Lucy Jo Home

My WordPress Blog

Learning from a Social Butterfly and a Giveaway!

6 Comments

This is what the good life looks like for Jane. Cody, Jane and Maurie did some backyard camping last night. 

I took myself out to dinner this last week. Being alone doesn’t bother me, but Jane is teaching me that it is the friend sitting across from you that can make life better.  

Jane, in the last few days, has been teaching me about what happiness looks like. She has always been, and, I hope, always will be a happy, energetic person.

On Friday, there was a family picnic at her school. Cody took the day off to work on some projects at the house, so he was able to come with me and the girls to join Jane for the picnic. We came to be with her, but I barely saw her. She was running from friend to friend meeting their families and occasionally coming back to introduce her friends to her sisters and parents. She literally was running around everywhere and we would have to specifically ask her to stay on the blanket for one minute, but as soon as I started to talk to our friends, she was off again.

On Saturday, she played with friends and her sisters all morning and then went to a birthday party in the afternoon.

On Sunday, she went to church and then played with new friends at a birthday party we attended for a church friend.

On Monday, she played all morning at the Memorial Day breakfast (Grateful for men and women who sacrificed all for the freedom I enjoy.), then played all evening at a BBQ with friends and then backyard camped with Cody and Maurie.

Sometimes I wonder if Jane’s childhood is okay, but then I think about it and there is little that can ruin her happiness because she draws her strength from her friends and family. She is a social chameleon and considers everyone to be her friend. As long as there is someone to meet and play with, she is good to go.

I have to admit that before nearly every event we attended this weekend I said, “Cody, I’m not sure if I want to go.” As you can see, Jane and I have different gifts, but I can certainly learn from her warm friendliness. I have also found that even though I am apprehensive to go to social events, I am nearly always glad that I went. Jane knows that true happiness is in the connections, the relationships that she makes with those around her. I am grateful for her example.

What have you learned from a child? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

GIVEAWAY 

Just a reminder that every Tuesday I will be sharing what I learned from a child in my life. To encourage participation in learning from children, I am giving away the book Parenting with Love and Logic. It is one of my favorite parenting books. To enter the giveaway, please comment below with something you have learned from a child in your life and subscribe to my email list. You can also comment on my Instagram account to enter, request to follow me if we are not already friends on Instagram. I will choose a winner (randomly) on June 3, 2017. 

Behold Your Little Ones

Leave a Comment

I don’t want to forget this age and how cute she is when she cuddles with her blanket and me, and sucks her thumb.

Learning from the Little Ones

Today Maurie was wearing a purple dress with pretty flowers on the front. At first I was a little annoyed that she wanted to wear it for the second day in a row, and then I stopped and admired how easy it is for children to decided what they like, and without any shame, wear repeatedly what they love with joy. Maurie is not thinking about whether or not anyone is going to like what she wears; she simply wears it because she likes it.

Brooklyn has a sense of adventure right now that helps me to see the world differently. She is about 14 months old and has been walking since she was 9 months, so she is very able to explore now. A few days ago she was playing in the dirt in our garden. She squeezed the mud in her hands, threw it, put it in her mouth and immersed herself in the experience of dirt. Occasionally she would walk to a new area, but she was completely content. She is so present when she does anything and it is the first time nearly every time she experiences something lately. I want to wake up ready to be present more often. I want to squeeze, taste and immerse myself in the daily events of my life so that I can really enjoy it. Brooklyn is so uninterested in TV, phones and computers. She likes to mess with them just to get a response from us, but she is unscathed by the screens that seem to consume our attention far too often.

What the Scriptures Teach Us about Children

I learn something from my children everyday and I am determined to pay attention and not miss the lessons they can teach.

In Matthew 18, verses 1-6 we learn a lot about what God thinks about little children.

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

So, I read this and it is confirmed again that children can teach us so much. I have a special duty to care for and “receive” the children God has sent to me. God knows the trust, the love, the forgiveness, the humility, the strength and the obedience that children naturally demonstrate and if I will open my eyes and “behold” my kids, I will become a little more like God each day.

There is a part in the Book of Mormon when Jesus Christ comes to visit the people living on the American continent, after his resurrection. He has been spending a lot of time teaching, healing and blessing the people there. At one point, he asks for all the children to come to him and he blesses them one by one. After he is done, he weeps and speaks to all there, “Behold your little ones.” What they saw afterwards is the heavens open and angels surrounding them, encircled with fire and the angels ministered to the children.

This is a powerful image. This event convinces me that God’s love for little children is without comparison, and that we should literally and figuratively behold our little ones. I am taking this to heart and starting to record what I learn from my little ones weekly.

A Challenge/Invitation

I started recording months ago in my personal hand-written journal, but I challenge you to join me in my quest to learn from the children in our lives and share our lessons with each other. It inspires me to hear how children are teaching as much or more than we are teaching them. What have you learned from children this week? This invitation is for anyone that associates or cares for children, not just parents. Please comment below!

Best,

Lucy

All You Need is Love

2 Comments

All You Need is Love
3 out of 5 smiling is pretty darn good. =)

When I was about 21 years old I was aching to get married and have a family. I was about to graduate from college with no marriage prospects, and I felt like my chance to find someone was gone. I was really sad that I had not found someone to live my life with and even more sad that I wouldn’t have children anytime soon.

Skip ahead ten years, and I am happily married with three daughters. It really does feel surreal sometimes because I spent so much time thinking that it might not happen. Today I see that I am truly blessed, and I need to have more gratitude for what has happened and not dwell on what has not happened.

I walked Maurie up the stairs to tuck her into bed for the second time tonight. As she held my hand, she said, “I lub you.” I expressed my love in return and repeated most of the bedtime routine I had done ten minutes earlier. Normally, I would be a little irritated and impatient about having to tuck her in again, but tonight I just enjoyed a little more time to spend with my daughter. She is sweet and loving and with a little encouragement and more love, she is now sleeping soundly in her bed. Most of the time the answer to my problems is not to have less responsibility, but to have more love and patience. I wish I felt this calm and peaceful all the time. It is too easy to get distracted and miss special moments that I won’t get back.

My husband and children really are my dreams come true. I get overwhelmed with all that I need to do and keep up with, but at the end of the day I just need to ask myself, “Did the people I care about the most feel loved?” If I can answer yes, I need to count the day a victory despite the other things that may have gone undone.

I honor motherhood and all the mothers before me by doing a little better today than I did yesterday.

Best,
Lucy

What’s up?

Leave a Comment

Easter Egg Hunting 6 yrs old

1 yr old

2 yrs old

I have been busy writing posts about specific topics, but I just want to fill you in on our family too.

Cody has been traveling A LOT. I heartily dislike when we are a part. We have decided that one or two days can actually be healthy, but after that, we just are annoyed that we can’t be together. I also hate having to take care of the homestead by myself. There is a lot of pressure already and then to know that I am on my own makes it super difficult sometimes. Cody is doing really well at work though. He has been a key player in the research, development and implementation of a new product. As I look back on when Cody got this job to where he is now, I am so impressed with his progress and improvement. We are lucky to have Cody as our provider.

Jane is on the tail end of Kindergarten. She continues to surprise me everyday. I think the oldest children tend to do that. She is very social still and loves her friends. She is reading and progressing in all the rest of the subjects. I have been pleased with her school thankfully. I recently went on a field trip with Jane to see a play at the Performing Arts Center. We both enjoyed it and I loved to see her in her school element. She is going to take swim lessons this summer and I am eager to see what interests she decides to pursue next year. We have decided to allow her one extra-circular activity. She plays with her sisters well most of the time, but she certainly has days she stomps to her room to be alone. I am so thankful for her help and her desire to keep her sisters safe and happy.

Maurie is 2. I, honestly, am struggling with her behavior and I am paying close attention to how I can help her. She is saying prayers at mealtimes and before bed. They are so sweet and always include all the members of her family. She loves to play with Jane and they always play like one is the mother and one is the daughter. They wrestle and they play like they are trying to save the other from “dying”. =) We have had a few warm days and they spent as much time outside as they could. I am looking forward to summer for that reason. Maurie is misses her dad very much when he goes and she seems to be the most effected by his absence out of the girls. Whenever she hears the door or the sound of keys she says, “Daddy!” I love that they have a close relationship. Maurie has super long hair and I know that she is due for a trim. She has inherited my hair that tangles way too easily and I hate to brush it. I love her long hair, but I don’t know how much longer I can handle trying to comb it. Maurie’s favorite TV show is Daniel Tiger.

Brooklyn is starting to really get vocal. She is so smart! She responds with head nods and is running now. She blows us all away. She doesn’t like TV and never watches; she loves to get in on the action with her older sisters and still likes to drink a bottle. She eats well most of the time, but won’t eat cheese. She likes bath time and likes consistency in bedtimes and nap times. She still naps twice a day, but I don’t know how much longer I will be able to do it. It will be hard to let go of the morning nap for me. Brooklyn has a head full of brown curly hair and is into everything right now. I have absolutely loved watching her discover the outdoors. She loves to be outside and her big blue eyes are wide open as she walks around and touches and eats everything. She is so sweet and gives us kisses with mouth wide open. She continues to be a ray of sunshine in our family. I am so thankful for her, especially on my hard days.

I am fairly well. My mental and emotional state has been precarious and it has taken a toll on the whole family. I visit a therapist regularly, and I learn so much. I am obsessed right now with interior design. I am finding that I dive in to my interests quickly and then burn out quickly. I am working on slowing down and really deciding what it is that I am trying to accomplish. I have awesome friends here that have been amazing supports to me and my family. I am working on being a better person one day at a time.

We are looking forward to attending the temple next weekend, finishing our basement project and enjoying more bike rides, hikes and park days. We have a few small vacations planned for the summer.

I hope you and yours are doing well!

Best,

Lucy

A Me Only Vacation: Advice for Moms

2 Comments

A Me Vacation: Advice for moms
This last week was extremely difficult for me. Cody went to Las Vegas for the Construction Expo and spent some time with his family. It is always hard to hear about the fancy hotels he stays at, the expensive fine dining and this time it was really hard to know that he was getting to spend time with his family. I was so glad that he was able to, but it made me feel 10X more lonely and anxious. While he is away I face sibling fights, routines and all the basic needs of my children by myself. For some this is totally manageable, but for me, this time, I didn’t always hold up to the pressure. 

It was both a good and bad eight days. The good was that I had so many wonderful people reach out to help me and the bad was that I still wasn’t coping well with Cody gone. I won’t go into the details of my struggle, but I will gratefully say that I am currently writing in the peace and quiet of a hotel room, completely relaxed. It is truly lovely to be ALONE. I love my family so much, but today was a reminder that I am person and I can take care of me too. I have a new perspective just simply by getting out of the house and out of mommy/wife mode.

For any mothers out there that feel trapped at home or feel overwhelmed by the amount of care you give for husband and children everyday, I understand! I wanted to share with you about my Me Only vacation because I think every mom not only needs one, but likely deserves one. If you think moms are selfish, just stop reading and you can believe what you want. If you think moms give most of their life to their family, keep reading.

I started my day having breakfast at a restaurant. I felt so alive sitting in a restaurant not needing to have a little one on my lap, quiet Maurie or ask Jane to sit still. The waitress smiled, went out of her way to be pleasant and brightened my day. I ate a yummy meal slowly, read my scriptures, and booked a hotel room. I didn’t have to talk to anyone or please anyone…just me. I was not bored and I didn’t wish there was someone there with me.

I went to a therapy session. This appointment left me feeling lighter and hopeful.

I went shopping. I bought something for a friend, a shirt for myself and curtains and paint for my home. There were no deadlines and I felt like I was accomplishing something without the frustration of crying babies or wandering toddlers.

I checked into my hotel; I actually giggled at the silence of the room. Everything was clean and I spent a whole hour working on a project–uninterrupted! I had a new space to look at and I don’t have to clean it!

Isn’t this a lovely day? I have only shared up until noon, but you get the idea–alone and productive. It still isn’t over and I have to admit that I am not looking forward to my vacation ending. I am most looking forward to sleeping–like a rock and waking up to silence. No one is going to wake me up in the morning! I am only gone for one night, but this one night is filling my bucket. I have had the time and space to really think about the kind of person I want to be and how.

Also, I have taken some wise advice and got someone to watch my children for a chunk of time weekly, and I am looking into having someone clean my house every other week. When I first considered both of these ideas, I felt like I was being ridiculous, but now the more I think about it, the more I love the idea of lightening some of my load. Could my pioneer ancestors work circles around me?.Probably, but all I know is that I feel like I may be able to better face my life after this vacation and a few tweaks to my weekly routine.

This is how life looks NOT on a me vacation.

You may be wonderfully content with life right now and if you are, I am truly happy for you. For those of you that think going on a vacation by yourself sounds awesome, then it is probably time to see if it can happen. This has taken Cody’s time/willingness and money, but the cost, I believe, will have lasting benefits for me and my whole family. (Cody is seriously amazing, by the way.)

Thank you Moms for what you are doing! I feel invisible a lot;  I want you to know that I see what you do and it really is beautiful! Remember (speaking to myself too): Present over perfect. Keep investing in you so you can keep giving to the ones you love most.

Best,

Lucy Jo

P.S. With a little time to go shopping on my own, I finally have some plans I can share with you about my basement redesign. My next post I will share the paint colors that I chose, the flooring I hope to get, a mood board with the style of decor I plan to get, and a before picture or video. Until next time, my friends.