Farewell 2013

Well, since I've hardly blogged this year, I know anything I write about this year at least most likely won't be redundant.  So, it may not be recent news, but it may be new news.  There were some hard things that came along this year.  Probably some of the most difficult I have had to face, but with that came many blessings, along with good times as well. 
Some highlights of the year for my kids were as follows:
Anna started walking, and not a moment too soon, as she was 15 months when she finally took off.  She is still not talking much, but she does say Mom, Dad, Yea, Hi, and Eyes (as of yesterday).  Anna knows the true power of a pointed finger: that it generally gets her what she wants and takes her where she wants to go.  She loves being held, she dances, sings, and makes music on our piano, and can throw some great tantrums when she doesn't get a piece of desired candy or a spoonful of Nutella.
Kimball is the best of times and the worst of times at our house.  He loves to give kisses and hugs and loves siblings to play with him.  He's full of energy and full of laughter and good times.  However, he can throw a mean punch or kick, and he's not afraid to throw things at his siblings when they aren't playing just the right way.  Just yesterday he decided he was done playing a game of tag with Dad, so he came around a corner swinging a 4' long 2"x2" at his dad's head.  Whew.  That boy is intense.  He is finally poddy-trained though, and that is a relief, and he is starting to get interested in learning his letters.
 Elsie is loving life this year!  There are so many games to pretend, so many stories to imagine, and so many adventures to take.  She is tenacious and sweet and learning lots.  I have a hard time getting her away from her imagination, but when I can, she loves to cuddle with me and practice her reading and write stories.  She puts up with a little math, but doesn't enjoy that as much.  She is still enjoying her ballet, as long as the classes have more of a free-lance structure to it.
Peter turned 8 and was baptized this year.  He is making lots of good choices, and when he doesn't, Elsie reminds him of his new responsibility.  Peter is a good older brother and Mike and I have enjoyed watching him develop good character attributes of honesty and kindness.  He likes playing the piano and doesn't mind school too much.  He loves his Science class, and enjoys playing with the classmates from there. 
Mike and I just try to keep up, get some things done, and have a little fun in the process.  This year we took a trip to Goblin Valley and LOVED it.  We all had a great time exploring through the valley and hiking through a slot canyon.  Mike and I also went on a youth trek with our ward this summer, and that was a memorable experience.  This year, Mike's sister was diagnosed with cancer, and although it is a hard road, she is expected to make a full recovery.  To support her, Mike and his 6 brothers all shaved their heads.  The kids were a little uneasy about their dad for a while, it was pretty funny.  As I have mentioned before, my sister was also diagnosed with cancer, and although her recovery is uncertain, she is doing well and finds joy in little things.  She is a great example to me, as well as the rest of my family as I have seen so much faith and selflessness from everyone these past six months.  I love them so much.  We are grateful to be together and look forward to a new year.  I thought I would include some pictures so you can walk down memory lane with me.

Mike went on a helicopter ride with the 16-year-old boys in our ward

We celebrated Mike's Dad's 80th birthday this year!  They all loaded up in the ancient family blue dart.

Mike went with his brothers to the Wind Rivers.  They even had a bear encounter there!

We thought Anna would love the butterflies, we were wrong.

Goblin Valley=perfect lizard hunting grounds!

Elsie's showing off her mud after a good slip.

 Last, but not least, this is Elsie's small performance of the Nutcracker.  She takes lessons in a neighbor's basement, so it's way low key, but lots of fun.

 

Christmas Thoughts and Events

Christmas season can seem so overwhelming.....most of the time.  All the shopping, decorating, cooking, party going, children's concerts, getting letters out, finding quality family time, and serving are all fun, but added together, even scheduling a night by the Christmas Tree with the kids can seem exhausting.  Anyways, that's how I was feeling this Christmas.  I'd remind myself to search deeper for the Christmas Spirit, and then I honestly started wondering, what exactly is the Christmas spirit and is it possible to attain amongst all this hustle and bustle?  Where was my example?  Was it the mother who adds yet another thing and sews her daughters beautiful Christmas dresses?  Was it found in the poor family whose mother stays up all night boiling the last squash to extract some sugar to make cookies?  Was I supposed to simplify, and if so, what in tarnation was I supposed to cut out?
I was in the shower one morning when the answer came to me...duh.  I started thinking about Mary, Christ's mother.  How overburdened she must have felt as she traveled 80 miles on a donkey, expecting a baby any day.  When she and Joseph finally arrived in Bethlehem, I'm sure every innkeeper's first look at the soon-to-be mother was part of the reason why they found themselves destitute without a place to stay.  A filthy stable was where Mary had her precious baby, followed by stranger shepherds coming to visit soon after.  I'm sure, for Mary, through the months of carrying the Christ child and leading up to the blessed Christmas night, there were heavy sighs, tearful nights, and heavy shoulders.  However, Mary continued to stay close to her God and find joy in her blessed burden.  Amongst it all, she found peace, love, patients, and happiness.  Yes, to me Mary embodies the Christmas spirit, and once I understood this, the spirit of Christmas rested a bit on my heart.  Christmas is supposed to be a time of hard work and sacrifice, but hopefully, through it all, we can find what Mary found and come that much closer to God and hear a little clearer the heavens rejoicing, for Christ truly was born and came to save us from our sins.  What a wonderful story, and what a wonderful truth.
That said, I've posted some pictures from our Christmas Traditions.
We always love when Santa comes to our little town and calls our children by name.  Kimball has yet to sit on his lap though, and apparently this was the first year Peter decided he was too old for Santa's lap.  Sigh.  I guess kids grow up.  Elsie, however, was prepared with her list, and cozied on up.  She is so fun.

 We have a neighbor from Scotland who introduced us to Christmas crackers.  You pull on them, and out pops (literally) a little surprise, a paper crown, and a sometimes funny joke.  It's a great tradition that I think we'll adopt.  It was a perfect addition to our candlelit Christmas Eve dinner. 

 Christmas morning started at 6:30 in the Jeppson household.  Baby Jesus was found in his manger, and after a quick but heartfelt prayer, it was time to open presents!

 Stockings are always so fun, and perhaps everyone's favorites.  Santa fills our stockings with oranges (and this year a pomegranate), a little candy, and fun little toys.  Everything (almost) is wrapped, and it's always fun for the kids to see if the little package they're about to open is a fun toy, or tic-tacs.

 Anna loved the chocolates in her stocking!  She carted them all around, opened each one, took a bite, and left the rest on the floor for someone else to find later.  The kids had to hide their candy 'cause she took liberties of her own with theirs as well.

 This was one of Kimball's favorite gifts.  The gun lights up and makes really loud noises.  I think Santa was trying to help Mom out by finding a gun that didn't leave little nerf bullets or discs lying around the house everywhere.  It helped her back, but not her hearing!

 An excited Elsie.  She loves little things, so the legos and polly pockets she got for Christmas were perfect!

 Peter was really excited about all his presents, especially this one.  The Tron movie and a toy to go along.  Thanks Grammy!

 

I just have to note what Mike got me for Christmas.  He is so sweet.  I have these children's book I love called the ValueTales that are out of print.  I look for them whenever I'm in a used book or second-hand store.  Well, he hunted really hard and surprised us with eight new ValueTales!  I don't know how he did it, but I think he's pretty amazing.  To top it off, he even got me a blend-tec.  I really feel spoiled and loved.  He's so great.

And now it's all over.  Ahhh.  Christmas is fun.  Happy and excited kids are great.  These past couple days we've really enjoyed playing with new toys and bored games together.  Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Fiddle-de-dee

"Fiddle-de-dee!"  That's what I thought about Gone With the Wind by page 926.  I mentally checked out from the saga very quickly, and prematurely.  From page 926, it's all predictable and miserable, and I decided not to indulge myself in the misery any more.  The only thing I couldn't figure out was what could happen to Bonnie.  After a quick google search, I thought the author took the cheap way out by killing Bonnie off.  Come on.  Margaret must have been bound and determined to see Scarlett miserable at the end of her story.  Ugh!  My opinion about the whole book in general....Amazing writing, a wonderful historical setting, moving and even edifying, fantastic character development, but very poor character selection.  Come on Margaret Mitchell, how many antagonists can one book contain?   
After thinking a lot about this book, loosing sleep over this book, and even seething over my husband at times (forgetting I was really Rachel and not Ms. Scarlett), I found myself grasping for what truth I knew that could sustain me and give me answers to my questions as to how people can become so selfish and stupid.  How grateful I was when my personal cannon, the scriptures, came to my mind as I thought of the scripture from James 1:22, which state, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."  To me, this was the overarching theme of the book, and it applies to all the main characters.    
Scarlett was slick with numbers and self-gratification, but when it came to understanding people and society in general, she was repulsive.  Scarlett did not enjoy reading or learning, and was never exposed to greatness other than her own mother.  Scarlett knew her mother stood for many great and admirable things and wanted so badly to be so much like her.  Scarlett's hang up was that she never really listened to her - she mostly cared to touch her and smell her.  One credit I must give Scarlett was that she was a doer, but the only thing she ever let herself hear was the vanity of the world, and so her actions became very worldly.  Poor Scarlett, who never slowed down enough to let herself think, especially to think about her mother.  To me, that was her greatest downfall.  She became a great hypocrite, deceiving everyone, including herself.
Ashley gives me fits, because he was very well educated, he read lots and loved the art of thinking.  I'm sure he was very knowledgeable of many stories of heroes and heroines, the great leaders of all ages, the deepest and greatest thinkers of history, and the Shakespeare tragedies that lead to utter despair.  Yet despite all this, he fails to let his knowledge inspire him!  Yes, he fought bravely in the war, but he sells himself short despite all he has been given and taught.  I wanted to holler, "Carry your banner!"  "Rally for your strength!" "Hold your virtue!", but he fails and brings misery to himself and his family.  What a tragedy.  He was solely a hearer of the word, and failed to do anything.
Then there's Rhett....he was a hearer and a doer of the words he chose to hear.  He was very well educated and chose to follow the path of the antagonists - the life of a land-locked pirate.  It isn't until the 11th hours that he hearkens to the call of virtue and quickly tries to change courses.  This walking in between two worlds eventually weakens his character and he sells his readers short at the end of the book, when he leaves Scarlett.  I was forever frustrated at his lack of communication with Scarlett, his non-thinking wife.  She was too silly to communicate well, but he was always thorough with the art of communicating when he wanted to be.  Why he didn't follow through with this characteristic is beyond me.   
Then there's Melanie, along with Careen, Ellen, and even Will Benteen, who are steadfast because they were hearers and doers of the word.  Melanie especially, truly hears people and listens to the teachings from good books.  She lets them settle in her heart, and she becomes loyal to those people and teachings and does not falter in nourishing them.  Ahh, to be like Melanie, so naive and happy.
I've come away from this book wondering how my "education" is treating me.  Am I an active participant in the hearing and the doing as well?  From this book, I have heard my heart tell me certain things...to be loyal, loving, and trustworthy; to be forgiving; and to focus on the future and not indulge in what could have been.  I hope I will forever be engaged in the doing of these things.

Women are like dogs....

Hmmm.... I've thought a lot about this phrase someone once told me.  I was talking to someone over a decade ago and he mentioned how women were like dogs, in that they often prefer unkind beaus.  At first I was insulted, but then I had to give him a little credit.  Sometimes it is true.
I have been reading Gone With the Wind the past few weeks and I'm at a point in the book where I am steaming mad at Scarlett (which I'll address later) and find myself defending the rouge Rhett Butler, and I find myself questioning, "Am I lowering myself to 'dog' status?"  I'm trying to figure out what it is about the character Rhett that draws my heart to him.  Obviously, his good looks, strength, self-assurance, smile, grace, and stylish clothes help!  But then I think of his low morals and utter selfishness, and his lesser sin of tactlessness, I wonder, "Am I drawn to him because I can overlook this ugliness in his, or because it's exciting to revel in a little wickedness?"  So, this is what I've come to...I'm not drawn to his wicked ways, and I am quite repelled by them.  BUT a lady likes to be pleasing to the eye to her male counterparts (may I even dare say, sexy), and it is always the unhallowed eye that appreciates the good looks and shape of a woman, which look Rhett so often gives.  It may cause us women some discomfort, but deep down, we feel smug and desireable. (By the way, I am not talking about a look of slimy vulgarity.)  It's not the sin that's attractive, but perhaps it's the result of the sin.  It sounds scandalous, but it may be just so for many women.  Hence, I guess I'm saying, if this book were real life, I would find myself intriguingly wagging my tail at this abasing character.
Then I have to wonder, if women are like dogs because they are drawn to somewhat filthy men,  what does that make all the men that are always drawn to Scarlett?  So here is my simile for men...Men are like worms.  Yes, they enjoy their muddy homes, but after a good rain, when the soil is most comfortable, they are drawn blindly towards the sun.  They think the sun's rays will feel so good, and they become irresistibly allured, so they follow the warmth of this great sun, only to find themselves shriveled and writhing in the road when everything is said and done.  Yes, men are like worms that are drawn to self-serving, manipulating, vindictive women, when they can't see past a pair of fine eyes and a twisted smile.
After thinking about all this, I've decided it would just be nice and comfortable if males and females were simply honest, loyal, and respectful towards one another, and then things wouldn't have to be so confusing, and none of us would ever abase ourselves to acting like dogs or worms.  Ahh, yes, those would be the days.  How glad I am to be removed from the true world of dating and to have myself a man who is all of those things - honest, loyal, and respectful (as well as strong, confident, good-looking, and a great smile to boot).  In many ways, my life is simple and enduring and full of love.  How I am grateful.   
I'm sure when I'm done reading this book, there will be more thoughts and final words.  I will be sure to keep you posted.

Excelsior!

Several months ago Peter came across the poem Excelsior, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  He fell in love with it, and frankly, so did I.  We were inspired by the word Excelsior, it meaning to climb higher, onward, and up-going.  It's been my montra these past months.  I was really proud of Peter when he decided to memorize it.  I recorded him, so you can be just as proud too (okay, at least a little proud:)).

My Hope and Faith

Well, I have a confession to make.  I had the longest lasting crush from Junior High through High School, and even into college.  Many of you know this youth crush of mine, as Ben Thomas.  Ben moved when I was still in Junior High (and we went to different schools, so I really didn't know him all that well, but he sure was cute!), so it was the perfect, safe set-up.  As the years went by, and little crushes came and went, Ben stayed faithful in my mind.  No, we didn't keep in touch, it was very much a one-sided crush.  When all other boys ended up being jerks, I was sure Ben was better than them all, and it gave me hope.  It was much to my surprise, when I was walking to church during my first week of college in a different state, to look to my side, and who should be walking by me, to the same place, but Ben!  Of all the coincidences, this was too much!  I was so shocked, I completely ignored him.  Through the years, I guess this person became superhuman to me, and I couldn't let myself get to know him well because I was afraid my dreams and hopes of him would be crushed.  I can imagine that I must have been rude, even mean at times, and offensive which I will forever regret.  Obviously, the years have gone by and I have found myself a wonderful man, and am very happily married with wonderful children.  I'm giving all this background info because last night, my youth dreams of this superhuman boy were crushed.  I guess Ben is human, just like the rest of us, and subject to life's challenges and illnesses as well.  He was on abc during a fundraiser for muscular diseases.  Ben has lou gahrigs disease, and isn't expected to live to see his daughter grow up.  My heart hurts for him and his family and my prayers go out for them.
I guess this was especially hard because I'm dealing with something even closer to home.  A few months ago my younger sister was diagnosed with brain cancer.  She was 32 weeks pregnant when they found a rather large tumor in her head that was causing her seizures.  Three weeks later she had a beautiful baby boy, who is doing very well, and had brain surgery.  Only 10 days after, she began radiation and chemo.  It has been a hard road for her and her family, but she is doing it!  She is my hero as I've watched her be so gracious, loving and kind during a time that is so hard.  She just recently finished her treatments Friday.  Becky is amazing. 
Through these past couple months I have come to understand what the plan of salvation is all about and how to apply Christ's atonement a little better.  I remember telling my mom when I was young, "It isn't fair!" and Mom always replying, "Life isn't fair."  I don't know why things aren't more fair and more predictable, I only know that's not what this life is about.  This life is about love, and when things that seem like they should be constant fail us, love can shine through and bring us peace. 
I also know that motherhood and fatherhood are eternal callings, and death doesn't put an end to those callings when we are sealed together in the temple as an eternal family.  When death takes a loved one, they can still be with us on the other side of the veil and help us.  Death is every bit as much of a miracle as life. 
As I have struggled these past months I have felt angels helping me along and comforting me, and I know I am not alone.  I know my Grandmas, Grandpas, Great Aunts and Uncles are tending to their posterity and are there for me when I need them.  God has shown me his love so many times by sending me angels, both those who have passed on as well as neighbors and friends.  My husband has been another one of those angels.  Forgiving me quicker than I deserve when I get angry, helping extra with our children while I visit my sister, and being my constant support.  I have seen so many of God's tender mercies, and I know that this life is bigger than death.  I have come to cherish time with my family and children more.  I am realizing that this life isn't about a long to-do list, but about loving and serving those around me.  
I love my sister and I know Heavenly Father loves my sister, just as he loves all his children, and He is taking care of each of us in his many different way.  There are angels watching out for her, both in the spirit and in the flesh.  I am forever grateful for the temple and eternal families.  These truths have given me strength and peace and I am grateful for the knowledge I have of them.  This is my hope and my faith.

Ultimate Spring Highlight

Okay, so I've been waiting to post  "The Ultimate Spring Highlight" until one of my sisters did, so that I could steal their pictures, seeing as I'm a major mooch and have no pictures of my own to share.
Back in April, my sister, Michelle, graduated with her masters in speech pathology.  I am so proud of her because she worked SO hard and endured SO long.  Life after schooling is so different, and wonderful.  There is no other stress in life that replaces that of taking a written test during a set time, of being weighed and measured, proving yourself, and stretching your mind to learn new things in a way you've never thought before.  It's a great life lesson, and a great one to move on from as well.  Good job Michelle!!! 
So, for a graduation gift, my sisters met up with my parents and we all surprised her (one sister had to fly in from out of state, the greatest surprise).  Surprised, she was, and fun we had!  Some great friends and a wonderful hubby helped watch my kids so that I could do this.  I owe them a huge thanks!  It was fun to be with my sisters, but I must say, when we all get together, I feel like the biggest party pooper.  I was the first to fall asleep every night, and lacked the ability (aka, know-how) to play with my phone, so I wasn't in on their bakery games and what-not.  Oh well, they're good to roll with me any ways.  My mom was great - she came with 2 pounds of yummy chocolates for late night chats and relaxing in the hotel room. 
After all the graduating festivities, my sister found a sitter for all the kiddos (I brought Anna with me), and we all went to the temple together.  This was a highlight of a lifetime.  The temple is a special place, because it's a place of reflection and peace, where one can feel close to others who may have passed on.  It is a place where we do ordinances (such as baptism) for those who have died before receiving the opportunity to do so.  This was especially memorable because my dad worked really hard and brought some family names for us to do, including my Grandma Elsie (my daughter's namesake).  What a neat experience it was.  I felt a lot of closure and connectedness, that I never thought possible.  It's a feeling that has stayed with me, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.
Thanks Michelle, Mom, and Dad for all your hard work and providing an opportunity for us all to get together!  It was great.

  If I can mooch any more pictures, I will be sure to do so!