The Club

I spent a good portion of my brain power yesterday mentally drafting my thoughts about this article I read, "Why I can't stop reading Mormon housewife Blogs." By Emily Matchar. It was published on Salon.com.

After reading it I felt like a pretty little fish in a bowl. Like there are folks out there who think we are not quiet real, making up a nice story book life. Like somehow I don't really matter, because I am not part of the real world.

One of my favorite blogging Momma's, C.Jane Kendrick wrote a response to this article in the Deseret News. And several others on her own blog. The combination of the two of them set me to wondering about how I really felt about being amongst the group of Mormon blogging housewife's. (Not that I get even a fraction of the attention that the gals mentioned in the article do, and hope not to, I still consider myself part of their club.) Is blogging really just a "creative outlet" for my boring, domestic life? Am I missing anything?

I had all kinds of smart remarks planned for my next post. Real winners like "Just because I am a young mother doesn't mean I can't think beyond my front door." Then, before I fell asleep last evening I discovered this;

I don't care what they think. Like me, or like me not. Believe me, believe me not. Whatever. I know what I know, and I live the way I live because I know. I am happy, the real kind of happy, because I live the gospel, love my family and have faith in Jesus Christ. I am a one of the privileged few. Let the critics, or maybe not so much critics as just "don't knowers" rave/wonder.

Above is proof of my complete alliance with the club. A blanket for my good friend and neighbor, visiting teacher and fellow Cub Scout Momma, who is about to have her fourth son. I learned to make it at an evening quilting class. Talia is just testing it out, enjoying a sippie of apple juice and Imagination Movers.

Mormons are so dang cool. Who wouldn't want a piece of this action?

P.S.

Oh, yea. I also exercise because I adore good food. This was the haul me and the girls made at Macey's this afternoon. That box if full of chicken. I spent almost 2 hours trimming and bagging 40 lbs of meat. Bring it on Armageddon, the Grange family has chicken in bulk.

Respect

Check us out! This is the 7:00 p.m group of studs that get their sweat on each Tuesday and Thursday at warehouse D in Nibley. I call it my "by-weekly butt kicking." It's really called Body Rebellions' Boot Camp.

People exercise for a lot of reasons. I do it cause I am crazy about 'Up-downs.' (Ha! Did you catch any sarcasm there?) Seriously though, I had this revelation a while back, it went something like this:

Respect, that's why.

Respect for my Maker, who gave me this gift.

Respect for the way that I was designed, booty and all.

Respect for me, who deserves to feel good. Respect for the incredible things that I can do. (I've given birth twice! And there was that little marathon.)

Respect for the people that depend on me. Real love for others must begin with love for self.

When I exercise I am freed from other cares. Stress melts away. (Have you ever been through a bunching bag workout? Cheap therapy, and TONS of fun.) I have more patience with my family, more energy, more life. The endorphin rush is a good time, no matter how much you hurt after.

Happiness with self is about so much more than being thin.

Respect, and SWEAT ON class of 7:00 pm!

The Invite

I sent the following email to a good portion of the folks in my address book on MSN. For the sole purpose of sharing my joy with them. I got a few comments today! That felt pretty good. Love and thanks to all of you that share my life.

Dear friends and family,

I have tested the waters of blogging, and find them to be quite nice. And so have continued my entries there in, sometimes meaningless, sometime poignant, sometimes just to show the world that I continue to be even though I don't have a Face Book page. For a while I was to intimidated to share my world. It isn't glamorous. It's real.

I don't mind if you have too many cares of your own. I don't write professionally, or even grammatically correct most of the time, but I do write from the heart and it makes me feel good to see my day to days recorded for my children. My life is full of great blessings, and writing about them helps me to take notice. And then be grateful.

If you care to take a peek, my address is grangesonthego.blogspot.com

The address has nothing to do with the title. Just go with it. I didn't name my blog until long after I created the site. I have in mind an online portfolio of my design work. Tis' on the 'to do' list. So keep an eye out for that.

Hoping that you enjoy a taste of my world,

Sarah Grange

"By Thy Words"

I copied this fun little calendar of sorts that says, "I have read my scriptures every day during 2011." Each letter is divided into sections with a number for everyday of each month. 365 days. So far I have 20 of the possible 26 days filled in! I think that is a respectable streak. I taped the page in my closet, right above where I hang my bra, so there would be no missing my reminder.
A few of the sections are marked with eyebrow pencil.

I finished the Book of Mormon last week, and so began my first serious study of the New Testament (confession time!) since Institute my freshman year at Snow. I am pretty siked about it. Finally I am reading along with our Sunday School class. I am also trying to jot a note each time I read. Keeping a 'scripture journal' is my Momma's idea. I have been logging away a little thought after each session. A tidbit of knowledge I absorbed, or an impression. Maybe some answers to prayer will be in there as well.

This is what I wrote last night.

• St. Matthew 12-13:

"For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." This one got me in the heart tonight! How intriguing - that we shall have all of our words recalled and either be saved or damned by them. I will certainly be guarding mine a little more, speaking more softly to my children, giving more encouragement, more compliments, more love with my voice. And my pen!

• Matt 13: 54-56:

Jesus had siblings. Did they know how amazing and important he was? Did they love and honor him, follow him? Did they testify of him, or keep quiet? Do I?

So that's it. Verbatim. I wanted to embellish tonight, but I resisted. It's been good for me to ponder whilst I read about what I am really learning from the words. What deeper meaning is there for me to find. What does the Lord want me to know today? It's fun. Try it out.

This evening I am considering the phrase, "By thy words" and hoping that my words will justify me at the last day. I said a few today that weren't super sweet. Mostly towards Talia, who is the queen of whine. (Seriously, it was one long wail after another today.) Not that this justifies my words towards her. I am the grownup, right?

Anyways . . . I shall be ever aware of my words. Written and spoken.

P.S. The photo above features Roo with Jam on her face. Not scratches. Girls can't get ready in the morning without a flower on your bean. "Town" requires headgear.

Finds

When I need me time I go by my lonesome to the little antique store on Main Street. It's called Country Village Antiques and is a wonderful place to get lost for a while. On Saturday I was shopping for inspiration (and relaxation) for an upcoming job when I came upon these little darlings. The piggie is for Ruby, she LOVES change. And loading things. And things that make a nice amount of noise. The bell is for Tali. She loves the "Horsey" part of Fantasia, anything romantic, and things that make a nice amount of noise. I scored. And only spent $9.50.

I think I might start collecting brass bells. I found this uber fantastic one a few months ago that had an adorable pear on top. The sound was magical. Really, the sweetest I have ever heard. That one is in Helen Morris's bedroom now. I don't regret giving it to her, she is one of my favorite clients, ever. But I must have more.

The hunt is on.

The Sabbath

Yesterday was the most glorious day! For starters it was Sunday, and DJ was there beside me in the morning. Girls soon to follow. We love a good morning 'pile on' complete with tickle fight. There were hash browns and french toast for breakfast, I made mine with leftover banana bread. Heaven in a slice! The rest of the family hasn't yet refined their tastes enough to appreciate it.

We sinned, and skipped Stake Conference. I feel a little guilty, but he last two attempts were a nightmare. (Have you ever sat in the rear of the Tabernacle? The nose bleed seats, up top? The benches are so close together that anyone over 5' has got there knees in the neck of the someone in front of them. No matter what time of year it is, you sweat up there. And little girls have no room for wiggling, coloring, potty breaks etc.) Even the loveliness of the place was not enough to assist the Spirit. So we opted out of this one and read the Friend together as a fam instead.

This is what the day looked like from then on. Sunny and spectacular. Cold though. All the snow is gone and the grass is green and muddy. We played at the park and rode Mom's bike around. The girls love the handle bar ride! We made a hopscotch table. I have Spring Fever.

I feel like a run!

The Hunk

This is my favorite photo of DJ. Since I am honoring him today I thought I had better let you all see a bit of my best man. Isn't he a real hunk?

7 Years Together

To my dearest DJ,

My simple words are inadequate. I love you so! You are my love and my life. My joy. My one place to hide, and my favorite place to find myself again. You step in and save me when I fail. You celebrate with me when I succeed. Thank you for letting me be me. Even in imperfection. Thank you for being you; kind, generous, honest, loud, impetuous, filthy dirty, crazy , brave, ridiculously good looking you. I love it! (Even if my face is saying, "what in the world?")

You are my provider and protector. Thank you for all those days that you get out of bed in the dark, kiss me good morning, and go to work like it's no big thing. You stud. You work like a maniac. It makes me crazy sometimes because you never quit. You amaze me, and humble me. You make all of our comforts possible. Thank you for this beautiful house, for my food to eat and my bed to sleep in. For all my warmth. It is a big thing, you know.

Thank you for never wavering. For never doubting. My ROCK! You express your faith so simply that it is maddening. Your feathers are rarely ruffled by challenges, and life is so uncomplicated through your eyes. You simply do what is right. Thank you for sharing that with me. For smoothing my ruffled feathers. Thank you for always taking me to church. For staying awake most of the time.

I love the way that you come home to me. In that incredibly boisterous truck of yours. I hear you coming for blocks, and the girls squeal and run about like little chickies. I always get a buzz of anticipation too when I know that you are close to me again after a long day apart. I want to hold you and breath you in. Even if the whiff is of form oil, sawdust and dirt. The smell of my DJ. Big and strong, and MINE!

I shall never tire of you. I want to stay by your side always, and build our life together. I want to make you laugh, and make you steak and potato's, and make your big enormous bed even when it is your turn. I want you.

You are the reason for all my gladness.

Here's to these 7 years, and many more. An eternity. I love you.

Sarah

Oh, It's On Now!

I just returned from my very first evening session of Boot Camp. I ache all over. In the good way. All should know that I get cranky in the winter when I don't exercise, so this will be my outlet, my anger management class if you will. I also hope to improve my figure a little.

Tonight we took our measurements, all of them! I won't tell you what the figures were. But I may share the results at the end of February. I am pumped to do well. I want this. I want to be fit and full of energy. I think I could have run a few miles after class tonight, I felt so good. It has been an embarrassingly long while since I worked up a good sweat. I like endorphins. (I tell myself this while my muscles are screaming and chest heaving.) The body is designed to work, and I am happier when I make time to do it.

So, it's on now.

I hope my resolve is as strong tomorrow night when Lacey cooks up something sinful for dessert at Bunco.

A Goal

It has come to my attention that little girls who are distracted by the television, or a coloring project, or barbie dolls or just plain running about, do not eat. And little girls that do not eat are hungry at bedtime. And little girls who are hungry at bedtime whine and cry and make their mother CRAZY!

I have been going about dinner all the wrong way I have discoverd. Up until now I have had a 'come and get it if you'd like it' sort of dinner bell. An "It's done! Who's hungry" approach. Eat at the bar, sit if you will, Ruby on lap, Tali with no beans kind of malay. This technique has lead to many an evening of serious crankiness. Mostly on my part. For a long time I could not put my finger on where the problem did lie. I think I've got it now.



Goal: (or a few goals, clumped into one)

• To have dinner prepared at or about 6ish. (Regrettably this is often pre-Daddy!) This is when little girls get hungry, and if dinner is to much later than this then the whining begins and the giving in occurs and little tummies are filled with chocolate milk and string cheese and fishy crackers. Dinner is no longer needed for those little tummies by 7:30, which leads to plates dished and then untouched, food flinging, force feeding, and/or tantrums, melt downs and weeping. I eat my dinner cold. (I wonder to myself at this time, "Why are my children such monsters?)


• Set the table. Practice good table manners.
• Pray before we begin, always.

I want dinner to be a happy time. A time to connect and love each other. To slow down and enjoy. Maybe not every night, I am only human. (And I love Pizza on the coffee table in front of a good movie!) But here in is where I feel I can change the mood of our evenings.

Tonight we had Mom Norrs' Tomato Macaroni soup. (Which I took a swell picture of to share but it will not load. Imagine if you will, a colorful soup with wheel noodles! Fun.) Several wheels ended up on the floor, and Tali tried to spit out her carrots, but was caught! This evening went well. All in bed now, peacefully.

Peace out!

The Nerve Center

Now that we are good friends I would like to introduce you to our families 'nerve center.' In designing our current home it was a must on my list of fit ins. I am so pleased with it. (Especially because it was my idea way before the design world started calling them, 'drop zones.')

Here we keep the calender, and a home made bulletin board (to soon be enlarged!) with reminders about scouting events, little girl crayon drawings, wedding announcements and a myriad of other Grange related information that has to be rotated on a seasonal basis. On the counter we have on display; an IKEA pot full of pens and pencils, the dull sissors, the change box, (my blue ribbon winning ceramics project from junior year at MC) notebooks, the glass fruit display, candle melty thingy, tissues, and today for some reason, a hammer. Note also the many electrical outlets for charging phones.

Under the counter are four large drawers and two cupboards that hold a families necessary clutter. Tape, paper clips, phone books, random small tools, rubber bands, you know what I am talking about. The girls have their very own drawer for coloring books and crayons, small toys and 'pack the church bag' type accessories. My color swatch collection, design books, paper products, the first aid and power outage emergency Rubbermaid boxes, an atlas, light bulbs and many other good things find their home here. It is a nice place to live.

I hope that this is the first in a little installment I would like to call "Part of the Family." I want to catalogue things in our home that represent who we are and how we live. The real stuff. Not just the pretty stuff. Coming soon, The Sofa, and The Bathtub.

Vacation Recovery

We're HOOOOME! Hooray. The vacation was fantastic (more on that later) but coming in the door and getting an eye full of my own house . . . . I'll tell you, that was when I felt really blessed.

The laundry is done, and most of the sand is out of our bedding. Souveniers and gifts are handed out, the trailer is unlaoded and parked, the Christmas decorations are down and life is returning to normal. I sure love my normal life! Roo got up at the crack of dawn, (7:00 am! OK it only felt like the very crack, because is it still so dark at 7:00.) and then conked out for an early nap and missed lunch. Here she is having ramen noodles and peach juice at 3:00 pm.

My "to do" list for the day.

1. dishes
2. fold and put away laundry
3. vacuum
4. sweep and mop
5. webelos reminders
6. neighbor gifts
7. call: Sheree H, Helen M, Brynn H (all design clients)
8. blog
9. Christmas journal

Mondays' are the pits. The to do list is mostly full of cleaning assignments on Mondays. (My normal life sounds like a thrill, does it not?) Really, dishes took at least an hour. There were sippie cups and little utensils in every conceivable place. So the gathering was a big part of the job. My children are like little tornados. Vacuum bag smells like pine today. LOVE! Guess which things I haven't done; mop and make calls to clients. Yep. 2 of my favorite things to procrastinate!

It is absolutely frigid outside, my promise to DJ that we will return soon to Mexico is holding firm. I crave the warm sun so badly! However, I am really looking forward to skiing next week with the Norr family. Sun or no.

Later!