Pumpkins and Witches Hats

Our little pumpkins might just be my favorite thing we grow in the garden. We got 76 this year and they are making my house look so cute for this autumn season. We also have fun giving them away to anyone who comes over.
This year we also visited a pick-your-pumpkin patch. We intend to carve them sometime this week and watch and kids get grossed out with having to pull out all the pumpkin innards. Hee hee. Actually Josh might be doing a lot of that job. I can't imagine that smell is not going to make nauseous right now.

Natalie has to take her stuffed puppy everywhere. It's like my 4th kid. Whenever we got anywhere it's apparently my responsibility to remember to bring puppy and his blankie.

This afternoon I did a guilt-induced craft/treat with the kids. I don't feel like I spend much quality time with the kids lately doing things just for fun. By the time I get done everything I need to get done I just don't have a lot of energy for extra things. There are other moms that do seem to have the energy, so I just want to pretend they don't exist right now. Anyways, I found this cute idea on one of my favorite blogs, for making these witch's hats. Go here if you want to check out the recipe. This is not a low-fat snack, but they are yummy!

Here are Sydney and Natalie doing some frosting. Tanner didn't join us because he took a late nap instead. It's not really his thing anyways. We let him eat one when he got up. Eating treats is Tanner's thing.

Natalie made a short attempt at frosting a cookie. Then she tasted the melted chocolate and said "Hey! It's yummy mama!" like she was surprised. After that hardly any of her frosting made it onto the cookie.

Resolutions

Lately I've started my yearly ritual of preparing for New Year's resolutions in October. Yes. I know New Years is two months away. I like to practice before I get there so my goals are more habits that I've set. Okay...my calendar is wrong and I'm off my rocker.

That being said, I listened to a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland that points out these three points about doing what is right and doing it now:

1. See the value.
2. Set it as a priority.
3. Scheduling won't be required because the need will dictate.

I thought this was so profound. I'm a list making guy. I made a list of the seven things I'm working on being consistent with daily and monthly. I created a spreadsheet to track how I've been doing. Just seeing the list helps me remember to do them. Seeing my consistency gives me more desire to make sure they're not just tasks, but see their value more and more. I've found that when these items have value, everything else falls into place.

Here's my list:
1. Morning Prayer.
2. Physical Exercise.
3. Personal Scripture Study.
4. Family Scripture Study.
5. Evening Prayer.
6. Monthly Temple Attendance.
7. Monthly Home Teaching.

What's your list?

Hero Week Day 7: Lisa

As Hero Week comes to the end for 2009, it gets harder to choose who will make it this year and those who will have to wait for next year. So many people have made a big influence in my life. I'm grateful for an outlet to publicly thank others and remind them how incredible they are. There have been several this week that have touched my life so frequently and with such power that it's hard to single out specific individuals. However, this week must end with a redo of a past hero.

As several of the choices in my life have led me to be unsure of myself, one of the few constants in my life is Lisa. Not only has she brought me from a time where I was even more unsure of myself, she has quietly yet forcefully made all the difference. Lately I've noticed several attributes of Lisa and wanted to point them out as my way of saying thank you. Hopefully this doesn't come across as Celine Dion-ish. :)

You have to know the answer to give it

I used to love the phrase "fake it 'til you make it". It made me feel more confident that I could work my way through life trying to be the best I could until that was who I was. What I've learned since, is that in trying to fake so much, you need to take a break to see how your heroes accomplish the task, then emulate it. Pretending to be something your not intending to become it doesn't work. Working hard to emulate others in the correct things they do allows for frequent course correction to actually "make it".

This is Lisa. As most of you know, she's pregnant. She's still in her first trimester and extremely tired. She takes care of three children, runs the house, laundry, food. She's in the Young Women's presidency. She has lofty goals for painting the off-white ceilings and trim. She takes care of the garden and constant is talking about improvements to the yard. She wants the kids to enjoying gymnastics or some other sport. Teaching Sydney to play the piano. A husband that tries hard but fails a lot. And throughout all this, she is the most happy person I know.

Lisa is so much the better half, it brings such joy to my life. She has all the answers and in her humble, patient way, frequently helps me in learning how to become more.

Consistency

Lisa doesn't know how to stop. She's a freight train with things to get done and she's moving fast. One of my two main goals this year has been consistency. Lisa has tried to help by making every effort to support me in all that I do. She dislikes those who nag and doesn't do it. She does, in kind ways, remind me of things I want to accomplish. She has blessed me with an understanding I'm still learning to adapt to: do your best, make small changes, and be happy with who you are.

I am incredible at starting new goals, ways to improve, but dropping the ball on past items. Lisa is the model for consistency (and looks like a model too). I'm so grateful for someone who will share her secrets to success.

Loving

If there were anything I was concerned about losing when moving from my parents' house and getting married, it was my mom's frequently shown love for me, and my dad's hard work ethic. I know you marry someone just like your mom or your dad, but I did better: I got both in one. Lisa shows her love slightly differently, but with all the same intensity my mom did. The children all know their mom loves her because she spends a lot of quality time. She thinks about them all the time. She blesses their lives in more ways than they can see. This applies to her love for me as well.

Bean - you're amazing. I'm so grateful for all you are. You are my hero. Thanks for being patient with me and keep pushing me to meet my goals. Love you!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 6: Natalie

As much as I love the twins, I didn't want to call them out as heroes so quickly. I love them a lot and they are incredible kids, but I want my gratitude to go to those who have taught me the most, or made a big impact in my life. That being said, now I know why they're my heroes.

I think there are several sides to me. One is intended to be humble, considerate and kind. I see several of those people on my Hero Week list. One is passionate, driven, who gets things done out of duty and honor. There are definitely those on the list. The third side is the need to be funny, silly, and spontaneous (Lisa's word for this part of me would be "weird" or "immature", in a kind way). It's this side I see how Natalie affects me so.

Natalie is a spunky little thing. Always wants the spotlight. Always knows how to get what she wants using many different weapons in her arsenal. I thought we had a bit in common just because (for another 7 months) we're both the youngest in our family. When Grandma Moore is around, it's looking like a tender lamb, who is ignored and malnourished. Grandma will then pick her up, and hold her for hours on end. When we're at the dinner table, it's playing with her food or making funny faces to make us laugh as well as keep attention on her. When we're watching a movie or just hanging out, she laughs at all the opportune times, despite not being old enough to get the joke (just that everyone else is laughing).

The thing she really does well at is being a great friend. Sure, she and Tanner have had their "it's mine" fests, where I swear they're two seagulls from Finding Nemo. Sure, Mrs. Grumpy Gills comes out on occasion. But when it's just the two of us, she makes the best friend. Lisa and Tanner went to the grocery store tonight, so Syd, Nano, and I played for awhile. When they got bored of playing cars, Sydney started pretending she couldn't see Natalie. Natalie got this big grin on her face, pushed Sydney a little, and Sydney flailed onto the love sac. This repeated over and over as they both came up with new ideas on how to make it even more funny.

Natalie has this way with everyone. She adapts to different people to see what they find funny, what makes them happy, and just makes it happen. It's fun to see how she makes Lisa happy versus Tanner. She knows my buttons to push (both good and bad). I love when she doesn't need to be reminded to say "please" and "thank you". She pauses after saying these kind words, looking at me for the express purpose to say "I did this to please you".

Sometimes I get so focused on trying to do what's right, I lose the friendship qualities. Doing what is right is important. Not losing your friends in the process, not judging, and not coming off like Mr. perfect (while we all know it's just the opposite) etc. is equally as important. I really love Nano because she knows what she wants, she's really good at it, and it frequently includes helping others. Her best friend is Puppy. Her little stuffed animal takes baths when she does, takes naps, washes hands when dirty, etc. She cries when he goes in the wash.

Natalie is my hero because she loves me and finds ways to make me happy, as great friends do. I love you sweetie!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 5: Rich Moore

Rich has always been a part of my life. I never would have grown to love computers or software development if it hadn't been for Rich. Classic games of ping pong and Warcraft II (IPX/SPX baby) bring back a lot of memories. He gave me my first computer. It was because they knew his work ethic that I got my first software job. But the thing I've always appreciated most was how much time Rich and I have spent. Of all my siblings, I'm sure we've spent the most time almost surpassing the rest. The thing I've learned the most from Rich is that despite pain and other heartache, you come through the kindness and caring beyond belief.

Anytime I'm struggling or needing someone to just listen, Rich has been there. Frequently he'll instant message me just to see how things are going. From Halo parties to just hanging out, Rich has always looked out for me. It's fun to see a good friend become a dad. Rich loves his kids beyond anything else.

Just this past week, we got together for lunch. Not only is his focus on what's new with me, he had personal experience that could help me with situations at work. We're quite similar in what we like, but he's far surpassed me on humility, kindness, and a guy that just wants what's best for his family.

Here's to hoping this friendshop just gets even better over time. Thanks for your example Rich!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 4: Harvey and Mary Brown

For years growing up I had an extra set of grandparents next door. Harvey and Mary Brown were the best things growing up. I could spend all day over at their house. Playing games, eating sugar cereals not found at my house, etc. Later in life going over with Rich to play Rook. The losers put the scorecard on their fridge to give them added reason to play again soon. I miss so much having two people so easy to talk to. I frequently tell Lisa when we die, I can't wait to introduce her to them.

As a common theme this week, I didn't realize how much they gave until later in life. I never thought that they had other plans, places to be, etc. It was all about me. I love how they were always finding new ways to make me happy, like it was their only goal in life. It's like the grandparents that tell all their grandchildren (individually, of course) that they are the favorite.

I wish I had the chance to tell them how much they meant to me before they passed away. Some of my most vivid memories were at their place when I was young. The Easter egg hunts, playing cards, helping wash dishes and thinking it was fun because it was at their house, learning to ride without training wheels.

Giving with the only expectation of joy and friendship. I miss you so much.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 3: Rob & Liz

Day 3 is all about Rob and Liz (my brother and sister in law).

When they were married, Liz's dad gave Rob a dollar. He said Rob would need it as Liz is extremely generous. Rob and Liz are frequently doing great acts of kindness that go unnoticed except those they're blessing. I remember multiple times growing up I was invited to play basketball with Rob and his friends when I'm sure it wouldn't have been any of his friends' first choice. You never know what great examples you have around you because they're just humble and consistent. The thing that amazes me most about Rob and Liz is simple: doing what's right looks easy. I've never heard Rob or Liz complain. It just doesn't fit who they are. They always look like they have something to laugh about or just a smile implying they have it great, even on occasions when they don't.

I remember when Rob was knocked out cold playing soccer. After coming to (in the hospital) he motioned for a pencil and paper, as he couldn't speak. He wanted to know what happened, and make sure everyone knew he'd be just fine.

Rob always seemed to know what I'd do (wrong) before I did it. I remember his advice I didn't take before I left on my mission. I remember playing basketball with some guys that were getting out of control. He took me aside and said I should go home. I told him I could take care of myself. It got out of control. If I did all this for someone else (with great care) and they treated me like that, it'd take a long time for me to get over, if I ever did. Rob still calls to check in, see how things are going.

Hero week is about people that have the attributes I crave. I'm so grateful for great people and that I'm blessed to have them in my life.

Love you Rob and Liz!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 2: Tanner

It all started with the smile. Tanner is the cutest, sweetest, gentlest little boy I'll ever meet. Sure he has his days, but here's why Tanner takes the cake (oh he'd eat it if it were literal...):

Caring:

Tanner brings such happiness to our family. Yesterday I was stopping to think what about him makes him so special. Frequently with daredevil sisters, his most common phrase is "ssss ok?", wanting to make sure whoever is hurt is ok. Despite the need of the twins to say "mine" lately, he is often found looking for puppy (Natalie's lovey) so he can give a peace offering to his sister. Anytime we go to the park, etc. he's always coming over every fifteen minutes or so to give me a hug, then runs back to play.

Quick to forgive:

Tanner always shows me how important it is to forgive and forget. No matter what wrong has been done (stolen toy, pushed over, etc.) as soon as the wrong is righted, he's back to happy ol' Tanner. I don't know how he does it.

Unforgettable laugh:
Tanner has this laugh that you just want to tickle him to death to hear, because you can't stop smiling or laughing yourself. Yesterday we were playing steamrollers and he get so excited to spend one on one time that he just bursts with energy and laughter. I wonder if he realizes how infectious his mood is. A few minutes with Tanner can right any wrong. Any time I ask who loves Mama, he's first to thrust his hand in the air and yell "meeeeeeeeeee!"

Instead of getting older, I hope someday to be younger so I can act like Tanner. Caring, easy going, loving, and fun.

Love you buddy! Thanks for your example.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Hero Week Day 1: Paul Evans

It's that time of year again. A great time to say thanks to the heroes in my life. I'd hate to have one entry to say thank you and never say thanks publicly again. Here is a look back at the past two years:

2008 Heroes:
Chris Okelberry, Thomas S. Monson, Eric and Andrea Ruben, Joseph Smith, Sydney Moore, Colin Lewis and Nick Galieti, Jeffrey R. Holland

2007 Heroes:
Frank and Jenny Moore, Paul and Mo Ruben, Henry B. Eyring, Justin McMurray,
Dan Aird, Jeff Eschler, Peter Tew, Wayne and Eileen Moore, Lisa Moore


As Hero Week came rolling around, this hero came readily to mind: Paul Evans. For those of you who don't live in the Park Pointe Ward, Paul is in the Elders quorum presidency. He frequently teaches, shares his experience, and makes comments that make me reach for pen and paper.

It makes me wonder how we are so blessed to have such good examples around. Paul is a humble man who allows you to see his strengths as well as his weaknesses, if he feels it will help. His lessons are quite frank yet he's careful not to offend. We had a lesson about anger management. He told a story of when we has angry with his swamp cooler (haven't we all been?). He said he was letting some frustration out, but couldn't hear his son saying "don't be scary, daddy". Who can take offense when he's explain how he had to learn the lesson just that very week?

I have really been focusing a lot on putting your energy in the right place and giving it your all. Passion drives Paul Evans. This is why he's my hero this week. Keep it up, buddy.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.