"Teacher's Packet" for your Music Student

To find a simple way to motivate your family or your music student to better succeed in their efforts to learn and to practice, check out my music blog to see my directions for assembling a special packet.

Be inspired,

Worthy Wife: The Wisdom to "Add it to the Ignore List"

I was inspired when I heard someone tell a story of a woman with great wisdom.  I remember it like this:

When she was newly married, she made a list of 10 things her husband did which had the possibility of annoying her in the future and she committed herself to overlooking those characteristics.  After she had been married several years, she was asked how she had remained so happily married.  Her reply was that whenever something annoyed her about her husband she would simply tell herself that habit, annoyance etc was on her "ignore list." 

(I tried to find the source but haven't found it yet. I think it might have been President  Monson)

Since hearing of that woman's "ignore list"  I have noticed that my husband must have a very good sized ignore list for me since he treats me so well.  I was motivated and have happily noticed some changes as I have more often had the wisdom to say "I can ignore that" to myself when something bothers me.

Be inspired,



Truly Tender: Alma Song with my Toddler

Our family experienced several very tender moments lately as my littlest daughter has become very interested in singing songs together as a family.  She has certain signs she uses to let us know what song she is wanting to sing.  The one she keeps doing over and over again is to hold up her little fists by her face and scrunch her nose.  That means she wants to do the "Book of Mormon Stories" additional verse about Alma.  The spirit of peace and happiness just flows into our home when she holds up those little fists and the whole family responds by singing and doing the actions(which we made up) with her.  Her favorite part is when we all get down on the floor to show that we are now humble and repentant :)

Be Inspired,

Musically Motivating: Beat vs Rythm

Check out my new Music blog here to see my definitions

for Beat and Rhythm.

Be Inspired,

Spiritually Saving: God sends babies, not batallions

“God doesn’t need battalions to accomplish his wonderful work.

He sends beautiful babies"

(Faith precedes a Miracle Spencer W Kimball chapter 12)

I know it is such a privelege to be able to "mother" the children around us, in whatever capacity we are capable of mothering.  Every child can be blessed by each woman around them who chooses to nurture,  love and care for them.

Be Inspired,

Simply a Supermom: Heather, Courage to Triumph Despite Mesothelioma

I was so happy to receive an email from Heather about her experience being a supermom by continuing to mother her daughter as well as through courage to keep going through treatment and recovery while suffering from cancer. I am truly inspired by her story and am so excited to share it.    Here is Heather's story:

  

         I am a mother to a quirky little 6 year old, Lily. She is my only child, and my whole world (I’m sure you know the feeling!)   The very beginning of Lily’s life was a little more   turbulent than I would have hoped for. When Lily was just 31/2 months old, I was diagnosed with   Mesothelioma; a type of cancer that kills 90-95% of those who have it.  As I’m sure you  can imagine, the first thing  that came to mind when I was diagnosed was my baby girl and how I wasn’t going  to be able to watch her grow up.  After all that, I’m still here 6 years later and cancer free! I'd like to turn my pain into purpose and become someone that other  parents can look to for guidance, inspiration, and hope in  situations like my own. 

Heather, you are an inspiring, shining example for us all! Thanks so much for sharing your story with me.

Check out Heather's  blog to learn more about how she successfully dealt with this daunting challenge.

Be inspired

Thankful Thinking: The Music of the Moon

I rejoice in the peaceful music within my own heart as I look at the moon in the sky. 

Then “. . . my immortal spirit may join the choirs above in singing the praises of a just God.”  (The Book of Mormon, Another testament of Jesus Christ,  quoting King Benjamin, Mosiah 2:28)

Wise Words: Problems vs People

   “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved” 

 ( quoted by Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on several occasions.  Attributed to Barbara Thompson see “Quotable Quotes,” Reader’s Digest, Jan. 1997, 161). )

Towering Tresses: Babes in Hairland, Corkscrew twists

I love to do hair.  One of my newer favorites is the Corkscrew twist braid, especially the uneven corkscrew.  I use these little twists in my own and others' hair all the time and they only take seconds to do.  I learned how to do this simple braid by watching a video at Babes in Hairland.   I love that blog! If you haven't done one before, then check it out for a simple and fun new look.  Or if you have, then she has at least 37 different ways to use the twist for something extra amazing.

Be inspired,

Musically Motivating: "Sing, Sing, Sing"

We turned on the Mormon Channel, which is always motivating.  This time, Scripture Stories: The Doctrine and Covenants, episode 11, Joseph and Emma, was streaming.  I love these scripture stories and primary songs in the background as we do our daily morning routine.  When the children in the program began to sing this round ,"sing a song", my oldest daughter and I instinctively began singing along and a wonderful, peaceful and happy feeling united us. I felt the special gift of music within me being released a little more.  I felt closer to my Heavenly Home and to those there waiting for me.

Be inspired,

Spiritually Saving: Relief Society's Relevance to Young Single Adults

I found much of this radio program related to me, even though I am blessed with marriage at this time.  I am thankful for my earthly mother and for Relief Society. 

See  “Relief Society Questions and Answers "episode 12 Relief Society's Relevance to Young Single Adults, with Julie B Beck, on the Mormon channel.

Be Inspired,

Roaring Raves: The Pew Mormon Study

I read  some informational articles about how the world thinks of us as members of the church:

• "Pew Mormon Study Highlights Christianity, Religiosity of Latter-day Saints"
• "Poll finds Mormons worry about acceptance but embrace differences"

Be inspired,

I love you Dad! You are my "Captain Moroni."

Dad,

You are my hero!  I have always felt that way.  You remind me of Captain Moroni:

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto ^aMoroni, [you] behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the ^bdevil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. (The Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ , Alma 48:17

 I  cannot write "even the hundredth part"  of how I feel about you--but I pray you will understand what I am really trying to say as I express only a few of my feelings toward you: 

• I know you are a spiritual giant who has an unwavering testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because you live your life like the stories you told me about my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and how they live.
• I know you love Mom because I see you unselfishly work to find ways to love and cherish her and put her second, only after God, in your priority list. 
•  I know you love me  because of  how many hours you laughed with me and listened to me repeat the same things over and over again until I could feel I had finally figured out what I was really trying to say  . . . and for many, many, many other reasons
• I know you are unselfish because you spent hours sitting in the hallway where I could see you to help me feel better when I was scared at night.
•  I know you continue  to protect me by your example, counsel and wisdom as you guide me with courage through  the "enemy territory,"  we live in where we are not always appreciated for who we truly are.
•  I know you are wise because you live with an eternal perspective, which I constantly strive to emulate.
• I know better how to love and respect my husband (who is another "Captain Moroni" to me) and encourage my daughters to look to him, because my life with you taught me how important the roles of husband and father really are. 

 I suspect you may sometimes feel that you haven't done all you wanted to do for me, but I tell you now that you are my Captain Moroni.   You are the perfect Father for me and I know that because you were chosen for me by my Father in Heaven. If you ever feel that you haven't won a battle, always remember that in the end, you will win the war.  That is what you have always taught me to think of myself.  My greatest goal is to live the way you taught me to live. 

I love you so much Daddy! I will always be,




P S   This talk from last General Conference describes what you have done for me: "Love Her Mother" by Elaine S. Dalton

Family Friendly: Fabulous Friday the 13th

  Why I Didn’t Blog Yesterday?

I even had my Thankfully Thinking thought written and saved ready to post yesterday.  Why didn’t I simply post it?  Because of a most wondrous day of doing simple things with my beautiful girls, that’s why!  A few times I felt the pull of the deceptive assertion: “just do something for yourself,” but thankfully the bungee cord wrapping my heart and pulling it toward my family was so much stronger. That cord connected me to the truth that the only real way to do something for myself is to serve God—in whatever capacity he desires me to serve. 

King Benjamin stated one of my favorite scriptures, which my parents helped me to memorize when I was just three years old.  Its message has been engraved into my soul and I hope it continues to be etched even deeper each day I live:   “ And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn ^awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the ^bservice of your ^cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (The Book of Mormon AnotherTestament of Jesus Christ, Mosiah 2:17)

Willingly Waiting: My Lessons from Three Miscarriages

My strong desire to have children has never been completely vanquished even though sometimes seemingly endless obstacles assail me as I work toward becoming a wise mom.   It took a while, and many tears, before I was blessed with my first daughter.  I was so thankful that my waiting had ended and enjoyed being a mother so much.

 I soon realized that my waiting had only begun.   It was seven years of hoping before I finally found out I was expecting my second child.  Only a few days later, I found out I was going to miscarry.  I wondered why I would finally be allowed to carry a child only to let it go so soon.  My daughter had prayed so often for a little sister.  My husband and I had prayed countless times.  However, I tried to make sure that my prayers always included the words “according to thy will.” 

I knew I faced a critical decision after that miscarriage:  Do I become discouraged and disheartened?  Or do I decide to be thankful for even that brief time of the joy of carrying a new life within me.  I had enough experience with disappointment.  I wanted to be grateful.  Another miscarriage followed and I again chose to be thankful for the miracle of pregnancy no matter what happened. 

I was traveling in Guatemala a few months later when I found out that I was expecting again.  I knew there was a high chance I would miscarry early (I have Graves disease which often is related to high thyroid levels and can make it difficult to keep a pregnancy), but the happiness I felt in becoming pregnant for a third time in one year after enduring seven years of unfruitful hopes, was stronger than my fear.  I decided to climb the ruins and experience the other things on my vacation and focus on enjoying the journey whichever direction it took me. I was blessed with another beautiful baby girl.

It has been almost two years since I had my second daughter.  I was thrilled to discover that I was not required to wait seven years this time.  Then the miscarriage started the next day.  Once again I am doing my best to willingly wait on the Lord’s will for me.  I have decided that being willing is more important than being successful .  I know my Heavenly Father accepts my desires and my best efforts even when they don’t seem to bear much fruit.  I am so thankful for His lessons in patience.

Nana, I Love You the Yellowest

I am thrilled today  to discover that our daughter advanced to the publishing level of the poetry contest she entered last year. She wrote this poem about my own special Supermom and I agree with these shining words! Here is her winning entry:

I Love You the Yellowest

Nana, I love you the Yellowest. 

 I love you the color

of the bright yellow moon

filling the sea black sky of wonders.

I love you the shade of a light yellow daisy in a

garden of bright green grass

and sweet flowers.

I love you like the yellow, golden,

 shimmering sunshine at daylight.

You are a sweet yellow star that I wish upon at night.

Nana, I love you the Yellowest.

(Written by my own Joyful Canary, copyright  2011)

If you are interested in your child having a chance to enter a poetry or essay contest and have a chance to be published contact Creative Communication.




I love you my Golden Joyful Canary
  

January Joy

My 2012 Resolution is to find more ways to experience joy in my life.

In January I want to focus on finding more ways to bring music into my family.
Will you join me? Let's make more music with every moment. I would love to see comments regarding how music helps you see the joy in your life.

Truly Tender

I love the talk “The Tender Mercies of the Lord” from the April 2005 General Conference by David A Bednar (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Since I heard that talk, I have thought of many seemingly coincidental occurrences differently. I now see them as the prophet Nephi from “the Book of Mormon” saw them: “But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance”
(1 Ne. 1:20).

I know that God is our Heavenly Father and we literally are his children and He loves us so much. He blesses us constantly with whatever we need if we just trust Him and ask Him. Even if we do not pray or ask, He blesses us all with sunshine, rain, oxygen, beauty surrounding us and so many other things. Best of all, He blessed all of us by sending His son, Jesus Christ, to save every one of us. I am so thankful for that truly tender mercy.

Simply Undone: Blogging

Obviously, for the past few months my blogging has been continually in the "Simply Undone" category of my life. I have had lots of fun ideas and things I would love to share but never seemed to have a good time to do it. Well, I am thankful for all the loving family time I have had doing other things and hope that my blog can now be more a part of my creative creations.