Mental Pictures

There’s an episode of The Office in which Jim and Pam discuss taking “mental pictures.” Anytime there’s a sweet moment between them, they proceed to “click” their mental cameras.

I feel like I’ve had so many moments like this lately—moments which would be ruined by rushing to grab a real camera; and even if said camera were handy, it couldn’t do the moment justice. It would just get in the way. The moment wouldn’t be as vivid, viewed through a lens.
Moments like . . .

--The Kiddo, nose running, eyes shining as he masters the wobbly steps at the playground.

--Mike and The Kiddo, laying face-to-face, both grinning excitedly seconds before rolling down the hill.

--While both kids cry and whine in the backseat, catching Mike’s eye and that slow smile that sends us into laughter instead of frustration.

--Little Man’s dimpled smile as he grabs my face in both hands and presses his forehead to mine.

--The Kiddo’s scrunched up face and creased brow as he tries to understand something.

--Little Man’s look of triumph when he finally grasps the paper (he’s not supposed to have) in his chubby hand.

--A crisp night up on the mountain, just me and my Babe, looking at the stars above and the city lights down below. Not even talking. Just content.


Utterly content.

Army Prep by the Numbers

Days to Departure: 5

Minor Wife Breakdowns: 3

Attempted explanations to toddler that Daddy will be leaving: 4

“Days til Daddy Comes Home” countdown poster: 1

Hero Dad book: 1

Special “pre-army” Dates planned: 4

Special “pre-army” Dates carried out: 3

Temple trips: 5

Trips to see family: 1

Goodbye calls/emails/lunches/Skype sessions: lots

Tears shed: surprisingly minimal (for now)

Days in which I’ve felt 100% sure I can do this: 0.743--which is just enough

Something to Look Forward to

The unknown is a little scary (obviously). We’re not really sure what to expect from the Army lifestyle. Yet I’ve been amazed at the little ways I feel the Lord is comforting us as we prepare to head down this path. These experiences aren’t really anything spectacular, but they fill my soul in ways I never anticipated:
I’ve been feeding off the Church’s website on Military Relations. There are so many great ideas to prepare for times of separation, keep relationships strong, and avoid temptations. Here are some more fun ideas!

On the BYU channel the other day there was a documentary about a mother of six whose husband was deployed. She openly said it was tough and that sometimes she was just trying to get from one day to the next; but I was awed by the sweet ways she kept her children engaged with their father, through care packages, Skype, and letters. What I loved even more? the way she and her husband interacted. They saved time to talk over the internet, just the two of them, about any issues that needed resolving—children or finances or whatever. There was also set aside “flirt” time in which they kept things positive and light and just talked. Beautiful. We’ll be doing that ;)

The other day at the temple, this sweet lady came into our session late. She apologized profusely and explained that her babysitter had fallen through. A temple-worker asked how many children she had. “Three,” she said, “and their dad is in Iraq. I just had to make it to the temple. It’s my lifeline while he’s gone!” I wanted to jump up and hug her and thank her for being there. I needed her example that day—and probably for the future too.

Our awesome neighbors connected us with an awesome couple who just spent a year and a half in Monterey. Over lunch we bombarded the Sommerfeldts with questions. They gave us great advice and eased so many of my fears. People are so kind!

Ya know, I'm really starting to get excited about Army life.

Naptime

"Hey, Bud, naptime is in five minutes!” I say as I look at my two-year-old expectantly. Smiling mischievously, he turns tail and hurries up the stairs leaving a trail of giggles behind him. I can’t help but grin. Slowly I rush after him, catching him in a fit of kicks and laughter before he can reach the top. With a gentle tug, he’s swooped into my arms for a bear hug.

As I help him settle into “Mom and Dad’s” bed (the usual naptime location), I decide a few minutes of sleep sound nice to me too. To his utter delight, I clamber into the bed next to him. He smiles happily. “Mom lay down too!” he says excitedly. I smile, whisper “sleep tight,” kiss his forehead, and turn my back to him with a deep sigh. My eyes close easily, only to snap open a minute later. A melody of fake snoring drifts out from behind me. I find myself laughing as I turn to tickle him. He laughs hysterically as I roll over again. “Go to sleep, Silly Goose,” I say. Slowly, I settle back in, loving my decision to let myself sleep for a bit. It isn’t long, however, until a quiet series of “me-me-me-me-me” meets my ears. “HA, HA!” I cackle, “Who taught you that!?” Tickling him into submission, I can’t help thinking that he’s freaking hilarious. Again, I settle in for my nap, relishing the coolness of the room and the laughter that still echoes in the air. One last time, fake snores mingled with suppressed giggles cut through the quiet and I’m forced into laughter myself . . .

As the breathing behind me finally slows and deepens, I realize I can’t possibly sleep now. Instead, I turn to watch my son sleep. How I love him.

What a kid.
And what a satisfying nap.

Questions for the Void

Alright, my fellow friends in Mommyhood, I’m new to this full-time, stay-at-home, no studying, homework or required reading way of life.

What do you do all day?

How to you spend those much-loved minutes of naptime?
What helps you to feel accomplished? productive? motivated? (on a limited budget)
What do you do to stimulate your brain during those (much-loved) days of child’s play?

“Sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children.”

– Elder M. Russell Ballard

How do you “fill your well”?

I’m excited to have free time that isn’t automatically filled with schoolwork—and I’m excited to feed off of your wisdom and advice. Please share.


I also love what this talk says about creating.