"I don't believe in a simple life. I believe in simple motivations, but I believe in a complex life filled with projects that can help other people." —Stephen R. Covey, Six Events

This seems to be in interesting contrast to Thoreau's Walden.

From Mars

Sometimes I feel like me and my ideas come from Mars. This week, however, I have pondered much of what I have posted on this blog.

I think often of Sam Clemens as we have struggled with financial difficulties.

I thought of my Village as I perused a Lego catalog with Anton and packed a jump rope for Park Day this week.

I thought of "Once Again . . ." as I have faced my passions.

And I rejoice with much gladness and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for the inspirations He gives me as I work to put my thoughts and inspirations into words.

Top 10 Things Most Everyone Has a Story About

10. Vacation nightmares
9. Their wedding day
8. Accidents
7. A bad Christmas day
6. Hair cuts
5. Financial difficulties
4. Children's illnesses
3. Potty training
2. Wisdom teeth pulling
1. Childbirth

I'm grateful for these stories that we all share! They bring us together, drive us crazy and bring wonderful color to our lives.

Loving the Village I'm Helping to Raise

In replying to a recent discussion on the AzLAF Valley yahoo group I came to a new understanding, found something to be grateful for anew and with great vigor. The feeling is still strong in my heart and on my mind, so I have pasted and edited some of my response here:

For me, community building is not just about moms getting to know each other, it's about families getting to know each other. I LOVE knowing that Gracie knows ME and wants to share things with me. So does Hannah and Rachel and Jordan. This type of relationship doesn't come naturally to me, but I still want it. HAPE Group and HAPE Share built the type of community that would help me build that type of relationship. They gave me some time, in a situation that moms and families chose together and felt would be inspiring, to connect with my children's peers, thereby helping my children to connect with their peers. Furthermore, my children learned to LOVE sharing with Miss Keelee, Miss Sharla, etc. (we chose the prefix to teach respect for their elders).

Thinking long range, the time our children spend with other mothers and the time we spend with other children could be critical as well as wonderful. Time with other mothers (and fathers) can build those relationships that will become mentoring ones later and perhaps in-law ones even later.

Leadership Education / Thomas Jefferson Education is a wonderful thing. The blessings just never seem to end. And some of those dear blessings are Gracie, Jordan, & Caleb, Hannah, Matthew, Adam & James, Carli, Jessica, C.J., Rachel, Robert, & Samuel to name only a few. What a wonderful thing to be raising the next generation who will then raise the following generation. Along with Rachel DeMille, I say:

I LOVE BEING A MOTHER WHO IS BUSY RAISING A VILLAGE!!!

Sons & Neighbors

We got more action in the neighborhood today. Just down the street here on Brown, a young man on a motorcycle did not come out of an encounter with a truck. A sad time to bring neighbors together as we mourned the accident. We did not know the boy, but we knew people in the truck.

Have I told you that I love sharing with my neighbors? About 6 months ago I believe, the home on the SW corner of Gaylord and Glencove (facing east) was sold. Bob and Beth are a great older couple that commute to a home somewhere in the Apache Lake area (give or take a lake :). They are good friends now with the Gehrons just north and between us. Anyway, later after the accident Karlene Gehron said Bob & Beth had wanted to know what we were asking for our home. I guess they have some friends that are looking for a home in their area. Of course I told her. A possibly promising lead during a difficult time in the Beckstrand Family. Update: This family is waiting for the economy to calm down before purchasing. We are trying to be patient with the Lord in the mean time. We still think we have great neighbors.

The day closes with new things to pray about--a family that lost a son and neighbors.