Saturday, May 30, 2015

He's 13 today!

Wow, can't believe he's 13!  It was yesterday that he was born.  His birth marked the start of "no more epidurals" for me.  After he was born, around 5AM, I remember holding him then saying to Matt, "you better take him."  I passed out right then and there and woke up later on that day, only to learn that he was in the NICU because he had quit breathing 3 different times and had to be resuscitated.  They found absolutely nothing wrong with him.  I KNEW it was because of my epidural.  Laboring and delivering Colby with the epidural was a nightmare.  Dallin's experience made that nightmare seem like a daydream, so I committed to never have another epidural again.

This experience totally typifies who Dallin is today.  Anytime he's hit with a challenge, he takes it head on and comes out on top. Every. Time!

He was born clubfoot.  Had to have surgery to correct it. He quickly learned how to walk anyways, so early that funny-not-so-funny-more-dumb-than-anything-else people would ask, "oh, does he want to be a ballerina?"  I guess it's funnier now.  He had to have surgery and quickly figured out walking again, only this time casted.  Nothing kept that boy down!

Today he's no different.  I love it! 

He's such an easy kid to raise.  Obedient, eager to please, ready to get done what needs to be done (maybe so he can BE DONE)  :)  He does great in school, excels in sports, and makes friends with the neatest of kids!  I love his humor.  The other day, a crazy old lady (like for reals, cah-RAY-zee) approached him and Colby whilst they were kicking the soccer ball in the field.  It got near her dogs and she said, "I will kill you if you hurt my dogs!  I will put your head on a plate!"  Dallin said to Colby and me later on, in a very "preacher preaching" type voice, "that lady needs the GOSPEL in her life!"  then started giggling at his own joke.  Once an old man cussed me out while he was biking and I was driving and as soon as he biked away, Dallin started laughing sooo hard.  He thought it was the funniest thing ever!

I'm thinking only crazy old people live here.

One thing that's never mentioned about him is his love for instruments.  He plays the clarinet but when we moved here, switched to the bass clarinet.  He's taught himself how to play the saxophone now and is playing around on my flute.  That's my mom's dad coming out in him.  He was quite the musician.  I see that in Dallin, too.

He still has plans to be an MLS player.  He could do it.  He's mentally very strong.  A few years ago, when I asked him "what's your plan 'B' if that doesn't work out?" he said, "No plan B, cuz that means I might not do it."  Now, however, he does have a plan 'B'.  Lawyer.  Not sure where that came from, but we'll see where that goes. 

I love my chats with him.  I love listening to his plans, I love laughing at his jokes.  I love his random hugs he gives me.  A little while ago I mentioned to the kids the importance of saying thanks and showing gratitude.  Now he's always thanking me.  I love his humility in accepting guidance and putting it into action.  I love his motivation, how he just doesn't let negative things get the best of him. 

I'm so blessed to be his mom.  He makes me look like I know what I'm doing as a parent.  Quite honestly, anyone could parent him.  He's such a good person.  He'd make any parent look like they know what they're doing.  I just get to be the lucky one. 

Monday, May 4, 2015

Kindness begins with me

It's a song, not sure of the title, but one of the phrases is, "Kindness begins with me."

So the past little while I've been struggling with negative thoughts.  Resentment, bitterness, hatred.  And it's kinda getting me down.  Yes, I know where those thoughts come from, yes I know it's such a waste of time, yes, I know about the hot coal analogy and I know about how we're supposed to forgive.  I know all these things.  I have implored Heavenly Father to take this burden from me.  I've tried to apply the Atonement.

But when it hits as close to home as my stuff hits, the Sunday school answers just don't cut it. 

So I thought, "maybe I'll just blog about some of the people who I know and why I like them." 

So here goes.  First name and last name initial only.  I'll write 50.  Order doesn't really matter.

"Hedder" P. ~ Hilarious and we talk on the phone 1-10 times a day.  I couldn't do anything w/o her.
Missy G. ~ Hilarious and she can read my mind.  We finish each others thoughts.  She's my twin.  You have taught me how to be a better person.
Mildred H. ~ When I have any problems, I call her.  We think the same.  She's always right!  :)
Laura D. ~ So easy to be with.  So crafty.  So accepting of everyone.
Adaline W. ~ Girl.  Is.  Funny.  And beautiful.  She's a rock.
Rachel S. ~ I get her.  Anytime we're together, we laugh!
Shirley L. ~ She may be 20 years older than I am, but we laugh like 12 year olds together!
Jennifer V. ~ My guardian angel here on Earth.  Things she'd do for me, let me know God was aware of me.
Jessica B. ~ Don't know each other well, but I have always been captivated by your beauty.  You have gorgeous eyes girlfriend! 
Ashley S. ~ We've had some long email chats.  You've been there for me in ways you don't even know. 
Chantel Z. ~ I will always love your daughter!
Laura J. ~ My girls want you to be their mom and I love your boys!!!
Patty C. ~ You're the coolest woman around.  I feel super special that I get to call you friend.
Angela M. ~ My trainer.  I named my daughter after you.  People would see the strength of our friendship and be opened to talking about the Gospel with us.  You're my hero.
Tamara M. ~ My 1st friend at BYU.  So non-judgmental  And ALWAYS laughing.
Selena K. ~ Laughing.  Always laughing with you!
Tamara A. ~ My precious roommate.  So witty, so athletic, so funny!!!
Sue K. ~ My soccer mamma.  Soccer is just not the same with out you!  Together, we had all the answers!
Kindra J. ~ One.  Hot.  Mamma.  And one of the most tender hearted people I know. 
Emily J. ~ Gorgeous.  Faithful.  Steadfast.  Determined.
Cindy B. ~ So kind and hugest thing that sticks out?  You are one.  Awesome.  Photographer.
Jodi B. ~ Hilarious.  So hilarious.  And someone I feel so comfortable being myself around!
Renee F. ~ My mini-me.  Oh how I love your wit and humor!  You filled my high school years w/so many fun memories!
April L. ~ "Apes."  You filled my childhood w/so many fun memories.  You always made me laugh.  You still do!
Kris P. ~  I am jealous of your wit and social skills.  You have skills girl!  And your insights are super wise and dead on!
Rachel H. ~ My crafty one.  You're Matt's twin actually.  I was just really getting to know you when we left.  I'd laugh so hard with you, mainly cuz you're so quite, but say the funniest things!
Tamara H. ~ I simply love you.  I love your kids.  I love our friendship.  I love your practicality.
Evelyn N. ~ You were most of my kids' first teacher.  And they all love school.  I credit you with that.  And oh how I miss chatting with you!!
Lynda S. ~ Basketball brought us together, preschool and my kids strengthened our friendship.  I love your wisdom.
Stephanie W. ~ I sucked at VT-ing you.  Yet the entire time I lived there, I craved getting to know you better!
Shelly G. ~ Oh girl, where do I start?  When we first met we couldn't stop chatting together!
Andrea W. ~ Our girls brought us together.  I think if we had stayed neighbors, we'd have grown inseparable.  You're so easy to talk to!
Sue L. ~ I'm actually glad your dog bit me.  I still have the scar!  It's my tattoo of remembrance of you!  I love how welcomed you always made me feel.  You made me feel special!
Colleen C. ~ I seriously see you as a rock.  You are strong, immovable, confident, and kind. 
Simona H. ~ I'll never forget the cake you brought me.  You're one of the most thoughtful people I know!
Tiffany C. ~ I love your sense of adventure and your confidence to go forward with ANYTHING! I love that about you!!
Megan C. ~ Simply put, I love your dedication to your kids!
Beth S. ~ We don't know each other super well, but you're one of the most beautiful people I know and holy cow you have a beautiful family!
Lisa F. ~ You're the first person I met when we moved to VA.  I remember the day we met.  I immediately loved your humor and down to earthiness'.  (sp?)  I always loved being around you!
Paige M. ~ Oh my goodness.  How I love you.  What I miss the most is you driving up to my house and all my kids running out to your car.  I miss your hugs.  You are the definition of strength and kindness.
Valenice C. ~ You're so wise.  So funny.  So diligent!  I miss hearing your laugh!
Kristin B. ~ I love your honesty.  I love the giggles we had together!
Alicia G. ~ Basketball.  Photo shoots.  You mothering my babies.  I love how you always have the strength to do what's RIGHT!
Doris L. ~ What an example you are to me of working hard and working hard for your family!
Maria H. ~ My favorite memory?  Walking together!  I love your tenacity and your confidence!  From singing from the pulpit to opening a restaurant!  You are an example of going forward!
Heather H. ~ Silently going about your business, being awesome at everything!!!
Heather M. ~ Beautiful as always, but what I love most about you is how giving you are.
Dani L. ~ When we do get together, I always LOVE our talks.  You are a very fun person to chat with and I know I can talk about anything w/you!
Stephanie L. ~ We don't get together much; we need to more.  But really, anytime we do, I always think, "I could totally live near her!"
Kristina L. ~ The greatest thing I love about you?  Your mothering.  Your kids are lucky to have you.

OK, that was 50.  That was fun!!!  It helped for me to see what draws me to people.  I see that most of my friends here are funny!  I guess I like to laugh!  :)

Stay tuned!  I think I'm gonna do this some more!