Truly Tender: Fish Tank Fun

This morning Daddy got up early with us and was excited to help the girls clean and re-do their fish tanks.  Morning Glory gave her little tiny tank to Lady Slipper and is going to use our medium tank as her tank instead so she can start to learn about salt water.

 It was so cute to see Lady Slipper's excitement when the first thing she was told when she got up was, "you have your own tiny fish tank!"  She didn't need her usual slow wake-up time. . . she became "un-groggy" almost instantly and decided to name her little tetra Starfruit.  Then she wanted to get right to work helping Dad clean out the medium tank.

Morning Glory had lots of ideas about the fun things she would like to do in her tank and was happy to use her hard-earned spending money.  She is definitely converted to the family fish hobby.  She often asks to go to the fish store on the way home from school :)

What a fun, fishy morning.

What special moments have you had today?

Be Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender: Lady Slipper Learns to say, "Dough"

Morning Glory had the idea to let her little sister help knead the dough for Fruit 'n' Veggie rolls. While ecstatically squishing her little bowl of goo, she surprised us by matter-of-factly stating, "dough" as if it was a usual part of her constantly multiplying vocabulary.

I love being a mom!

Be inspired,

Janelle Joy

Truly Tender : Innovative Flossing

My Lady Slipper discovered sister's colorful flossers and very methodically began sliding them one by one under the door. What an example of finding joy in simple things, not to mention the excruciating patience involved :)

I love being a mom!

Be Inspired,

Truly Tender: Looking Back

Lady Slipper loves going places with Daddy and Morning Glory, but today I felt a special motherly connection as she stopped and looked back every few seconds as she ran down the pathway just to wave and to see if I was still watching.  I stayed until we couldn't see each other anymore . . .

Awwwwww I love being a Mom!!!!!!!  I love you my Lady Slipper, you are such a beautiful blessing in my life!

Be Inspired,

Truly Tender: Morning Glory Kisses

Lately I have been bestowed with many enchanting Morning Glory kisses on my cheek.
Mmmmmmmm I love being a Mom!

Be Inspired,

Learn More about my favorite book: the Book of Mormon and request a free copy

Family Friendly: Introducing Mom MTC

While listening to BYU Women's Conference from several years ago, I heard Sister Sylvia H. Allred describe the work we do with children as important and very similar to the work done for missionaries at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) as they prepare to go serve God by teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their assigned area of the world.

My heart burned with a greater knowledge of the importance of the plans I make and the work I do to teach and train each of my children and all those I come in contact with throughout each day. I realized that my home was a Missionary Training Center, where each of my children could have the opportunity to learn how to be missionaries daily, as long as I did my part in providing the right learning environment.

I decided to expand my already planned monthly Mommy Moment Teaching Plans that I have been working on in the past. This year I have posted my plans online on SimpleSupermom but will now begin to put those plans on this new site: Mom's MTC.

I hope any of you who are so inspired would be willing to share your ideas of how you lead and guide your children to find the truth and make correct choices. You can do this through comments to individual posts or by emailing me at simplesupermom@gmail.com with the subject heading Mom's MTC.

Be Inspired,

Wise Women: The Woman Who Gave Me Life

The Mother who gave me life

Some of my favorite things she says to me:

 

  “There is no such thing as b-worded (bored)”

“You are my mission”

 “You really are like your name which means ‘Gods Gracious Gift of Joy’ to our family.  You even woke up happy as a baby”

“You are a peacemaker in our family.  Everything just seems brighter when you are home”

 “I am so thankful to have my daughter as a friend.”

“You are so creative.”

 “You are such an example to me.”

“You are such a good Mom.”

Some of my Favorite Memories:

Date with Mom Monday

Sewing and cooking projects together, especially my ruffled blue gingham apron

Teaching me how to be a Mom by trusting me to help babysit, do my sister’s hair and choose their outfits—and mine, even if they didn’t match.

Letting me rotate chores that made me feel grown up: laundry, cooking, kitchen, bathrooms . . .

Decided our family needed a piano and found a way to get us one and found ways for me to learn how to play.

Going to ward choir together for years.

Taking an organ playing class together.

Listening to her practice piano and trying to play by ear the songs I heard her play.

I love you Mom! Thanks for everything you continuously sacrifice for me!

Love,

Truly Tender : Giggles, Fingers, and Tiny Toes

I often am blessed with the sunshine sound of giggles, along with the sight of little fingers or tiny toes poking themselves as prominently as possible underneath whatever closed door separates my Lady Slipper from me.

I love being a mom!

Be Inspired,



PS Morning Glory bigger fingers have started finding themselves under my door too. Even little sisters can start a tradition :)

Parable of Sorting Beans

As I sorted through the pinto beans, My mind was illuminated by the realization of the application to my desire to refine the intent of my heart. Can you find any similarities?

Be Inspired,

Thankful Thinking: The Gift of My Faith

I am continuing through the literal ups and downs (my husband constantly tells me there are too many ups) while trying to stay on bed rest and give this pregnancy the best chance I have the power to give, without neglecting  all the eternal roles of most importance to me,  I have also had many emotional ups and downs. 

My courage comes from one steady gift; it never wavers: my faith in God and in His ability to perform the miracle of His will, notwithstanding my weakness.  The power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to strengthen and enable my faith,  prayer, willingness, work, and the prayers and service of all the ministering angels around me.

No matter what the outcome of this seventh pregnancy will be,  I have faith that God will work his miracles through me.  If it is a miracle of more learning and the excruciating patience through a fifth miscarriage, then I accept His miracle of that experience;  If it is the miracle of sacrificing a part of myself in order to participate in bringing life to this earth, then I rejoice in the miracle of learning and the excruciating patience of that experience.

 I pray to have the continued faith and courage to joyfully accept each experience today, and in my future.

". . .and he knoweth [my] faith. . . "(Moroni. 8:24)
Be inspired,

Note:  I was really encouraged and inspired by this devotional Address including a story of a woman who from the beginning of her marriage, never put off and absolutely desired children but was not blessed with any for 6 years.  After all her anguish and tears, they eventually were able to adopt one at a time two baby girls and two baby boys.  Then another miracle occurred: she learned that she was expecting triplets and suddenly was the mother of 7 children all under the age of 8.  She had been healed and blessed after her suffering and endurance.  (paraphrased). 
Search for: "The Love of the Savior. Timothy B. Smith. BYU Devotional | February 12, 2008 "
( I was having trouble getting the BYU site to work today in order to link it for you here)

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

My husband has been treating me like a queen! He is always very loving to me but I especially thank him for his specially planned Mother's Day Month of spring cleaning each room that he initiated without any prompting from me. He had no idea I would end up on bed rest and it has been such a comfort to know that even before I was so out of commission, he had deep cleaned our home so I can feel less concern as I spend so much time lying around. Also he and Morning Glory continue to maintain the home daily.

I am also thankful for what my little flowers have done for me. Morning Glory has been working in secret during any snippet of free time she can find. Even starting last month I often heard her say,"Mom, please don't come in[such and such] a room for a while. I have a surprise for you I am working on in there." She was actually happy to fnd out I had to spend more time in my bed so she could more easily complete her plans in secret :-)  She even created a computer slide show.

Morning Glory's Special Mother's Day Breakfast

Morning Glory's secret, special projects

Lady Slipper's first time coloring shapes for me.

I love being a Mom!


Be Inspired,

Wise Women: Mary the Mother of Jesus

I am so inspired by these scriptures about Mary which show that the intent of her heart was so much like her perfect son, Jesus Christ:

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Luke 1:38

"But Mary kept all these things, and ^apondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

"Mary, mother of our Redeemer, was the perfect example of complete submission to the will of God. (See Luke 1:38). She kept confidences. (See Luke 2:19.) In faith she endured grief. (See John 20:11.)" Russell M. Nelson

I want to allow the mighty changes that need to take place within my own heart so I can be more like Mary.

Be Inspired,

Truly Tender: Bed Rest Exercize

I sure love mom and me time with my sweet little Lady Slipper! How precious it was to have her come struggle up onto my high bed just to be with me. We watched one episode of "coos coos" (Blues Clues). Then the real fun started as she brought up one of her Noah's ark tigers to dance along with the children's station I turned on Pandora. It became a very fun workout as we did actions and bounced animals along with the feel of each song. Thanks so much for playing with me, my Little Lady SLIPPER :) I am so blessed to have you in my family! Be Inspired to notice your own tender moment, Janelle Joy

Thankful Thinking: Sunbeam Song

I am thankful for how music can bring sunshine to light up sadness.
My little Lady Slipper was sad.  I cuddled her as I tried to eat my lunch and listen to the BYU devotional at the same time.  During one part of the program everyone sang all four verses of "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam"  and I was really focused on the words on the screen, because I had never known there were four verses to that wonderful song, when my attention was drawn to Lady Slipper's large eyes as she recognized one of her favorite songs.  She still didn't smile her usual smiles, but the brightness was starting to peek through.

Be Inspired,







Photo Courtesy of Rebsumner.com Used by permission.  Visit her site to use some of her shining artwork to brighten up your life.  It certainly brightens mine.

May Mini-Mission: Refine the Intent of my Heart

What is my intent as I make each choice? 

Is my intent changing to reflect God's will?

Is my intent reflecting love or selfishness?

As I prayerfully considered what my May Mini-mission should be, these scriptures, quotes and experiences came to my mind:

•  ". . .  for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."  (The King James version of the Holy Bible, Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:45)"

• 5 Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; ^aspeak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be ^bconfounded before men;6 For it shall be ^agiven you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say.7 But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye ^adeclare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things." (Doctrine and Covenants 100:5-7)

• 21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. (Doctrine and Covenants 11:21)

• "Empathy during agony is a portion of divinity"  Neal A. Maxwell

• The gift of your will is the only gift that is truly yours to give Neal A. Maxwell

• While attending a musical training conference with Merilee Webb and Sharla Dance, I was taught that if I am a good musician or teacher, but have a sense of selfishness or pride in my heart, then I need to refine my intent and use my gifts only as God would have me use them. The way I teach and perform music was forever changed that day, but my heart started to change as well.  It is no longer about me, but about service.  (see here )

• "You are asking the wrong question.  The question you should ask is What is Heavenly Father's plan for me?"  Julie B. Beck 2011 BYU Women's Conference

Be Inspired,

My Very Own Moroni Man

My husband may not see himself  in the stories of Moroni, Pahoran, Alma, Alma the Younger, Nephi, Abinadi, Helaman . . . or any of the many wonderful examples of what I call Moroni Men from the scriptures, but I see him that way.    For just over twelve years, I have been blessed to be married to my very own Moroni Man.  I have had that privilege of being by his side and participating with him as layer, after layer after unending layer,  of potential unfold within each of us.  Twelve years isn't close to enough time.  I only want to settle for eternity.

Although in our hearts we truly love each other deeply, both of us have had moments of doubt and discouragement when we feel that we have let the other down and fear begins to cloud into our minds,  beckoning us to question our own courage and strength to endure together in love to the end. I have learned that kind of fear always leads to some kind of battle being lost. 

In the past, after losing one of those battles, even seemingly small ones, I would begin to despair and feel even more fear than I felt before.  I knew I wanted to do right always.  And I knew I never do as well as I wish I had done. I finally learned that doubting myself was actually doubting my God.   Could I trust in God's promise that my family can be forever even though I am not perfect? Did I really have faith?  But there was a lot of experiences required before learning that doubting myself was as dangerous as listening to the voice of fear. 

Early in our marriage as I cried in disappointment after saying or doing something I felt unworthy of the role of wonderful wife I had placed on myself, he continued to come and rescue me.  Often he told me "You are wonderful.  I love you.  Don't you know you can start over tomorrow?"   Then he would treat me as if I really was the wonderful wife I wished that I was. 

my resolve to become as patient and loving ans forgiving as he was continued to grow as I spent more time with him, but my lack of confidence in myself and in the hope of ever having the ability to be the way I wanted to be eventually led to a deep depression.  It was several years before finding out there was a chemical reason for my easy tendency toward depression.  Yet the battles continue to rage even after the diagnosis. 

My own Moroni man is here to rescue me always. He rescued me from my darkest battles.  He always told me her was there for me and that I was better than I thought I was, that he loved me and was very glad he was married to me.

I am thankful to have grown in my confidence in god, in myself ad in my husband.  I love being married to him and having the privilege of being his support and comfort.  I am glad that I can say to him " You are my Captain Moroni.  If you ever feel that you have lost a battle, remember that you have never lost the war as long as you trust in God to fight for you . . . and for me."

We both have committed to continue to fight for our family and for our God.

Happy Anniversary my very own Moroni Man!! (even though it is a little late)

Your loving wife,

Janelle

Important note:  see Alma 48:17 if youdon't know what I mean as a Moroni Man.

My Brothers as Moroni Men

Although I didn't realize it at the time, my Dad was the first example of a Moroni Man in my life. While growing up I also didn't fully appreciate the boys around me: my brothers, my friends, sometimes my pests.  Now I truly believe even my five little brothers were "Moroni Men in the Making:"

Yes, even the one I trusted enough to tell about my newest 11 yr old crush, only to regret telling him when he couldn't resist teasing me  about using that new found knowledge as a tool of total embarrassment. 

Yes, even the one that always thought finding your ticklish spot was a brotherly duty. 

Yes, even the one who continues to get taller than the rest of us and who has the curly hair many girls would love to have. 

Yes, even the one who loved to come to the piano seat when I was practicing and turn the pages to whatever song he wanted me to play. (which I secretly loved so much)

Yes, even the littlest one (who also isn't so little any more) I wasn't around to get to know as well, but who always wants to talk to me on the phone whenever he has a chance.  (which makes me so happy)


I see all of them as Moroni Men because I have seen so many Christlike characteristics within each one of them.  I also see in my mind only glimpses of the wonder of how much potential is inside each of them.

Note: If you don't know what  I mean by a Moroni Man see Alma 48:17

Be Inspired,

Family Friendly: Why Posting Plans?

I realize that because one of my top goals in my life is to always keep my family first, many things I would love to do take second or third or . . . never make it past the planning stages. As I continued to have to put off my planned blogging time this week, I wondered if I should just stop the planning. What about the quote I came across once: "failing to plan is planning to fail?"  

So I asked myself, "why do you keep posting plans if you can't keep up with them?"  The answer my wise self tells my worried self:  "you feel happier when you have something planned to reflect or write about.  You look forward to that refreshment and expression time.  Even when that time doesn't happen, the plans are in your brain ready to energize you and encourage you to think and to learn. That simple act of posting the plans, in itself, revitalizes you and helps you remember who you are."

 I want to continue to keep my little personal blackboard of thoughts and ideas--pinning the scraps I have time to pin on, sometimes pausing enough to reflect on what an entry on that board means to me. Now I will just think of my posting plans as Powerful Pondering--and if any of my pondering gets to the posting stage . . .then that is a bonus.

Be Inspired,

Truly Tender: Rubber Band Bracelets

My little one noticed my rubber band I had put on my wrist when I took out my ponytail .  She found another rubber band on the ground and brought it to me.  I didn't realize what she was wanting for a minute but soon saw her looking at the one on my wrist.  She got so happy when I  helped her put the one she found onto my wrist with the other one.  We spent a couple of special minutes trading the "bracelets" between her wrists and mine. I love being a mom! 

Be Inspired,

Truly Tender: Yoga Mat Royal Treatment

On several occasions, usually when I am feeling extra tired or worried, I have entered a room and unexpectedly found myself walking on my own personal red carpet (actually my purple yoga mat). How special I feel that my own sweet daughter had that idea and has given me my own royal treatment in this creative and loving way. 

As I walked over that special pathway today, I felt loved and I felt very special and very very thankful for such a caring daughter.

Be Inspired,