From Nanny to Stripper

I've decided to switch jobs for the summer. Instead of being a nanny and cleaning up after and taking care of kids, I've chosen a more womanly field - Stripping. My dad got me into it. Jeremy says I'm a real woman now. Mom even taught me the song "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy which I often sing as I leave for work.

I am woman, hear me roar

In numbers too big to ignore...

If I have to, I can do anything

I am strong

I am invincible

I am woman. 

(look it up - it's a very woman empowering song)

See pictures below...

Oh... did I mention that I'm stripping electrical wire?

MANthority

This is what Jeremy tells me I need to successfully run a home - some Manthority. It cracks me up. Every time he says it, "manthority" sure has some man attitude behind it. Jeremy and my mom have been my saving graces this weekend. Stopping by to check on me. Giving me hugs. Bringing me a candy bar just because. Offering to come over and be the manthority that I need. Making me laugh. I sure love them.

I've been babysitting the Wood children all weekend while their parents are in San Francisco. I've been told by some mom's in the ward that these kids are probably the hardest. My own mom says to not be so hard on myself... but I just want to be a good mom figure. Yet being a mom, even after just a few days, is HARD WORK - mostly emotionally. It's not easy transitioning into the one in charge, the one responsible, and the one that's suppose to know and fix everything. I watched the same kids last year for a week and by Wednesday I was sitting on the floor crying and calling my own mother. I didn't even make it two days this time. I sat on the bench in sacrament and just cried. I couldn't stop. My mom even sat by me and the kids to help but I was overwhelmed. My mom's advice, "laugh about it". I've always thought I was a pretty positive person but I didn't even know how to find anything worth laughing about. I wasn't getting anything right.

Today has been better. A few things have definitely brought a little giggle. I've had a smile all day. Although I didn't have a man to add the manthority, I maned up and implemented some myself. TV privileges? Gone. No negotiating. Ignoring Kyra? Not any more. Did they hear about how I felt about them disrespecting their swimming teacher? Oh they sure did. Gently but very stern. I even let Britton know that his behavior was unacceptable for a boy about to receive the Priesthood. I'm still trying to decide if that was too harsh or not... but at the same time, if he's old enough to have the Priesthood he's old enough to understand the responsibility, right?

I absolutely don't believe it yelling at children unless absolutely necessary but I've learned that they need a little authoritative parenting to know who's in charge and who to respect. I've got that 'stern mom look' down pat. I've had a quote by Machiavelli running through my head all day - "Is it better to be feared or loved?" Now my question is, how do you teach kids that respect equals love?

Maybe I'm getting there. I guess I shouldn't expect to know how to parent after a few days, or ever for that matter. Maybe the fact that Marissa was comfortable enough to snuggle up in my arms and cry, or that Britton accidentally said "okay I love you" before running out to see friends means they do like me and respect me. I've asked my mom so many question this weekend and she just smiled and told me that even now she doesn't have all the answers.

**But one of the best part about today so far? Figuring out how to install a printer onto my computer and successfully printing something (all by myself I might add). I don't care if this is suppose to be an easy task, it was a very proud moment for me :)

Abide with Me

Abide with me! fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens.

Lord, with me abide!

When other helpers fail and comfort flee, help of the helpless,

oh, abide with me!

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day,

Earth's joys grow dim; it's glories pass away.

Change and decay in all around I see;

O thou who changest not, abide with me!

I need thy presence ev'ry passing hour.

What but thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?

Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?

Thru cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me!

We sang this hymn in church today and for some reason it really touched me. It seemed to have the same words and emotions as my prayers lately. After having finished Believing Christ I've had an overwhelming desire to have Christ in my life as much as possible. Every time I see the picture of Him in my room I pause and stare at it for a moment, as if waiting for him to tell me something. Often times I stand there and ask Him what he wants me to do; with just about everything. I want nothing more than His guidance in every decision I have to make. I get so scared thinking about the future but I know that my future is as bright as my faith. I know that as long as I ask the Lord to abide with me, he'll be there every step of the way .

May 18th - Athens, Greece

Athens actually wasn't anything like I expected. Our first stop was at the Panathinion Stadium - the end of the marathon.

From left to right: Kelsey, Stephani, Me, Kristina, Kinsley

Finishing my own marathon ;)

Our next stop? The Parthenon!

We climbed up these lovely marble stairs and made our way to the acropolis.

Beautiful view of the city.

Although this picture doesn't do it justice, my favorite part about Greece was the fact that every building facade was stark white against the beautiful dark green trees. The contrast was incredible. One the bus ride we even passed a few orange trees - can you image, green trees, white buildings, and oranges everywhere?? Loved it!