Man of the house

It went down like this:
Last night we were preparing Nate "the great" to leave on the first leg of our European excursion. Upon my scan of the front yard I realized that it was not mowed... I told McKay that he was going to be the man of the house and so he would be in charge of mowing after pops left. And though I was half way joking, because like what mum sends her 10 year old out to do all the manly duties of the father... But McKay let it seep in... While I forgot about it.

This morning we took Old papa Nate to that airport along with 3 oversized suit cases full of provisions for the next 18 months... And we quickly dropped him at the curb with a smooch and hugs and drove away. Upon our return back to the homestead we all quickly found ourselves crawling back into our cozy and cool sheets. And next thing I know this is what happened...

I woke up to the lawn mower moving across the yard. I looked at the clock in time to see that I had waaaaaay over slept and then I peeped out my blinds to see the "man of the house" pulling the lawn mower over the yard.

Later, whence he came in, and after I smooched his face off, I asked Mr. McKay why did he do such a nice thing and he told me, "I wanted to get a start on the lawn before it got too hot." He did the far side by the street today and said he would work on the rest throughout the rest of the week. And then I realized... I am in good hands!

Mr. Mecham may be thousands of miles away, but the Man of the house is taking good care of things over here.

Sure love that little man!

"I swear I had never done anything like that before..."

One day I was sitting in church and heard somebody say, "pray for trials... they make you stronger". I actually gave that some thought. Like... I thought about it all day! I thought about Lady Nie and all the trial she has faced with her accident. She has been a wowzer of inspiration to the world! I thought about Joseph and Emma Smith who lived an entire life of trial for the restoration of the gospel. I thought about the founding fathers of this nation and the soldiers who gave their lives for land of liberty! Trial! I thought about the countless prophets and wives who faced lives without children, persecution for their beliefs, hiding from those who would kill them, destruction of their homes and friends in the masses, calls to give up every worldly possession they had and the losses of children to the adversary from some of the most notable and righteous women to ever live... The trials of Eve, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, Sariah, and the mother's of the stripling warriors. The trials of Adam, Joseph, John, Abraham and Lehi, Nephi and ultimately, the Son of God. In a nutshell, I did a lot of thinking that day. A lot. And I realized that these people were all real and they were all loved. But they had something I didn't have. They had trial and opportunity to overcome it. They were stronger people because they depended upon Heavenly Father through their trial. Then I asked myself a funny question: Why would these people who were a bajillion times better than me have to go through all of this to receive glory and I should not have to do anything of the kind? Then I got worried... What about the pioneers? There is a trail! I had not allowed myself to get stronger... but I was ready. I must have been in a good spot that day because that night I did the most "off the wall" thing I had ever done. I prayed for trial. Now let me tell you... I swear I had never done anything like this before. But I was serious as a heart attack! And HOLY MOLY... talk about a prayer granted! Now please let me preface that this seems like a mite sized trial compared to the heroic people above mentioned... but non the less, it has been... hard!

Over the next few months the foundation for the perfect trial was laid. And then on January 12 Mr. Mecham found himself jobless. In a world where so many people know what this feels like I should not, perhaps, consider this a trial at all. But for the Mechams, it was. And it was perfect! We look back on the last few months with fondness! We consider that at that moment on January 12 we would elevate it to one of the greatest events that ever happened to our little family. All of the things we had prayed for were solved by this minuscule event. Our children learned more gratitude! They fasted and prayed like I've never heard children pray. That alone was a tender mercy. The sad fact, is that their mighty faith was what elevated that of their parents. Each of us became more solid in the law of the tithe. We lay giddy in bed each night thankful to have lived that law perfectly... if we never did another thing perfectly we are blessed to have done that! We knew that it was the best insurance out there! And it has proven to be! We can't wait to pay our tithing when Sunday rolls around! Our chickens laid more eggs. Our food stayed fresh longer. Our car got better gas mileage. Our children stayed healthy in midst of flu season. We were able to afford surgery for Nate and physical therapy for McKay. The list is lengthy. It is miraculous. It doesn't add up on paper. I personally learned something critical for my progression... something about my judgement upon those who financially struggle: though it is difficult to admit, I didn't ever see myself in that place and so I didn't have an understanding of what the poor and needy really go through. Because of that, my judgement was seriously off. I am soooo thankful to have been enlightened! So very thankful. The hardest day for me through the entire 4 months of this newt sized ordeal was when the sweetest little man pulled up in front of my house and I watched him from the window reach into his back seat and pull forward a big box overflowing with food. I nearly wept before he got to the door. We had a lot of food in our house. But this man and his wife wanted to help and they did more than feed us food. Bags of Cosco chicken, lasagna, treats for the kids, turkeys, roast and pork. I swear paycheck worth of luxurious provisions. From their goodness I felt the love that Heavenly Father has for us. I know that we were not only watched over but that EVERYTHING!!! would be okay. From that day forward, I did not worry. I knew all was well. Another sister offered her food storage to us. Somebody else dropped off his car for Nate to drive while I took the other one. Dear friends, knowing we wouldn't use our money to spend going out, made us dinner and invited us for fun at home instead. We took more temple trips. Our relationships got better! And Better! And Better! We learned a new work ethic. We believed more in ourselves. In fact, if you have a self image problem... loose a job! Then you will realize that Heavenly Father is taking care of you! That sounds funny, i know, but lets be honest, if the God of Heaven and Earth has enough interest in you to work miracles on your behalf doesn't that give you self esteem? Above all else, we learned that there is a little secret to trial that we don't get to hear much about... when some will ditch you because they mis-judge you for trial others will rise to the rescue. While some would say trial is punishment I would say it is a profound way for Heavenly Father to show His love for us. While some will wallow in their trial, I believe whole heatedly that it is to be overcome. And I will die fighting to overcome. While there are those who claim that trial is brought upon the weak I believe that only the strong can take it on. From this day forward, I will stand firm in my belief that Heavenly Father knows what trial to give to who. He is mindful of each of us. And I will accept what comes my way with a cheerful heart knowing that the person who said, "pray for trials... they make you stronger" not only spoke from experience, but he was absolutely right!
mark your calendar: January 12... the best day for the Mechams. WE (as in all of the Mechams) consider this little trial a mighty opportunity for growth in every way... to prepare us for what ever there is to come to us. And with confidence I invite all who need a lift in life to not only pray for a trial, but to be willing to find each and every blessing that comes with it. There are more than can be counted.

Lunch Lady

McKay has this little soft spot in my heart, as all my children do... And, like any other mother would, I did something this year that I didn't want to just for him. Actually, it all started years ago. Here is the story:
McKay is a home body. He has always enjoyed playing with his friends at home but rarely does he go to their house. When it was time to go to school we tried like crazy to convince him that it was cool! We took him to Mrs Billings pre-school; the funnest preschool EVER! and he still wasn't excited about school. When kindergarten started he was less enthused. Finally in second grade McKay got Mother goose for a teacher. Bless her! That woman is going to Heaven! School that year was beautiful and I was certain that we were over the hardship of public school. The following year was AWFUL! Mother Goose was gone (she stayed teaching 2nd grade even though we offered to pay her an additional salary to move through 12th grade with McKay) and McKay had a male teacher. Mr. Moore. Now I have to tell you, I thought Mr. Moore was one of the best teachers in all of public school! But he was a definite far cry from mother goose... he didn't hug. he didn't shyly giggle when the kids were being naughty, and he didn't talk to Mckay like he was a tulip. His was an institute of learning and he expected everyone to "just do what they were told" and when they didn't he wasn't messing around. He never got mad, but he followed through on consequence every. single. time! Mckay hated school. In spite of me going to the class room and grading every paper ever done that year, McKay still hated school. And so I put together all my brain power and came up with an idea to apply to be a playground aid at school. Why not? If McKay had to go to school then perhaps he would like it more if his mother went with him! YIKES! And just to keep the making fun down, I shall have a job there! The kids never wonder about that!!! Problem: no playground aid jobs open at his school... which meant to me that other kids also hate school and their mums got a job to help them out! Well we made it through 3rd grade. And we LOVED that summer! But is sure went by quickly. 4th grade arrived as did another amazing teacher but all the kids who were friends in 3rd grade were in another class... and Ms. Sims didn't need help grading papers. It was going to be a terrible horrible no good very bad year! I could tell. Making all new friends? WOW! I could go sit in the class and observe but how weird is that everyday? And who has time for that? And would that really help? And so it was that we just accepted a year of wo is me from McKay... LOTS of prayers and trying to invite kids over was a treat. Then came the year of a life time (I will write about later... I promise) and one day, in the midst of serious trial at the Mecham home, the lunch lady called to offer me a job. She found my resume from last year and thought she would have me go apply at the district offices. And so I did. And that day I got the job and I started the next. Lunch lady is a far cry from playground aid. And just in case you don't love your neighborhood lunch lady, you need to. In fact, there should be lunch lady appreciation week! Those ladies are working their buns off! (no pun intended.)
Day 1 as a lunch lady: I had to change my clothes because I had on earrings, a blouse and ballet shoes. Better apparel choice would have been scrubs and a pony tail. Best choice was t-shirt and jeans, tennis shoes or orthopedics and NO JEWELRY! hair in pony tail or pinned back somehow. BOY HOWDY! Day 2- 5: I did everything... EVERYTHING... wrong! And on day 5 I came home with tears in my eyes telling Nate "I hate school!" I hate it and we should home school McKay. The fact is, I had decided to quit on Monday. And then Ms. Sims called and said, "You fixed the problem! McKay is a whole new kid since you started working this week. He raises his hand! He is playing with all the kids on the playground. He is HAPPY all the time! I think you solved the problem!" I was stunned! STUNNED!!! He saw me for less then 10 seconds while he zipped through the line deciding if he would have a corn dog or meatloaf... How did that change everything? And from that phone call I realized... I had to stay as a lunch lady. I had to! It had changed the whole game for McKay. But I hated it! Then I gave myself the little pep talk that I gave mcKay every other day before I was a lunch lady... the one about attitude and optimism. And then I put on my tennis shoes and t-shirt, pulled my hair into a pony tail and found a smile and went to work. What a year!

10 things I learned from being a lunch lady:

10: I was cut out to be a mom. I don't like to work under somebody Else's jurisdiction.
9: people don't think lunch ladies are smart.
8: the local lunch lady does NOT NOT NOT get paid for the work she does... She works like a slave and gets paid next to nothin'. Don't work for the money there... if you need money get a different job.
7: I live in a bubble. I like my bubble.
6: the school that the kids go to is an amazing institution and I am now a major lover of Franklin schools. WOW! The children are well behaved and the teachers are incredible. I wish each parent would go and observe just to see what it is really about.
5: Religion is an interesting topic. I worked with 5 of the most wonderful lunch ladies ever! 1 Catholic, 1 Lutheran, 1 J.W., 1 Latter Day Saint. Religion was my favorite topic to bring up! :)
4: Ketchup and Ranch dressing really make me want to gag.
3: School Children are vulnerable. I am soooo glad I am done with that!
2: You can easily pick out children who's parents are involved in their life by their appearance, actions, and confidence... GET INVOLVED IN YOUR KIDS!!!
1: The number one thing I learned as a lunch lady is that I would literally do ANYTHING... i mean ANYTHING... to get my little people through life. Your reason "why" in life, should make you try (or cry)... and my reason why I went to work as a lunch lady made me do both.

I have never... NOT EVER... looked forward to summer break so much!

The Game of Tag

I actually think this game is pretty funny! The fact is that I filled one of these out moons ago... and I enjoyed myself so much that I when TWO of my fav people also tagged "anyone" I decided that meant me! So here you go... Facts about Moi.

4 shows I watch:
Except for the fact That I am socially challenged in this department, I haven't watched 4 hours of television in a decade... so I don't even know what is on. The last 4 shows that I watched back in high school were pretty sweet:
1) Days of our Lives (but every time I hear about it from the younger crowd the same stupid thing is happening... so I don't think I've missed much in 20 years.)
2) Little House on the Prairie... but I was embarrassed to admit it in high school. (I own the series on dvd and my kids are loven' it!)
3) -
4) Sadly there aren't 4 shows I've ever been religious about watching... but I swear one day I will be cool enough to join in a conversation about E.R. or something...

4 things I'm passionate about:
My mother one day described me in one word, "passionate". I should be able to fill this out...
1) SOLVE the PROBLEM! Don't Blame anyone else! Figure the real problem and Solve it! Hard? yes! Get er' done.
2) Constitution. We have strayed something fierce from it. BOY HOWDY! The founding fathers would NOT be happy with us!!!
3)clean underware
4)teeth brushed... no build up between them... wow! that's yuk-o-la!

4 phrases I say a lot:
1)nice.
2)Wow!
3)What the heck?
4)If is was easy it would already be done.

4 things I have learned from my past:
1)It's always easier to say sorry than it is to keep tryng to prove you were right when you were actually wrong.
2)If you judge harshly it comes back on you to give you a broader perspective.
3)NEVER say, "If there is anything I can for you let me know" or anything of its kind unless you are actually willing to really do ANYTHING!
4)staying healthy is easier than trying to regain health.

4 places I would like to go:
1)Bora Bora
2)Australia
3)Switzerland
4)Greece

4 things I did yesterday:
1) ACN Meetings
2) read to Coley
3) made dinner for friends
4) cleaned my seriously messy house

4 things I am looking forward to:
1)summer break
2)A new President of the United States. It doesn't get worse so I know whoever wins will be a better deal!
3)my tulips blooming... they just started and they make me very happy!
4)a steady paycheck again... who knew one could take for granted something like that? Weird!

4 things I like about winter:
1)winter grass
2)cool weather
3)Christmas Break
4)sleeping in

4 things on my wish list:
1)Mecham bum (as in, I wish I had one instead of the one I have)
2)New Bed... freaken' curse the one I have since it has visible mountains and valleys.
3)twins that I didn't have to birth myself.
4)McKay's leg aches to be GONE!!! AND NEVER EVER COME BACK EVER EVER! Po McKay!

4 people I tag:
Whoever has the time, ought to do this. It's sorta fun....

A musical morning

Mr. Cole is the happiest person I know. Really! He is. He can find something good about every single day! It might be because in every prayer he has ever said there is always one request, "please help us to have fun____________" fun doing whatever! And Cole's prayer is answered... because the kid has fun doing everything! He is unique in many ways... but up at the top of my favorites is that he is the most cooshy, cozey little boy ever! Cole's top 10 cooshy and cozey requests: (10)fluffy pillow (9)feather blankets (8)to be warm (7)long sleeves even in the summer (6)fleece lined jeans because he likes how "soft and cozey" they feel on his legs (I have to hide the fleece lined jeans during the summer or he will wear them) (5)bubble baths drawn and bathroom warm before he gets undressed (4)getting his feet rubbed with lotion before bed time (3)snuggie (on the most wanted Christmas list!) (2) talking in temple tones(uh small problem... I don't usually talk in temple tones) and the #1 that makes me laugh every day is that he wants to be woken up with a song.
The fact is that there is something that doesn't make cole happy and that is when he is woken up withOUT a song. So when this happens he grumps around until we send him back to bed thereby giving us the opportunity to wake him up with a song. It is really funny! He is serious about it! Nate sucks at waking him up. He doesn't ever sing. But he is learning that the entire family relishes in a happy morning if he will just freaken' sing a song! Everyone else around here is on board with waking up Mr. Cole in musical fashion!
I vowed to post today so that I never forget the awesome morning... I asked McKay to please go wake up Coley and so he did. I heard him quietly singing, "once there was a snowman" and he even sang the 2nd verse about "once there was a tulip". And when I went in to peak, McKay was standing right by the top bunk with his little voice in Coley's ear and rubbing his back... just like Cole likes.
You can imagine that morning was quite pleasant around here today!
I sure love those boys! They are so fun.

A whole Dozen years goes by FAST!

Miss Bailey turns 12 in a few short hours! HOLY SHMOLEY! She has begged for years for a cell phone... tonight we gave her an early birthday gift... A cell phone. And now we have to extend her bed time so she can go to mutual! And the boys gave her a blingy watch and high heels that she begged for. And when she opened it all up while sitting at the end of the kitchen table, Her dad sat at the other end with teary red eyes wondering where the time has gone. High heels and cell phones did him in. I, on the other hand, have finally come to terms with not having any more little babies... Up until this past few months I have debated and wanted more. But lately Bailey is filling the void! She is tons of fun and quickly becoming more fun than another little baby can. Her clothes are every bit as fun to purchase, she is funny and finally likes me! Can't get better than that!
Oh little Miss magic... You sure have grown up fast! How can we keep you little forever?
Happy Birthday Bailey. WE all sure love you.

Thankful I am!

Dad has a Thanksgiving tradition: Each of us go around the table and say one thing that we are thankful for. I am always touched by the emotion that backs the gratitude expressed. Most of the time I hear words of Thanks for Family and spouses. And I am ever so grateful for these things: To the tune of the inability to adequately express myself verbally.
This year, however, I find myself with Thanksgiving for my (not so) little brother, Jake. For his life and sacrifices, for his determination to keep going and for his ability to hike and triumph over trial. We all have learned about life's hardships. It is a part of our purpose to be here. Some will wallow in their pity. Others will accept defeat. While still there are those who will pretend or even lie about there even being a trial at all. It is He who squares up or stares down that which is difficult and overcomes each bump in the road that is the most impressive to me. Persistence can not cope with failure. And for that reason coupled many more, Jake is undoubtedly, heroic to me in every way. Sure love you buddy.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.