Swensen Sentral

Sawyer says the says the funniest things. This morning he told me that he feels like he's the LUCKIEST BOY in the world and here is why. "I have everything in the world a boy could need.  I have a good family. I have an annoying sister.  I have a nice sister.  I have a brother that pushes me around.  I'm the fastest and strongest in my grade.  And I have a best friend that's really nice." And then he ran off with the happiest smile on his face.  If only the rest of us were so simply happy. He makes me smile on the inside.

As with every new year we start thinking about resolutions, change, bettering ourselves, and the future we want to have. Self reflection is so great, unless it’s plagued with guilt. Guilt has its place for sure. A little guilt is impetus for change, but way too much guilt causes a roadblock to change.  I have noticed for me that my default is way too much guilt. Guilt holds me back from being my best self. It makes me feel depressed, discouraged, bad about myself, and doesn’t motivate me to take action in positive directions.  I also have a problem with desiring perfection. And those two things really hold me back. I find myself feeling guilty often because I’m never hitting perfection.  I’ve had enough of it. This year I am learning to accept myself for where I’m at. I’m learning to love myself for who I am now, and not just for who I want to be some day.  I’m learning to love myself, even my mistakes, as they teach me and have a place in my life. No need ...

I’m going to miss my house this year for Christmas. It’s just so Christmasy!

We took a trip to the ER tonight to get stitches in Sawyer’s eyebrow. He was twirling he says and ran into the corner of the wall. It happened around 6:30pm and I was sleeping and Rick was gone visiting ward members for Elders Quorum. He woke me up from a dead sleep wailing with blood running down his face. When I saw the wound I knew it was stitches worthy. Luckily Rick felt inspired to cut his visits short and come home early, so he walked through the door a few minutes later. Together we took him to Mercy Children’s ER. Amelie came with us because he wanted her to. It was so sweet how she was trying to help him feel better in the back seat in the way there. They really have a special bond. He ended up getting 7 stitches from Dr. Ranke. The numbing medicine didn’t seem to work all the way and he kept squirming and breathing deep from the pain. He was so tough. It’s the second set of stitches he has had, both in his right eyebrow.  He says he has learned his lesson not to twirl an...

Took a trip to the ER tonight with Sawyer for some stitches. Apparently he was spinning around and knocked his face into the corner of the wall. It happened while rick was gone and I was sleeping. I was startled awake by his crying and blood dripping from his forehead. Rick walked through the door shortly after thank goodness. Together we took him to Mercy Children’s Hospital and he wanted Amelie to come with us. It was so sweet how she was helping him in the back seat and he wanted her there.  (I started this 10 Dec 2017 and never finished, but wanted to post anyway to document.)

Sawyer: rockets are real Soleil: no they aren't Sawyer: yes they are Soleil: no they aren't  Sawyer: yes they ARE real. Who taught you that? Soleil: me. I taught myself that.   This girl is strong and confident and I love that about her. Hopefully we can mix in a little bit of humility with time and she will be a force to be reckoned with! Soleil and her new friend McKenzie Rodriguez

It's mid October and I'm finally starting to see some vibrant colors on the trees here in St. Louis. Oh how I just love this time of year! The earth is so beautiful and colorful like a canvas. How beautiful is the art that God creates. (Post started 19 Oct 2016 but never finished. Wanted to post for documentation.)