Constancy

“... I can't believe there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man [or woman] who knows the secret of making dreams come true. This special secret ... can be summarized in four C's. They are Courage, Curiosity, Confidence and Constancy ...."
- Walt Disney

I think that I struggle the most with the "constancy" - I know that if I could get THAT one down I could accomplish so much more.

Create

Many times in the chaos of my busy life as a homeschool mom with 6 kids I feel as if I have no time to delve into the creative side of my nature. That the work involved with caring for such a large family eclipses my own creativity. This is a wonderful reminder that creation is part of our nature - part of who we are intrinsically.

Time for me to start exploring once more...

A few things that make an overwhelmed mom happy

There are a few things that make me happy as a mom. Here is a short list:

1. Chocolate - I think that chocolate is a necessity of motherhood. There is nothing better than taking a "time out" with a cup of hot cocoa - preferably mexican chocolate.

2. Dinner Group - I belong to a dinner group so rather than having to cook dinner for my family 7 nights a week - I cook only once a week and get my dinners delivered to me the days I don't cook - It is great!

3. Wireless Internet - now most of you probably take this for granted but we have lived quite literally in the "sticks" for most of our marriage and cable broadband or DSL is never available. We finally bit the bullet and got satellite internet - still not the greatest but way better than dial-up!

4. My new dinning room table! - We finally got a dinning room table that fits the whole family and even a guest or two.

5. Great kids who know how to work - We have worked hard at teaching our kids how to work and help out the family. These past weeks as we have struggled with colds and the flu I have been amazed at how the kids have just jumped in and been able to help us out - cook, clean the works - that really makes an overwhelmed mom happy!

Chocolate Mug Cake

Just so we are all clear - I got this recipe from another Mormon Mommy Blogger and did get her permission to share.

For the times in your life when you need a good shot of chocolate ... quickly.

This is best served with a side of vanilla ice cream...

55

CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

Just a pinch of salt and baking powder

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

a small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high).

The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

Thoughts about our Family Home Evening

Run Molly Run!

Jason - compulsive proposer

So maybe watching the Bachelor was not the best FHE we've had in a while... But it was fun yelling at the TV and making fun of all the idiot choices being made.

The whole show is admittedly ridiculous - I mean these relationships are doomed to failure. On one hand, the whole concept of the show has me digging my eyes out with a grapefruit spoon - I mean how do these beautiful women debase themselves by chasing after some stupid guy who can't make up his mind because he has too many choices?

In general it is NOT a good idea to agree to marry a guy with 25 other girlfriends - that is unless you call Colorado City your home...

- but for some reason I get hooked.

Some observations from the tribe:

G (12) - "Why can't he just make up his mind already? (guttural sound of disgust) They're just girls (roll of the eyes)."

J (19) - "OH MY GOSH!! OH MY GOSH!! OH MY GOSH!!" (followed by squeaking)

M (13) - "I can't believe she's just sitting there - I would walk away." (that's my girl!)

The Man - "I can't believe we're watching this..."

K (10) - "I give them 2 weeks."

E (9) - after watching the entire night... "Wait - who did he choose?"

When you have six kids music lessons don't come cheap - 

Four of our children play instruments - all 4 play the piano, 1 also plays the flute 

and 1 also plays the trombone and baritone - and I am hoping that they develop 

a life long love of music.