One sock...two sock!

After the tumultuous efforts of getting ready for the family picture, it's done! We dressed, we smiled, we posed, camera flashed...done! If it were really all that easy, it wouldn't be so exhausting. The family photo was first. It all it's glory, it was here. The moment, the Mother of this family has been waiting for. She's envisioned this day for the last five years. Yes, five! That was approximatley the last time a family photo was attempted with her fabulous little bunch.

The colors were coordinated, (taking roughly 4 hours...of shopping). She dutifully made sure each member of her family had washed their clothing (washing machine going for 3 hours prior to the wonderful event). She was careful (or tried to be) to make sure there were no unecessary arguments or contention (curtailed 2 arguments with husband, 2 with sons) so as not to carry those expressions or feelings into the studio. Keeping her composure all the while.
As she exited her sweet little home with her family, her kind son Zachary generously handed out pieces of chewing gum to his brothers. How sweet was that!
Now keep in mind, as all good mothers, this Mom went through her traditional mental list, used any time there is to be a public appearance. Hair combed. Check! Teeth brushed. Check! Clean faces. Check! Clothes ironed. Check! Coordinating outfits. Double check! Husband, sons, daughters, in the van. Check! There was one minor little detail, (which she thought of, but figured there was no need to worry). In her busy preparation of getting her family ready for the photo, she had no time left to find matching socks of her own. This being left out of the conversation with the photographer, she proceeded to put on mismatched socks. No biggy. It's not like I'm taking off my shoes or anything (since the photographer, her lovely friend Carrie didn't mention it). After all, she was wearing her cowgirl boots, which would look great on camera.
Upon their arrival, they were welcomed with warmth and anticipation of their first modeling debut. Everyone was excited, Mom particularly so. As they awaited the instruction of the crew, the photographer finally mentions one last little detail. "I forgot to mention, everyone needs to remove their shoes." The Mother thinking...are you serious? This Mommy watches and hopes each of her kids have at least put on clean socks, forget matching!
Wow! What a surprise as she sees, everyone has on clean socks. The girls had painted toenails so, no worries there. Last but not least she takes off her boots to reveal her mismatched socks. With a chuckle, her friend offers a clean pair of white booties, which she gratefully accepts.
Okay, so if were done with some slightly embarrsing moments, let's move on.

Family first! Yes, an expression appropriately termed for this event. Carrie the photographer (beautiful as she is creative), positioned our lovely brood on the background platform. As a few practice shots were snapped, the generosity of Zachary began to show it's true form. "Are you chewing gum?" asks Carrie. She proceeded to snap, then remind them to stop chewing. Snap, then remind again. Snap...then reprimand. For a minute, I was ready to SNAP!
The boys finally stopped chomping.

Well, if it wasn't one of the boys chomping on gum, it was one of the girls not looking at the camera... or my hair constantly in my face which was dubbed as the "nemisis," of this perfectionist of a photographer. They even went so far as to lift our spirits by saying we were one of the, and I quote, "Best looking families that they had photographed." With a comment like that, we couldn't help but laugh hysterically. We also began to question the mental capacity of Jim (the husband of Carrie and the other photographer, who's blood sugar had obviously dropped due to hunger) who had made the comment. Funny guy, hugh!
Well, all the joking aside. We finished the family photograph and I'm sure they know how to superimpose the good parts of one photo to another.
Next was the couple photo. Ah, yes. Well, when we were asked to look at eachother. We both asked, (which I'm sure they didn't hear) "Without laughing?" We sat and we sat. I noticed that Wayne was getting a bit uncomfortable, a question that Carrie took no time to ask. I don't know why, he was only wearing my beaver skinned, black cowboy hat. Only one whole 1/2" smaller than his own. This wouldn't make too much of a difference if it were clothing, but a beaver skinned hat is quite uncomfortable if you have to force it on, and not to mention, it's hot! It doesn't breath. Neither did the shirt he was wearing. By the time they asked us to dance, he was hot, uncomfortable and a bit timid.
Finally the kids. The girls had fun. Sweden was calling the shots and Carrie was taking them. Sierra doesn't believe she has a fabulous smile...with teeth. But, she's clearly a beauty. Brandon, well, Brandon, sometimes looks like he wants to hurt someone. Did I mention that the glare from the lights make him scowl and oh yes, he wasn't wearing his glasses. He's really a sweetheart. (I thought that all that practice in front of the mirror would of paid off tonight, go figure!) Zach and Sage just followed her lead. I tried to give them a focus by asking Ashlynn to stand behind the camera as a focal point. Thinking this would make them blush or smile.
Now that it's over, I've learned a few pointers.
No gum! Be happy! Let kids be kids! Listen to music that helps you get your groove on! Oh yes, wear matching socks!
Love ya, JustMemorable

Say Cheese!

It occured to me today, that the one reason we have not had a professional family picture done in...years, is because of the scheduling issue. Different lives, jobs, activities, schedules and so on and so on and so on. It is a defeating feat trying to gather all of your loved ones together on one particular day and time, so we can all stand there, get our bad moods on camera and pretend we still like eachother. Have you ever seen "Everybody loves Raymond," the episode where they capture the "real," family experience? Yeah, (with the in-laws or out-laws (so to speak)) that's us. Thank goodness this isn't a reunion.
Oh, good heavens one even has to make sure they don't eat too much in the days prior to this blessed event, so as not to capture every single additonal "holiday," pound.
I must say that in addition to all of these hurdles to overcome, is the ever so wonderful color coordination or lack thereof for our family. In the process of trying to schedule everyone for this event I've heard every excuse or complaint, from, "It doesn't fit," "I'm wearing it anyway," to "I'm not taking pictures with you guys."

Forget trying to purchase matching or at least coordinating clothing, it's too expensive. That's probably why last time, we each wore white t-shirts and blue jeans. I love easy!

The best part about this family portrait (that hasn't even taken place yet) is the photographers.
I'm sure that with our patchwork-of-a-quilt attire they will use their creative genious to edit, fade, zoom out or whatever, to make us look fabulous. In this I have perfect faith.

I have even more faith that we'll all look really great together and that the queen of the family, er go...me! Will look 12 years younger, 5 kids thinner and 1 wonderful family portrait-Happier!
Love ya, JustMeJustMom

Dog Diggidy!

I love dogs! Regardless of my allergic tendencies to animals (all kinds), I love dogs. I have a special fondness of this particular picture. Doesn't it just capture all the true, blue spirit of a dog. They seem to find joy in the simplest of places. One lick, one sniff, one roll in the snow, and it's the best day, "ever." If we as humans could just appreciate the small things (please forego the lick or the sniff!) we would be so, oh, so much happier. We can learn a lot from these courageous animals. They're loyal to a fault, adventurous, spirited, & happy. They're the happiest when we use that silly tone and that stroke of the tummy (theirs not ours). So, let us take a lesson from our silly, perfect big and little pooches. Be that loyal pal to your friends and family. Take a moment to be adventurous and oh, I don't know...wear that bright blue eyeshadow you've had in the makeup drawer for years. Let the kid inside you run wild and show your true spirit and last but not least...Be Happy for once!
Ruv Ra, Rust Re (Love ya, justme)

The chain of the Season...don't break it!

It's here! Christmas Eve! I am so excited. Mostly because of the high energy of my daughter, Sweden. She's six. While she is excited, sometimes the excitment gives way to her sweet concerns for Santa. Like, "if the fire is going in the fireplace, won't Santa get burned." I told her, "Oh, no sweetheart, he comes down so fast, the fire blows out." She also asked, "If Santa is always watching us, does he see us go the bathroom?" I told her he only sees you if your being "naughty," or "really nice," and never when were doing private things. She received a Santa letter in the mail last week. It reminded her to be nice and to tell her friend David Self to do the same. She gasped when she realized that he knew David too. She immediatley wrote him a letter, not to thank him or tell him she's been good, she simply reminded him that she wants him to hide our presents in the tree, not under, in! (kids just know how to get right to the point.)We'll see if he remembers to do that along with everything else on her, I mean his list of "to do's."
Here are my favorite things of the season..........
Family! Still here or passed on. I love being with those I love. I don't know, I just get all warm and fuzzy inside when they're around.
Happy, contemplative Christmas music! I love to remember years gone by, these songs really remind me of some good ol' times in my life. Sometimes I get teary-eyed, other times I laugh hysterically.
Cold days and nights! Because we cuddle, of course!
A place to call home! For years I struggled with the fact that my father was homeless somewhere. My heart is softened for those that have no home or family. I grateful for our sweet, little, home and our family.
Fun socks! Yes, fun socks. I love fun, colorful socks, whatever the season.
Cozy sweaters! They speak for themselves.
Friends, treats, my fireplace, my beliefs. Yes, the list goes on. But, it wouldn't be complete without my most favorite of all, my Savior. I am so eternally happy that I didn't come to this earth and forget what He's done for me. I often wonder how thick that veil is for some people. I must say that my emotions run deep and on the surface when I think of His unconditional love for me. Even when I don't call "home," enough. Even when my "visits," are farther and fewer between. Even when I'm kurt with my kids or not so loving to my husband or when my own convictions fall short. He's ever there.
Good thing I'm part of His family. You know how it is with family, they're yours no matter what. Regardless of circumstances, obstacles and trials, you are linked in a (hopefully), unending chain. This is one chain I don't intend to break. Happy Birthday to my Savior! I think I'll make him a cake today.
Love ya, Just Me!

It's snowin baby!

Oh, be good for goodness sake! I like to think that these gorgeous snow flakes are a gift for all the extra good we did with the election (well, a portion of it). I love the snow. Yes, it is true my ability for snow angels only seems to get better with the extra padding in my fanny. But, that's the wonder of winter, isn't it? We hibernate, we feast and we all get a little extra in those "oh so lovely places." Simply, so we can have an angelic imprint for all to see. While my snow angel isn't pictured on this site, some of the other photos I took are. We had such a blast this past week. Snowball fights, snow angels, ice skating in sneakers, tongue tickling snow tasting feast and so much more. Hope it snows again before Christmas. Love ya, Just Me.

Take Joy...It's there for the taking!

I had an "Aha," moment this week. You know the kind. Light bulb goes on, you figure something out...something profound, to you anyway. It helps to push you a little further, get you a little closer to that ever so evasive place you know you want to be, but somehow never seem to arrive. That seems to be my life, I'm always on the road, literally and figuratively. I can see who I want to be, I'm part way there...got the body, although that too seems to be a road less traveled these days. However, I have ambitions, not yet accomplished in this life. Things I love, that make me, me! I had the thought driving home one day, of all the trials my friends and family are facing and dealing with. And of those trials, the one that stuck out in my mind was, that of overcoming self. To master the all-evasive individual that at times we make ourselves become. If we can master ourselves, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually in this life. What a great advantage we will have in the life to come. God has so much more in store for us. This is certainly a test, rather an experiment in our abilities to see which grade we'll get and which class to place us in next. I often think of my cousin, Nicole. She's fabulous and forty like me. But, she's battled more than 13 years with cancer. I often think of what has been her incentive to keep going. She's had tumor after tumor, surgery after surgery, endless chemo, blistering radiation therapy and even a liver transplant from a portion of her brother's liver. Yet, she still remains hopeful. Why? Because she believes. Moreover, she knows. She knows "what," she's in the fight for. The "What," is the key. What is it that keeps us going. Why, at times do we want to throw in the towel, and what keeps us from doing it.
I must say, that it was fabulous to actually be in sacrament today. There I was... watching Brandon bless the sacrament and suddenly I was overcome with joy. There I was, on the pew (the small one), with my family of six, squished together, practically on eachother's lap, elbows poking and yet, I felt great joy. There I was, listening to a song of my Savior and his birth and sacrifice and oh...the joy I felt. Here I am, so grateful for the small things, and oh the joy I feel. Family! They bring me so much joy. That is my, "What." My family, they are why I am in this plight and together not separate we will win the fight! Take JOY in those moments of simple family life, however so crazy or mundane. Take JOY...it's the one thing in this life we are promised.

The journey of a maple leaf...and you!

I've been thinking...yes it's something I do on occasion. Usually the occasions that work best are when I'm solo and can meditate or just ponder things of life, family and me. Like most other families, we struggle to make ends meet. Strain to put enough grub on the family table. And last but not least "stress," over all of the rest. Why? Does it get us any closer to finding a viable solution to financial problems? No! Does it put extra food on the table? No! Does it solve all of the other extenuating circumstances or unknown variables? No! So, why the struggle, the strain and the stress? Perhaps, because were doer's. We do do do and when something needs doing...we feel were participating even if we just struggle, strain and stress. I vote for a more optomistic approach. I've used all the other's and now it's necessary to float with the current.
Think of a leaf just fallen from a maple tree above a river or stream. The leave naturally detaches itself from what gave it life. It ever so slowly falls from the tree and lands in the stream or river of water. It's edges slightly curled inward and upward, it finds itself floating to and fro in the water. At times the current is more difficult and treacherous. At others it is still and even appears to have stopped for a while. It drifts to a place where the rocks are piled and it can go no further until either a gust of wind or a surge of water propells it forward. It continues on the path, at times it may even take on some water, but for the most part it continues to follow the current. It's colors have not changed. What gave it life has not changed. It's existence has not been changed. What has changed is the current and the leaf's place in the water. Yes...it could of landed on the dirt and we would not be having this ever so eloquent of a dialogue. But, it like you and I have landed in the water (or life), so to speak. We cannot determine what is ahead, we can only determine what to do when we get there. We too may be tossed to and fro and find ourselves stuck from time to time. But, we each need something to catapult us from stagnant waters. The wind has a way of catching the edges of the leaf and steering it like the wind on a sail. Just like God or those positive role models in our lives, we can all be guided to a better place than where we currently(no play on words intended...it just worked out that way!)are. So, if you struggle, strain or stress over the inevitable or those things out of your control, it does absolutely no good. What does us good is to always be hopeful for a better day and brighter future. I'm sure that leaf never wanted to leave what gave it life, but it did. And regardless of what journey it has gone on, it hasn't gotten there alone. The current may have changed it's direction, the wind may have offered a lift. But it is still that one unique creation that because of circumstances beyond it's control has landed in sometimes, tumultuous waters. It doesn't struggle, it doesn't strain and it doesn't stress. It's guided by two things, the current (stressors of life) and the wind (God).
As the leaf continues...it may get stuck with much of the other debris(peer pressure or temptation) in the nook of a rock or root of a tree. It may just continue floating... or (this is my favorite), it may be seen by someone, plucked from the water and put in a safe place to be admired for years to come. Regardless of where it ends up, only the leaf can appreciate the journey or mourn it. Bottom line...enjoy the journey, if you go the wrong direction, the wind will somehow change it...but, only if you embrace it. So, be careful of the current and those tight spots that you may never get out of and allow the wind to do it's job.
See what happens when I contemplate...dang!

Go vote! Get the vote out...and let's make it happen! If you don't value your vote...get out of America and find a dictatorship where all you have to do is follow.

Being centered on self is not the same as being self centered

If we don't go to the stream to fill our bucket, what good are we to those that need a drink.
Fill er up!
Love ya, justmom

Sistas!

I must say that among all the fabulous things in this world...Sisters are right up there on the top, next to Moms and Friends. They fall right in between the two, only because a sister fills so many roles. One day your on top, feeling great to give advice...the next, well, your not. Your sister comes and takes over and you trade off from time to time. A silly sort of "time" share isn't it. But, nevertheless it works. We can feel for eachothers shortfalls and trials. We also relish like there is no tomorrow when someone triumphs over the foe or foes, for that matter. I spoke with my Sista, Cindy yesterday and it's so funny that no matter how tragic life may seem for me, as soon as I talk to Cindy I think, "life's no so bad!"
I'm not sure if it was the mention of her son and a bbgun and some kid getting hurt or the topic of a wrong way driver with no license that may or may not of been her kin. I don't know. What I do know is, that atleast we can laugh about it. Hysterically! Or ask what the Heck were you thinking?
The most important thing is to have family & friends to support us. So I say, throw that instruction manual for family you have out, forget the perfect image of what a family is and just deal with the fact that you have, however crazy, a family!
Some of you Mommies out there may be even crying about this fact. But, just relish in the fact that you are most definitely not alone. And when life gets dirty and you get down. Get down and dirty, say your choice of bleep words (ya know, like...shoot or crap (Ha! Ha!) or thoughts and just remember...the chocolate is in the cupboard above the fridge.
love ya, justmemorable

The kids are finally into bed! Halleluja!

I've have not had any time to myself since I last posted. I can't wait until the blessed sun rises on my sweet little ones as I rise them from bed, and hurry them off to school. YES!

justme...ka'mi'lee

Love to write, love to dream, imagine and create. Yes, I'm Me before I'm anything else and so are all of the rest of the mommies, mom's, and mother's out there. Never forget the value of self.
I'll be posting tonite, kids are calling and off I run.