Special Moments

The other day we were watching Tyler while Brian & Katie were out. He was on a roll and would not eat breakfast without Papa Joe, so Joe sat down with him and they ate together. You will have to excuse the blurry photo as the pro was unavailable!

Reflections

Joe and I went to see Blind Side recently. It has been a long time since I have been so deeply affected by a movie. It made me reflect on our experiences with foster care and adopting. It brought back lots of memories and lots of feelings from that time. It reminded me how much strenght and help Heavenly Father grants me daily.

This past weekend we became aware of the passing of a young man whom we knew in Las Vegas. In the midst of feeling sorrow and heartache for the family I also felt the blessing of the gospel. How much it means to me to know that Heavenly Father watches over each of us. He will bring comfort and help to this family and all those who knew this young man.

This past Sunday Joe & I attended the CHP Academy orientation with Greg. He reported to the academy on Monday morning to begin his training and will live there for the next 6 months. As we sat through the orientation my heart was heavy at the description of all that Greg would be going through and having to endure during that time. He has already been through one law enforcement academy so he knew full well what it would mean to sign up and I knew as well, but it is a whole different experience to sit and listen to those who run the program, the current cadets, recent graduates, and wives of former cadets who are now officers. When we left I asked Greg how he was feeling and he said a little nervous but mostly excited. I looked at Joe and said "Greg may not need a blessing before you drop him off tomorrow morning, but I think I will." It was so hard to know the things he will be experiencing and as a mom all you want is to protect your kids and not have them have to go through such tough times. We went straight to church from the orientation which was great. Being fast Sunday several members shared experiences where Heavenly Father had helped them to endure and feel peace. I felt so much better about things knowing that while we will have limited contact with Greg over the next 6 months Heavenly Father will be with him everyday. I am so grateful to be at a place in my life where I don't have to say "I hope" Heavenly Father will be there, I know He will be with there.

Quilting Mania

Eons ago when I only had 3 children - yes there was a time when I only had 3! - I made quilts for each of them. Andrea came across her quilt while she was here for Christmas and asked if I would make Avery and Kaeden each a quilt. That was all well and good except that they were only here for another couple of days. So we went shopping, bought supplies and got started. Two days, two quilts, and two happy boys later Andrea has an idea how to make a quilt for the rest of her children as they come.

Kaeden with blue ties on his CARS quilt

Avery with green ties on his CARS quilt

Christmas

Yes I know it's late for this but after having kids coming and going over a two week period I am just now getting caught up on things. Christmas was WONDERFUL! Having all of the family here made for the perfect day for me. As Amanda says I am happiest when "all of my ducks are swimming on the same pond." It was noisy and a little crazy but I loved having everyone here and I really appreciate the sacrifice on all of their parts to be here. A few years ago Joe was looking for a specific sweatshirt for Greg from Butler University and came across a Tshirt that said "Butler Girls Rock". Since then we have joked about making our own shirts for the girls. This year we decided to go for it but use aprons instead of Tshirts so with Brian & Joe's help I designed and made 10 aprons. Note to the rest of you - Avery Dark Tshirt Transfers are a PAIN in the neck to use! Joe became an expert at getting them off of the transfer paper so I could iron them on but we will never use them again. Three of the girls were gone when we got the pictures taken and they came out blurry but here they are anyway.


Cleo in Kaitlin's apron showing she is a Butler girl too
The only clear picture of the apron but missing Cleo's head!

Alex, Riley, Kelly
Amanda, Kaitlin, Andrea

Following through

After hours and hours of practice I finally played the song I have been working on at the music party last night. It is such a relief to have it over! I don't remember a time when I have been so nervous but despite the list of excuses I had ready to go I actually followed through on my goal and played the piano in public. I didn't want to go first but I wanted to play early so that I could relax and enjoy the rest of the performances, so I went second. All in all it went well. My hands were shaking so bad I'm surprised that I could play at all but I only messed up once. About 3/4 of the way through the song I hear "Papa Joe answer your phone. Papa answer your phone." which is the ring tone on Joe's cell phone. My mind went blank for a minute but I recovered by just playing part of the interlude and going on to the end of the song. Other than finishing, the best part was that no one noticed the mistake. Since they weren't familiar with the arrangement they had no idea that I left out an entire line! Now that it is over my family will celebrate never having to hear that arrangement of Away in a Manger again!

Winter Wonderland

Growing up in Wyoming I loved the change in seasons and nothing was more beautiful than the first snowfall of winter. Waking up to a world blanketed in pure white was one of my favorite things. (I admit that by the time the last snowfall came I didn't love it so much.) Since leaving Wyoming 23 years ago I have not lived anywhere that it snows in winter. Seven years in Santa Barbara - no snow, nine years on the central coast - no snow, four years in Vegas - no snow, 3 years in El Dorado Hills - one snowfall that melted by ten am and then this Monday SNOW!!! I woke up a little cranky at 5:30 for seminary but when I looked out the window and saw all the snow, joy filled my heart. So many memories! Best of all a snow day! I kid you not, 2-3" of new fallen snow and school was cancelled. No school or seminary for two days. The kids have had a great time sleddidng and snowboarding down the hill leading into our community, building snowforts in the park and snowmen all over the neighborhood. Here it is Thursday and the snow is still here. My own Christmas miracle! These pictures were taken at 6:30am before the sun came up.

The backyard

Backyard

Looking from our front yard across to the neighbors

View up the street

Peaceful changes

This past weekend we had Stake Conference. Our stake president was released and a new one was called. It was such a spiritual meeting and a sweet experience to feel the changing of the mantle with no fuss or contention. I think about other religions who have councils that meet and nominate people and those that actually have to campaign for leadership and I am grateful that we have revelation as to who Heavenly Father would have serve at this time. I am grateful to have been in the presence of two general authorities who shared their genuine love and concern for each of us, who shared messages of hope and direction. I am grateful to have the gospel in my life.