Project 6... part two Yard Sale!!

Wow. Purging is hard work.
I had decided that the yard sale would be one day. Whatever was sold was sold and everything else would be given away or donated. I still have to finish my attic. I know if I look around there is more I can part with. The end goal is to have things that are absolutely loved and have a purpose. I am well on my way to reaching that goal. This yard sale did not make much. Considering the hours I put into organizing and cleaning, I made about $4 an hour. I know it's a bit sad, but it's more than I started with. No shame in honest work.
It was nice to have a goal set because it kept me motivated. I took action and I accomplished what I set out to do.  I'll keep picking away at it and make sure to keep on top of what I bring into my home. I have to remind myself to ask, 'Why do I want this?', 'Do I need it?', 'Does it have more than one use?' Hopefully being mindful will keep me from amassing unecessary JUNK!!
My project for July will be my yard. It's in sad shape. I need to remulch my beds, weed, fertilize, and landscape in front of the pool. I am entertaining the idea of rain barrels, too. I would like to fix my patio as well, but that might be a bit ambitious. But that's okay:) Setting the goals is what is making the difference for me. I'm really good at talking a good game so that is why I decided to blog about my projects. It would keep me honest!
I'll be sure to take before, during and after pictures. I like pictures with blog posts. It's like adding an accessory to an outfit. It is not necessary, but it can help tie it all together.

Project 5...and 6: PURGING

To 'purge' means to cleanse or purify. That is the feeling that I want to have in my home! I didn't just want to declutter, I wanted to purge!!!! What a great project:)
I recently realized that my May project was going to spill into June. I decided that I was going to rid our home of all clutter, junk, and exesses stuff! The torando last year made me re-think what was important to me in my home and what is really necessary to have. I know of 3 people who are moving and have talked about all the junk they've had to get rid of and how overwhelming it is to have to do that while packing. I felt I should take the time to put my things in order before something big happens. Why wait?? It's an ambitious project, but I have a whole month to do it in, right??
 My original goal was to stock pile my garage with all our wonderful extra stuff and have a yard sale on June 2nd. When I realized that it was going to rain on that Saturday, I slowed down and decided to go through my rooms one by one and do a thorough job. Extending the deadline into June sounded more realistic. I have thrown things out from time to time, but this time I needed to be ambitious. I had 14 years of accumulated stuff and if I was serious about this project, slow and steady would be the best approach:)
I started with a pad of paper and wrote down each room on a separate sheet. I started with the kitchen because I knew there wasn't alot to rid myself of in there. I went through each cabinet and just wrote down the things that I didn't want or use anymore. Extra plates, cups, expired food, gadgets that I thought I had to have;), old towels, pot holders, cookbooks, magazines, etc. It felt so good just to make a list. I moved into the diningroom next because I knew that would be an easy room as well. Then the two livingrooms and bathroom. Extra towels, old shampoo bottles, empty packages, hairbrushes we never use. Books I'll never read again, old VHS tapes of trendy workout videos, magazines from 1998. Really? Why have them?? Out they would go. That was it for the first week.
The three bedrooms and office were next, (closets included), with the two baths and second floor porch. Everyday I took about a half hour and did this for each room in the house. It took about two and half weeks total. Once armed with my list, I felt empowered.
The following week with my list in hand, I started back at the kitchen and started with each cabinet and piled all my unwanted stuff on my kitchen table. One pile to the garbage, one pile for yard sale, and one pile for donation. This would be the formula used for each space I hit. It's best to have a bag or box on hand so you can sort as you go.
 I have gone through each room and closet so far on the first two floors of my home. It feels so incredibly amazing to look at my neat closets, shelves, and drawers and know that everything that is in there is being used and loved. No more holding on to stuff that I may use someday or things that I thought I had to have because I wanted to remember something. Do I really need that faded, peach Guess sweatshirt with all the holes in it? Or what about the acid washed jeans?? Really?? If I'm not wearing it, out it goes! Elephant pants? Yea, let's not talk about those right now...
I'm in the process of working on the basement. I am about a third of the way done. I threw out six 30 gallon bags of trash alone from there and I'm only A THIRD of the way through!! Yikes. So many books, (especially homeschool books and materials), old clothes, games, dolls, videos, and dried up craft supplies have made their way to my garage.
I decided I would keep two containers in my basement. One will be for clothes that we decide we don't use or want. The other will be for stuff that we are getting rid of. Once they are full, we can decide to sell them or. more than likely, donate them to Goodwill. That should help keep my decluttered house, well, decluttered!
Don't worry, nothing is making it's way back in. Once it's out, its out for good. That's the firm rule.
Next will be the attic and I will save the garage for last. I may even delegate that to my hubby. Why should I have all the fun?
I'm hoping to have my yard sale on June 16th if it doesn't rain. If anyone is looking for homeschool texts, kid's games, clothes, brand new men's workboots (size 8.5), a Bopee, an exersaucer, stuffed animals (cleaned of course;) ), books, and other STUFF, just stop by and maybe we'll have something for you:)

I'll post pictures of the yard sale when it finally happens... Promises to be interesting!

Dandelion Run

I'm a bit fuzzy on the details of how I got here, but at some point in the last few months, an extremely energetic friend of mine, ( and I say this with the UTMOST affection:) ), approached me in regards to running a race. First off, I don't run. I jog... and not consistently. People tell me that if you are moving your legs in a way that is more than walking, that is running. I beg to differ. Running to me means propelling yourself forward with great effort. I tend to shuffle along, hence the difference between jogging and running. But I digress.

When my extremely energetic friend, let's call her 'EEF' for short, has an idea, it is always a guaranteed adventure. I honestly don't know where she harnesses this energy from but I know that it could run a small city for at least a year. I say this affectionately as well!

So, 'EEF' tells me about this race called the Dandelion Run in the town of Derby, VT.  It is supposed to be very scenic and 'Oh so much fun!', and we need to do it. We were supposed to run in a relay race this year called 'Ragnar', but the team fell apart. (Don't tell 'EEF' I said this but I was happy:)

This Ragnar relay was roughly 176 miles (yikes!!), and the Dandelion Run would be a 10k (6.2 miles) so I happily agreed. My extremely energetic friend, 'EEF', set out to find a hotel room and plan out the trip. This is where she balances me out because I tend to fly by the seat of my pants, which really is a nice way of saying I'm not organized. She, on the other hand,  is very organized. I know that is the reason why she gets so many things done. She doesn't just talk about it like I do. She is extremely pro-active and detailed oriented which are only two of the many qualities I admire about her. But, again, I digress:)

EEF's husband generously donated some hotel points so we could get a hotel room in White River Junction. I don't remember if it was in Vermont or New Hampshire. We were on the boarder and I know we bounced between the two states a few times. We arrived at the Hampton Inn around 7ish, I think, dumped our bags and asked the friendly clerk where we should eat.

Jesse's was the steakhouse that came highly recommended and let's just say, for now, that it ranks as one of the most memorable girl's night out in along time:)

We had to head out early because we had til 8:30 am to check in for the race and we still had to drive about an hour and a half to get to Derby. We checked in successfully and grabbed a racer at random to take a picture of us because it was extremely important for me to have evidence that I was in reality registered AND participating in the race. You see, I had decided a few weeks ago that I would be walking. I had tried to train and ended up with very sore knees and didn't want to cause any permanent damage to my frail, aging body;) I also didn't want to ruin the experience for myself by stressing. I wanted to focus on having fun; and fun would mean walking.

                                                                             Palesa, Jenn, me and Crispy

It was an absolutely beautiful day with perfect temps in the 70's and low dew points. The drive there was very picturesque; lush and GREEN! I felt as if I had driven into one of Bob Ross' paintings with the 'fun' trees and 'happy' little clouds.
The starting/finish line was at a lake where they would be providing entertainment and lunch afterwards. As I looked around at the 100's of people, I started to get excited. It hit me all at once that I did want to participate!!!! By golly, I was going to 'run'! Without telling anyone that I had changed my mind about walking, I decided that I'd shoot for 3 miles of jogging. That would be perfect and I knew that my max in the past was 4 miles so 3 should be easy, sort of. So at the starting line I looked around, and smiled at my friends and co-runners and waited for the start. Chris and Jenn passed me within seconds. Chris is a runner so that wasn't a surprise. Jenn is strong so that wasn't a surprise either. Another lady from the Springfield ward, Palesa, had decided she was walking the whole thing because it wasn't worth it to her to hurt herself:) Smart lady.
I shocked myself and the others as I jogged  behind, at a distance, from Jenn and Chris. My legs felt a little funny; as if they weren't sure of what to do! I know they were screaming, 'Have you completely lost it?'  But I told myself that I had gone all that way and with so many other people doing it, I needed to try. The first hill caught me by surprise. I was so winded. It felt as if my heart would pop out of my chest. But I didn't give up. I knew I wouldn't come in the top 20 or even 100, but I wouldn't let myself come in last even though I joked about doing that very thing before. As the second hill loomed ahead, I realized the only way I would finish was to keep trying. With my I-pod shuffle and loving voices in my head cheering me on, I tried myself all the way to the finish line!!! I didn't even stop for water. I grabbed the cups the way the marathon runners do and got water up my nose trying to drink it, but I was determined to keep moving for fear that if I stopped for even a second, that I would not be able to go on. It is with some pride that I report to you that I finished the race at 1 hour and 15 minutes! I must say that is pretty great considering I didn't really train and I had started out with the mindset that I would be walking. Imagine what I could accomplish if I had applied myself? Hmm... phew, moment passed;)

           Jenn and Chris basking in the after glow of crossing that finish line! These girls ROCK!

When I was .2 miles from the finish, I experienced this excrutiating pain in my hip and I though I would pass out. I was SO done, but I wanted to finish; needed to finish. Look at the flamigos waiting for me! I did it!

Yes, I did pass out eventually. I love the lonely dandelion next to my head.

See my time??? I came in about10 minutes after Chris. She was moving fast, so that made me feel good. Oh and did I mention, Ms. Crispy ran Ragnar last Saturday?? Yea, show off. I'm sure she didn't feel as if she was moving fast because not only did she run Ragnar, her son and herself had been sick during the week. But she was moving fast because I watched her disappear over the hills to be seen only after I crossed the finished line.

Dang, did you see the 42:26 below?? Way too many show off's here!!!

We took a drive after lunch around the half marathon course and holy cow was it hilly!!!! The views were gorgeous, though.

I want to remind my 'EEF' that I love you just the way you are!!!! You have given me some great memories this weekend that I won't forget:)

I will never look at a Dandelion the same again.

They are so pretty aren't they?? Who decided that they were a weed??

It was beautiful out there and I came home with lots of fun pictures, beef

jerky and a t-shirt:) Oh, and two swollen knees, sore ankles and a hip that feels like it needs to be replaced;)

no joke

hey, you okay??

We were just 4 miles from the Canadian Boarder, so we took a quick drive over.

We topped off our trip with a visit to Joseph Smith's birth place. It is so pretty up there!!

 Thanks for all you do and your willingness to always serve those around you!  You make things happen and that, my friend, is wonderful!

P.S.

My 'EEF' apparently is half human/half cyborg because she was talking about signing up for next year. As excited and accomplished as I felt at the moment, the experience was more like childbirth for me. I survived something hard and painful and will need time for the trauma to fade before even entertaining the idea of doing something like that again.

But, I did survive and it feels so good to say, 'I DID IT!!'

Arrrr, matey!

You lucky pirate, Caleb!!!!! You can NEVER say that your mama doesn't love you:) Your pirate birthday rocked!! Eye patches, sword fights, walking the plank, root beer, gold, treasure chest, edible deserted island, very stylish bandanas, cupcakes with pirates almost as cute as you, and kid-eating octopuses. Man oh, man! Your mama didn't miss a beat.

Thank you for including us in your very special 5 birthday, Boo-Boo!

                                                                    Oh, you silly!

Birthdays, birthdays

We have a tradition in our family that when you have your birthday, you get a birthday breakfast of your choice. The kids usually pick having breakfast in bed. Bobby hates to eat in bed, so he got Friendlys this year. Mercedes opted for stuffed French toast. It was my first attempt at making it, so I'm not so sure that it was fantastic, but she got her wish. She also requested a peach pie instead of a cake. I attempted to make that as well:) Let's just say, I'll need to tweak THAT recipe before I can consider it successful. Although making it was a miracle in and of itself, I was happy to make an effort. I'm very confident in my cooking skills, but baking, not so much. Example. I made blondies for work yesterday. Everyone said they were great, but one person came to me and said, "These are pretty good, but nothing holds a candle to those coconut cupcakes you brought in!" Hmmm... Uh, my sister made the cupcakes. Yea, I'll keep working on that! By the way, Happy birthday to my sweet hubbby and my 18 year old Mercy:)

I can't believe my Mercedes is 18!! She's an amazing young lady. I'm proud to call her my daughter. Yes, Mercedes, I AM!!!

One Year!!!!

Gage has hit his one year mark!!!!!!!! I'm so very proud of him:)

Project numero cuatro:)

I LOVE mail. Snail mail. I am old school in that way, I guess, but I love going to mailbox and finding mail. I've always enjoyed the idea that someone took time out of their day to write to me. I enjoy sending cards and letters too:) and that is why my project for April ended up being card making. I'm not fancy about it because I don't have that talent. I wish I could make the creative layered cards with the doo-hickies all over, but that requires a ton of time I just don't have right now. My cards are very simple and there are no fancy doo-hickies, but I put time and much effort to create them and I am very pleased with myself! I hope I can extend this goal setting thing into the rest of my life... Hmmm:)

BYO Family

There is an e-zine that is committed to bringing nothing but positive information about Springfield. The local businesses, neighborhoods and families of our beautiful city are highlighted in this exciting website founded by Katie Stebbins, a Springfield fan!
Check it out at:
www.BYOfamily.com

Let me know what you think!

Oh no you didn't! Oh yes I did:)

You guessed it! Project number 3 is DONE. I completed a scrapbook and started on another one. Dang, I'm good;)
I was hoping to have 2 done, but that was pushing it. I'm thinking of project number 4 still... Hopefully by tomorrow I'll have it picked out;)

Be careful what you pray for

Picture me sitting in an office typing away at the keyboard when my boss comes in and says, "I have to talk to you. We are letting you go."
Wow. I swallowed hard. My mind started racing, trying to think of what monstrous mistake I must of made to bring my working"career" to such an abrupt end.
All I could manage to say was, "oh."
She continued, "We will be moving you into a new position. Someone has just given their notice and you have two weeks to learn the job. I need someone I can trust who has an eye for detail. That's you."
It means more hours and definitely more responsibility. Part of me feels validated, but part of me is dreading working, I mean really working. There are many details tied to this new position and I'm already feeling overwhelmed with my life as it is.
I've had a challenging week and I've prayed to follow God's will for me. He really does have a sense of humor. Be careful what you wish for, or in this case, pray for.

Guess what??

Ha! I did it! I don't know if you can really count the denim bag as a 'bag', but I'm going to! The denim 'bag' is Aalyia's and was made in about 5 minutes. I took one of her old skirts and sewed up the bottom and added straps. I would like to update the straps at some point, but for now, I think it's cute. Roci has the other bag. We went out yesterday and bought some fabric and put it together last night in about 3.5 hours. I was having problems with the sewing machine so that added more time, but I feel pretty good about the pattern and being able to make another in the future! Well, here's to setting goals and working hard to keep them.

Yaoza! Project 2, DONE!

I can hardly believe it myself. This wasn't my first sewing project. I've made a couple of blouses, a pair of slacks and a skirt in junior high, and a few quilts. But those projects were made with plenty of help:) This was my first one all by myself. It only took me about 6 hours from beginning to end. I finished it after bookclub last night at about 12:30 this morning. I know it doesn't look like much, but I'm happy with it! It feeds my handbag fetish. This one only cost me just under $6 to make. Now that I know what I'm doing, this bag IS easy:) Aalyia wants me to help her make one and I offered to make one for Mercedes since I wasn't able to find her a brown canvas bag for Christmas. I wonder if I can squeeze in 2 more bags by the end of the month???? Hmmm.... I think I'm not thinking clearly due to lack of sleep, but, what the heck, I'll go for it. In the meantime, I need to decide on project 3 for March. It will be either completing a scrapbook or finishing my backpack that I started back in 2003. I know, I really drag some of those projects out! By the way, thanks for the support! It's been fun to have people ask how things are coming along:)

Project #2 Tote bag

For February's project I decided to look at unfinished things I have, or in this case, projects I hadn't even  started! Low and behold I didn't have to look long or hard.
I found a pattern for a bag and some fabric that I bought on... brace yourselves, back in September of 2006. That is a little embarrassing. I only know for certain that this is the date because the receipt was still stapled to the fabric.
I'm not much of a sewer, although I do envision myself making slipcovers for my sofa and beautiful curtains for my bedroom, someday. In the meantime, I get easily overwhelmed and confused anytime I pull out patterns and instructions. The lady at Walmart assured me that this was a great pattern to start with and I could do in a couple of hours. Okay...
Move ahead to 2012: I sat in my computer room and pulled out the instructions to what looked to me like a blueprint for building the next space shuttle. There were several styles of bags I could make and I picked the bag with only 3 pieces and 18 steps versus the bag with 12 pieces and 32 steps.
I love bags, pocketbooks, backpacks... pretty much anything designed to carry stuff around. I do love my stuff and like to keep it handy;) I just don't think you can ever have too many bags.
As I was saying, I picked the easiest pattern to start with and read the directions several times because once you cut fabric, there is no putting it back to its original form. The pattern says EZ right on the package so I figured once I read it through I could be done in a couple of hours. Ha! It took me 3 hours just to iron the fabric and cut everything out. Yes, I'm aware that there were only 3 pattern pieces to the bag. I'm sure there was an easier way, but I did manage to get everything cut out. That is how far I got tonight. I hope to have a great picture to post of my pretty bag in the next week or so. I do have until the end of the month. It would be nice to have it done long before that, but I'll plug along and keep in mind that it is better to have something I want to use than to say 'I least I made it', and then proceed to hide it in the darkest corner of my closet. It's like the black hole; everything gets sucked in and nothing ever comes back out. Easy, breezy, right??? Let's hope so...

In times of test, family is BEST!

You never know what is around the corner. Life is good, bad and full of surprises. BUT, we don't have to endure our experiences alone! That is why God has blessed us with the amazing gift of family. We also like to keep our family growing by adding to it in the form of friends. No matter how crazy we may be, and believe me, no one is arguing that point;), we stick to each other like glue! We are always there for each other, as it should be. The following is a reminder to my children on what our family means to us:

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those that matter don't mind!"

That quote is from Dr. Seuss and I love it! So much wisdom in that statement.

 We don't deserve our Father's love... we already have it! Kind of like our family:)

 Our family is truly our greatest blessing...

 If you look closely, you will see the spirit of those that came before us; all alive at this very moment. They are each a thread that represents the love shared throughout our history...

Treat your friends like family, and your family like friends!

 Our children will usually follow our example, not our advice...

 Never let an angry sister comb your hair...

 Thank you God for reminding us of how much you love us through your precious gift of family...

Happy Birthday Gage!

        Where does the time go?? How did I find myself with a 20 year old???

Gage's birthday was on the 26th so I'm a little late in posting this:) While he was having an ice cream on his special day, Bobby and I went to Sal's bakery and shared a slice of cannoli cake in his honor. It was bittersweet... the moment, not the cake. That was delicious!
He says the mission has been an amazing roller coaster ride with very high high's and extreme lows. He always adds that he can't imagine being anywhere else or doing anything else right now and that he knows God is with him and is always supporting him. What a faith builder.

Here's to my amazing 20 year old missionary down in the heart of South America. Dios te bendiga, mijo!

Yahoo! Project 1 DONE!

As I said before, I purchased this chair at Goodwill for $10!

It was a nice enough chair, but with the hardwood floor, and the table top being a similar finish, it was just too much wood. Besides, I love painted wood.

Now this little beauty matches my other chairs and bench! I used Kilz latex primer and a can of Behr flat white paint I had left over from doing Roci's dressers. I am off to buy a can of top coat to protect the paint from getting scratched up and the project is DONE! Wow:)

You might be thinking, 'That was easy. What's the big deal?" Well, it was EASY... but the big deal comes in when I have to find project 2 for February... and project 3 for March... and project 4 for  April.... ;)...

Crazy ideas!

I had this crazy idea, well, it was actually a goal of mine for the new year but now I think it's crazy! Anyway, I had this crazy idea to set a goal to finish a craft or project once a month and blog about it so I could keep track. Hmmmmmm... It sounded great at the beginning of the year, but now that it is almost February, it doesn't sound so promising!
In order to get myself motivated and hold myself accountable I decided to just do it!!! Yikes. There. Now it's official. It's on the blog so that makes me committed... sort of;) No. I'll do it.

My first project will be easy. I found a chair at Goodwill for $10 and thought it would look fun painted white. I will take before and after pictures of course. That will be on my list to squeeze into my busy day tomorrow. Primer, paint and photograph the chair. Hopefully I'll have it done by book club.
Wish me luck!!!!!

I can bring home the bacon...

"I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never let you forget you're a man. 'Cause I'm a woman..."

Does anyone remember that commercial? It was an ad for an 8 hour perfume called Enjoli. As an impressionable young girl, I remember telling my mom she should by it because she would have lots of energy and never get tired. Just look at the lady on TV. I was also the same girl that told my mom to call the "Money Store" (a place that gave out loans promoted by the New York Yankee, Phil Rizzuto), when I heard her complain about us not having enough money to pay the bills. I thought all you had to do was go to the store and get some money. The commercial was very popular on WPIX New York. Yes, I spent many hours in front of the TV:)

Well, I got the job I applied for. I have very mixed emotions about working. My biggest is giving up my flexibility. When you say yes to one thing, you say no to something else. In this case, I'm saying yes to potential money and no to making my own schedule. It's only part time, but I forgot to consider the summer. You know, when the girls are home. I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it!
I don't think I would feel as bad if all my kids were grown, but I still have two young ones who need me. The supervisor did say she would work with me, so I hope that means I can occasionally take a day here and there.
In the meantime, I am thankful because this is an opportunity to get my foot in the door somewhere. Children do grow, I know firsthand!
The bacon I bring home won't even buy what's on that plate;), but it's a start. I'm sure I'll still be doing a lot of cooking and as far as the last part of that little jingle... well, it is TV, after all...

I still love you, Bobby!

Happy New Year... and all that other jazz

Hey, hey, look who's back! Seven weeks in a cast is no fun. Oh, your body does forget how to do things when you don't use it! I always thought that was weird, but now I GET it. My arm, not just my wrist, was useless for a while until I could exercise it and 'teach' it to move again.

I am stunned at how quickly time passes! I guess that's why they say you go "down hill" after 40.
I had surgery on my wrist back in September and just finished rehab the Friday before Christmas. My wrist is about 85 percent recovered. I still have trouble with push ups and some yoga moves, but I'm still working on it.
I am a firm believer that the way you bring in the New Year will set the tone for the rest of the year. I brought the New Year in, in bed. It was about 11:30 when I decided to get under the covers and just read. I was a little sad that we were not in Northampton watching the ball, but it was so nice to be still and warm. At midnight, I received about 12 texts and a couple of phone calls wishing our family a Happy New Year. Mercedes came down stairs from her room and was a little surprised to find everyone sleeping, that is of course, but me.
I had a hectic holiday season this year. Most of it is a blur. But, it was nice to end the year relaxing in bed!
New Years, for me, means new beginnings. I know that may sound weird to some, but I feel a little bit of magic in it. A fresh, clean slate to start over with. I LOVE it!
One of my resolutions is to get a job. I've been inquiring, hoping to get a clerk or secretarial job of some sort. Just part time, of course, so I can still be home to do all my mommy things. I actually started back in September and I finally landed an interview for this Tuesday for a clerk's position.
I have to say that my most favorite job in the WHOLE world has been staying home. I am my own boss and I make my own hours. I get to take a 2 hour lunch if I want to and I get to move the furniture around when I get tired of looking at it. That is pretty hard to beat, except for the fact that I don't make any money doing it. I've come to realize that I hate money, especially when I don't have any. That would be where the job thing comes in.
I have been spending the last few days thinking about things that I am truly thankful for. My toothbrush, chocolate and toilet paper hit the top 10, along with my amazing family and incredible friends that I wouldn't trade for anything. I am hoping to add a job to that list. I guess we'll find out on Tuesday!
Wow, it's good to be back!

Compassion

                  Our perfect example of compassion


I have always believed, and have had confirmed many times through out my life, that if we are not humble, life will do it for us. Sometimes quietly, and sometimes with a great big fat kick in the backside.
I had a horrible experience recently. I saw someone who had been murdered. He was lying on the ground in  a puddle of his own blood from a gunshot wound to the head; right across the street in my neighbor's driveway. I never, ever expected to see anything like that in my life and pray I never will again. This man was well known to the police for illegal activities including drugs. The man lived a few blocks away and the police had no idea why he was in my neighbor's driveway, especially since our neighbors had never seen him before.
We live in a city with a population of roughly 150,000 people. Our city has many smaller communities within it and has a rich history. Some neighborhoods are beautiful with well large, kept homes. Others, are multi-family homes that are rented with the landlords living, sometimes, outside the state; sometimes, but not often, on the same property. Still others, like mine, have a mix of both multi- and single family.
I've always been annoyed, put off and sometimes, outright offended, when people have spoken ill of my home. I'm raising my family here! I don't want my children to feel inferior or embarrassed because of where they live. We put just as much effort to find a proper home for our family as others who may have better means and can afford to live in the nicer suburbs. We've lived here 14 years and have never felt we were in danger. We have come to the defense of our beloved neighborhood and city more times than I can count against many tasteless jokes and criticism. I have always felt justified in doing so. No one has the right to pass judgement or make criticisms regarding things based on second hand information or the skewed presentation of information from the media. I've always felt that if you don't live here or have never lived here, you have no business talking. I never thought I was out of place in doing so; it was my job to 'inform.' I never thought I was being self-righteous or cocky, although looking back I have to question my intent on some of those occasions. I just wanted them to focus on the good people who live here and who appreciate the diversity and beauty that the city has to offer.
There is a small 'shrine' in my neighbor's yard with flowers and many lit candles. I realized last night that this man had people who cared about him!! He wasn't just a druggie. He was some one's son, brother, boyfriend, cousin, uncle, friend. There are people who are mourning his loss. I have no idea how he ended up on the path he was on, but I do know that kids don't usually grow up saying they want to be druggies or thugs or thieves. There's a chance that he grew up here in the same city I am raising my family, my kids. The very same ones that are now nervous about being in any part of the house alone. The same kids who now jump at any little noise, especially coming from outside...

I have been thoroughly humbled by this experience on so many levels. I no longer have a desire to defend what I don't understand. I never should have felt the need to defend this city or my street against verbal assaults and insults. I'm sure I've made people feel uncomfortable in response to my bruised pride and for that I'm so sorry. I should have been more compassionate to those who were ignorant or mean in their judgements. I was guilty of the same thing!! What hypocrisy.
 I also need to remember that people who are lost in sin need my prayers, not my judgements. I want to remember the Savior's example of love and compassion. He loved. He loved the people around Him and prayed for everyone. He never defended or argued. He set an example for those around Him, and for me. May my Father in Heaven forgive me for my shortcomings and help me to continue to become more like Him.