St. Louis Temple

Since moving to MO, Mr. Incredible and I have been able to attend the temple as frequently as we wish! It is such a blessing to be able to go any day and any time! It is a full service temple and I love that! I love that I am in a season of my life where I can give my time to the Lord and spending time in the house of the Lord! 

We had been attending the temple once a month and then we moved it to once a week! Our Bishop had asked each person during an interview if there were something more that we could do. I gasped and was I'm already going once a week!! so, I committed that I would attend twice a week! I asked if I could do TWO sessions in one day and count that as twice a week. He told me that would be up to me and I felt that was right to do! So, since Mr. Incredible is a temple worker and he works on Tuesday I attend the temple and do two endowment sessions! I love walking through the temple doors and the workers know me by name! It's sweet and tender and perhaps in the next life, it will be similar!

I know attending has blessed my life and my daily life. I have a spirited nature and can get irritated over simple things. I'm not saying I'm the sweetest person but I will say, I'm glad I attend and keep my feet rooted in the gospel because I KNOW because of my religion I do not go CRAZY on people, and that is a blessing both to myself and the other person! I'm quite amazed at the restraint and calm that I have when dealing with others, who are non family members. To my family, I can just say I am working on it and I'm trying! In the mean time, sit back and go to your happy place and breathe in these flowers! Oh, if only screens had scratch and sniff!! I have seen too much and have had far too many blessings to ever deny that this church is not true! I know it! I love it, and I'm living it!

Perfect Together

Aren't these words so true? I was 19 and Mr. Incredible was 23 when we married! So, bright eyed and young. I come from a family where my mother and father are very equal in some things and in other things my mother is clearly the matriarch. My dad while we were young was a truck driver, who worked for others. He was gone a lot and my mom had to run the house, bills and take care of 3 children.  My dad had always provided a good way of life, I remember my mom being able to take any class she desired and any craft she wanted to do. I remember always going to the grocery store and having 2 grocery carts full and our favorite treats and cereal in the pantry. We didn't vacation much, other than to Hawaii to see my grandparents but the rest of my dad's family lived in or near the same town. So, although Disney wasn't a part of my childhood. I never felt deprived. WE always went to the amusement park near by and tickets and food were readily available. We always went to the carnivals that would pass through town and cotton candy and rides were given out until we were done riding. (something that my children didn't hear. I didn't like spending money on carnivals and cotton candy what fleeting happiness. I'd rather spend it on clothes or trips)

The Mr. was brought up in a similar but different family. His was more Patriarch ruled. But, his dad was home each night and he was so much older than his mother. I remember her saying that she would have to ask to spend money on her things. I never saw that in my family. My dad's money was my mom's money and she allocated where the dollars went and how it was spent.  Mr. Incredible's dad handled finances until he passed. So, I am sure that viewing my life and mannerisms were strange to her and erred on the side of criticism and I being young couldn't see or understand the differences. 

Being a mother in law myself has been very rewarding and good. I love my daughter in law. I have known her since Warrior's junior year of high school.  While he was a senior I didn't see it ending in marriage because of the years ahead of them, so I didn't view her as a daughter-in-law but liked her. But, they continued to stay in touch through college, through a mission and back again and have married. She is very much like me! We are crafty, funny, silly and she is so giving and tender. I love those things about her. She too, has a different background. Her parents didn't have the gospel in their lives so she sees life and situations a bit differently. Different doesn't mean wrong or bad, it just means different. I know that together they will make things work perfectly for them. 

I hope they are as stubborn and strong and pigheaded as we were! I hope they fight hard for what they believe, even if it means fighting against each other. If you are passionate for it don't cave in. BUT do come to a mutual agreement to disagree or to UNDERSTAND another's point of view. You don't have to change their point of view but you can understand and respect it. I hope they are fighters not with each others but I hope they have passion to stand up for what they know is right, stand up for each other and fight! It is that passion and determination that is going to carry you through the hard times. You will be too stubborn to give up and when you want to the other won't let go and won't let you! And if they want to give up you will be the one holding on and not letting go. Don't give up, it's the easy way out.  Life and temple marriage was never promised to be easy but it will be worth it, and when you look up, one day you will have 25+ years of marriage behind you and your passions will have been worn and bridled or perhaps your passions have become his or his yours. 

Perfect isn't flawless, perfect is perfect for you! Seek answers and advice from within the walls of the temple. Many friends and family and strangers will tell you what they think. Take it in as entertainment and then pray about what you may want to work or change or try in your marriage.

Now that we have more time with each other because our children are older we get to enjoy these little mid day get aways! What a beautiful season we are in! Not quite empty nesters but having so much more time and money for us! 

WE have come along way and have journeyed a path that was walked before by others and I have felt the encouragement and the love from others who have passed along the way! Clapping and applauding each step we make and uplifting and and carrying each stubbed toe or stumble! I'm grateful for our ancestors and I'm grateful for the long marriages that we have on both sides. What a beautiful legacy.  Because Eternal Marriage is what is all about! Welcome to our Family Warrior Princess

 

Sweetheart

She has started yet another high school. My heart aches a bit when I think that she has started a new year of high school every year, that is so sad to me! 9th grade Eureka High School in Mo, 10th grade Johnstown High School in NY, and now 11th grade at Hickory Ridge High School in NC. 

It brings to mind the scripture D&C 122:7 

7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

I love that she hasn't wallowed in pity and sorrow but she has stayed firmly rooted in her foundation of the gospel. I know she has turned to the Lord in tears at time praying and seeking for comfort and help to carry on.  I love that we have never had to compel her to go to seminary or church. Seminary was challenging this year not just for her but for everyone involved in the program and I stand in awe of her faith to still attend. She has learned a lesson that many adults still struggle with.  WE do not go or attend for anyone or any reason other than for ourselves. She has a testimony that doing all these things asked of her, will allow the blessings from heaven to flow unto her. 

There were also some very difficult and trying times that she had to face and I'm so grateful that she didn't have to face them on her own. That these experiences happened while she was home and she had Mr. Incredible and I to turn to and help guide and encourage. I'm glad she didn't have to experience these things alone. Some children never have such drastic changes and some have so much more to experience. Some may have to experience heartache away from their strongest support systems. I look forward to seeing her grow into such a beautiful woman, wife and mother.

Brown Eyed Girl

My beautiful girl just finished performing at the Polynesian Cultural Center. She attends BYUH. She is such a hard worker and so independent. She is beautiful and she embraces the spirit of Aloha! I am so happy that she has found good friends and her heart has been captured by her culture and her people! Hawaii has welcomed her home. She is Hawaii

This girl is so independent and strong willed and a fighter yet she has the heart of gold and of service. She has a strong intellect which can be a blessing and a downfall.  She sees things so clear and is able to look at situations through the lens of clarity taking away the emotion and chaos. I tell her she has a special talent that would lend well to counseling or being in the medical field because she can react and always make clear precise decisions and not be rattled by others emotions or what's going on around her. I know my children are not perfect and I know they have their own struggles and trials! I am so grateful for my own trials as well as their trials. I know through my own mistakes I have become stronger and more solidified in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don't pray for my children not to have trials or mistakes. I pray that they may always know how to re-align and re-adjust.  I pray that all these things may be for their own good and they may always find light, and truth and Jesus Christ at the end of their journey. In that breath, I am truly thankful and proud of the paths that they have forged.

Thanksgiving 2014- Y Friends

So, we were doubly blessed this year with so many amazing friends and family and an abundance of blessings! We are so blessed to be here in Harrisburg and blessed by the circumstances which led us here and blessed that we get to live so close to our son and daughter-in-law! Life is so good and I have such a wonderful life! Even when things were harder I still had such a beautiful life! As, I look back on the past I reminisce and smile and sigh because I see how far we have come and that we have done it twice. I look and see the times of struggle and worry from the day we made a beginning as husband and life and I am so amazed and see How Great Thou Art!! 

I am so grateful, so blessed and so lucky! Without those times of struggle it wouldn't have defined who I am, individually, who Mr. Incredible is or each one of our children. My canvas of life is one of the most amazing pieces of artwork to be seen! I can't wait til that day when I will the Lord will show me it! I will see glorious hues of bright vibrant colors and the sweetest most tender whispers of pastels and intermingled and what defines and brings depth and definition will be those times of struggle and strife, and trials and what path may have seemed hard or unbearable with the guidance of the Master's Hand it has become in those moments who I knew who I really am and who my family is and the stock they are made of! I am so grateful for these beautiful women in my life! They have blessed, helped and supported our sweet family and are so grateful they are part of my beautiful canvas of life!

It sure is nice to look back and see this boy back in the seat again! It feels like everything is right in the world again! This is where he belongs right with the Solomon Family!!! 

St. Louis trip

We flew out to St. Louis this weekend. We flew when Charlotte experienced its first winter snow fall. We left the next day. It was only Mr.Incredible, Dash and I. The girls insisted they stay and enjoy the white blanket. The three of us flew first class and Dash enjoyed being seated in his posh leather seats, eating multiple snacks given to him freely and sipping his drink. He pretty much talked non stop for our 2hour flight. He really enjoyed being the "only child".


He especially enjoyed being the only child when we arrived to our very nice hotel room where he got a queen size feather bed, pillow and comforter all to himself. I was a bit jealous that he got to sleep in the bed by himself. I was thinking we should have opted for the king size room and had a scuzzy roll away brought in for him.

He enjoyed choosing restraunts to eat at and having his dad and I all to himself. But, by the time the next day arrived which was only 7 hours later; Dash was starting to double think a few things.
He began to bore quickly and staying in a hotel room with a very active nine year old boy is not fun. So, we decided to head down to the pool!

He enjoyed this for about 30 minutes and then he looked at me and said...

"I don't like being the only child." "I miss Sweetheart and Beauty." and then my heart melted! He has been so good and it was good to spend some one on one time with my baby. Sometimes, he gets lost in the shuffle. But, I'm so grateful that he finally realized the joy of having siblings truly is. We got dressed and walked a block to Starbucks and he kicked my tail in chess and we both sipped a tall french vanilla hot chocolate while he ate a brownie and I had a pumpkin spice loaf for breakfast. All along my heart yearned for his siblings to be there with us too.

And after an exhausting productive day of searching for homes, finding areas we liked and attending TWO wards we closed the day with this beautiful sight and with a strong realization that God has brought us here, he has seen us through our storm and has blessed us with so many wonderful opportunities and privilleges.

We have been made humble and as putty in his hands. St. Louis was a wonderful trip. The people are so genuinely kind and as skeptic as I am, I could not find ONE BAD THING about it!! As we were searching for homes we walked up to the house and they were moving out. They happened to be moving to CHARLOTTE, NC!! He is the Panther defensive line coach. He and his wife welcomed us into their home and although their home was beautiful, it didn't offer the backyard that we are looking for. That talked with us, befriended us and we stayed over an hour. WE met another couple and they too welcomed us into their home, without a moments notice and showed us not one but two beautiful homes that they are looking to lease out. She can not decide which house to live in. After seeing both homes, I understand her delimma. Both of her homes are in our top 3. Do mid western families do this? They take people in off the street, without any notice after the sun goes down and show them their home with dirty dishes in the sink, laundry on the floor? Truly well loved and well lived in homes! Never in a million years would I allow complete strangers to enter my home, after dark, without any notice and then end up leaving as if we were Best friends! Two times, a fluke perhaps, but guess what?? It happened a third time! I kept thinking there was some sort of catch. But, people everywhere from the gas station attendant, to church members, to people at walmart.

I think I have found my little PROVO! and for the record, I love PROVO! I've always wanted to live in Utah again and the light bulb is going off to why Missouri is the place of Adam-Ondi-Ahman! Thank goodness, I won't have to walk too far!

Praying works

As I continue to watch our Father's plan open before our eyes, my heart swells and pools of tears fall. It is more than I can bare. Father's love is pouring upon our family and it is so intense and glorious it takes my breath away.

His hand is in everything we do, in everyone we speak to and in everywhere we turn. It is so prevalent and matter of fact that it makes stops my heart for a beat or two and I am left stunned.

WE need to rent our home. We aren't trying to make money off of our home. We can't afford two house payments, real estate has tanked and we are not as financially sound as we were a year ago. Everything is gone. Our savings, our food storage and our 401k and even our credit. We are 90 to 120 days behind on some bills.

DAY ONE
This afternoon, I felt the strong impression to just stop and pray and offer a prayer of gratitude. "What? I can't do that. I'm busy. I'm packing". Again, the impression came, and once again, I shirked the feeling. (so BAD, I know) Again the feeling came that I should pray. I told Mr. Incredible that I felt like we should pray and give a prayer of thanks. He said, "then pray". He called the children down from their rooms. He asked them if they would pray with us. Mr. Incredible offered up a sincere prayer. I felt much better.
That afternoon a family that we know said they are very interested in looking at our home and want to stop by and see it. They have a dog and are willing to forgo some inperfections in the house if we forgo some things. Sounds like a win win.

I pray that this is a right decision for them and for both of us. But, I couldn't help but be thankful for this little opportunity. Since then 3 other people I know from work have said they are interested as well. I need interested to turn into committment.
The next day!

DAY TWO
BOXES.
Moving boxes are pricey. I'm looking for free boxes. We went all over and the store manager at Office Maxx was particularly, nice. NOT! She had some empty boxes behind her counter. I followed the UPS man in, whom was delivering perfect boxes for me. (or so I thought). I encourage you all NOT TO SHOP AT OFFICE DEPOT! DO NOT SHOP AT OFFICE MAXX! OFFICE MAXX BAD...bad....very very bad! BOO HISS!! Seriously, the boxes were there, she said I couldn't have them because she has to bring them out back and put them in the compactor! that's the bottom line. I said, "Are you sure you can't give them to me or you just won't give them to me?" Her answer, "I can't" Ok, Office Maxx headquarters will get a letter from me, wondering why they are so unyeilding on this. Because it just cost them a BUYER who has FOUR school aged children! I left the store disgruntled, but I left without getting her named. So, I returned and when I did she said, Hi, do you want this box? Um...no, you said you can't. She has me wondering now..... Yep, I'll just head to Staples or Office Depot, thank you.
After leaving Office Maxx(boo hiss) stunned and teary eyed I was jilted from looking for anymore "free" boxes. I just wanted to go home. A man who used to own a moving supply company just sold the last of his boxes, tape, bubble wrap and plastic two days ago. Someone was a lucky dog! WE went to Home Depot scrounged for some free boxes and bought a few boxes to get started too. HOME DEPOT is the place to buy your boxes. They are almost 60% cheaper than UHAUL! Hooray for Home Depot!

DAY THREE
Guess what?? Yep, the feeling came to me to pray
I am packing, taping and marking boxes and I was impressed to stop and pray and read my scriptures again.
"COME ON, are you serious? I have to get this done!" (I thought) but I remembered the blessings that came from the last time I was obedient to the prompting.
OK, OK, I'll get my scriptures and read. I read about 4 or 5 chapters and my phone rang. It was my friend Heidi. She said her husband and son were on their way to the dump and wanted to know if I needed any boxes.

"HELLO, heck yeah!" While talking to her I couldn't help but get a bit sentimental. What if I hadn't read my scriptures, what if I hadn't done what I was prompted to do? would I have still received the boxes? and what if Heidi wasn't intune with the spirit? would she not have heard my prayer? If one of us were not insync would those boxes have gone to the city dump? It makes me wonder about all the possible misopportunities that might have come my way if I or another hadn't had static on their end of the line. Things that make you go hmmmm.....
Packing up my home after 11 years is harder than I thought. I never loved my house but as I began to turn our house into our home, I reflected on all the wonderful beautiful memories that we have made and created. This was our first home we have owned. Packing the contents of our home has gone effortlessly. It is almost as if things are just wrapping themselves and getting into the boxes. Once again, another huge blessing. She has given us enough boxes to cover most of upstairs!! There were A LOT!
My visiting teacher Jess emailed and also told me she had some large boxes as well! LOVE IT!

DAY FOUR! POLICE LIGHTS in my rearview mirror.

(I had my camera, but ain't no way I'm asking for a picture)
I just happened to turn into my neighborhood where 4 other neighbors drove by and had to see me getting pulled over! I wanted to crawl into my skin.
I was pulled over after having a great night with some friends at work! BUMMER!
My heart raced, my palms sweat and I was freaking out! But, I have the sense to quickly put my seatbelt on.
officer: "I pulled you over because your tags are expired"
me: "oh yeah, my husband told me he will get it done when he's back in town." Another officer had given him a ticket or a piece of paper if we get pulled over again.
Officer:" Your car is not inspected either"
Me: "What?" "Oh, I'm so sorry, I don't know anything about this. What should I do? where should I go? We are moving the end of next month. Can't I just drive it to Missouri and get it all done there?"
Officer: He was so nice and patient."No, mam, you can't".
Me: "OK, I will go there first thing tomorrow and get everything taken care".
Officer: "ok, I'm not going to ticket you. Just get this done and you will be ok."
Me: "Oh, thank you officer"
Officer: "One last thing, let me just run your license and make sure everything is alright"
me: "Oh not a problem! I haven't had a ticket in 10 years", I willfully and proudly submit my drivers license.
Officer: He walks up to the side of my window. I'm beaming. "Ms. Solomon there's a problem with your license"
Me: "SHUT UP!" said with total disbelief, shock and wonder!
Officer: startled look
me: "I'm sorry, I don't mean shut up, I mean you got to be kidding?"
Officer: shines flashlight on my drivers license. "You had a birthday last month"
me:"Yes, I did, thank you for noticing".
Officer: "read this with me"
Me: "license expires 12/16/2009" My face looked like he had just shot me with the tazer gun.
"OH MY GOSH!!! IT EXPIRED! I NEVER LOOK AT MY DRIVERS LICENSE! THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER PULLED IT OUT! It expired a month ago!
Officer: "This is warrant for your arrest. You have the car not tagged and an expired license.
ME: My eyes begin to well with tears. I'm in total disbelief. Can't believe what is going on.
YOU CAN'T HAUL ME OFF TO JAIL!!! I can't go to JAIL! I start rattling off very quickly. I have three children!, they are home by themselves! Don't worry one of them is old enough to babysit. It's not child endangerment. My husband is out of town. What am I going to do? He's been out of a job for 11 months! If he were here. It's all his fault!" LOL, all of this verbal pukage spilled from the gaping hole in the center of my face, they call a mouth!
I'm so sad.
Officer: "Listen, I'm not going to ticket you. You are the nicest person I have ever met."
Me: "Oh thank you, thank you! (after hearing those words, I'm thinking, "seriously, I feel so bad for you, if I'm the nicest person, you've ever met." but, then I think, "DANG, your job sucks."
ME: back to reality. "I promise. I will go and get everything fixed tomorrow. Don't worry. I have another car that is tagged and legal."
Officer: "Umm... I'm sorry mam, but you can't drive! Your license is expired and if you get pulled over by another officer they may not be as NICE as I am!"
ME: "oh yeah, oh crap, oh... sorry! Ok, I'm going straight home!, thank you again."
Officer: "have a good night and take care"

Once again, another very very big blessing!!! I am legal. My car is inspected, registered, tagged and whatever and I have a valid license. It took me 35 minutes for the car things. I asked for the D.O.T and they told me the DaaamV. I was like, you don't have to swear! Remember, I live in the south and I was born a blonde! for real. I have baby pictures where I look like a white haired monkey!
The garage guy said the D.M.V. Department of Motor Vehicles??.... looking for a light bulb to go off.
Me: "Oh yeah, the D.M.V! I knew that!
I have no idea how people can drive around illegal. It stressed me out so badly. I like playing just within the rules.

Temple Blessings

A comment was left that calmed my soul and healed my heart and brought peace of mind. It was advice given to her by her mother and what a wise woman she is. I am so glad she shared it with me. I always knew I had a great family but I had no idea just how GREAT and Heavenly Father through his loving hand is softly guiding us.
Comment left by Cynthia

"Good families are not made in the absence of adversity but rather through the handling of it. Before now, we didn't know what kind of family we were. Now we get to find out. "


Mr. Incredible and I recently went to the temple and it was like manna to my soul. It was such a beautiful day and our hearts were softened and our minds were burdened.



Each temple has its own blessings. I like to read the dedication prayer for the temple I am entering. I thought that the Columbia temple had a particular blessing about being burdened and its patrons would leave feeling uplifted etc, but it must have been another temple because I could not find it written. But, we did leave with an overwhelming feeling of peace and a serenity that can not be described.

WE had a goal that we would attend the temple once a month. This was when Warrior was 12 and he could babysit. Then as we attained that goal we thought maybe twice a month would be good. Let's just say we are back to the once a month goal. ::sigh::

Working for the airlines has specific perks that I have decided to take advantage of. It helps that our children are older but more importantly they are mature. I would like to attend 12 different temples a year, more if we could make it happen. It would be easier if we lived in Utah. But, I think this will be fun and a great way to accomplish a goal and do the work.

We took pictures on self mode. I looked a bit ridiculous running back and forth. I have since made a note to bring a tripod, so we could have better pics!



Attending the temple puts everything in such clear perspective. Heavenly Father continues to answer so many of our prayers. He answers them immediately, He has not left us alone! Almost daily we have a testament of how he has answered a plea. Although, our biggest prayer has not been answered yet, I know He will. We are answering the prayers to others. There are certain things that we would have never done had we not been in this situation at this particular time where we are blessing other people.

This is my last public post. We have grown quite accostomed to our show names and I will continue using them. I bid thee farewell. I'm going to try a new pair of panties on. Who knows, going private may give me a wedgie but sometimes I like that feeling. LOL ~peace out~