It's Because We All Have Fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~Marianne Williamson

It's Because I love my Daughter

I found this in my old blog today, and thought it was appropriate to post this again in light of the current situation going on at our home.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Dear Heidi,

I’m grateful that you are my daughter. You are a beautiful, smart, funny and a fun girl to be around. You sisters and brother all love you and look up to you, and want to be like you.

I’m proud of who you are becoming. You have a lot of responsibility in your life, and things haven’t been easy for you. You are a strong person, and sometimes I look at you in amazement at all of the things that you can accomplish when you put your mind to it.

Everyone always tells me how amazing you are and what a pleasure you are to be around, and how nice you are to everyone. I don’t take credit for it and just tell everyone that you were born that way.

Heavenly Father has really great things in store for you. Stay close to the gospel, pray often and read your scriptures. I know that when I have done those things I have felt the love of the Savior and had many answer's to prayers. I also know that I haven’t always been a good example to you, and am quick to anger. I have made so many mistakes and pray that I will be forgiven for them.

I know that sometimes it looks like Dad’s lifestyle is easier than ours because he lives with no rules. But I promise you that that lifestyle has a lot of consequences that come with it. There isn’t happiness outside the gospel, and I know this because there was a time in my life that I wasn’t attending church or following the commandments. I got into situations that I wouldn’t have and had to make decisions in my life that were not necessary if I would have done what was right. These things are in place to keep us safe both physically and spiritually.

I want what’s best for you, and I want your life to be wonderful. You are on the right path. The next 4 years of your life you are going to be faced with a lot of opposition and temptation. Always know that you can come to me and talk about things. I remember what it was like to be 14.

I love you and am grateful that Heavenly Father let me be a part of your life.

Love,
Mom

It's Because We Really Are Still Alive

We still love our house, and everyone seems to be adjusting well. Wade and I got called to be in the library at church. Best. Calling. Ever. I'm also an Activity Days Leader in my ward. I have enjoyed it and the girls are really cute and fun - I do worry that I kinda suck at it, but they never want to go home when they come over so I must not be that bad.This is an activity we did about modesty. 

I love our yard, but keeping up on the weeds is kind of kicking my behind. I sometimes worry that the woman we bought the house from is going to drive by and cry that it isn't as beautiful as it was when she lived there - although, I never saw it in the summer when she owned it; but the neighbors tell me it was nice. I think I need to read some books so I know what I'm doing for next spring/summer. This picture of the backyard  right after I got done picking weeds, I can assure you it does not look like this now.

I think I'm adjusting to being a mom of 9 kids. The checkbook could always use a little more money - but I think if I were to ask any parent no matter what the size of their family they would say the same. Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed thinking that there is no way that I should be the one in charge of these kids, and wonder what Heavenly Father was thinking when he gave me the power to procreate. I'm lucky to have Wade as my husband and father in my house. He is a much better person than I am and he makes me want to be better. I think that's a good thing in a marriage.

The kids have started school and Bryce (16) is living with us full time now to go to Lone Peak High School. I pray everyday that he will feel welcome and at home and that this will be a good experience for him. He has struggled with school in the past and I want this to be good for him. He and Heidi are both juniors, Ally just went into 7th grade, Michaela 5th and Jack 2nd. The other kids start school on Monday (Aug 27). They're in a different school district and start a week later. Zach will be starting his senior year (yikes), Tevya 9th, John 6th and Tierza 1st. I always like it when school starts, and am always happy when summer comes around. I just want them all to do well.

We got a cute little dog in February. His name is Harley. I love him more that I ever thought anyone could love a dog. He loves me too. But I think he might love Michaela more. This is him when we first got him, don't you just want to kiss his cute little face?!?

 That's a quick update from the Higbee/Vigh family. I will try to be better about posting more often.

It's Because These Are The Things I Love About Summer

I love my yard.

These are the beautiful flowers that grow on the green bushes in the last picture.

This is another beautiful flower that grows in my yard. Wade's brother and his wife gave me this plant. I wish I knew more about this kind of stuff and then I could tell you what it is. And I wish I could remember what he told me it is. I'm going to do better next year. Wade's mom and sister's (and brother Wyatt, who gave this to me) can tell you every flower that they see and what the name of it is. I want to be like that. Someday.

I love snow cones. This is one of my favorite things about summer. The cream they poor all over the top of it isn't bad either.

 I love finding little gems like this in the laundry.

Wade and I love to go on Harley rides. This is one of the places we rode to.

I decorated Ally, Michaela and Tierza's window well when they were gone this summer.

Wade and the boys went fishing for Father's Day with his brother's and Dad. They came home with a ton of fish.

YUMMY!!

It's because I really love our new house

We've been in our new house (new to us) for a month now, and we love it. The neighbors are really nice (the one's we've met), we love the ward and I've been very impressed with the schools. And on a side note Wade has a new friend that lives across the street and 3 houses down - who is also named Wade - that also has a Harley and loves to ride almost as much as my Wade does. Almost.

Living Room

Family Room

It's because we are going to be real grown ups

We put an offer on this house, and they accepted....

It's because I really needed this today

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. Most putts don’t stop. Most meat is tuff. Most children grow up to be just people. Most marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more dull than otherwise… Life is like am old-time rail journey – delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

Gordon B Hinkley quoting Jenkin Lloyd Jones