Released

I was released as the education counselor in the RS today. I find myself with a bit of a hole. Maybe it's because I wasn't immediately called to anything--so I find myself looking at the ward and what's opened up and wondering where I'll go next. The primary music leader is open. I really, really hope I'm not called to do that. I do that every day at work. Achievement Days leaders are also open. That scares me because it's girls. I don't always do well with girls. But maybe that's what I need to learn. The bishop told me not to get too comfortable.

I'm also a little sad because I feel like I've lost a group. Now I don't have a little group of girls to "play" with. I'm glad that I got to have that calling. It gave me a chance to climb out from behind the organ or piano and really get to know the sisters in the ward. I guess the challenge now will be to stay out from behind the organ and keep those relationships alive. That's sometimes hard for me--especially when things are hard at home--but I really want to try to keep my wings spread. It'll be interesting to see where I'm called next. With conference next week, I've got a couple of weeks to "relax." :-)

Saints United Voices

I went to a fabulous concert Saturday night. Gladys Knight and the Saints United Voices. It was so uplifting. The music was wonderful. They sang a version of "I Am a Child of God" that was rousing and beautiful. All kinds of spiritual music--from LDS hymns to spirituals to Protestant hymns that aren't in our hymnbook. I loved hearing "Blessed Assurance." Still remembered every word.

The testimonies were awesome. Brother McDowell (Gladys Knight's husband) gave such a stirring testimony of the gospel and his path to it. He spoke of being raised by "goodly grandparents" who knew and loved Jesus Christ as their Savior, who read and studied the Bible and made their children and grandchildren go to church and learn about God. His question became, "If this [the LDS church] is the *true* church, what about them? What does that make what they believe?" He finally came to the realization that it doesn't change a thing for his family. They gave him the gift of study and learning so that he could find more. This is exactly how I feel about my family and the grounding that I got in religion.

Gladys Knight spoke of her journey as well...of being raised with morals and a Christian background, of going from church to church looking for "more," and of finding the LDS church through her own children. She spoke of meeting with President Hinckley and how he kissed her on the cheek...how he said to her, "I hear you don't like our music." LOL And then she spoke of how she's now able to be a missionary and sing.

I think I smiled all the way through the concert. I'm so grateful to Suzanne for inviting me. I just know that she was prompted and I'm glad she listened and followed through on it. With all the upheaval of the last week, I think I really needed a time to just sit and enjoy the Spirit. Thanks, Suzanne!

Water, Water Everywhere

I walked in the door after school yesterday with Chris and John right ahead of me. I heard Chris yell a kind of, "Arrgh!" and John go, "What?" As I looked in, I could see these funny shapes on the carpet. It took a few seconds for it to sink it--they were Chris's footprints! The carpet was soaked! I walked through the living room (squish, squish, squish) and into the kitchen where there was about an inch or so of standing water.

I heard the water spraying under the sink, so I was able to get under and turn it off at the wall. Turns out the water line to the cold water had broken some time during the day and just sprayed water all......dang......day. First there's that odd feeling of just standing there blinking. Then I called Richard as I started moving everything that I could lift. Cleaned off tables, picked up boxes and storage crates and stuff off the floor. The water had saturated the kitchen, living room and dining room/office. Luckily, it didn't make it into any of the bedrooms. Chris and John did a great job of just carrying stuff into the bedroom. I called the leasing agent. Never in the last year have I called this woman and actually had her answer the phone. Apparently Heavenly Father knew that I could only handle so much because the woman actually answered her phone. She got a plumber out and a carpet restoration van out within the hour. The plumber fixed the water line in about 15 minutes. The carpet guys vacuumed up all the water, pulled up the carpet and threw out the pad, then put the carpet back down.

Now we have two huge fans blowing through the main part of the house. They were supposed to get us a dehumidifier this evening, but we didn't hear from them. We had a huge rain last week with some flooding around and the guy said that the dehumidifiers are in high demand. So, we've been running the a/c at 70 degrees to keep it going. I'm sitting here in my flannel pj's and a sweatshirt!

It's not the worst thing that could happen. None of our furniture is ruined. We're not responsible for the damage or for repair or replacement. But trying to live in a house where the living room is basically empty is already a littel frazzling. The kitchen area where we normally eat is now filled with the kitchen table, a wingback chair, a piano, a bookshelf and a couch. I'm thinking we're going to have to find something to do this weekend or I'm going to go crazy! Not to mention, the house is starting to smell. They said they would be back next week to replace the pad--but they still have to get approval from the owner and his insurance. Ugh--such a pain.

Since we're planning on moving this summer, I'm seriously thinking of just packing up all the stuff that's moved out right now, like books and scrapbooks and stuff. Maybe that's what I'll do this weekend--pack. Except I still don't have anywhere to put the stuff. Guess I'm just looking for some sympathy. Thanks. :-)

Explanation

So I'm thinking I should explain a little bit about my selection of music on my player. I'm a rather eclectic person when it comes to my music. And I had a great time picking music for the player. I'll probably add more as I play around with it. So let me explain from 1-whatever.

God Blessed Texas - obviously I'm from Texas--pretty self-explanatory.
The Rose - our wedding song. My maid of honor sang it and I joined her on the final verse. The one and only secret I've ever been able to keep from Richard.
The Greatest Man - reminds me of my dad. It's not as accurate anymore because he's become more verbal since my mom passed away and I make sure to tell him "I love you" every time we speak on the phone.
Sweet Sweet Spirit, Daddy Sang Bass - I grew up listening to Southern Gospel music. My dad could sing either tenor or bass and that's how I learned to harmonize. I still love the music and the spirit that it can bring. So these and the next two are for my daddy. :-)
Farther Along - Another gospel song and one of the choices my grandmother had for her funeral. I didn't actually sing this one, but I couldn't find a good version of "Precious Memories." (And it should read "FaRther Along" not Father Along.
Go Rest High... - Just a great harmony song and very moving. Just cool to me.
Renegade, The Best of Times - ok, now we're getting into my past. I LOVED Styx in the 80's. They were my favorite band. And I got to go to the senior prom as a freshman (The Best of Times was the theme) with a really nice guy. Wonder how he's doing now...
American Trilogy - I've always loved this song and I found it so I used it.
If I Had Only Known - I love Reba. Love her voice, her accent (mine's not nearly as bad as hers--ask anyone who's heard me). This song reminds me to never take a day for granted. Tell people you love them. Show people you love them.

There...hope that helps. :-)

Easter Eggs

Tia invited us over to dye eggs this afternoon. I remember dyeing eggs with my mom when I was a kid, but I've never really done it with the boys. I don't know why. I guess I was afraid of the mess or that I wouldn't do it right or something. The boys had a fabulous time. Everything was set up outside (smart!) with individual plastic cups for the different colors (double smart!). I'm thinking I might be able to do this now. Ok...so probably not this year since it's the day before Easter and the last thing I want to do is go to the store and look for dyeing kits, but I need to remember this for next year. It *is* something I can do. It *is* worth it. And we *can* do it outside! I'm so glad they thought of us.

It's Spring and Other Thoughts

It's officially spring! Yippee!!! With Easter this Sunday, I can finally wear my white sandals again. Richard and Chris are off at a Scout Encampment tonight through Saturday. I'm hoping with the sun and wind of yesterday and today, the ground will have dried out enough to put a tent down without too much yuck.

It's been a really nice spring break. We talked to a mortgage broker and a realtor yesterday. Looks like we'll really be able to buy a house this summer. Four bedrooms...that's all I ask is four bedrooms. I know it won't stop the boys from fighting, but at least it'll give them a place to go to be away from each other.

We got the van out of the shop. They checked the brakes and said they were fine. Heard them squealing again today. :::sigh::: But $1400 later, I'm not going to quibble yet.

I'll conclude this post by saying that it's really nice to hear James and John playing together nicely in an otherwise silent house. One of the real joys of being a mom. Of course, soon it'll be time to put an end to their happiness and make them clean up their room and get ready for bed. But for now, I'll just enjoy the pleasant sounds of boys playing a video game together. Life is good.

Rain, Rain and More Rain

It's rained all day. Seriously. Literally. All day. It's still raining. And now it's windy. Luckily, it's all supposed to be over by tomorrow and then the sun will shine again. Thank goodness. Because right now I can hear screaming boys and crashing sounds and I know that they desperately need to be outside! And I should call them out for evening snack and bedtime, but I'm just sitting here enjoying the relative silence. Ok...so it's not silent, but they're not here in my face and the TV isn't on and it's kinda nice to hear them playing together without fighting. Even with all the rain today, it's been a good day. In fact, now that I think about it...they haven't fought today. Wow! Maybe it should rain more often. I'll have to think about that. Hmmmm....

Thoughtful

We had a primary activity today. One of the activities was to decorate cupcakes. One of the presidency emailed me earlier this week to let me know that they were getting gluten-free cupcakes for John. For the first time, John was able to participate in the same activity just like all the other kids and I didn't have to bake anything ahead of time. With my schedule this week, I'm not sure I would've had time except overnight. He was so excited to have his own cupcake just like all the other kids. He ran to at least two of the leaders, hugged them and thanked them for his gf cupcakes. It's so nice when people think ahead and then act on that. Plus, I found out where they got the cupcakes and I'll be heading over there this week. Looks fabulous!

Spring Break! WOO HOO!!!!!

Thank goodness it's finally spring break! We're not going anywhere--just hanging around here. I plan to clean my house, read, go to the park and just get caught up on everything I've gotten behind on lately. Gotta think of some things for the boys to do so they don't think they can play video games all day long every day. I love spring break! Yippeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

In Their Little Brains

John got a bill in his class the other day. He was standing in line for the bathroom and out of the clear blue sky said, "What the hell?" He couldn't explain why he said it. No one poked him or pushed him. He didn't see something strange on the wall. The water didn't shoot upward out of the sink or anything. He just said it. Is there any way to get a little peek inside his brain and find out what he was thinking? What a goof!

Dinner

Were our parents evil for making us eat what they fixed? Somehow I think I've been too lax in this effort--as evidenced by James sitting at the table for almost at hour refusing to eat a burrito from Taco Bell because the beans look "different." Wouldn't even take a bite! Just cried and absolutely could not make himself eat it. Part of me wanted to give up and part of me wanted to shove that burrito in his mouth. (Is that bad?) I did actually give up and leave the room. Richard handled it from there. James did finally eat something, but I'm not sure if Richard actually got him to try it or just made him one from home. I guess it's a good thing that he prefers homemade to fast food. But where, oh where did he learn to be so stubborn! :::looking around innocently:::

I Hate Daylight Saving Time

That's really all I have to say. I just hate it. I hate trying to get my boys to go to bed when it's still light outside. I hate going to school in the dark. I hate spending a good week recovering from the time change. Blech! Did I mention I hate it?

Missionary Homecoming

So cool! Chris gave a great talk in sacrament meeting. And Eli reported on his mission. As Eli gave his testimony in Spanish, I could see James staring up at him in absolute awe. He couldn't take his eyes off him. Eli said James hugged him at least 5 times at church!

Had dinner at their house. Poppi AND Mimi were there (they were at church too) along with a couple from church and then Catherine and Hamid. It was a nice relaxing day. Just warm enough to sit outside in the sun. Great food, good conversation and no children had a meltdown until the very end. That's when we knew it was time to go home.

It was just so neat to see Eli and hear how much he's matured and what a fine young man he is. Still cool, still fun...but more mature. Just neat.

$1.50

That's what the bishop owes me for gas in the last few days. I was supposed to meet with him last Thursday--the day of the big snow of '08. Lots of things were canceled, but I never got a call and since he's from Michigan, I figured "you never know." I would hate for him to be hanging out at the church, having traveled through the slush and me not show up. I know it happens a lot, but I didn't want it to be me--so off I went. Actually, the roads were mostly fine. Got over to the church (about 2 miles) and no one was there. Waited a little bit, then gave up and came home. Got a call about an hour later from his exec sec apologizing for forgetting to call me.

Then this morning...I have a welfare meeting at 6:45 am. Ugh. And it's daylight saving time day. Set my alarm for 5:30 so I would have time to hit the button at least once since it would feel like 4:30. Alarm went off, I hit the button and then suddenly realized that I hadn't "sprung forward" last night! It was 6:30. I flew out of bed, took a quick shower, put on a minimal of makeup (just enough so I wouldn't scare people), threw on a skirt and sandals and took off out the door. The other RS counselor was walking up as I pulled up, so we walked in together. The bishop met us with a stricken look on his face. "You didn't get the email?" No. "Sister C didn't tell you?" No. "Is Sister C (RS pres) here?" No...she's with her son; he's reporting this morning. "Oh...since it's daylight savings time, we don't have meetings except ward council." And he told me to go home. Sister M was taking Sister C's place at ward council.

ARGH!!!!! All the way home, I kept telling myself, "I will be blessed for doing what I was supposed to do. I will be blessed. The blessings will come." Deep breath. The bishop owes me $1.50. And I'm supposed to meet with him on Thursday except I can't because we have Open House. Should I tell him or just not show up?

On the Positive Side

James did well in his karate tournament today. He didn't win any trophies this time, but he got medals and he got experience. Chris competed in academic UIL today. He placed 5th in Ready Writing and 6th in Spelling. He was only tagged for the spelling team at the last minute--last Monday. And he was the only one from his school to place. What a smart kid! He's giving a talk in church tomorrow.

I'm very blessed to have three smart, talented boys who are friendly and thoughtful most of the time. We have great kids and I'm so proud of each of them.

Beyond Understanding

There are some things that I just don't understand. Richard and the younger boys went to Poppi & Mimi's house today. They went down there for a karate tournament that ended up taking all day. Poppi got to see James compete. James asked if Mimi would be coming too. Mimi had already said that she probably wouldn't be able to go because she might be needed to drive some youth to the temple. So...while they were at the house this morning, she got the call that she wouldn't be needed. James immediately mentioned that maybe she could come now. She hemmed and hawed around about not feeling well and promptly retreated to her bedroom.

That afternoon, when they were playing a game, Richard was trying to show Poppi something on his phone. Mimi came out of her "abode," began talking about Richard's sister and on and on and on...then retreated again. Not a word was said about James's tournament, our family, Eli coming home--nothing. It's all about her and "her" kids and "her" grandkids. Ours don't count. Richard was already having a very long day, but managed to bite his tongue. But it really bothered him--and that's saying something. Usually it bothers me and he just shrugs. I'm glad I wasn't there.

I worry about what I will say when someday (and it will be soon, I fear) James figures out that Mimi just doesn't love him like she loves his cousins. It's very sad and I just cannot comprehend it. Poppi will be here tomorrow for Eli's "homecoming." I'll bet doughnuts to dollars that Mimi will be too tired or sick or whatever to make it. How pathetic. I know that I should just let it go--I shouldn't let it bother me. But every once in a while we reach out--just so we can keep Poppi in the loop--and every time we do, I am reminded of how much work I still need to do in the forgiveness aspect.

Oh well...in the long run, she's the one who's missing out. We will continue to raise our boys and live our lives and she has chosen not to be a part of it. We'll invite, but we'll not make a special trip down there unless invited. It's just sad to me.

I Don't Like Change

It was brought home to me quite clearly today that I don't like having things change at the last minute. Richard was supposed to take James and John to his parents' in Midlothian to spend the night. James has a karate tournament tomorrow in Waxahachie. Chris and I would stay here for Chris's UIL contest tomorrow. By 5:00, Richard had decided not to go tonight, but just leave amazingly early tomorrow. Totally threw me for a loop. I was so frustrated because the boys were planning to go--even started packing! And now...everything is different and I'm totally out of control with it. I'm worried that they won't leave on time in the morning and they won't get breakfast and...and...and.... Ugh...I probably won't sleep well tonight.

Snow?

It started snowing this afternoon. Real snow. Utah snow. Huge, quarter-sized flakes that smacked you in the face if you turned that way. Heavy, wet snow that slid off the van and made for very slushy roads. It took Richard 30 minutes to get home from school. It's about 5 blocks. Everything's canceled tonight and we'll just have to wait and see about tomorrow. Guess it'll depend on the temperatures tonight. It amazed me how many parents were coming to pick up their children early.

Aaaaahhhhhh!!!! Snow!!!! Gather in your families, pets and everything. Gas up the car! Buy water, bread, batteries! We could be stranded for...uh...hours! Good grief.