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Friday, January 27, 2012

Little kid prayers are the best



Today Cru gave his first prayer by himself and it went like this:

Dear Heavenly father, Thank you for this day. Thank you for getting rid of all the monsters and tigers. Please bless that all the puppies will stay. Name of Jesus Christ amen.

Probably one of the best prayers I've ever heard.

Love him.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Hormones bring us to Jesus!

So I'm sure the title of this post sounds if not blasphemous then ridiculous, but I do have a theory. I say theory as much of my insight could just be radical chemical imbalances, caused by just recently giving birth to a child, as opposed to true inspiration.(which I'm sure is typically the case with me) Either way I give you something to think about.

I like most women do not like hormones. For 7-10 days out of every month I go from an optimist to a pessimist. I feel physically drained. I feel extremely burdened from every ailment. I experience sorrows and emotions that stem from absolutely nothing. I have extreme anger( I'm sure joby can elaborate on this) and no hope for anything. Hormones are simply obnoxious. I hate them. I think I notice them more now that I have family and can't just pamper myself all day. ( ie I notice them more now that I can't be selfish with my time) I have researched every possible solution to counteract their effects such as exercise, nutrition, vitamins, meditation, positive thinking, midol midol midol. I have yet to find a cure all and just have to try to get through this time without ruining someone's life.
You know how people find the most outlandish things to tie to the Gospel?(like Harry Potter? Yes that was a dig at you Kristen..hehe)
Well here is where I tie hormones to Jesus...
I was reading in Isaiah 53, which makes me cry (even when I am not hormonal) and for some reason I was pondering this plight women have to bare each month. Isaiah 53 has been called the "song of the suffering servant" (kindof sounds like it could be talking about a womans struggle with PMS. hah)
It is actually one of the greatest prophesies of the Messiah written in the Old Testament. It talks about Christs suffering and triumph. As I read about how he was "despised and rejected" esteemed as stricken(viewed with the same disdain of a leper) And how he was a "man of sorrows aquainted with grief" not only because he carried the burden of our sins on his shoulders, but because he knew the fate of those who opposed him and it cause him great emotional pain, I thought of how I acted while experiencing the emotional turmoil hormones cause.
He had the greatest spiritual/physical burdens placed on him daily and yet he still got up each day and lived it to the fullest. He didn't release anger on others for his burden. He acted. He didn't let his burden slow down his mission. He continued to act as a God. I think sometimes I still see the Savior as I did as a child. As some kind of super hero that was above the emotions of the world. I forget sometimes that he felt sorrow as we do. He felt betrayal, ridicule, unacceptance, and pain as we do. I am so touched by his ministry everytime I consider the love he gave though he was treated so poorly. Even the small number that stood by him in his earthy life ended up rejecting him.

I began to see this physical/emotional burden women have to endure every month as a small taste of what Christ felt everyday of his ministry.

How could he accomplish so much, with so much against him? How did he accomplish so much carrying so much pain and sorrow?

I have never seen a purpose for hormones which is why I hate them. However, I realized these brief hicupps in our emotions are a time we can become more like the Savior. Its easy to serve others and extend love when we feel good, but how much better will we be if we can do this even when we don't. To be happy, productive loving, longsuffering and in service to others while hormonal...to me this is what it means to truely triumph in life.(hah) Attaching a purpose to hormones such as spiritual growth and changing focus to the Savior and his example of what he did amist pain, sorrow and rejection might be the best remedy to that monthly misery.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Chaos spelled backward says family

This is some of the footage of my and Jobys first week as parents of 3 under the age of 3.
Chaos ensued as I was still healing from ripping completely, yet again (which is illustrated in my hobbled walk/jog in the video) and couldn't do much while Joby was working. So you will see a messy house, unclothed or half clothed children, food fights with anything Cru and Sage could reach on the bottom shelf of our pantry, Clean Laundry thrown down the stairs for laughs, a batman killing cowboy and excitement for a new little brother to come to our family.




I will admit I was scared out of my mind for 3, but....its not so bad once you get a routine down. However, this statement may change once Von is walking and I have three children scaling my Fridge and pantry shelves, throwing miscellaneous items in the toilet and trying to escape down the street to the neighbors.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

I'll break your toys!



Today Cru's cousins came over to play and Cru was being stingy with his toys and kept taking them from his cousins exclaiming "These are mine!" I angrily told him that his cousins always share when we go to their house and if he didnt share I was going to break and throw away all of his toys!!
In my frustration and freaking out on him, the Spirit whispered "Speak softly and he will understand."

How could speaking softly be more effective than threatening toy disposal? Right?

I thought about times when I was learning a new position at work and made a mistake or didn't carry it out correctly. Those who yelled at me for my blunders just created resentment in me towards them and my work. However, those who spoke calmly and kindly and explained why we do things a certain way and how to approach it, made me want to do better. With a patient approach learning took place.
I get overwhelmed at times when I start to contemplate all of great character and principle I am suppose to instill in my children. How am I suppose to do that? Luckily we have a loving Heavenly Father that through his perfect parenting and teaching us with love, we learn how to teach his sons and daughters.
I find that these teaching moments are whispered more frequently when I am dilligent in my morning scripture study and prayer. Its nice that we are not alone in raising children. I am so grateful we have the sacred teachings of the spirit that help refine my character and explain more effective ways to teach my children righteous principles.


**Interestingly after this post I turned on the TV to watch the BYU daily devotional and they had chose to rebroadcast Elder Bednars April 2010 conference address which talks about teaching your children to Act and not be acted upon. Coincedence...probably not. And my learning continues.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Evolution

Motherhood evolution:

This was me with two kids:



This is me with 3 kids

Any questions?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Fall


Thursday, October 27, 2011

41 goin on 42 weeks...


I look in my closet everyday and say hmmm should I wear the black stretchy pants or the black stretchy pants. Options are extremely limited after 40 weeks.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Livin the best Timeline

So Joby and I were watching the latest episode of Community last week where a simple roll of the die created a whole different timeline and chain of events. Afterward both Joby and I pondered where we would be had we chosen different roads in our life.
The following is the timeline I contemplated:
5 years ago I had just graduated in Broadcast Journalism. I was working with my friend Michelle at Fox 6 San Diego in the Photog department as we put together our field reporting resume tapes.

This was her:


This was me:


Both of us were offered Field Reporting positions in small markets to begin our career. Both of us were beyond excited to be News Reporters.

Here is where my timeline changed...


Michelle took the position.

I did not.


This is her 4 and a half years later:


An Anchor in a large news market in Texas

And this is me 4 and half years later:

40 weeks pregnant with our third kid. Living in a small town that resembles Radiator springs where winter lasts 8 months out of the year and sucks every last ounce of moisture from my skin and hair. Living in a house whose outside makes it look like it was transported from West Valley and I can't forget our amazing view of the trailer park. Did I mention I look and feel like a cow?

Michelle is wearing cute pant suits, interviewing political candidates, great authors and world renown scientists. Shes jumping out of planes with her photog, reporting on scene at major events meeting influencial people, getting major recognition and awards and enjoying the adenaline and excitement that working in the news brings.

I am wearing dresses that look like muumuus because I cant fit into anything because of my belly. I play at the park, get mac and cheese thrown at me, change diapers, change cloths, do laundry 24/7, referee fights, clean up messes, never get sleep, endure tantrums and whining...etc In conclusion I am a Mom

So obviously, my life could have been alot more glamorous. So why did I not take the Reporting Position? I like to blame Joby as I was offered the positions right after we were married and he did not want to move for my career. However, ultimately if I truly wanted the position and conveyed how important it was to me I have no doubt he would have moved.

I didn't realize it, but I had made my decision not to be a field reporter right before I was offered the career. See, you enter the news field thinking you are going to change the world, but as you are more exposed to the organization of the media you realize you are simply a puppet to the stations agenda. I was in countless producer meetings where reporters would offer excellent story ideas. Never once were they accepted. They were always assigned the stories that were approved by big media conglomerates and basically those who funded the station. I would have to report on things I didn't agree with and not in my tone, but the tone of the station. I began to realize journalistic liberty did not exist. Additionally the adrenaline in news is very addicting. I wonder if this would have made me put career above having children.

It was then that I made the decision(with the promptings from a loving Heavenly Father that knew it was difficult for me to give up what I thought was my dream) that I could be much more influential in the world if I raised a family in the Gospel so they could go out and be examples to others.

5 years later I am grateful and confident I chose the best timeline because I have these precious irreplaceable gems. Life is good




“Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life.” It will often be necessary for all of us to choose between having a good time and leading a good life. -President Harold B. Lee

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Bridal showers can be fun

Ah.... fun Times. So great when all the girls can get together, especially if its in celebration.

Sums bridal shower and advice Part1



Part 2

Thursday, September 8, 2011

The Archer DNA "wuss strand" surfaces again.

So a little over a year ago I posted this:



Sadly, Crus bravery has not improved as seen below.




Somebodys genes are to blame and I can confidently say they are not mine as I have seen Joby cry like a little girl when he accidentally steps on Crus plastic farm toys.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Motherhood and the regression of my intelligence

I and Cru's ongoing argument:

ME: "Cru do not unlatch your seatbelt." (it doesn't really matter what I say his response is still the same)

CRU: "Mom you just said poopies!"

ME: I did not say poopies or anything reminiscent of it I made reference to your seatbelt!

CRU: " You said poopies!"

ME: Cru! I did not!

CRU: Yes you did!

ME: "NO I DIDN'T! Nor have I ever said poopies! Stop saying that!

CRU: (laughing) You said poopies!

ME: I DID NOT SAY POOPIES!!!!!"

And so the intellectual battle continues.....



And in other news....so does the confusion...

Sage will not walk and its frustrating me. The confusion is that she won't walk,

but she will do this:


Open the toilet lid, climb up and sit in it.

I don't understand.

Monday, July 25, 2011

"as they walked and walked and walked AND WALLLLked"

We just returned from trek 2 weeks ago and this is the first year Pioneer Day has meant more than parades and fireworks.

Joby and I were called as Ma and Pas for trek back in February, to give us time to prepare, and were told the experience would change our lives. Walking in a bonnet and dress through Wyoming is going to change my life?

Right

Well it did.


I use to think the Pioneers were just "some people that did something hard a long time ago." Luckily being called to this gave Joby and I the desire to study these great Saints and what we learned and experienced will forever inspire the best in us.

There were moments walking on the trail where they walked that were so sacred not one person in our company of 250 could contain their emotions. A wave of humble cries slowly broke out and you knew you were on hallowed ground.

The pioneers reached some of the greatest character possible in this life. They came to know the Savior personally on earth and their examples of Faith, love and sacrifice will continue to be a compass through my own challenges.

If you ever get the chance to go on trek...take it.

Great read:Fire of the Covenant
Great Movie: 17 Miracles...(even Joby cried ..don't tell him I told you)

Friday, July 8, 2011

Hands down...Best Holiday

The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday.

Maybe I like independence and my Country...

Maybe I don't like the British or their teeth...

Maybe I like fireworks, festivities and family parties..

or maybe I just like Joby who happens to have been born on the 4th...

The culmination of all of these makes for a delightful experience.
Family BBQ/ Pool party and fireworks at my parents and then onto the Archers for more fun!


Cru got his first pair of Boots from Grandma and Pop Archer this year!

We are on Day 4 of him refusing to take them off for bedtime.



A couple months ago Callie told my nephews, when we were out hiking, to pick some flowers and give them to me. Both Landon and Kason picked a flower and handed them to me saying "Here Julie!" Cru must have wanted the smile and hugs I gave them because ever since that day if Cru sees any flowers he will pick one for me and while reaching say "Here Julie!"

its the only time he calls me Julie instead of mom and its so ridiculously cute.


In the words of Will Ferrell..."AMERICA!!"

Thursday, June 16, 2011

I'm one and ridiculously cute

I like the the pool, the beach, eating sand,
wrestling with my brother and...
cake! And I just turned one!


Monday, May 30, 2011

Easily amused

Ah...if only we were all so easily amused as children.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Maybe Florida is our next move....

I married into a crazy awesome family!! (Archer/Colmans.) Yet another wonderful family reunion and so great to have Katie and Evan come with us! I wish I had footage of everyone. After this trip Florida is in the running for I and Joby's next move.
For 10 years I went to the beach almost everyday. Since moving I haven't been in 2 years. It was beyond refreshing...

It will never lose my affection.


Sidenote: katie and I are both 18 weeks prego in this video. look how AMAZING she looks and how "not so amazing" I look. (ugh.) luckily, these pictures grossed me out enough that I got back on live the life and have lost 5 of the 10 pounds of overindulgence in the first tri-mester. I miss my metabolism from my 20's....

Monday, March 28, 2011

Stuff

It is extremely easy just by looking at a toy to decipher if it is from China or the U.S.
China's English branding is delightfully bad. It typically lacks punctuation, prepositions or plural forms of nouns.
This is one is our favorites, so far, because it incorporates all three grammar mistakes listed above. It is a bucket of little plastic safari animals...I mean animal.
It makes Joby and I deliriously happy when we discover China toys in Cru's toy collection because we get to incorporate the new lingo into our daily conversations for the rest of the week. For instance, today I followed Joby around the store with random items stating "Lovely and fun (whatever I was holding) these are what you want."

I have been searching to see if they also have other lines like "The world of insect" or "The world of person."
I also like that they inform me that "these are what I want" because it takes the annoying decision making process out of buying toys.

In other news.. I was giving my Relief Society lesson yesterday and we were discussing the dangers of carnal security. After people had supplied some examples of carnal security I began to move on to the next subject when randomly someone just said

"boats."

And I don't even know who said it, but it was so funny because it was said out of the blue and with complete disgust. It was said in such a way you would think boats were the downfall of society. I just started laughing and I couldn't move on unless I addressed it so I just stated "Mark my words if you own aboat you are being lured by the adversary into carnal security." Everyone was laughing, but I wish I would have found out who it was so I could ask for some background on her animosity towards boats. For the rest of the day anytime there were breaks in conversation I would just say "boats."

In other other news.. Cru pushed Sage in the bathtub. So she got right next to his face and screamed the most high pitch shrill scream I have ever heard in my life. It literally hurt my ears.Cru started crying hysterically because it scared him. I was laughing so hard I couldn't breath. Nice to know my little chica can already fight back.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

candy confidence

I received this picture and text today...

"Hey Julie remember us????
You can't hurt us anymore!!!!!!!!"

Apparently the candy community is getting a little cocky knowing I have quit them.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Juice puppy era

Cru loves to dance. We typically designate 7:00p.m. after hours at the Archer house and we blast the salsa music and dance until I pass out on the floor. My endurance currently gives up at 7:45. I don't know how I use to dance until 3, sometimes 6, in the morning.
This video is a couple months old but I love it because it shows his sweet complex arm movements. Additionally, this was the juice puppy era so he would randomly say "juice" or "puppy" the whole time he was dancing. You can kindof hear it on the tape.

His current motivation is still puppies but he's added horses to the mix.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Mr. Mom

So I've decided I'm going to slowly delegate all my responsibilities to Cru so I can do whatever I want.