Beautiful Bikes

As we made our way home after our trip we stopped to visit our daughter who lives 3 hours away from us. She helped me order two beach cruisers.

I remember when I got my first bike, my uncle brought it to our house in his car, it was in the back seat. He sent me out to the car to see what I could see. The bike was blue and I was surprised. I remember my dad pushing me down the street and helping me learn how to push the brakes. I drove miles and miles on that bike.

As a teenager I was too cool for a girls bike, I rode a guys 10 speed--orange--for many years. When the kids were little my bike sported a kids seat where my little guy sat. My husband had a matching seat on his bike for our other little guy to ride in while his 4 siblings rode their bikes between us. I felt like a mother duck as we rode along the road on our regular family bike rides, we had a lot of fun.

We tried biking again a few years back but it was short lived--out of shape, busy roads and limited free time--not as much fun as we thought it was going to be.

Cara got a beach cruiser last year and has enjoyed it very much. I rode it one day, had a good time, and have been thinking about it ever since.

Cara helped me find the website. We searched the bikes and varieties. Yes, the 7 speed for sure, I need the ride to be easy. Pink is sure pretty, but the mint green is refreshing, while white would never clash, but it might get dirty looking....mmmm so many possibilities.

We finally settled on the shiny black with white walls on pink rims, a big white basket and little bell completes the picture.

He was busy watching a football game with his son in law. As I spoke he took little notice of the conversation, stopping to give an opinion when pressured.

He liked the matte black with black walls on silver rims--the brown seat with brown handle grips is UGLY, the white walls are sissie looking. As it turned out the black walls and silver rims were sold out and he had to settle for white walls on red rims with his matte black bike. No bell--that is sissie, he would rather yell at the people as he passes. If we can find a luggage rack, he might agree to that.

The bikes came in the mail--almost as much fun as receiving the washer and dryer in the mail. We put them together then took them over to the local bike shop to get the brakes and derailers adjusted. There were $7,000 bikes in that shop, we felt a little silly. But, our bikes are just what we wanted--big fat spring loaded seats for mature bodies. Tall wide handle bars so we can sit up straight and see where we are going.

We mounted the bike rack to the back of our Camry, loaded up those two beautiful bikes and drove over to Tobacco Road. The first day we rode for 3 miles, it started to rain but we didn't care. My face hurt from smiling so big.

The second time we took the bikes out we rode for 7 miles, it was a sunshiny day and I wore my big floppy brimmed hat. We passed a swampy area where the beavers put up dams and flooded the area. There was a group of geese having a noisy discussion. Again my face hurt from smiling so big.

Yesterday we were unable to take the bikes out so we rode them through the neighborhood. Up and down the hills, squealing like two little children sneaking away for a few minutes freedom before returning to the work at hand.

They are not your normal bikes. We are not your normal people. We are not wearing spandex or helmets, but a floppy hat and a great big smile.

The Perfect Family

Last evening my girlfriend and I had a conversation about the perfect family.

It seems that the family holiday celebrations were marred by a conflict between two of their daughters, resulting in one of them leaving in a huff.

I miss my friend Nancy Pyne. Whenever things like this happened to me she was always there with insight and a laugh to remind me that my family was normal. Nancy, where are you?? (I know, on the other side of the continent dealing with your own version of family fun)

I reminded my friend that a perfect family happens in perfect moments. If you string enough of those moments together you can have memories of the perfect family.

Every family has growing pains as you add new spouses and babies. I like to refer to this phenomenon as the family stew pot. Each new face that joins the family brings their own spice of life. Each spice needs time in the family stew pot to steep and meld until the stew is tastey and delicious with the mellow flavor of slow cooked deliciousness.

In most families, mom is the master cook. It takes a lot of love and patience as she tries to blend all of the spices into the bubbling pot. Sometimes she will worry that the new added spice is too bold for her wonderful stew, but in time, with plenty of love and stirring, the spice will settle in and make the whole so much more delicious than it was before.

As I have spoken to a few friends this week about their holiday celebrations, especially in our new role of grandmother, I have heard phrases such as "Happy Chaos" and "sad affair" (this is from a friend with 30 grandchildren under the age of 12--meaning a little one was always crying over the sad state of life).

Overall my friends have agreed that it was hard work that was worth the effort. Keeping a family strong when you add in marriages and new babies is hard work for the grandparents, but in time it will turn into a memory of the perfect family get together. Small perfect moments strung together with the thread of memory creates the perfect family we all dream about.

I encouraged my friend to write a letter to her daughters reminding them of how much they both are loved. I encouraged her to give it a little time and prayer. Family, it is the place where we feel at ease to let it all out, testing to see if we are still loved, even with our outlandish actions. The answer is yes, there is family love, but sometimes it needs a little time and distance to see the beauty of each family member that comes together to make the perfect family.

The perfect family--created one perfect moment at a time, surrounded by numerous moments that may not be quite so perfect--such is life.

The Joy of Motherhood

I've been thinking a lot lately about the joy and privilege it is to be a mother.

At times the task seems overwhelming, yet at other times the joy is so great it seems as if there is not enough room to contain it.

There was a time in my life when I did not know if the gift of earthly motherhood would bless my life. And then I blinked and there were four little babes under 4 years old sitting on my lap.

Once that first baby arrives a woman's life changes forever more. From that day on her first and last thought of each day is for the comfort, safety and happiness of her children, no matter how old or young her children might be.

A mother's love does not diminish with numbers. She loves each and all of her children. Every child is a unique gift and opportunity for growth for both the mother and the child.

A good mother knows that taking care of her children always comes first. When baby and mommy are both hungry, mama will quickly take care of sweet hunger cries before her own rumbling tummy. When a teen comes in with a broken heart, sleep waits till the story is told and tears are stilled. When a daughter hurts her mother longs to ease the pain.

Mothers are not always perfect, they make mistakes, but try their best.

One of the greatest joys in motherhood is watching your own children become parents.

I found this thought:

Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a labor of love;
for her willing hands and happy heart translate duty into privilege,
and her labor becomes a service to God and all mankind.

The joy of motherhood is a gift, duty and privilege. I am thankful for the trust.

When Mother Sings

When Mother sings the home is sweet,
And peace and joy abound;
Troubles seem to fade away,
Before this happy sound.

Children smile and baby coos
And dad forgets his care;
Faith and hope and harmony
Dwell securely there.

Singing mothers everywhere,
Patient, tender, strong,
Send to Heaven this daily prayer--
"Lord make my life a song."

Anonymous

Home

Home is a great place to be.

I love my home, I love my house, I love the land that my house sits on.

I enjoy walking out in the yard and seeing the pretty flowers in bloom.

I am treated to a paradise of thought when I really look at the pictures on the walls of my home.

I feel content when I put on my apron and get to work in my cozy kitchen.

I enjoy the feel of the worn wooden floor under my feet as I wander from room to room putting things in their proper place.

I feel enlightened as I choose a book from the shelves that are filled with knowledge, thoughts and mental getaways.

I love the feeling of coziness I get in our family room when it is lamplit at night and I am wrapped in a warm quilt.

I enjoy my home when it is brimming with the laughter of small children running about exploring corners to be found only at grandma's house.

I am thankful for a peaceful moment when a loved one will sit on the lawn swing with me and talk about what is happening in their life.

I am thankful for the energy to still be able to take a piece of sand paper, a paint brush or a trowel and continue the work that is making my dream of our fixer upper come true.

I have traveled the far corners of the world this summer. I have been home but a few weeks and have spent the time digging into deep corners that have wanted attention for a while. I have enjoyed vacuuming away cobwebs and dusting edges that sit and wait until it is their turn.

As the saying goes:

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

I am glad for the opportunity to travel.

I am thankful for a sweet place to come home to.

Marriage

I am teaching a lesson on marriage tomorrow and have enjoyed doing some research. I found this counsel from Thomas S. Monson that I think deserves some thought time:

Choose a companion carefully and prayerfully; and when you are married, be fiercely loyal one to another. Priceless advice comes from a small framed plaque I once saw. It read, “Choose your love; love your choice.” There is great wisdom in those few words. Commitment in marriage is absolutely essential.

If any of you are having difficulty in your marriage, I urge you to do all that you can to make whatever repairs are necessary, that you might be as happy as you were when your marriage started out. Do not let your marriage get to the point where it is in jeopardy.

Realize that you will not be able to anticipate every challenge which may arise, but be assured that almost anything can be worked out if you are resourceful and if you are committed to making your marriage work.

If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness.

A good marriage is worth every effort.

Summer

Now that I am a Grandma I love to go visit my grandchildren in their own homes sometime over the summer to watch them enjoy a summer day. Summer vacation is when you get to have your kids to yourself to enjoy unencumbered hours without the worry of bedtime and homework. Eventually, as the days wear on, the children relax and you start to see who they really are.

During the summer my children would have time to make up plays, we would do crafts and find plenty of time to explore the treasures of the kitchen as well as quiet reading time. We enjoyed finding a few tomatoes in the garden or a peach off of the tree to add to the dinner menu. Some summers we would go explore museums or pitch a tent and camp. When we lived close enough to the beach we would make that a destination for the day or week.

Now that my children are grown and married I love watching how they bring their childhood adventures to life for their children. They are offering their children wonderful opportunities and hours of fun on a warm, stress free summer day.

As I visit Michael's home I enjoy listening to Kendra read novels to her children like Little Women or Little House on the Prairie. Shawna's house is filled with markers, glue and glitter. Cara always seems to have something delicious coming from her kitchen and a backyard filled with hungry children to eat it. Teri and her children invite us to come to the pool and enjoy a cool and watery moment with them. Kevan and Brooke snuggle their new baby, giggling and laughing together at her coos and goos. Brian and Cheri enjoy firing up the grill to make a delicious dinner to share.

Summer is the time to relax and slow down. It is the time to enjoy watching the grass and children grow. It is a wonderful time to read a book and cool off by the side of the pool. I hope you are able to take a few moments and enjoy a summer moment with someone you love.

refined

I have spent some time on my thought word from Monday:

re·fined (ri fīnd′) adjective

1. made free from other matter, or from impurities; purified
2. free from crudeness or coarseness; cultivated; elegant
3. characterized by great subtlety, precision, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.

re·fined (rĭ-fīndˈ) adjective

1. Free from coarseness or vulgarity; polite.
2. Free of impurities; purified.
3. Precise to a fine degree.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

I do not know if I can ever reach the perfection of "3. Precise to a fine degree."

But I am daily working on "2. free from crudeness or coarseness; cultivated; elegant"

Refinement in a person is an ongoing process.

I have heard it said that we are like a crude piece of coal and the pressures of everyday living help turn the coal into a beautiful shining diamond, if we will let them.

Life is full of daily disappointments and frustrations. It is how we let those experiences mingle in our lives that decides if we will be a curmudgeon in our old age. The bumps and bruises of life can help shine and sparkle the beautiful gem that we are, or make us scarred and deformed.

It is our choice to let life's experiences refine us to the perfection we were meant to be. We can't do anything about the rocks of life we stumble into, but we can choose how we will react as we fall.

Becoming a refined person is a lifelong pursuit. Daily choices with elegance and purity as a goal.

Gratitude

Yesterday I listened to a wonderful talk on Gratitude.

I have known for a long time that being thankful for the things you have makes a person more gentle, kind and happy.

It is the philosophy of looking at half a donut and seeing the sugared delight and not the hole, taking a half glass of milk and enjoying the cool refreshing taste as it couples with the donut and not measuring who got more--you or the person you are sharing the sweet treat with.

Gratitude makes you happy to have a friend to share with.

Selfishness makes you wish for the whole calorie filled diet buster for yourself forgetting the delight that comes in sharing a sweet moment.

A few thoughts I took away from the talk were:

gratitude precedes miracles. If only because you have a different way of looking at the things that are happening in your life.

We should be humble enough to cherish the blessings we already have. We live in an awesome era. Most of us have plenty to eat. We live in homes where we are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. We have clothes to wear and shoes for our feet. When tired we have a comfortable bed to sleep in.

Joseph B. Wirthlin is quoted as saying,

"Gratitude is the mark of a refined soul"

Refined is my thought word for today as I mentally list my blessings.

-Carols

Today at church the choir sang many carols for a wonderful Christmas celebration. My son Kevan and daughter Teri sang in school choirs over the years and I loved going to their concerts. I miss those opportunities.

As we sang the carols and hymns of the season today my heart was full. I thought about my Savior and the great gift he has offered me. I am thankful the world stops for a moment at this time of year to recognize His birth.

As I thought of that young couple looking for a place to stay and finding none, I realized that they probably did find the most quiet, peaceful place in the bustling city of Bethlehem. The inns were so full and noisy--yes, out back was definitely better.

I thought of Joseph and what a good, strong, honorable man he was. He was trusted to love Mary and raise Jesus. He was in tune to spiritual things and protected and taught Jesus. He was a good man.

I thought of Mary and her great calling and responsibility. She is truly honored among women.

I hope that I was in the heavenly choir that sang to the shepherds. Today I sang from my seat in the chapel, Joy to the World.

My heart is full as I listen and sing the songs of the season. I contemplate my many blessings. It is a great time of the year. I am richly blessed.

My grandaughter told me she hopes to be in the school choir next year--I will enjoy going to her concerts.

-Slow Down and Smell the Pine

There is a nip in the air and colorful lights in the dark. The smell of fresh cut pine is intoxicating. It is a joyous time of year when we slow down and savor the moments that are upon us.

My daughter called from Germany and said they have about 2 feet of snow on the ground--I will enjoy that one vicariously--I am happy to drive on clear streets as I go about my shopping.

Truthfully, I have so many packages to mail that I am learning to shop with my fingers on the computer keys. It is much more delightful than fighting the crowds and standing in line at the post office. I did quite a bit of my shopping this week and only ventured out of my house to take a walk in the neighborhood. It has been a wonderful, quiet week at home putting up my Christmas decorations and enjoying the sounds of the season from the comfort of my family room.

I enjoy carols on the stereo, the smell of delicious foods to serve my family and the pretty lights. Give me a warm quilt and a heartfelt Christmas story to read and my day is complete.

It is a magical time of year. I choose to be happy and go slow enough to smell the pine, but fast enough to get it all done. A balancing act that can be done, slow and steady with a ready smile.

Cheerfulness

Cheerfulness is one of those things that adds so much to our interactions.
It costs nothing to give or receive.
Everyone can benefit from the wash of kindness
that cheerfulness leaves in it's wake.

So, today take notice of the little things in life that can add a bit of cheer
and pass it on with a smile and a kind word.
The day will be brighter and the mood lighter.
A bit of cheerfulness costs nothing, yet adds so much.

Joy

A new baby is a gift from heaven.

There is a deep abiding joy that fills you up when you take a newborn baby in your arms.

There is an immediate overwhelming feeling of love that fills you up when you hold a newborn for the first time.

A new baby's skin is so soft.

A new baby smells so sweet.

A new baby is so amazing--you can just sit and watch them sleep.

A new baby is a joy to behold.

Soft, sweet, bundle of joy.