5 Lessons We Can Learn From Children (taken from KSL)

I saw this article on KSL today and I thought I would share. It's a great reminder and I think goes well with the theme of Thanksgiving.

5 Lessons We Can Learn From Children

1. Forgive easily

This is especially difficult for a lot of folks. It’s easier to hold on to a grudge, with the expectation that the offending person will realize their mistakes and beg us for forgiveness. Have you ever apologized to a child for making a mistake? They often extend forgiveness without any hesitation, and quickly move on with having fun. The lesson to learn here is truly to forgive and move on.

2. Ask questions

If you’ve ever spent time with a 5-year-old, you’d think their questions-to-statements ratio is skewed. My son is in kindergarten and asks a lot of questions. But I love it because I know he’s learning in the process. The key for adults is to ask a question when something doesn’t make sense, and not let our pride get in the way.

3. Be straightforward

When you least expect it, kids will say what’s really on their minds. They have no qualms about telling you how they feel about your tuna casserole, or they would rather play in the snow than pose for the family Christmas cards. Likewise, grown-ups need to learn how to voice our concerns, and be honest and truthful even when it’s uncomfortable.

4. Dream big

Ask my daughter what she wants to be when she grows up, and she will say “a princess” without any hesitation. What’s stopping us from having lofty dreams like that? While our dreams may be far-removed from reality, it’s the act of dreaming that needs to be revitalized in our lives.

5. Don’t stress

Have you noticed that kids take their lives a day at a time? Adults do have adult-sized worries sometimes, and while it pays to think long term and have a big-picture mentality about life, it doesn’t do any good to worry about things. If you observe your kids when they play, you’ll notice that their whole world revolves around playing, at least for that moment in time. It’s easy to fixate on the negative, but there is a lot of good news worth talking about. Kids are often naturally positive, and we should take a step back and learn a thing or two from our children.

Random Thoughts

• Most days I find myself wondering "Where did Claire come from?"
• Oh Chelsea Handler!! You're so bad for me yet I can't stop!
• I'm secretly jealous of the twins. I would love that close relationship they have.
• I can't believe I've joined the 5:30am crowd at the gym.
• Bella wants a Jem & The Holograms birthday party....and yes it's happening. I might be a little more excited than she is.
• At the primary program I caught myself thinking "I wish it was appropriate to record this", only to learn that exact thing was happening at my friends ward!! Are you kidding me?!!
• Today I'm not going to think about how many calories are in my glorious cupcake from SO Cupcake. I deserve it, right?
• Ready for a vacation. Too bad it's not in my future.
• Is it nap time yet?

Grandparents and Goodies

This morning Bella went to grandparents and goodies with grandpa at the school. The other cousins weren't ready in time.

But she had a great time eating breakfast and reading books.

Disney on Ice 2011

We went to Disney On Ice this year with the cousins and everyone loved it. Except Elysia, who said "I'm boring of this".

Claire had fun waving to everyone and saying hi to all the princesses. Cute!

The pictures are not the best. We all look bad. Oh well.

Bella, Nikki and Luke
Laura & Emmie
Yikes! Not the best picture of me

Family Pictures 2011

We had some family pictures taken recently. Here are a few, didn't want to bore you with all of them. These are all the unedited ones. I liked them a lot more than the touched up ones.

All My Girls

Dad & Girls (there is a mom and girls, but I don't like it)

Family

Bella

Claire

Breanna (should have posted the touched up one)

Sydney

Bre & Syd

Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween!!!!

Love,

Bat Woman, Superman, Violet, Bat Girl, Super Girl & Spider Girl

aka The Brown's

October Fun

I can't believe October is almost over! We did a lot which is why it probably flew by.

Bella was Star of the Week, and in first grade that's a pretty big deal. Seth came and talked to the kids about what he does for a living. Somehow he made insurance sound interesting. Just kidding, Sethy. I was actually impressed when at the end a boy raised his hand and said "Where do you get the money to give to people if their house burns down?". Wow. Someone was listening.

He was a hit because he brought Marshmellow Munchies (It's a company he insures) for everyone and balls from one of the companies he works with.

Even with all that fun stuff the kids seemed more happy playing "stump the dad". A game where the class asks questions about Bella. Sadly Seth lost. The final score was 1;4.
Claire and her best friend Wyatt and cousin Elysia had a Halloween party. She wanted everyone to dress as superheros since that is what she's going to be for Halloween. Poor Wyatt, out numbered yet again by the girls. At one point Elysia turned to him and said "are you a bird?"....he was Captain America.

They played BINGO, colored, danced, listened to scary stories, decorated cookies, watched a Halloween show and jumped on the tramp.
And this is how Seth carves a pumpkin......

I left him alone for 5 minutes and came back to find this

Halloween Excitment!!!!

We're all getting pretty excited for Halloween this year. Bella has even decided to be a part of my family theme. This is very unusual, as you can see from years past she has always wanted to do her own thing (even as a 2 year old).

Can't wait to post pictures from this year.......just a few short days away!!!

2010

Burt, Mary Poppins and one of the penguins, Curella DeVill, one of the puppies. Bella was a cat

2009

I know the kids dressed up that year, but I can't find any pictures and considering the twins were about 7 weeks old I think I get a free pass on Halloween for that year, right?

2008

Disco King & Queen (Bella was a ballerina and Claire was mini mouse)

2007

Oven with a bun in it and the bun maker (Bella was a princess)

2006

UPS Man with his Package (Bella wanted to be a monkey)

Motivation, Motivation......where have you gone?

What is wrong with me? First I haven't done a post in almost 3 weeks and the worst........

I have lost all motivation to work out.

I don't know what's happened to me. After I had Claire I was up at 6:00am, 5-6 days a week to work out and eating so well. Then the twins came and I did the same.

Now the twins are 2 and I'm in a slump.

Yesterday as I enjoyed my chocolate donut, you now the kind with 500 calories, I was thinking it's ok I'll go to the gym in the morning......then the morning rolled around and I slept in.

Working out for me isn't just about losing weight or maintaining weight, I really LOVE the way I feel after a good workout. yet for some reason I can't find the motivation to do it anymore.

Any advise?

Heard in the car

This was a conversation I heard between Claire and Wyatt this morning:

C: Why did the chicken go to the light bulb?

W: Laughs hysterically, so much that he can't stop.

What the? I guess I don't get 3 year old humor.

Love these two.

I better save this for the wedding video.

Innocence

Claire was so cute in her own little world today trying to catch butterflies.

Tip-toeing around the front yard and then running all over.

I stood there recording everything because it was too cute not to. Then I head her say this:

"Why do they fly away from me? I'm nice."

Oh man I love this girl!!!

Daddy/Daughter Road Trip

Seth & Bella just got back from an awesome trip to California!

Bella had 2 firsts: First road trip & First Utah game

She loved every minute of it.

They were lucky enough to go with our friends the Barlow's. Jeremy took his 2 oldest.

There was lots of swimming at the hotel, sight seeing around LA, playing, eating out and of course the game!

Jeremy took a million great pictures, but I decided to only post a few of my favorites.

Birthday Morning!

The twins birthday started off great. Donuts in mom and dad's bed and opening presents. Not sure if they understood it was their big day, but they defiantly enjoyed the singing, the breakfast donuts and the presents.I love this picture because they are so cute holding hands and Syd was being bashful when Bre gave her a kiss.
Cheesy grins
Enjoying donuts in mom & dad's bed
Enjoy their new presents

Happy BIrthday Breanna!

Dear Bre,

Happy Birthday to my baby girl. Only the baby by 2 minutes, but still my youngest.

You are such a joy to be around. Full of so much energy and always ready for fun. Taking after your sister Claire! You've even mastered the dirty look when you're mad. (And it's so cute we have a hard time not smiling).

You love your sisters so much and love to give hugs and kisses to Sydney!

I love to watch you learn new things. You are always saying new words and trying new things.

We are all so happy you're a part of this family!

And we all love you so much!

Love,

Mom, Dad, Bella, Claire, & Syd

Happy Birthday Sydney!

Dear Syd,

Happy Happy birthday to my sweet little girl!

You are so lucky to have been born with such a sweet disposition. You are always ready to cuddle and give the biggest smile to everyone you meet.

I love how even at 2 years old you are always thinking of others. Usually Bre. Bringing her half of whatever you're eating, or giving a toy to her.

I also love that as soon as you wake up the first words out of your mouth are "Bre, Bre".

You bring so much joy to my life and all those who come in contact with you!

We all love you so much,

Mom, Dad, Bella, Claire, and Bre

Magic School Bus Strikes Again

Claire has been looking forward to her 1st day of school for over a month. So this morning when she found the present from the Magic School Bus, she was over the top excited! She got a Dora lunch box filled with school supplies and a nice note.She picked out her shirt a month ago and refused to wear it until school started. Always saying "No, I can't wear that until I go to preschool".

After I picked her up she gave me a detailed account of everything that happened. Poor thing got whacked by her teachers watch during the Hokey-pokey and had to have ice on her eye. But not even that dampened her day.

Claire was so excited this morning

For You Dad!!

I took the girls into see their dad at work today.

They came to show their support for the 1st game of the season.

One day soon we'll all be going.

Magic School Bus & 1st Day of School

Today was an exciting day. The first day of 1st grade for Bella!! This is huge, because it's ALL DAY!!!

Last night Bella and I packed her lunch, then she had a wonderful Father's Blessing and then it was off to bed.

But this morning when I got home from working out I noticed that her lunch bag was on the front porch. After questioning her about getting out of bed last night she assured me that she didn't. So we're pretty sure The Magic School came in the middle of the night and left her lunch in the fridge and filled the bag with surprises and left it outside. Just like last year.

She was so excited!!

Claire is hoping they remember her for her first day of pre school.

I have a feeling they will. :)
Opening all the goods
Traditional Front Porch 1st Day of School Picture

Cousins

Grandma Okland

Jeanne passed away a few days ago and it was very sudden. She was so healthy that it's been such a shock to everyone who knew her.

As I've been thinking about her the last few days 2 words come to mind.

Forgiving

Generous

She forgave my mom over and over again. Always turning the other cheek and loving her unconditionally. Even when I would call and be frustrated about things she would say things like "I don't think she can help it" or "just let her be for a few months and she'll be better".

She was the most generous person. She continued to give us so much. Without her generosity I don't know how we would have made it these last few years.

I feel so blessed to have known her and be in her life for these last 16 years.

If I can take anything away from this it's that I want to be as forgiving and loving as she was to others when they've wronged me.

What a great example.

Are You Kidding Me #29

A few days ago I took some wheat over to my parents house to grind into flour.

Things got busy and I forgot about my flour and left it in the kitchen. Within a matter of minutes of the twins finding it they went to town making a huge mess! Poor Seth had just moped the floor too.

It took 2 baths, 1 shower and lot of combing to get all the flour out.

They turn 2 next month.....should I be scared?