I have been attending the Gospel Principles class with Jeremiah, as he is the assistant ward mission leader. Yesterday the lesson was on the gifts of the Spirit. I was very touched as we talked about the gift of working miracles, and I am so grateful for the knowledge that our God IS a God of miracles. I have witnessed many and hope to witness a few more.
We are experiencing a miracle right now in our family. My dad has met a wonderful woman from Ohio and has been dating her since May. Her name is Patti. My little family and I will meet her this week, as she is coming to Nevada for a visit. I am very excited. I suppose some might say, "Wow, that was fast!" And, I suppose that, for those on the outside, looking in, without knowledge of all of the circumstances, it might be fast. There have been many precious and sacred experiences accompany this relationship. And somehow, miraculously, I am learning to reconcile my loyalty to my mom, my support for my dad, and the acceptance and love of a new friend. I simply stand in awe of a loving Heavenly Father who knows our needs and works daily miracles to see that they are met in most amazing ways. I will keep you posted...I expect only the best from our meeting this week!
Another miracle I am expecting this week is for my friend, Sheri. She is battling cancer. With the guidance of some of our mutual friends, many, many of Sheri's friends, family and others from various religions and beliefs, joined in fasting and praying for her yesterday. She had surgery this morning. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of her, too, and that He will work for her good, also.
What a blessing are miracles!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Family
I'm a little late with this post but I took a computer holiday on Sunday and it slipped my mind.
This week I was reminded how good it feels to do something for someone other than yourself. For Father's Day this year I offered to take care of things at home so my dad could take my mom to our cabin for a weekend away, something they hadn't managed to do yet this year.
This weekend I stayed in Aurora and made sure my grandpa had his medicines and meals and took care of the dogs. It wasn't hard work (especially since my version of meals relied heavily on a microwave) but it felt so good to know that I was allowing my parents a short break and at the same time spending time with and helping out my grandpa.
I'm so grateful for having a family that is willing to step forward and help each other out. My parents have set an incredible example of the joys of living a life of service, I just hope I can equal them someday.
This week I was reminded how good it feels to do something for someone other than yourself. For Father's Day this year I offered to take care of things at home so my dad could take my mom to our cabin for a weekend away, something they hadn't managed to do yet this year.
This weekend I stayed in Aurora and made sure my grandpa had his medicines and meals and took care of the dogs. It wasn't hard work (especially since my version of meals relied heavily on a microwave) but it felt so good to know that I was allowing my parents a short break and at the same time spending time with and helping out my grandpa.
I'm so grateful for having a family that is willing to step forward and help each other out. My parents have set an incredible example of the joys of living a life of service, I just hope I can equal them someday.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Green
All that rain Heidi posted about a week or so ago resulted in a beautiful surprise for me when I got home - an amazing view from my backyard. I don't think it has ever been this green or beautiful. It reminds me why I chose this house and makes the 15 minute drive up the hill very much worth it.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Enjoying Summer
Ladies, I'm off to get my hair cut this morning but wanted to make a post before I go. I'm still not too good at this blogging thing!
I think I just want to say how much I am loving summer. I can actually get all of my laundry done in one day now. During school I'm lucky to spread it out over a week! I can also get up at 8 a.m. if I want, which I love. I am sure the days will go by quickly until August.
I'm preparing to take students to the National PBL competition in Anaheim on Friday. Wish us luck! Mark and the girls are coming down to join us later in the week. I hope we'll have a good time.
Heid, don't stress about the house. One thing I have to do when feeling like you're feeling is just have Mark take the girls and go somewhere for a few hours. At least you can feel like you are accomplishing something without having to go back and clean it again 5 minutes later. I imagine your house is enormously more organized than mine in any case!
Take care, girls. Hope you are all well.
I think I just want to say how much I am loving summer. I can actually get all of my laundry done in one day now. During school I'm lucky to spread it out over a week! I can also get up at 8 a.m. if I want, which I love. I am sure the days will go by quickly until August.
I'm preparing to take students to the National PBL competition in Anaheim on Friday. Wish us luck! Mark and the girls are coming down to join us later in the week. I hope we'll have a good time.
Heid, don't stress about the house. One thing I have to do when feeling like you're feeling is just have Mark take the girls and go somewhere for a few hours. At least you can feel like you are accomplishing something without having to go back and clean it again 5 minutes later. I imagine your house is enormously more organized than mine in any case!
Take care, girls. Hope you are all well.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Organization
"Mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord..." HELP!! I feel like my house is so disorderly...disasterly, actually... Any great ideas for getting it together? I know this isn't much of a "...virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy..." post, but the disorder is weighing on my mind a lot. I need help. So any you could give would be greatly appreciated...
Charles Dickens
Jamie, I'm so glad your back!
I was reading last night and found this quote from Charles Dickens book The Pickwick Papers. I'm not sure why it moved me but I thought I'd share it with you this week.
"Let us leave our old friend in one of those moments of unmixed happiness, of which, if we seek them,there are ever some to cheer our transitory existence here. There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast. Some men, like bats or owls, have better eyes for the darkness than for the light; we, who have no such optical powers, are better pleased to take our last parting look at the visionary companions of many solitary hours when the brief sunshine of the world is blazing full upon them."
Heidi, I love the picture of the kids in the rain. They look like they are having a blast.
Have a great week ladies!
I was reading last night and found this quote from Charles Dickens book The Pickwick Papers. I'm not sure why it moved me but I thought I'd share it with you this week.
"Let us leave our old friend in one of those moments of unmixed happiness, of which, if we seek them,there are ever some to cheer our transitory existence here. There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast. Some men, like bats or owls, have better eyes for the darkness than for the light; we, who have no such optical powers, are better pleased to take our last parting look at the visionary companions of many solitary hours when the brief sunshine of the world is blazing full upon them."
Heidi, I love the picture of the kids in the rain. They look like they are having a blast.
Have a great week ladies!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Home
I made it - I survived 6 extremely hot weeks in Delhi - best of all I did it with my sanity in place. I think I'll actually be able to handle this new work schedule.
I'm also starting to realize that as hard as it is to be here at times, it is worth it - I can know the challenges I experience here are making me stronger and more ready to take on what is next.
I know we are taught repeatedly in the gospel that being tested prepares us and makes us stronger if we persevere - I'm seeing proof of that in my life. And as hard as it is at times, I'm truly grateful for the challenge.
Now if I could just find a way to appreciate the heat!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Rain, Rain
Last week, it rained in Reno for 7 days in a row. I don't think I have ever experienced that in Nevada. It was a beautiful thing. We all loved it!
The kids got to use umbrellas that are very rarely used for rain...
and Davis got to play in water...his most favorite past-time of all time...
It was truly a lovely week!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Letters
It's sad but I think the best part about this week is that it is over and in four more days I'll be on my way to the airport.
However, the next best thing is something I've already blogged about - Katie C's project "Dear Me." When she sent the original note about the project a few weeks ago I immediately knew it was something I should do. I spent the next several weeks reflecting on my life and myself at different times wondering what I, knowing what I know today, would have said to a younger me. The reflection and then forcing myself to sit down and write truly was an incredible experience. It helped me work through some issues that I've been working on today.
Check out the blog where she's posting letters and if nothing else take a minute this week and reflect on what kind of letter you'd write to a younger you. Trust me you'll be glad you did.
However, the next best thing is something I've already blogged about - Katie C's project "Dear Me." When she sent the original note about the project a few weeks ago I immediately knew it was something I should do. I spent the next several weeks reflecting on my life and myself at different times wondering what I, knowing what I know today, would have said to a younger me. The reflection and then forcing myself to sit down and write truly was an incredible experience. It helped me work through some issues that I've been working on today.
Check out the blog where she's posting letters and if nothing else take a minute this week and reflect on what kind of letter you'd write to a younger you. Trust me you'll be glad you did.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Best Intentions
Ladies,
I must admit I still trying to get in the habit of writing on the blog. One must remember this is my first attempt and Jamie and Heidi are seasoned professionals. Today I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to spend an hour with potential students from the Paiute tribe. Having a chance to create those 'Aha' moments and share my love of education is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. It's been a rough last few months trying to deal with the daily stress of organizational management and sometimes it seems like the nothing is working according to plan. Having the chance to reflect on the good things gives me the strength to move on. So here's to making a difference in someone's life today!
I must admit I still trying to get in the habit of writing on the blog. One must remember this is my first attempt and Jamie and Heidi are seasoned professionals. Today I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to spend an hour with potential students from the Paiute tribe. Having a chance to create those 'Aha' moments and share my love of education is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. It's been a rough last few months trying to deal with the daily stress of organizational management and sometimes it seems like the nothing is working according to plan. Having the chance to reflect on the good things gives me the strength to move on. So here's to making a difference in someone's life today!
Monday, June 1, 2009
School Options
I think I missed last week...? My only excuse is that the children have been finishing up their respective school years and, apparently, that is enough to throw me for a loop! Anyhow...that brings me to today's topic...the gratitude I feel for having options for my children's education...even in preschool and 2nd grade!
We have been trying for some time to figure out where Jeron should go to school next year. This year left much to be desired in the motivation department. I heard "hate" in the same sentence with "school" way too often. So, I have been exploring options. Gratefully, there are a few here in Reno. To make a long story short, Jeron will be attending Coral Academy of Science Charter School in August. It is a school that was started by engineering professors at UNR because the freshmen entering their programs weren't prepared to be there. The focus is math and science and they are a high achieving school. Jeron's only question for the 2nd grade teacher when we went to open house was, "Do you have science class at this school?" He is excited, and so are the rest of us!
I am also grateful for generous family members who are contributing in order to make his attendance possible. There are book fees, tuition, uniforms, and gas to pay for...so thanks to Auntie Heather and Uncle Timmy for helping us out! I believe wholeheartedly that it will all be worth it! Here's to having options and the means to choose the not free ones!
We have been trying for some time to figure out where Jeron should go to school next year. This year left much to be desired in the motivation department. I heard "hate" in the same sentence with "school" way too often. So, I have been exploring options. Gratefully, there are a few here in Reno. To make a long story short, Jeron will be attending Coral Academy of Science Charter School in August. It is a school that was started by engineering professors at UNR because the freshmen entering their programs weren't prepared to be there. The focus is math and science and they are a high achieving school. Jeron's only question for the 2nd grade teacher when we went to open house was, "Do you have science class at this school?" He is excited, and so are the rest of us!
I am also grateful for generous family members who are contributing in order to make his attendance possible. There are book fees, tuition, uniforms, and gas to pay for...so thanks to Auntie Heather and Uncle Timmy for helping us out! I believe wholeheartedly that it will all be worth it! Here's to having options and the means to choose the not free ones!
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