Friday, July 29, 2011

Reflections of a Mother

I have never had a hard time sleeping(well, extremely rare anyway). However, tonight I was in bed staring at the ceiling. So, instead of just lying there, I decided to come unload some thoughts on blogger. Be warned, it is going to be random and sporadic.

I am not sure if there is a set time for people to be kind about a lost loved one, but if there is then it is apparently over for how some people talk about my mother around me. Let me just say that I am probably reading into some of them more than is there, but it still stings.

As a teacher I learned that no matter how many ways, or how hard I try to teach someone something, they are not ever going to learn it if THEY don't want to or try. I would always become frustrated, but in the end I always thought "Well, that is their loss" But this lesson is harder to accept as a parent. My kids are very young and I have not experienced this so much with them yet, but I watched my parents struggle with this with my siblings and me. I would see the frustration, disappointment, and heartache in their eyes. I felt that as I would do something that was contrary to their teachings and examples. I fear this as a parent, but know that some lessons are better learned through experience rather than words. It won't make it any easier to watch their mistakes. I only hope and pray that I can teach them what they need to know to make good decisions and how to return when they don't. I hope they will always know that I love them dearly and always will.

With that said, I want everyone to know that regardless of how I turned out, I was taught with love through scripture, prayer, and example. I have not learned all the lessons my parents have taught me yet, but am truly doing my best to make them proud of who I am.


We fed the missionaries dinner the other night and one of them asked us to think of someone who has influenced us in our lives. Then he wanted us to think of what we could do to show/tell them that we appreciate them. My thoughts turned first to my mother. She was/is a remarkable person. The only thing that I can really do to show her my gratitude now is to live the way she taught me to live. That got me thinking of the MANY things she tried to instill in me.

So, here is a list of only SOME of the things that she taught(remember that I am still trying to learn them).



  • Marriage is important and can be extremely happy when you give it your all.


  • Anything you want to know or how to do, you can learn


  • Callings are not only to be accepted, but magnified(and enjoyed)


  • How to work


  • A clean house is happier


  • Dinner around the table with your family should happen every night


  • Our talents are to be developed and enjoyed


  • The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true


  • There is always something more to be learned, you never know everything about something


  • Love the sinner, Hate the sin


  • Parenting is largely a guessing game, but is also a battle of wills(you will conquer if you are following God's will)


  • The Atonement is for each of us


  • We should make decisions that will help us get to the Temple


  • If all I ever do is my absolute best, then it will be enough.


  • Families can be together forever

I know that my mother knew these things because I saw her live it everyday. I am not trying to say that my mother was perfect. She wasn't. There were things about her that drove me crazy, but when I think of the things she was striving to do to be a good example-I am impressed.


I am impressed that my parents loved and cared for my grandmother(even through difficult years for her) for many many years. That alone showed patience, but rearing 5 children in the same house with her, and keeping a loving relationship with each other and her, is nothing short of a miracle.


I am impressed that they were able to decide together how they were going to rear us and they banded together to do that even with criticism from family who thought they knew better. Their example of a happy marriage and unconditional love for one another is impressive. Their ability to work through disagreements was seemingly effortless(I have learned that it is harder than it appeared, but possible and worth it).


I watched both parents serve in time demanding callings while rearing 5 children and it seemed to me that they were always excited and happy to serve.


I watched them give and take with "traditional" chores around the house.


I watched as they both worked tirelessly to help those in need and take them in their hearts.


I watched my mother do what was necessary to care for my father's mother when no one else wanted to do the difficult tasks.


Etc. etc. etc.


One of the things that I am trying to learn that my mother seemed to always do well is to not let people make her feel less important or loved. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and we are to help each other, not tear each other down. Mom seemed to know the proper time to verbally stand up for herself and when to just let it roll off her back. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am an extremely emotional person. I am pretty much a textbook hormonal female. I try to be level-headed when I am insulted or when someone I care about is insulted, but I have not had as much successes with that as I would like. However, I am doing my best to overcome this personality fault, and trust me when I say that I do a pretty good job of beating myself up. I really don't need much help in that department. So, when you have something critical to say, please keep it constructive and in a loving way.


I have had some experiences this past month of people implying or just plain saying that I wasn't taught something they thought I should have been taught by my parents. I am here to tell you that it wasn't from lack of trying. Being a parent is difficult and I am learning this more and more as my children get older. However, if all I do is my best then it will be enough. AND I feel that my parents did their best(and still are).


I truly believe that we are families before we come to this earth and we are paired to each other because we are the ones to best help each other reach our potential if we work our hardest. I KNOW that my parents were the best parents I could ask for because they are mine and they are exactly what I needed. I KNOW that my children are in my family because I can offer what they need to progress in this life and they can help me in my journey as well. I KNOW that Jason was meant for me because only he can put up with my emotional swings and accept me for who I am while helping me to become a better me.


I KNOW that my Heavenly Father loves me and is blessing me each and every day. I KNOW that my Savior Jesus Christ suffered for my sins, pains, sicknesses, and heartache. I KNOW that through the Atonement I can return to my Heavenly home, and be with my family forever. I KNOW that if I make good decisions that I will be reunited with my mother. And I hope that she will tell me that she is proud of me and the woman I have become. I am grateful for my family and the happiness they bring into my life.

Swimming Fun!

Seeing that we have had 26 days in a row of 100+ temperatures, we needed to get into some water. Our Branch President lives in a community that has 4 different pools, so we called and asked if we could come swimming. They couldn't swim with us, but we had a great time. Thank you for allowing us to get out of the house in the only way we could enjoy it. . . in water.



Our little "fish" Cailyn.




I can't believe this girl. After an entire "winter" without swimming, she just jumped right in and started swimming as if there was no break at all. I am continually impressed with this girl.


Do you think he is enjoying himself?


There was a kiddie pool with an awesome fountain in it. Jessica and David LOVED it and didn't want to leave. However, they kept leaning over the side of the water falls scaring me each time.


Just Chillin'




We had a great time, and will have to go again. . .SOON!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Granola

After looking at the store for granola, I have decided that it would be to our wallets interest to make our own granola. I tried it today and have to say that this is going to become a standard treat around here. It was too easy!



I found a recipe on-line, and I think that it can be modified to your own taste. I tried it following the recipe first(almonds excepted because I didn't have it in the cupboard). Next I will try maple syrup instead of honey just to see if we like it.


Here is the recipe I used:


Granola


4 cups old-fashioned oats

1 1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cup raisins


1. mix oats, almonds, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon in bowl

2. warm oil and honey in saucepan, whisk in vanilla

3. carefully pour liquid over oat mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon, finish mixing by hand

4. spread granola in 15 x 10 baking pan

5. bake 40 minutes at 300 degrees, stirring every 10 minutes

6. allow to cool completely before adding dried fruit.


*note: store in airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, or in freezer for up to 3 months.



It makes about 7 cups. I put in some freeze-dried strawberries from my food storage along with the raisins. It came out crunchy and yummilicious. If you like granola, try it. You'll be glad you did. THEN you can try different things in it and find your favorite combination. I am pretty pumped about this one.


Next: homemade yogurt(to go with our granola of course)

Monday, July 18, 2011

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients:

2 envelopes yeast
4 cups water
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp. salt
6 cups whole wheat flour
4 cups white flour

Directions:

1. dissolve yeast in warm water
2. combine butter, molasses, honey, and salt
3. add yeast mixture, gradually add flours(just enough flour for dough to leave sides of bowl and is easy to handle)
4. knead on floured surface until smooth
5. put dough in buttered bowl, let rise until it has doubled in size
6. punch down, let rise a few minutes
7. divide into 4 parts, shape into loaves
8. place in greased pans, let rise an hour
9. bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes

*note-the bread is done when it is lightly browned on top and when tapped it sounds hollow.

WW info- each loaf is 39 points plus

We LOVE this bread. It does take some time, but it is well worth it. Try it, you will be glad you did.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Bread

I have made the decision to make bread instead of buying it from now on. So, I have been trying to find THE recipe that works for my family the best. I have tried 2 so far and wouldn't you know it, it is the more time consuming recipe that everyone likes better(including me). I guess I am alright with it because the one we like makes 4 loaves instead of only 2. We have already breezed through about 2 1/2 loaves this week. I have been pretty happy with it though because ALL the kids have been finishing their sandwiches(even David).


So, if you have a recipe that you like/swear by please share. Keep in mind I don't have a mixer strong enough to handle it OR a bread machine, so it will all be done by hand.

*note: I really like making it by hand. The process is therapeutic.








These pictures are of the Honey Wheat bread that we all enjoy. The girls helped me make it and are pretty proud of themselves(as they should be). It was fun!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Summer fun at the Holloways

I walked into the kids room the other day and found the baby toy box was emptied and the babies were all "dolled" up. We have been talking baby a lot around here and I think the girls are ready for another girl to dress up and play with. What do you think?




Several days this week the kids have wanted to play in the sprinkler. Not really a big shock because it is so ridiculously hot outside. However, the request is made around 8:00 in the morning. So, these pictures were 8:30 or 9:00 in the morning. Welcome to Texas summers!








Sunday, July 10, 2011

Sunday evening treats

Growing up, Jason's family AND my family had popcorn with a family movie. We have carried that tradition on in our house as well. Another thing that isn't quite as frequent, but just as much a part of Sundays for us is making cookies. We only do one batch so it doesn't last long. I mean a couple of days at the most. I like this tradition a great deal because it has become something that Jason does with the kids. They love to help put everything in and of course taste it in the process.


















David was running around TRYING to be patient for the cookies to be done.




Now that everything is ready we can sit down and watch a movie, while partaking in the yummy treats.




Ingredients for a Happy Sunday!

Harvesting

We planted our first "real" garden this year and have been having such a good time watching it grow and enjoying the harvest.


We planted:

Potatoes

Carrots

Tomatoes

Cayenne

Crook-neck squash

Lettuce


We have had several salads from our garden, many squash(too many if you ask Jason), oodles of tomatoes, bunches of cayenne, and potatoes and carrots.

We are about to plant some cucumber and pumpkin for our fall garden and next year we are doubling the size of the garden. I have a great time with it!



Our lovely carrots which were used to enhance our delicious roast this past Sunday. We also had a plethora of potatoes, I just didn't get a picture of them.


We planted tomatoes and Cayenne peppers this year for the precise reason of canning our own salsa. We have been harvesting tomatoes for a couple of months now, and will continue for at least another month. We have several containers of homemade salsa, and also made some homemade tomato sauce for our food storage. It really is pretty exciting to see all of it in the cabinet.

Another project I am undertaking.


Our Branch President and his wife gave us this patio furniture and we LOVE it. They are so very comfortable, but weren't very pretty. So, I decided to make it more attractive.


What do you think?


This has a glass top.

It is a set of 4 chairs and that table. I have not quite finished and will wait until the temperatures are more reasonable to get it done. We are currently under construction in the back(and the 100+ temps) so we don't spend a whole lot of time out there right now anyway.

Birthday Fun!

Our big 4-year old, Jessica Faith.



On June 11 we had a little birthday party for Jessica at Dad's house. We had friends, family, food, and fun. Thank you to everyone who came and made the experience perfect. We love you all!


Pinkalicious cupcakes!


Presents!


Swimsuits, sprinkler, and girls to play with. Could anything be more fun?



Well, maybe dancing in the water adds the final touch.


She has such a contagious smile.


And such a fun personality!


Don't you just want to squeeze her? I am so blessed that I get to hug and kiss on this little girl(who is starting to look less like a little girl) everyday!


HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY, JESSICA!

Kindergarten Graduation

It is hard to believe, but Cailyn graduated from Kindergarten this year. She is such a good little student. We couldn't be prouder of her.



Jessica, David and I got there early enough to get good seats. However, that means that we didn't make it through the entire ceremony. We watched Cailyn's class go up on stage to receive their individual awards(one of Cailyn's being independent reader for the Accelerated Reading program), then David let me know in his oh-so-subtle ways that it was time to leave. We missed the kindergarten song they had prepared for the end of the ceremony(BIG frowns). 2 days later the kids and I went to Cailyn's class for them to perform it for us. They were so cute!



Walking in, excitedly nervous.



Walking in to her spot on the stage. That is her adorable principal. I REALLY like her!






Can you see how interested she is at this point. I love how kids can get away with showing their boredom. Graduations always make me feel this way. Anyone else?


Cailyn, we are so proud of you and know that you will continue to learn new things because you LOVE learning. WE LOVE YOU!