Sunday, March 11, 2012

I Bet You Thought I Wasn't Blogging Anymore

I don't even know if anyone reads this old blog anymore... I'm pretty sure that most of the people I know either keep up with me on facebook, or my photography blog, or they call me, or come over to see me, or they really and truly don't care what's going on over here. ;) For the one or two who still read this blog... I thought I'd throw some randomness at you.

I finished the Personal Progress program for the 4th time and earned my new medallion today... I really and truly love the YW program. Aubrey earned hers a few months ago, and she was such an inspiration to me through the process. I loved going through the value experiences, and learning and growing. Believe me, even when you're an "old woman" you still have a lot of learning and growing to do. Did you know that ANY woman can do the Personal Progress program? Yep, you can. If you want to, and don't know how, or where to start, I'd love to help you. 

We're going to move... did that get your attention? ;) Well, there are a few things that have to happen first, like we have to sell our house... but we're really praying that things will work out. We need a little farm before all of our kids are grown and gone. We need a place for Cedar (our horse) to live, and a place for the boys to raise their chickens and bunnies. We love our old house, but it's time. We love it here in Vernal, Brandon has a good job, our kids are settled in... we need to make our little dream come true here. So... if anyone knows anyone in the market for a house, send them our way. We'll try to do it cheaper without a realtor for a bit. 

I convinced Brandon to sign up to do the "Tough Mudder" with me in October. It's 10 miles, 25 military-style obstacles... pretty much insanity. I think he hates me a little bit for getting him to sign up, but what can I say? What's done is done. ;) I'm really looking forward to Wasatch Back with my girls and Tough Mudder with 25 of my friends and family. Yep, that many insane people that I know... who would've thunk it? Thanks to my sister for coming up with the hare-brained idea in the first place. I'm expecting her to let me run right behind her through the electric shock part... fair, right? I mean, I had to put up with having a pesky little sister most of my life... she should be good for something...  ;)

Aubrey got asked to prom awhile ago and went dress shopping this past weekend. She found a gorgeous dress. It's truly stunning. I can't believe my little girl is wearing floor length teal ball gowns and looking so beautiful and grown up. I asked her if I could borrow it... I never ever had a dress that even came close to that one when I was a teenager. I have no idea where I'd wear it, but I just know I'd feel like a princess.

Tyler is on staff for a couple of scout camps this summer. It's been neat to see him take responsibility, and get excited about really early morning meetings. He's a good kid, and I'm grateful that he's mine. He's going to have a good summer. I'm really excited for these experiences that he gets to have.

Cooper and Captain came with us on a Sunday walk this afternoon. When we walked past the Middle School he reminded me that he would be going there next school year. Oh. my. gosh. Why does he have to remind me?? I can hardly believe that I will no longer have any children in elementary school, and in a little over a year, I won't have any kids in primary either. 

I am absolutely loving this time of my life. My kids are growing up to be really great people, and I like being around them. I wouldn't mind freezing here for a bit, but then I realize that every stage has had its great things, and I've truly enjoyed every one of them... and maybe I'll love the next stage in life just as much...or more, who knows? I talked to my Grandma Howell on the phone the other day about motherhood... we were interrupted by someone coming to bring her down for dinner, but the conversation we had was great. She is such an example to me of finding the good in every stage of life. You know, right now her sweetheart has to live in a nursing facility, and he isn't doing well at all... they can't be together, and it breaks my heart. Yet, she is still cheerful and loving, and every bit herself. I need to call her again and finish that conversation.... and start some new ones. I have so many amazing women in my life to learn from... I just need to absorb all of their good qualities and maybe someday I'll be that kind of woman. I've been working really hard the past little while (well, my whole life truly, but especially the past little while) to be a better person. It's really slow progress, and I have a lot of set-backs, but things are slowly starting to sink in and become more a part of who I am. I'm letting go of some of the things that were keeping me from being the person I know I can be... it's hard, and I still have more to let go, but luckily I still have a lot of life left to do it.






20 comments:

Brenda said...

Wait a minute--I feel like somewhere in there I was insulted. ;) I think it'd be great if you guys could find a little farm. I can just picture you living at a farm, and it seems right. I want to have chickens. We can have chickens here, but it's a matter of talking Troy into it. Love you!

Rachel Holloway said...

I SOOOO understand about wanting to freeze different stages, but then the next has something so new and exciting! :) I can't believe your kiddos are growing up so fast though--it feels like I've known you forever...and yet, I feel like I have seen them grow u the past few years as well.

I AM INTERESTED in doing personal progress. Can you really do it as an adult? That would make me so, so happy...I could really use that right now. Send me info?

LOVE YOU! :) And I hope someone wonderful comes and buys your beautiful little house, and that you can move out and be on your farm. OH, how I hope that for you...

Aubrey said...

I hope we move.
Do we have chickens? You guys never tell me when we get animals. and remember we have a dog too.

Mindy said...

LOL, Aubrey!! No, we don't have chickens, but if we get a farm, we will. And yes, our dog will like living on a farm too. :) BTW, we have a giraffe now... forgot to let you know...

Tracy said...

Love your posts and miss hearing from you on here. I will add my prayers to yours that you can move and create your little bit of paradise.

Love you!

Rebecca Adams said...

I still read your blog! I just don't comment too often. Sounds like you have a lot of fun things going on. :)

Mike, Sha, Kenna, Kate, & Garrett said...

Fun things for your family.

I can't wait to see Aubrey's dress. BTW-I would love to help with hair. Unless you want a professional and then I understand.;)

Clint.Nicole.Ryann.and James said...

I still read your blog:) and it makes me sad to hear you are moving. I love getting to see you so much because we are in the same calling. I miss you already!

Charlotte said...

You are such a wonderful, beautiful person, Mindy. I hope your house sells quickly and I hope you get your little dream farm.

JJordan said...

I didn't know that anyone could do the YW program! I thought you had to be serving in YWs to participate! Very cool!

Felicia said...

I loved reading this. You are such an inspiration to me. I hope I enjoy my kids in the middle school years because honestly I am dreading it.

I keep meaning to do the YW program on my own, but haven't ever started. 4 times is...well, probably just one of the reasons you are so amazing.

I hope you sell your house soon. My friend's husband didn't get the job he applied for, or they would probably jump on your house!

I miss you. I hope you keep posting here because I love the inspiration from YOU. I like your photography blog, but photography isn't my thing so I enjoy this one too.

I can't believe Aubrey's going to prom...wasn't she just four yesterday?

Marci said...

ok so i thought you were talking directly to me because I WAS THE ONE but apparently i am not.:D silly mindy.

you sound so GOOD...i love that. hope you find your little farm soon and that everything goes well. make sure it has a guest room ok? ;D

love ya.

Georgia said...

Apparently there are a few of us who still follow your blog, Mindy!

I loved this...All the great stuff you and your family are doing just makes me so happy.

Best wishes finding your farm, selling your home, and moving forward with a lot of life left to live (just be warned, it moves soooo fast!).

Kate said...

I still read your blog. :) Thanks for posting.

Alison said...

I still read your blog...cause I am a blog stalker. Actually I love your wonderful words of wisdom. I was just typing my million post on my babies' birthday and thought they needed to just stop right here. It is too sad how fast time goes. Good luck on the house selling.

jen said...

A friend asked me to join her Wasatch Back team tonight and I thought of you. I have to admit that I was relieved to see that the dates won't work for me because we just scheduled a trip to Yellowstone for the same weekend. But I was reading up on the race and started sweating bullets just thinking of myself running that race. I love the thought of doing something like that...something I don't think I can do. Maybe someday. In the meantime, I'll just admire your ability to do hard things :)

carol said...

I just love you! Your last paragraph has me completely tearing up. You are amazing, I am so glad to be your cyber friend. :) I can't wait to see pictures from your little farm. It'll happen.

Mama Peep said...

And yes, I too, read your blog regularly. I just don't comment. Please blogging. I love you insights and comments.

Shanda Call said...

I can't believe your kids are that grown!!! Loved your post, good luck on selling the house!

Shalini said...

I just came to see your blog after reading your hilarious comment on VandCo's birthday blog.

Glad your writing again and hope you go well with the farm.