Gratitude Day #5

Ever since I was a little girl the Thanksgiving table was set with a little bean on everyone's plate. Before the meal and after the blessing we would all pick up our little bean and say what we were thankful for that year. Why a bean- I don't know- I'm not even aware of any symbolism. Since we eat today at the Cloves I will have no little bean. So here I am holding my figurative bean- more than anything at all I am thankful for my eternal marriage. That seems to wrap up in one little package my overwhelming love and gratitude for my family and the gospel. So hold your little bean today (real or imagined) and express gratitude to God.

Gratitude Week Day #4

Yesterdays day was quite long and a little heavy so today is simple and fun. What are the five foods you are most grateful for this time of year. Post your list in the comments section.
Here are my top five, in no particular order:
1. Grandma Friend's Green Jello Salad- mmmmmm, I know this is disgusting to any non Conley female- but it is divine. I have a bowl in my fridge right now and have been snacking on it since the BIG dinner is at the Cloves and they are not green Jello Salad eaters. Never fear little sisters I will arrive Friday with the ingredients for another batch.
2. Cranberry anything- this is really all year long.
3. Mint hot chocolate/peppermint tea. I am especially into the peppermint tea this year. Coen always asks for "hot tea" I am horrified at where this will lead to in primary some day.
4. Toffee bars- there is a pan cooling right now on the table-shortbread, toffee, pecans, chocolate- totally divine.
5. Leg of Lamb- another Friend food- My Great grandfather ran sheep on the ranch so my family always has lamb at every holiday growing up- along with the ham and turkey and sometime a goose. No one else I know seems to eat this- but yum yum- I love it.
These were just the top five I thought of - so what are your food loves and what does it say about you?
Scripture of the Day- D&C
14 Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.
15 And inasmuch as ye do these things with athanksgiving, with bcheerful chearts and countenances, not with dmuch elaughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance—
16 Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the a fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth;
17 Yea, and the herb, and the agood things which come of the earth, whether for food or for braiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards;
18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the abenefit and the buse of man, both to please the eye and to cgladden the heart;
19 Yea, for afood and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to bstrengthen the body and to enliven the soul.
20 And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to aexcess, neither by extortion.

Gratitude Day 3

Today's challenge is a little different. Let us think with gratitude about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. I am a descendant of the early settlers (not on the Mayflower to my knowledge but very shortly after) who fled to the Americas in search of religious freedom. My ancestors mostly came from Holland and France. Something I take for granted, yet affects my daily life, was of such importance that these ancestors left home, family, comfort for an unknown future. A future full of trial, hunger and freedom. I am grateful for the pilgrims, for my ancestors and the many others who engraved religious freedom on the psyche of America. For those who died, who starved, who bore children in the wilderness I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude.

I spent a few minutes today learning a little more about this time. If you don't have time here are a few of my favorite things that I read. If you have a little more time there are some links to some websites I liked. So take a little time to learn just one thing you didn't already know about the pilgrims.

Leonard and Harvene have asked their grand children to do a little presentation so Coen and I will be reading from a book about Thanksgiving- so here is part 2 of the challenge- do something with your kids to learn about Thanksgiving. Here are a couple of links with TONS of ideas. I can't wait till next year when Coen is a little older.

This web site had lots for kids but sadly I couldn't get the link to work. So here is the site: www.hubbardscupboard.org/the_pilgrims__first_thanksgivi.html

As always the Crafty Crow has lots of great ideas for kids too. I LOVE this site.

These next two quotes are from the writings of some pilgrims describing the time.

"We set last spring some twenty acres of Indian corn, and sowed some six acres of barley and peas. According to the manner of the Indians we manured our ground with herrings (alewives) which we have in great abundance and take with great ease at our doors. Our corn did prove well, and God be praised, we had a good increase in Indian corn. Our barley did indifferent good, but our peas not worth the gathering. We feared they were too late sown. They came up very well and blossomed, but the sun parched them in the blossom. Our harvest being gotten in, our Governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might, after a special manner, rejoice together, after we had gathered in the fruits of our labors. They four in one day killed as many fowl as with little help besides, served the Company for almost a week, at which time, amongst our recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their great king the Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted. They went out and killed five deer, which they brought in to the Plantation, and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. Although it not always be so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty. -- We have found the Indians very faithful in their Covenant of Peace with us; very loving and ready to pleasure us. Some of us have been fifty miles into the country by land with them. -- There is now great peace amongst us; and we, for our parts, walk as peaceably and safely in the woods here as in the highways in England. - I never in my life remember a more seasonable year than we have enjoyed. -- If we have but once kine, horses and sheep, I make no question but men might live as contented here, as in any part of the world. -- The country wanteth only industrious men to employ, for it would grieve your hearts to see so many miles together with goodly rivers uninhabited, and withall to consider those parts of the world wherein you live to be seven greatly burdened with abundance of people."

"They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwelling against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength, and had all things in good plenty; for as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercised in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All summer there was no want. And now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first, but afterward decreased by degrees. And besides water fowl, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides they had about a peck a meal a week to a person, and now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion.--And thus they found the Lord to be with them in all their ways, and to bless their out-goings and in-comings..."

Here are the websites I enjoyed looking at.

This web site here

This is about the meal.

And here is a proclamation for thanksgiving I think written by New Hampshire's congress, but presented to and printed by the Continental Congress. I just love the acknowledgement of God in out bounty. And we have so much bounty in our lives- it seems endless.

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.
Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleventh day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh

Gratitude Week Day #2

Today your challenge is to write a thank you letter to someone- not just a thank you for the lovely yellow sweater- a sincere heart felt thank you for making my life worth living letter. So here is mine-

Dear Alma,

Thank you for being the fabulous man you are. I know I am not easy to live with. I know I have high expectations and am ruled by my emotions far too much. I know I lean on you, a lot. Thank you for always being there.

I love how much you love me. You have taught me how to love everyday. I love how you look at me and how your adoration comes shining through your eyes. I hope you feel that way when I look at you.

I love how hard you work for our family, the church, our business, and around our house. Thank you for all the hours- especially the countless hours helping others that goes unnoticed and unrecognized.

I love that we have so much in common. I knew I was lucky on our honeymoon when you happily traipsed through art galleries, museums, and antique stores. I also love that we love different things. You introduced me to Star Trek on our honeymoon- and though I can't say I love it, I love cuddling with you while you watch it.

I love what a good father you are. Seeing you with the boys just takes my breath away.. Better than I ever imagined.

I love how tall you are- tall men are really sexy (hello- rock Hudson). So even though kissing you gives me a crink in the neck- I love it.

The list goes on and on- but mostly thank you for making me laugh, for the kisses, for rescuing our children when I am fed up, for being so obstinate and contrary that even I can't predict what you will say next.

I love you- Polly

As a side note- I am not married to Rock Hudson, John Wayne, or (heaven forbid) Jon Luke Picard- I have something infinitely better.

As a second side note- I wrote this because I just LOVE Andrea and her family but I especially love how open and forward they are about their love for their spouses. I know they get this from their parents ( I vividly remember the Rassmussens making out on my college couch) and I hope a little rubs off on me. I sure would like my kids to never doubt how much Alma and I love each other. So gear up boys- there is a lot of parent kissing in your future- it is for your good, I promise.

As a third side note- Becky how on earth do you kiss that hairy beast who has taken over Nicks body- ugh.

Gratitude Week

In celebration of Thanksgiving I am having a gratitude week.
Today's assignment is to sit and write for two minutes things you are grateful for. The big and small, the meaningful and the inane. Here is my list:

my marriage
Coen and Beckett
sisters
sisters in Zion
our home
my job
the gospel
our extended families
Becky's blog about Kid Rock- I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. I think Becky is brilliant and hilarious.
temples
paper- oh I love paper
computers
the wonderful place that is Nevada City
looking at the stars with Coen
libraries and the children's librarians in Grass Valley
books
laughter
nap time
food
cars (it is so easy to visit family- have you read pioneers histories? they took crazy trips to see a sister)
good health
lovin' my man
ice cream
Alma's grey streak
living in a great ward
loving my in-laws

So now I've written a list, it is your turn, no thinking, no planning, just sit and write. Be amazed at the number of blessings in your life- so many you won't be able to write them all.

...that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you. Alma 34:38

The Highs and Lows of Motherhood

This has been an exhausting two days.



The Lows:



Coen goes nudy patootie after ruining 2 outfits in 1 hour (one by rubbing his entire body with my pressed powder foundation and then wetting it so it really smeared well, and the other time by pretending to be a dog and in the process pouring an entire bowl of beef stew down his front). I just couldn't change him one more time.



Beckett screamed a lot. Just ask any one who called me yesterday. I added it up and he screamed at the top of his lungs for over 7 hours yesterday. It is a miracle that he was not thrown out of the window, or his mother didn't go for a walk and not come home (it was considered). He didn't cry if he was driving in the car (unless it stopped at a cross walk), rolling in the stroller (unless Mom paused to look both ways before crossing the street, or trying to read the tombstones. {We walk in the really old cemetery across the street from our house}) or being bounced by Mom. I decided it was a combination of some severe separation anxiety, and constipation.



Beckett scooting himself under two rows of pillows and off his parents bed onto the hard wood floor. Of course they didn't notice for a while because it was in the middle of a 3 hour scream fest and his screaming didn't change at all during this process.



Both children figured out how to flip the power switch on our surge protector.

Coen took a bath with a full roll of toilett paper- kind of zen meditation straining it out of the water.

Taking a relaxing alone time bath only to have a 2 year old get naked and climb in with you.

Forgetting Sac. chapter NAPNAP meeting- this sadly is not the first time and I had RSVPed.

Running errands with Grandma.

The Highs



Coen and I made jello and grilled cheese. He is so fun to cook with.



Hot Choclate chip cookies.



While feeding Beckett at 4 am Coen kept calling "Mommy, I need you, Mommy" over and over. When i finally went in he said he needed his pacifier- I gave it to him, and he gave me the sweetest smile and said "Thank you Mommy, I love you.", rolled over and went to sleep. My heart melted.



Sleeping five hours. How sad this was a high.



Holiday crafting- I have lots of ideas and projects going, I can't wait to show all of you as the holiday's get closer.



Becketts smile



Hot baths- just time off all alone, in some steamy water, with a good book. Ahhhhhhhhhhh.



Sexy amamzing husband- letting me take the hot bath while he held the screaming infant and arranged the details of the temple cleaning trip. It wasn't even his job. That is soooo sexy.



Elders quarum meetings getting cancled!

Running Errands with grandma.

Marika's Sr. Portriats

Marika and I went to take her Senior portraits yesterday. We had a great success, but I wanted a little warmer light so we will return on Monday and try for a few more. The best part is while I was taking her pictures a woman came up and asked for my card! She liked what we were doing with Marika and hated the portraits she already had done for her daughter and wanted me to do some for her! Isn't that cool! I was a little sad to tell her I wasn't really a photographer- just an amateur with expensive equipment. I wish we lived near a place like Brooks Institute so I could take some lessons. Anyways- I think some of these are great. Let Marika and I know what you think.

Mind you- I haven't done any color correction or touch-ups yet so this is just the rough drafts- per se. And now for my favorite pictures. We think Marika looks like a stalker in these and we laughed a lot. Wouldn't you be terrified to go in your bathroom in the middle of the night and find this women standing there.

More Fall Leaves- What can I Say- It is Gorgeous Here

We played outside in the leaves- got some great pics of Beckett- But Coen was having none of it so away went to camera, and we played some mean "racket and ball".

Coen talking up a storm. He is so sweet with his little brother. I just love being his mother. Unfortunately his favorite statements now are, "Mommy, I don't want to.", "Mommy I said no." but he also says "tank you Mommy" in the sweetest little voice for absolutely everything. Even changing his diaper.

More Love for the Fall

The girls came over Monday and helped me plant the bulbs in my front bed. I know- I know it is totally late for here, but this is when it got done. So far our November has been really warm so hopefully it will be okay. When we were done we raked a few leaves (and one of us ate a few leaves).

I am paying the girls for their help. Marika is raising money to go to Ireland with the choir and TJ needs to pay for club volleyball. Club volleyball is $3000!!!!! No I didn't type an extra 0 there. Isn't that crazy? Marika still needs $1700- but at least she is going to Ireland- not just Rocklin gyms.

Here is another one

Okay Becky- this is the page I called you (and all the other sisters) about. Each tag has the first word that person thought of to describe Joseph- our little prince brother.

Again- this was oriented right and then downloaded on its side- WHY BLOGSPOT WHY!!!!!

Here are what the tags say:

Polly- 100% boy

Becky- frenetic

Susie- charismatic

Marika-incredible

TJ- happy

Anna- monster

Some scrapbook pages

The stars were aligned and my scrapbook room was clean, I had some free time, and I felt creative all at the same time! So I actually got some pages done- and I am happy with them too!!

This one is oriented correctly and yet still downloads on its side. WHY blogspot WHY?

A Little Recap of our week

This was a crazy week- First our Halloween party, then Saturday we had a lot of people over for the BYU game, Sunday was Alma and David's birthday party. For the birthday all the Cloves and the Conleys came and ate dinner. Anna and David had recently won a essay contest about freedom. They both read their essays and we enjoyed the patriotic moment. The rest of the week was ups and downs with Alma's work- a late night on election day- and just a lot of stress in general. I am happy that Prop 8 won. I am afraid that the courts will over throw it anyways. I have also been annoyed with all the anti-Mormon news coverage- but sadly not surprised. It is funny to me that the church is getting so much press when the Catholic church and the Baptist were very involved in the campaign.

Wednesday- the day after the election the boys and I went to Great grandma's to visit. I asked this life long Democrat if she was happy that Obama was elected- She answered that she didn't vote for him. I asked why and she answered " He is just too young, McCain has lived more and sacrificed a lot for our country. At your age I know this doesn't seem important but when you are as old as me you know how important some experience is." I think at some point she also used the phrase "whipper-snapper". When I asked her how she felt about Obama winning she got a little smile on her face and said "I remember many historical elections, and you don't forget- ever. I remember my mother voting for the first time. I remember when I voted for a women who became a congresswoman, and now I can say I remember when the first African American president was elected. I am so proud of the changes made in my life time."

Grandma- I too am proud of the changes made in our country. I am proud of the peaceful election process, I am proud of my nieces and nephews, and younger siblings being taught patriotism, I am proud of this evolving country. I can never listen to Martin Luther King's I have dream speech with out crying- and Tuesday night I felt a little of that same hope and pride.

As a side note - at our book club on Thursday one of the elderly members of the club made a comment about how proud she was when she saw the younger generation and how they lacked the prejudice she was raised with. She noted that it was harder for her generation to overlook race. She also commented on the years she lived in the segregated south during her early married years.

And this picture just made me giggle- a lot.

Also this week- I had a disturbing conversation with a racist- can't go into details, but disturbing. Ask me about it when we talk on the phone.

A Perfect Moment

Do you ever have one of those days? The light was perfect, the baby cooperative, the toddler asleep. Just looking at this picture makes my heart pitter patter. Oh how I hope to be the mother this angle needs. I hope I am able to guide and love this little spirit that Heavenly Father has entrusted unto me. I love you my dearest little boy- thank goodness for these moments- they keep me going during your endless crying jags.

The Massive Halloween Party Update

Our Halloween Party was spooktacular. I wish you all could have attended! (I really miss friends and family that are far away at times like these.) The food was good, most everyone showed up, and good times were had by all. You can just tell we were having fun- look at those crazy faces.

Okay- so this is an awful picture of Blake- SORRY- But I loved Brianne's hat and make-up- which of course you can't see in the picture very well.

Andrew and Andrea- Guess who they were. Andrea made Andrews costume- shorts, stenciled tee-shirt and all. ( That is Andrew Green- for those of you who grew up here.)

Look! Andrea is pregnant and her butt is still so small!!!! Next time I have a baby I am going to have a little pillow too!

Kirsten made this great relish tray- she wanted to do red food coloring swirls to make the dip look like brains, but Annie said she wouldn't eat any if that was done.

The spread

Pesto puff pastries

Upside down cupcakes- why blogspot why?

Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Muffins

My little Hobbit- he even had the one ring around his neck.

Our X-Wing Fighter Pilot! So Cute.

Well- I seemed to find the balance of work and fun, stress and enjoyment- which included only taking pictures for the first 10 min- and then putting the camera away and having a good time. I am so proud of myself for being able to relax and just have fun. I successfully let it go.