I got curbed!

Recently I witnessed a "curbing."  It was a strange sight to see.  I had to ask what it was because I'd not ever seen this awkward rendition of doorbell ditching.

Here's how it goes.  A group (usually youth) knocks on your door, or rings the bell, obviously.  The entire group then plants themselves on your front curb.  You open the door to a group of individuals with their backs toward you.  Sitting there.


When I was "curbed" I was unsure if I should stay at my door, yell at them, or walk toward them.  I learned that the first of the group to leave the curb is the "loser" of the group.

It looks like this:

Only, the view is a little different when YOU are the one answering the door.

Next time, this lovely bunch promised to bring me cookies for the "curbing."

Judge not. . .

I'm not sure where this is coming from, but it's been firmly placed into my mind for at least a week.  I cannot shake the thoughts of how damaging judgement can be.  I've thought about all aspects of judgement: appearance, financial either good or bad, life situations, the decisions others make, and on and on.

I've personally felt judged, as I'm sure everyone has.  It's uncomfortable, at times painful.  I know I've been guilty of judgement.  I don't like that truth.  It's not necessary to judge each other.  It doesn't help anyone and it doesn't make any person better or smarter than another.

Mother Teresa was quoted in a recent general conference, "If you judge people, you have no time to love them."  I've had the pleasure of loving all types of people.  My mission, my jobs, my tendency to randomly talk to strangers, and having strangers talk with me, have opened my eyes.  I've had true compassion for a mother that is merely 16 years old, for people who have harmed their child, a drug addict that doesn't plan to ever get clean, a recovered drug addict, overweight people, people to are intimidatingly intelligent, people that don't have any personal hygiene, poor people, and people that are as beautiful as any magazine photo.  I cannot say that there aren't any differences between them. That is not true.  They are different.  BUT, the way I feel when I think of each face that goes with these people, fills me with the same feeling of love and care for each.  That, is what is not different.  I'm not suggesting that I am immune to judging others, loving many doesn't cure me of that.  Although, I wish that I could be cured, because I see no reason behind this unfortunate habit in our society. The awful habit that exists in me.

Each person has a different story, a different background, and a combination of experiences that no other person has had.  Even individuals with the same parents have unique stories.  People do bad things, some do good things.  Some are so obnoxious with their interests, their actions, or their opinions, but they are THEIRS.  We are not required to BE them or even AGREE with them, just LOVE them. Just love.  Love. Take the time to love them.

I'm not intending to preach, only share.  I needed an outlet for all of these thoughts and emotions that have felt bottled up all week.  None of this is new to me, but the ideas seem refreshed as though I will need to be open to this type of situation in the near future.

Week 12

Haven't Given Up. . .Yet

It may seem as though I have given up on my photo a day scrapping.  Not so.  I was just so mesmerized by my new niece that I completely neglected taking a photo of the moment.  I had to wait until I got a picture of her before I finalized my pages.  SO, make sure to take an extra look at the sweet little lady on Thursday the 17th. 

Week 10

It was a crazy week around here.  Please see Tuesday's photo/comment for more details.  I was hurrying to eat and get on my way to my Smile for a Lifetime board meeting.  We choose 9 lucky youth to receive orthodontic care at no charge!  This is a wonderful program and if you or someone you know may be in need of this type of service PLEASE nominate them!

Coleman Orthodontics - Smile for a Lifetime

Week 9 - Getting Caught Up!

It's been a crazy couple of weeks and I've realized if I don't catch up now.  I never will.  

I'm just going to say it now. . .my poor family and co-workers got to see me at my worst this week.  I recently read a post where one of my friends just vented, it was honest true venting and she wasn't ashamed to share it with the world. Without shame,I'll tell you all now, I was stressed.  I wasn't sure that I could keep on going.  I couldn't do all the requirements of my job, I couldn't be what my husband needed me to be and put undue stress on him as he was preparing for a job interview, I wasn't a fun mom for Benson and my students didn't get taught like they deserve. I had to ask for help and I had to apologize, more than I wanted to.  It was ugly, but also humbling.  I have good and forgiving friends and family.  Thank You. Really.  Thank you.

Week 8 - Late Valentines Day

No Comment.  Just Pages.

Week 7

Our health is getting better.  Mitch handed over his phone so I have better photos now, but the page is made and it's too late.  Benson returned to school, but we still kept him out of nursery.  After the risks we took last week, I couldn't chance it at all this week.  I still made it to sacrament though.

Things are getting crazy around our house.  Mitch has a job interview coming up, he's going out of town, and we are on a mad hunt to find a car before this Saturday.

I've also started to train for the Wasatch Back.  Laying out the training plan made me realize that life is crazier than ever!  Is it really possible for a full time worker/wife/mother/cook/re-licensing teacher to actually train for this thing?!?!  REALLY, is it possible?  Give me some feedback, that way I'll know if I need to drop out or not.

On a more positive note: Mitch and I celebrated Valentines Day this past Saturday.  We put it off because of all the illness and chaos.  We had so much fun.  We opened gifts, shopped and went to Wiseguys comedy club.  The show was as clean as I'd hoped and VERY funny!  More details to come next week.