What Happened to All the Windex?

I have noticed that my laundry piles are multicolored now that Noah is no longer in school uniforms. Forever, it seemed I washed whites and grays, grays and whites, and a lot more whites. Now there is a rainbow of colors and my sorting the laundry has become more challenging as well as the laundry cycles.

Noah is loving the fact that he can wear play clothes to school and also save the black soled shoes for Sundays. His tennis shoes are getting the most wear. They are sketchers with little lights that flash when he takes a step. I hope it is not a distraction in the classroom.  He insists that these shoes help him run extra fast.  Most often, they are strewn in the middle of the floor after school. I am constantly on Noah and Rick to put their things away. My laundry, an array of colors, my home, an array of clutter...Noah's clutter, my clutter, Da Vinci's clutter, and Rick's clutter.  It is enough to make me bonkers.

The other day, Noah asked where I had placed the Windex. I told him it was left in the Master Bathroom (Hint to Rick: It's okay to follow through and clean the bathrooms today) When he came down with the Windex in his hand, he said rather disgustingly..."What happened to all the Windex?" Wouldn't I like to know? It didn't appear that any one was using it at our home. Noah sighed, "This will have to do."  I was thinking, " Yea, my little boy is going to clean the TV, alas."  I kept busy working on a few of my own piles.

Noah asked me to shut my eyes. He had a grand surprise for me. I did as requested and there in the center of the family rooms was a roll's worth of paper towels. Two sheets were spread nicely on the carpet and each of his sketcher light up tennis shoes, had been placed strategically for show. Noah had worked hard on getting those shoes to sparkle...to radiate cleanliness. The Windex, now empty, was used as the magical polish to clean those shoes. I had never thought to use Windex to shine my shoes. It is an all purpose cleaner. The TV still thick with dust and smudges, would have to wait until another time. Though I hoped for a sparkling TV, the smile on Noah's face was enough to brighten any room. He was so proud of the time and effort he put into shining his shoes.

His shoes were clean and life was good for him now.

What I learned from Noah: Shiney Shoes equals happy boy. Windex equals shoe shines. Empty Windex bottle equals no housework :)

Amazing Grace

Just when you think you are at your ends rope, Amazing Grace ties you a knot so you can hold on for one more day. Amazing Grace happens to be the loving HARTS and the helping hands of my parents.   They have served me the whole of my life--even when I was on top of the world, they had a way of finding that little something to make my life even better...but now when times are tough for many, and the Golden Years have greeted them, I find their service even more endearing. It is I that should be serving them.

On more than one occasion, the cupboards have been bare, the pantry scarce, and the fridge lonely and cold, yet we have known no want for food. Amazing Grace arrives in the nick of time and a grocery cart of food finds a place on our empty shelves.

Amazing Grace places extra dollar bills in the strangest of places-- a bit of cash here and a bit of cash there. Sometimes it is slipped in the wallet, sometimes in a book or a card and sometimes...well, it is like magic. Noah is my living testament that Grandpa can blow a coin out of your ear and a credit card out of Grandma's ear:) If I hadn't seen it myself, I never would have believed it.

Amazing Grace appears on our doorstep, "We were just wondering if the Groendykes would like to join us for a bite to eat..." It is always an adventure and every act of kindness is served with a warm smile.

Amazing Grace has filled up my gas tank, wiped my counters, purchased medications, helped me can peaches, paid for appointments and dusted my TV.

Amazing Grace has provided the very books in which bring about such joy and distraction in moments of challenge. So today, Noah and I are busy doing homework. I haven't had a chance to shower yet and the table is still cluttered. I sigh and think to myself "cereal or top ramen?" Noah leaves the table and I am kind of annoyed. I just want to finish up with school work. I hear an interesting noise brush against the carpet. Noah appears with a styrofoam box.Yes, Amazing Grace had been at our door yet again. When Noah opened the box, he shouted for joy "Grandma and Grandpa sent me my very own set of knives." (He has a fixation with sharp objects--eek!!!)  There was a a knife set atop several frozen Omaha Steaks and Hamburgers, Gourmet Hot Dogs, and Potatoes too. Who knew that one could even receive such dignified, classy and quality frozen dinners in such a clever fashion? All I know is that because of Amazing Grace, my manly man will get a manly man's dinner of steak and potatoes...

I bring this up for one reason and one reason only, that Amazing Grace (my Father and Mother) will see and know the delight of their service and so that we, as the receivers of such kind deeds, can be Amazing Gracious.

What we have learned:  Amazing Grace is my Father and Mother...Noah's Grandma and Grandpa Hart...our dearest friends.

Count Your MANY Blessings

Recently, we have been trying to get in a better routine. We are quite aware of our need for rest and for blessings from heaven. We also know that we have much to be grateful for each and every day. Sometimes Rick will call on Noah to offer a prayer. Even the prayer before a meal rarely contains a blessing on the food. Usually, it is all about Noah'a dog Da Vinci.

The other night we were kneeling down at the foot of our master bed and Rick had asked Noah to lead us in Family Prayer. He wanted Rick to do it and it went back and forth until Rick suggested that he would help Noah with the prayer if Noah would say it, and so it was decided--THEY would say the prayer. Rick is very eloquent in his prayers and takes his communication with his Father in Heaven most seriously. He is thoughtful and avoids vain repetition that I have been known to succumb to.That is an area I definitely need some work on as my mind tends to wander with the list of things that need to be accomplished.

We have been instructed to "Count our MANY Blessings," and though we find our little family experiencing a few hardships, we still have a very long list of the many tender mercies from a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ...and so the counting began...

Rick spoke of being grateful--"we are grateful for our home" and then he would pause and Noah would repeat "we are grateful for our home" in the same sing songy rhythm that Rick would use. I could tell Noah was really listening, because he would make certain adjustments like when Rick said, "bless my mom,"Rick was referring to me--Rick was saying a prayer as Noah would say it, but Noah thought for a moment and then said, "bless Grandma T.," which is Rick's mom.

Then Rick asked for particular blessings--"bless Grandma and Grandpa in their health,...bless my mom with her challenges...bless my dad to find work...bless Noah to be a good student and friend...etc." Noah continued to follow with the worded phrases. I had a great big smile on my heart as I witnessed a father and son in the course of a prayer. Noah would stumble on a few words, and it made the prayer all the more endearing. Rick continued with the prayer, but Noah was ready to be done. He hurried with a few of the phrases and when Rick went on to the next blessing, before Rick could even finish his sentence, Noah took hold of the reigns and blurted over Rick's meek tone "In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen."He was done and when he could see that Rick was no where near wrapping this prayer up, Noah took charge. We couldn't help but laugh.

What I learned from Noah:  Short and sweet is the best kind of prayer for a child.

What I learned from Rick:  He is a great father and wants to teach and lead his son in the direction of righteousness.  I also continue to learn the tone of a heartfelt prayer.

Operation Beautiful

Noah and I took part in "Operation Beautiful" which entailed leaving sticky Post It notes on mirrors, signs, fridges, and anywhere for that matter with the message "You Are Beautiful." Living in a world where Beauty is often defined by shape, size, attractiveness, youth, etc., it can often be discouraging for those of us that do not fit into that mold. The idea is that we are surrounded by Beautiful People...and what makes them Beautiful is the Beauty they possess in their heart.

I think it is a Beautiful Thing that every morning there is a woman standing on the corner to see my child safely across the street. She always has a smile on her face. I think an Educator that cares for my child enough to instill a love and desire for learning is a Beautiful Person. I think the four Hispanic Men that were working in the fields tending to the produce that was soon to be harvested are Beautiful People. Beautiful People are literally everywhere.

I am sure the few followers I have, have heard of NieNie and the NieNie Dialogues. I have not been a regular follower, because 1) I so desperately wanted to find my own voice and 2) It was just too incredibly painful. Nie Nie and her husband, Christian are fortunate to be alive. A year ago, they were in a plane crash. Their bodies badly burned, their hearts badly broken, their mental state badly bruised, their children badly traumatized...It would be a long road before them. Anyone reading Nie Nie's blog could see the Beauty she possessed, not only for her appearance and class, but for the wonderful mother that she was and is today...going above and beyond to celebrate the greatness in the little things of life.

My mother had mentioned to me that it had been a year since the accident and that Nie Nie was hoping to hike to the "Y" with her Mr. Nielson by her side. Curious as to whether or not she was able to achieve this goal, I checked the "Nie Nie Dialogues."There were photos of family and friends as she and Christian made their way to the "Y." I was overcome with emotion. I scrolled down even further and there was a photo of her Mr. Nielson gazing into her eyes and Nie Nie looking up into his, with a smile on her face...and I was humbled. How is it that they are facing such adversity with smiles on their faces and hope in their hearts. As I continued to study the photograph, the words "Now that is Beautiful..." played in my mind. The courage, the memories, the loss, the scars, the heartache, the pain and then to read her words...so positive and uplifting and finding the joy in life. I was utterly amazed and speechless. Beautiful Moments take your breath away and I was having one.

What I learned from Noah: Operation Beautiful was defined in a whole new light.

What I learned from Nie Nie and her Mr. Nielson: Love is the most Beautiful Thing of all and though the flames of fire can nearly take away your face, it does not have to take away your Beauty.

Firsts

Noah had his First Day of First Grade at a new school and a public one at that. It is our First experience with a Year Round School and by default, he is on D Track( which is awesome, because his friends are also on that Track.) Noah met with his Teacher, Miss Snow. She is a First Year Teacher. He found his desk and saw that there were some names he knew from his Primary Class--another First. Noah's Dad, Mom, and Da Vinci, walked Noah to school and that was a REAL FAMILY First.

Noah had his First shot at School Supply Shopping (always my favorite part of the Back to School Season and also the event I missed when he was attending a Private School.) He is a big spender when it is not his money. Target was our Target and School Supplies was the section. An hour later and Rick still waiting in the car, Noah was ready to begin the school year.

I awoke to fix Noah a warm breakfast of scrambled eggs, while Rick took care of some grooming essentials. I thought he looked so handsome. My beautiful baby boy is no longer a baby--he's in First Grade. His Father, Rick, gave him a wonderful Father's Blessing--words of encouragement and hope for us all. Rick, kindly gave me a Blessing as well, that I might be the Mother Noah needs me to be. We began our day out right. It may have not been a First, but it is a rarity. Often we are running around searching for something.

His red backpack and lunch were packed and he was ready to walk and roll on his chariot. It was rather entertaining for our little family. Noah was excited for his day of FIRSTS. Lots of love and good luck my boy.

What I learned from Noah:  Setting all FIRSTS aside...no matter what, he is growing up.

R*E*S*P*E*C*T My Hammmeee Downs

Maybe it is because Noah has worn uniforms for the past two years, or maybe it is because his clothes come in boxes via Postman. Whatever the reason, he loves to receive clothes! The moment a box arrives, his hands go for the scissors. He just can't wait to tear inside and see the wonderful items of clothing and though they have been worn by many, they are NEW to him. I was hoping to convince him to at least open the box where we could put the items away, (his bedroom) but I wasn't fast enough. He was pulling out and trying on clothes...throwing them here and putting them there. (Now we have a messy room to go with all the New Clothes.) "Shut your eyes mom...now open!!! What do you think?" and though the clothes came from his Aunt Helena's care, there is no mistaking...with one big whiff "Mom, these clothes still smell like the Bodines!" (He says happily and so I know that is a good thing.)

This particular package of clothing was an extra blessing. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Noah will not return to Carden Memorial this year, which means he will not be wearing a school uniform. I remember the Back to School Shopping of my day and oh how I wished I could give that to Noah.   Three days before his first day of first grade at Jordan Ridge, this box comes. One thing about Aunt Helena, she has perfect timing and amazing inspiration. I felt like my Back to School Shopping came to us. There was one pair of white Perry Ellis pants. They were definitely fancier than he has ever worn.  He felt the smooth material. His eyes big with surprise. He quickly ran behind his bed for modesty. He was so animated as he put these pants on and then he blurted out, "OOhhhh, now my dad will give me some respect...huh mom." I couldn't contain the laughter. Noah was going to get his dad's respect because he had cool duds?

For the most part, we will be fine without the uniform, in fact it may even be a fresh change. Noah is bound to keep us entertained with his determination to wear his clothes the way he likes them. I will often set out something to wear and find it still where I left it. Noah will come around the corner in his own concoction and may I say he has an eye...an eye for what... I am not sure. One Sunday morning he appeared in a maroon shirt, under a bright red sweater vest, with a pair of gray wool pants, cowboy boots and accessorized with a Santa Claus tie...mind you, it was the beginning of June. As many will tell me "Learn to pick your battles" and though this was one I was willing to fight, keeping the spirit of the Sabbath was also important. It was all I could do not to think that others were questioning my ability to parent.

There have been times when he has set out his own clothes to wear the following day. He is very meticulous and methodical about it. One of his favorite outfits was the camoflauge shirt, olive green pants and army dog tag. If he wants to be the cool of cool, he just puts on his shark tooth necklace. Noah is his own person and he has taught me to respect his choices and his hammeees (I don't know when it was that I learned it was "hand me downs" and not "hammeee downs" but that is not the point.)

What I learned from Noah: He loves new clothes no matter how old they are...he can make almost anything look handsome...and he wants a little R*E*S*P*E*C*T.

One Golden Night, One Golden Family

My sister will sometimes have what she calls the "after vacation blues."I think it is just a plain "Hebgen Lake Withdrawal."I don't stay nearly as long as she does and I am experiencing a withdrawal right now.

Honestly, there is something MAGICAL and SPECIAL about THAT PLACE, and this year I felt it to the extent of my inner core. Maybe it is not that THE PLACE is MAGICAL so much as the Pete and Michelle Bodine Family and Howard and Lisa Hart Family have created MAGIC for THAT PLACE.

Is it because they know how to make every moment count?

Is it because they have opened their minds to the wonders of nature, not just viewing it, but learning and applying it?

Is it because every year they have a craft from shrink art jewelry to felt paintings, hair wraps, friendship bracelets, fleece blankets, crochet hats, window art, jewelry made of washers and scrapbook paper and who knows what else?

Is it because every morning it is a guaranteed smooth ski or wave surf?

Is it the incredulous storms that appear late in the afternoons?

Is it the wildlife...the star gazing?

Is it the visits to West for the Playmill, loud laughter and homemade fudge?

Is it the wildlife tee shirt of the year?

Is it the fact that their generosity extends to families and friends, and then when guests come, they make everyone feel like family?

Is it because of the late night games and stories?

Is it because there is a wide variety of activities (4 wheeling, biking, hiking, nature walks, snipe hunting, bat counting, treasure hunts, wave runners, boating, tube rides, skiing, wave surfing and wake boarding, BOB, fishing, floating the Madison, visiting the sites, smores, picnicking, etc.)

Is it the cozy meals and cramped sleeping quarters?

Is it the quaint, charming decor of the cabin?

Is it the fact that their warmth and friendliness include the surrounding neighbors? (I am almost positive others plan their summer stay around when the Bodines/Harts will be there.)

Is it because they have improved and brought needed changes like a newer, safer stairs and boat dock?

Is it because there is still a spiritual component in discussion and attending sacrament meetings in the Park and in West?

Is it because my nieces and nephews are the coolest, the funnest, the hippest and blow cool over the edge?

Is it because every bathroom is chalk full of Bath and Body Works Lotions, Soaps, Shampoos, a rainbow of Venus Razors and toothbrushes?

Is it because there is a system, a real house of order that is set so that everyone pitches in and takes part and a certain amount of that system also is devoted to flexibility and spontanaiety?

Is it because even the Chipmunk has a place, a name (Davey) and feels welcome there?

Is it because you get to learn new words and phrases (random, awkward moment, retro, metro, bcote?)

Is it the "hot cocomotion" and the "whip creamer?"

Is it the array of desserts? (oreos and whip cream? peanut butter spread atop cookies? fudge stripe smores? "Bring it to the Idaho Fair."

Is it the contagious laughs, the infectious smiles and allergy sniffles?

Is it because the stars appear to shine brighter and be more numerous?

Is it because the sounds of the city and the fast pace of the world are put on hold to enjoy moments of a higher nature?

Is it because the Adults get to act like Children (Howard in floral swim cap and two ski Tuesday) and Children get to act like Adults?(like when Mallory was asked to move the car and Noah gets to drive mom on the wave runner)

Is it because there are unlimited opportunities for fantabulous photo shoots and pictures?

Is it the magnificent sunrises and brilliant sunsets?

Is it the "grow a moose" in a bucket of water?

Is it because Madeline is a Playmill Star and the rest of the Family is a Star Audience?(literally received their own ovation from the Cast when they came through the door)

Is it because there is a personal library brought to the cabin and a few classic dvd's for wholesome entertainment?

Is it the bronze tan and golden highlights in your hair that give you a look of refreshemnt, revival and relaxation?

Is it the night swims, the swim to the point, the brave jaunt off the steep blue slide?

Is it the warmth of tradition?

Is it the fact that you are reminded that "families are forever" and there is no one else I would rather be forever with?

Is it all of the above and more? Yes, and so much more that words escape me. This year I would say there was a bonus

--One Golden Moment for One Golden Family--for one glorious evening every sibling shared an evening together with their amazing parents in their Golden Years of Life.

One can only be too grateful for those making these MAGICAL MOMENTS possible.

What Noah and I learned from the Bodines and Harts: Hebgen never loses it's MAGIC.