I'm Drinking From My Saucer

My Grandma Ruby is one of my heroes. Now, nearing 98 years on this earth, she still finds joy in the journey and expresses gratitude constantly. That doesn't mean that she doesn't complain. She is very vocal that she is "waiting for her transfer orders" and can't figure out why she's still here. That little human says it how it is. Her honesty is refreshing and inspiring and sometimes not politically correct. It doesn't matter if we talk on the phone or we visit in person, I am in awe of her and what she teaches me. She is spunky, strong, stubborn, and independent. If she can't reach something, she climbs on a chair. If she doesn't like your hair color, she'll tell you. She is as matter-of-fact as she is spiritual, truly a giant in her faith and service to others. In addition to her many quirks, behaviors, and qualities are her one-liners. In reference to having served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints during her youth she said, "Back then the sister missionaries were all of the fat rejects." When asked if she would let me speak at her funeral she said, "Oh, no! Emily will talk too long and tell too much!" One of my favorite sayings is, "My cup runneth over so I'm drinking from my saucer." Years ago I was talking to her on the phone complaining that our home didn't have any hot water. The water heater was broken and the owner of the home that we were renting wouldn't fix it. She replied that "When I was a child we didn't have running water or warm water for that matter. We filled up a tub and took turns washing. We got real good at spit baths too." At that moment my perspective changed. I was being so selfish and spoiled. My life wasn't hard! And grandma most certainly was not going to entertain my whining. I put my big girl pants on and taught my kids how to live without warm running water. It was a blessing, one that I will never forget. Every time I feel bad for myself, no matter the circumstances, I hear my grandma's voice speaking from her four-foot-something frame, "My cup runneth over so I'm drinking from my saucer." It is hard to feel sorry for yourself when you view life in that way. And because of her example, there are a handful of things that I am sincerely grateful for on a daily basis, one of which is warm running water. For more on that story, click here.

We're Upside Down

In the midst of the Great Recession, Brian and I found ourselves in a pickle. Our company was failing. We owned a small business in Southern Utah. In the years leading up to 2008, we tried to live within our means, avoid large expenditures, and preserve our savings, but as the dominos fell, so did we. In tears, Paige ran into the kitchen after school one day. One of her friends had told her that our family was "upside down". Paige said, "No, we're not." In her 7-year-old brain, being upside down couldn't be a good thing, especially when it was followed by laughter. "Yes, you are," her friend chided. "My mom and dad were talking about your family and they said you are upside down." Paige was terribly offended by this. "What does that mean, Mom?" I responded that it meant that we walked on the ceiling. She giggled. I told her not to worry about it. Our family was fine. Her friend was being silly. That was the first time I realized that our family, our failure, our impending doom, was being discussed. I imagined our welfare being analyzed in church meetings, at playdates, and at family dinners. We were "upside down." Although I understand the term "upside down" in reference to debt, at that time, the rumors were not completely true. We weren't upside down. We were the recipients of a myriad of circumstances, most of which were out of our control, and we were screwed. I don't blame that little girl for saying what she said. I don't blame her parents either. I believe that they were speaking to each other out of concern for us and their daughter simply overheard. I don't think the conversation was malicious, but it still stung to think that we were being discussed in hushed tones and with sighs of pity. I also know that that instance was not the first or the last time our family was the topic of conversation. And in the big scheme of things, being "upside down" isn't hurtful, but being talked about can be. I learned a valuable lesson from that experience. Be careful what you say and who hears it. Unfortunately, I put my foot in my mouth on a daily basis. I also pray every day that those that I unintentionally hurt will forgive me. After all, aren't we all a little "upside down?"

Too Much Skin

Having a teenage daughter is really kicking my trash.  I'm not sure if it's because she's so different than me or because I know how girls tick and it frightens me.  The drama....the hormones...the crazy!!!!  Holy moly!  And yet on the flip side there is a mini little girlfriend for me to talk to, goof off with, shop with, and do all of those girly things that men will never appreciate.

We've had our share of battles this past year.  First we started with the battle of the cell phone.  Then we jumped into the world of boyfriends.  My latest issue is the lack of summer clothing.  On that note it would be hypocritical for me to preach my brains out trying to persuade her to wear sweats and a turtleneck everyday.  Heaven knows I had my round of short shorts and tiny tanks.  But I would also argue that I have never been as well endowed as my gorgeous teenage daughter either.  (I like to think that I'm still going through puberty.  Someday my boobs with grow.)

Last Saturday  night my beautiful girl went out on the town with her friend.  They went to dinner and did a little shopping.  When she strolled in the house that night I was busy working at my computer so I didn't see her until later.  I had no idea that she had purchased some new treasures during her night out.  Today she came bounding up the stairs with a new tank top on.  I asked where she got it to which she replied Aeropostle.  It was a little baggy for my taste.  I was imagining what would happen if she bent over to pick something up.  I was certain that the tank top would offer a straight shot down to her bellybutton for any passers by.  But I just nodded and asked if she'd bought anything else.  She said she'd bought some shorts.  Lil G then leaned over and explained that the new shorts were waaaaaayyyy too short.  I told the little sister to mind her own business.  I then asked Ms. Hall Monitor if I could see her new shorts.  She reluctantly headed downstairs with me closely behind.  As we neared her bedroom I could see her hesitance.  Then as she reached for the closet door she turned and said, "They're longer on than they look."

And there's my sign!

"They're longer on than they look."

I picked up the shorts and read the tag.  The tag said, "2 1/2 inch inseam".  What?!  2 1/2 inches?!!!  That's it?!  Heck ya they better be longer on than they look!  Either that or we're gonna have a lot more of a show than what's hiding under that tank top!  

Heaven help me!