I've been meaning to post a lot of little things, but haven't made the time. So now you'll all be subjected to a torrent of miscellanea.
1. Yesterday morning, the entire flat smelled like kippers. That's right, kippers. Micah decided it would be a very British thing to do - so he bought, cooked, and ate some. This event will not be repeating itself anytime soon. Maybe ever.
2. The (insert ordinal here) reason to love British socialism - YMCA nursery vouchers. Yep, I get to go work out at the Y (for free) and leave James in the nursery (for free) up to twice a week. They also have (free) swim classes for James there. We haven't gone to any yet, but I'm planning on trying them out.
3. James and I went to the Sherlock Holmes Museum last Thursday, which is located at "The World's Most Famous Address," according to the promotional material. I will give a cool prize to anyone who actually knows the address Sherlock Holmes fictionally lived at before looking at the above hyperlink.
4. After struggling for the better part of the last 3 1/2 years with motherhood and its trappings, and desiring to define for myself what exactly the essence of being a full-time mom is, I have come up with a Mommy Mission Statement: It is my purpose to promote the healthy spiritual, physical, mental, social, and emotional development of my children. When I think of my daily tasks in this context, it helps me focus on the bigger picture: I'm not just changing another diaper or cleaning up another upturned bowl of cereal; I'm promoting James's healthy physical development. Etc. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.
5. I have looked in a new way at the scriptural account of Jesus, Mary, and Martha in which Martha is "cumbered about much serving" and Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet, listening to "his word." Martha complains; Jesus replies that Mary "hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42.) I am Martha, and instead of being mildly offended and perplexed by this bit of counsel, as I have been up until now, I am suddenly liberated by it. One thing is needful. But the one thing isn't a thing. It's the attitude with which you do the thing - the why and not the what.
6. I saw Juno on Friday evening with my lovely friend, Josie. I really recommend this movie, but not because it was especially "hip" or "smart" or whatever silly label the critics are throwing at it. This movie is getting a lot of critical acclaim, not undeserved, but for the wrong reasons. For me, the film was brilliant and the best I saw all year because it made me really uncomfortable -- in the sense that witnessing a very intimate exchange between two people makes you uncomfortable, or watching an awkward teenager get picked on at school makes you uncomfortable. The characters and storyline draw you in so quickly and completely that when something tragic happens to them, you realize that it's also happening vicariously to you. Juno's fetus becomes a metaphor for how vulnerable she is - and in turn, how vulnerable we all are. And isn't that vulnerability at the heart of what we find beautiful? Why we coo over newborns and love the fact that even Superman has his kryptonite? (*Erik could have written a much better review. Regardless of what he thinks of this movie.)
7. Thoughts about President Hinckley's passing: I am so grateful for a Prophet. Reflecting on President Hinckley's life has increased my testimony of the love our Heavenly Father has for all His children. Yes, we are losing the association of a wonderful person with a smashing sense of humor. But the work goes on, and the Lord has provided someone - will always provide someone - perfectly qualified to take his place. (I wish I could say the same for secular governments.) Watching GBH's funeral also caused me to reflect on how blessed I am to be a part of a very loving and supportive family, and how grateful I am to all of you.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
221B Baker Street.
i hope the prize is a (whispering) cookie.
29-something Baker Street? I'll have to check now.
Okay, I was close. Probably the only reason I remember it is because of the Disney movie. Kinda sad, huh?
Dan has a friend he grew up with that always got a tin of kippers in his stocking -- and would then share them with Dan. So, I included a tin in his stocking this year. He didn't even cook them, but the kitchen reeked of it for days. I tried a small piece. Not really on my top ten list. By and large, I think that the british don't have the most interesting food.
Way to go with the big picture! Anytime you can get a better perspective on things, the better. Motherhood has got to be more than changing diapers and consoling crying children -- it just doesn't make sense that a kind, wise, loving (albeit also having a sense of humor) Heavenly Father would force half of the human population into such drudgery. It seems to me you've hit on that higher purpose. Maybe that's why women are the 'better half'. :D
I think the Mary and Martha dilemma you've faced is in some ways linked to the former. Life is about always learning to follow the Savior more closely -- not just doing what he tells you to do. By doing so, we gain perspective and wisdom.
I am so impressed with these prize winners. I had to cheat. I had no idea what the address is. But I am so excited for you guys to have this whole British (albeit socialized) experience. Not everyone gets to go to Sherlock Holmes museums or Harry Potter train stations!
Thoughts on motherhood... well, I have more than should be left in a blog comment, but I think it is more encompassing even than fostering development. And, paradoxically, more developing for the mother than for the child...
I want to see movies with you and Josie in London!!!! I'm so glad that two of the most incredible people in my life have discovered each other in such a magical place. Josie, where is your blog? xoxoxoxoxholly
NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>JUNO
Hi Tat, thank you for your wise comments. That's what friends are for to remind us of the wonderful eternal perspective of the gospel. We wake up and do the same things day in and day out. It seems monotonous and unimportant, but we are not just changing diapers and feeding our children. We are raising children up unto the Lord. Thank you for the good reminder about our children and our attitude. I want to choose the better part too.
James is adorable. "To infinity and beyond". He has a cute language like Josh. We call his language "Joshish" because sometimes we are the only ones who can understand him.
Have a great day! Say hi to Michah (spelling?) and James! Enjoy England (sounds like you are)!
Tat, I also have struggled with coming to terms with motherhood and how it differs from my expectations. I thought I'd be able to keep a clean house, cook dinner every night, can and preserve and otherwise shop sales to keep our budget , and do fun crafts like crocheting, photo album-ing, finishing up all those other projects I started years ago... Funny thing is that Annie takes all my time and I really don't get most of that other stuff done. Trying to keep Brent and Annie happy takes more effort than I sometimes put into it -- and I'm not sure I always succeed. However, I like Elder Ballard said in his Apr 08 Conference talk, the joy of motherhood is in the moments. I have to stop and take a step back, like in the Martha and Mary story, and realize that there are lots of good things I could be doing, but what are the better things I should be doing? What is the best thing that I can do? As I try to prioritize and focus on a little bit here and there of the less important things (to keep my sanity), I think I am better able to feel fulfilled as a person in my role as wife and mother. I hope that makes sense, and maybe it'll help!
Post a Comment