To learn from a child is great. We were reminded of this today as we listened to President Henry B. Eyring speak to us in our Stake Conference.
Emily amazes me sometimes with the things she says, does and believes. A few days ago she was singing a little song to herself, "Thomas-Monson, Thomas-Monson". I questioned her on who that was and she informed me that he was the Prophet (which, he is!) and that he was going to come to our house and bring Jesus (oh, if only!). I evaluated my life and our home and felt confident that I would be comfortable, though humble, to have both of them physically in our home.
Today Emily wanted the sun to come out, so she had me say a prayer with her. Emily got so excited and shouted, "Jesus is here for us!!" I can't say that I actually noticed any change with the sun. It's overcast and it's bright, but no actual sun showing through. It got me thinking, perhaps as "reasoning" adults, we truly forget to recognize that the Lord IS there for us. The sun didn't seem to change, but Emily's attitude DID. She recognized that the sun WAS there and giving us light. How many times have I forgotten in my life that the blessings I desire are already present, but perhaps in a different form than I expected?
I think we would all be happier and healthier people if we would just start to recognize the blessings in our lives; to be an optimistic people. Our sunny dispositions can always be set to "on" even when it is cloudy and overcast.
31 January 2010
27 January 2010
Pump, Then Talk
Dear Inconsiderate Medical Professional,
I realize that you are probably used to people waiting on you to get your act together, judging by the make and size of your vehicle. However, when you park next to the gas pump at a busy station, please hang up your cell phone and immediately perform the task at hand. You are at a self-service station. You will not have office staff to bill your time in 15 minute increments. However, the length of time I had to wait on you to decide to hang up your cell before going to pay cash for your gas will be billed directly to your home. The additional time it took for you to figure out the price of gas (post payment) and returning to the cashier 3 more times before you finished also makes me realize that there are changes that need to be made in the medical profession....that's how people end up with medical malpractice....you didn't look before you started.
Sincerely,
Me
I realize that you are probably used to people waiting on you to get your act together, judging by the make and size of your vehicle. However, when you park next to the gas pump at a busy station, please hang up your cell phone and immediately perform the task at hand. You are at a self-service station. You will not have office staff to bill your time in 15 minute increments. However, the length of time I had to wait on you to decide to hang up your cell before going to pay cash for your gas will be billed directly to your home. The additional time it took for you to figure out the price of gas (post payment) and returning to the cashier 3 more times before you finished also makes me realize that there are changes that need to be made in the medical profession....that's how people end up with medical malpractice....you didn't look before you started.
Sincerely,
Me
25 January 2010
Magnificient Wheelie
That's the name of our "band" when we play RockBand, which is one of my favorite video games.
We had a talent show at our church this past Friday. If I get a copy of our segment, I'll try to post it, as a friend of mine filmed the whole show.
Anyway, we went through several trials at skits/participation. In the end, we chose to do a Milli Vanilli type act to a song off the RM Soundtrack. We thought we were hilarious and we had fun, so the rest doesn't even matter. "Heavenly Father Loves Me" is a children's church song and is very peaceful and sweet. However, the soundtrack to this movie pumps it up a bit. It begins all sweet and accompanied by a guitar. Then, it beefs it up with drums and a guitar solo. Totally hilarious. Totally us. I was so glad to have Susan here because it made it just perfect. Anyway, there were several people in the audience that had to take a double-take on Eric's vocals. It was believeable enough that they really thought he was singing, which, of course, played into our act.
We are already planning our acts for next year. So, Lori, there better be another Talent Night!! =)
We had a talent show at our church this past Friday. If I get a copy of our segment, I'll try to post it, as a friend of mine filmed the whole show.
Anyway, we went through several trials at skits/participation. In the end, we chose to do a Milli Vanilli type act to a song off the RM Soundtrack. We thought we were hilarious and we had fun, so the rest doesn't even matter. "Heavenly Father Loves Me" is a children's church song and is very peaceful and sweet. However, the soundtrack to this movie pumps it up a bit. It begins all sweet and accompanied by a guitar. Then, it beefs it up with drums and a guitar solo. Totally hilarious. Totally us. I was so glad to have Susan here because it made it just perfect. Anyway, there were several people in the audience that had to take a double-take on Eric's vocals. It was believeable enough that they really thought he was singing, which, of course, played into our act.
We are already planning our acts for next year. So, Lori, there better be another Talent Night!! =)
Ribbon or Collar
I was supposed to finish this Saturday before the shower, but apparently it took me too long to think through it. This is a variation on the shirt dress. I took one of my shirts and converted it but didn't want the elastic waist.
Anyway, now I'm looking at the collar and trying to decide how to finish it off. Do I use the collar or just the ribbon. I think the collar makes it look like a "little mommy" kind of dress but it seems heavy in the neck, too. With the ribbon I'm not sure if I like it or not. I DO love more color on the dress, so that's what I'm leaning towards. I'm also considering putting the ribbon edge along the bottom. Maybe that's what the ribbon collar is missing??
Any opinions out there??? The lady I made this for is scheduled for a c-section next week but leaves for Atlanta tomorrow. SOOooooo, the sooner the better...although the dress is actually fitted for a 9 month old baby (Gianna is my model and that's the "store size" she wears).
19 January 2010
Being Converted
I was given the opportunity to teach seminary this morning. Seminary is a scripture study class offered to high school students. In this area, it is held at 6:15 in the morning. Bright and early, but a great way to start the day by immersing ones' self in the word of God before facing the world.
The scripture block for the lesson today was all about being truly converted. Some of my favorite verses are about conversion, such as "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:32) or "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16) as well as "O that I were an angel!" (Alma 29:1). All of these verses speak of those who have the qualities to be worthy of truly being called Christ's people. As I prepared for the lesson, I was reminded of several attributes that are necessary and especially the ones that I need to continue to work on.
It isn't enough just to have moments of conversion; an experience that I believe happens quite frequently in our lives. However, to truly be converted means more. For instance, a converted individual no longer has any desire to do evil, but to always do the right, is humble, has joy and does not dwell on the hard things of life, shares the gospel and builds up the kingdom of God where ever she may be. I want to be this kind of individual and I am working on it. Of course, I immediately thought about the Prophet and the Apostles, as they are men who are truly converted.
Since we watched the October General Conference again this past Sunday, I had some of those talks come to mind, especially President Uchtdorf's talk entitled "The Love of God". It is such a powerful and inspired talk! The bottom line for conversion is definitely love. Without love, we cannot be converted ourselves, nor can we be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to assist in the conversion of others.
The scripture block for the lesson today was all about being truly converted. Some of my favorite verses are about conversion, such as "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:32) or "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16) as well as "O that I were an angel!" (Alma 29:1). All of these verses speak of those who have the qualities to be worthy of truly being called Christ's people. As I prepared for the lesson, I was reminded of several attributes that are necessary and especially the ones that I need to continue to work on.
It isn't enough just to have moments of conversion; an experience that I believe happens quite frequently in our lives. However, to truly be converted means more. For instance, a converted individual no longer has any desire to do evil, but to always do the right, is humble, has joy and does not dwell on the hard things of life, shares the gospel and builds up the kingdom of God where ever she may be. I want to be this kind of individual and I am working on it. Of course, I immediately thought about the Prophet and the Apostles, as they are men who are truly converted.
Since we watched the October General Conference again this past Sunday, I had some of those talks come to mind, especially President Uchtdorf's talk entitled "The Love of God". It is such a powerful and inspired talk! The bottom line for conversion is definitely love. Without love, we cannot be converted ourselves, nor can we be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to assist in the conversion of others.
15 January 2010
Handymen are Sexy
Some of you may be aware that we have been without water since yesterday morning. It's been cold down here in Georgia (obviously not what you northerners are experiencing, but it's abnormally cold in comparison to the past 4 winters I've been here) and we probably should have had our sprinkler lines flushed and winterized.
Anyway, Eric dug up the line and had it fixed yesterday, but the actual sprinkler line just doesn't intend to stay together (probably due to the frozen water in the pipes causing too great of pressure at the "weak" point).
Still, I really think it is an incredibly attractive quality in a man. I love that Eric will do the repairs on vehicles and the house. It saves so much money. Sure, sometimes it isn't easy and sometimes we have to do without for a period of time, but in the end, I am so incredibly grateful to be married to a man who isn't afraid to get out there and get his hands dirty (and ruin a few items of clothing, perhaps, too).
On TV, it's always the "young stud pool boy" or something that is the object of desire for women at home (again, as portrayed on tv...not sure it happens in real life). However, for me, it is my own husband who fixes all of the problems in my little world.
I also appreciate that when he doesn't have the time or knows he is not knowledgeable enough in a certain area, that he will be humble enough to ask for assistance. I just really love that about my husband and thought I would share.
Anyway, Eric dug up the line and had it fixed yesterday, but the actual sprinkler line just doesn't intend to stay together (probably due to the frozen water in the pipes causing too great of pressure at the "weak" point).
Still, I really think it is an incredibly attractive quality in a man. I love that Eric will do the repairs on vehicles and the house. It saves so much money. Sure, sometimes it isn't easy and sometimes we have to do without for a period of time, but in the end, I am so incredibly grateful to be married to a man who isn't afraid to get out there and get his hands dirty (and ruin a few items of clothing, perhaps, too).
On TV, it's always the "young stud pool boy" or something that is the object of desire for women at home (again, as portrayed on tv...not sure it happens in real life). However, for me, it is my own husband who fixes all of the problems in my little world.
I also appreciate that when he doesn't have the time or knows he is not knowledgeable enough in a certain area, that he will be humble enough to ask for assistance. I just really love that about my husband and thought I would share.
12 January 2010
Talent Show on the Horizon
Our ward is holding a Talent Show night in two weeks. I'm excited to see what everyone will share and put on display. I want to contribute in some way, but I'm finding myself a little unsure of what I would like to do.
I've never participated in a talent show before. In fact, I think I have only had one ward that ever did have a talent show...and certainly never attended any school that held one. I have always fantasized how they would be and "if I had the chance..." ideas. Now that I have the chance, I'm being a bum and not rushing headlong into it.
So, I'll take a little informal poll/suggestion box. What do you think I should do (and get pulled together in the next two weeks)?
I've never participated in a talent show before. In fact, I think I have only had one ward that ever did have a talent show...and certainly never attended any school that held one. I have always fantasized how they would be and "if I had the chance..." ideas. Now that I have the chance, I'm being a bum and not rushing headlong into it.
So, I'll take a little informal poll/suggestion box. What do you think I should do (and get pulled together in the next two weeks)?
08 January 2010
Blind as a Bat
I've been wearing some kind of corrective lens since the second grade. I remember never thinking about my vision and then one day wondering why it was harder to read the chalkboard. When my family went to a performance of "Oklahoma," I sealed the deal for me going to the optometrist. I asked my mom, "Can you see the actor's faces?" I'll never forget the confusion on my mom's face (trying to decide if I was serious or getting restless). "Are you kidding?" she asked. I soon was learning the procedures for the annual visit I would be making for the rest of my life.
I'm basically blind as a bat. If I have taken out my contacts or have put my glasses down, I can't see anything in focus that is more than about 10 inches from my face. This makes it quite hilarious if I don't remember where I took my glasses off the previous night.
This is what I was doing this morning: peering over the top of the dresser and counter at less than a foot's range. I couldn't find them and wondered what I had done to lose them. Smartly, I pulled out the old pair and quickly discovered where my regular pair was hiding.
I figured that there wasn't much of a difference between the two sets and just left the old pair on. It didn't take long for that tiny difference to make a huge headache. If you aren't blessed with wearing glasses, you may not know that a small fraction of difference in your lens prescription can make it feel like the lenses are pulling at your eyes (I swear, there are eyeball magnets in the lenses!!). This "pull" can give you quite a headache.
Some day I want to have laser surgery done on my eyes. It'll be pretty awesome to have normal sight restored after so long, but I have to wait until we are finished having children (pregnancy screws with your eyesight and teeth). So, until then, I will continue to be blind as a bat and peer strangely at flat surfaces in the morning to find my glasses.
I'm basically blind as a bat. If I have taken out my contacts or have put my glasses down, I can't see anything in focus that is more than about 10 inches from my face. This makes it quite hilarious if I don't remember where I took my glasses off the previous night.
This is what I was doing this morning: peering over the top of the dresser and counter at less than a foot's range. I couldn't find them and wondered what I had done to lose them. Smartly, I pulled out the old pair and quickly discovered where my regular pair was hiding.
I figured that there wasn't much of a difference between the two sets and just left the old pair on. It didn't take long for that tiny difference to make a huge headache. If you aren't blessed with wearing glasses, you may not know that a small fraction of difference in your lens prescription can make it feel like the lenses are pulling at your eyes (I swear, there are eyeball magnets in the lenses!!). This "pull" can give you quite a headache.
Some day I want to have laser surgery done on my eyes. It'll be pretty awesome to have normal sight restored after so long, but I have to wait until we are finished having children (pregnancy screws with your eyesight and teeth). So, until then, I will continue to be blind as a bat and peer strangely at flat surfaces in the morning to find my glasses.
06 January 2010
Designer Kitty
If my brother-in-law and his fiance can ever come across this blog, I want them to know that Emily ADORES her kitty. She has been styling the kitty (she also got hair thingies for Christmas). Yesterday the kitty looked as pictured above. So FUN! I love my daughter and her imagination!!
03 January 2010
Family Reunion...On a Small Scale
Susan is back!! I'm so happy to have my sister back with us....and permanently. Okay, well, as permanently as a young single adult can be located anywhere.
We've had so much fun already...and probably not enough sleep. We'll get back into a functioning schedule eventually, but right now, it's just nice to hang out and have fun.
And, if anyone is looking for a new addition to your Wii games, we HIGHLY recommend New Super Mario Bros. It's so hilarious to try to play a multi-player game and easy enough for Emily to participate as well!
We've had so much fun already...and probably not enough sleep. We'll get back into a functioning schedule eventually, but right now, it's just nice to hang out and have fun.
And, if anyone is looking for a new addition to your Wii games, we HIGHLY recommend New Super Mario Bros. It's so hilarious to try to play a multi-player game and easy enough for Emily to participate as well!
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