mamaseversike

Feeling Faint?

2011-11-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

Last week at the beginning of Relief Society a sister in the back row fainted. Already a bit under the weather, she was also fasting. Without any signs that she wasn't doing well, she began to fall, and two sisters caught her. She was gently rested on the floor at their feet, where immediately there were kind hands straightening her clothing and making her comfortable. Someone was immediately on the phone with 911, though that may have been a bit premature, it was quick and decisive thinking. A nurse in the room began taking note of her pulse and heart rate, and a two doctors in the ward were with her within two minutes. The rest of us just cleared back to give her some air, and in hushed tones spoke of her sweet nature and gentle spirit. There was not one negative thought for her, only love and concern. She was out for a few minutes, while someone ran to get orange juice for her. She began to come around and the doctors said her husband could take her home to care for her. Others followed her progress until she was well.
I was thinking about her, and wondering how she was feeling, when it occurred to me that her faintness was visible for everyone to see. Since we could see her in trouble we knew how to react and rescue. I wondered how many of us have spirits that are a bit under the weather, and feeling faint? We push on, and on, and try to keep a smile on our faces while operating under trying conditions, as if fasting on an already weakened spiritual body. If we could see it, would we be faster to rush to the aid of someone who has spiritually fainted? I bet we would be as eager to straighten them, give them tender care, if only we knew they needed it.
I guess that's why friends are such an important part of our lives. They see almost imperceptible signs that we are wobbly, and need shoring up. Loved ones can spot the smallest difference in our posture, or the look on our faces, or sound of our voice, that tells them we are feeling a little faint.
I am thankful for those who sensitively minister to the faint in heart. Whether our collapses are visible or not, we all need hands and hearts to help us when we faint; physically or spiritually. May we be less afraid to ask for help ourselves, and more able to see when others need our help, lest they faint.

More Memories

2011-10-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

Each temple built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a beautiful building. They reflect the regional flavor of the area, the grounds are always impeccable, and to me, the decor inside might be deemed "understated elegance."

There are sweet, all dressed-in-white volunteers to greet you, waiting to help you along every step of the way. You can feel the peace and good will as soon as you enter the front doors. I think the cleanliness of your surroundings, and being greeted with genuine smiles, helps contribute to the feeling that you have arrived 'home', and that while you are within those walls you are safe from the cares of the everyday world.
For the last two Saturdays we have had the blessing and joy of being at the temple with Amanda and Bryant. Last Saturday we were privileged to witness their beautiful little family be sealed to one another for time and all eternity. What radiant faces, and beautiful children! My heart was so full as I watched a miracle come to pass. I don't think Bryant will mind me calling him a miracle, as he has expressed the same; The atonement of Jesus Christ took place for people who make mistakes; guess that encompasses all of us, huh?
How amazingly hard to take in, "that he should care for me, enough to die for me. Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me."

Sun and Sand...

2011-08-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

If you want to keep most kids happy, take them to water. If you can throw in some sand and shells, so much the better. If you can bring food, and provide a bucket and a shovel, you are almost guaranteed a successful outing. And real sunshine? Ah, now you have "a little bit of heaven right there."

"Salty"

2011-08-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

One gorgeous day a couple of weeks ago we had Jacey, Lucas and Taylor for part of a day. We went to the water to splash around and have a picnic, and this little fellow got curious and decided to investigate us. We were amazed as the little round head got close enough to distinguish between a sea otter and a seal, then more so as he swam closer still. He nuzzled the kayak that Taylor was sitting in, even as she leaned over to try to pet it. It would swim away, and we'd think that was it, and then suddenly he'd be closer than ever. The last picture I took he was literally just looking up at me, as I bent over to take that picture he seemed to pose for me. I wish I had snapped my toes into the picture, to show that he was honestly right at my feet.
Jacey named him Salty, and he played with us for about 45 minutes before he finally wandered away down the beach. I do hope his mama called for him, and they were reunited.
My dad used to say if you see a seal you might as well pack up your fishing gear and go somewhere else, because you aren't ever going to beat a seal to a fish. But since we never catch a fish anyway, it was awesome to have this sea animal in the palm of our hands.

Baby DNA?

2011-06-26T18:57:00.001-07:00

Is it instinctual? Baby DNA? No one in their right mind would teach them, so they must know these things the same as they know to cry when they're hungry. They don't always know to sleep if they're tired, sometimes they just scream instead of sleep. They don't always know that you're trying to help them, or they would let you put a sweater on their little arms, or wrap them in a blanket instead of kick it off. So how do they know it? How do they know to put their head down, and push against you with their hands and feet when they want down? How do they know to raise their arms up and go slack to fall out of your arms? How do they know to bend their knees and throw themselves backward? How do they know which decibel, and which pitch, and for how long, will split your ear drums? No one has ever slapped them, so how do they know to slap you? How do they know how to spit food? No one ever modeled that for them! What are they thinking when sometimes they smile at your faces and sometimes they just stare at you? Just wondering...

Me, too.

2011-05-29T15:06:00.001-07:00

Today in Sunday School we were talking about hypocrites in the scriptures; the scribes and pharisees who wanted to trick and trap Jesus, but not listen to him. Then we talked about those who truly worshiped him, and wanted to show their love and devotion to him. When He entered Jerusalem they put down palm leaves and shouted hosannas when they saw him. We read about the woman who washed his feet, and dried them with her hair, a very personal expression of her devotion. The question was then posed to the class, "How can we worship the Savior better?" and there were some good answers given. We can think on the sacrament more deeply, we can be more reverent in the chapel. We can be on time and sit a moment quietly contemplating. We can attend the temple, and we can serve one another. Then Brother Taylor, in complete candor and honesty, said that he wished he could worship better, that sometimes he felt he lacked a way to show the love and gratitude that he feels in his heart. More people offered that serving is the way we show our love, that giving of our time and means is the way we give honor to him. Some said we could be more diligent in our prayers. Others said that there are opportunities to serve everywhere.
I felt for him, as he sat quietly listening to people talk. There seemed to be a sadness in his eyes. I think I know what he was trying to say. I consciously limit my comments to one per class, and this was where I chose to use it. When it was my turn I said that when Dallin Oakes was here last year, we all made a point to be where he was. We got to the building very early, we couldn't wait to see him, to shake his hand if possible. Think of the sacrifices we were willing to make to share time with him. He is an apostle of the Lord, who walks and talks to prophets. Just that connection makes us want to be near him. I said sometimes I wish I could get a glance of the Savior too, and be the one to wash his feet with my tears,and dry them with my hair.
What we'd give to touch his robe, to give him a drink of water, to feed him bread! Yes, I understand that the closest we'll get to it in this life is to 'do it unto the least of these, our brethren'. I understand 'he has no hands but ours'. I get that service is our expression of faithful devotion. But sometimes there is an ache, a sadness, perhaps a kind of loneliness that washes over us. I think perhaps it is our homesick spirit wishing for the associations we once had with loved ones, our Father, and our Savior. We have left a home we knew long, and loved well. I felt Brother Taylor's sweet spirit just yearning for a way to express to Jesus Christ his great appreciation for his sacrifices. Maybe he and I just need to bolster our faith that He knows when we serve our brothers and sisters that we are thanking him, but I think he knows we'd all love to say thanks in person, too. Guess we'll just have to do our best here, and wait with rejoicing for another day and time for that.

Ya Probably Had to be There...

2011-05-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Well, this family dinner started out like most of the others; a few dozen people, lots of good food, smiles, Legos get thrown at each other, birthdays and baby-dolls. Somewhere along the way, I think it started with Jacey, things took a turn for the weird.
It was Allison's 2nd birthday, and I gave her a summer outfit and a little baby doll. She wanted the outfit on the babydoll, which wish was accomodated. Those were pretty normal photo op's. There was lots of yummy food, and I think we were all full of sweet and sour chicken and rice, feeling pretty mellow, when Jacey raced downstairs as Batgirl. Lucas was Batman, and Sarah was Anne of Green Gables, though she didn't actually know that's who she looked like. The yellow thing Taylor found? Um, you'll have to use your imagination on that one. Obviously the dress up trunk was open...
Next Jacey wanted to have a play. She was making up a story and she wanted the adults to dress up and be a part of it. Nobody was especially interested in being a part of her story. She was quite disappointed. (I couldn't help thinking that if Alice and Adaline had been here they would have helped her do it right.) Jennis took it a kangaroo/Joey kind of direction, but that was not what Jacey had in mind. She looked at Joel with her big sad eyes, and he said okay, he would put on the costume change she had ready. Now, that hot pink thing has white fur trim, and is really quite the get-up. We all laughed pretty hard when he put it on. I remarked that only real men were confident enough to wear pink. Jacey turned to her own dad, and said, "You put it on, Dad." At first he said no, but it was pretty hard to turn her down now that Uncle Joel had done it. All eyes went to Bryant, who said no way, no how. Then he said, "You better enjoy it this once, cause it ain't happening again." Chris Murray said, no, he'd rip it, but all the men said it was remarkably stretchy. Okay, you gotta admit, even if you weren't there, that that is one of the funniest things you have ever seen a big guy do. (Joel was singing, "Fat man in a little coat," if you remember Chris Farley in that movie). It reminded me of those dumb pages on yahoo that say, "Two Stars Show Up in Same Dress; Who Wore it Better?"
Oh, our sides hurt. What a bunch of goof-balls. I think we have been indoors waaaay too many months. Maybe next month we can actually walk to the beach for our entertainment, like normal people do. But then again, maybe not.

A Day with the Cutie-Patooties

2011-04-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

We had Sarah and Allison for a few hours a couple of weeks ago, and got these cute pictures.
Sarah picked a daffodil on her way out the door, and said, "Grandma, take a picture of me." So I did. We kept walking down the road to the park and she says, "Take a picture of me by this pretty flower."
They were both so darn sweet. When I was playing with Allison in the tubes I said, "Allison, smile." and that pucker face is what I got. Priceless.
Sarah was swinging on the big kid swings and doing quite well. Grandpa asked her if she wanted a push, and she nodded yes. Gad-zooks. He gave her a swing that made her head snap. Up she went, higher and higher. I ran that direction, fearing the worst, and unfortunately I called it. The inertia from the upward swing was more than her little fingers could overcome. To the very top of the arc she went, and only the swing came back down. Sarah continued to fly... and then another physical law kicked in, this one's called gravity. Poor baby did a face-plant as she biffed the dirt. Thank goodness for 'soft and shock-absorbing playground chips'. She was flabbergasted, and just plain insulted. Who could blame her? Grandpa has only loved and protected her all her life, playing Legos with her, eating her pretend food, and drumming with Lincoln Logs on the trunk "drum set". This was NOT supposed to happen! She let me rock her on the swing while she got her wind back, and he got a full-on, furrowed brow, hairy-eyeball dirty look. It only took about three minutes and he was forgiven, but the next time he asked her if she wanted a push she said, "no thank-you".

It'll Be Fun.

2011-04-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hey! Forget the fact that it has rained for 8 months straight! Forget that it's been gray for 9 months, forget that we have two weeks of summer, and we're probably out of town, forget that we don't know the first thing about sailing, forget ALL that, and let's buy A SAILBOAT!!!
"It'll be fun!" Those are the immortal words Danny has said to me at every important juncture of our marriage. When he proposed (if you want to call it that, he actually said, "When are you coming home?) he said, "It'll be fun!" (He was right). When he said, "Let's be a ma and pa on the trek". (He wasn't so right on that one, but that's another story, for sure.) When he said, "Let's move to Lacey". (Another good call.) and on and on. Well, it's only been 24 hours, and it hasn't stopped raining, nor has the tide been up long enough to bring the boat into the marina, but he is still grinning ear to ear, so I guess we're having fun. Here she is, presently the Mistique, but going to become,... something better.

Chapter 3

2011-04-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a little bored with my saga, so I am going to skip the stories, anecdotes, and just tell you that it was a long road, with many a winding turn, that leads us to who, knows where, who knows where...wait, that's been done.
We had a funeral right off the bat, and I had no idea how to pull that off. I tried to think, but it happened so fast--and at the last minute I realized that I had nothing for centerpieces for the table. Plenty of good food, but, how embarrassing. Then a family member arrived and said, "I hope you don't mind, but we'd like to put lilacs in antique blue canning jars on the tables, they were mom's favorite." (MIND?!) Oh, how lovely, that would be just beautiful, sure, you go ahead. And it really, really was. If I die in lilac season, I'd like the same thing at my party. (Yes, a big, fun, laughter filled party, with volleyball after the short life-celebration part.)
We put on dinners, events, taught loads of lessons, and practical life skills, and over saw a few relationship traumas, and I made out food orders, helped people move in, and clean, and move out, and clean, and drove people around, and went to tons of meetings, and still we laughed, and cried, but never, never fought. I loved to just watch as we worked ideas around, and finally teased the final product from the jumble of discussion that proceeded the final decisions. We'd all sigh and feel like we had arrived at just the right place.
I will always remember how Terry did everything so beautifully. I would have copied recipes onto notebook paper and stapled them in the corner. She made a cookbook that was magnificent. Everything was artistic and worthy of framing. I made a lesson around the virtues of the poppyseed, and she made a seed packet to match my lesson idea, with a beautiful red poppy on the cover.
O kay, just one story, but then I'm done. We started a tradition of a gourmet burger night over at Sharon's house each summer, and Wally was our grill master. We talked about S'mores, and if we could build a fire and sit around and make them. We got into how many sticks we'd need, how many people could crowd around a fire, if it was safe or feasible...and Sharon (who thinks camping means a 40 foot RV) said, in all seriousness, (she was trusting us to be kind and understanding of her confusion, remember that it takes a lot to admit to someone that you don't know.) her brows knit together, she earnestly says, "I've always wondered, how do you get the graham cracker to stay on the stick?" There was a dead silence as we let the question sink in, and a few more beats of shock, then we simultaneously busted up. Tears were streaming down our faces, and all the while Sharon's saying, "What!?" What's funny!? You guys!?" I don't remember who was first able to compose themselves enough to answer her. Ah, Sharon, gotta love her. She is without guile, that one.
I knew at the 3 year mark that we had been in a long time, and at 3 and a half I felt we were on borrowed time. The Lord prepared my heart, and though it took some time, I was ready when the bishop and I sat down to discuss Relief Society. I had done the job that was before me, Relief Society was on solid footing, with all programs in place. Teachers had come and gone, specialists had come and gone, Super Saturdays had come and gone, workshops, classes, line-dancing, all manner of good things had happened. It was time to step back, and give the reins to strong hands, fresh eyes, and a different way of seeing.
The void was instantaneous. It was a large, gaping hole. There was silence where the phone ringing used to be. There were hours that were no longer filled with questions. There was a blank spot every Thursday afternoon on my calendar. I really felt invisible at church. I cherish those notes and cards that came in the mail that week. Several people took the time to express appreciation. Every time I read one I cried all over again. If you have sent a child off to college, it's kind of like that. You just don't know what to do with your hands for a minute. I loved that calling, but it was time to let it go. I enjoyed the ride, but I was all right getting off, too. There are other things to see and do at this great big adventure-land called life!

Chapter 2

2011-04-01T18:54:00.002-07:00

For the next year Penny Rasmussen, my first counselor, and Sharon Blake, our secretary, and I, worked hard to get our little Relief Society off the ground. We met every week, and while we always promised ourselves we'd stick to business and be focused, we really never did. It didn't take us very long to get interested in the goings on of each other's lives, and it seemed we each had a story to tell before we even tried to take care of business. Perhaps it was the enormity of it all that we were reluctant to face, or maybe it was just that it was so fun to have girl friends to share life with. Whatever it was, I enjoyed it immensely.
We decided our first job was Sundays, and getting teachers to instruct each week. We took great care when putting those important pieces in place. Calling teachers was huge, as so much of the tone of Relief Society is set in those Sunday meetings, and the amount of love and honesty they show encourages what is reflected back from the sisters in the room. When that was done we were ready to move on. I loved our teachers!
The next of our first big tasks was to try to set up visiting teaching routes. Wow. It was Penny's idea to get a huge board and put every sisters name on it twice; once in white, "to be visited", and once in yellow, "to go visit". We had grand ideas of putting people together by neighborhoods, to be efficient, but wait---- there's working/not working to deal with. Oh, yeah, car/no car, drive/no drive, kids/no kids, young/old, old ward/new ward, too. As we found out, there's also motivated and less so, personality conflicts, health, time restrictions, and a myriad of other factors to take into account. In our ward, we also have a high percentage of military, so there is a lot of coming/going to work on. Just as we thought we might have it, we'd see that people were visiting each other, somebody would move in or out, or that we made another of a dozen mistakes. We were prayerful, and we spent many hours in front of that board! One of the things I loved about our sisters in 4th ward is their willingness to accept whatever conglomeration of routes we handed them. I had a few, but very few, who thought we must have been out of our minds when we came up with those ideas! I asked them to pray about their routes, because we had, and come and see me if they still felt the need. I asked them to think of themselves as flowers, all different, but all beautiful, and creating a lovely bouquet of different kinds and colors. We saw unlikely pairings bring about new friendships, and watched a few miracles take place as we saw the hand of the Lord working through our inept, but willing hands.
The three of us did a good job, but knew we needed our other counselor to be whole. Though I pondered and prayed, I never could figure out who it was supposed to be, so we limped along on 3 wheels for the first year. Then finally! The lord took me to her door. Sharon and I went to visit a new sister by the name of Terry Shupe, and what a fun visit it was! We left that house after laughing and getting to know each other, and as we got in our car I turned to Sharon and said rhetorically, "We found her, didn't we."

2011-04-01T18:54:00.001-07:00

Chapter 1

2011-03-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

I finally feel like talking about being released as Relief Society President. But first I want to record how I came to become Relief Society President of Lacey 4th ward. This is my journaling method right now, so I apologize for the boring aspects of my story, but I don't want to forget. And besides, 'they' keep saying how my great-grandkids will get a kick out of hearing about their great-granny in the olden days.
When the wards that met in the Nisqually chapel outgrew themselves, the boundaries were changed, all the wards shifted, and a new ward was created. There was a special meeting held at the Stake Center where the speculation and rumors would finally be dispelled and the boundaries formally announced. We had in our minds the logical way this would take place, and were pretty satisfied that we would be 'safe' with all our friends sticking together.
After a song and an inspirational message, the screen finally came down and a large map with highlighter boundaries was shown. There was a little nervous chatter and surprised sounds as the whole thing looked quite different than we guessed. Beachcrest and Jubilee were chopped away from each other, and the boundaries on the other side of Martin Way were different too. After the shock of that settled down, the Stake President started announcing temporary callings to help make the transition while the real callings could be organized and set apart. I had a piece of paper and a pencil handy and was furiously taking notes. I remember writing and saying, "Oh, good call. Oh, that's a good choice. Oh, of course." On down the list he went, until President Coppin said, "Vicki Seversike as Relief Society President of Lacey 4th ward." I quit writing and looked at Danny and said, "What? What did he say? Did he say me? Can he do that?" He put his hand on my knee and said, "You'll be fine." I didn't hear much after that.
As the meeting ended and we started to make our way out of the chapel, people were congratulating me, and saying they were happy for me. "No, no, no," I said, "this is just temporary until they find the real one." I was pretty sure this was true, because you don't call a real RS President over the pulpit, right?
Within a week or so, the youth had created a system wherein numbers were assigned to create a short hand to explain where you were from. A "34" was a previous 3rd ward, now 4th ward member. A "46" was an old 4th warder who was now a new 6th ward member, and so on. A little clinical, but efficient.
As I pondered on this calling a hundred things went through my head. What would I do with this brand new group of people who were fragments of different wards? How would we come to know and love each other? What would the personality of this new ward be? Would there be a way to quit being 'them' and 'they' and become 'us'? I decided very quickly that I would use whatever time I had to try to sew these very different fabrics into a new and colorful quilt. I thought that since I only had a little time before they found the real president I had nothing to lose. I also decided that we were going to have some fun while it lasted.
The first Sunday we met there were 8 ladies, and that included the presidency. The ward was so small that almost everyone was needed in Primary. The only sisters we had were the ones with Sunday School callings, who could join us 3rd hour. We played getting to know you games, and all the ice breakers I knew, especially the ones that required you get up and move around. There would be no, "we're on this side and you stay over there" seating arrangements. We laughed. We shared fears, and hopes and dreams. When you got honest, it turned out everyone was nervous, but really had a deep desire to become one. It reminded me a lot of my blended family. Where so many hearts desire to create something good you can hardly fail. And, like my children, who showed Christlike love for their new family and created something amazing, the Relief Society sisters did the same thing. They threw open their hearts and took everyone in. It was beautiful to behold.
There were no manuals, no notebooks, no notes, no nothing. Everything went with the other president to her newly assigned ward. We were feeling our way in the dark. We created everything from scratch. After a while President Coppin said that he'd like to make this calling permanent, and by then I was in love, and though scared to death, was delighted to accept.

Let's Try It....

2011-02-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

For January's family dinner the theme was Emergency Preparedness. We all agreed that whatever we made would use emergency preparedness tools, or have ingredients from our storage in it. The guys used their dutch ovens to make dinner, which was amazing, and the women successfully used storage items to make wonderful contributions. For example, Jenna used her wheat grinder to make wonderful bread. For me, one of the lessons learned was that food can take on a metallic taste if stored in #10 cans for 15 years. I'm sure in a true emergency that would be no big deal, but I need to rotate better. I threw out some stuff I should have used sooner. I also made a great cake, but used frosting in a plastic container that tasted like plastic. I scraped it off and made homemade from powdered sugar I had in storage. But that was the point!! We used it, we learned, and we had a great time. I got our candles and lanterns, and bit by bit over the course of dinner I turned off all the lights, until we were eating by candlelight. It was great fun, and the kids thought it was very adventurous. Chris decided we weren't heating water on the campstoves for clean up, though, not with dutch ovens and dinner for 20 people to clean up. (I didn't argue!) In an emergency, like camping, it seems like you just work on food for a majority of your day, either preparing it or cleaning it up. Everyone took home a little green lantern as a reminder that we want to stay focused on our goal to be prepared.

2011-02-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

When the kids were little and depended on me for their welfare I remember the weight of that responsibility. It was sobering to know if they were hungry or cold they would look to me with those innocent faces and trust me to make it better. I want us all to work hard to be prepared to the best of our abilities. Heavenly Father will bless our efforts as we concentrate on that goal. When we get nervous and scared about the condition of the time, turn that energy into a positive action. We've been promised if we are prepared we shall not fear. Love ya!

...Warm Woolen Mittens....

2011-01-23T20:50:00.000-08:00

I delight in those first moments when the silence is blasted away by the first "ding-dong" of the doorbell. That's Lucas and Jacey, or possibly Ethan. Depending on who arrives first, I'm going to hear these things within the first few seconds; "Where's Grandpa?" (Jacey again), "Where's Jacey?" (That's Ethan) "When are we going to eat?" (David) "Can I watch Brotha Bear?" (Lucas) "Can I get out the Legos?" (Asa) Then I usually say something like, "I'm not tellin' till I get a hug". I get my obligatory squeeze and they're off...

..."Brown Paper Packages Wrapped Up With String..."

2011-01-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

I am amazed at how fast time goes, and how long it's been since I downloaded pictures. I will catch up little by little, but I just have to pick one or two favorites from the wonderful holiday season so recently past. It may seem like forever ago, but Christmas was actually just less than a month ago. Given that, you'll forgive me for going back even a bit more?
Thanksgiving didn't disappoint. It was full of wonderful smells, tastes, laughter, and always, always, there is love at home.
Christmas was really fun, too. Emily made our pinata again, which was a dandy! (I have picture uploading challenges, so forgive the separation of events into different posts.)
Oh, of course; she took my toy, and I was playing with that, he broke what I made, and she is hiding Legos, and I can't believe you did that, and that hurt my feelings-- but the really amazing part is how any mother can correct any child, any mother will cheer on any child, and that child can go to that mother for help, and any mother will do when you need a drink, or a hand up, or a story read. Any mother will share a bite, and any mother will kiss your boo-boo. Any mother will listen to your plight and try to make things better. It's remarkable, and yup, it's getting noiser, more crowded, ---- and more fun all the time.

What IF?

2011-01-10T20:19:00.000-08:00

"What would happen if it snowed and snowed and we had to stay here together?"
"Oh, honey, that would never happen."
"But what if it did?"
"We really don't get that kind of snow around here"
"But what if it did?"
"Well, we'd probably get sent home early if it looked like it was going to snow that hard."
"But what if we WANTED to stay here?"

Chrismas Mistake

2010-12-21T03:37:00.000-08:00

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations-extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend in the evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several parents quietly scampering to their places. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor,. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas", I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. When my son's class rose to sing "Christmas Love", I was slightly taken aback with its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and brightly colored snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing, "'C' is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then "'H' is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas is Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet girl in the front row was holding the letter "M" upside down. She was totally unaware that her letter "M" appeared as a "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood; the reason why we were there, why we celebrate the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"CHRISTWAS LOVE"

And, I believe, He still is.

Hooray!

2010-12-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

Conversation overheard by two second graders:

"Do you want a birthday cupcake?"
"I can only have it if it's gluten free."
"Well then, you can! It doesn't cost anything!!"

Being the Student

2010-11-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

This is my cutie-pie granddaughter, Alice, who is pretty darn good with a bow and arrow. She makes this skill look pretty easy. Her dad, Jacob, is very, VERY good with a bow and arrow. On this day he shot the bullseye on a small piece of paper on a tree a VERY long way away. It was quite impressive. We would never go hungry if Jacob were in our midst.
So, when it was my turn to try, I followed Alice's example, and I tried to do as I was told. Lift this, tuck that, pull that, straighten this out...ready? Pull back a little more...Go.
The arrow fell at my feet.
That's okay, I'm in the company of kind people, who didn't laugh. They lined me out again and I got off a few arrows that flew a respectable distance, for a newbie.
Well, I was at choir practice tonight, and figuratively, once again, the arrow fell at my feet.
We were introduced to an arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon/The First Noel that is very beautiful. I couldn't find what page we were on. We just jumped in, and our very talented pianist played the wonderful accompaniment, and an equally talented sister played the rest of the accompaniment on the organ. (What do you suppose it means when it takes two people to play the music?) I all I heard was a whole lot of notes that didn't seem to have one thing to do with the alto part. I'm not kidding, I didn't know what page to even look at. First or second ending? Huh? Contrapunel? Who? Go back to where? I just shut up and tried to make sense of any of it. At one point our dear director says, "I can't hear the altos." Really? Ya think?
Then someone said those words. Those dreaded, hated, banned-in-my-classroom words, "it's really not that hard." Whose twin is, "It's easy." Whose triplet is, "Alls ya gotta do is..." Sure, it's easy for those who have already mastered whatever it is! This was a wonderful reminder for me of how it feels to not know how. To be the one who doesn't get it when those around her seem to. To be the one who doesn't fit in. It's awful.
And I'm going to be a better teacher tomorrow.

Families Are Better Even Than Chocolate

2010-10-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks family!! I had such a fun time tonight. You are all so fun and beautiful and helpful and wonderful! I am a lucky mama and grandmama. You are all so enthusiastic about my Beach Breeze adventures that it gives me hope and courage. Thank you Jennis, for my pretty background. I am so not the zebra print kind of girl. :) muuuaaaahhhh; until we meet again.

HUH?

2010-10-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I can tell this and make it funny, but I'm going to try. This morning at assembly Mrs. McLaren was going over the usual pieces of business before we say the flag salute and sing a patriotic song. (Which was God Bless America in sign language. If you have never seen 500+ kids 'sing' this in sign language you have missed a rare, inspiring, and beautiful treat. Thank you LeighAnn.) As part of the daily announcements Mrs. McLaren has a quote that she repeats for a week, something like, "If at first you don't succeed..." These are always prefaced with, "Don't forget what my Grandma always says...". Being Friday, the kids have all heard the quote all week, and can usually parrot it back. At the appropriate time she asked the kids in general, "And what does my grandma always say?" and a little bitty kindergartener shouted, "DONUTS!!!!" There was a big pause and a lot of head scratching, and I'm thinking, "Maybe her grandma has a tradition of buying donuts when they get together?" And when Mrs. McLaren started laughing, and we remember the quote, which was "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you" we all got a big belly laugh out of it. Apparently "unto" is an unfamiliar word and doesn't translate well over the loudspeaker into a 5 year olds ear. She heard, "Donuts for others as you would have donuts to you!" It makes me laugh all over again just to read it. I don't know, maybe you had to be there, maybe I'm just over-tired, but I thought it was hysterical.

Teasing

2010-09-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

For our ward temple night Danny and I went up with Dan and Melinda Carruth. It was a very crowded session, and a very old lady in a wheelchair was squeezed in next to me by the wall. She must have been well into her 80's, and hunched over pretty good in her wheelchair. With rouge on her cheeks and with a hairpiece of dark gray on her white head, she looked ready to be "out and about." I kept my eye on her, but she didn't need much assistance from me.
When we went into the Celestial Room, we and the Carruths were standing around enjoying the wonderful feeling of being there together when this same little old lady wheeled up to us. She looked at Melinda and said, pointing to her husband, "That your husband?" Melinda smiled and nodded yes. She lifted her gnarled finger and tapped her wrinkled old cheek and said, "You mind if he gives me one right here?" Melinda chuckled and said, "No, go ahead, Dan." Poor Dan, put on the spot, leaned in and gave her a respectful tiny little peck on the cheek.
"No!" She says, "Not that! I want him to rub those whiskers on my face!" We all had to check ourselves from laughing out loud. She knew exactly what she wanted, and it was to have his whiskers scruffing her face. Poor guy; he obliged and we just enjoyed his embarrassment and her happiness.
"Oh, she says, it has been such a very long time!" I was smiling pretty big at this scene, and she turns to me and says, "When you're as old as me you can get away with all this stuff! It's great! You're going to love it! Forgive me, she says, I've been up since 4 o'clock this morning to be here early, and I'm a little tired tonight!"
She wheeled away and left us standing there giggling. After we composed ourselves and went to change into our street clothes I saw her one more time. She was asking her friend, "So, we still going for teriyaki?"
I've thought a lot about her, and how much we are going to miss things we might take for granted. I wondered if in 1920 she was a little girl on her daddy's lap when he rubbed his whiskers in her neck. Of if her husband in 1940 used to tickle her with his beard. Someone somewhere teased her with whiskers! I thought of all the little loving teasings we do with each other, and how much kids giggle and come back for more of it. I think they all send the message "You are important to me, and I love you."
So in case you're wondering what the pictures have to do with my post, they are moments of teasing and playing, of which these kids cannot get enough. Don't let another twenty four hours go by without giving somebody a dose of playful attention.

Hellllloooooo?

2010-09-21T17:10:00.001-07:00

I have a funny story but I'm not gonna tell it for just me. If you've visited this blog would you say "hi , I was here"? I've been averaging about 1 comment. :( lame-o.

B-i-r-t-h-d-a-y !!!

2010-09-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

We had a play day at Auntie Emily's house where we got to groom and ride horses, roast hot-dogs and marshmallows, eat watermelon, and even break a pinata! There were doggies to play with, and room to run! At one point we heard a terrible metallic banging, and discovered Taylor and Harley kicking and pounding the inside walls of the horse trailer. The little metal room reverberated like the inside of the Liberty Bell, and they thought it was hysterical. Forget Disneyland, these country kids like the farm!
Notice particularly the shot of Emily holding onto Sarah's leg. It is totally unconscious, her hanging on to her like that. It struck me as tender, that we instinctively grab and protect the things we love. I was watching Sarah carefully that day, as she was a little concerned about that 1200 lb animal and herself being so close together. She is not disturbed that she is being held onto, indeed, I know she felt a great deal of comfort in knowing she was clutched in Auntie Em's hand. They share a bond of trust, and I love that Sarah would go outside her comfort zone on the promise that Em would be right there. The parallels between ourselves and Heavenly Father are right there, don't you think?

Let the Good Times Roll...

2010-09-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

Since there are too many sweet faces to get into one entry, here's more of the fun times we shared. I just kept thinking, "These kids are sooo lucky!! I'm so glad they will grow up with the memories of aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas laughing, playing, talking, helping, and watching over them." It's all about the relationships, isn't it? At the end of the day, or week, or year, or life! What a joyful satisfaction in savoring the days together and the love we shared. Even as summer ends and school life begins, let's not forget to nourish those friendships!

Multnomah Falls

2010-08-23T23:15:00.001-07:00

"Be Fun!"

2010-08-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

Danny and I just returned from BYU Education Week, and he is already making plans for next year. We had not been for, gosh, maybe 7 years, and decided we'd try it as a couple instead of a family of teenagers. I have to tell you that I missed the kids! There were many warm and fuzzy memories as we thought about those "good ole days". It was 101 one day, and thunder and lightening like crazy the next. We remembered how lightening struck so close to us one rain-storm day on our way back to the car after classes. We thought about making lunches at 5 am and sneaking out of Gretchen's friend's houses trying not to sound like a herd of elephants.
But, actually, the main idea behind my post tonight is that throughout our many classes over many days a recurring theme emerged. It was that we should be a happier people. With what we know, and the blessings we enjoy, we should be downright giddy with happiness. We should laugh more, have more giggles, enjoy appropriate humor, sing louder, play more uptempo songs, play games, and have the joy that "man is that he might have"...
Well, I've taken that to heart, and thought I'd post a couple of pictures from this summer that typify that feeling. We stopped at Multnomah Falls because it's ridiculous to drive past something that beautiful because you're in too big a hurry to be someplace else. The rest are from our Robinson Reunion crashing days in June. Brothers and sisters sharing a moment, Alice, Grace and Ada learning to hula from Ranie ( I did try, but it went to fast and I couldn't keep up with the instructions. I was back on "rotate your hips like this while keeping your knees bent and your heels up" and they were already pulling their fish from out of the sea), and one of Dad and Tom looking so handsome together. Anyway, one instructor at BYU said that you should not tell someone, "Have fun!" when they leave, but instead, "Be Fun!" I guess it's sort of like getting out of the meeting what you put into it, whether it's a meeting for instruction or for fun. We were reminded that almost the first thing President Monson did his first conference as Prophet was wiggle his ears! So in that spirit, when Amanda and Dad were teaching Harley how to hang a spoon off her nose (she did it!!) and she asked grammy to "do it", I DID! (Those who know me best know I have a very low tolerance for looking foolish) Here's to being happy!!

Family Home Evening at the Beach

2010-08-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

I love sweet summer evenings at our little beach. It's rocky, it's kind of oldish, it sometimes even smells like low tide. And I think it's charming. I love to watch the grandkids throw rocks, pour sand in each other's hair, exchange shoes, 'only get their feet wet' right up to their armpits, and generally enjoy being outside.
Children, I adore all 9 of you. Spouses; I adore all of you. All 21 of our grandbabies, I love you with all my heart. I wish I had more of everything to share with all of you. Since time if finite, resources too, know that my prayers and love are not. I love you from here to the moon and back again.

Whether You Think You Need It or Not

2010-08-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

It has taken me so long to find the pieces and apparatus to download my 200+ photos from my camera that now I only have patience for a short blog. Check back soon, because I now have lots of material from which to draw inspiration for blog posts!
While Zach and Debbie were here from Utah we decided to go see the ocean. It has been so long since I had been there that I forgot that Ocean Shores is miserable cold!!! This is just a tiny moment in that day that made me think as I watched it transpire.
Imagine the cold wind blowing it's icy fingers down a bitty neck, and hair being whipped around in watermelon slices. I think Taylor's lips were going blue, and her arms had goose bumps. While it's true that Taylor wasn't complaining, and may have happily endured the weather for the privilege of running around the beach, Auntie Amanda had a better plan for her warmth, health and ultimate happiness.
She rounded up an Elmo Sweatshirt and called Taylor to her. Taylor went willingly and let her put that shirt over her head. It didn't go easily, however, and there was a good deal of tugging and wiggling. All the while Taylor is in the dark, her arms flailing trying to maintain her balance. With a final insistent tug the sweatshirt goes over her head and there is daylight for Taylor once again. Her little arms require a small amount of coaxing into the sleeves, but it seems easy in contrast to the head opening.
One might think that would be sufficient, but Amanda also saw that her hair was still being tossed about her head and went to work fixing that problem. Still Taylor stood while her piggies were pulled straight and reworked. In the end she was warmer, able to see without hair being blown in her face, and able to eat without straining her food through her tresses. She was released and went on with her day.
I thought how trusting Taylor was that Auntie Amanda was going to be helping her somehow. While she was content with her lot, she knew that someone wiser would improve her situation. It required some tugging, some darkness, some loss of balance, and some delay in her own plans.
Are we as accepting when Heavenly Father says to us, "Come here, I can help you" ?

My Pearl

2010-06-29T09:11:00.001-07:00

One of the prophets said that he is always listening for the "pearl" that will come out of each meeting if you are paying attention, and waiting for it.
Last night we went to the Nisqually property to meet with other empty-nesters for family home evening. (Our dear bishop calls it the 'old fogey's FHE) (fondly, I'm sure) We roasted marshmallows and read a talk by Julie Beck out of the April conference Ensign.
She was talking about the value of virtuous women, and how hard it can be to be validated in Babylon. How the world's standards can leave you feeling that you aren't measuring up. She talked about the invaluable contributions made by spiritual women, and how you add so much to the world with your goodness. Still, I wonder, I am doing enough? There was one sentence that hit me as we were reading, and it had to do with a question that often haunts me; am I acceptable before the Lord? Am I okay? On the one hand we are to "lengthen your stride" and the list of things that I 'should' do is quite long! On the other hand, we are not to "run faster than we have strength", and "not to let the good crowd out the essential". I know that fine line is the balance we all seek. I also know that the answer lies in personal revelation for your own situation. Here's my pearl: If you are receiving revelation in any of its forms, then you are living in a way that is acceptable to the Lord, and he is letting you know it by granting you that supreme gift of the Holy Ghost. Having revelation is a sign that Heavenly Father is aware of you, and pleased with you.
I guess that hit me with such force because I needed to hear it. Thought maybe there might be one among us that could use to hear it too. I love you all.

Father's Day

2010-06-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

This is the dad and grandad we adore!! Hugs and kissies to him on this Father's Day! 'nuf said.

Is it Done?

2010-05-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

I pick this one up every once in awhile and fiddle with it some more. Tonight I added a few more buds, some more leaves, deepened things a bit, and finally thought, "I think I'm close." After I took a picture of it I put some more yellow in the middles, and scratched a couple of highlights. Shall I quit before I do something I regret? :)

Mixed Bag...Of What Do You Suppose?

2010-05-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

When I'm teaching, I always take a moment to explain any idioms I use in conversations with the kids. This week I said someone was "asleep at the switch", and then explained what a switchman was, and how disastrous it could be if he were neglecting his duty; asleep at the switch. Then we get back to the lesson. Because of that habit I instantly wondered where the phrase "mixed bag" comes from. We use it when describing the weather, or the day's activities, or multiple subjects within one blog. Because I wish I had some, I think it should refer to penny candy, back when you picked from a candy counter and the salesclerk put your selection into a bag. What do you think?
But, back to the blog. I think pictures are the best part of everyone's blog, so I like to include some, even if they are a bit random.
I dropped by Jennis's house last week because I missed everyone, and the kids were on the tramp. That was hysterical. Taylor will not be denied, and seeing her bitty body jumping, and rolling, and running, and flopping between Jacey and Luke was funny! It should not be hard to pick my absolute favorite, because how she looks represents how I feel. And I say, Why not! --- Let's all jump around in whatever we want, holding whatever blankie makes us feel happy and secure, squeezing everything we can from the experience. The heck with our hair! Have some FUN!
I think the far-away family likes seeing the monthly dinner pics, so there are few of those. Lucas loves playing with the big boys, and it is so very good for him to wrestle with someone as tough as him!
Next: I'm thinking it's time to take the plunge, I think I'm going to go get my business license and market this artwork of mine. I've got jewelry coming out my ears (and off my neck, ankles, and wrists) and I have to sell some so I can justify making some more. I have watercolors begging to be notecards, hand crochet-edged baby blankets ready to welcome a newborn, etc, etc. I know those who have been there might think I'm crazy, but hey, I already admitted that! After going around in my head for several years I think I've settled on Beach Breeze Studio. (Imagine it in a pretty font, if you would) What do you think?

8 days old, and thriving!

2010-05-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Here's an update of Asher, and didn't he change in one week? Look at those cheekies! He hit five pounds this week, got all his oxygen removed, his bed is no longer warmed and he is holding his own temperature just great. He is due to get his feeding tube removed as he is eating on his own. If he can prove he doesn't lose any weight he'll be ready to go home. He never jaundiced, so he didn't need the UV light. Let's see; Bryant has the apartment just about perfect, Dad is going up today to help lay laminate in the bathroom, just about all that's left. It should be any day now that the family is reunited and home at last. Hooray for everyone!

Tah-Dah!

2010-05-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

With Amanda's permission here are a few pictures of Asher's First 24 hours. He arrived May 4th (Auntie Ranie's birthday, too!)and weighed in at 4 pounds 12 ounces, and started out this journey 17 3/4 inches long. He is just so darn cute! My first impression was how much he looks like Harley; they are going to be a pretty cute matched set of siblings.
He is shown here with "just a whiff of oxygen", as well as various monitors. One for heart beats, one for oxygen levels, one for body temperature, one for--oh, I forget what else. His second day he got a little more oxygen assist, so that he still works, making his lungs stronger, but not quite so hard, which tires him out. The tiny mask fits over his whole nose, and is a little bit bigger than a nickel. They gave him a feeding tube the second day as well, which is about as big as a piece of dental floss, so that he can have constant nourishment until he can eat/breath/swallow comfortably. By day three he had only lost one ounce, and that's great.
Amanda was checked out yesterday, and is staying at the Sunshine house next door. She went home tonight for the first time, and will be back there Sunday. She is doing great, walking and getting stronger every day. Bryant has done a fabulous job taking care of Harley, and his Mom, and cooking/cleaning/all while remodeling the apartment for his family to come home to. I'm very proud of him, he's done an awesome job.
Just want to thank everyone for their fasting, and prayers on behalf of Asher and Amanda. Many people went to visit,and call, and send cards, and Jennis watched Harley lots so that Bryant could concentrate on building. I know that the faith of all of us who love them strengthened Amanda during her forced rest, and Asher while he got a couple more weeks to mature before his little body was ready to be born. Miracles have not ceased in our day, we witness them all around us. It just takes eyes that see. Love you all, mom

A Few More....

2010-05-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

There are only a few things you can do photography-wise when your little subject is enclosed in a glass cocoon. I was right in the little guys face, but he didn't seem to mind.

On Blogger- Part 2 Looks Like Part 1-Oh, Well...

2010-05-02T22:06:00.000-07:00

REALLY?!

2010-05-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast time flies...it's May, wow. My 7:30 meeting was canceled this morning, so I thought perhaps I'd make a quick post with that gift of time. In starting that project I realized I haven't downloaded my camera THIS YEAR! That's ridiculous. So I did that, then I took some time to play with the options and the photo-shopping features of iPhoto, then, of course, it's time to go to church. Attended to the welfare needs of the ward, made a home visit combined with Dad administering the sacrament to a shut-in, visited Amanda, and now I'm back! Doggonit, determined to do something with this!
I'm going back to February, because these Valentine's Day pictures are too dang cute not to share. I'll try to catch up, but I'm not making any promises.
We were lucky enough to have Joni and Jacob in town, and they joined us for dinner. The house was awfully full- of laughter and food and good times! I didn't catch everyone, but here's a representative sample of this clan!

The Generosity of Galloping Horses

2010-03-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

I was just reading a devotional about judging, and the author used an example from her own life. She related that she was able to visit both her grandmothers' homes, both of whom were quilters. While one grandmother made her practice endlessly, and made her rip things out and redo them to her satisfaction, the other grandmother was always encouraging. She would call out to the grandfather things like, "Look how Laura's improving! I do believe she's turning into quite the seamstress!"
While both women made quilts, the perfectionist wouldn't enter a quilt contest unless she was confident she would win. Her quilts were a work of art. The other woman was more prolific; she had fun, and made functional quilts with great love. Her seams weren't straight, the corners not tight, and the edges had puckers. Her motto was, "You'll never notice from the back of a galloping horse."
What a great attitude! I love it. Perhaps because in my quilts, my projects, and in my life my seams may be a little crooked, too. I'm thankful for those who look with eyes of kindness and generosity, and even squint if you have to, to ignore the flaws you'd never see from the back of a galloping horse anyway.

Gosh!

2010-03-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Recently this question was posed to us, "Are you an asset or a liability?"
It was in regard to emergency preparedness, and I thought it was worth of a bit of pondering. The answer is that I am an asset, as I have food, water, equipment, and some skills. That's emergency preparedness.
What about other areas of my life? As a friend am I a giver or a taker? A glass half full or a glass half empty? An lifter-upper or a dragger-downer?
In my ward am I one of those, or one of those? In my family do I give more comfort or cause more worry? Am I someone anyone would want to be stuck in an elevator with?
This question has popped up in my mind at different times, and helped me to smile when I didn't really feel like it, and give an extra ounce because I really want to be an asset, not a liability.

( My pictures never seem to go where I want them, so let me explain: Dangerous Ground; This mortal experience can be! Colorful Thermal Garden; interesting things along the way. Hiking: though we may need to rest, it's upward motion we're after. Ol'Faithful, what we need to be~steady and worth the wait.)

And the Answer Is...

2010-03-06T20:23:00.000-08:00

The first thing I did was make sure there wasn't a third shoe in there, though I really knew there wouldn't be. Zach; yup, and left and a right. Jen; capris. Jenna; LA Fitness, Barbie Training Camp.
In the blink of an eye I thought: How humiliating. I'm already here. I've already changed in the bathroom. I look ridiculous. What if I see someone I actually know? Is there no limit to the embarrassing things I can manage? Really? Who would dare to say something? (Maybe that snotty lady from the pool who said, "Excuse me...I"m trying to DO something here." Like I wasn't?)'sigh'.
Second blink of the eye: You know, I'm more than the sum total of my shoes. You know what else? Who would DARE to say something?! Everyone walks around here not making eye contact with anyone. And this is the one that tipped the scales: I always told my daughters act like you like it- walk with your head up and shoulders out- put a big smile on your face and give off such an attitude of confidence everybody will wish they had what you have. So I did. I squared my posture and strode out onto the floor and up the stairs to the treadmills like I owned the place. Past a dozen guys lifting weights who are so busy watching themselves in the mirror they didn't know anyone else was on the planet, past two dozen people huffin' and puffin' on elipticals so hard they didn't have the air to comment, and into the only empty slot on the treadmills. If anyone saw they pretended they didn't. That was very sweet of them, don't you think? On reflection I believe that my own mother was right. One day she heard me going on and on about my hair when I was in high school. She said something like, "You know, most people are so worried about themselves they really don't even give you a second thought." Humbling, but true. Nevertheless, I was very careful the next time I packed my gym bag.

Hmmm?

2010-03-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

So, what would YOU do? Scenario: You've packed your gym bag at o'dark-thirty, had another 'fun' day at the job 20, raced to the gym to sneak in some kind of work-out before you pick up the husband in an hour (another story for another time) and TA-DUH! You have one white shoe with navy trim and one gray shoe with lime green trim. Looking forward to your replies. :)

Open to Interpretation

2010-02-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

I have some of my moments of greatest clarity at grocery stores. I was struck by another grocery store conversation I had last week. I stopped at my friendly neighborhood Safeway to get Valentine goodies. Another teacher was in front of me at check out, and we visited a bit as we unloaded our carts. The checker asked if we were teachers and if we were getting party supplies, to which we answered yes. The first teacher said that she was keeping it simple, and said the kids didn't need much, and what she had was plenty. Sort of firm and no-nonsense about it. The checker was 6'5" if he was an inch, and looked about 30-32 years old. He was a high-school football star kind of guy, all-American, clean cut, really big and tough. He says, so sweetly, "I was thinkin' I would surprise my little girl and bring cupcakes to her room today. What do you think?" And teacher number one says, "Well I'd put them in a baggy and send them home. They don't need anymore junk." He was quiet and then softly said, "oh". She finished her transaction and bustled out.
I put my rather eclectic mix of presents for my 4th grade team, LeighAnn, the kids 'junk', my sweetie, and cards on the belt. Our big ol' football player/dad/checker rang up my stuff, and politely told me my total. As I was swiping my card I looked him in the eye and said, "If you bring cupcakes to my room, we would all say, 'thank you' to your daughter, and she would choose a friend to help her pass them out. We would eat them, and we would love them." I swear I thought he had a tear in his eye. He smiled a crooked smile and said, "thanks."
My moment of clarity happened on the trip from the checker to my car. The words on a saying posted at school came to mind: "We judge ourselves by our intent, while we judge others on their actions. Seek first to understand." Isn't that the truth? The poor guy wanted to make his little girl happy, and one teacher saw a mountain of sugar the kids don't need, frosting in places we have to wipe, expensive, store-bought, red-dye, fat-laden monstrosities, a fair amount of which would land in the garbage after the frosting had been licked off the top.
Oh, when these things happen-Please might I remember the intent of a daddy who just wanted to show his love for his baby-girl.

Seeking That Which Is Lost

2010-01-31T10:13:00.000-08:00

I've been struck by Luke 15, verses 4-10 these last couple of weeks. To paraphrase, What mother, having any number of children, if she loses one of them, doesn't leave everything else behind in order to seek out the one who is lost in the wilderness? Who wouldn't exhaust every effort, spend all that she has, in order to go after that which is lost until she find it?

It's been easy to liken this parable to my life of late because of an experience of a friend of mine. Her son and his girlfriend went into the Sierra Nevada mountains for a short camping trip. Through a series of bad breaks the scenario turned quickly treacherous; the weather turned, the truck battery died. Using tricks I'd never thought of he was able to get his truck started, and, having been out in the mountains wet for a couple of days, decided to attempt a flood-swollen river crossing. In the attempt the truck was lost to the river, though Ryan and Viola were able to escape and scramble to safety.

Ginny can't know what is happening to her son. All she knows is that he hasn't shown up for appointments made, Viola hasn't reported to work. Days are passing with no word. She heads to California to help in whatever ways you can; organizing searches, calling, praying, searching, praying, digging, praying.

Every mother everywhere relates to the gut-wretching mystery of wondering what has happened to her child. (I assure you, it matters not whether the child is two or thirty-two.)After nearly a week of severe winter conditions it becomes more and more unlikely the outcome can be positive. When all there is left is to leave it in the Lord's hands, that's what you finally do. A prayer time is set aside for 3:30 on Saturday afternoon. We commit our most sincere hearts to the task.

As the state of California will not send up a helicopter with no known logical place to look, the family must hire their own helicopter. After the paperwork is completed, a plan is mapped out, the helicopter goes up at last. Simultaneously, the lost couple are trying to think what else they can possible do, having finally left their fate in the Lord's hands as well.

After an hour or so of searching the helicopter heads toward a small hill. Ryan and Viola hear the rumble of the chopper blades and begin to run out of the woods toward an open field. With the sun behind them, the helicopter pilot flies over the rise and sees a couple on their knees in a field, overcome with emotion that their salvation has come.

What feelings come over them all can only be speculation, but we can imagine, that when they have found that which is lost, there was rejoicing. Ginny called, texted, emailed, shouted to all her friends and neighbors, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found that sheep which was lost!"

And in my report, she added, "Vicki, the helicopter found them at 3:30."

Life is Like a Pinata

2010-01-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

~Life is a lot like a pinata~

We each bring to it different strengths and talents

We approach it with varying levels of enthusiasm

There is always someone willing to help

If you are willing to listen to the experienced you can learn a lot

Sometimes you feel blind-folded----swing anyway

Those watching over you are rooting for you

We collectively benefit from the hard work of those before us

A combined effort yields the best results

If you stick around the hard work eventually pays off

Shout, "Hoo-ray!"

2009-12-04T19:31:00.001-08:00

I was just remembering a random moment from Thanksgiving and it made me smile. Chris had injured himself playing Turkey Bowl football with the guys from church and their sons, and Dad/Danny had gone to the hospital to give him a blessing. We carried on and continued to get dinner ready, set the table, all that jazz.
There was the sound of the front door opening, and Chloe was the first to greet the guys home. Then she ran to me in the kitchen, with her eyes just sparkling, and with a big old grin exclaimed, "YOUR DADDY'S HOME!"
I clapped my hands and said,"Oh, Yeah!!" and we went to greet our 'daddys'. Truly, I was pretty happy my 'daddy' was home, but it did, and still does, bring a tear to my eye to think how thrilled our children are when their daddys come home. Aren't we just so lucky to have them? :)

Treat! These are Cutie-Patootie Trickers

2009-11-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

I've been up to my eyeballs lately, but I wanted to share some moments that are the "best" on the good-better-best continuum. Of all the things that I do, and wish I were doing any and all of them better, the time I spend with my family is the best of any of it.
Don't you have to love dahlias? They only quit when a hard frost takes them. I had this bunch Halloween Day.
Then for those of you who can't recognize those children because of their new identities; that's Tay-Bee, Harley-Dragon, Truly Terrifying Jacey Lion, and Transformin' Lucas. The people in Jennis's neighborhood are sweet people. They were very kind and patient with children who would rather play in their pumpkins than trick or treat, with those who wanted to come in the house for a visit, and those who were oblivious to the whole thing. Fun night, thanks for sharing with us.

Me, too

2009-10-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

Xander: "My waist hurts."
Me: "Is your belt too tight?"
Xander: No, why?"
Me: Because you said your waist hurts."
Xander: "No, it hurts INSIDE."
Me: "Oh, like, you're hungry?"
Xander: "Yeah."
Me:"Mmm, me too."
Xander: "Cause your belt's too tight?"

'sigh'

I've Heard About This....

2009-10-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went to my Stake Leadership Meeting, and it was pretty good. (I was reminded of Elder Oakes quote;"It has to be a pretty good meeting to be better than no meeting at all.") After the Relief Society class portion we met together in the gym for brownies and apple cider. (The brownies were awesome, by the way.) I was walking in and some lady I didn't know said, "OH MY GOSH! I KNEW IT!" I looked around to see who had won a door prize or something, and she was looking at me. I said, "Excuse me?" and she said, "I"m the popcorn lady! I made the popcorn for the Prairie kids today!" "Ahhh..." says I. (I'm thinking, "Is that supposed to explain something?") So I smiled and went into my, Maybe -if-we-keep-talking-something-will-make-sense mode. "Oh, hi, it's nice to see you." (?Nothing yet)She said in a rush, "I was telling my friend who was helping me that I bet you're LDS, your ears must have been burning because we were talking about you in the lunch room today! I just knew it!" (I had lunch duty) Me,"What on earth made you think that?" And here's the punch line; "Well, it's just the way you looked, in your face, in the way you carried yourself!". I have to tell you that's just about the nicest thing a stranger has ever said to me. I guess your insides can be in a knot over kids throwing lunch pails at each other, but if your spirit's at peace, your face will still show it.

kids are funny

2009-09-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a couple of moments from my Friday school day. I had asked the kids to color a picture of themselves that I intend to use for markers as they reach their reading goals. I'll put their face underneath the 25%, 50%, etc. Everyone was doing a very serious job, making their hair and eyes the actual color, putting on the shirt they were really wearing, things like that. Then one guy gave me a totally black square. He colored it very dark black, with just two small spaces not colored in completely. I was confused. I said, "Um, Ethan, I'm not gettin' this." He deadpans, "I'm a ninja."

The next funny moment was when I was doing some lunchroom duty. I walk around and open milk, stop children from poking each other, and each other's sandwiches, advise them to "remember your 12" voices, stuff like that. Toward the end some children ask if they can wipe tables as a job from the custodian.(She gives then PRIDE tickets to be used in a drawing at assembly) There was one young man among them who has long greasy hair and a longer reputation for trouble. As things were winding down this very distinctive young man looks up at me with sad eyes and says in a droll, slow, plaintive, voice, "Mrs. Seversike, dontcha even recognize me?"
I smiled and said, "Why, of course I recognize you, how are you doing?" At which point he wraps his arms around me, buries his head in my stomach, (pressing his bleach rag into my back)and says after a long,drawn out sigh, "I'm fine." Apparently the start of school is tough on all of us. Let us remember the power in being recognized and given a hug. It can make the whole day better.

Anti-Nephi-Lehies

2009-09-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today the word "anti" is defined as "against or opposed, situated opposite." I learned this week that during the time the prophet Joseph Smith was translating the plates, one of the meanings of the word "anti" was "in the mirror image of."
In Alma, Chapter 23, we learn about a blood-thirsty region of the Land of Nephi where Lamanites listened to the teachings and testimony of Aaron and his bretheren, and were converted. They were convinced, by the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, that the traditions of their fathers had been wrong. They had no more desire to do evil, and thousands covenanted to live peacefully. Knowing of the earlier meaning of the word "anti" makes the choice of names by which the converted Lamanites wished to be called, The Anti-Nephi-Lehies make much more sense. They wanted to emulated their righteous ancestors, to be associated with righteous men, to make themselves over in the mirror image of good examples.
These once murderous Lamanites, wishing to show their God the sincerity of their hearts, buried their swords, their bows and arrows and other weapons of destruction deep in the earth. This commitment did many things; it made them vulnerable to their enemies, showed humility, and demonstrated their complete reliance upon their God for their safety and salvation.
Pondering the sacrifice that the Anti-Nephi-Lehies made as they tossed their weapons of sin into the pit, I wondered; what are we willing to toss into the pit to show our earnestness and commitment?
Most of us have committed to living the Word of Wisdom and tossed harmful practices to our bodies into the pit. We use our Sabbath day to worship God and to learn of his son, Jesus Christ, throwing personal entertainment on Sundays into the pit. We give up some of our earnings to help build Zion, some of our time and talents to build the Kingdom, and come to the aid of our brothers and sisters.
It seems as if today we still have to keep the pit open, and continue to throw little things in all the time. Where anger arises, we have to run to the pit and throw that in. Where pride enters our heart we have to cast that in as well. Just as soon as we empty our hands and hearts of sinful thoughts, Satan is there to try to put something back in.
If you are recognizing the battle, and the continued need to throw things into the pit, you are on the right course! Seeing the constant need to identify and eliminate sin means we are humble enough to be receptive to instruction and correction. Don't despair as you continue to see the need to run to the pit, to repent, and rid yourself of the tools to do evil. It only means that we are being steadfast in the effort to make ourselves over into the mirror image of Him whom we wish to emulate, even Jesus Christ.

And this time the pictures too...

2009-09-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

For Somethin' New to Look At

2009-09-04T20:12:00.001-07:00

These are cute pictures which no real purpose, I just thought you might like them.:)
The squatters in our house are still there, leaving notes that "we have people watching the house..." and, "I'll press charges next time..." you know, like Dawn said, "CRIMINAL justice system". BUT!! We joined LA Fitness, so I'm going to get fit and probably look 22 again, and blonde, I'm thinkin'. And probably drive a really nice car, too. I wouldn't be surprised if I look good in an evening gown. All this, and more can be yours...

If at First You Don't Succeed---You are like most people

2009-08-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

This day didn't go nearly as well as I hoped. We moved our reticent renters out, with a whole long story of their lying, and put their larger belongings on the lawn and the rest of the house in the garage.
When we finished we showered and went to get milk. When we came home the cops were outside the rental, the woman actually had the nerve to call the cops. Shortest story possible: the creeps have all the rights. So I am bummed, she and her felon boyfriend are still there, with a promise to move "in a week... or ten days..." We'll start proper eviction procedures, which can take up to 3 months. Did I mention I'm really, really, bummed? Soooooooo--if this is some kind of test I'm going to pass it. Cause I'm really good at tests. You don't get a GPA like mine (graduating CummaGoomaLoudly as dad says) without being a really good test taker. Instead of any more garbage I'm going to share some more of my beautiful summer memories and just mellow out. So here's to new antiques (the youth chair)(hey, is that an oxymoron? new antiques?) Cousins are cool, aunties and porch swings go good together, friends are wonderful things, and birthdays are fun days.

If at First You Don't Succeed

2009-08-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

Better Days...Better Nights

2009-08-22T03:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we have the unpleasant task of moving out a renter who is basically a squatter. Danny and I have a tendency to think the best of people, and seem to have a knack for being gullible. President Hinckley used to say that "there is much of kindness in the world, there is much of goodness." Perhaps because we look for those qualities and choose to see the world as basically good, we find ourselves "taken in" now and again.(In my head I see David with his finger pulling at the side of his mouth, as in "hook, line, and sinker") We believed them, we got snookered. So tomorrow we'll start spending our days moving their furniture out, cleaning up their mess, and painting the walls away from hideous and back to normal.
Hence, no sleep for this girl tonight.
I thought I would console myself my counting my blessings instead of sheep. It's worked a lot of times. So the objective of this post is to share happier days, and remember that this is just the short-term, and everything of eternal significance is wonderful.
For this post I chose a couple more blessings and good memories from Yellowstone: Hikes in the Sunshine, Bridges, Earning my Walking Stick Medallion, Blueberry Pancake Breakfasts, and Amazing Thermal Gardens.

"That's a Little Bit of Heaven Right There"

2009-08-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

That's one of my favorite things that Amanda says about really good moments in life, whether it's a perfect piece in a great day, something really delicious to eat, or holding someone you love, or finding the perfect pair of shoes. Well, our trip to Yellowstone was like that. Even if it did take me two days of spit-baths to decide I would fork over 3.25 for a shower, and after a while buffalo in the road are not that charming, it was, overall, a truly amazing couple of days. Here's just a few, because it's simply not right to make people sit through the whooooole camera card full of Yellowstone pictures. I just like that one by the entrance because "It took am Act of Congress" is another one my favorite sayings. Three Billy Goats Gruff were immediately inside the North Gate and were an indicator of the wildlife we'd see. "We Two" was at the top of a hike where orange water ran out of the hill side. "On the Bridge" was in the middle of a hike to another set of falls I'm trying to watercolor. The waterfall was at the bottom of a long hike, totally worth it! We hiked all over that place and deserve both walking stick medallions we found! If you like these---I got more. :)
It looks as though a couple are going to be sideways, don't know what to tell you about that--they were right side up in i-Photo, and on my desktop. Chalk it up to the personality of computers and the mood they are in when you ask them to do something. Kind of ruins the impact, but whaddayagonnado?

Ya Wanna Raise Your Bloodpressure?

2009-07-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

It's easy. All you have to do is voice an opinion different from the noisy minority!
Yesterday afternoon we went down to Winlock and had a lovely visit with Grandma Huston. I want to be as gracious and loving and full of life when I am in my 80's as she is. What a great example of a lady.
What has this to do with heart-thumping encounters, you ask? Well, we got to talking about Obama, bail-outs, his statement that "we are no longer a Christian nation..." and what we think is right, and we all agreed that we better start getting informed, and making good choices at the polls, etc. I said that I think we need to start writing emails to our representatives, and start being a voice that states our opinion about the direction we'd like to see our country go. Yup, yup, yup, that's what we need to do all right.
Isn't it interesting how the Lord puts opportunity right in our paths? I checked my email before I went to bed, in case something wonderful was put on during the day, and a "friend" that I accepted to Facebook had taken up the whole first page with at least a dozen entries. Gadzooks. Among all the polls she had taken that day, and all the crud she felt the whole world needs to know about, ("I have 227 friends! I didn't know I was so popular!!")(barf) was her statement that we should not sign the referendum stating that marriage is between one man and one woman. She is in the group against it, and stated her opinion most decidedly. Fine. Have it. (She also used a bunch of initials when she said that "some of her friends are SBDEFZQ" (okay, the Q is the only one I remember) anyone know what that means?)
Soooooo, in the tradition that to not speak is to imply agreement, I commented back that I had already signed it, and that Heavenly Father has been very clear about his opinion on the subject. That's all. I WISH I had referenced the Proclamation on the Family from the First Presidency. WELL!!! This morning I had several return comments, one of them quite hostile. Whew!
Well, I just had the YW motto pop up in my head, "I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father, who loves me, and I love Him...I will stand as a witness of God, in all things, in all places, and at all times as I strive to live the young women values..." Guess what; It's harder than it sounds. But I did it, and I'm glad.
I commented back once more, that "I knew I was invoking the wrath of...hmmm, her I guess, but that this was a free country and I hoped I had at least as much right to my opinion as she had to hers, and let's us agree to respectfully disagree. Have a nice day." The End.
Then I took that person off my friends list, cause guess what? I've about had it with Facebook. I wonder if it's a good use of my time, because I blog to the people I REALLY want to keep in touch with, and the rest feels just a hair voyeuristic to me. I think I'd be better served to put my time into a note or a phone call. I know, I don't know if I'd do it either. Thanks for listening, I feel better now.

"Happy is the Bride the Sun Shines On"

2009-07-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Pretty soon it was time. Hard to believe something you wait so long for happens in just a few minutes, isn't it?

Hmmmmm...

2009-07-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well, that was weird. My post went to 'drafts' and the pictures didn't make it. So, I'm going to repost them, and with my bloggercarma they will probably show up twice. That's okay, they're cute. :)

Logan

2009-07-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Logan was the reason for the trip. We were excited for Yellowstone, and for all the stops before and after, but the wedding was what it was all about. I am going to do this in a couple of phases. Since that is the way my laptop and Bloggerville interact anyway, it should all work out for the best.
Callie was a very easy girl to get to know, she plays along really well. She let me hold her and talked to me like old friends. Dad played a little wii with Julio, and we had a little BBQ, and everyone had a good time waiting for everyone to gather.
We made a quick run to the Logan temple Saturday morning, then kept watch over things while we once again waited for everyone to assemble at the church.

Huh?

2009-07-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

As we were walking past a fellow camper this week I overheard a mother venting to her child. The tired mother was outside furiously peeling something while the little girl, who was probably six, stood there silently taking her tongue lashing. Now, of course, I realize I have no personal knowledge of how much whining, begging, or laziness had already occurred, or what hardships mom had already endured. What I do know was that the little girl was looking rather blank, and as if she'd love to know how to make it all stop.
"I am cooking dinner for you. The least you could do is be considerate."
We kept walking and she kept talking.
"You do nothing while I work...and I'm sick of it."
Good heavens, I thought, she's six years old. In the first place, does a six year old comprehend the phrase, "The least you could do.."? Next; "be considerate"? "You do nothing"? Huh? I wondered if the kid thought "I watched a movie and played with my toys you gave me. I ate lunch you gave me, I talked to you...whaddayamean I did nothing?"
We kept walking and I said to dad, "You know, she'd have gotten so much more cooperation if she said, "Mommy's tired, please go sit in the tent." (or go see Daddy, play with your ball, read a book, whatever.) Or, if there was energy: "Look, Sally, everyone needs to help. Everyone in a family needs to do their part. I'm making dinner and you need to pick up your toys from the tent. (or wash the potatoes or wipe the table or whatever.)
I've learned from working with a couple of hundred kids that they do NOT, repeat, DO NOT intuit much. You must be very direct with your request, including a time frame. For instance, you can't say, "Put that away" because that, loosely interpreted, means, "ruin this as you shove it in your desk out of sight, never to see the light of day again." Instead you say, "Please put this lying flat in your yellow folder right now while I watch." (Watch) "Thanks, nice job."
Also; always state what you want, not what you don't want. "Don't put your feet there" could mean, "Lean back in your chair and put them on the desk instead" or, "See if you can reach your neighbors chair". Instead, "I need your feet on the floor right now." In our campers case, asking the six year old girl to follow a specific request would have increased the odds for success 100 fold. Of course, that wouldn't have allowed her to Mt. St. Helen's her frustrations to the world, would it. But it would have spared a six year old a tirade she was helpless to stop.
The really sad part was that I have a hunch she was talking to the wrong member of the household about "the least you could do" and "consideration". Ya think?

Whew!

2009-06-21T07:50:00.001-07:00

Silly Blog, someday will someone teach me how to do this properly, please?
I still can't make a post longer than five pictures. One of those album thingies where the pictures get put down like you're looking at a stack of pictures would be cool. Anybody? Got some time to show me? Anyway, here's set two; the outside, which is meant to invite you to come in to the inside. We'll see.

Ta-Dah!!

2009-06-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Danny thinks I'm a bit touched in the head, with zero minutes left to go and a whole lot that I could be doing that I am taking time to write this blog. It's the last thing on my "MUST DO" list, with about three dozen, "Would if there were time" items. Please go down to the 'before' so you can fully appreciate the 'after' of the project that has consumed us for a little while now. (What will he do next?)

Check! Check! Check!

2009-06-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

All certificates made for awards assembly; check!
Family Luncheon accomplished: check!
Field Day over; all children present and accounted for-no (serious) injuries: check!
Comments on report cards: check! (only took til midnight)
Specialists grades, attendance, next year teacher assignments on report cards: check!
Stuff off walls: check!
Math Journals home: check!
Poetry Unit home: check!
Art portfolio home: check!
YES! It's going to happen---Houston, we have lift-off---

I'm Still Here!!

2009-06-08T21:56:00.001-07:00

Don't give up on me. Life is just going really, really fast right now. The winding up scenes at the old school house is always a frantic mess; too much to do in waaaay too little time. Add to that we promised the kids a line dancing session and only this week to get it in, some checked out kids who no longer feel like working, and you have: ta-dah! organized madness and mayhem. I've got three out of four cushions made for Tilly and she is looking sweet! Pictures soon, I just have to get at least one thing done on it first.

Welcome to the Fam!

2009-05-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Add May 14 to your calendars, as Allison has arrived. She didn't wait a couple of days to share Daddy's birthday, so I guess it's birthday cake for a week at Joel and Jenna's house! She looks like a dark-haired version of Joel some times, then her little pout lips look make her look just like Sarah, Jenna's stirred up in there, and then sometimes she looks just like herself. She was very cuddly and still very tired from the whole ordeal when I saw her, I'll have to check in with Jenna now a couple of days later to see what she is deciding about sleeping. She was 6 pounds 11 ounces of pretty baby. I'm so excited to get to know this sweet spirit so fresh from Heavenly Father's presence. We are so richly blessed in this family, aren't we? Our cups runneth over.

Just Sayin'

2009-05-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Be kinder than necessary to everyone you meet.
Everyone is going through some kind of battle.

And if you're not presently carrying the
burden of a cross to bear, then you should
be at the feet of someone who is.

Everyone needs a smooch-gootch

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2009-05-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Some of you might have read this too. It was in our Community News/advertising magazine yesterday. It made me laugh as I read it, and it was a running gag between Danny and I the whole day. To paraphrase:
One sabbath day a little family was seated near the front of the chapel to hear their minister deliver his sermon. He quoted dramatically from the scriptures, "Without God we are but dust..." To allow the full effect of his words to sink in he allowed for a dramatic pause. In the silence a little voice was heard to inquire, "Mommy, what's butt dust?"

Our New RV; Part 2

2009-04-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

So, okay, we're at the part where we don't want to store a RV all winter, and we want something that could make a road trip in more comfort than either of our old, cheap cars. Thus the 10 year old Caddie. Done.
Next we decide, with the help of the experts, that it can tow a load of not more than 3500 pounds. With a hitch we could tow, (dramatic pause) ta-dah!!! the new trailer.
These are the 'before' shots, though Danny had already ripped out the curtains, cushions and some dry rot before I even got home that afternoon. So stay tuned, the work is on-going!

Our New RV

2009-04-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

It's kind of a long story, and as it's bedtime, I'm going to give you the Reader's Digest condensed version. (Are any of you old enough to even know that reference?) We thought that maybe we'd get a small old sailboat this year, but that turned out to be the wrong thing right now. Then we thought we'd get a small old motorhome. The problem there is that the kind we wanted to afford wasn't trustworthy past, let's say, Centralia. So then we went back and forth about what would be right for us right now. Well, this is the new 'RV'. It's remarkable how little you have to pay for a Cadillac with a hundred thousand miles on it these days. (Did you know this V-8 gets as many freeway miles per gallon as my Saturn, and beats Dad's Subaru by a long shot?) Stay tuned... more to come. :)

Signs of Spring~For Real

2009-04-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

For those that watch for signs of color as evidence Spring is here, I have a bit of proof that it's begun. Daffodils, which won't be denied, some daphne about to open in one of those (As Amanda would say)"Little bit of heaven right there" scents, and the first buds of red on our wall of rhodies. The double crowned whatever it is from the Boy Scouts ("guaranteed to bloom"; who do I talk to about that?), and sweet tulips, gifts from students that get stronger and better every year. The rhubarb is beginning to be an inch taller a day, the apple tree is getting fat leaves, and Zach, it looks like the lilac didn't mind getting to stretch out in it's new home behind the house. Alright everybody, lets go do the sun-dance and pray for those 60 degree days!

Down and Derby

2009-04-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay, lots of things have happened since I last grumbled about this fake spring we're having... Here's a bright spot: We went to watch the car that Asa, Christopher and Grandpa made at the Pinewood Derby. Asa was always in the running, and Chloe wanted to play with the cars, and David was too old to run so he helped with calling the winners. These guys were all set up, they had the cars on computer so they could run the heats, eliminate, double-eliminate, check standings, etc all done with a program. Pretty sweet. I didn't get a lot of pics, though Ethan, Christy, Chris and I were there, you pretty much have to take my word on it. And whoever made the Rice Krispy treats did an awesome job.

Officially Spring?

2009-03-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

The other morning when I woke up, I opened the blinds to see how much of the sky was going to be gray and saw---what?! Snow instead! I know it's been a week now, but I wanted to share my impressions of shock and dismay. They were not the serene,"Oh how pristine the world looks wrapped in a blanket of snow" or the scientific, "This will be excellent for the snowpack in the mountains. My first thoughts were not the ecologically minded, "This will be sure to kill the insects in the lawn" nor were they the optimistically cheerful, "This too will pass". No, I grabbed my camera, put my robe on, pulled on Danny's boots, and went out to capture the snow in MARCH. And as you take the photo tour of my back yard you can hear my saying, "No. I don't want snow, I want to see my hyacinths. I want to hang up clothes in the sunshine, I want to see buds on my raspberries." The fence is just because I had to admit the snow on those little peaks were a cool image. The 10 day forecast is that by the end of the month we are supposed to be in the mid 50's, with scattered sunshine. I'm ready!!

"A Woman of Sorrow"

2009-03-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

A little while ago I met with my stake Relief Society president and we talked about the successes of our Relief Society, my goals for the future, and the needs of the sisters, among other things. I shared with her my vision of what I hoped to help bring about in our ward. Something like; I want to provide opportunities for the sisters to grow in love and friendship, so they'll have a desire to serve one another because love each other, not because they feel they have an obligation to fulfill. We talked about some of the hardships and heartaches that are being endured, and how well the sisters take care of each other. One of the hard things about my calling is being aware of all of it...about how much sadness is hidden behind pretty, faithful, sweet smiles. We talked about the inactives, and about those whose little, fragile, flickers of testimony blew out before they really got glowing, and I felt especially sad. At one point I teared up, and she said, "There is no way to love them and not be a woman of sorrow".
Tonight I had a really sad facebook 'conversation' with someone I once knew. Truly, as the hymn says, "The world has gone astray". The testimony once so strong and bright is being polluted with 'the philosophies of men'. For a few minutes I felt passionately, and defended the faith. I lifted up the title of liberty and proclaimed the truth. Then I saw it was of no use. I bore a short, simple testimony and asked to be left alone with my simple faith, because I've no wish to be contentious or participate in the darkness. My heart hurts; and I'm so sorry for the bad choices that are being made, and all the people who will be affected by one person's agency being used poorly. Be strong, my loved ones! Don't even go near things you ought not. Read good literature and listen to good music and watch good things on your media. Too much rides on the 100 choices we make every day to let any of them be choices that pull you away from the truth that brings happiness and light. Darn it.

Teeter-Totter

2009-02-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

We spend quite a bit of time like this anymore, his black laptop next to my white one. He's reading Wisconsin census pages from 1880 and I'm reading my kids blogs being continually amazed at what cute grandbabies I have. He's jotting down notes about Lars Torreson Sandvik from Holmedal, Norway, and I'm jotting down notes to Jenna, Amanda and Jennis about life in the fast lane. He's excited to find a relative that's been hidden, and I'm excited to talk to a child in Idaho I haven't touched base with in too long. He finds a detail from the past to share with me and I find a detail from the present to share with him. He's very much wanting to make connections with his relatives of the past, and I'm very much wanting to make connections with relatives of this day. I support him as he is working to connect our family from here backward, and he supports me as I work to connect our family from here forward. It occurs to me that both are absolutely necessary. He is forging the links that secure us to our heritage, and I'm strengthening the ones that we make right now with our posterity. With the two of us standing hand in hand, he reaches out into the past with his free hand, and I reach out into the future with mine. Connecting families for generations.
We are like two little kids sitting on a teeter-totter; one going up, the other down. Neither of us would hop off and drop the other, neither of us would want the other to get hurt. So we give a little push as our feet touch the ground, giving the other the momentum to reach a little higher. It's all about family, and we need and love them all.

"sigh"

2009-02-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, so life is good, and there's really nothing to be annoyed about, but I must admit I'm just the teensiest bit irritated.... I wanted to make this cute post, but noooo, only 5 photos upload at once, can't find the original post to go back to, sooooo, okay, try again. and again. and here I am yet again. HERES THE POINT: To make the best sense of these entries, go down to "My Valentines" start there and read UP, because as you all remember, new posts go on top of old, not on the bottom as in a letter, which would actually make sense when one is trying to create one long chain.... whatever....

2009-02-12T22:10:00.001-08:00

Now, honestly- what ones would you leave out? :)

2009-02-12T22:07:00.001-08:00

Just going to keep doing the "create new post" thing until I get all my picture on here. (Zach, what am I doing wrong?)

More Cutie Pies...

2009-02-12T22:02:00.001-08:00

In that one picture that looks like Chloe might be trying to wrestle Harley, she's really just trying to put her sock on.

My Valentines

2009-02-12T21:27:00.000-08:00

I look forward to our monthly gatherings and all the chaos and laughter. There's always enough food, never enough time, barely enough room, always plenty of plates but never enough silverware. We greet one another with hugs and smooches, kick off our shoes and drop those diaper bags. Seems like we just get dinner going and it's time to do dishes, and dessert, and before you know it there are shoes to find, (forget the socks...they'll show up later) Legos to pick up, (forget the swords...they'll show up later, too) and babies to get home to their beds (they'll fall asleep on the way, but get their eventually). Then it's over for another month and we look forward to catching up with each other in a few weeks. My how those kids grow! I try to have a kind of "theme" each month, and February is a natural. We sometimes share valentines, but I didn't get organized and get the word out in time this year. (Next year everyone try to help me remember.) But we did have fun creating individual pizzas. The furnace was out when we woke up Sunday morning, but like Danny said, "After having the oven on at 450 for two hours the house was quite comfortable". All the guys in the house tried to figure it out, but it turned out to be a part that needed replacing. Ah, what's life without a few challenges.
I try to catch everyone, but I see David escaped me this time. I'll make sure to track him down next month. I gave the camera to Jennis so that I could prove I'm not making this stuff up. Thanks everyone, for making the effort. I think it's valuable in creating the bonds that bind us through thick and thin, thinner and so thin we're transparent. I have appreciated the prayers and support I've felt from you while we waded (and waited) through this dumb house stuff. I love you!

Safeway at Six

2009-01-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today was the day I had promised the kids we would have our "Marble Party". Marbles are put in a small clear box for all kinds of good behaviors. The jar had been filled up and today was the reward day. They had voted for wearing PJ's, having floats and sundaes, and playing board games. So that's what put me in the neighborhood Safeway early in the morning to buy pop and ice cream.
Having accomplished that, I stopped in the card aisle to try to find one I "needed". I had just slowed down my cart, not even stopped, when an old man held up a card with a picture of a jackass on it and said, "Should I buy this for my sister?" Somewhat taken aback I raised my eyebrows and slowly responded, "Well, I guess that depends on how you feel about your sister." He chuckled and said, "I have a donkey, and she buys me cards with donkeys all the time." "Ah..." says I.
Obviously interpreting my one syllable as a signal to go ahead he says, "My sister is 76. She is the youngest, she just had hip replacement. She's kind of old for it."
I answered rhetorically, "Mmmm, well, it's a constant challenge to keep these old bodies going, isn't it."
"Yep", says he, "she's been alone now for a year."
"Oh, gosh, I'm sorry." I say as I continue my gradual sideways retreat down the aisle.
"She was married 40 years. Happy, I guess."
"Ah, nice." I mutter, getting inches away with each exchange.
"Now me... I had 55 years of pure hell. Locked in a prison. Yep, in a prison."
Now I am truly uncomfortable, I have honestly tried to be as compassionate to this stranger as possible. I have seen him as enhungered and tried to respond in a Christlike fashion. The best I could manage at this point was, "Well, um, life is interesting, huh?"
He turned his wizened face to me; and I see his broken teeth and greasy hair, his dirty clothes and shabby shoes, and he looks me in the eye and says, in barely a whisper, "She's been gone five years. I'd give all I own just to have one more day in prison."
Through the tears in our eyes, we looked at each other and smiled.
"You have a good day," I say, "I think you should get the donkey for your sister."

One Last Look Back

2009-01-13T21:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas was awesome. It just keeps getting better. I'm thinking this is part of what is meant by "...joy in your posterity". I love these guys!! Yeah, I was there, can't you see me? I'm the one behind the camera.

Big Snow and Blow of 2008

2008-12-21T14:12:00.000-08:00

It sounds as if we all have tales to tell of the many inches of snow that fell so fast over Western Washington this week. I'm relieved that for the most part we've all made our way safely through this experience. Emily has had a chimney fire, complete with red fire-truck Christmas lights in her front yard, and several of us have 'ziggy' road stories of trips to town, but we're all healthy, safe and warm, and for that I am thankful.
Danny and I had a good walk this morning around the neighborhood this morning. Church was cancelled, so all that hard work and sacrifice for the choir won't be paying off this year. Too bad, we had some really beautiful music prepared. Since neither one of us sit still all that well, we bundled up in double sweaters, double pants, hats and gloves, and I had a chance to test out my pretty aqua Gore-Tex boots. (They worked great; toasty toes for miles.)
We truly love this little piece of heaven we get to live in. It's just a collection of big and little, old and new, mostly humble old houses, but the people here are wonderful. There is so much laughing together, helping each other, saying hello to your fellow walkers and ice-scapers, hunkering down together, watching out for each other. Knowing you can count on your neighbors is a wonderful luxury, a throw-back to another era, and I'm grateful to be here in this piece of the vineyard.
I hope I captured the silent beauty, the quiet, peaceful way nature has drawn a blanket over the hurried, harried world we live in. Here by the water, the pace has slowed to almost nothing, only the creatures of nature are out. This morning we saw raccoon tracks, a Great Gray Heron, an osprey, bald eagle, wood ducks, mallards, and a couple I don't know. The ice is interesting, because it doesn't really freeze on salt water well. Mostly it freezes on the beach and the incoming tide lifts it up and carries it out. I tried to capture how pretty that looks, but I know, "ya really had to be there."
The old wreck has taken another hit with this weather. It seems to be listing to port a little more. I don't know how it continues to stay upright, there is almost nothing left to hold it up. We keep watching, one day we'll walk down and it will have collapsed. It's changed alot in the (how long is it?six years?) time we've been here.
Stay warm until we thaw. Seasons; we need the contrast of them all to make a year. If you pause for a moment it isn't hard to draw parallels to our lives, is it. Love to you all, in seasons of sunshine and shadow.

2008-12-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

2008-12-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

The pictures of Jenna and Chloe have made it to my list of all time favorites. You know the ones; the pictures that show pure joy and delight. They aren't about money, exotic places or expensive toys, they are about people connecting in pure, loving ways.
Jenna is tickling Chloe on the count of three, and Chloe is standing there waiting for "three". Her giggle was so cute, and she kept coming back for more. The luckiest of us have aunties like this, who make our lives sweeter by sharing their sweet spirits with us. ( I did, thank you, Aunt Mona and Aunt Miriam!)

Let the Good Times Roll

2008-12-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, it's almost Christmas and I'm posting Thanksgiving pictures. Pathetic. I fully intended to just skip it, because it's shamefully late, but then I looked at them and said, "Oh, what cute kids! What fun memories!" So, because keeping this blog is to keep people updated, (Well, not instantly updated) and also to help fulfill the commandment to keep a journal, I'm posting them. (Has anyone out there printed their blog pages? I'm wondering how it turns out, and if I could keep a hard copy record of them.)

Did someone say, "chinnigan?"

2008-11-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

I love our monthly get togethers. As many as are able gather at my house the second Sunday of the month for food, laughter, conversation and good times. That's not to imply that we are not too many to fit comfortably at a table, or that we don't make enough dirty dishes to keep three people washing for an hour, or that late comers might miss out on Aunt Christy's jello. But as we crowd into our little house we learn about each other, we help each other, we entertain each other, and we love each other as we wash those dishes, clean up those spills, help button the dress on a bear, find the helmet for that Lego guy, and teach about how to share, and why we don't bite.
This last dinner we had finished clean up and were thinking about sitting around being full and mellow, I was asked if I had any eyeliner. Kind of a funny question if you know about how I apply makeup. (I'll just say it takes about 30 seconds and involves two "beauty products" and one of them is Chapstick.) I said, "Yeah, in my halloween stuff. What for?" Suddenly we had a very impromptu demonstration of what a chinnigan is. Or should I say, who a chinnigan is? My mother and my aunt used to have little wigs and dresses, and knew the greatest songs to show off the unique characteristics of the chinnigans. I hope you can imagine how truly cute they are, by looking at the wonderful, funny, hams in our family. I love their willingness to play along. Good times, irreplaceable memories.

Oh, and that old Chinese lady? That's supposed to be Mulan ('s mother) who visited our Halloween party at school.

Think on the perfect moments in life...

2008-10-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have so much fun reading my kid's blogs that by the time I'm through them (and watch the videos more than once!) I feel like I can't justify spending any more time on the computer! But I have a few minutes tonight, and with gentle prodding from Zach I realize it's been almost a month since I put anything new on! Good gracious, where does the time get to?
I've been thinking on an idea that occurred to me last time I went to the temple, and I'd like to try to put it into words. I may not be able to make myself clear, but you have to promise not to make fun of me if I try. Everyone promised? (and 'crosses' don't count). Here goes:
When Adam and Eve were in the garden they were perfectly happy, and perfectly perfect. They had just been made by God, and were clean and pure and innocent. You're all too young to remember the old bumper sticker that said, "God don't make junk", but really, do you think Heavenly Father made any mistakes with them? Of course not. There they are, smelling the beautiful flowers, petting the soft lambies, and enjoying the wonders of nature in their perfect home. Satan comes into the picture, uninvited, and stirs up all manner of trouble. Genesis 3: 1 says that Satan is "more subtle than any best of the field" (footnote, "crafty, sly") That's worse than a wolf, worse than a hyena, worse than anything. When Heavenly Father sees the need to come and check in with his kids Satan interrupts and says to Adam and Eve, "See, thou art naked, hide yourself!" And without thinking it through, they decide he must be right, and cover themselves and hide from the presence of the Lord. Is that because Satan seemed more experienced? Did he come off as having some knowledge or authority? Heavenly Father asks, "Adam, where art thou?" I think Heavenly Father knows exactly where they are, the question is for Adam's own introspection, to ask himself; " What is my standing before God? Where am I?" Adam's response is that because he was naked he hid himself. Heavenly Father asks him, "Who told thee that thou wast naked?" Do you think Heavenly Father really didn't know? I think that this question is again for Adam and Eve to ponder. And this is the heart of my thought: Satan told Adam and Eve they were imperfect and had need to hide, to be ashamed.
How many times in our modern society has Satan told you that you were imperfect? That you should be embarrassed, perhaps feel less than someone else, magnified your flaws, encouraged your insecurities, or in any one of his thousand ways told you that you were not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, rich enough, WHATEVER enough? His assaults are everywhere, all the time, saturated in every media.
I want you all to consider how perfect you are, that you are made in your Father in Heaven's image. You are doing good and wholesome things with your lives. Every one of you is working, and growing, and striving to improve day by day. I see amazing things, even miracles, occuring in our own family. Never, never believe Satan when he tries to get into your head and tell you, "See, you are naked." He knows your weaknesses, and will pick at the tiniest flaw in your armour. I know, he works on me all the time. Don't believe it. You are strong, and beautiful, and wonderful. I am proud of you every day. Gird yourselves up with the armor of God; you know the ones. Scriptures, prayer, temple, service. Be faithful! You are awesome!! Love, mama

The Big City

2008-09-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

We have friends who gave us their seats left of 1st base about 15 rows back. With such good guides we had a blast. We could hear Ichiro sneeze. We didn't watch him hit a homer, but we watched him try up close and personal! I just thought you all should know that if conditions are right we can be lured away from paradise to have adventures. We were grateful for friends to 1)show us how to get to Safeco Field 2) show us the secret free parking places 3) How to navigate the homeless 4) Show us how to get in the proper gate 5) Explain what you can bring in to eat and what you cannot (thus saving us from the $8.00 hotdog option) 6)Explain Safeco ediquette (Example: How to truly insult the other team by throwing the ball back onto the field if they hit it into the bleachers. Not very hospitable if you ask me.) 7)How to get back out of the stadium, dodge traffic, get to your car, and manuever out of Seattle safely. EASY! All you do is.....

New Pencils and Clean Erasers

2008-08-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hello dears,
I just spent 12 hours at my "apartment". I have some food in the fridge, some crackers in the cupboard, a bit of chocolate stashed, and lots and lots of books, and plenty of plants. Sounds like a place I'd live, right? I clean it, vacuum it, wash dishes there, rearrange furniture, and do a lot of picking up. The difference between this place where I live quite a bit of my life, and my real home is that I share the apartment with between 22-27 ten year olds.
But some of the things my homes have in common is that they are both filled with people I care about, try to teach, try to set an example for, try to laugh with, try to help them in all the ways a mom can. (Some times my kids get confused when I say, "My kids.." Once I said that and Emily said, "I don't remember that" and Dad said, "She means her other kids." I'm not even conscious I do it some of the time.) Both sets of kids keep me awake at night some times, I wish them all the very best of everything. I feel so responsible for their success. If my kids at school don't learn all they must they won't pass a state test called WASL, but if they don't learn all the things that are really important, they won't pass the test called life.
I started a very cool mural of a bit of forest outside my doorway today, I think it's going to be pretty. I'll try to take a picture of it and post it for you to see. I spend a lot of time trying to make our apartment an environment in which one would like to spend a lot of time, since we do.
I will try to keep up with the blog commitment I started, but don't be afraid to email me with a nudge if it starts to get dusty. New pencils and clean erasers, feels like anything is possible in this new year, doesn't it?

Going to TRY some pics!

2008-08-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

It Continues...

2008-08-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

After achieving success with the first post, and actually getting four comments, (thanks, guys!) I was encouraged to keep exploring this strange new blog world. I love the music on Jen's blog, and decided that would be my next thing to try.
And I thought putting a picture on was difficult.
I finally called Jennis and she tried to walk me through the procedure. When I followed what I thought were her instructions I ended up creating a play list, but it's on Facebook, and what 50 year old needs that?! But that seems to be the route that must be taken, there is no other way. So my play list is a work in progress. After two hours I managed to download four songs. I know, Pathetic. I did get three people who want to be my facebook friends in the process, though. HA! I went back and changed all my preferences to, "NO you can't contact me, NO I don't want to be your friend, NO don't leave any messages, NO I'm not putting my picture here, NONONO!"
Here's to trying new things, expanding your horizons, and not being afraid to try.

It begins...

2008-08-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I was going to wait until I had someone to help me with my first Blog attempt, but decided to give it a try on my own. This is actually my second attempt at posting, as the first one is frozen somewhere in the "drafts" sections and I don't know how to thaw it and get it out.
It's actually kind of funny because in the first one I said something like, "If my past experience is any indicator, it won't work the first time anyway!" Sometimes it's no fun being right.
It reminds me of a sign I saw yesterday that said, "I was going to try to think positively, but I knew it wouldn't work."
I will put more energy into this later, but I'd like to see it work before I invest any more time. Love you all!