The Past Few Days

The past few days have been so busy, so I decided to stay off the computer for the most part.  My dad is moving to UT from VA, and he stayed at our house yesterday.  He arrived around 4 am.  He had been on the road for a couple of days- I was worried he might over do it, and fall asleep at the wheel.  He also was towing his van on the back of the moving truck, which really concerned me because one wheel of his van, slipped off the dolly during one point of his trip.  He made it, so the time which he arrived really didn't bother me. 

It was so nice to see him!  It's been about two years since we last saw him.  I made breakfast for him (puff oven pancakes with fruit- thanks Amy for sharing this yummy breakfast recipe) before we went to church.  He slept while we were gone, and then we ate lunch together and spent the day relaxing and chatting.  I sure love him, and I thought it was cute how he really got down on the kids level and listened to them.  Sarah gave him hugs all day, and Morgan told him one joke after another!  All of the other kids loved him as well, but it seemed to me that Sarah and Morgan were the most comfortable with him.

We had to take some pictures, but I was bummed because Christian fell asleep, so he missed the family shot.

Christian sleeping while we took the picture.

Dad and I, boy to I love that guy!

One last "good-bye", I sure don't like saying that word.  Hopefully we'll see him soon since we live so much closer now.

Talents

Tonight I'm thinking about talents and/or gifts. I truly think it's amazing how we've all been blessed with different talents, gifts, and skills. It sure is fascinating how we're all so different, and it's wonderful when we share our talents with others, it makes the world a more beautiful place to live in.

This evening I had the privileged to use a talent that God blessed me with, singing. I'm not perfect, but I enjoy it!  I was able to go to our Stake choir practice with my son Morgan, who's voice is coming along quite nicely. I really like the fact that we can go together, and I love that he's not too shy to share his voice! It's funny to walk into the chapel together because he's so much taller than me! I feel so short standing next to my 13 year old!  I actually think he looks more like a 15 year old.  His favorite song that we're singing is, "Anthem of Praise." I don't have a favorite, they're all lovely!

We had quite the turn out tonight! I really love it when there are so many people to sing with, it's just so powerful, and beautiful! I was lucky, and sat right next to the grand piano.  Our pianist is AMAZING!!! She's the choir director's daughter, and she is ON IT! Seriously, she never misses a beat!  I think she's probably headed towards becoming (if she's not already) a concert pianist!

I also sit next to a lady who's in her late 60's, and has sung in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She has a beautiful voice, and is fun to sit with! She has so much energy, I can hardly keep up!

 She taught me a neat trick. She said, if you have allergies (which I do),  all you have to do is buy some peppermint oil, dab a bit on your tongue, and then sip some water.  Supposedly it will clean you out!  She's does that before she has to sing high notes. I think I'm going to have to try it out, since we're singing some really high notes, and I'm struggling to reach them.  It's bad.

I'm grateful that my Mom noticed that I like to sing and that she made me sing all those silly songs in our ward talent shows when I was little.  I remember her making me sing a song from the King and I:

 “I Whistle a Happy Tune”

Whenever I feel afraid
I hold my head erect
And whistle a happy tune
So no one will suspect
I'm afraid.

While shivering in my shoes
I strike a careless pose
And whistle a happy tune
And no one ever knows

I'm afraid.

The result of this deception
Is very strange to tell
For when I fool the people
I fear I fool myself as well!

I whistle a happy tune
And ev'ry single time
The happiness in the tune

Convinces me that I'm not afraid.
Make believe you're brave
And the trick will take you far.

You may be as brave
As you make believe you are...

I know she thought it was the funniest thing to see me sing this song on stage, when she knew, that truly--I was afraid.  I think there's a whistling part in the song (if I'm remembering right), that was so hard to nail-- I'm so not a whistler!

 Anyways...Mom, if you're reading this, I MISS SINGING WITH YOU WHILE YOU PLAY THE PIANO!!!  We sure have fun when were together!  Thanks for helping me develope a love for music! 

Oh, and just so you know, she went to EVERY performance of mine while growing up, and even played for my Juries in college.  We make a good team!

A Sigh of Relief

Ever since this ward change, my main concern is how well my kids will adapt.

I've been anticipating Morgan's YM's activity all week! I realized that he would be attending for the first time, without having the opportunity to meet the other Deacons in Sunday School.

We made sure to get there early. Aaron took him in and met some of his leaders! They were very nice, and made them feel comfortable.

Aaron said they were playing dodge ball, and that Morgan had seemed pretty excited about it. He also saw some other boys there that Morgan already knew from Rita Ranch ward.

It was a success! When we picked him up, he looked happy! He told us he had a great time!

Whew, what a relief! He said he thinks he's going to like being in the Vail ward! I think we will too! ;)

All in a Day

It was a great day! Definately different than what I had planned.

Planned: Clean, clean, clean. Laundry, laundry, laundry. Lunch with friends. Play a bit with the kids. Declutter and organize parts of the house. Clean some more. Plan FHE. Dinner. FHE.

Unplanned: Shopping for several hours, looking for bedding. I thought my Dad would enjoy sleeping in a room with a decent bed when he comes to visit. We found a good deal at Ross and Home Goods, which makes me very happy! Took the kids to Game Stop. Morgan and Madison really wanted to download the Pokemon character Shiny Pichu, and since the kids cleaned the house so well while we were out, we agreed to take them.

What I actually accomplished was lunch with friends, one load of laundry, no cleaning, found the perfect bedding, picked up dinner (pizza), FHE, some Facebooking, blogging, watching a movie with the hubby, and some personal scripture reading.

I'm hopeful that tomorrow will be more productive as far as cleaning goes, although we have some work samples that need to be submitted to K12, so we'll see about that!

Today, I am most grateful for my dear sweet family, and wonderful friends! I love days like today when everything may not have gone as planned, but in the end, I felt refreshed by my aquaintances and loved by my family. Today was a great day!

Answers

After a week's worth of anticipation, we finally know what ward we're in.  We will be in the Vail ward.  I have a lot of mixed feelings right now with this change, but I know this is a good thing.

 I already had a friend call me tonight and she welcomed me in the ward!  I can't believe how much this small act meant to me!  She was so sweet!  I am looking forward to meeting new people, and my kids are as well.  We do feel a certain sadness, because we cherish the friendships we've made these past 18 months.

 One thing that really makes me happy, (NOT) is the fact that we still will be meeting at 8:30 AM, only now we have to drive farther (about 30 mins.)!  With the large family that I have, getting to sacrament on time, just might mean that I won't be worthy to partake of the sacrament once I get there!  JK

 As a side note, I have to admit that I am a little afraid to attend the new building.  If you remember the post about the javelinas and the stake center you'll know why-- yes, we'll be attending the stake center.  My friend, Aimee, told me that there were times when she would have to run to her car, carrying food from a dinner, for fear that she might be attacked by one .

 She also, so generously, shared with me this precious information last week:

 Me:  "Did you know that Brother Hilton saw a snake in the men's bathroom?"

Aimee:  "Well, it was probably a rattler."

Me:  "A what!?!"

Aimee:  "A rattlesnake." (she's talking in a calm voice)

Me:  "Are you serious!?!"

Aimee: "Yeah, they're all over the place!  One time I was buckling my kids in the car when I heard a rattle and saw a snake slide under my van.  I had to go in and ask a guy to help me get the rattlesnake out from under my car.  He came out with a broomstick and a bucket."

Me:  "Really?"

Aimee: "Yep, and you really have to be careful when you walk in the entrance to the stake offices because they like to hang out there."

 I just couldn't believe it!  I thought how dangerous and scary is that!  What if some poor little, unexpecting child decides to play in the bushes!  My imagination really started to get the better of me, and now I am seriously frightened!  So if something happens to me, just know that I love you guys! Hmmm, maybe it's time to get the will in order or go inactive!

Aaron

I asked Aaron to write about himself, and to my delight, he agreed!
About Me
LIKES/LOVES

• Woodworking, although I need some more tools to make something great!
• Programming
• Electronics
• Camping with my family (only in near-perfect circumstances - sorry, honey!)
• American food and completely American versions of Mexican food
• My worn-out LaZboy recliner
• Music. I’m still a sucker for 80’s and 90’s alternative, but I try to branch out.
• Pop-Tarts

DISLIKES

• Reality TV
• Teletubbies
• Humid heat
• ’80 Oldsmobile Cutlass with 26” chrome wheels and a lift kit…

MISCELLANEOUS

• I am an identical mirror twin.
• When I am not programming (usually Java), I get bored easily.
• I don’t follow sports, but my son does. How’d that happen? The other day I asked him where my screwdriver was. He said “Dad, if it doesn’t play the Vikings, I don’t follow it.”
• I am appreciating routines more and more every day, to my wife's horror.  She thinks I may have OCD.
• I would like to pursue a Master’s degree, but the thought of prerequisites has stopped me from seriously considering it so far.
• I have never really felt homesick – I attribute it to my military upbringing and my amazing adaptability. :)
• I do, however, love my parents and siblings, and the family experiences we share!
• I love my wife. I have never known anyone more caring, more sincere, more eager to please. She has put up with all of my shenanigans, but she doesn’t let me get away with them. And she still loves me. She still sees the person I can become, and encourages me to get there.

Me

• I'm afraid of heights.
• I love the outdoors.
• I love to quilt and sew.
• I sing.
• I'm learning to play the piano.
• I love animals.
• I like to play basketball, but now it's hard on my body-- bummer.
• I like to run.
• I have many siblings.
• I love chocolate.
• I am petrified of snakes and spiders.
• I have vivid dreams.
• I love to serve people.
• I enjoy reading, researching, and writing.
• I want to serve on a mission with my husband someday.
• I really want to be a seminary teacher.
• I cherish family.
• I want what's best for my family, and worry about them.
• I love hot chocolate.
• I love hiking and canoing.
• I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
• I've always only wanted to be a mom.
• I enjoy keeping up with current events and politics.
• I hope my children will always be faithful and stand for truth and righteousness.
• I want to know the scriptures better.
• I love eating out.
• I love sleep.
• I really love swimming.
• I crave seafood.
• I think my family is spread too far apart.
• I find a campfire romantic and relaxing.
• I want to go skiing someday.
• I never want to go parachuting.
• I hope I give my children what they need.
• I love my parents with all my heart.
• I love my siblings with all my heart.
• I love my children with all my heart.
• I love my husband with all my heart, he's my best friend!
• I love my in-laws, they're wonderful.
• I'm grateful I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• I'm grateful for our prophet, he was my favorite speaker when I was a child.
• I'm so glad my dad will be visiting our family soon.
• I had five years of Spanish in high school and college, and have forgotten almost all of it except for a few key phrases.
• I have anxiety attacks.
• I hope to adopt a child or two someday.
• I have severe varicose veins, and will be going to a specialist soon.
• My husband has crohn's and my daughter asthma.
• I don't like hospitals, but know they have helped my loved ones.
• I fear losing a love one.
• I don't like change, but at the same time, find it exciting.
• I am spontaneous, but at the same time, like to know how things will play out.
• I believe in prayer.
• I love my Heavenly Father with all my heart.
• I have a deep gratitude for my Savior, and know that he is there for me in my times of need.
• I love flowers, sunshine, trees, fireflies, fresh air, mountains, green grass, rain, thunderstorms, waves, and gardening.
• I love Chinese food, especially Lo Mein.
• I go to Panda Express every chance I get.
• I don't like to fly.
• I worry about crashing in the car.
• I love my kids and their individual personalities.
• I'm grateful for friends, and love to chat.
• I hope I'll live a long life.
• I'm striving to be a good example, but I know I make mistakes.
• I'm trying to not let myself get offended.
• I'm trying to not be prideful.
• I sometimes stress out too much.
• I love Tucson.
• I want a horse.
• I love to listen to country, christian, and classical music.
• I miss my Great Aunt Ruth (really my grandma)
• I am discovering that I have more talents.
• I love to snuggle with my husband.
• I love it when my kids give me hugs and kisses.
• I love it when my kids pick me flowers.
• Rainbows make my day.
• Whenever I get really stressed, I like to envision my husband and I alone in a hut on some island, with the waves crashing on the shore.
• I love virgin pina coladas.
• Pizza is yummy!
• Salsa and tortilla chips are the bomb.
• I like HOT and SPICY foods.
• I had one year of German in college.
• I wouldn't mind singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
• Lion House Rolls are the best with honey butter.
• I hope my husband goes back to school for his master's.
• I had two of my children at home.
• I want to decorate my home in primitive decor and maybe fix up an old house with wide wood planked floors.
• I'm a carrier of cystic fibrosis.
• I love yard sales.
• I love Costco.
• I am basically cheep, but have expensive taste.
• I want to buy some redware someday.
• and..., I was raised in VA.

 The list goes on, I guess you'll have to continue reading my blog if you want to learn more about me...