Simple Things: The Golden Rule

I have been thinking a lot about the golden rule:  do unto others as you would have done unto you.

When I think of this principle it seems very simple, but in real life it can actually be very hard.  I think the hardest of circumstances would be in moments where people aren't treating you very kindly.  I am not writing this post because someone has hurt my feelings or been unkind, but I am writing it because I believe it happens to all of us at moments.

I have been in circumstances many times where I have been treated unkindly or, unfortunately, where I have treated someone else unkindly.  It happens, it's life, and a frustrating part at that.  Why is it sometimes so hard to let things roll off your back, even the smallest things.

I am, by nature, a very non-confrontational person.  I hate confrontation and if I do have to confront someone I generally become very emotional.  It's a curse, but I can't help it (no matter how hard I try).  If someone hurts me, I generally vent to Andy about it (poor soul) and let it go.  Usually this is because 1) I don't have the gall to confront them and 2) it usually isn't worth stirring the pot for.  Sometimes people need to be approached and sometimes we need to forgive and forget.  For me, I generally go with the latter.

I truly believe that most contention, at least in my social and family circles, is unintentional.  We can choose to stir it a little or we can choose to leave it.  It's sometimes hard to know what's right.  I have no gage really, except the golden rule.  Maybe it should go...Do unto others as you would have done unto you, especially when they are making your life miserable?  Love them anyway?  Hard, people, it's hard - but I really believe it's possible.

Like I said, I am not even close to mastering this but I am grateful for a little golden rule to remind me how I should be treating others.  How I treat them face to face and how I treat them in their absence - both are equally important.   I think being kind to people, especially when we don't see eye to eye, is one of the simplest gifts.  It costs nothing (except maybe our pride) and can change the way others see us and the way we see ourselves.  I don't think we'd ever be ashamed to say we were kind to someone.

I found an adorable blog by a young lady named McKenzie Smith.  She is so talented at graphic design and I couldn't help but find encouragement in some of the quotes she shared.  Enjoy!

Simple Things

Last week or so I was catching up on a friends blog and she had written a post about her goals for the year. She really inspired me.  I really love making goals, and actually achieving them (like running a half-marathon), but it can be incredibly discouraging when you feel like you are starting the same goal over and over again.  I am always looking for inspiration and of my friends goals was managing her time better.  I feel like I do great with this on some days and really terrible on others.  One of my biggest distractions is the computer (isn't that a distraction for most of us)?  She put a sticky note on her computer that reminded her of things that were more important than surfing the net, and I couldn't help but steal her idea.  I personalized it a little and it has been a very good reminder for me to put things in order.

It's amazing how a simple daily reminder can help you to keep things in perspective.  Life gets busy, hectic and overwhelming.  I am always picking up stuff around my house, doing dishes, wiping noses (and bums).  I love LOVE reminders.  My phone is chock full of them.  My life runs on reminders.  I think it's easy (so easy) to forget things, whether its my schedule or life lessons.  I experience a trial and work through it, I feel like each time I do this I become stronger.  The Lord refines me and teaches me a lesson, and then 6 months later (sometimes sooner) I need to be taught the same lesson again.  A little 'reminder' from the Lord to help me remember where I'm at and where I should be.  I am grateful for those little reminders. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father to teaches me patience, who teaches me faith and obedience.   If I didn't have those reminders I don't think I'd learn anything.  I would be more pessimistic about life and challenges...but truth is, I know I'll come through it and I'll be better off in the end.  Much like my sticky note, if I can heed these simple reminders I will be happier and more productive.

(Now I should probably just add instagram to that list and I'd be set)! ha.

Pictures of the Week and Simple Things

It has been just about FOREVER since I have done a simple things post.  My pictures of the week have unintentionally taken over!  I've decided to bring back Simple Things, because I want to be sure I'm taking time to remember them.  That and I truly believe that the simple things in life are often the most important things!

I'll start with pictures...

Finally!  A little barrette that will stay in Clare's hair.

Two things Clare loves, being outside and eating apples. 

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-apart bread I made as a thank you for a friend.  Find the recipe HERE. 

I like to call this one 'Hugs in the Hallway' - I love these moments! 

Sweet Noah.  Birthday boy! 

Clare just being her silly self.  Sweet and silly, that's her. 

Reading scriptures with Daddy, money and a birthday badge from Gummer and birthday balloons! 

View from our kitchen window during Nemo. 

I have a lot to be grateful for.  Some of the thing's I'm especially grateful for this week are my warm comfortable home, natures beauty and my little family.    During this past weekend's snow storm I couldn't help but think about those who didn't have shelter or a warm place to stay.  It made me especially grateful for how blessed I've been and helped me to remember not to take the little things for grated.  Sometimes the simplest of blessings are our greatest ones, and having a roof over my head is one of my greatest blessings.  

I'm also grateful for the beauty of nature.  I have to say that watching the snow fall is one of the prettiest sights!  I also love the seasons, and as much as I've loved having the cooler weather, I wouldn't mind if spring arrived early this year. 

Lastly, my little family.  I am always grateful for them, but there are moments when my heart sort of 'swells' with gratitude.  Does that sound cheesy or what?  Lately, Noah has been saying the funniest things and I just needed to share a few of them...

We arrived to church early yesterday and were sitting by the kitchen eating a snack before it started.  There were some kids who were being a little rambunctious and running around.  As they passed us one of them sort of yelled out to another, to which Noah said, " Hey, hey, hey!  We don't scream in the church.   We don't scream in church, huh mommy?"  

"Nope, we need to be reverent." I said.  

"We have to scream really quiet, right?  Like this -"  he then proceeds to make a screaming facial expression without any sound.  Haha, silly kid. 

After church we came home and as soon as we opened our door Noah says, "It is much too hot in here!"  ha I really have no idea where he gets some of this! 

Noah is in love with sharks as of late.  Yesterday him and Andy were drawing sharks and cutting them out.  As Andy began to cut out one of the sharks Noah said, "Oh oh oh, be very carful daddy.  Don't cut that shark, that shark is very special!"  

Noah is in one of my favorite stages.  Even though he can be a little grumpy and stubborn at times, he is also so comical and random.  I love the age where they start saying things that just make you laugh, as they try to figure out the world around them.  Their innocence reminds me of what's important, and I love that. 

I hope you can find some simple things to be grateful for this week!  

Simple Things

This week I am grateful to be a mom!  I am grateful for other women who inspire me in my work to be a better mom.   I am especially grateful for children who are a patient and a Heavenly Father who guides me in my commitment!

My friend Emily started an honest and uplifting blog about life as a mother and she asked me to be her first guest post!  I am so flattered and grateful that she gave me the opportunity to share some of my thoughts on being a woman and a mother.

You can see the post by clicking HERE .  You should also stick around and read all the other great posts she has!!

Thanks Em.

Simple Things: Father's Day

I am sure you aren't in the least bit surprised that today I am grateful for the wonderful fathers in my life!  I have been blessed with so many wonderful father figures and influences and am so grateful that my children will be able to share some of those same relationships!

Firstly, I am grateful for Andy.  He is the best father and husband that I could ask for.  He is so patient with the kids and really inspires me to be more patient myself.  He is the voice of reason!  If I am caught up in something he will always calm me down and help me to see the whole picture.  He loves Noah and Clare so much and isn't ashamed to show or tell them so.  He takes his role as a husband and father as his highest priority and I have never questioned otherwise.  He is my best friend, and I know he is my kids best friend also.  So often Noah will be sitting by Andy on the couch, or anywhere else, and will turn to me and say, "Mommy, I love my daddy!"  I love him too buddy, he sure is great!

I am also grateful for my father!  He taught me how a husband should treat his wife. He told me the importance of speaking to and treating my mother with respect.  He honors his priesthood and helped me to look for that same quality in my husband.  He taught me gospel principles during day to day life.  I can still remember an experience when he taught me the value of keeping the Sabbath day holy.  I will have to share that with you sometime dad!  He counseled me though much of my single life and encouraged me to go out of my comfort zone and experience new things (and not to give up on them)!  He taught what it really meant to pray.  And mostly, he taught me that even thought life can be rough, you always have enough to give to others!  Thanks Dad!  Sure love ya!

Lastly, I am grateful for Andy's dad!  Not only for the way he and my mother-in-law raised Andy but also for the decisions he made in his life, that have impacted ours.  For choosing to be baptized a member of the church and giving those blessings to his children.  That decision has blessed the life of 6 of his own children, 4 of their spouses and his 9 grandchildren (with many more to come).  I am grateful that he is so willing to 'go with the flow' and I know exactly where Andy gets his patience from.  I am grateful that he is Andy's best friend and how much Andy looks up to him.  I know that our children will look at Andy in the same way.

Let's not forget mine and Andy's brothers and brother-in-law...Nate, Mike, Greg, Corey and Spencer.  All of whom are wonderful fathers who we are so grateful to have in our lives.

The list could go on and on (grandfathers, friends etc) and I am sure you all have a lengthy list of your own!  Here's to the great men in our life and a Happy Fathers Day too!

Simple Things

This week I am grateful for my children.  I am always grateful for them, but sometimes it just hits me more than others.  This week it hit me.  I took this video of Noah dancing, and Clare's reaction is priceless.  They don't always play like this with each other but I love how Clare thinks Noah is so funny, and how Noah loves that Clare thinks that!  I feel so blessed to be their mom and to spend my days with them.  I am certainly far from perfect and have many areas I need to improve upon - but I hope that they will appreciate and love me as much as I appreciate and love my mom!  I could only be so lucky!

Simple Things

This week, as we celebrated Memorial Day, I am grateful for the sacrifices of the men and women who have gone before us to give us all we have.  Military men and women, my own ancestors and all those who have shaped the world.  We really do have so much to thank them for!

To celebrate Memorial day we participated in our local chapter of Wear Blue: Run to Remember.  You pledge any number of miles to honor those soldiers lost in the Global War on Terror.  We were honored to participate in this, and I hope we can make a tradition for our family each Memorial day.  You don't have to be near a chapter to participate.  All you have to do is pledge your miles and run them in honor of those men and women who serve our country.  We had a great time!

Andy,  Gary (Andy's dad) and I all ran 5 miles, while Stacie (Andy's mom) took the kids on a 3 miler.  The weather was gloomy but at least it didn't rain.  The community turn out was amazing!  I am so glad we were able to participate.

After the celebration we went home and had a celebration of our own, with a little game of horseshoes! ha.  This is definitely a game we have yet to perfect, but the guys were having a good time.  Even Noah got in on the fun!

We did eat some good food too, just incase you wondered.  After all, what is Memorial day without good food?

Simple Things

This week I am grateful to have a reliable and gas efficient car!  Last week we were in a minor car accident and had to take our car in to get fixed.  We were driving down a main street when the other driver pulled out in front of us from a parallel parking spot.  Thankfully no one was hurt!  We did have to drive a rental car for almost a week and lets just say I won't miss paying for the gas!  I'll take our little Toyota Corolla any day...

Here's a pic of the damage...

It's amazing to think that the picture above is over $2000 worth of damage!  So I guess I am also grateful for good insurance! :)

Here's to an accident free week!

Simple Things: Date Night

I realize that my simple things post has recently turned into a week-in-review post.  So, I am going to try and separate them as much as possible, I think this will help me to focus on one simple thing I enjoyed during the week.

This week I am grateful for date nights!  To me they are invaluable, and I love it when Andy and I have the chance to go out together!  Last month we went golfing and this month we went to the temple.  We had great company, a great time at the temple and great food afterwards.

The beautiful Seattle temple!  The landscaping around the temple was also gorgeous (as usual).  They had little paths that you could walk on with benches to just sit and enjoy the scenery.  Andy and I had a little time after our session to walk around and enjoy it.

Nothing more simple than enjoying an evening at the temple together!  That's what I say :) 

Find out more about LDS temples HERE

Big Week!

I don't want my title to excite you too much, I mean, it is a big week for the Stockhoff family - but it probably isn't as exciting for everyone else as it is for us!

This week we find out where we will be living when we move.  This is a big deal for me for a couple of reasons...first, because in the army I usually never knew where I was living until days after I got to a place and second, because we are going to have to downsize considerably and I need to know what I'm keeping and what I'm getting rid of!  It may seem silly, but it has been stressing me out! I will keep you all posted.

Until then, I imagine that some of you (the handful that frequent our blog) are wondering where we've been!  I have just been lazy for the most part, although we did take a little 4 day weekend trip in there too.

Before we went on our long weekend a very significant thing happened!  My brother Mike and his wife Megan welcomed Baby T into the world.  He is so cute and I can't wait to meet him!  Not to mention he has far more hair then my kids ever have at birth....

We are so happy for Mike and Megan.  Little baby T is just perfect!

I know that you all love the many faces of Noah.  Fireman, construction man...what could he possible want to be next??

I know, you're surprised aren't you?  Army man! Unfortunately he gave up on this one more quickly than the others, mostly because the helmet was so heavy that he couldn't keep his head upright.  It was pretty hilarious!! ha

Then, last weekend was the annual golf tournament in honor of Andy's grandpa.  We made the drive down to Oregon so Andy could participate and we could spend time with family. It was fun, as always, and having good company (and good food) certainly makes the experience even finer.  Unfortunately I failed to snap many photos, but here are a few that we did get.

On the way down we caravanned with Andy's parents.  Noah was so excited to ride with Nana and Gramps and even got a good nap in while we were on the open road...doesn't he look comfortable??

Meanwhile Clare was in the car with us- she wasn't napping but was certainly busy trying to put on her sunglasses.  She finally gave up in frustration before I had to help her out.

We had a similar experience at Nana's house when she was trying to put on her tiara...

We had to help her out with this one too, but she almost had it!  It makes me laugh to see her catch on to these types of things, I am not sure how she knew that the tiara went on her head....she certainly didn't see me wearing one ;)

Clare also had a run in with the dog....

Or maybe it was just some strawberries.  Either way, she was a mess!!

Lastly, a little gem Andy caught on the golf course....him and his dad doing the traditional pose (there is a statue on the golf course that they like to make fun of).... Couldn't leave without snapping one for old time's sake...

And of course the lady responsible for it all....

We had a great time, and the last two weeks have been busy.  Good thing too, because I need to start packing!  No more excuses my friends, that's what I keep saying.