April 16, 2023
Lots of snow this year. It just snowed again yesterday. It has thankfully melted slowly. Sadly it flooded others homes.
I have spent the year teaching 6th grade. It has been a fun but hard experience.
A few weeks ago we started our tomato plants for the year. It is fun to see the little green sprouts pop up. We will need to split and repot them soon.
I have been reading a book, a novel, but one line that is oft repeated in it - "If you can not be cheerful be silent."
May 1, 2022
It has been a long time since I have posted. We have added plants and rotated chickens. Cats and chickens and plants have died and new ones have joined our adventures. Children have moved in and out as needed. We have had a good but busy school year with a sweet exchange student from Spain. I have been substitute teaching. I decided mid year to take my Bachelor's degree and go alternative route to get certified to teach K-8. I received a new and demanding calling at church. Lots of growing opportunities. In all of this we have been blessed in countless ways. We have seen the hand of the Lord directing our paths and helping us along the way. We have had opportunities to be his hands in helping others as well. We don't know how everything works out but we do know it will all be better than ok, it will be wonderful, because He is wonderful.
December 14, 2020
I love this sing a long
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng&video=Social-Sing-and-Serve%3A-A-Christmas-on-Temple-Square-Performance&mode=watch
December 2, 2020
I am working on "Light The World 2020"
Yesterday we were able to Donate to the Haven. A shelter for abused women and children. It has long had a soft spot in my heart. I have been so blessed to be raised in a family with a loving Father and Mother, and kind brothers and sisters, I am married to a kind and loving man and have kind and loving sons and daughters. I can only imagine what it would be like to live in a home that is not that way. Our sons did Eagle Scout projects. One collected books for Foster children, the other collected donations for the Haven. At other times we have had the opportunity to share a small portion of our blessings with those there. I am so grateful to those that serve the women and children of our community, particularly at this shelter.
Today the invitation is to highlight a Christ like Hero --
I have been thinking about this and though there are many in my life that could qualify. Family Members, Ward members past and present, neighbors... I would like to highlight one that many would likely never know about.
My youngest brother. He is often referred to by those who know him best as a Gentle Giant. At 6 foot 4 inches, nearly a foot taller than I am, he does feel like a Giant to me, but he is also very Gentle. He is soft, kind and quiet. He goes through what seems to be more than his fair share of struggles privately. Yet he is so willing to help. Two years ago he moved to our home. I loved seeing my then, three year old, snuggled up in his lap as he shared a show on his phone with her. All my older children remember him as the fun Uncles, the one they preferred, even though their other Uncles are all fine men and fun in their own rights. He has too many talents to count from Computer programing, cooking, woodworking, repairing all sorts of things … but one of his finest talents may be his ability to not judge others. No matter what he endures as part of the insanity that is our home, none of us ever feel judged by him. We all know he is likely the smartest one here, the most diversely talented, and oddly one of the most judged in his own life, yet he does not judge others, he just helps. He helps us to accomplish our dreams, to fix that which is broken, to care for those people and things that need care. In so many ways he reminds me of the Savior I hope to meet again someday. When we talk about running into the Saviors arms, I can picture that just as I could find shelter, safety and protection in my brothers arms. He is my Christlike Hero
I love Christmas Music, Christmas lights... but I don't like freezing.
This is a great alternative
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyGozT_JRf0
or this link for the same thing
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng&video=Celebrating-the-Light-of-the-World%3A-A-Christmas-on-Temple-Square-Performance&mode=watch
Merry Christmas one and all!
November 27
Time --
I am grateful for time. Time to learn, time to play, time to laugh, time to spend with family, time to repent, time on earth, time to myself, time with others, time to mark important events, time to be sad -- especially because it helps me see the opposites and appreciate the better times all the more...clocks, calendars etc. to keep track of time and coordinate with others. I am grateful for time. I am also grateful for times when we can just forget time exists for a short while... Time also as in Time on earth as apposed to eternity...
I am grateful for Time
November 26th
Thanksgiving day for most of America, the day after for us.
I am grateful for transportation. Scooters, Bicycles, Cars, Trucks, Suburban's, Trains, Planes. I can't imagining traveling everywhere by foot, horse/animal back or wagons. I am truly spoiled and grateful.
Today our son is on his way to Chicago, then onto Zambia tomorrow to spend two years teaching and serving the people there. We will miss him but are excited for the Opportunity for him and the adventures he will have and the people he will meet. Everything we hear and read the people are wonderful there. We look forward to hearing from him and seeing pictures.
