Friday, September 20, 2013

The Eagle Project, Take 1

When you have 4 boys, and your are LDS, and you participate in the scouting program....YOU SPEND PERHAPS MORE TIME THAN YOU WANT thinking about scouting.  So, it is which much enthusiasm (and a little exhaustion) that I announce that Noah has finished his project, and will soon be an Eagle Scout.

Noah has played the cello since he was 5.  He has been part of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony program off and on since 5th grade.  So, it was a perfect fit that the AYS building needed some service done.  He cleaned up the back lot behind the building, put in a fence, laid cement to help with the drainage and did some painting.  All in all it was fantastic.  He organized over 75 people, got cement donated and learned a whole lot along the way.
BEFORE

cement getting delivered




TEAM WORK

THE AUGER, EVERY MANS DREAM MACHINE
AFTER

Noah's first cello teacher, Sato-san.  He was a great fit for a little boy....they would have light saber wars with their bows. Can't believe this kid will be 15 in a few days.  How time flies!

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Grandpa and Grandma are on a mission!

Eden walked around for a few days singing that catchy Janeen Brady song,
"Grandpa and Grandma are going away on a mission!"
And, they made it to the Lima Peru South Mission! Yippee....
Elder and Sister Alkema
Love the missionary tags....it's official

We had a great visit with them over face-time and they showed us the view of the city from the mission office.  Now....it's time to start planning a trip to Peru.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Joy School Graduation

This may just be the cutest group of kids ever. At least the cutest 4ish year olds. I love how N is jumping with his cap. Hilarious.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Happy Mother's Day, 2013

The gift is not what I was given today, but what I hold dearly in my arms everyday.  So very blessed.









Just had to throw this one in...I love her wispy hair, her party dress and the over the top flower. Today we celebrate womanhood.  Oh, daughter, today I think of what this life and world holds for you.


Monday, May 6, 2013

Dreams...


So, for whatever reason, I'm in the mood for writing.

My husband, who I obviously adore, just sent me a link to this article.  Do you ever read an article and think....holy cow, did that person just read my mind?  Because, honestly, my husband knows me so, so well and knew I would very much agree with what the author had to say.

So dreams...I've perhaps spent too much time thinking about what people have to say about dreams.  It's just that the world's view on dreams I find very distorting, and not very eternal. This, of course, is my opinion, but this is after all my blog-- so I'm not asking you to agree or even read this. It just feels good to write about it.

I realize that many "worldly" dreams require hard work, determination and skill.  They also deserve a good bit of admiration.  And, pursing those dreams can be a righteous choice.  Equally, I believe eternal dreams deserve admiration as well. In fact, I think these types of dreams should be celebrated, talked about and encouraged.

 *I have many gifted, talented friends who realized that their dreams of pursuing education and their dreams of having a large family did not always go hand in hand. So, they chose the latter. They chose to be home with their children.
*Likewise, I have friends who work full time and juggle a family, knowing that this is an important balance for them and their family. And I know single moms who do it all. Impressive.
*I have friends that get terribly sick when they are pregnant, but still, have a dream of large family...so they go through months of sickness-- terrible, agonizing sickness-- to fulfill a dream of a large family.
* I have a friend who has a dream of helping others and giving of her time, talents and  money....which means that she doesn't live in the biggest house, drive a fancy car and buy designer clothes.  She fulfills this amazing dream every single day of her life.  And, I want to be like her...not going to lie.  She is amazing.
* I have a another friend who is extremely wealthy and could have a big home and nice things...but, she instead shares her wealth and every single last talent she possesses to helping her church community and those people she associates with.  Now, this is something to celebrate.
* I know a father who is one of the most talented, smart people I know and could have pursued any career, worked long hours and made $$$$$$, but instead chooses to be very present in his children's life, realizing that money and "success" do not equal happiness.

I notice that I'm very quick to tell someone that I like their outfit, or what a nice car they drive, or what a beautiful house they have.  But, honestly, those things just do not matter.  Not at all.  I truly believe that when we pass from this life, and we have the opportunity to look back on what we have done with our time, money and talents....boy, oh boy, what will we think?  What will I think?  What will I think about the dreams I pursued, and the kinds of people and actions I celebrated?

I just hope I'm always chasing the RIGHT DREAM!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

A 4 Year Old's Birthday

Is there a better way to celebrate 4 years of an adorable daughter....
than with a tea party?

The Birthday Girl:

 Talking on the phone with G &G:
 The Set-up
 The Guests:
 The Food:
And there are 80 more photos.  It was an amazing day.
I enjoyed every moment planning the party.
What a blessing this little girl is.
What a blessing.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Things...

*Life is really wonderful.  I've really noticed the good in my life lately and how incredibly blessed I am.  It's all in the noticing.

*Last night D and I were still awake at 11pm and decided to take a walk in the newly, fresh falling snow. It was magical.  It was beautiful.  It was peaceful.  Thanks for the spontaneous idea D.

*I love watching my children, N and G, perform in orchestra and choir.  Seriously so much fun.  N is getting so good on his cello....which he puts a lot of work into, waking himself up early every morning to practice. And, Gabe rocks the show choir.  Seriously had no idea how much fun that kind of stuff was.  And, where he gets his confidence on stage....who knows?!?

*Having a dog is not as bad as I thought it would be.  Our dog Daphne has officially become part of the family.  She is adorable.

*Loved attending a fireside where the Imam from the local Islamic Center spoke about Islam.  It brought back many memories of our study abroad at the BYU Jerusalem Center.  I've always had an appreciation for this faith and find Muslims to be kind, good, faithful people.  I'll never forget the first night we slept in Jerusalem and hearing the call to prayer.  It's such a beautiful ritual.

*I've been doing yoga regularly for 1 year now.  I feel like I'm trying to convert everyone around me to this form of exercise.  Not really, but kind of.  It's honestly been one of the most amazing things I've ever done for myself.  No pressure.