Christmas Nickels

Today the boys helped me cash out our Christmas nickels at WalMart.  Our family had a "Service Jar" this Christmas season.  Each time someone did something nice for someone else, he or she could put a nickel in the jar.  (Near the end of the season, we did "double nickels" for a service).  Because my children are young, most of the acts of service have been for each other.  For example, one of them saved half of his gingerbread man for a couple of hours from preschool to give it to a younger brother.  Another one wrote a holiday letter and put a cookie in a sandwich bag for teacher.  Another brought a neighbor a plate of treats.  I have seen them playing with a brother or sister, clearing the table without being asked, giving a hug, drawing a picture, sharing a toy, making someone's bed, reading a book to a younger sibling, pushing baby sister on the swing or helping her slide down the slide, comforting a sibling, or letting a sibling ride his bike.

The Santa cup held rolls of nickels to put in the snowflake container. 

This Sunday, we will give over $13 to the bishop to give to someone in need.  That amounts to 295 nickels and 2 dimes which somehow made it in the jar!  Now that we are done with our jar, we find ourselves looking for nickels whenever we do something nice.  I think we've created a new habit =)

Empowering Women

I just finished a book called Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Kristof and WuDunn. It's a very intense book and I don't entirely agree with all of the opinions it puts forth, but I found it particularly moving and would say it is one of the best books I've read about global women's issues. Having witnessed (albeit in short stints) some of the unjust suffering and destitution of women in other countries, I feel strongly about empowering women, particularly in areas where they have been and continue to be oppressed. 

I really feel that being a righteous woman of God is the greatest thing we can do. I truly believe that living and teaching gospel principles is the greatest and most true way to empower women. There is a lot we have been given and much that we can do to give back. Here were a few sites and ideas the book mentioned that I thought were also noteworthy:

Global Giving

Givology

KIVA

Plan International

Women for Women International

Sign up for email updates: 

www.womensenews.org

www.worldpulse.com

Write letter to White House / Senators / Rep encouraging them to invest in efforts to reduce maternal mortality, support women's education, etc.

May we, especially during this Christ-centered season of giving, more fully support and uphold the righteous women in our own lives and seek opportunities to empower those less fortunate.

A Few Favorite Things: Sarah

I fell in love with literature when I was in second grade and read "Little House on the Prairie."  I have been hooked on children's literature ever since.  I love its purity and simplicity.  I love that I can pick up the book and I know that there won't be that scene that sometimes disappoints with adult literature.  I have a collection of my favorites and sometimes I like to read them out loud at night to my kids while they fall asleep. 

 

I fell in love with running when I was in fifth grade.  We had a field day at my elementary school and I ran the mile for the first time in my life.  When it was over, I felt great.  I couldn't believe I had actually done it!  I felt energized and wanted to keep running, and running, and running.  My favorite places to run are in nature.  The more rugged and remote the path, the better.  Unfortunately, that is not always safe or convenient, so I end up running in my neighborhood most of the time.  My current and favorite running shoe is the Saucony Grid Hurricane, and I do have the pink =)

I love mountains.  I loved visiting the soft and shockingly colorful Appalachians when I was a girl.  Mount Timpanogas is one of my favorite places in the world.  I have only hiked it a handful of times, but I drew much strength from this mountain and basked in its beauty every day while in college.  One of my favorite states is Colorado because it has more 14,000 foot peaks than any other state!

John Schmidt is one of my favorite pianists.  He makes me laugh and cry.  I love how fun and playful most of his music is.  Even his "serious" songs are upbeat and have a touch of warmth.  If you ever see him in concert, he will sometimes play upside down like this with his hands crossed! 

I enjoy gardening.  I'd like to take credit for my beautiful garden below in Virginia.  However, I have since learned that gardening skills had nothing to do with this paradise of plants.  It had everything to do with the fact that we bought a home on a former SOYBEAN field!  I have since lived in two states and have yet to grow a tomato, but I still love to try.

I love to travel!  Some people might be bothered by living in four states in ten years, but in some ways it has been fun for me.  I like to see new places and meet new people.  I haven't been overseas very much, but I don't think I need to travel the world to know that my favorite place to visit is Europe. I love the history, the art, and the culture of Europe.  I have lived in London and visited France, Scotland, and Wales, and have always wanted to visit Austria where my grandmother is from.  I feel like some day I will be back to see more of this beautiful continent.   
 

I became "smoothie crazy" while serving a mission for my church in Arizona.  We had two lemon trees and an orange tree in our yard and could eat to our heart's content.  Of course, we squeezed more oranges than I can count and practically lived off our concoctions.  Now that I have a big enough family, I have to make two batches of smoothie when we have them.  I don't make them as much, but they will always be one of my absolute favorite things.   

I love theater.  There is something thrilling and so ALIVE about watching a great play or musical.  I especially love the musical Les Miserables.  The music brings me to tears and the special effects are incredible.  However, a small play set in one room like Twelve Angry Men can be just as moving and thought-provoking.  I like to watch movies, but making time to attend a play is definitely worthwhile. 

 I have to put one of my favorite things about our current place of residence.  I love the sunsets here!   The only other place I have lived with sunsets like these is Arizona.  Must be the dry desert air and the big, big sky.  Almost ever morning, palate of color unfolds before me when I walk outside to wave goodbye to my kids on their bikes to school.  Last of all, I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who has given us such a beautiful, joyful, colorful, world and a life to live it.

How to boot it.

I don't claim to be any sort of a fashion know-how and must profess that for a little while, I was anti-boot. But, if you're like me (any of the following: have been wearing the same red payless sneakers for the past 3+ years, don't like re-tying shoelaces, tend to get cold feet [literally]), you will quickly find that boots may just be among your favorite footwear. 

First off, you must have boots.

 Next, explore your options. 

With a shorter skirt.

 Add some tights in for some flair.

 Sport them with a long skirt/dress.

 Mix and match with your favorite tops. Longer shirts and cardigans work well with the boot look to give it a more down-to-earth feel. Target has some great layering basics right now.

 Or, if you're feeling bold, pair it with the belt look 

(see Lindsey's prior post if the idea of a belt scares you).

For more info, see How to wear calf length boots

A few of my favorite things: Kie

1. Picking kids up after school with the big smile on their face

After long day of school of working and studying, they still get exited to see mommy. As soon as they find my car, they come dashing with a wide grin. It always makes me feel loved.

2. Pictures of kids

These pictures remind me of our life in Wisconsin. We lived in a 600 sq. ft. apartment with no income and three kids to raise. Daddy was committed to his studies. So I had big pressure to take care of three little kids all by myself. It wasn't the easiest time of our life but we managed to live through it. We have so many sweet memories there. I still remember the day I took these pictures as if it was yesterday. Whenever I look at these pictures, it gives me the power to stay strong.

3. The challenge

I like to give myself a challenge. For example, last week I forced myself to take these long stairs instead of the easy escalator. Trust me, escalator was more attractive but I like the feeling of being able to accomplish such a difficult challenge.

4. The sunrise in California
There's nothing better than a beautiful sunrise over palm trees. It's a very relaxing scene to look at. It gives me the energy to go through another day.