Throwing Leaves

This photo is priceless. It was such a joy going hiking with these boys. They loved throwing the leaves. 

Happy Halloween

Great White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee

We went up to spend a night with Steve's family in the White Mountains. We went tubing on a natural waterslide, or river. Chase was brave and rode on the tube with mom. 

We stopped to swim in Lake Winnipesaukee on the way home. 

Fun at Great Brook Farm

So beautiful

Mom

My mom's birthday was on November 29th.

My mom is top notch. She brought me into this world, taught me the Gospel, and put up with me for so many years. Those things alone merit praise. She set an example of selfless service and love for others. She worked tirelessly to help us develop our talents and find success at home and in school. She made our home a warm, welcoming environment filled with music, song, and laughter. Now you know what I mean when I say she is the best.

I can now attest to how difficult it is to bring a human being into this world. My mom delivered me via C-section because of some difficulties with the pregnancy. How grateful I am for that initial sacrifice. I'm also grateful for modern medicine and technology and that she chose to bring three other children into the world after me.

We had a spiritual devotional every day before school. They were well-thought out and inspirational. In addition she made sure that we read scriptures together as a family, had family prayer, and attended our church meetings. We also had a longer devotional every Sunday. She gave me a solid foundation of Gospel knowledge.

Waking up at the crack of dawn to drag me to the piano must not have been easy. She did it for many years with me dragging my feet. I couldn't see the benefit in working so hard at learning to play an instrument. I'm grateful for her devotion and wisdom in knowing that it would be beneficial in the long run. She told me I would thank her one day: thanks, mom.

Especially at this time I think of the warm loving home I grew up in. My mom made sure that the holidays were celebrated and that everyone felt loved. How grateful I am to her for those precious childhood memories. She was always singing, dancing, laughing, and having a good time. We enjoyed dancing together after dinner.

Thanks mom for everything. I can never thank you enough. I love you!

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, a Remarkable Book

I've been reading The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Like the scriptures it has had a profound and transformational impact on me because it is based on true principles. It has increased in me my desire to reverse bad habits that are deeply rooted in my character. There is hope. I can change. So can you. If we aren't striving to repent and mend our ways then what are we here for anyway.

I do want to share some insights that I've gleaned from this book.

The first habit is to be proactive. We need to work within our circle of influence rather than our circle of concern. We need to be more solution oriented, less problem oriented. By taking responsibility for the things within our direct control and by giving no heed to those things that are not we become more proactive. 

Here is an example from my own life. 

Madelyn was born and my world changed. I was ill-prepared for the strong emotions that I would feel and the postpartum baby blues that set in. Lack of sleep also took it's toll, which was out of my direct control. It was not only difficult for me, but for Chase. He struggled to adjust to a new member of the family acted out in negative ways to cope with feelings of jealousy and stress. It was painful to watch. I took all of that guilt upon myself and was distraught.

Once Madelyn and I started sleeping through the night, I started eating right, and exercising. I changed. I no longer harbored guilt caused by someone else's actions, even those of my son. I took responsibility for helping Chase deal with those feelings of jealousy and stress in a loving manner. I made deposits in his emotional bank account and disciplined out of love when necessary. Moral: when I started taking care of myself I liberated myself and was better able to serve others. My sense of self-worth was no longer being derived from someone else.

Let me switch tracks to other harmful behaviors: blaming, criticizing, and fault-finding. These characteristics rarely inspire change, and if they do they often damage relationships in the process.

Occasionally Steve comes home late from work. It is out of his control, yet sometimes I blame him. It is damaging to our relationship.  The other day I decided to try a more loving approach. When he came home late I said something similar to "Wow, it's late. You must have had a long hard day." His response was "I really wish I could have been home so I didn't miss out on..." By showing empathy he sensed that I cared and he responded positively. Before we speak we should ask ourselves whether our words will inspire or hinder change and progress. 

My proposition would be to be proactive in changing things within our circle of influence, to take care of ourselves, and to build on each other's strengths and not tear each other down. And to look both ways before you cross the street.

I hope you enjoy the book or enjoy a refresher if you have already read it. I know I will reread it often.

Danielle

Danielle got married to Eric last April. She was a stunning bride. She could have been cut from a magazine. It was so fun to be there with her for that special day.

Danielle knows what she wants out of life and is going to get it. Her ambition is inspiring. I have no doubt that she will be successful in her schooling. She is fun to talk to and be around. I look forward to seeing her and Eric in December and getting a chance to talk to her even more.

We love you Danielle!