Age Makes Everything Beautiful

In the days leading to my birthday, I've realized that I view things quite differently now than I did in my youth. In some ways, I am more critical and harder to please with what I consider art or pleasing to the eye. In some ways I find I like things simple and easy...unfortunately the two do not always coincide.

If you ask a child what they think is pretty, they'll tell you the new bike they got, the new doll with the shinny hair, the party dress from grandma, the cool skateboard for a birthday -- things that are not necessarily what older children would list. Some of the even smaller children might mention butterflies, birds, flowers or a rainbow.



As I've mentioned before, what is beauty and art to one, is not always the same to someone else. This is the same with age.

When we're young, we think nothing of time as it goes by. Usually we're agonizing over how slowly it seems to move -- especially when we're waiting for Christmas or a birthday. As we grow older, it takes forever for a date night to come, or a boyfriend to come back from a mission. After we've gotten married, suddenly time seems to speed up. When you have children, it starts to go even faster.

All the days till Christmas are suddenly less than ever before when there are presents for those darlings. As they age, the hour hand seems to speed up even more, until suddenly you find yourself at their high school graduation, mission farewell, or (gasp) wedding. Where did the time go?



Things come to take on a whole different meaning. 'Things' no longer seem as important as they were -- and are not seen in the same light. What was beauty at 16, is generally not what is considered so at 26 or 30. Definitely a different thought when in the 50's.

Moments in time become art.

Brief stints of time spent with a loved one, a grandchild just born or learning to walk; a dear friend who has been gone a while, out in nature with the birds and flowers -- in the Temple of the Lord with the spirit present. Those are the things we begin to see as beauty and art in the world around us. We come to treasure them far more than earthly things that will fade away and not go with us when we leave.

While there are still 'things' that I treasure; a teapot from China (a gift from my sister), a painted china plate (painted by my husbands favorite grandmother), a wooden 'MOM' done by my son in first/second grade, my wedding ring -- none of them stand up to the treasure of my family.



I am so very blessed.



All the world is a gift of beauty and life. It just depends on the view of those seeing it. What is your view?

Return to the Neighborhood

Here He is!

Well, I finally got the photo editor up on my computer so I could edit his birthday pictures. Isn't he cute?? I'm not biased or anything...right. Anyway, this is one of his crazy moments. I also got a group shot of all them posing in front of the birthday banner.



They are a fun bunch of kids, and I was glad so many of them showed up. If any of you watch commercials in Utah, or have seen the movie Mobsters and Mormons -- the large kid on the right is the son of the actor that played one of the henchmen. He's got an amazing tenor voice.

Anyway, it's been a month, as most of you who have had graduating seniors know. Sunday was his seminary graduation, and his grandmother was able to come. It was a neat time, especially since we don't think he's going to walk with his friends...sigh. I won't go into that now...

But here's a shot with him and grandma.



She's a sweetheart, and we were glad she could make it. She has like four other graduations this year...lol

I just can't believe my little boy is all grown up. I get to have him for another month before he goes into basic. I'll have to get a shot of him in his camos...

Party Weekend and Mother's Day

Wow...what a weekend. We had my son's bday party on Friday, the first available time since his real bday in April. It was crazy, all the people he invited came to the movie (I won't want to take 12 kids to the movies any time soon...ouch!) and then to our house for rootbeer floats. It was great fun, they were good kids, and I took a picture of them in front of the banner on the garage. We got a bunch of tiki lamps and made a pathway to the back yard, and had balloons everywhere, it was just way fun. sigh. Makes me want to be a kid again. I never had a party... It's been fun to give one to my own children.

Mother's day was way fun. I got breakfast in bed, and wasn't allowed near the kitchen for the rest of the day. I love that aspect of the day, let me tell you. Although, sometimes what comes out of it is less than desired, this years offering was wonderful. We went to my mother-in-law's for dinner, provided by my hubby. It was wonderful grilled (marinated) chicken. man! We haven't ever tried it before, and it was mouth watering and tender! He also made me strawberry pie...a traditional favorite. He always makes two -- one to share, one for ME! grin.

He's a wonder, let me tell you. Have I mentioned how much I love him? ;)
Anyway...great weekend. Now for the week ahead, I'm not sure, but it's looking to be a crazy one. I hope you ladies all had a wonderful Mother's day!!

18 years ago...

18 years ago yesterday I was bringing a triangular shaped head into the world. My oldest son left skid marks, according to my doctor. We were playing cards and watching Mash when things got into full swing and he was born.

My oldest son is a sweetheart. He's tender hearted, generally kind, and as handsome as a mother could wish. He's not quite the paragon of goodness and faith that I'd like, but he's good, and he tries.

All day I kept picturing a video we took of him when he was little and my husband was going through body parts with him, pointing them out and having him tell what they were. It was the cutest thing you ever saw, and my son was a doll. I try to keep from thinking that a year from now he will be preparing to go on a mission.

He spent his bday at Drill -- coming home in time for dinner and cake and ice cream with grandma and grandpa. sigh. He's growing up and I can't do anything about it. It's enough to make you want to invest in Klennex...

The photo is from last years bday...sigh. He looks even older now. Amazing what a year can do.