth, and exercising his independence. I am finding it hard to catch my breath right now. Why can't I just stop time?

Friday, February 27, 2009

Wendy DeWitt Update

If you want to see the first segment Wendy did on BYU, you can watch it on BYUTV's website. Below is a comment that was on Wendy's blog from viewer services at BYU.

We always appreciate hearing from those interested in our station and its programs.To rewatch the episode with Wendy DeWitt, go to www.byu.tv and click on "February 23" and on 7:00 PM. It will come up with the Living Essentials episode and you can just watch it right there.
I hope this is helpful to you!
Sincerely,Catherine
Viewer Services BYU Television

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

I Am Inspired!

I know many of you have heard her, but, for those of you who have not been to a class presented by Wendy DeWitt, you're in luck! Someone has video taped her class and put it on youtube in 9 segments, totaling about an hour. I know, you may be thinking it's absurd to sit and watch youtube for an hour, but trust me, once you watch the first segment, you will not be able to stop yourself from watching the rest. It will change the way you think about, and approach food storage forever! She is a genius, and she is funny!

I finally feel like I could actually do this whole food storage thing. I've been buying food, but I have no idea what I have, or what to do with it (other than the 2 year supply of peanut butter I have accumulated). Wendy has the most brilliant, simple system for calculating, buying, and keeping an inventory of your food storage, and it's all food your family loves to eat. I can't believe I never knew any of this before now! Why didn't someone tell me? (Alice, Wendy's daughter-in-law, is laughing at me right now) Go to Wendy's blog where you can download her all-inclusive booklet. It will tell you everything you need to know, gives you recipes and tips, and has a copy of the master shopping list you will create. Brilliant!

She has done 3 segments for Living Essentials on BYUTV. The first segment aired a couple days ago. They will replay it on March 14th at 4am (set your DVR!). The next segment will air on March 30th at 7pm. The last segment is yet to be announced. If you go to the Living Essentials website, you can get more info, and you can even purchase a DVD of the episode.

Here is the first home video segment on Youtube. If you look to the right of the screen you will see the rest of the 9 segments.


I hope this will inspire and help you, as it has me. We can help each other by alerting everyone to good sales on common items, sharing foodsavers and canners (I have a foodsaver), creating a group order for solar ovens, sharing recipes, etc.

Now, if anyone has any brilliant food storage space ideas, I'm all ears!