As I was looking at some photos and the posts of a friend I grew up with I realized how sad I was at the lifestyle this person chose to have. And then I was reminded of this great country and the freedoms that we are blessed with. We all have choices in life to make and it's up to us what kind of person we will become.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned so far in my life is that we are all so very different. We each have different likes, dislikes, passions, aversions, obsessions, and tastes. Our outlook on life is different depending upon the things we have gone through to get where we are. Our circumstances are different, whether by our own doing or by the choices of others. Looking at all these vast differences I realize how important it is that we learn to appreciate those one another FOR our differences. Our differences make this Nation great!
We shouldn't hate others merely because they have differing beliefs than ours. We should know their beliefs and appreciate the individual for the beliefs they have, and then respect them. There are times when we may have to distance ourselves from certain people because we feel their lifestyle/beliefs are inappropriate for us or our families.
Father in Heaven loves each of us, and our differences. He would have us love one another and be kind to one another. I think, this Independence Day, more of us in this world should try to show more love and kindness to one another than we have before. Let's make this world a better place to live in for ALL people of all races/ethnic backgrounds and all different religious backgrounds! God bless us all as we strive to be better people! Happy Independence Day!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A great Sunday!
I absolutely love it when I go to church and come home feeling uplifted and inspired and ready to take on the world! Many Sundays go by that I sit in the hallway holding my squirming, thrashing, screaming two year old. Some Sundays if is rough, but I learned a long time ago that simply attending church meetings so that your children can learn how wonderful it is, is reason enough to be there. It may be difficult for a while, but eventually they grow up a little and sit reverently and sometimes quietly! Today, my sweet husband took our two year old into the hallway for the majority of the times that she needed to be taken out. I am so thankful for him! His kindness allowed me to sit, and actually listen to the guest speakers, the St. Louis Mission President, his wife and his counselors. What an awesome Sunday!
To top that off, I was able to eat my snack, which I can't go without these days, and get into Sunday School before it really got underway. The lesson topic was "Love One Another". So simple, yet so profound. Charity, the pure love of Christ, can have an amazing effect on our lives and the world around us.
Then, as we were about to get things ready for Relief Society, our women's meeting, we were asked to join the Priesthood, men's group, and the youth for a lesson. What an unexpected surprise! President Layton, one of the counselors in the Mission presidency, taught the lesson. You guessed it...on missionary work. The real difference with his lesson was that he made missionary work seem easy. He explained how we can use it in our daily conversations. He made it a lot less scary!
Being the introvert that I am, it is very hard for me to want to share my belief with people, for fear of rejection or simply a negative response. I don't ever like to offend and I don't like confrontation. Although all my experiences with sharing the gospel have gone well, I still get nervous. I really enjoyed the way President Layton took a spin on it. It can be simple.
I can home feeling good, feeling uplifted, feeling inspired, feeling like I can actually share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with out it being an intimidating task.
I am so thankful for the Gospel in my life and the blessings that it brings on a daily basis. I'm thankful for a wonderful and loving husband who is so kind and forgiving and caring and for my awesome children who sometimes test me and try my patience so that I can grow and become the women I am meant to be. My children have a way of putting a smile on my face when I need it most!
To top that off, I was able to eat my snack, which I can't go without these days, and get into Sunday School before it really got underway. The lesson topic was "Love One Another". So simple, yet so profound. Charity, the pure love of Christ, can have an amazing effect on our lives and the world around us.
Then, as we were about to get things ready for Relief Society, our women's meeting, we were asked to join the Priesthood, men's group, and the youth for a lesson. What an unexpected surprise! President Layton, one of the counselors in the Mission presidency, taught the lesson. You guessed it...on missionary work. The real difference with his lesson was that he made missionary work seem easy. He explained how we can use it in our daily conversations. He made it a lot less scary!
Being the introvert that I am, it is very hard for me to want to share my belief with people, for fear of rejection or simply a negative response. I don't ever like to offend and I don't like confrontation. Although all my experiences with sharing the gospel have gone well, I still get nervous. I really enjoyed the way President Layton took a spin on it. It can be simple.
I can home feeling good, feeling uplifted, feeling inspired, feeling like I can actually share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with out it being an intimidating task.
I am so thankful for the Gospel in my life and the blessings that it brings on a daily basis. I'm thankful for a wonderful and loving husband who is so kind and forgiving and caring and for my awesome children who sometimes test me and try my patience so that I can grow and become the women I am meant to be. My children have a way of putting a smile on my face when I need it most!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Is it a girl or a boy?
We went to have an ultrasound last Tuesday. My OB told me I was being sent for a "Level 2" ultrasound. I looked it up online, but couldn't really tell what it was. I asked several different people I spoke with as I made the appointment and they weren't sure what to tell me. So, we get into the office...finally...we waited FOREVER...and when I asked the tech she didn't even know what a "level 2" ultrasound was. Hahaha!
I am guessing that the purpose of the ultrasound, according to what the doctor said the last time I saw her, was to check to make sure amniotic fluid and such were at an appropriate level. Being over 35 they are taking a few extra precautions.
The tech did a lot of measuring and showing us the baby's cute profile and then when she was looking for the sex she struggled. 16 weeks is really rather hard to be sure of the sex. She said she didn't see anything that indicated a boy, but she would let the Doctor make that call. After waiting for another few minutes the Doctor arrived.
Though I had already stated, several times, that I do not want any genetic testing done, she proceeded to tell me the risks of down syndrome, and other disorders. I was thinking, "Lady...they tell us not to stress out when we're pregnant, so why are you bent on telling me things that are raising my blood pressure?" I'm so glad I had my wits about me enough to patiently listen and calmly refuse the testing, yet again.
We chatted about the possible sex of the baby and she told us that she never makes a call on the sex until at least 20 weeks. She took a peek; she printed more pictures, took more measurements, and checked on the sex. She said, "There is no way at all that this is a boy!" So much for "never" making the call at 16 weeks!!
Another girl? Could that even be possible??? Okay...I was mystified! Not shocked, like I was when they told me Alyssa was a girl, but it was kind of an "OH!" moment; pleasant surprise! Todd and I both had felt that it was another boy. We even had just a boy's name picked out because we were so sure that it was a boy. Boy...were we wrong! Haha! I had had a tiny inkling in the last couple of weeks that it might not be a boy, but hadn't said anything. I figured it was just me doubting. Hehehe! Now, with no girl's name picked out, we are doing a lot of thinking, asking for suggestions, and making lists. Yeesh! I like to be prepared and go to the hospital with a name. I don't like to wait. So, the fact that we don't already have a name has been a source of anxiety for me.
Before we left the Doctor's office I asked why I wasn't feeling the baby move yet. She showed me that the placenta is in the front of the baby acting sort of like a sponge. So, when the baby kicks, it's being absorbed by the placenta. She said I should be feeling movement by the time I come back for... yet another ultrasound... in four weeks. That was comforting.
Step back world...another little girl is coming to join the Cantwell Clan!
I am guessing that the purpose of the ultrasound, according to what the doctor said the last time I saw her, was to check to make sure amniotic fluid and such were at an appropriate level. Being over 35 they are taking a few extra precautions.
The tech did a lot of measuring and showing us the baby's cute profile and then when she was looking for the sex she struggled. 16 weeks is really rather hard to be sure of the sex. She said she didn't see anything that indicated a boy, but she would let the Doctor make that call. After waiting for another few minutes the Doctor arrived.
Though I had already stated, several times, that I do not want any genetic testing done, she proceeded to tell me the risks of down syndrome, and other disorders. I was thinking, "Lady...they tell us not to stress out when we're pregnant, so why are you bent on telling me things that are raising my blood pressure?" I'm so glad I had my wits about me enough to patiently listen and calmly refuse the testing, yet again.
We chatted about the possible sex of the baby and she told us that she never makes a call on the sex until at least 20 weeks. She took a peek; she printed more pictures, took more measurements, and checked on the sex. She said, "There is no way at all that this is a boy!" So much for "never" making the call at 16 weeks!!
Another girl? Could that even be possible??? Okay...I was mystified! Not shocked, like I was when they told me Alyssa was a girl, but it was kind of an "OH!" moment; pleasant surprise! Todd and I both had felt that it was another boy. We even had just a boy's name picked out because we were so sure that it was a boy. Boy...were we wrong! Haha! I had had a tiny inkling in the last couple of weeks that it might not be a boy, but hadn't said anything. I figured it was just me doubting. Hehehe! Now, with no girl's name picked out, we are doing a lot of thinking, asking for suggestions, and making lists. Yeesh! I like to be prepared and go to the hospital with a name. I don't like to wait. So, the fact that we don't already have a name has been a source of anxiety for me.
Before we left the Doctor's office I asked why I wasn't feeling the baby move yet. She showed me that the placenta is in the front of the baby acting sort of like a sponge. So, when the baby kicks, it's being absorbed by the placenta. She said I should be feeling movement by the time I come back for... yet another ultrasound... in four weeks. That was comforting.
Step back world...another little girl is coming to join the Cantwell Clan!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Real Super Heroes
When we hear the term Superheroes or just heroes in general, many times our minds go directly to stories of Superman, Spiderman, Batman and a few others. These stories of individuals who care about others, who use their super human strength to save other peoples lives, who fly to the rescue of a damsel in distress...
use their laser beams to cut through walls...
These are only some of the things I think of when I think of a hero. But the ultimate heroes are the real people in the world who make sacrifices for others. Those who put themselves in harms way simply to protect another.
I'm sure there are dozens, maybe even hundreds of stories of real life heroes in the town of Joplin, MO. This morning I heard about one man who used himself as a shield to protect his wife, the love of his life, from the horrible tornado. He suffered a severe puncture wound in the his back and did not survive.
Not only are these families and individuals suffering the loss of their homes and the devastation surrounding them, but they are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Homes, vehicles, food, clothing...it can all be replaced. My heart aches for those who lost their loved ones; who have to find a way to get through the rubble and disorder without their husbands, wives and children.
Other heroes are those who answered the call and traveled many miles to lend a hand.
My heart goes out to these people who have lost their loved ones and homes. They are in my prayers.
use their laser beams to cut through walls...
These are only some of the things I think of when I think of a hero. But the ultimate heroes are the real people in the world who make sacrifices for others. Those who put themselves in harms way simply to protect another.
I'm sure there are dozens, maybe even hundreds of stories of real life heroes in the town of Joplin, MO. This morning I heard about one man who used himself as a shield to protect his wife, the love of his life, from the horrible tornado. He suffered a severe puncture wound in the his back and did not survive.
Not only are these families and individuals suffering the loss of their homes and the devastation surrounding them, but they are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Homes, vehicles, food, clothing...it can all be replaced. My heart aches for those who lost their loved ones; who have to find a way to get through the rubble and disorder without their husbands, wives and children.
Other heroes are those who answered the call and traveled many miles to lend a hand.
My heart goes out to these people who have lost their loved ones and homes. They are in my prayers.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
We're Very Excited!!
We are so excited to share our family news! Drum roll please...we are expecting baby number 6!! We thought we were finished having children. I mean, come on, five kids can be a lot of work some times. :D But the rewards are so worth it! We were contemplating taking permanent measures to prevent more children, since I get pregnant so easily. After much prayer and attending the temple we realized that there is one more sweet spirit that needs to come to our home. After taking a few months to wrap my brain around the idea we became...a little more...used to the idea.
The past couple of months I have spent lots of time feeling awful. Being sick during pregnancy is very normal for me, but as usual, I had hoped that it would be more mild and last a shorter period of time. That apparently was not in the plan for me! For a person who is normally very active and busy, it's very hard to be in bed or resting so much of the time. I haven't blogged. I haven't done laundry...unless absolutely necessary. Dishes keep piling up. Toys clutter the floor. Bathrooms are dirty. Books are sitting, half read, on my shelf. I can't wait to feel normal again!
Yesterday was my first OB appointment with a new Doctor. Dr. Su is such a sweet, laid back, easy to talk to person. I'm so thankful that I chose to see her! I was pleasantly surprised when she said she wanted to do an ultrasound to check to see if there was one...or two. Thankfully there is only one. I know I have watched good friends have twins and they are so precious and wonderful. I see the blessings of having two at once. I am extremely grateful that my Father in Heaven knows me so well, that he sends me one at a time!
We saw the heart beat! We saw the baby kicking! The baby looks healthy and is right on for my due date! I'm 13 weeks along (3 months) and due on November 26th! There are many family members who want me to have this baby on their birthday!! My Dad was born on November 23rd, my brother-in-law Scott was born on the 28th and Todd's brother Mike was born on the 27th. So, as long as I have this baby near the due date, I'll make someone happy!!
Many people have asked how the kids feel about it. Well, the boys are very excited! I was surprised at how excited they are! And I'm pleased that they are so excited. Alyssa, on the other hand, when I ask her is she wants a baby brother or sister to play with, she says no! I'm sure she'll be happy with it eventually! :D
So, this weekend was spent test driving a vehicle that could hold 8 passengers. Yesterday, I signed my life away to bring home this vehicle last night! What a blessing to be able to acquire a larger vehicle. We are grateful that everything keeps falling into place!
On a side note, the boys keep looking at my tummy to see if it's "swollen" yet! Ha! Max puts his hand on my belly and says, "Nope, not yet!" After working so hard for 2 years to lose weight I am thankful that I am gaining slowly!! I was so thrilled to be thinner than I had been in years. Todd keeps telling me not to worry, and that I'll be able to lose the weight it again! I sure hope he's right!
So, if you don't see a post from me for a few weeks, know that it's only because I'm tired and hard pressed to get anything other than dishes done!!
The past couple of months I have spent lots of time feeling awful. Being sick during pregnancy is very normal for me, but as usual, I had hoped that it would be more mild and last a shorter period of time. That apparently was not in the plan for me! For a person who is normally very active and busy, it's very hard to be in bed or resting so much of the time. I haven't blogged. I haven't done laundry...unless absolutely necessary. Dishes keep piling up. Toys clutter the floor. Bathrooms are dirty. Books are sitting, half read, on my shelf. I can't wait to feel normal again!
Yesterday was my first OB appointment with a new Doctor. Dr. Su is such a sweet, laid back, easy to talk to person. I'm so thankful that I chose to see her! I was pleasantly surprised when she said she wanted to do an ultrasound to check to see if there was one...or two. Thankfully there is only one. I know I have watched good friends have twins and they are so precious and wonderful. I see the blessings of having two at once. I am extremely grateful that my Father in Heaven knows me so well, that he sends me one at a time!
We saw the heart beat! We saw the baby kicking! The baby looks healthy and is right on for my due date! I'm 13 weeks along (3 months) and due on November 26th! There are many family members who want me to have this baby on their birthday!! My Dad was born on November 23rd, my brother-in-law Scott was born on the 28th and Todd's brother Mike was born on the 27th. So, as long as I have this baby near the due date, I'll make someone happy!!
Many people have asked how the kids feel about it. Well, the boys are very excited! I was surprised at how excited they are! And I'm pleased that they are so excited. Alyssa, on the other hand, when I ask her is she wants a baby brother or sister to play with, she says no! I'm sure she'll be happy with it eventually! :D
So, this weekend was spent test driving a vehicle that could hold 8 passengers. Yesterday, I signed my life away to bring home this vehicle last night! What a blessing to be able to acquire a larger vehicle. We are grateful that everything keeps falling into place!
On a side note, the boys keep looking at my tummy to see if it's "swollen" yet! Ha! Max puts his hand on my belly and says, "Nope, not yet!" After working so hard for 2 years to lose weight I am thankful that I am gaining slowly!! I was so thrilled to be thinner than I had been in years. Todd keeps telling me not to worry, and that I'll be able to lose the weight it again! I sure hope he's right!
So, if you don't see a post from me for a few weeks, know that it's only because I'm tired and hard pressed to get anything other than dishes done!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Autism
I just watched a video on Facebook about a teenage girl with Autism. I was touched. I used about 1/4 of a box of tissues. I tried to post it on the blog, but I can't figure out how to do it correctly. If you are my friend on Facebook, go check my profile for the video clip.
Autism effects many people in many ways. In our home we have quite a soft spot for children/people with Autism. We live with Autism on a daily basis. There are moments when it is extremely difficult and other moments when we forget it's even there.
There are times when there is a lot of screaming and times when we have to search for Mr. Max to find out where he's hiding.
There's some hand flapping, toy twirling, silly noise making...
Sometimes there's pushing, kicking, hitting...
Always, there is a sweet little boy, with a sweet spirit inside of him that's just trying to communicate and connect. We are not always very good at handling situations that arise, but we have gotten better and better as he has gotten older.
I'm thankful that Mr. Max has a very high functioning form of Autism. Communication does happen. He does interact with others. If we hadn't put him on a gluten free/casein free diet, I'm not so sure he would have improved as much as he has. What a blessing!
Autism effects many people in many ways. In our home we have quite a soft spot for children/people with Autism. We live with Autism on a daily basis. There are moments when it is extremely difficult and other moments when we forget it's even there.
There are times when there is a lot of screaming and times when we have to search for Mr. Max to find out where he's hiding.
There's some hand flapping, toy twirling, silly noise making...
Sometimes there's pushing, kicking, hitting...
Always, there is a sweet little boy, with a sweet spirit inside of him that's just trying to communicate and connect. We are not always very good at handling situations that arise, but we have gotten better and better as he has gotten older.
I'm thankful that Mr. Max has a very high functioning form of Autism. Communication does happen. He does interact with others. If we hadn't put him on a gluten free/casein free diet, I'm not so sure he would have improved as much as he has. What a blessing!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The kindness of others
I didn't know when I started my day yesterday that I would be touched by another...by a stranger.
I had a craving for Olive Garden yesterday and all I wanted to eat was soup, salad and bread sticks dipped in Alfredo sauce. I could almost taste it when I pictured the food in my mind. It's been a while since I had that for lunch. So I text-ed Todd at work and told him I wanted to meet him for lunch. I Googled the nearest Olive Garden location and it popped up about 20 minutes away, but a co-worker of Todd's said that there wasn't one in our city...Google must be mistaken. BUT...it's right there...online! So, I called the number listed...and to my dismay...this is what I heard,"Jeff City Red Lobster..." and I stopped listening. Disappointment set in.
The same co-worker then suggested a little Italian restaurant near the Capitol building that is her favorite. I don't enjoy driving around near the Capitol and really enjoy finding a parking space even less. I almost said no, but reluctantly decided to give it a try.
After circling around several times on the roads near the restaurant I realized I wasn't going to find a spot. Frustration was beginning to set in and I was about to give up. As it was I wasn't going to be able to enjoy what I really wanted in the first place. I finally decided to park in my bank's parking lot, even though I wouldn't be going into their establishment and we walked up the hill to the restaurant.
The place was packed...it seemed there were people everywhere. I was beginning to think this was a bad idea. We walked in and surprisingly enough we were seated right away. Hallelujah!
We were served bread and a tasty, seasoned dipping oil. Alyssa found the bread to be quite yummy and devoured her fair share! My eyes just about bugged out when I saw the prices for lunch and I wanted to just give up. Their menu options were limited. The soup of the day was lobster bisque, which sounded terrible, and I couldn't order any of the other soups listed in the menu. I finally settled on a salad and some fried zucchini sticks and called it good. The wait time was a bit longer than I thought it would be and when the food came out the zucchini sticks were not on the tray. I politely inquired to find out when they would be ready and the waiter apologized, he had not heard me ask for them. The salad was good...nothing to rave about. Todd's Fettuccine Alfredo was soupy and tasted like white macaroni and cheese sauce...oh well. Alyssa loved her mac and cheese and gobbled it right up.
We were sitting there, enjoying pleasant conversation and just being out together when a lady, who was also eating lunch in the restaurant, walked up, slid Todd a $20 bill and said, "This is for part of your meal. Thank you for your service." We both thanked the lady kindly and I tried to keep the tears from my eyes...unsuccessfully. I have never before been present when someone has paid for Todd's tab because he was dressed in his military uniform. He has told me stories, but this was the first time I was there. My heart was touched...what a kind gesture. I will forever remember the her thoughtful gesture.
Then the zucchini sticks arrived. Oh my goodness. Those delectable, scrumptious slices were worth every waiting moment. I would go to that restaurant again and simply order those and be happy as a clam! They were delicious!
My mood was considerably better as we walked out to pay for our meal. But the surprises weren't going to stop there. As we paid for our meal the lady taking payment mentioned that because Todd was in his officer's uniform we would be receiving 30% off our meal. WHAT! Okay! We shared looks of pleasant surprise, signed the slip and happily walked back to our car.
We had no idea we would have these blessings today. It put a spring in our step and a spark of happiness in our attitude that carried us through the rest of the day. It made me want to share bits of joy and happiness with others, more often. What can I do today that would make another person smile, or even lift their burden just a little and bring them a little happiness?
I had a craving for Olive Garden yesterday and all I wanted to eat was soup, salad and bread sticks dipped in Alfredo sauce. I could almost taste it when I pictured the food in my mind. It's been a while since I had that for lunch. So I text-ed Todd at work and told him I wanted to meet him for lunch. I Googled the nearest Olive Garden location and it popped up about 20 minutes away, but a co-worker of Todd's said that there wasn't one in our city...Google must be mistaken. BUT...it's right there...online! So, I called the number listed...and to my dismay...this is what I heard,"Jeff City Red Lobster..." and I stopped listening. Disappointment set in.
The same co-worker then suggested a little Italian restaurant near the Capitol building that is her favorite. I don't enjoy driving around near the Capitol and really enjoy finding a parking space even less. I almost said no, but reluctantly decided to give it a try.
After circling around several times on the roads near the restaurant I realized I wasn't going to find a spot. Frustration was beginning to set in and I was about to give up. As it was I wasn't going to be able to enjoy what I really wanted in the first place. I finally decided to park in my bank's parking lot, even though I wouldn't be going into their establishment and we walked up the hill to the restaurant.
The place was packed...it seemed there were people everywhere. I was beginning to think this was a bad idea. We walked in and surprisingly enough we were seated right away. Hallelujah!
We were served bread and a tasty, seasoned dipping oil. Alyssa found the bread to be quite yummy and devoured her fair share! My eyes just about bugged out when I saw the prices for lunch and I wanted to just give up. Their menu options were limited. The soup of the day was lobster bisque, which sounded terrible, and I couldn't order any of the other soups listed in the menu. I finally settled on a salad and some fried zucchini sticks and called it good. The wait time was a bit longer than I thought it would be and when the food came out the zucchini sticks were not on the tray. I politely inquired to find out when they would be ready and the waiter apologized, he had not heard me ask for them. The salad was good...nothing to rave about. Todd's Fettuccine Alfredo was soupy and tasted like white macaroni and cheese sauce...oh well. Alyssa loved her mac and cheese and gobbled it right up.
We were sitting there, enjoying pleasant conversation and just being out together when a lady, who was also eating lunch in the restaurant, walked up, slid Todd a $20 bill and said, "This is for part of your meal. Thank you for your service." We both thanked the lady kindly and I tried to keep the tears from my eyes...unsuccessfully. I have never before been present when someone has paid for Todd's tab because he was dressed in his military uniform. He has told me stories, but this was the first time I was there. My heart was touched...what a kind gesture. I will forever remember the her thoughtful gesture.
Then the zucchini sticks arrived. Oh my goodness. Those delectable, scrumptious slices were worth every waiting moment. I would go to that restaurant again and simply order those and be happy as a clam! They were delicious!
My mood was considerably better as we walked out to pay for our meal. But the surprises weren't going to stop there. As we paid for our meal the lady taking payment mentioned that because Todd was in his officer's uniform we would be receiving 30% off our meal. WHAT! Okay! We shared looks of pleasant surprise, signed the slip and happily walked back to our car.
We had no idea we would have these blessings today. It put a spring in our step and a spark of happiness in our attitude that carried us through the rest of the day. It made me want to share bits of joy and happiness with others, more often. What can I do today that would make another person smile, or even lift their burden just a little and bring them a little happiness?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)