Friday, December 16, 2011

Countdown to Christmas

(Totally stealing from T-Starr, but it seemed the quickest and most efficient way to get my points across...)

  1. Hailey and Katie are staying in Lincoln this Christmas.  Honestly, it is bittersweet for me.  I love that we get to have Christmas as a family.  They are sad because they wanted to see their brothers and sisters.  Fortunately, they are pretty excited about Christmas!  We are doing a lot of family stuff and that is awesome!
  2. Hailey decided to go to Southeast High School.  While an East alumnus and fan, we made the decision to let her make this decision.  It was a tough call, because she wanted International Baccalaureate (Would you believe that I spelled that word correctly without looking at it or spell check???) at Lincoln High School, but after much study and prayer, that was a choice we could not give her.  Three years ago, when choosing a middle school, Pound became the answer to several prayers.  I am grateful that Hailey thinks through things and makes good decisions.  She is an amazing young woman (I totally typed "little girl" first... then I started to cry...  My baby is going to high school...)
  3. Last night Hailey and Katie sang at their choir concert.  Band concert was two weeks ago.  Their talents amaze me!
  4. My Job=Fantastic!
  5. DJ is back at the O Street Burger King.  It's a faster pace, but I believe he feels at home there.
  6. Several people have asked me what is like to have dad be the bishop.  Not really news there as he was a bishop when I was 12.  It's a little different now, but not too much.  He's my dad.  He is an amazing man, and I love him for his dedication to the Lord, his selfless service and the strength of his testimony.
  7. Tomorrow I get to go to the temple with mom, dad and Irene!  Aaron and Whitney are coming west to go with us.  The girls are even riding up and taking Annabelle for a walk.
  8. Tonite I am doing the awesome-aunt thing!!!  Four extra kids overnight so moms and dads can go on dates!  It will be fun!
  9. I got a new calling at church.  The release from Primary Chorister was really hard...  best calling in the church, as far as I was concerned...  but the children I am now working closely with are true treasures of Heavenly Father.  I was actually called to work with these children, so I will transition with them at the New Year.  They are amazing!!!
  10. Date night with DJ tomorrow night!  We are getting some hot chocolate and driving around looking at Christmas lights!  I can't wait!
On a personal note - If I don't write again before Christmas...  We wish you all the best this holiday season!  We love you and look forward to seeing you again!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving

We spent the day at mom and dad's today with the family.

After the news of the week, I was grateful for the opportunity to just enjoy everyone's company.

I turned on Pandora this evening while the girls and I were working in the basement.  Just as I was about to turn off the computer Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" came over the sound waves.  Of course, I could not turn off the computer right away.

Approaching the Holiday season is bittersweet for me.  I always start with my birthday...  end of September.

Then Halloween - just for fun!

Thanksgiving is truly one of my favorites.  I love the idea of taking time out to just say thank you!

Christmas...  that's it.  That's all there is.

I saw a picture at a store today that pretty much summed up my feelings.  Kneeling next to manger in a nativity scene was a Santa Claus figure.  At the bottom, in a brass plaque, was the inscription "I Believe".  This holiday season, I am grateful for so many things, but none so much as the gift of a small baby who grew up, lived and died, and lives again.  He set the example for each of us, and saves us when we don't live up to the expectations.  I am truly thankful for his gift.

This season, I strive to be thankful, not just at Thanksgiving, but throughout the season, for the gift of a Savior, and for His Father, and mine, and the wondrous miracle He is!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Red Kettle Run

A group of my friends and I ran the Red Kettle Run in Omaha on Saturday.  Okay...  They ran, I walked.  Took an hour, but loved the experience!

Thanks, everyone, for going with me!

Bike Rides

A few weeks ago, my friend Christy  and I decided to take bike rides together.

The first one was a disaster.

The second one was less disastrous, and I definitely rode farther.  I started getting excited about the rides.

Thursday morning, at 5:10am, I decide I am going to ride my bike to my trainer's house for my workout.  It's only 1.66 miles, and fairly level.  I can do this.

I am exactly 3 blocks from her house, when I get hit by a small suv.

No kidding.  It happened.  I'm fine.  Bike is fine.  All is well with the world.

For those unfamiliar, my brother, the judge, has been hit by cars while riding his bike twice.

This is not a family tradition I wish to continue.

Does that mean I will stay off my bike?  Absolutely not.  Way too much fun!!!  (the riding, not the getting hit by cars...)

Monday, October 3, 2011

Send in the Clowns

On the way home from Kansas City Sunday evening, a song came over the radio speakers.

Known simply as "Send in the Clowns," this song has been a long-standing personal favorite.

Isn't it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground,
You in mid-air.
Send in the clowns.

Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around,
One who can't move.
Where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns.

Just when I'd stopped opening doors,
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours,
Making my entrance again with my usual flair,
Sure of my lines,
No one is there.

Don't you love farce?
My fault I fear.
I thought that you'd want what I want.
Sorry, my dear.
But where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns.
Don't bother, they're here.

Isn't it rich?
Isn't it queer,
Losing my timing this late
In my career?
And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns.
Well, maybe next year.




The sentiment for me comes from my first memories of this melody.  As a child, we lived in close proximity to my dad's uncle and aunt.  At least once a month, we would drive up to their townhouse to spend time with them.  I loved visiting Aunt Edie.  They had the most amazing home...  a little organ, shelves upon shelves of books, a pool out the back door.  I learned so much sitting with her.  Even after the day she died, she was one of my favorite people.

Aunt Edie gave my family a music box.  Nothing fancy, it was a porcelain, pastel colored, about 9 inches tall and extremely fragile.  With 3 children in the house, it was bound to break, and break it did, but not before I fell in love with the two clowns and their instruments.  I didn't learn the lyrics of the song until much later, after the death of my Aunt Edie.

I remember the night that she passed after a long struggle with cancer.  I wasn't very old, maybe 7 or 8.  I remember being in my bed, and my parents talking in the living room of our home.  She had been in the hospital for several days.  Thinking back, it was probably pretty common knowledge that she was passing soon, but I didn't understand that at the time.  All at once, I knew.  She was gone.  I felt it.

In tears, I walked out to the living room.  Just as I crossed the doorway, the phone rang.  After 10 pm was not a normal time for our phone to ring.  My dad took the call.  He was very grave, and left quickly.  He didn't even say what the phone call was about, just that it was "time."

My mom looked at me and asked what I needed.  I told her Aunt Edie was gone, and she started to cry.

Aunt Edie was the first person I knew closely that passed away.  It was a difficult transition for me.  Obviously, though, her memory lives on.

Even now the lyrics of "Send in the Clowns" remind me of my Aunt Edie.  She was an amazing woman, though not always remembered for such.  Late in her life, with her suffering, she struggled with so much.  She seemed so trapped in her townhouse, in the eyes of a little girl, for that is the only place I knew her.  But she wasn't always thus...

Her career was that of a special education teacher.  She had unending patience and a childlike enjoyment of the simple things.  We shared an interest in toys, and would spend hours talking about our bears and dolls.  She threw me my first tea party, and gave me a tea set we would enjoy together.  We would read books, and I remember borrowing from her shelves book after book, only to return at a later visit and switch them out.

In college, the small organ became mine, but had to be left behind when the girls and I moved.  While I still have a few of the stuffed animals and dolls she left to my care, the haunting melody of "Send in the Clowns" still holds the strongest memories of Aunt Edie.  I think the memories of those moving on are much like the clowns in this song...  They are "already here" and then gone.

"Well, maybe next year."

Speaking in church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not pay their ministry.  As a matter of fact, they ask you to participate even when you think you are the last person on the planet who should be helping.  Two weeks ago, I gave a talk based upon General Conference talk found here.  This is the talk.  There are additional quotes from here.  So, without further ado...


By nature, I am obsessive compulsive.  If things do not go according to my expectations, my lists and my advanced planning, I struggle with the deviation.
The real problem?  MY expectations are not those to which I should aspire.  MY lists are not the ones I should check, and MY advance planning is not the rock I once thought it to be.  As we all know, the floods come, and, unless we are planted firmly on the rock of the Savior, all the compulsive perfectionism in the world isn’t going to save us.
Ironically enough, I welcomed my topic today, for it reminded me much of the priorities I should have in my life and it gave me a chance to reflect on what is most important.  As I spent each day, following MY list of preparation for this talk, and muddled through draft after draft, it became clear to me, that I wasn’t writing MY perfect talk.  I needed to let my Heavenly Father guide what needs to be said.  It wasn’t until this morning, that I felt the talk “perfect”, mostly because there are inspirations herein I never would have come to on my own.  I know the Holy Ghost brought these to me.  I pray he will be here as I speak today.
Jesus Christ set a standard, and became the ultimate example, of living perfectly.  He is, even now, a perfected being.  We are asked, repeatedly, in the scriptures “be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in Heaven is perfect.”  (3 Nephi 15:48)
So – the obsessive list-maker inside of me says, what are the steps I need to take to reach that beautiful goal of perfection? What list boxes can I check to be like my Heavenly Father and my Savior, and to be with them?
In his October 1995 General Conference talk, Perfection Pending, Elder Russell M. Nelson states
The process of perfection includes challenges to overcome and steps to repentance that may be very painful.  There is a proper place for chastisement in the molding of character, for we know that whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.  Mortal perfection can be achieved as we try to perform every duty, keep every law, and strive to be as perfect in our sphere as our Heavenly Father is in his.  If we do the best we can, the Lord will bless us according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts.
The enormous effort required to attain such self-mastery is rewarded with a deep sense of satisfaction.  More importantly, spiritual attainments in mortality accompany us into eternity.
Jesus Christ himself gave us a list of things to do to return to the Father.  Even the youngest Primary child can recite the list:  say prayers, individually and as family units, read scriptures, individually and as family units, go to church, have family home evening, go to the temple, pay tithing – the list goes on.
When comparing one’s personal performance with the supreme standard of the Lord’s expectation, the reality of imperfection can at times be depressing.  [We cannot] allow feelings of depression to rob [us] of happiness in life.
The perfection that the Savior envisions for us is much more than errorless performance.  It is the eternal expectation as expressed by the Lord in his great intercessory prayer to his Father – that we might be made perfect and be able to dwell with them in the eternities ahead.
 While working toward perfect execution of the Lord’s commandments, we must remember that our Heavenly Father sent the Savior, who provided the way for us to be perfected through our repentance, and his atonement.
How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?
He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.
What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.
What does he ask? Live like his Son.

I was particularly impressed with Elder Nelson’s observations with regard to the word “perfect”.  He studied both the Greek and English editions of the New Testament, and found that the word perfect was, in Greek, originally “teleios – which means complete”.  It is “derived from the noun telos which means end.”  “The word does not imply freedom from error; it implies achieving a distant objective.”

As we look to the pattern of the Savior’s life, and to the reflections of His life our own should be, we can ponder the effects of perfection through the stages, or spheres, of our existence.
When a “perfect” Christ – by perfect I mean that He made no mistakes, and committed no sin, at the hands of John the Baptist, immersed in the River Jordan, rose again, he completed, “perfected” obedience to the commandments of the Lord.  When baptized, we ourselves come forth from the water with sins washed clean, “perfect” at that time, in following the commandment of God.
With that background in mind, let us consider another highly significant statement made by the Lord. Just prior to his crucifixion, he said that on “the third day I shall be perfected.   Think of that! The sinless, errorless Lord—already perfect by our mortal standards—proclaimed his own state of perfection yet to be in the future.  His eternal perfection would follow his resurrection and receipt of “all power … in heaven and in earth.”
Even the Savior continuously progressed toward a state of perfection – including the time of his resurrection, and receipt of all that his Father hath.  It is our goal to follow in those footsteps.
Resurrection is requisite for eternal perfection. Thanks to the atonement of Jesus Christ, our bodies, corruptible in mortality, will become incorruptible. Our physical frames, now subject to disease, death, and decay, will acquire immortal glory.  Presently sustained by the blood of life and ever aging, our bodies will be sustained by spirit and become changeless and beyond the bounds of death. 

Eternal perfection is reserved for those who overcome all things and inherit the fullness of the Father in his heavenly mansions. Perfection consists in gaining eternal life—the kind of life that God lives. 

The checklist spoken of before comes into play as we consider the Lord’s activities here on earth.  He “went about his Father’s work” by visiting the temple.  He read from the scriptures and attended church services.  He prayed to his Father in Heaven. 

People have never failed to follow Jesus because his standards were imprecise or insufficiently high. Quite to the contrary. Some have disregarded his teachings because they were viewed as being too precise or impractically high! Yet such lofty standards, when earnestly pursued, produce great inner peace and incomparable joy.

We cannot simply check these activities off a list once, but must continually do them.  Such efforts will help us come to know the Savior and our Heavenly Father and “become like Diety.”

“We should be called the sons [and daughters] of God. …
“… When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 

Thus we see that the progressions toward perfection, the work, the successes, the failures, are not to bring us down, but to encourage us to improve, to become more pure, to become more like our Savior.

Continuing encouragement comes as we follow the example of Jesus, who taught, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.”  His hope for us is crystal clear! He declared: “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”  Thus, our adoration of Jesus is best expressed by our emulation of Jesus. 

Unfortunately, we do not make the right decisions all of the time.  There are points where we fall, where there seems to be no end in sight, and where our struggles show no sign of lessening.  A very close friend of mine and I used to say “If only I can get through…. Then everything will be fine.”  I have found that it is not the end goal to just “get through,” rather it is the journey we take along the way that molds us.  While the trials come, they are there for our personal growth, to humble, to refine and to strengthen.

Years ago, my world fell apart. Everything I thought I knew about myself, about my Savior, about my Heavenly Father, and about the promises made in the temple and at baptism vanished into a sea of tribulation into which I am still occasionally flung.  I honestly believed that I would never be “perfect”, because I failed my Heavenly Father.  Even now, I struggle with the aftermath of this devastation, but it doesn’t suck me into the depths of despair anymore.  My Heavenly Father has said that “this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”  He has also said that “men are that they might have joy.”  It is these wonderful words of scripture and the amazing blessings in my life that remind me each day of my goal: perfection, which is to obtain the presence of my Heavenly Father and His Son.

I think constantly of the Savior, and try each day to be more like Him.  A few years ago, a Primary song caught my heart, and has never let go.  It reminds me what I should be doing to be like my Savior.

If the Savior stood beside me,
Would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example?
Would I live more righteously if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?
If the Savior stood beside me,
Would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more rev’rently if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?
If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?
Would His presence give me strength and hope and courage to endure?
Would His counsel guide my actions?
Would I choose more worthily if I could see the Savior standing nigh
watching over me?
He is always near me, though I do not see Him there,
And because He loves me dearly,
I am in His watchful care,
So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be
if I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me.
I will be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be
if I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me.

The right choice won’t always be made.  The commandments won’t always be followed perfectly.  And the road will not be easy, and there may not be an end in sight.  We should never give up.  We should never give in.  In the words of Elder Nelson:

We need not be dismayed if our earnest efforts toward perfection now seem so arduous and endless. Perfection is pending. It can come in full only after the Resurrection and only through the Lord. It awaits all who love him and keep his commandments. It includes thrones, kingdoms, principalities, powers, and dominions.   It is the end for which we are to endure.  It is the eternal perfection that God has in store for each of us.

I look forward to the day when I will return to my Heavenly Father, when I will stand with my Savior, and when I will know of their perfect love for me.  Until then, though imperfect, I know the day is coming when my perfection will be complete.

I am often reminded of the story of Mary and Martha, who were blessed to live at the time of Jesus Christ, and to know Him well.  Sister Bonnie D. Parking, former Relief Society General President, relates

Martha lived in the small village of Bethany, where she “received [Jesus] into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard his word.”  Both women loved the Lord. And “Jesus loved Martha, and [Mary].”  In fact, their relationship breached convention, for at that time women were not usually able to discuss the gospel with men.
On one occasion Martha was making dinner and, as the scripture says, “was cumbered about much serving.”  In other words, she was stressed out!
Mary, on the other hand, “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word,”  while Martha became increasingly upset that no one was helping her. Does that sound familiar? Do you think she was thinking, “Why is Mary sitting there while I’m sweating over this stove?” So Martha turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” 
The Lord’s gentle invitation to Martha may have surprised her. “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” 
The Savior’s response strikingly clarified what mattered most. On that evening in Martha’s home, the good part was not in the kitchen; it was at the Lord’s feet. Dinner could wait.
When we put the lists and expectations of the Lord first, all other things that are ours to accomplish do not become insignificant, rather, it strengthens our ability to complete the “cumbered about” moments.  I often think of my afternoons with my children.  Between homework, and practicing, making dinner, completing chores… it is difficult to “choose the better part” among all the clamoring about.  And yet, the mornings are the highlight of our day, for we arise, complete our tasks quickly, and are able to sit and share a prayer and the words of God over breakfast.  This peaceful start to our day gives us the spiritual strength we need to get through whatever may come, and unites us as a family.  While we do occasionally miss this opportunity, we do our best to keep trying each day.

While my lists, my expectations, and my advance planning may give me some guidance, it is the Lord’s planning that makes all the difference.  When we look to Him, when we rely on the Savior, all of the busy-ness of following the commandments becomes extraneous in our minds and hearts.  We realize that this is a simple gospel.  This is a peaceful and touching story.  When we put the Savior first, and realize fully His role in our salvation, we can find the inner peace and joy described by Elder Nelson.

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

A very close friend of mine was recently diagnosed with an illness that will stay with her for the course of her life.  It affects not only her physical responses to things, but the very way she interprets what is happening around her.  Her thought processes are affected so significantly that she must relearn much of what she already knew so that she can adapt it for her new model.  Even is such turmoil, I have been uplifted in watching her priorities – and strengthened by the testimony that has remained.  While she struggles each day, she has put the Lord first in her life.  No matter the struggle, she continually seeks his guidance, his Spirit and his example.  I know that she finds the inner peace for which we all strive, and sees the small joys in everyday life.

This is a gospel – a good news offered by Jesus Christ.  It is true.  It is living.  Our Heavenly Father loves us so much, and sent us to Earth to teach us, to mold us, and to test us. 
I know that the Book of Mormon was brought forth by the prophet Joseph Smith.  It is a true work, and by following the precepts taught therein, we will return to our Heavenly Father. 

I look forward to General Conference next week.  The leaders who speak are prophets, seers and revelators, sent to this time to prepare us to serve in the kingdom and meet God. 

I am so grateful for the family I have been given – my husband and my children, my parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.  They are lights to my world. 

The friendships I have strengthen me each day, and give me renewed hope for the future.  I look forward to the day when we can all sit down in Heaven together – all safe and blest. 

Until that time, I pray for inner peace, happiness and joy in this life.  I continually see it in my life, and pray as you follow the commandments of the Savior, you will find it also.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Writer's Workshop and LARSP

The Lincoln Area Retired School Personnel group sponsored several writer's workshops this summer, in which Hailey and Katie participated.  H & K were asked to present their writing at LARSP's meeting this month!


They did really well, don't you think???

The real excitement of the day was visiting with the former princiPAL of their school, who is now a member of this organization.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Take a look at one of my other blogs....

Please take a look at my Kona blog.  I'm really excited about this one!!!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Babies

This evening I went to a baby shower for a friend of mine.  I love parties...  especially ones where babies are the center.

I ran some games.  I laughed, I told stories, I ate deliciousness...

But I was sad the whole time.

I really thought after my latest plumbing cleaning surgery a couple months ago, and with Hailey and Katie being tweenagers (she doesn't turn 13 until next month....) I was ready to be done...  let go...

Not so much.

What am I thinking?  I don't need a baby.  I have two beautiful daughters, two nieces and a nephew, and let's be honest, if I haven't adopted your kid, it's only because you are too far away on a regular basis.  I am grateful for these wonderful little people.  The I listen to my friend read that card that says that babies fill a hole inside you you never knew you had... and I feel it - the hole.

After my last surgery, my doctor and I had the big talk about permanent solutions.  He is so wise.  He said I wasn't allowed to make that decision for another 6 months.  I told him I was sure...  He made me wait anyway.  Now look at me.

Gotta hand it to my husband though..  When I told him about the visit with the doc, and that we needed to talk permanence, he said "We aren't done cause you aren't done."  How does he know me so well?  I had even convinced myself.

I'm sure this comes as no surprise to you, dear reader.  You know me too...

Should I come to steal your sweet little baby, please let me do so temporarily.  I'm sure this is a phase I will get through soon (darn hypothalamus).

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

 When Hailey was small, we discovered that she had several skin issues covering a large part of her body.  Because these issues were up on her scalp as well, we kept her hair pretty short.  Over the last several years, I have let her grow out her hair.  For the last little while, it was to donate to Locks of Love.

 On Saturday, after a particularly grueling hairbrushing incident, I finally decided that I was going to cut off the hair whether it was long enough or not.

Isn't their hair super-cute?



Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Just Chill!

10 days ago, my refrigerator died.

The compressor cried out in pain.  The refrigerator shook.  And then all was quiet.

The landlady purchased a new refrigerator from a company whose name I shall not disclose.  They scheduled delivery for today.

The weather had other plans.  "Snow-mageddon" prevented the nice people from bringing my new fridge to me.

When the un-disclosed company called to cancel, they informed the landlady that they would be able to reschedule delivery for Friday.  She kindly and politely informed them that was unacceptable, the fridge was for a rental with children in the home, and a waiting period of 9 days for delivery was ridiculous.  They thanked her for "understanding" that others were scheduled for delivery tomorrow and Thursday, and so the soonest they could bring the fridge was Friday.  If that didn't work, they would be happy to work it in on Saturday.

The landlady was displeased.  (The landlady is my mother.  She is not fun when displeased, especially when she spends LARGE quanitities of money at this establishment.)

Suffice it to say, that for another 3 days, I will be operating my kitchen out of a small dorm fridge barely large enough to hold a gallon of milk, eggs, cheese, lunchmeat and jelly.

Oh yeah..  My kids are home for the second snow day in a row tomorrow.

I prayed for patience.

I should be more careful in what I pray for.

Newsworthy tidbits:
  • LPS hired me as a substitute teacher.  It took 4 and a half months, but it's done.  I have a tag and everything.  If you know any teachers (or are a teacher) that needs a sub, have them request me!
  • "Issues" are proceeding, slowly, but surely, and are going to be finished in the next month.  I can't wait!
  • We are getting money back from our taxes (which MY HERO is working on RIGHT NOW).  We are also getting a little more school money for MY HERO than we did last year.
  • On Saturday, at a baptism, I was offered some "professional office work clothes" for free.  I was worried about what to wear for LPS, and someone at church offered the clothes.  Prayers are answered.
  • I have a job lined up for the summer!
While life can be stressful, and my temper can get hot, I am so grateful that the Lord answers prayers.  If I just chill, everything works out.

I'm so grateful!