Every parent should watch this!

I normally wouldn't put a video on my blog unless it had to do with my kids doing something funny/amazing or a concert or something, but I recently watched this on You Tube for a college class that I am taking and it really struck a chord with me. It comes as seven 9 minute segments. I have loaded the first segment here, and then when you get to the end of the video, you will see how to see the other six segments. It is called Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood. You do NOT have to watch all segments at once. I didn't either. I am forever a changed parent because of this. There were so many things here that I never thought of. Of course, this is only one perspective, but it certainly makes me think.

My weekend project!

After: Notice the new dining room chandelier, tablecloth (found at Goodwill), and the candle holder centerpiece ( found at Ross)

Before: Not really matching anything. Just random things

Dave got rid of the old fireplace. He fixed the huge hole and now we can put the couch in front of it. It sure makes the room bigger to not have to adjust for the hearth.

Me painting, which I HATE!

Tessa looking WAY too happy to begin painting.

I hate painting but knew that this gross room needed some serious help. So, Tessa came over and lent her awesome decorating and painting talents. I love my new room. Now, to get the living room done.

Back to School Again !

Just thought that I would post a picture of me and what I am thinking as an older student. Don't get me wrong, I really love going back to college, it is just that I should have done this when I was young with no family or other responsibilities. But, I have a great support system in place with Dave and the kids, and it makes it much more do able. It is just a bummer that since it is summer, I have to have my nose in a book instead of being carefree. It's all good though. I like school.

Ava in pigtails!

Miss Ava is really getting big. She even has enough hair to have super cute little pigtails. Look at those cheeks. Looks like she hasn't missed any meals in her short lifetime. She is really smart too. Just ask me. I wish we lived closer so that we could sneak kisses a billion times a day.

Friends since Elementary School

Two Friday's ago, my two friends came over to visit, giggle, laugh, eat, and just be together. We had the BEST time. I have known Angie since 6th grade. She helped introduce me to the Church. I have known Barbra since we were in the same kindergarten class. We all went to the same elementary, Jr. High and High School. We have been friends ever since. Between the three of us, we have 12 kids...simply amazing. Anyway, I simply adore them and can't wait to get together again soon.

L to R: Angie Shutt Barker, Me, Barbra Shutt

Sasha

This is a picture of Sasha on our cruise to Mexico that one of her friends took of her. She met this really nice boy her age who was visiting with his family from Sofia Bulgaria. They hit it off, and have been "pen pals" ever since. He took a really great picture. And besides, the weather in this picture is what I wish was doing here. Come on sun...get here already!

End of year concerts

Last night we went to Jayson's last concert of his 6th grade career. He plays the trumpet. He has really progressed nicely since he started playing the trumpet in September. So, in only 9 months, he has gone from just blowing air, to learning notes, how to read and count music, and how to play melodies with 60 other kids. I was very proud of him. Tonight we went to Sasha's last choir concert of her 9th grade year. This is her first year in the high school choir. She loves to sing and has a lovely voice. The concert was very enjoyable to listen to. Such progress was made there too. All in all, I have two very talented kids....just ask me....and I will tell ya.

A few of my favorites!

I just read a blog of one of my friends who has had a horrific year, but has managed to teach me what being a true Saint really is. She lost her sweet husband last year in Afghanistan. She is a gorgeous lady, who at the time, had a sweet baby just weeks old. She went to a neighboring ward, so I knew her from there. Anyway, she just posted a few things that bring her JOY. I figure, if she can live a joyful life with the trials that she is living with, then dang it, I should have no excuse. So...here are a few of the many "things" that bring me joy, and in no particular order, although family truly is my reason for doing anything:

1. Dave, Heather, Sarah, Sasha and Jayson...they bring me more happiness than words can ever express
2. My friends that I can call or drop in at ANYTIME of the day or night without them ever worrying that I am seeing them with a less than perfect house or with them without makeup. They are truly one of the best things in my life.
3. Music...listening to, singing with, or actually playing on an instrument. The trumpet and piano are very important to me. They help me feel "me".
4. A clean AND organized house....not that they happen together with any frequency
5. The feeling I get when I can donate my things that I no longer need, to someone who might need them.
6. My Ward family, and my extended family of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.
7. Friends from Elementary school who decide on a quick minute to come and spend their Friday night with me so that we end up laughing and giggling so hard that we do NOT even realize that midnight has come and gone.
8. The Gospel of Jesus Christ...for without it, I am nothing, and my family isn't mine eternally.
9. Friday night dates with Dave. They are my reward for everything that happened that week. I cherish the time with him. I know that this life doesn't last forever, but that eternity is going to be an awesome time with him.
10. My job helping to raise other people's children. They are fun, demanding, and exciting. I LOVE my job.
11. Going to college on someone else's dime.
12. Thinking about my time when I was active duty Navy, and remembering all the places that I was blessed enough to see: Guam, Philippines, Solomon Islands, New Guinea, Fiji, Hawaii, San Diego, and the Bay area.
13. Going to Brazil in 2008. I love reminiscing about that trip. Too cool

This is of course NOT all that I am thankful for, but it is a great start. What are you thankful for?

THREE New Posts!

OK....for all of my friends out there, and you know who you are....I have updated my beloved blog. I know that I told a certain friend that I would get it done by this coming Sunday, I decided to get it done earlier. So, please go to the previous posts to see what has been happening in the Mathison home. Enjoy this day......we don't get to do it again.

Wood, Hair and Temple

Jayson and Dave cutting wood

Dave looking at Jayson ( whom you cannot see) chop wood.

Jayson swinging the ax

Sasha got 5 inches of hair chopped off a little over a week ago. All that red hair wasted. Such a shame...LOL

Dave and I went to the Temple a few weeks ago. It was one of those rare nice days.

Family

Dave's Dad Lloyd, daughter Heather, granddaughter Ava, and Dave

Jayson, Sasha, Heather, Dave, Ava, and Heather at Church

Dave, Ava and Heather

More pictures of Dave, Ava and Heather

Don, Lloyd and Dave Mathison. Can't you see the resemblance?

These are some of the pictures from when Dave's daughter was in town showing us her new baby daughter. We had a great time with her, but wished we could have had a lot more time with her.