Motherly Law

A List: Boys at Play {Sounds}

Do you ever listen to your kids playing? I mean when they're completely immersed in another world and totally in character; when they aren't arguing with each other or trying to get attention from mom or dad and just creatively and joyfully playing?

Well, sometimes I stop what I'm doing and sit listening to their sounds. Boys make such interesting sounds. Whether playing Cars or super heroes, special agent super spies, pirates or a combination of all of these there is no shortage of screeching motors, explosions, shooting, crashing and bashing. Perhaps girls do this too, but there was no need for those kinds of sounds as I played with Barbies and dolls {I admit I was a total girlie girl} and that's the extent of my knowledge of girls; my own experience.

Last night I took the time to record the sounds in this list, as best I could through letters instead of actual sounds, as the boys played out sequences of Cars 2, both from the movie and of their own creations.

They were oblivious to my eavesdropping as they fired off various sounds and dialogue back and forth between their legions of Cars {We have quite a collection of little Pixar Cars}. Their talent in making such interesting and complex sounds amazes me {many I could not adequately capture with letters; I hope you can translate these and use your imagination}.

• Da da da, da da da {the background music to their play – they always add music to their play}
• Hiyah!
• Grrrr
• Pow!
• Boom!
• Aaaaahhhhh
• Pee yow yow, peyow peyow!
• PShoo, Pshoo
• Mrrrrrrrr
• Rerererere
• Sputter
• Bam!
• Neenenenenene
• Crash!
• Bang!
• Kablooey!
• Pshhhhhhhhhh
• Rrrrrrrmmmmmmm
• Wwawwawwa
• SHhhhhh Bing!

Aren't kids interesting? I wonder if they'll retain these sound making skills as they grow and mature. Or do they lose this skill as they leave their little boy toys and games behind for big boy toys and games? I hope they always recall these happy sounds of play; I know I will. Over and out...

Anna

Love: Always the Best Answer

On this, the day we celebrate Love above all other days of the year, I have been thinking about what LOVE means. Of course, there are different kinds of love: parental, romantic, self, etc. My focus here is on general love of others.

I have been thinking about love a lot lately. And this is what I believe about love.

 

Love is NOT Limiting, Restricting or Conditional.

Love is NOT Prejudicial or Judgmental.

Love is NOT a Bargaining Chip.

Love is Pure.

Love is Simple and yet Complicated all at the same time.

Love is Accepting even when there is not understanding.

Love is Forgiving.

Love is Ongoing.

Love is a Gift to yourself.

Love is Liberating.

It actually takes much less energy to love than to hate or judge. It's not our job to decide whether a person is a sinner or a saint; yet often times that is our first reaction. Though some may be harder to love than others, everyone is worthy of love.

Decisions made or left undecided; mistakes committed; roads taken or abandoned; words spoken or left unsaid; all of these things can destroy love or make it much harder to love. But with much soul searching and thoughtful discourse, love will always be the easiest and best answer.

Happy Valentine's Day. Here's to love; whatever that means to you. Over and out...

Anna

Motherly Advice {I Dreamed a Dream}

I dreamed a dream that

giraffes were twirling in pink tutus

while bears played violins.

 

I dreamed a dream that

I was talking to children from China, Africa and Belgium

and we could all understand each other.

 

I dreamed a dream that

elephants were having high tea

in the low plains.

 

I dreamed a dream that

the long days of summer never ended

and the sky was always blue.

 

I dreamed a dream that

I floated to the moon in a hot air balloon.

 

I dreamed a dream that

Butterflies were singing opera.

 

I dreamed a dream

and you can too....

~Anonymous

These dreams may seem outlandish and a bit like the opium induced images of Coleridge's pleasure dome of Kubla Khan, but to me they merely speak of tapping into one's imagination. I read it as portal to dreams and ideas yet unspoken; a world where anything is possible.

Here, and in one's own mind, there are no limits as to what we can come up with; what we can do. We are resourceful and creative beings. Life is about problem solving and resiliency. We must be able to dream and think without any restraints to creatively and completely resolve every issue that is tossed our way.

When we do this, life is not rocky and uncertain. If we know that no obstacle is too large because we'll find a way to go over it, under it, around it or through it, then we are free to enjoy these pie in the sky kind of dreams that lead to unfettered ideas and solutions.

What dreams have you dared to dream? Over and out...

Anna

Focus, Focus: A Head Full of Words and Ideas

Thoughts Tumbling Out

Sometimes my 3 year-old has trouble getting his words out. It's not that he doesn't know what he wants to say; he does. It's that he has so much to say that the words all tumble together and get stuck trying to get out. It's frustrating to him, but with patience {on our part} and focus {on his part} he can communicate his usually complex, thoughtful, interesting words. My 5 year-old went through this same thing.

When you have a lot of observations, creative ideas and long-pondered questions about the world running around in your head it's hard not to lose focus and stumble and wobble a bit. I understand this. I'm feeling like this right now.

Irons in the Fire

I have a number of irons in the fire, so to speak. I tend to do this. I always have. But I thrive on new, fresh activity. I find inspiration in a crammed calendar, back-to-back coffee dates and the need to be resourceful all the while working on about 6 new ideas.

The trouble comes when I try to make all fronts productive simultaneously. It's hard to keep a clear focus on all projects at one time. When I'm going 8 directions something is going to suffer. Right now, it seems it's my baby, Motherly Law.

No worries though. I still have many ideas for this almost 2 year-old venture, but it has been taking a backseat to my brand new baby, Norwex and the blog that goes along with that, State of Clean. I'm really proud of that venture too. {Unabashed Self-Promotion: Same great writing at State of Clean; if I do say so, myself. So, please check that site out too.}

The Scoop

As you know with a new baby, attention must be focused on the baby's schedule and core development. So, Motherly Law has been left to its own devices a bit. I still posting, just not as often as I'd like. However, in just over a month, it'll be time to celebrate Motherly Law's birthday and the focus will be back here.

And the other irons in the fire? Well, you'll have to stay tuned, but I will tell you there are a couple of other blogs I would really like to create and I'm working on 2 books. So, you can see how the words and ideas sometimes get clogged together and make me lose focus on certain projects, but I'm still here; and I still love Motherly Law; it's where I share my heart and soul. I hope you'll have patience with me and that you still love Motherly Law too.

What inspiring activities/ventures are you up to in 2012? Have you got a bunch of irons in the fire too? Over and out...

Anna

Brave Heart: Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve

Courage. A word often associated with soldiers; describing someone facing a difficult mental or physical task; synonymous with bravery and valor. A good word to describe all of those situations. Incidentally, the root of the word courage is the Latin cor, meaning heart.

There is another definition for this word; an obsolete definition. In this definition "Courage" means the heart as a source of emotion; compassion, empathy, spirit. This courage is a matter of speaking, feeling and living what's in one's heart.

Couldn't we all stand to do a little more of this? Living through our hearts. Of course, this is a much more vulnerable way to live life. It will allow one to feel more; more of everything.

This means exposing yourself to criticism, ridicule and fear. It also means being true to one's self; accepting who you and others are and embracing that.

Living life with courage, or heart, is a full life; a more satisfying life in the end. It means truly experiencing empathy and compassion for others. It is an all encompassing emotion.

Few of us can actually live life in this way. Most of us let other trivial things block the vessels leading in and out of our hearts. Most of us can't handle the depths of feeling that living with courage requires.

To live with this "obsolete" courage, one must be willing and able to tap into his or her very core {which coincidentally is also from the Latin word cor meaning heart} and allow those emotions and thoughts to flow through. Imagine the possibilities that opening up one's heart and emotions holds for each of us.

Why has courage lost this meaning and been replaced with the definition of mental or moral resilience to face danger, difficulties, adverse circumstances and fear? Perhaps it was because over time the vulnerability from living through our hearts became too much to bear and those who showed mental and physical strength in sealing off those emotions and forging ahead no matter what began to be revered for their fortitude. And as the years bore down on us, the human race relied upon shutting off the emotions more and more to make it through each day.

I would argue that this is no way to live; I advocate for this "obsolete" courage; this complete feeling; this deep spirit. We must embrace our inner strength by expressing our hearts' inclinations; we must wear our hearts on our sleeves; openly showing the colors of our hearts. And really, a person does have to be brave to live a life that exposes what's in his or her heart. Are you willing to try living life with this "obsolete" courage? Over and out...

Anna

Motherly Advice {My New Year’s Resolutions for 2012}

I can do all things through  Christ who strengthens me.

~Philippians 4:13

This shall be my mantra for 2012.

Often this, the last day of the year, is one for reflecting on the past year. I'm not doing that this year. I can no longer dwell on the sadness, the stress and the uncertainty of 2011. I'm finished with this year.

I am moving on. In 2012, I believe in me. I have infinite faith. I am stronger. I am wiser. I am full of hope. I am resourceful. I will not take "No" for an answer. I am determined. I am who I am.

At the age 37, I believe that I have the perspective that my 20 something self did not have. I believe that each experience I have, good or bad, is a learning experience. I believe in signs. I believe we should follow the leads that present themselves and seem to be the inherent answers to the questions of our souls.

I believe all I have to do is keep going; keep showing up each day. I believe I don't have to have all the answers today.

I believe that life isn't worth living if we don't follow our dreams. I believe that our dreams can change. I believe that deep down inside each of us we have everything we need to succeed, whatever that term means to you.

In 2012, I resolve:

1. to succeed on my terms;
2. to follow through;
3. to keep moving;
4. to be patient;
5. to be persistent;
6. to love without ceasing;
7. to laugh often;
8. to feel deeply;
9. to think freely; and
10. to continue following my dreams.

Who knows where those dreams will lead me. It is with excitement that I face this New Year. BRING IT ON because.... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

How do you feel about the New Year? Do you have any new year's resolutions? Over and out...

Anna

From This Moment On: Celebrating a Memorable Date

Christmas Shoes

Since the time that my grandma took me shopping for new shoes on Christmas Eve I wanted a Christmas wedding. I must have been about 9 years old that year. Our family showed up for Christmas at my grandparents' house in Dallas, Texas, and I was wearing sandals. My grandma deemed them summer shoes and we went to the department store in search of tennis shoes. I'm sure I had tennis shoes at home, but probably had opted to wear the sandals in that mild Texas weather.

I don't quite remember those details, but what I do remember is this. As we walked through the department store decked out in its holiday best in search of children's shoes, I saw a mannequin wearing a wedding dress. It wasn't just any wedding dress; this dress was trimmed in white fur and sparkled with sequins. This dress was a Christmas wedding dress. At that very moment at age 9, I decided I would have a Christmas wedding. I could think of nothing more beautiful.

A Christmas Wedding

Fast forward about 15 years...I have the guy and the ring and we're planning our wedding. I was still set on that Christmas wedding. Well, it just so happened that the year we would be married the only Saturday between law school finals and New Year's Eve fell on the day after Christmas. While I'll admit it wasn't completely ideal for those traveling, we forged ahead.

In fact, basically everyone had to travel except me. Since I was in law school during the planning process we chose a location most convenient for me; Oklahoma City. There were naysayers, but we stood firm on our chosen date and made it work; only those closest to us came and the whole weekend was a magnificent celebration.

The Years in Retrospect

That was 13 years ago today. While much has happened in the span of those 13 years and there are a lot of things I think we would do differently through the years given the chance, there are two things I wouldn't change: the date or the guy.

They say hindsight is 20/20, and I think that's generally true. But it's the mistakes made and the experiences had, whether pleasant or unpleasant, along the way that makes us who we are. And when you're on this course with someone who loves you and cares about you and vice versa, you begin to grow into each other and become more and more intertwined with each passing year and each experience. And this is a good thing.

I don't mean you become one and are unrecognizable as separate persons; that would be to smother one or the other or both of the persons in the relationship. Instead, I would argue that a healthy, intertwining of beings looks more like a yin and yang, swirling together into perfect balance; or perhaps, the red and white stripes on a candy cane, in keeping with the season.

The Scoop

After 13 years of marriage, we have definitely become more intertwined in heart, spirit and mind; we are not perfectly balanced, but we're getting there. And part of that intertwining and perfect balance is having a common goal; ours is to make it through to the end...together.

Happy Anniversary, Dear Husband. "From this moment as long as I live I will love you, I promise you this...."

Anna

A Mother’s 12 Days of Christmas Tidings of Comfort & Joy or Something Like That {with Liberal Use of Christmas Carol Titles}

Where are You Christmas decorations? I thought I remembered where I stored all the delicate baubles, homemade macaroni angels, and maimed and repaired ornaments of Christmases past. I hear the Silver Bells ringing in some forgotten corner of the basement, as the Jolly Old St. Nicholas sits high on the shelf laughing big belly laughs at me.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow 'cause Mama found the decorations and we're gonna Deck the Halls while I hum fa la la la along with Frankie and Bing streaming through Pandora. This will drown out the tinkling of breaking glass as the Boys argue over who gets to hang Mommy's Favorite, Special, Very Old Ornament on our O Tannenbaum.

Baby, It's Cold Outside; you can't go outside without your pants on. Well, at least put your boots on and shut the door, or we'll be having a White Christmas in the house.

No, you can't keep Frosty the Snowman's heart in the freezer until next year.

Joy to the World! That super terrific, gotta-have-it, on-the-top-of-the-list toy is still available on Amazon, and if I pay just 19.95 in shipping, it's almost guaranteed to make it by Christmas Eve.

Do You Hear What I Hear? That's right. Nothing. It's a Silent Night at last! Mama's the only one awake. Now it's time to whip into action and clean the house, pay the bills, send the emails, wash the dishes, wrap the presents, bake the cookies and.....

Santa Claus is Coming to Town and when he does, he'll be riding 6 white horses. Oh, wait...That's a different story. Well, Santa Baby is keeping a list and he's checking it twice!

Oh, I'll be Home for Christmas and spring break and Easter.... Who can afford to escape to some exotic location or even get away to Grandma's House with these prices?

My Little Drummer Boy has been drumming for 2 straight hours now, and now his brother is ringing the Jingle Bells. What about giving the gift of silence?

What Child Is This? This child putting away toys, sitting at the table and quietly eating while seated in his chair, clearing dishes from the table, going to bed the first time and not arguing with his brother; could it be my child? Impossible, but no, it is my child! Why, it must be The Miracle of Christmas!

Here we come a wailing..uh, I mean a wassailing. Ah, the unpredictability of a 3 year-old!

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear that mama remembered she hadn't bought the teacher a gift yet with only few hours left before the start of the last day before winter break. Hopefully, she won't mind a little re-gifting and maybe she won't notice the box of chocolate is missing 2 of the 6 pieces. If she's a mom, she'll understand.

We wish you a Merry Christmas season from our house to yours as we begin the countdown... Don't worry I still have something to rant about on my soapbox...maybe tomorrow. Over and out...

Anna

 

 

 

The List: Here’s to Traditions {Christmas Bucket List}

I think it's Sunday, but that's just a guess. My family has been lost in some odd time warp since the death of our beloved St. Bernard on Wednesday, fumbling through Thanksgiving on Thursday and having so many days off from school and work schedules. So, if it is indeed Sunday, that means it's time for a list.

As I've begun to listen to Christmas music in the last few days, I'm starting to feel nostalgic about holiday traditions and think about our plans for the next 30 days, as I'm sure many of you are too. At this time of year we are big on traditions; some of which I was not even aware of.

After our first snow last Saturday, Darling 1 came in from frolicking in snow for the first time this season and asked whether the hot cocoa was ready. I had planned to make some later that day, but I hadn't made it yet. Darling 1 informed me that I was breaking with tradition. Apparently, after last year it became our tradition for me to make hot chocolate from scratch while the boys were out in the snow and have steaming cups of the chocolately goodness awaiting them when they came in with red checks and frozen fingers. I had failed him. I promised I would not let that happen again {because really, I like any opportunity to make that rich hot cocoa}.

While we have various family traditions all year round, they somehow become more important at this sacred time of year. And, boy o' boy, we've got a lot to pack into the next month, but I do love Christmas and I enjoy all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. So, I'm up for the challenge.

Here goes our list of must attend events and activities and family traditions:

1. Make, bake and decorate mountains of Christmas cookies (just the cost of the ingredients);
2. Watch the Holidazzle Parade in downtown Minneapolis (free except for parking approx. $10 in a garage, cheaper on street);
3. Go to Macy's Santaland 8^th Floor Exhibit and eat dinner on the 12^th Floor at the Oak Grill in downtown Minneapolis (free plus cost of meal, if choosing to eat there. Park in garage attached to back of Macy's, buy anything at Macy's, including a meal, and get parking validated);
4. Make rolled beeswax candles at Woodland Nature Center for the kids to give as gifts (free to members, $3 non-members, plus $1.50 per candle);
5. Go cut down, haul home and decorate our Christmas tree {or perhaps, we'll just pick one from a lot};
6. Drive through the Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lake Phalen in St. Paul ($8 per car on discount night; otherwise $10);
7. Go ice skating at the Wells Fargo Winter Skate in Rice Park (free for everyone; free skate rentals for Wells Fargo account-holders);
8. Finish shopping and wrapping;
9. Attend Amahl & the Night Visitors performance at Basilica of St. Mary (free will offering);
10. Drive around our neighborhood with travel mugs of homemade hot chocolate oohing and ahing over the elegantly understated to full-blown over-the-top lights and decorations that adorn so many homes (free);
11. Help Darling 1's kindergarten class decorate gingerbread people cookies (Well, I'm buying the cookies and decorating ingredients. So, this one will cost me something, but will be so worth it to see the kids' delight in decorating their own cookies);
12. Watch A Christmas Carol...again (free);
13. Attend Linden Hills Reindeer Day Celebration, starting with brunch at Zumbro Café (free activities and treats and lots of discounts in area stores);
14. Enjoy our family food traditions on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day;
15. Watch The Bells of St. Mary...again (free); and
16. If there's plenty of snow, head out to sled for the first time this season (free);
17. oh yeah, and try to remember to open each little numbered door on our advent calendar...

And all the while, with every activity, you can bet your iced sugar cookies that we'll be listening to Christmas carols from now until December 26^th. Am I missing something? What's on your Holiday Season Bucket List? Over and out....

Anna

I am, I am the Luckiest.... {A Post of Thanksgiving}

As I read my thankfulness post from last year, I realized just how different 2010 was in comparison to 2011. And I came to understand that I have even more to be thankful for this year, despite this year having been significantly more difficult and uncertain. You see, it is during the down times that one must focus on the bare bones of life; that which sustains us.

When living the high life, there is more fluff and stuffing. The fluff definitely makes life more fun, but without the bones the stuffing matters not. While I wish for more fluff in the coming years, this year, I can say with certainty we have cut down to the bone and we are still here.

Our family has been immeasurably blessed by my family's generosity and never ending support and encouragement. We have met so many magnificent, interesting, thoughtful people while pursuing our many endeavors who have helped us in ways they couldn't have known; in ways that will last a lifetime through lessons learned, connections made and inspiring messages that will only become clearer and clearer with time. 

Our minds have been set free to wander about, gleaning bits of information from here and there, forming ideas and asking "What if" over and over as we flesh out our dreams, passions and talents. I am forever amazed at the resilience and fortitude my God has afforded me throughout the year of 2011.

As it is said, that which does not kill me, will make me stronger... and more empathetic and creative and patient and a multitude of other things that cannot be bought, sold or traded. These treasures can only be lived and learned if we are lucky enough to experience such hardships.

Today, I am thankful for those who stand behind me with a steadying hand on my shoulder; those who wrap me a in a warm hug every time I see them; those who light up my day with a smiling face; those who give me a reason to laugh out loud; those who send me love and hope asking nothing in return; those who see through my smiling façade to my bare bones. 

Today, I am thankful for our health {& insurance coverage}, a warm home, a half-full gas tank, food in the pantry, warm coats, mittens, hats and boots and family and friends, far and wide. And most of all, I'm thankful for the rowdy, stinky, silly, moody, giggling, snoring, messy, sweet beyond imagination {& much more than I deserve} boys in my life {all three of them}; without them I would dissolve into a puddle and disappear in the heat of the day.

And so, without a doubt, this year I am the luckiest...

Happy Thanksgiving.

Anna