Inspiring Women

I just came from an Enrichment Group. Jessica and Dixie taught us about Family History. The Church encourages accurate record keeping. Jessica writes in her blog at least 3 times a month, probably more. It's so enjoyable to hear about her family and the fun things they are doing/eating/cooking/creating. At the end of the year she publishes her blog into book format. She ends up with a Family History that she has written throughout the year and it includes photos that she has posted. What a fantastic idea. I think I want to do that, too. It might seem pricey, but it's much less expensive than a scrapbook. Scrapbook do have their place, but this seems like such a good idea that if I had to pick between the two ideas, I'd probably go with the Blog Book. Dixie had all kinds of family stories to tell. She was born in the mid to late 1940's and has an entertaining perspective on life in the south back then. I love to hear her stories she's written. She shared one about the kitchen she grew up in---the table was the hub to her "wheel".

So, tonight I didn't feel overwhelmed as I have in the past when Family History has been approached. I felt warmth and encouragement, and a gentle nudging that said to me, "You can do this. Start now." And I will!

Christmas Choir

It's a rainy day in Provo and I love it!!!! Autumn is here. Last night I closed our bedroom window because it seemed too cold. Brrrr!

This morning we had Christmas Choir rehearsal. I immensely enjoy our choir. We practice from October through December, Saturday mornings at 7-8:30 a.m. It's so nice that we get to enjoy the Christmas season this way. I know many say nix to Christmas until after November/Thanksgiving, but not me. The commercialism of Christmas can be quite a bother, but the worship of Christ through hymns and carols is so refreshing! It can't come soon enough! Several seasons back we recorded our Christmas selections. I promise you'll be tempted to listen to this year round. I guess it was way back in 1995. Wow! 15 years have flown by!!! There are many songs that we've revisited/"resung" over the years, but the only songs that are definitely sung every year are: "Once in Royal David's City" and "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful". Mirielle and Colby have sung in the choir the last few years. Some of our dearest friends and relatives have joined with us, too (Shannon, Kristen, Jenny & Dave). The Choir feels like family. Jeff and I have sung in the Choir for 19 years, or 20--maybe 21...I'm curious now. I'll have to look it up in my journals.

Yeah! I love this time of the year!!!!

Colby

I know he didn't want "riff/raff" getting his address. I figure anyone who is reading my blog isn't in that category. He's way busy trying to learn the Gospel in Mandarin. He knows the Gospel in English & Spanish and he knows basic Mandarin, so I think he's probably doing alright. He'd enjoy a letter I'm sure. :D

Here's his address:

Elder Colby Adams Sanford

Box 136

Taiwan, Taichung Mission 1228

2005 north 900 east

Provo, UT 84604

what happened on the morning of the 9th

did i mention Goo got baptized.

Think of the Children

Well, as much as I like the Elementary School I work for and the gals I work with, I dread going back. Last week it was nice to "just be a mom". Mind you I was still running around getting things done ("Taxi 'r Us") but there was no added pressure that a job brings. The job is a blessing because it's the same hours and place where my youngest child is, and it will be a big help towards Colby's Mission $. Right now, I need to go about with a cheerful attitude and do what the job requires: nurture and encourage other people's children. Wait, I get PAID for this?! What a blast!!!!! I need to remember that I can be an influence for good in the lives of the children. That's what will keep me from dreading the job....think of the children.....

Fun Photos with Our Missionary

Thank you to Julia Nielson who "just happened" to be passing by the Provo LDS Temple when we needed a photographer. She saw Mirielle contorting to get everyone in the frame and did a U-turn and asked if we needed someone to take our photo. This was taken in the 1/2 hour before Colby went in to the MTC. Julia had us laughing and enjoying those last few minutes. She also took the photo that is now our blog header. I don't know exactly where she lives or how to get ahold of her. THANKS JULIA!!!! She was truly a Godsend!

I feel sick...This isn't a good day for queasy! Calm, calm...Why am I nervous? I've spoke at many other Baptisms. I guess I just want to make sure today goes super smoothly as there will be many of our friends/family members at the Baptism. ...and Esther is my babiest baby. The Gospel is so wonderful and actually thinking about it and the promises is starting to calm me. Yes! THANK YOU!!!! Get ready day--here I come.

Ramblings of a Missionary Mom

It's getting harder the closer it gets.

I didn't want there to be tension.

Prayers help--immensely!

I know what it's like to be a Missionary. I know how much dedication it takes. I just don't know what it's like to send a son on a Mission.

The world is different than it was in 1985/86.

It's uglier now than then.

The world needs truth and love more than ever.

It needs to know that there really is a Divine Creator who CARES and loves His children. What an honor to send my son, our son to tell people who have never heard... about THE SON!

If I keep thinking about it like that it's easier. I love you.