Frisbee & Flowers & Meditation

Monday night, after the gym and while boiling eggs for the week, I took Doby out to work on digging his tunnel to China... which he does nightly... as if he's in Shawshank Redemption and is planning his prison escape. Poor tortoise.

Anyhow, when I took him out to work on his digging skills, these two were playing frisbee.

I love watching them.

They're pretty good at the whole throw and catch part of frisbee.

I tend to run away from the flying saucer as not to get hit in the nose with it. Safety first!

For about two weeks each year, this is my view from the bedroom window.

The rest of the however many weeks there are in the year, I just keep my blinds closed because the view can tend to be depressing.

However, these two weeks of the year, I have the window wide open and the blinds wide open and as I lay in bed at night, meditating, I look at these small wonders in the world and offer up gratitude.

I have changed up my meditation practice a bit over the last few days.

I am practicing being silent and LISTENING.

I have always been that girl who hurries through my morning and nighttime prayers and then hurries off to bed or to my car with the radio full blast to work. 

It's weird, isn't it, how I never feel that I receive personal revelations?!

So, I have really focused on being silent and listening.

After my nighttime prayers, I stay on the floor, close my eyes and focus on my breath for five minutes. Five minutes seems like way too short of a time, but I'm just getting started, People. Baby steps!

As I was doing this on Sunday, it came to my mind (weird how silence brought answers to my prayers) that I should drive to and from work with the radio turned off. No sound. Just me and my thoughts and breathing.

I can't report that I have had visions or heard voices, YET... but I can report that I am being faithful in this practice and that I know I will be blessed for doing it.

From my current book:

In our real lives, we are constantly hopping around to adjust ourselves around discomfort - physical, emotional and psychological - in order to evade the reality of grief and nuisance. Grief and nuisance are inevitable in this life, but if you can plant yourself in stillness long enough, you will, in time, experience the truth that everything (both uncomfortable and lovely) does eventually pass... instead of slapping and griping, what if I sat through the discomfort, just for one hour of my long life?

Another Day; Another Text

Yesterday, I got an email that said Colton had been checked out of school by Jackson Jorgensen.

I panicked.

Who the H was checking my kid out of school?

I texted Braxton and Kaydon and asked them if it was one of them...

Then I got this text from Colton.

Another day, another tender mercy brought to me by my kids.

They never, ever cease to amaze me.

Like, on the daily.

My 15 year old's brother, who is 17, drove to his school and checked him out to take him to lunch. 

Just because.

Mouse in the House

Last night.

Last night, Jackson and Kaydon "armed up" and went hunting for a mouse in the house.

These pictures are nothing.

They went full-blown hunting gear.

Swords. Sharp cards. Small knives. Big knives.
Things to make them tie around their legs and arms.

Jackson said to me, "You stay right here in your room. Do not come downstairs unless you hear screaming."

Fantastic.

Mind you.

We have traps.

And peanut butter.

Plenty of traps and peanut butter.

I asked why they didn't just set those up.

"We are going to spear the mouse, Mom."

Fantastic.

The mouse is still in the house.

Back to School Feast 2018-19

We had our Back to School Feast last night. 

This year, Braxton was in charge of the theme for our school year.

After Jackson ordained Kaydon to the office of Priest, we hurried home and Randy and I began cooking.

It turned out so yummy!

Next time, we will actually put the spices in it. 

I purposely left them out because I was sure I would hate the spice.

It would have been good to include it.

Spicy Corn Carbanara for the win! Garlic bread, Ceaser salad, and ice cream cake.

The theme for this year is "courage."

Braxton recited a scripture from the Old Testament about courage.

He then handed out necklaces that he made each of us. They are personal reminders for each of us to have courage to do the right thing. The small handouts that he made have the picture of a lion, the word "courage" and P's name in morse code.

The boys put these cards in their lockers or their notebooks.

I read a scripture on courage and explained to them what I expect out of them this school year, and really always.

Randy then concluded the dinner with his thoughts for them.

Here's to another school year!

They start Wednesday!!

Yellowstone

Last week, the boys went to Yellowstone.

And Jackson Hole.

They got to see Old Faithful.

They got to sleep on the ground in Bear Country.

I'm fully aware of how unsafe that is.

They are boys.

They got to pee in nature and not get yelled at by their Mama.

They got to eat food that may or may not have been good for them.

They got to spend time together before life changes for all of us.

I'm so grateful they got to have some serious brother time!

I was even more grateful when they arrived home.

Just keepin' it real!

Proud Mama

I'm proud of all of my children. Every single one of them.

Braxton has been making wreaths like a freaking boss at work. The kid is talented. I love that he sends me pictures of his finished products.

Jackson is doing SUPER well at his second job! Good thing he gets a 1% commission! Roooolllling in the dough!

Single Mom Gig - Abundance

As you know, I am a working, single mother of four boys. I have them 100% of the time... not that they are scheduled commodities, but I am the only parent in their lives. Period. It's on me. I don't get breaks from parenting. Not that I would want them. And the older they get and make plans to move out and become real-life adults and do real-life adult things, the more I never want to get a break from parenting... ever. Like in the history or future of ever. If a talk needs to take place, it's me. If they are needing to be talked to about things (bathing, slowing the F down when they are driving, dating, homework, chores, cleaning their rats nest of a bedroom, brushing their teeth at least once a dang day, respecting women, respecting everyone who is worthy of respect, eating slow enough to actually taste their food, using their earned money on needs before wants, etc. etc. etc.) If they need to talk, they come to me... not because I'm the best option but because I am all there is. Poor kids!

I have to tell you what one of my very favorite things is about this situation! We are a team. What one of us sucks at, one of the other four can pick up the slack. My new business is a whole new learning process for me. I hate sales. With a passion. I am not a sales person. But, I AM passionate about supporting my kids, paying my medical bills so that my credit isn't even worse than it already is, and sharing my personal experiences and stories about becoming whole after being so broken over and over and over again. Because I am passionate about those things, I am giving myself two years to make this business successful. By successful, I mean paying bills and inspiring and encouraging others to be whole and happy and at peace.

Because it is my goal to do this and to LEARN to be successful at it, my boys have jumped on board and are being unbelievably supportive. Remember, they are TEENAGE BOYS. Most teenage boys could care less about their mom selling makeup and skin care and taking selfies and doing Lives. In fact, most teenage boys would rather not know anything about any of it. Not my boys. No, my boys have learned the best set up for the camera. They have worked to figure out lighting. They are working to find a better backdrop for Lives and pictures. They have held virtual Facebook parties for their friends. For real. They have talked to their girl friends about this stuff and encouraged them to look on my site. They have edited my bios, in hopes that the marketing will begin to be better. They have researched other Lives for me to find better and more effective ways to market myself. They have spent TIME and effort, not because I ask them to, but because they see a need and they jump in and they support me.

In the real world, I am not the only parent in my home. I am not really a SINGLE MOM. I am surrounded by four teenage sons who teach me and support me and comfort me and remind me and pray for me and with me. I am anything but single in my home. Just last night, I asked Kaydon to come pray with me. He knelt by my bed and prayed FOR me. Braxton came in to kiss me goodnight and said, "Mom, how much longer are you going to be on your phone working? I don't want it to hurt your eyes." Colton yelled over and over and over and over and over again, "Love you Mama!"

In our world, there is abundance. Just the opposite of single anything.

Single Mom Gig - Supporting Mama

If you haven't heard, I'm a Younique Presenter now. I am selling this amazing makeup and skin care in order to pay my medical bills from the stroke.

My boys have been my biggest supporters... seriously. Both Jackson and Braxton are having virtual Facebook parties at the moment. Obviously, they aren't doing it to earn makeup. They are doing it because they support me and they love me and they want to help me succeed with whatever it is I'm doing.

They help me set up for Facebook Lives. They help me set up parties. They help me with computer stuff. They help me to organize and get work done.

They encourage me and laugh at me when I have masks all over my face. They love me and they are my biggest cheerleaders. I am so grateful that I am so blessed in my single mom gig.

Thursday Start To The Weekend

Randy drove up Thursday night because he wanted to spend some time with the gang before the weekend getaway. We headed to Boondocks, ordered some dinner and purchased our passes for the night. Before dinner even arrived, Jackson got a call from work and was super bummed that he had to go. He had traded with someone that night so that he could hang out with us. He headed off to work and the rest of us started our bowling game. I suck at bowling. Like, bad. Like, I don't even think bumpers would help. But, I love doing it with my family. Kaydon was super competitive with Randy, which just brought so much laughter. Colton had way more fun once Randy pulled out the ramp for him. Who wouldn't?! Braxton started off slow, but came back strong!

After bowling, we went in for a little laser tag. I'm a big trash-talker when it comes to laser tag! I think I'm pretty good. Sooooo... I had to finish it up with two back-to-back wins!!!

Autumn Camping

Friday and Saturday, my boys went camping. They went with the other young men in the ward. It was dry for them and they had fun hiking, just the four of them. It breaks my heart to think this is one of the last camping trips for these boys before Jackson leaves. They are a strong foursome. They don't always like each other, in fact most of the time, they probably don't like each other. But, they love each other and they depend on each other. I am so thankful for young men's leaders that they have had along the way, who have always been so supportive, loving, and motivated. This ward goes on more campouts than any ward we have ever been on. Usually, my children make up at least half of the squad. I am so thankful for their opportunities, especially just the four of them to grow and bond!

These Boys of Mine

The boys had Fall Break on Thursday and Friday. Braxton went with Cam's family to go camping in Colorado. The others chilled at home. When I got home from work on Friday, the kitchen was cleaned and organized. The fridge and freezers were cleaned and organized. The laundry closet was cleaned and organized. The menu for this week was written and the grocery list was completed. I almost cried.

Jackson handed me the grocery list and told me that all I needed to do was go get groceries. Okay!!

Jackson made ziti on Monday. It was pretty delicious.

I am just so thankful for these boys of mine and for our teamwork. I am so thankful that someday these boys will be amazing husbands and fathers. They will be great missionary companions. They don't just leave household things to me. And, when they do... we have a family counsel and we get our crap together again.

They don't ask for anything return... just a happy mama. And, they make me that every single day!

When They Play Together

Last night, I was cleaning up downstairs and was headed back upstairs. I looked out the window and saw this:

These boys are so blessed to have each other. Sometimes they don't think so. In fact, probably a lot of the time they don't think so. But, they are. They were out playing frisbee last night, laughing and razzing each other. Then they headed to a fireside. I love those boys so much!

In the meantime, I ran to Brandon's office because the babes were there. How can I not run over to love on them?!?!

Personal Body Guards

Last night, after the boys went to mutual, K came and picked me up for a motorcycle ride. I'm slightly obsessed with his motorcycle and going for rides. I had an extremely stressful day and it's been one of those weeks where I just feel like I am crushed by the weight. We rode off in to the most beautiful sunset, and to get some frozen yogurt. Heaven.

When I returned, literally one hour later, this is what I saw at the top of the stairs. I could not stop laughing. Look at them!!

If a girl has got to have bodyguards... these are the ones to have! How cute are they?!?! I asked them when they got home from mutual. There was no mutual. The leaders just took them to get ice cream, so they got home about five minutes before me. Can you even stand the cuteness of these boys of mine?!

Brandon called me yesterday to say that Jackson was worried about me dating and wanting me to by home. I talked to Jackson about it last night. Sweet Boy said that he likes that I'm dating and that it's really important, but that they are just so sick of seeing me get hurt by dirt bags. Amen, Jacks! I normally go on 2-3 dates a week, and try to go on lunch dates so it doesn't effect my boys. They like to hear all of the details about everything. And, to a point, I completely oblige. I think they are at an age where, if they are asking the questions, they really do want to know and that once they have the answers, they are able to worry less.

How blessed am I?!?!

I'll Always Say Yes

While I was at the gym last night, Braxton texted me and asked if we could go for a drive. I'll always say yes when my boys need me. I told him I was leaving the gym and on my way to pick him up. He drove us around Layton and Kaysville. He is a good driver. Jackson is too. But, Braxton is a good manual transmission driver. Jackson refuses to drive a manual. We talked as he drove. The night was beautiful. As we were driving back, he pulled in to a cute little restaurant and told me he'd buy me a dole whip. He bought one and we shared it and talked some more.

I'll always say yes to my boys when they need me. I am SO blessed to be raising these yahoos. My every day is completely focused around them. I work hard for them. I work out so that I can work hard for them. I hope that my efforts with them will be enough.

Hiking it Out

When I got home from work on Thursday night, I told the two youngest to change their shoes. I told them we were going hiking. It was such a beautiful night. We grabbed water and headed to our favorite Adam's Canyon. It was amazing. Colton did so good! We went so much further without him having a difficult time at all! We discovered the beauty of selfie sticks, too! I might have become obsessed with it!!!

I love that we live so close to the mountains and we can load up, drive five minutes, and be in nature!! Annnnd, I love these boys of mine more!

Pre-Trip Date Night

Before I left for my week-long getaway, the boys and I went to see The Fate of The Furious. It was the bomb dot com. For real. I loved it! I was so afraid that Dom was going to disappoint me and that I was going to hate him and that I would regret going... but Dom pulled it out in the end! I guess that's called a spoiler. Sorry!

My week-long getaway was perfect. But, coming home to these boys is heaven. They did SO good while I was gone. I am so stinking proud of them!

Seriously Funny Kids

This is a screen shot of a text message thread between the children and I.

I cannot tell you how much I love these yahoos. This. This is good stuff right here!!!

Farmington Station Date Night

I informed the children that Saturday would be a delightful day of deep cleaning the house. There were eight major jobs that needed to be done, including shampooing the carpets, washing walls, cleaning the refrigerator, cleaning all three bathrooms, sweeping and mopping all tile floors, dusting including ceiling fans, removing ALL garbage from the home, and re-organizing kitchen cabinets. I let them know that they could each politely choose two jobs or mom would have them draw papers our of an envelope. The chose the politely choosing jobs. Everything was done by 1 pm!!

I told Jackson that he could choose their reward. He chose Farmington Station.

It was a beautiful night! The kids got some sugar for Easter and Jackson bought everyone a Fizz. It was perfection! I sure love these boys. I can't imagine what it will be like when they are grown and gone. I soak up these moments with them!

Lots of Boys

I seriously love this picture SO MUCH! Kaydon's best friend had a birthday last weekend. His best friend is a girl. She is "perfect in ever way," if you ask him. And, she is. So is her family! Love them! Well, he earned money to buy her white roses. They were beautiful. I ran him to the store, then to her house to doorbell ditch her and drop them on the porch. I love that my boys are good to girls. I love that they think of them. I love that they respect them. I love that they treat their mama so dang good.

Our Weekend

It was a beautiful weekend in Layton, Utah. Sunday, after church, the three boys and I went to Adam's Canyon. Jackson fell out of a tree on Friday and was not able to walk right, let alone hike. So he stayed home. Braxton and Kaydon ran up and down hills and mountains. Colton and I just hiked along the trail. It was the perfect climate for hiking! Colton did really, really good. It wore him right out, too. It was just what he needed. It was what we all needed!

When we got home, I made dinner. Then Jackson decided he wanted to make cookies with me. While we made chocolate chip cookies, we face-timed with Kiki (Kyanna). Jackson and Kyanna have been close since 7th grade. I am pretty much positive they are going to get married. I absolutely adore that girl!