text: The House of Graham: 2012
  Kate opened a savings account today- but not before she put on her Sunday best and sprayed a copious amount of hairspray... On one square inch of her hair.
  Posted by Stephanie Graham at 11:54 AM No comments:
  This past month was a doozy, folks... Just one wrong thing after another. Everything that I had carefully planned and orchestrated had at least one glitch. In fact, this Christmas was probably the worst we've ever had. We had the missionaries at our house for Christmas day. When told of our woes to that point, one of the elders asked what I needed to learn from these experiences. Honestly, I cannot even think about that. It seems that we get hit with something else every time we try to take a breath from the previous issue. It has actually become a bit comical.
  There was one point where there was less than a week's turnaround on bleaching nearly every item in our house because of lice (a gift from a cousin) and the flu (that one was a secret Santa). We had just received a bag of groceries from my mother-in-law because we were all down and out. A day later, we got to return the favor when their whole house got sick. Our oven broke in the middle of cooking Christmas dinner, an event client showed up an hour and a half late- resulting in not-to-my-standard-food. And the list continues. Looking back- I suppose it's funny. Funny, because we're all healthy now... fingers crossed.
  A wise woman told me this, "You are doing these things on a two way street, but you only have control of your side. Don't get too frustrated when the other side doesn't follow the rules"
  The good news is- when we all throwing up, we were together.
  When Kate had lice, she sat in my lap for the treatment.
  When the food was less than best, they didn't care.
  Life is good and boring makes boring stories....
  I just hope I learn my lesson before I have to bleach everything again.
  Posted by Stephanie Graham at 12:35 AM No comments:
  It shall be a long post because I am long winded. Jimmy and I spoke on Sunday and I wanted to put my talk up so I can look back at it. Here goes!
  Each Summer, we spend occasional Sunday afternoons going blackberry picking. There is a hike not too far from the church that has at least a mile of blackberry bushes overflowing on each side. When this hiking area was first discovered by our family, it was winter. To us, the privacy and sweeping views were enough to keep us happy. Imagine our surprise and joy when the thorny bushes started to bear fruit in the warmer months.
  Our first experience picking berries would be considered humorous if watching as a silent onlooker. There would be a cheer when a large cluster of ripe berries was discovered, a yelp with every scratch on the arm and a whoop of triumph with every single juicy berry in the bucket. Periodically you'd hear louder screams when one of the family members would get tangled in the bushes, requiring outside help. Needless to say, our first trip to pick berries was a noisy one.
  As our first Summer of picking had come to a close, Jimmy, Kate and I had very specific jobs- we had gotten efficient.
  Jimmy reached up in the very high spots or within the tangles that only his long arms could reach.
  I would plow through the middle or use a stick to hold a particularly tall branch low and still to help Jimmy reach it.
  Kate would pick all the berries near the ground and had gotten to be an expert at quality control.
  Not only had our jobs become defined, but the experience gained was valuable.
  First, we had learned to protect our arms. Even though it can get hot in the Summer, having longs sleeves was worth the heat. We would much rather sweat than be scratched.
  Second, we always went together and worked as a team. Each of us brought our own bucket and found our own stick. Regardless of the fact that we had our own tools, we still helped each other in the tight spots.
  Third, we became familiar with the nooks and crannies with the very best fruit. We always knew to start towards the back of the hike and work forward because other hikers usually quit before getting to the end.
  When one is in search of perfect, ripe, juicy summer blackberries, following those three standards will suffice. Have you ever tasted a fresh, perfectly ripe, juicy summer blackberry? There is nothing like it.
  When we seek the sweet fruit of our labors, there is nothing like it.
  And so, if the knowledge I gained to yield many blackberries at each harvest was applied to life's experiences- I would hope to reap great benefits.
  The first lesson we learned was to wear long sleeves to protect our arms from the scratches of the thorny bushes.
  In the Book of Mormon, Helaman sends his sons Nephi and Lehi to teach the Lamanites. Helaman sent them with this admonition:
  When Nephi and Lehi were discouraged, they remembered what their father had taught them and gained the courage to continue teaching the people.
  In Helaman chapter five, we read
  "And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did apreach with great bpower, insomuch that they did confound many of those cdissenters… insomuch that the dissenters came forth and did confess their sins and were baptized unto repentance.. And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority… they did speak unto the great astonishment of the Lamanites, to the convincing them, insomuch that there were eight thousand of the Lamanites… abaptized unto repentance, and were convinced of the bwickedness of the ctraditions of their fathers.
  And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were taken by an army of the Lamanites and cast into aprison; And after they had been cast into prison many days without food, behold, some of the Lamanite army went forth into the prison to take them that they might slay Nephi and Lehi. And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about aas if by bfire, even insomuch that the army durst not lay their hands upon them for fear lest some of the army should be burned. Nevertheless, Nephi and Lehi were as standing in the midst of fire and were not burned.
  I love the stories of strength and faith. This story is amazing.
  I testify that it did happen. It is the truth, just as the rest of the Book of Mormon is the truth.
  When Helaman testified to his sons about Jesus Christ- there was a promise included. Again, let me read some of what Helaman shared with Nephi and Lehi before their mission- speaking of the foundation of Christ Helaman states- "a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
  They CANNOT fall- Meaning IT IS NOT POSSIBLE.
  Heavenly Father's will was for Nephi and Lehi to continue teaching when the Lamanite armies had the intention to take their lives. Because of their faith and foundation in the Lord, those missionaries were protected and DID NOT fall. Brothers and Sisters, to protect ourselves from falling, we must be prepared and build our foundation on the Son of God, even Jesus Christ.
  The next truth we learned in berry picking was
  As many of you know, I love to cook for people. We invite people to our home often to eat dinner. For each visit, there a list of tasks needed to be done before our family is ready to welcome our guests.
  It used to be that we used the old standby method known as the stuff and shove. Although this method is primarily rewarding, the work required after the guests leave to get things in proper working order are not worth the haste in preparation. It wasn't too long using this method before we decided to change our ways.
  There are clear responsibilities for each of our family members when company comes to call. Kate is always responsible for the shoe closet, her bathroom, setting the table and general clutter control- because as most parents know, the clutter is usually the kid's anyway.
  Jimmy takes care of the vacuuming, assisting me in last minute kitchen prep and filling the water pitcher. That may not seem like a lot to do- but he is a busy man, because his responsibility is also to clean the kitchen after the guests leave. My first task is to give the rest of my family a good head start by making sure the house does not look like a bomb went off before they even get home from work and school. I also do the cooking.
  When we know someone is coming to dinner, our family is well prepared because our jobs are pretty clear cut. Sometimes, I may have gotten ambitious in my menu choice and need extra help. In most cases, Kate and I pitch in with clean up. Sometimes there are just too many shoes spilling out of the shoe closet for our little girl to handle……………………
  In all cases, we help each other where needed. It makes dinner with guests fun and relaxing because we work together.
  When a family or ward family works together towards a final goal, great things come to pass. Our leadership and missionaries are planning a great event inviting the community to learn more about our beliefs. I encourage all to attend. I feel like this event is a culmination of all we have worked for in our ward goals this year. I am so grateful that we have been reminded often of what we should be working on to provide Heavenly Father with the best. We love God. We want to build up His kingdom. And we can do it by accomplishing the ward goals.
  The ward goals set before us: To read the Book of Mormon, Hold Family Home Evening, Bring a name to the temple and invite a friend to church are excellent. Striving to achieve these goals has brought much joy to our family and to our ward. It is so important to work together.
  The final lesson learned in picking blackberries was to know our route and endure to the end.
  Jeffrey R. Holland shares this story in the October 1999 General Conference,
  "Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. My declaration is that this is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of need. Thirty years ago, a little family set out to cross the United States every earthly possession they owned packed in the smallest space trailer available. Bidding their apprehensive parents farewell, they drove exactly 34 miles up the highway, at which point their beleaguered car erupted. The young father surveyed the steam, matched it with his own, then left his trusting wife and two innocent children—the youngest just three months old—to wait in the car while he walked the three miles or so to the southern Utah metropolis of Kanarraville, population then, I suppose, 65.
  Some water was secured at the edge of town, and a very kind citizen offered a drive back to the stranded family. The car was attended to and slowly—very slowly—driven back to St. George for inspection. After more than two hours of checking and rechecking, no immediate problem could be detected, so once again the journey was begun. In exactly the same amount of elapsed time at exactly the same location on that highway with exactly the same pyrotechnics from under the hood, the car exploded again. Now feeling more foolish than angry, the chagrined young father once more left his trusting loved ones and started the long walk for help once again. This time the man providing the water said, "Either you or that fellow who looks just like you ought to get a new radiator for that car." He didn't know whether to laugh or to cry at the plight of this young family.
  "How far have you come?" he said. "Thirty-four miles," the father answered.
  "Twenty-six hundred miles," he said.
  "Well, you might make that trip, and your wife and those two little kiddies might make that trip, but none of you are going to make it in that car." He proved to be prophetic on all counts.
  Just recently, Elder Holland drove by that exact spot where the freeway turnoff leads to a frontage road, just three miles or so west of Kanarraville, Utah. He thought,
  "In my mind's eye, for just an instant, I thought perhaps I saw on that side road an old car with a devoted young wife and two little children making the best of a bad situation there. Just ahead of them I imagined that I saw a young fellow walking toward Kanarraville, with plenty of distance still ahead of him, the weight of a young father's fear evident in his pace. In that imaginary instant, I couldn't help calling out to him: "Don't give up. Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead—a lot of it—30 years of it now, and still counting. You keep your chin up. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come."
  Brothers and Sisters, the blackberry jam in my freezer is more than that. That jam is the harvest of a job well done because of practicing the experiences and principles we learned. When those same principles in blackberry picking are applied to life- we reap something far, far sweeter.
  I am grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who has given me the tools and knowledge to build a sure foundation upon the Redeemer. I am grateful for the loving family and friends He's given me to work alongside with. I am indeed grateful for the desire and will He has placed in my heart to endure to the end. It is with this testimony that I close my talk in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
  Posted by Stephanie Graham at 8:46 AM 2 comments:
  MBA, baby!
  We've has a fun filled weekend over here at The House of Graham. Jimmy walked in the graduation ceremony for his MBA! I am so proud of that man. Jimmy is the hardest worker I know- he is so compassionate and kind. He deserved the great day we had- even if he did wear his graduation cap backwards all day- hahahahaa!!!
  And for fun I'd like to show you a before and after picture!
  The first image is of Me & Jimmy at the Napa Valley Film Festival last Fall
  The second image is of Me & Jimmy at his graduation- We're shrinking!
  Posted by Stephanie Graham at 9:45 AM 1 comment:
  give him a little kick...
  Because I was away for the weekend, Jimmy picked up Kate from school on Friday afternoon. Apparently, Kate witnessed a little boy hurting a little girl and felt like she should do something about it. Although she is bold and precise at home, my daughter is very shy in public places and around those she does not know very well. So, rather than approach the situation right away, Kate wrote a letter that I stumbled upon tonight. Her plan is to deliver said letter to the girl tomorrow. I was so touched by the note, that I decided to take the note and keep it in her memory box- but I know she would wake up first thing in the morning in panic if the note was nowhere to be found. My intention is to copy the note here so that I may be able to read it again. Here's what it says:
  I hope you're okay from Joseph twisting your arm. At first, I thought you guys were playing. By the time he let go, I realized what had happened. Don't let him treat you like that! You're not worth how he's treating you! Here are the ways not to get bullied:
  1) Tell him to stop.
  2) If he doesn't listen, give him a little kick.
  3) If that doesn't work, tell on him.
  4) If that doesn't work, pretend you're not scared and tell him you're not worth what he's doing to you.
  And say these very words, "I am not worth this!" with faith and feeling.
  I know how you feel! One time, a boy pushed me down to the floor and beat me up. I felt ashamed for not standing up for myself. So I know how you feel. I haven't gotten bullied this year yet! But I feel bad for all the other people who have to go through it. I'm probably going to help them. Do you want to be friends?
  P.S. The key to being successful is believing in yourself! That you can do it! Give me the answer if you want to be my friend or not. Also, your first and last name. Plop it in my backpack at room 11 at the very top hook, first one by the door. My name is Kate Graham.
  Word for word, folks.
  Posted by Stephanie Graham at 9:40 PM 2 comments:
  This new app makes it easier to be more productive
  ie: lazier
  Kate and I went down to Santa Cruz to help my mom set up an Etsy shop. The day started with a visit to the local flea market where I scored a set of old school lockers for a friend for 20 bucks! The dude had no idea what they were worth, which was apparent by his M- to the- Assive plumber's crack!
  Anyway... we set up shop, had a blast and made it home in time for me to be the driver for my teenage sister in law's prank doing friends. That, my friends, is what I call a successful Friday.
  p.s.- if you wake up to something large and in multiples on your lawn, it is only because you are loved.
  p.p.s.- this post was written entirely on a iPod touch, next time I'll give y'all a treat and leave the auto-corrected version.
  Posted by Stephanie Graham at 8:47 PM No comments:
  I love going to the city. I took Kate for the first time on BART (public transit) yesterday. We had a blast! We visited Britex fabrics, a four story Mecca for any seamstress. Kate and I also hit the Cheesecake Factory, Macy's (all 7 stories), the Disney store and a little stall selling the sweetest hand knit hats. Of course we got one for Kate!
  It was so inexpensive! She has not taken it off since we bought it. I would like to add one point to the 'success' side of the board pleas, Vanna.
  Posted by Stephanie Graham at 9:57 PM No comments:
  Soooo, after many hours doing research (on Pinterest, naturally) I have formulated a bucket list:
  Go see the Temple square Christmas lights in SLC
  Go to a live General conference
  Take a Backpacking trip with my family
  Go Zip lining in Hawaii
  Publish the children's books I've written
  Finish decorating an entire house- every room!
  Just for ONE full day, have every single laundry item and dish in the house clean
  See Kate married in the temple
  Own a new Jaguar
  Give a birthday gift to every family member one year (working on that one this year)
  Go on a Church history tour one Summer with my family
  Own a pair of designer shoes and actually wear them
  Go to the French Laundry with Jimmy
  Spend one Christmas with my family serving in a third world country
  Learn how to make brioche
  Make a croquembouche for Christmas
  Posted by Stephanie Graham at 9:48 PM 2 comments:
  Last year I made a resolution to mail everyone in my family a birthday card. I got as far as my brother, Jim. His birthday is January 21... ouch.