Leaf Bugs & Living Life

While the girls were at school today Lehi found a Leaf Bug. We caught it so we could show it to them when they got home. It was kind of fun to see the looks on their faces, and it was a pretty cool looking bug. I’d never seen one before. As I thought about that today, as well as the other experiences I’ve been letting the girls have, I wondered to myself if I’m living life through my kids’ eyes. I’m trying to give them experiences they’ve never had before because I want them to live life and experience it, but in the process, I’m also living it and enjoying it—and finding a new fulfillment/joy in living.
I talked to Arianne tonight and she commented on the things I’m blogging about—the experiences the girls are getting. I told her there are lots of things in life, and about the world, to make you smile about. I told her our latest “smiler” was the Leaf Bug. She laughed at me, but I think it’s true. Since moving here, I’ve felt like there’s all kinds of things to notice—if you take the time to notice them. There are all kinds of simple beauties and pleasures in the world that we miss because we’re busy. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have to slow down, so I can/will notice the simple things that make life worth living. Thank you, to my Father in Heaven, for a fabulous world!

How to dull your pencil . . .

Kate's been bringing home these worksheets where she's had to practice writing the letters correctly. This is an example of the one she brought home today--for the letter, "H". She said to me, "Mom, this is silly. It wears my hand out and makes my pencil dull! It's a waste of time." I have to agree with her--I think she was doing this in kindergarten?! Oh well, at least she'll have nice handwriting, yah?

"100 Rock" Rocks!

Okay, so Eliza is supposed to learn to count to 100. When she's successful, she gets to be a part of the "100 club"! So, in order to encourage her, and to make it a little more fun, we have a "100 Rock" in our front yard, and every day she and I go outside and sit on the rock while she practices counting to 100. She's doing pretty well. I tried to teach her to count by tens today to see if that will help 'cuz she gets stuck at the 20, 30, 40, etc. Today, as we were working on that, she said, "Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fivety, . . ." I had to laugh! Kids are the cutest! I can't wait for the post where I get to announce that she's officially part of the 100 club! It'll have a cute picture, I promise!

Stress management

I got this email from my mom about a month ago, and I loved it! I think that once in a while, we all need to take time to relax and let go of those things that stress us out.

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?" Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, TThe absolute weight doesn'tmatter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on.

As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.''

"So, before you retire tonight, put the burden of the day down. You can pick it uptomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can." So, my friend, why not take a while to just simply RELAX. Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after you've rested a while. Life is short. Enjoy it!

Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

*Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and somedays you're the statue.

*Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

*Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

*Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

*If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

*If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

*It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

*Never buy a car you can't push.

*Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

*Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

*Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

*The second mouse gets the cheese.

*When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

*Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

*You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

*Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

*We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Mud, glorious mud!

We had a fabulous late summer rain storm this afternoon. It was awesome! If you like the sound of heavy rain, the feel of cool wind, and the smell of fresh rain then it was a perfect afternoon. I love all of that, and I especially like it when I can look out of the window and see the dark grey clouds across the sky. It was perfect! Our windows were open and it just smelled so clean.

As I was sitting at the computer, paying bills, Eliza came in to ask me a question.

Eliza: "Mom, can I play in a mud puddle today?"

Me (not wanting to think about it 'cuz I was preoccupied): "I don't know. Maybe."

Eliza: "It's a deep one. Would that be okay?"

Me: "I don't know. Probably."

Eliza: "Really?"

Eliza leaves the room--pretty excited, and Lehi walks in.

Lehi: "Did she ask you what she wanted?" (I guess she had already asked him and he said, "Go ask your mom."

Me: "That she wants to play in the mud?"

Lehi: "Yah. I didn't think you'd be ready for that yet. What did you say?"

Me: "Probably."

Lehi (with a rather surprised look on his face, and in an incredulous tone): "Really!"

So, that's what the girls did all afternoon--their first real experience playing in the mud! I guess they had a ball because they didn't want to come in for dinner. Eliza especially liked the way "the mud feels when it's dry."

I learned a few things from this experience, tho:

1. Don't let them wear nice shoes.

2. Don't let them "paint" the walls, doors, or beams that hold up the porch.

3. Don't let them take toys they want to sleep with into the mud.

4. Plan on giving them a bath (which means dinner gets cold) before they do anything else.

5. Remember to laugh--and let them be kids!

Remember the parachute?

If you're anything like I was, when I was a kid there was nothing better than "parachute day" in PE! It was awesome! I loved the bright red, blue, green, and yellow parachute. The huge, billowing fabric seemed so strong and powerful, and I felt just as powerful as I pulled and tugged at the edges! It was great to wave it as quickly as I could, trying to bounce the balls off. And, the best thing to do was to raise it as high above my head as possible, and pull it down quick, as I raced underneath it and sat on the edge--making a huge mushroom above my head. It was awesome!

Well, the other day our girls discovered the beauty of a parachute! They were making their bed and I heard them laughing and laughing. They were having way too much fun, so I had to see what they were up to! As I walked in their room, there they were--waving the sheets high above their head and jumping onto the bed, pulling the sheets down over them! It was made even better by the fact that they're sleeping on a temporary bed--a blow-up queen-size mattress that really bounces!!! I have to admit I was a little jealous that I couldn't play, too--I think my size would've popped the bed. Then I would've ruined all the fun! So, I just took pictures and reminisced about my times under the parachute!

I just love 'em!

Sorry, I had to post this picture! I think it's the cutest!!! I love my girls!!

Dr. Travis

Here's to all those who thought he wouldn't amount to much! This is my fabulous brother, who just happens to be a doctor, and my wonderful mother--who raised a doctor! I got to spend a little time with both of them this weekend. I really enjoyed it. My crazy mom who sees beauty in electrical lines, especially when there's a beautiful sunset behind them! And, I sure wish I could spend more time with Travis; he's always so interesting to talk with. Smart boy, with a great sense of humor! Love you guys!

A Hunting We Will Go . . . .

Kate had her first "toad hunting" experience with her cousin, Cre. As you can see, she's still a little "citified" or maybe she's just a girl!? Regardless, it was a big hit! They caught nine frogs!!! How fun is that? Thanx Uncle Travis and Grandma--it was great!

This one's for you, Cam!

"Mom, will you put these on your blog? Then you can show Cameo that we're having lots of fun!" So, Cameo, this one's for you!

Tonight the girls wanted to take pictures with my camera. I didn't take any of these. After they saw the pictures, Kate asked the above question and told me I need to blog the experience. They especially liked the one of Eliza with the plate in front of her face--must be 5- and 7-year-old humor?! I guess this is what we do for fun in a small town. I love it!

Cookies ARE better than tomatoes!

I made cookies today and we sat down and ate them together while we talked about their day at school. It was awesome! I loved it--just taking the time to sit and listen. My cousin suggested I have a "Cookie Wednesday" every week. That would make it something special to look forward to, and maybe curb the begging for junk food every day. (Maybe?) Anyway, I think taking a few minutes to just let them talk was great for them and me! I think this could quickly become my favorite time of day!

A trial of faith

Last Saturday, a small, private plane crashed in my sister-in-law's backyard. (It crashed in an empty lot that backs up to their garden.) Her boys were outside (ages 5 and 7) and watched it happen. They heard the victims crying out, "Someone please help us." My brother-in-law helped the victims into the medical helicopter. It was/has been a tragic experience for them. Later, they found out the pilot died and the young couple that was on the plane were burned extremely bad. She was burned over 80% of her body and he was burned over 30%.

When I heard the story I was in shock! That is actually the second time a plane has crashed near their home. Of course, my immediate response was that I would be moving--twice is a little too frequent for my liking! However, I was even more surprised when I realized I knew the family of this young couple that were in the plane. My family/siblings have many ties with his. I have five siblings, and all of us know, and have been friends with, one of his siblings at some time in our growing-up years--some of us closer than others. It's amazing what a small world we live in.

So, because of my ties with this story, I've followed their experiences over the past week, thru the wonderful world of blogging. They have been on my mind constantly. The couple, Christian and Stephanie Nielson ,have four young children--and, apparently, so many fans that this horribly sad experience has become, for me, an awe-inspiring journey of faith, fortitude, optimism, and strength. Stephanie's sister has opened her heart and has blogged about this experience all week. (I've put links to both of these blogs under my "great websites" on the sidebar.) What is amazing to me is both women's outlooks on life. They are truly amazing! Her sister, cjane, hasn't dwelt on any of the negative aspects of this experience. Her entire blog is truly inspiring! She's optimistic. She's full of faith! She's sharing her heart, her home, and her family--and she continues to smile!

I think about what I might be like in a situation like this, and I don't believe I'd have the grace, courage, faith, poise, etc., etc. that cjane exhibits. What this has done for me is inspire me to be a better person, to be a better mom, to be more optimistic, to remember to find the beauty in each, mundane day, to hug and kiss and love my girls and my "Mister."--and to hug and kiss and love them again!!

Out of this awful experience, I believe many wonderful things are happening. I've talked to one of my sisters about it and she, too, is inspired by this family. If you spend any time at all on cjane's blog you'll notice the hundreds of comments she gets after every post. I believe my sister and I aren't the only ones inspired by her strength. I think great things--testimonies being lit and/or strengthened, faith being reignited, prayers being answered, families coming together, and people committing to becoming more Christlike--are coming out of a small plane crashing in St. Johns, Arizona. Who says nothing happens in small towns? I know, for a fact, people across the world are sharing in this family's tragedy and GREAT things are coming out of this small town. It reminds me of a scripture in the Book of Mormon--Alma 37:6-7. (Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not trivializing what has happened to these families, I'm just making light of small towns!) I know I, for one, don't feel like there's much I can do for the Nielson's (other than pray, which is actually quite strengthening), so I've decided one thing I can do is commit to being a better person--maybe living a life that would make them happy and my Father in Heaven a little happier.

I really can't find the words to describe how I've felt this week, and how I've felt as I've read these blogs. I wish I could because I've felt it very profoundly, but what I've said will have to do, and I'll have to hope that I've somehow portrayed the impact this amazing family has had on me.

When it just feels right

I was lying in bed this morning with Kate. She'd gotten up really early and came in while I was reading. My bedroom window was open, the blinds were up, and you could hear the birds singing and see the trees outside, and feel the peaceful, calm that every early morning brings. Unprovoked, she said to me, "Mom, I like it here. It feels different."

It's a blessing to know that even your children can sense when you've made the right decision.

What? Tomatoes aren't treats?

Okay--so I'm lying here in bed, crying to Lehi about why I've been so irritated, grumpy, angry, and generally not happy today. I get so frustrated because I have days like this, and I don't know why. He suggested it might be that female thing; I quickly poo-pooed that! (Which suggests it really is. . . .) Anyway, I really get down sometimes because I can't seem to control when I feel like this, and I don't know how to stop it. I was about in tears tonight because I just don't seem to be happy. That's depressing to me. (Uh--yah?!)

So, I was telling him that I really wish I could be one of those moms that are happy when their kids get home from school, that I'd like to be excited. He said that can't happen because then I'd be translated. I said, "Is that the only imperfection I have?" Wouldn't that be nice? Anyway, I went on to tell him that I can't seem to let go, to give up control. I'd like to be a mom who makes a yummy smoothie for an after-school treat. And we all sit down to drink them and talk about the day. But, no, when my girls ask for an after-school snack I tell them they need to do their homework and then they can have a tomato! As soon as I said that to Lehi he busted out laughing which, in turn, caused me to laugh, and I think that's the first time I've laughed today. I want so much for my family to be healthy and do what's right that I'm afraid I'm taking all of the fun out of living. That's horribly sad! Why can't I loosen up? What am I afraid of?

I decided I'd be a really good mom this afternoon, tho, and meet my girls at the bus-stop. It was their first day to ride home on the bus. Now, mind you, I didn't really know where the drop-off was, just the road. So, I'm walking down the road, assuming I'd see the bus. But, no, after a while I see the girls and some neighbor kids walking toward me, and I never did see the bus! They ran to me, with their arms open wide, and we started walking toward home. However, all the other kids started cutting across a field of weeds and stickers and I didn't want to walk thru that with my flip-flops on. The girls did. So, needless to say, I walked to the bus-stop (which I still don't know where it is.) alone, and I walked home alone. When I shared this story with Lehi he said, "Maybe it's because you give them tomatoes for treats!" But then he followed it up with, "But they sure love you! We know that!" I guess I know I'm blessed, but I'm not so sure my family is!

Someone needs to teach me how to lighten up, and to convince me that it's okay! C'mon--cookies and chocolate milk are certainly better than tomatoes, right?

Crazy 8's!

Today we are celebrating our 8th anniversary--on 8/18/08!

I married the man of my dreams 8 years ago today! Wow! I don't think he knew what he was getting into--poor guy! And I'm sure glad he didn't! But, I'm even more glad that now that he's figured it out, he's stickin' with me! He's so perfect for me, and he makes me a better person. (Heaven knows I need all the help I can get!?)

You'll notice the time on this blog is dinner time, and my husband is so fabulous that he's in the kitchen making dinner for me. Then, he's planned for me to utilize our new jacuzzi tub--complete with mood lighting and a candle! How awesome is that? (Yah, we all know what the mood lighting is for!!) I think my favorite thing he's planned is Family Home Evening tonight. He wants to take the girls to the Snowflake temple and talk to them about the awesome blessing of temple marriage, and how he and I made that wonderful covenant to each other and with our Heavenly Father eight years ago--those covenants that will allow us to be an eternal family. I am so grateful for the promises that were made so that I can be with him even after we die. We aren't married just "until death do us part," but forever! I can't imagine anything more wonderful and perfect than that.

Thank you, Lehi, for following the Spirit, for having faith and hanging in there during those dating months, and for loving me now. My life wouldn't be complete without you--the most perfect man for me! I am so looking forward to this upcoming year, and to the many, many (eternal) years ahead!

I love you Lehi!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Little Eliza--not so little :(

Little Eliza is growing up! Yes, she started kindergarten this year and she's loving it! She really likes reading--always asking me to read to her, and sounding out words herself. She's really a smart little girl! This particular morning, she looked grown up to me--all decked out in new school clothes, sitting in my bathroom, filing her nails! Look at those cute toes! I had to take a picture!

Lobo Pups

It was the first day of school on Monday, and the girls were excited! They weren't even registered yet because of the move, but they had their backpacks and new shoes, and they were ready to go! The Lobo Pups is their school mascot.

I worried a little about them, not knowing anyone, but they didn't seem to be bothered by that at all! In fact, we couldn't get them to their classes quick enough for them! And then, poor Eliza--I decided to have her go to afternoon kindergarten, so she had to come home with me and wait. Boy, did that take the wind out of her sails! All morning long all I heard was, "Mom, I wish I could go to school!" in a very mournful tone. So, when it came time to go, she was pretty pumped! I can't believe my little one is going to kindergarten--time flies!

When I picked them up and asked how their day went, they both yelled out how great it was! Kate said, "I love this school!" Her favorite thing is the merry-go-round--that's all I heard about! However, since then I've gone to "back-to-school" night, and I think I know why she "loves" this school--it's not going to be as difficult as her last school, not as much homework, and a lot more parties. Of course she loves this school! I have to be honest, I'm a little concerned. Their education was my big fear in moving here, and right now my fear is confirmed. I'm hoping it's just the first week of school and teachers are trying to determine where their students abilities are, but I'm not encouraged when the teacher tells me they don't send home phonics homework because "it's over everyone's head." Education is so important, in my mind, so I'm trying to tell myself that other things are just as important as well, and I will just have the blessing/opportunity/headache? of getting to supplement their education. I'm trying to keep this positive and not get worked up over it, but when they only get PE twice/month--yah . . . (sorry Sue, I know that's going to light a huge fire under you!). Anyway, I'll stop there. I could go on and on; I did last night.

That is my only complaint thus far. Other than that, I love this place. And, I do love that the teachers love the kids here, that our girls are making lots of friends, and that when I asked them if they wanted to go back to Mesa tonight they emphatically said, "No!"

Where's Eliza?

On the first day of school I went into the girl's room to wake them up, and I couldn't find Eliza! There was Kate, sleeping very peacefully, but no Eliza--until I looked a little closer! There she was, buried under the covers, nestled right up next to her sister! I don't know how anyone can sleep with their head almost completely buried, but Eliza didn't seem to have a problem! I sure do love that kid!

Where's my pizza, Lynn?

Okay, moving is yucky!! These are pictures of our move. We made it on Saturday, and thankfully we won't have to do it again for a few months. However, even that seems crazy--we're going to have lived in four different homes in less than a year, and we're not even in the military!

On Saturday I followed Lehi, while he drove the U-Haul. It was so full and so heavy I was sure he was going to tip over every time he turned a corner or went over a bump in the road. Then, we hit some pretty heavy rainstorms, but we made it! When we got here, the Elders Quorum helped us unload, and it was all unloaded in an hour! I couldn't believe it! We rented the largest truck U-Haul has, and we still couldn't fit all our crap (I mean "stuff")! Thank you guys, for your help! Lehi was pretty exhausted from having loaded it the day before and that morning--not to mention having to go to his uncle's funeral the day before, as well. It was a pretty crazy weekend!

But, we're so glad to be here. It feels right, and it feels good. The people are so nice and friendly. We've had two separate neighbors bring us homemade bread and one bring us some cookies. The ward is nice, but the best part of all is that our girls get to play with neighbors--for the first time in their lives! How sad is that? Playing with your neighbors is what childhood is all about, and they've never had that experience until now. Needless to say, they are in heaven!

The little girls that live next door are in my girl's Primary classes, and we found out we're second cousins! How crazy is that? I guess it's a small world when you're mormon, living in a small town. Anyway, they can't wait to get home from school so they can go outside and play. It's awesome! The first night they came home and had to tell me all about the neighbor's home--what it looked like, how big it was, how clean it was. It's a whole new world for them! And, like Lehi said, "It's like the first time a kid has sugar!"

I think my favorite thing (besides the girls getting to play with friends) is driving them to school in the morning. We drive for a couple of miles on a dirt road (because the highway is being repaved and I don't want to wait for the lead truck), and we get to enjoy a country drive, early in the morning. You can see the White Mountains off in the distance, as you look across open land. It's beautiful. It smells awesome. It's cool. It's quiet and it's peaceful. I absolutely love it! I'm so glad we're here.

The above pictures are of the elders helping unload the truck, our living room and garage with all our boxes, and the home we're in for the time being.

By the way, my brother-in-law, Lynn, and I made a bet regarding who would be living in Snowflake first. He lost. He owes me a pizza!

Darce Dodge & Nathan Nissan

I got an email from an old college friend the other day, and she reminded me of one of my favorite memories of BYU.

I joined a club called, "Best Buddies." For those of you who don't know what that is, basically people with disabilities are paired up with a friend. And, that friend gets to go do things with their new "buddy." I majored in Therapeutic Recreation, so this was a club that was my type of thing. My buddy was Nathan, and Nathan had autsim. Nathan was in his early twenties, and I was, too. I didn't know a whole lot about autism at the time, but it was my opportunity to get to do whatever recreational types of things Nathan wanted to do. He lived in a group home, and I found out that he really liked to eat and he loved cars. Other than that, he didn't talk a whole lot, so it was hard for me to ask him what he wanted to do. So, we'd go out to eat once in a while, or I'd take him with me to the store. We went bowling a couple of times--you know, just the normal, cheap college stuff.

One thing I learned fairly quickly is that Nathan liked to stare, and Nathan liked to stare right at me! But he didn't just stare--he got as close to my face as he could and then he'd stare. He'd only do it to the side of my face, tho--by my ear. At first this kind of bugged me, but then I learned to just go with it and have fun. One time we were at a restaurant. I was reading the menu, and there was Nathan--almost in my ear, just staring. Well, actually, Nathan never just stared. He liked alliteration. And, remember, he liked cars--especially Dodges! Well, "Darce" and "Dodge" both begin with the letter, "D", so when Nathan stared he continually repeated, "Darce Dodge. Darce Dodge. Darce Dodge." So, here we were, at Frontier Pies; I'm reading this menu, and here's Nathan in my ear, "Darce Dodge. Darce Dodge. Darce Dodge." It was pretty funny, and I really liked Nathan, so I turned to him and surprised him, "Nathan Nissan," I said. He busted out laughing, and that's how our game began. From then on it was "Darce Dodge" and "Nathan Nissan." I loved that guy.

Anyway, my roommate reminded me of another experience I had with Nathan--one I had forgotten. Nathan was blessed with a generous portion of nose. His was a little larger than most. Once, my roommate and her boyfriend decided to join Nathan and myself in our adventure. They were sitting in the backseat, and I was driving. Nathan was doing his staring thing--again, pretty close to my ear. All of a sudden, I turned to him and said, "I'm gonna bite your nose!?" Everyone in the car burst into laughter, and Nathan Nissan knew he was part of our "group." He was loved. He was accepted.

My year with Nathan Nissan ended at a Best Buddies Prom. He and I dressed up and danced the night away. I will always be grateful for that opportunity, the memories and laughter that Nathan gave to me, and especially for the "best buddy" I made. Thanx Nathan Nissan!! You were the best!

Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do--part 2

So I went back a looked at the email I got from my friend, telling me she enjoyed listening to me sing. I want to clarify that she really meant she enjoyed listening to me sing! In fact, in the email she said that I sing well! That's why I was so surprised--she actually said that! So, I want to share something.

A long time ago I heard stories about Pres. George Albert Smith and his determination to develop the talents the Lord had given him, or not given him, but he wanted to develop. One of those was playing baseball, and another was singing. In regards to baseball, he wanted to play so badly that he practiced daily, by throwing a ball against his barn. Eventually, he got very good and made the school team. The same was true with his singing. He wanted to sing, so he sang everywhere he went. He wasn’t very good, but eventually it got to the point where he could join choirs and choruses, and they’d let him. That story has always stayed with me, and inspired me, so I think that’s some of the inspiration I have to sing to my girls every night. Secretly I hope that someday I’ll have a nice voice. I’ve sung to my girls every night, since they were babies, and they’ve come to expect that. They’ve never made fun of me, or told me I can’t sing. So, I wonder if the Lord is blessing me with somewhat of a voice because of my desire, and my willingness to sing to them. (It’s a non-threatening atmosphere.) There have been times when I could hear that I was actually on key! So, maybe. . . . maybe someday I'll have that voice I've always longed for. And, maybe this was Heavenly Father's way of letting me know I'm on the right track--to keep singing. I love His "tender mercies."

Snowflake--Here we come!

We went up and back to Snowflake today so we could secure a rental home and move some of our stuff. We actually have a residence there--something we've been working on for a few years! Neither Lehi nor myself can believe it's really happening! I'll spare you all the details, but suffice it to say that I spent a majority of this week looking for a rental up there. (A HUGE "thank you" to Arianne for going with me! I loved spending the day with you!) School starts in a week and I wanted to be there for that, so we were down to the wire. The Lord blessed us, and we were able to find a home in the ward we are building in. Yippy! So, although we will end up living in four--yes, FOUR--different homes this year (in a matter of seven months), we will at least be able to have some sort of stability by not having to change wards. That will be nice for all of us. We will have moved three times by the time we're in our real home, and we're not even in the military! How crazy is that? We're excited, tho--and I have to admit, somewhat nervous. Change is always hard and scary. But, like I tell my family--we're just going on an adventure! So, hop aboard the M-train and hang on! We're in this together!

Do Re Me Fa So La Ti Do

OK--so I got the surprise of my life this past week! A little background info first. . . .
I can't sing. I've never claimed to be able to sing. In fact, I can't carry a tune stapled to my hand! That's just a fact of life I've had to deal with. I've always been upset about it because my sisters all sing--and sing well. I just wasn't blessed with that talent.
Well, after church on Sunday, the lady I was sitting next to told me she wanted to email me a message, and to consider it "hand-written." Since we're moving, I figured it was some sort of "going away" note. However, much (I mean "MUCH!!!!") to my surprise her email went something like this:
"Darce, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed sitting next to you today and being able to listen to you sing. . . ."
OK--I've got to think she was kidding! Maybe just being nice since we're moving, I don't know. Lehi laughed when he read it, and said, "Does she have a tin ear?" But, you know, I think she was serious--at least, sincere!
Maybe she just enjoyed listening to me sing because it was so funny!
I don't know, but I'm gonna choose to think that maybe my nightly singing to the girls is possibly? helping me at least be able to carry a tune in a bucket!!
Thanx Konnie--I'll always remember you!