Not Quite

Last week Emily and her buddy did a crystal making science project together for fun. The box was so inviting and almost magical. It screams...yes, you can make one of THESE! Not quite. I promise we followed the instructions to a tee. Note, we even wore the safety goggles. There were only about 3 steps...it was practically full proof. We waited all week for the liquid to evaporate. Finally I couldn't say anymore....just wait a little longer, I'm sure it will start to look like the box. Last night I tried to gently explain false advertising to the girls without crushing their belief in the world as a good place.

A Little Lesson:
I remember about six years ago, standing in the middle of the garage sale, holding the box, and thinking "wow we can make one of these!" False advertising may be false, but it works!!!

The Real McCoy

An Angel
"Silent Evening"

When I write music it is not my voice I am hearing in my head but rather the voices of my talented friends, which makes it possible for me to hear the possibilities of a song. This is Rachel's voice, it's the real McCoy! We did this with her somewhat sick one-year-old on her lap, in one take, with no run-through, without positioning the mic properly and she still sounds angelic to me. What I really hear in my head are violins, harps, flutes and the better part of the London philharmonic symphony behind the words...but for now I try to strategically use the 88 keys on the piano in their stead. One day...

A Little Lesson:
I really meant it when I said I never tire of songs and stories around the birth of the Savior. Those of you getting a little tired of seeing Christmas blogs from me, sorry about that, there is this little button up top titled, NEXT BLOG. It will take you on a random search of blogs all over the world. It's actually pretty fun!

Those Who Were There

The Inkeeper's Wife
"Room for the Lord"
There in the sky is a star that is brighter than all the rest.
Oh how I wish that we didn’t say no to that man’s request
I thought we were full and had no room for them to spare.
We sent them away in thoughtless haste with such despair.

I wish that I made room for the Lord the night that He was born.
I did not know that she bore the son, that came to save the world.

We went to the stable to fin the babe and praise his name.
When we arrived the family had left we’d come too late.
It was no longer safe for the song of God to stay.
I wanted to tell them to come back with us, we’ll keep them safe.

I wish that I made room for the Lord the night that He was born.
I did not know that she bore the son, that came to save the world.

Everyone talks of a man who heals the sick and lame
His message of love and hope for sinners is all the same.
Can it be true even I receive forgiveness too.
His power so great to make me whole...my life renewed!

I wish that I made room for the Lord the night that He was born.
Now I know, that he is my Lord , who came to save the world.

The title of the music program I am writing for the Festival of Nativities is called:

The Nativity

....those who were there.

Since there were so few who were actually present for the Savior's birth, in order to have a program with more than four songs, I have had to stretch the imagination a bit and assume that perhaps there actually was a drummer boy, an inkeeper's wife, a group of children who tended the animals and surely more than one angel! I am embracing wholeheartedly the expression c r e a t i v e l i c e n s e.

A Little Lesson:
My patriarchal blessing refers to the birth of the Savior and how it is was God's infinite wisdom and design that had His only begotten son come to the earth in such a lowly manner. If it were up to man there would have been no kingdom big enough, castle ornate enough, palace grandeur enough or mansion extravagant enough to house the son of God. But that was not the way it was to be. Jesus Christ's birth, life and death all summarize a perfect life free from worldly possession and stature. He had no where but straw and hay to lay his head, yet he atoned for the sins of the world. He was unjustly accused, abandoned by his most trusted, and forsaken yet lived a perfect example of perfect love and devotion to all mankind. Above all other subjects, I find composing songs about the Savior's birth most enjoyable and rewarding.

Presents

"I can't wait for daddy to come home and bring me back something!" Emily announces at dinner. Jordan and Clara agreed. I thought to myself, I didn't tell them daddy was bringing them something from his business trip to Calgary?! I'm pretty sure Craig didn't say anything either. Craig hasn't traveled for a while for work so I don't know where they got the notion that when daddy's away he's busy buying gifts for his children. I thought, well, I guess we'll just deal with this little situation when it unfolds. A few hours later, Craig walks in the door with four squealing children "Daddy Daddy you're home! " Jordan is past squealing, if he were to read this post he would roll his eyes and say "I did not squeal!" Anyways, as luck would have it Craig had brought them a treat from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and everyone was delighted.

As you can see I didn't get my camera out in time to capture the spoils from Calgary. They really were the size of softballs and incredibly delicious. Way to go daddy!

A Little Lesson:
I remember as a child, also assuming when my dad was away, surely he will come back bringing gifts from other lands. He used to bring pennants from the city's university for me, and little collector dolls for my sister. I also remember if it looked like he had forgotten to bring us something as we stood over his large suitcase, he would fake it and start bringing out the free toiletry packages of socks, blindfolds and miniature toothpastes that he collected from the plane ride. We loved them...they were just as magical. We were fooled every time! I don't know which was better getting a gift or the anticipation of getting a gift. It was all great!

Balance

Benjamin is only walking now. He doesn't drop down to crawl when it gets tough, just walking. He does the loop in our house over and over and over again. He is for the most part balanced as long as nothing gets in his way. If he has to navigate a shoe, or the vacuum chord or a stuffie left in his path, he most likely falls over. Sometimes it hurts and other times he gets up and keeps on going. He is determined. His legs know what to do, his mind is keen and the will is there, he just needs to find his balance. This is my life. I am constantly searching for balance. I know my primary focus, purpose and responsibility is to raise these four wonderful children that have come to our home. Maintaining friendships with my buddies, magnifying callings, time with hubby, keeping our home clean and decorated and developing hobbies and talents, all provide me with enjoyable 'outlets' that are an important part of the intricate balancing act that I find I juggle most of the time. Clear sailing and an unobstructed path for me, is simply raising the kids. Soccer, piano practice, packing healthy lunches and bedtime stories does not put me off balance. It is when you throw into the mix, making the pie for the Relief Society function for tonight, talking to friends on the phone about an upcoming lunch date, sending 50 emails about the upcoming stake event and painting the baseboards in the kitchen that can knock me off kilter. It is when the 'outlets' grow into obstacles that navigating a clear path becomes difficult. It is not always easy knowing how to clear a path. Benjamin I feel your pain!


A Little Lesson:
Tonight is our General Women's Conference in Salt Lake that is being broadcast via radio/tv/satellite/internet to women all over the world in our church. I look forward to this feast. The women who will speak are faithful and inspired and I know if I listen carefully, I will find ways to bring a greater balance to my life. The talks provide clarity and motivation to put the things in our lives in their proper order so we can fulfill our responsibilities while still feeling fulfilled. I am looking forward to it. You can find this conference at 5pm (pacific) here.

Minutes Away

We are counting the days, the hours and the minutes. We talk about where we will go first and what will probably be the best ride in the park. The kids sit on my lap while I surf different websites that tell me to go in line-ups 13, 20 and 21 for the entrance because they are the fastest, the Matterhorn has two tracks the Fantasyland one is faster, Adventureland is usually deserted at night and the Monorail operator, if he's a nice guy will let your family ride up front with him! Last night we rented some Disney movies for the weekend to get my kids up to speed with some of the characters they will be seeing. (we're not big Disney movie buffs over here with all those scary villains!) Magic is in the air!

A Little Lesson:
Yes, in the back of my mind I wonder if we will spend a million dollars on gas for the million foot motor home we rented, and am I crazy taking four kids with only Craig and I, and I've never driven a million foot motorhome. In the front of my mind, I can't wait to ride the star wars ride with Jordan, take Emily to see the castle, take Clara on the Dumbo ride and see Benjamin's face when he sees Mickey Mouse in person. I'm honestly counting the minutes!!!

Interesting Perspective

Last night I met Jordan and Emily's teachers formally at parent-teacher conferences for the first time. I felt spoiled from the past two years, as I believed Emily and Jordan had two of probably the best teachers in the city. As I sat with each of them and discussed 'goal setting', which seems to be the way parent-teacher conferences goes down these days, I was so impressed with how well these two teachers knew my children. Both teachers were enthusiastic, creative, and what seemed so genuinely interested in helping my children become the best students they can become. They were aware of my children's talents and strengths and contributions and could also articulate ways to help them be even better writers and students. They only started school three weeks ago. I was impressed.

A Little Lesson:
I said to Mrs. Brown, Jordan's teacher,"I cannot believe how this little school nestled in the park, has some of the best teachers I've ever met. Her response was thought-provoking. "I believe all that are left are good teachers. It is profoundly hard work, extremely difficult to get a full-time positions here in the lower mainland, compensation is undesirable and we are unsupported by our government. Only those who really love to teach end up staying under these conditions." Wow! I loved her perspective. Clearly she loved to teach. I wonder if the same could be said about what I do for a living...motherhood. The challenges people face with the high cost of living, careers, rampant fertility issues, divorce and other present-day issues that pull woman away from the role of mother, leaving only those who desperately want to raise children left to be mothers. Interestingly enough, I feel that is actually who I see at the PTA events, on the soccer field, at the music academy and on the playground...really good moms doing their best. Food for thought.

Oh Dad!

I am getting updates from my dad's south pacific sailing adventure each day from the captain's blog. It turns out he was making french toast for the crew yesterday when a large wave hit the side of the boat throwing my dad...I'll let him explain:

Yesterday with my first shot as chef when I got so excited at my tasty French toast that I failed to hold on when a big wave hit and I went flying backwards - fell on my back and hip banged my head on the cupboard, but most painful I cut my hand with the spoon I was using for the batter. Doctor Cress took over and with aplomb sewed me up using a staple gun. [Matt took a pass on this interesting procedure as he has already decided to also take a pass on being a doctor]. Today we took the staple out as it seems to have done its work. Too bad doctor and Captain Cress are taking care of my medical needs pro bono as so far I just wasted money buying medical insurance - mind you the trip is not over.

Those of you who know my dad would not think this is not too out of the ordinary. A staple gun? Thousands of miles from anything? Having it taken out the next day and delighted with its success? That sounds just like my dad. Roll with the punches Jim! Other than this little blip in the adventure they are having what sounds like the time of their lives!

A Little Lesson:
I have spent a lifetime watching my dad persevere through anything and everything that has come his way. He is the most optimistic, glass-half-full, look on the bright-side, tomorrow's another day kind of guy I think I've ever met. I am grateful for his ongoing example of this.

Hebrew Help

Although I am fighting a nasty cold, I must continue to work on the music for the upcoming Festival of Nativities. ( I know my voice sounds just terrible...bear with me!) This is a song that will be sung by Mary to her newborn son. I would like for the soloist to first sing the words in hebrew and then move into english. I need these words to be translated by someone who is fluent in the hebrew language as well as New Testament phrases (begotten one etc.)

I'll hold you in my arms tonight,
I will begin to feel your light.
Please God help me, raise thy son
Our greatest gift, thy begotten one.

I'll watch you sleep, my little boy,
While angels sing of love and joy.
Oh, let the world know he's here
Now rest your head...God is near.

Friends out there...if you know of anyone with this ability...please leave me a comment - I would be ever SO grateful!

A Little Lesson:
I am indeed grateful for blogland and the community it is of people sharing, living, learning and hanging in there together!

Rough Night

Benjamin's sniffles turned into a more prominent cold last night and we spent most of the night together in the rocking chair trying to bring my little guy some comfort. My body, even in such circumstances, still likes to wake up early. So here I am blogging.

A Little Lesson:
I am careful when I choose a title for my posts. I think to myself, do I really want to use that title now or perhaps it will be more suited when I have a teenager who comes in way after curfew and I sit nervously on the couch. Or I find out terrible news about my parent's health, or maybe I will need that title when I drop my oldest son off at the MTC and I wont see him for two years, or when.....let's just say, last night wasn't so bad, and maybe I will just use the title again.

Gratefully Exhausted

I was asked to speak at the Tri-stake Young Women's Conference being held in Abbotsford. Yesterday I left the kids with Craig, and headed out to the valley. I spoke on the scripture found in Matthew 5:

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;
and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

I used the analogy of how candle's were made in the olden days, dipping the string into the hot wax and letting it cool over and over again, with the process of building self esteem. When we endure with faith difficult moments, days, weeks and years we become stronger and stronger with each trial. When we allow the 'hotter' moments of our lives to help mold and shape us into disciples of Christ we start an ongoing journey of letting the light shine brighter and brighter within us. I also explained how candles do not lie on tables to roll around at whim but sit tall and straight in a candlestick. We also need to plant ourselves firmly where we can be a true disciple, making choices and decisions that allow ourselves to become steadfast and immovable in this worthy quest. The day ended with an extraordinary dinner in a magnificently decorated gymnasium, put on by the Young Women leaders in Abbotsford. It was a very special day.

A Little Lesson:
I gave my presentation four times in a row for forty minutes each time . I was physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted as I drove home from this beautiful conference on the dark and rainy highway. I was tired, but grateful for the testimony I have of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It gives me all the strength that I need.

Out on the Town

Craig organized a babysitter and took me out on the town to one of Vancouver's finest steakhouse on Friday night. We like to cluster celebrate. We celebrated Craig's new promotion at work as a Director in Business Transformations. We celebrated the news that the Montessori Conference that I will be speaking at in New Orleans in March, has put my speaking time slot on a Friday and a Saturday (whoppee not a Sunday!!!). Finally we celebrated that this weekend is Craig's birthday. The meal was probably some of the best food I have ever tasted! The meat melted in my mouth, literally!

A Little Lesson:
I love to go out for dinner with Criag. I look carefully on the menue and say to myself what do I never cook at home. That is what I like to order. As I am out with my date, I think to myself...I am not doing the dishes, putting the kids to bed, loading the dishwasher or bathing the baby, and I smile. I love to be a mom, but I really like to take a break and be a wife.

I Often Wondered

At the academy, where we have spent many after school afternoons over the past seven years studying the music of Bach and Beethoven, my kids LOVE to go outside after lessons and hang from what's become, the tree. It was especially fun if our buddies were there too. I often wondered to myself...I wonder if that tree can really hold them. Year after year as us moms
would hang out for a few minutes before heading home, the kids would literally hang out until we hustled them into the car. It was a sad day to come to the school this week and find the tree was in fact not strong enough to hold the thousands of children who came to hang there, and had finally gave up.

A Little Lesson:
This brings new meaning to the unpredictability and uncertainty involved in "going out on a limb!"

More Than Enough Notes

While Jordan was in his theory class yesterday I tried to get some composing done for the upcoming Christmas event in one of the practice rooms at the music academy. Benjamin wanted in on the action. He sat in between my legs on the piano bench and played the middle notes while I played the upper and lower ones. It was working out fine until he got greedy and decided he wanted more share of the notes.

A Little Lesson:
Bring more toys to the academy.

Where Did He Go?

Where did this boy go? Have you seen him? I've been looking everywhere for him. He can't quite reach the counter in the kitchen, his feet dangle when he plays the piano and he still sneeks into bed with us in the middle of the night.

A Little Lesson:
Take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Nothing prepares your heart for the fact they are growing up too fast. Looking at pictures holds on tight to a few seconds of the past, brings a smile to my face and tells a wonderful story I never want to forget.

Pop for Dinner

If there's pop for dinner we're celebrating something! Last night it was two for the price of one. Jordan is turning eleven and grandpa is going to leave tomorrow night for once-in-a-lifetime sailing trip from Hawaii to the Figi islands. He is going as crew! (more details to come about that)
We gave grandpa a braided embroidery thread bracelet of seven colours, one to represent each of his grandkids, to remind him if he capsizes to just keep on swimming. Remember the kids Grandpa! Remember the kids!

A Little Lesson:
This opportunity is truly something my dad has wanted all his life. I have on more than one occasion over my childhood years given him magazine subscriptions for pacific yachting. Not only will he sail in the open seas with fellow sailors, he will be going to the area of the world where he served his mission in the Cook Islands. My heart is racing with anxiety for his safety and well being. He is calm, cool and collected. Not very often does life offer such an opportunity where timing, finance, ability and desire all line up together. Thank goodness for prayer. We'll be praying for you Grandpa!

Bad Reputation

If you are a good friend of mine and you move out to another city in the lower mainland I have been somewhat delinquent in making it out to those places to have a visit. My buddy Karen in Mission, Harmony and Kirsty in Maple Ridge, Meliss and Chris in Tsawwassen to name just a few! I sort of wait for people to come back to Vancouver to have a visit...I repent! Yesterday, let the record show, I drove, and drove some more until I reached the beautiful home of the Brooks family, who now live in Mission on a hill that looks out over the whole lower mainland, almost to my house way back in Vancouver...but not quite. We had a wonderful visit. We talked paint colours and room designations, and what rennos lie ahead and tried to keep Benjamin out of too much trouble in their very spacious home. What a fun day!

A Little Lesson:
Displaying mixed feelings is hard work. You want your face to show how happy you are for your friend and their beautiful new home, but you also want your face to show how life in Vancouver at church and at the academy (of music) is just not the same without them and they are missed! I am no actress.

Too Late

I planted my carrots too late this year and they became deformed baby carrots for my kid's lunches. The things we put our kids through.

A Little Lesson:
The expression "It's never too late!" doesn't apply to gardening.

235 miles

Heading to Wenatchee Washington to surprise my sister was one of those trips that the night before I was still trying to decide if I was still going to go. Even early the morning we left, I was still debating traveling 235 miles on Saturday and then another 235 back home again on Sunday. I'm sure glad we did. It was a special treat to be there!

A Little Lesson:

What words we let float around in our head often determines what we end up doing in life...when I was in my kitchen on Saturday morning my head was filled with these words...

235 miles, expensive gas, more school clothes shopping to do,

laundry to do, I'm tired, kids in carseats for six hours,

junky car snacks from Chevron

I tried to let those float away and in came...

little Hunter, Emily's buddy, my sister's first child's baptism,

bearing testimony, feeling the spirit, only once, smiles everywhere,

a sacred moment, Uncle Matt's sloppy joes.

the decision was made...we got in the car.

THE VIDEO IS FINALLY HERE!!!

Welcome Back

Yes, living here in Vancouver means saying a lot of good-byes.  But on the flip side of that coin, it also usually means that people often try to come back to this fabulous city of ours to visit.  I only got to give DeEtte a big huge hug after sacrament meeting at church, and then she was off, but that was all I needed.  Here are a few shots of their beautiful new home in Naramata.  See how much space there is for when my little troop comes to visit.

 A Little Lesson:

     With a good friend it doesn't matter how much time passes, reuniting is always worth the wait.

Carefully Orchestrated

Sometimes church needs us.  We have to talk to Sister so-and-so about this, and give Brother so-and-so that, play the piano for so and so or teach the so-and-sos.  I need church.  For me it is as physical and tangible as leaving cut flowers on the counter next to a water-filled vase.  Partaking of the sacrament with faith and humility brings about the ability to renew our sacred covenants we made at baptism.  Although I am not always able to find the reverence needed in my particular pew to fully appreciate this part of church, I strive to.  I also believe that somewhere in the sacrament talk is a sentence that if I, and I mean me, Shelley, girl from Canada, were to listen carefully and apply it, I would find life-changing experiences.  Even talks that seem dry or hard to follow, there is a simple phrase just for me.  I know a scripture will be read in Sunday school that may seem obvious and even old hat, but if I read it again carefully I will have a greater understanding. I believe there is a person there who will smile at me and I will be filled, and someone else who I will extend my love to and it will fill them. I know that this is the same for everyone else who walks through those chapel doors.  I don't begin to understand how our Heavenly Father orchestrates such things, but I know He does.

A Little Lesson:

Put flowers in water, before they die.

 

Too Quiet

      

Yesterday, I tried to get some composing done for the upcoming Christmas Nativity Festival (only 3 songs left!)  I could sort of hear my children making little noises here and there but it was awfully quiet. Clearly the expression when the cat's away the mice will play applies to humans as well.  I don't where Benjamin found the empty Nutella bottle, my suspicion is he has an accomplice, but he worked on it with dedication and diligence.  

    

And these two monkeys I was ready to throw them off a cliff.  It started with some innocent watering with the hose,then there was some mud, and then who knows.  Remember that mormon commercial in the 80's where the kids are playing in the mud with the hose, and the parents come home, instead of yelling, they grab there camera and then join in on the mud/hose experience. Well I grabbed the camera, I didn't totally yell, and I'll tell ya there was no joining them in the mud experience.

A Little Lesson:

     It is hard to get too upset with children who have actually managed to find something to do in you absence of concentrated attention.  These are the woes of temporarily neglecting your children. Tomorrow, I will compose early in the morning, long before they wake up. 

Suzuki Mom's Sister

I am a suzuki mom.  This really means I am involved in my children's music lessons and instrument learning in a way that would rival the dedication of Mother Theresa.  (Okay, that is a little stretch - but it feels like it.)  There are private lessons to sit-in, participate-in, take notes in, group lessons to watch, theory lessons to schedule, masterclasses, and recitals. The ONLY way I can possibly be a suzuki mom is because of the girl in the picture.  My dedicated sister Shauna (actually she is more of the metaphor for Mother Theresa)  each year since my oldest began, has taken the "too-young-to-sit-still-child" once a week, while I am in lessons with the older ones.  She started with Emily, moved on to Clara and yesterday was her first day taking my little Benjamin while I headed to the academy to sit in Clara's cello, Emily's violin, and Jordan's piano.  

A Little Lesson:

     My children adore my sister.  She plays with them, takes them for walks, reads to them, talks to them about things they are excited about, has l o n g conversations on the phone with them about very frivolous things...but not to her.  She doesn't try to get other stuff done while she looks after them.  She is an ongoing example to me.  When Clara wakes up in the morning, she usually hands out some hugs to her parents, bosses Benjamin around for a little while and then  says "I think I need to call Shauna."  

No Line...

Check out the line I encountered when I headed to the passport office yesterday to get the six of us passports for our upcoming trips in October!  It took me longer to fill out the forms than it did to get them reviewed, accepted, verified, stamped, and paid for!  In recent months/years I have seen countless 6'0clock news spots showing people lined up around the block!  

A Little Lesson:

     My mom told me about this office off of Lansdowne Road with no line-ups.  I really didn't believe her.  Not only was she right... she watched my kids, emptied my dishwasher, tidied up the puzzles, and played Uno with Clara, all while I was NOT standing in a line.   Thanks mom!

For Hours

   

I love when this happens.  Clara comes up with a 'game' and Benjamin is entertained for hours. Okay, not hours, but a lot of minutes.  She tied a skipping rope loosely around her neck and Benjamin took her for a walk around our house.  Around and around and around and around.  It was wonderful.

A Little Lesson:

     Some of the greatest toys are not toys.

Surprise!

      

Yesterday was my mom's birthday so I got the kids up about half an hour earlier than usual (I told my mom that that in itself is actually quite the birthday gift!) and got ready for school and headed over to my mom's house to wake her up, sing Happy Birthday and give her kisses, treats and hugs.  She was so happy to have her favourite people come and have a little visit. She was glad I came to...but I'm definitely next in line in the love department.  Love ya Mom!

A Little Lesson:

In our trip to Safeway, Jordan picked out the chocolate, Emily picked out the flowers, Clara picked out the balloon and Benjamin smiled at strangers.  It was so peaceful.  Nobody wined, nobody fought, nobody complained.  Everyone was happy.  Sometimes these things just work out just how you imagined.  For the record, I notice when this happens and I am grateful.

Did I seem relaxed?

                    

I began blogging on July 21st.  If I seemed relaxed and easy going it was probably because the dreaded "it's time to practice" hasn't been coming out of my mouth for the past two months.  Usually we continue working on music practice during the summer, but this year with all the camping trips and visitors Emily and Jordan took a real holiday.  Today is our first day back at lessons.  I feel like I'm eleven heading to school without my homework done!  Today I have to face the teachers and nervously smile and explain we really didn't do too much over the summer.  It's amazing how they manage to forget EVERYTHING!  Practicing this morning was painful.  Look how happy my Emily looks, and how diligent Jordan is working.

A Little Lesson:

     I try desperately not to let the opinion of others affect how I treat my kids.  I would like to think I gently encourage my children to pick up their instruments and practice because music is an important skill to acquire.  Not so much.  Sending my unpracticed child into a lesson, especially a Suzuki one, as I said before, brings anxiety and nerves that would rival the days of final exams at university.  It comes from two decades of heading into violin and piano lessons myself as a child trying to figure out how to make it look like I worked hard all week and hadn't.  I am fortunate to have exceptional teachers who work magic with my kids even when I have not managed to get it together.  It's funny how often "stuff" from our childhood bubbles to the top and makes itself known to us in the little corners of our adult lives.    

Finally!

                  

                

Yesterday my girls were more than delighted with the opportunity to become our in-house "apple pickers".  They were actually more like apple-picker-uppers as they were getting all the ones that fell on the ground.  They didn't care.  They've been watching these little balls of fruit for three months now.  "Are the apples ready?" became as irritating as the well known phrase "are we there yet?" Finally I was able to say "yes" to their constant plea. The girls opted to eat their newly picked apples for their dinner.  I certainly didn't mind.

A Little Lesson:

The assignment to 'plant a garden' seems to be somewhat obvious.  The skill of knowing how to grow things, the blessing of hard work, becoming industrious and self sufficient is all worthy of the task at hand.  I wonder if that prophet long ago, who asked the members of the church to do this simple assignment of planting a garden knew that all who did would also have children squeal with delight over the thrill of their harvest?  Probably.

High Speed Road Trip

                

Emily, Clara, Benjamin and myself woke early Saturday morning and drove for 6 hours to surprise cousin Hunter and his family who live in Wenatchee.  This weekend was Hunter's baptism.  We weren't sure if we could pull it off with all of the other commitments and activities but we managed to do it!  We arrived noon on Saturday with squeals of delight and elation!  Grandpa and Grandma and Auntie Shauna were already there and NO ONE knew, even them, that we were coming, so it was a BIG surprise.  The baptism was at 5pm and it was such a nice program.  Five other little eight year olds were also baptized.  What fun.  We then went to bed, woke up, went to church, got back into the car and headed home.  Once my sister throws up some of her fabulous pictures from her fabulous camera online (when we hang out together and snap photos here and there I feel like she drives the jaguar camera and I drive the jalopy camera from the Archie comics) I will throw some pictures together with some tunes and make a slideshow.  

For now....one has to drive through this quaint town called Leavenworth on the way to Wenatchee, where by law, every building must emenate traditional Bavarian design or architecture.  Did you ever think you would see a bushel of wheat on the side of a Subway?

A Little Lesson:

     When you think to yourself "hey you know what would be wonderful if we were to ...." Go for it I say!  Don't let yourself talk yourself out of it.  As they say, drink deeply from the cup of life.