Of Good Report

Yesterday I received a text from our ward executive secretary asking if I would be able to meet with a member of the bishopric at 10:30. I replied, "I would rather not ;) but I will." Gratefully, I only had about 30 minutes to be worried about it. I had had a feeling for a few weeks that my days as the Primary chorister were numbered. I have loved it, but I suppose there are others who would also love it. I met with a counselor in our new bishopric, Joe Hudson, the same guy who asked me to be on the stake Relief Society committee a couple of months ago when he was a High Counselor. He thanked me for my service, told me how great the Primary program was...then told me that he would like to release me. He mentioned that they didn't have another calling for me at that time, but that he was sure that we would be meeting again within a couple of weeks. I decided to tell him what I was actually doing with the stake and told him that I would be okay ...

Last Sunday I woke up not feeling very well. I had been fighting off a cold for about a week and on Sunday it got the better of me. I really don't like to miss church, but if it wasn't so close to our Primary Program I would have stayed home. It may have actually been better if I had stayed home. The kids were not very enthusiastic about singing and neither was I :( . I wished I could have come home and taken a bath and a nap, but an hour after church a member of the High Council was to come and set me apart for my new stake calling. So, I had some lunch and had the kids clean up then laid down in my church clothes to wait for him to get there. Brother Beal, is his name. I don't know him and all he knows about me is that I have this new calling and the Ketra Remond is excited about that. After brief introductions I sat in the chair Destry had waiting in the family room for the occasion. Brother Beal laid his hands on my head and began the prayer. The words, "We ble...

A few days ago I was given some tickets to 7 Peaks that expired today. I was hoping it would be a fun activity we could do as a family. It was the kind of family activity we are used to--minus Destry. He always prefers to work. We always wish he would come. We have fun without him.  We didn't get there until 3:30 which was really only thirty minutes later than I had planned. It was a bit crowded when we arrived and cleared out as time went on. Sadly there were several closed slides and one injury--not of us, that required another temporary closure and an ambulance.  It was great having only big kids. We could go on all the slides together and all enjoy them. We each had a buddy for our double tubes. We split up for part of the time, but enjoyed everyone's company for much of it.  It was colder than we would have liked. Low to mid 70's. Overcast. Windy. That didn't stop us. We did, however, turn on the heater for the ride home and drink hot chocolate when we arrive...

I just got through reading through a few of my recent posts. I do consider myself a writer and fairly competent in the grammar department; however perfect and competent are not the same things. I noticed several errors that I was tempted to edit. I didn't. My life, like my blog, is imperfect. I don't really have time to proofread and edit a bunch of times before publishing. I'm just grateful when I get the chance to blog at all.  I'm sorry if the errors are distracting. Just read with an open heart and it won't matter too much. 

We always get Little Caesar's pizza for the kids on Friday nights. It used to be a family pizza movie night, but as the kids have gotten older we have strayed from the family movie night. Pizza is still on the menu, however. There is always a really long line at Little Caesar's on Friday nights, but it goes pretty quickly. Last night I took my place at the end of the line as it wrapped around to the back of the building and curved again like a snake. My good friends, the Earls drove by in their minivan as I sat my my own family mobile the Yukon. I waved, but no one except Josh seemed  to notice me. He waved and flashed his pearly whites like he always does when we pass on the street. Usually when we pass, he is on his bike and I in my usual family vehicle. He always makes my day with his big, genuine smile and enthusiastic wave.  When I reached the window to pay for the two pizzas with a crazy style crust I was greeted by a familiar face--we have been going there for years...

So today Estelle asked me when I was going to start doing PTA. "What exactly do you mean?" I wondered. She informed me that last year Sheryle Coray, the PTA queen, was at the school all the time. I informed her that I have spend several hours reading and sending emails, attending meetings, filling out paperwork, making phone calls, solving problems, refereeing, posting on Facebook, and attending trainings.  That is not the part of PTA she cares about. She wants to see me at the school. Sadly, because of my new job, that is not going to happen. It is one of the guilts I have of accepting the job.I had to tell her that there are other people who will be helping at the school and it is my style of leadership to let them. I will be at the school when I need to be, but when someone else needs to be there, they will. I will do my best to be there for her, but there is no way I can ever be Sheryle Coray.

On Friday afternoon at 3:30, Spencer sent me a picture of Sadie's paw with a text that her nail had broken off and it was red and swollen. It looked terrible. I called the vet from work and of course, it was Friday afternoon and they were booked. It was suggested that we put an antibiotic ointment on it and keep it wrapped so it stays clean and she doesn't lick it. Well, we put on about ten until Monday morning when her appointment was. They didn't last long; if fact, I didn't even bother with putting one on on Monday. Well, I showed the technician the picture who advised me to show the doctor. I did. He looked at her paw then proceeded to pull something off her paw and called it-----wait for it "jelly." What?  Long story short, her paw is fine, she is fine. She is now current on her immunizations and is as fit as an 11 year old shih tzu can be.  I told the lady when I was paying the bill that they could all have a good laugh when I walked out the door. ...

Today I took Estelle to my mom's to get her hair cut by Jessica. Every Saturday, David goes there to mow my mom's lawn. His family goes with them. They are all very kind. Estelle has been wanting a school haircut and even though school started two weeks ago, this was as soon as we could get it done.  When we arrived I noticed an ice cream container on the table. It was quickly brought to my attention that in the container housed a snake. I was informed that David caught it for Taylor's birthday. No way. I said that that would not be riding in my car.  I do not like snakes. My mom and David and Jessica did not really know what to do with the snake. It was a baby snake for your information. Both Estelle and Sarah wanted to take it to Taylor, they know how much he likes them.  I thought, "Okay, fine. We'll show it to Taylor then drop it off in the hills above our neighborhood like we do when he catches snakes in the 'hood.  Taylor was at a neighbor's h...

We are having a great start to the school year. The elementary kids are enjoying their teachers and friends and Emma is adjusting beautifully to middle school. Spencer is a little bit shaky as transitions are hard for him, but he will get adjusted. He has been getting himself up and ready for early morning seminary--success! If I can get Taylor out of bed in the morning, he is ready to roll, but that first step is a challenge for both of us. Yesterday as I was bringing Sarah home from her audition for the school play, she told me that she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up because when she was the teacher she wouldn't be the one doing all the work.  Sorry, teachers, right now she just sees you as the givers of (home)work. Some day she'll understand. It might take her a while, but I'm sure she will get it--eventually.

Yesterday I was sustained to an additional calling, not a replacement. One of my friends, Corrine Prestwich was sitting in front of me and turned around and said,"So, I guess they saw five minutes left in your schedule and decided to fill it up." She knows of about my various hats I'll be wearing for the next year or more. I hadn't actually heard what she said so I just smiled and nodded, but Destry did and mentioned it when we got home. I had a good laugh mostly because she is one of the most busy, involved people I know.  Emma was sitting there listening to the conversation and piped in with, "Mom remember you have 5 kids too."  The kids had not known about the new calling, so hearing my name come across the pulpit was a surprise to them. They wanted to know if I was going to be released from Primary. I think my Primary girls like having me there. I said that I wasn't.  I have been thinking about her comment from the moment she said it, including a...

Admittedly, there is nothing that brings the Spirit into a home quite like a newborn baby does. Their pure spirits having just left his or her Eternal Parents are angelic and their eyes seem to look into eternity. They exude love. They are love. Everything they see and hear and smell and taste and feel they experience for the first time. Parental joy seems complete when their baby looks into their face and smiles for the first time. Every milestone is remarkable and looked forward to with joy and anticipation.  In addition to the elation there are sleepless nights, lots of messes and feedings and nose wipes. Lots of tears--which, incidentally, don't ever go away. There are illnesses and immunizations and doctor visits. Not to mention potty training. Babies are the best way to enter this existence. They make the adults around them weaker and stronger at the same time. Those babies grow and grow and grow. Until one day they are teenagers. It took a long time, yet in a blink of an e...

In December 2014, Destry and I were asked to be in charge of a trek committee for our you trek that was to take place the following July. I will add the full story of that experience when I complete it. For now I'm going to share a blessing that came because of it. It is not only a blessing, but a big change for me and my family, including our dog :)   During one of our packing days, Adam Drossart, a member of our committee asked Destry if I worked. He told him that I had gotten my real estate license in December, but that I wasn't very good at marketing myself--my words. As it turns out, Adam is a part owner of a brokerage in American Fork. He asked Destry if he thought I'd be interested in a position they had in their office. Destry and I talked about it and when trek was over I  interviewed with him and a partner, Ned Chidester.  A few days later they offered me the job. I had about a week and a half before he wanted me to start. I was glad for that. August 5 was t...

Yahoo! We all made it successfully through another school year. Everyone grew in ways unique to them. All of them had their own set of challenges, but we all made it. We are alive, happy, and ready to open the next chapter. The summer awaits and will be full and joyful, but bringing with it its own set of challenges. Estelle breezed through academically, but had a fair amount of "girl drama." Taylor missed fewer days this year and we have a plan for getting him caught up in math. Sarah's was the most uneventful, I would say, but reached the 8 year old milestone. Spencer has blossomed into a tall, handsome young man. Last, but not least, Emma is ready for Jr. High. As for the parents of this group, Destry started a new job and is having a positive influence on his brother's company and I am geared up to be the PTA president at Thunder Ridge Elementary next year. School is easy for Estelle and she has good "student' skills. She gets her homework done quickl...

On May 26, 1979, I became a mother. At the age of 10. Not really, but it was a great age to become a big sister. I had three other younger siblings, but I was old enough to really be excited about her birth. And to remember it now. I remember my Grandma Smith and I would race to the phone all day whenever it rang, each of us hoping we would be the first to hear the good news. It was a Saturday, so I was home all day. Okay, I googled it; I didn't actually remember the day of the week. Sometimes I would get to the phone first, other times she would. As fate would have it she got to the phone first when it really counted.  Renee was jaundiced, so she and my mom stayed in the hospital for a long week. In those days there were fewer hospital visits. I think we got to peak at Renee in the nursery and visit my mom once during that time. Then I remember my mom being very sick after she got home. Another long week. But in no time at all we settled into our new rolls in life. One of my fav...

My heart was brimming before I went to church today and my emotions escaped through my eyes beginning in Sacrament Meeting. I feel so very blessed to be the mother of MY children. They challenge me and help me to grow every day and they fill my heart and soul with so much love that cannot be contained.  It is so gratifying to watch them grow and to see them develop and use their talents and share their love and compassion with the world. Their testimonies are strong and their desire to do good and be good are overwhelming to me. I could not be a happier mom!  I have felt joy as I spent time with Estelle on Friday as the fourth grade classes hosted a "Mom Spa Day" at school. She painted my nails and we filled out a sheet comparing us with each other and made a craft together. Today she gave me a decorated photo of her. Emma gave me her hand made card and treat on Friday as well.  Sarah surprised me today with her sweet cards and lots of hugs and "I love you's....

Sarah has been attempting to play soccer for the past few weeks. It is something new to our schedule, and something that will likely be short-lived. More than once I have forgotten to send her to her practices. They are at an awkward time, on an already busy day for our family.  Last Wednesday when there were only minutes left in her practice, Sarah said to me, "Mom, what about soccer?" "Oops!" I had forgotten again! I apologized and began expressing my frustration with myself for not getting her there.  She sweetly said to me, "I don't want you to be mad at yourself, Mom."  She is forgiving of my imperfections and I am ever so thankful. I hope I can learn to be more gentle and forgiving of myself as well. 

Salt Lake City and other cities throughout the state are trying to get rid of panhandling. It is always a bit uncomfortable to pass by someone who appears to be in need and asking for money for food or for gas money to get themselves and/or their family "home." At the same time, one wonders what their money would be used for...drugs, food, shelter for a night?  I'm pretty sure that every one of these people would have a story to tell if given the chance. Perhaps they are disabled, mentally or physically ill, or simply down on their luck. Some have served our country in a war, were uncared for by their parents, or struggling with addictions. Each story is unique and each would tug at our heartstrings. Perhaps each of them if they were listened to would be considered deserving of assistance from their fellow human beings.  There is another trend that is picking up momentum thanks to the electronic age. There is a little thing called, "GoFundMe." It is an elect...

Today I attended that last PTA meeting of the year; it was my last as the president elect. Next year I will be at the helm with so very many capable people serving as the sails and the masts and the anchor and rudder. We will work together to keep up the tradition of greatness that has come before us. Nearly everyone has more experience and skills than I do. I am humbled that they have enough faith in me to have this opportunity. And by opportunity I mean I get to learn from and rub shoulders with such wonderful people who so willingly give whatever they have. As part of the meeting there some well deserved thank you's. Principal Theler shared expressed his gratitude for what the PTA mom's as well a his teachers and staff do at the school, sharing that many of the things that get done are not done by him, but he gets credit for doing it.  But the part that he shared that hit home to me the most was what he has learned from being a parent for nearly 17 years. At first, he sa...

I got to spend the afternoon with my girliest of girls. What Estelle wanted most for her birthday was to go shopping. Done. We celebrated yesterday with our extended family and a couple of friends and some fruit pizzas. We cleaned the church and went to Sarah's soccer game today before the two of us got to head out.  We went to Kohl's first and found a pair of shorts. I also got a pair for Emma since she will be needing them for the summer. Next we ventured to the Mall in Provo. She found a cute dress, another pair of shorts and a shirt. She had some of her own birthday money so she also got a pair of shoes and I splurged on a set of glue-on nails to match a new outfit.  She is a good shopper. She knew what her budget was and didn't pus the limit. She is good to check prices and tries to get the most for her money. She is gracious and grateful and we had a lovely time together. We ate at Brick Oven then went to check out the work Destry has been doing for Kira Tymon o...

On the day we went home, we had two cars at the hospital. The one I had driven up three days earlier and the one Destry drove up so he could be a part of the training. I had stayed in the hospital with him the whole time. Taylor chose to ride home with his dad. I was somewhat afraid to let him out of my sight, but the ride home from Primary Children's Hospital was only about 45 minutes.  I was actually afraid to leave the hospital. I wondered how they expected me to keep him alive now. I remember feelings of apprehension every time I brought home a new baby. This was similar, only magnified. In the hospital two nurses were required to count the carbs., calculate the amount of insulin, and check to see if the correct amount had been drawn out of the insulin vile. Yet, they were sending me home, by myself, after three days of training and expected to keep this boy alive.  We were to call the doctor daily. Thank goodness. That was helpful and I needed his reassuranc...

Yesterday not only marked the birth of my brother, but also the anniversary of another significant event in my life. It was as significant as my marriage and the births of my children, but not in such a joyful way. The event has changed me and my family in so many ways, many of them for the better, even though it is something I would not necessarily have chosen. It was something that I could have neither prepared for nor expected.  Five years ago this month Taylor had been acting a little off for two or three weeks. He would come in the house and lie down on the couch when other kids were outside playing. He was not only tired, but lethargic. One night during family home evening he quietly cried on the couch because of abdominal pain. He is not one to be dramatic or winy so I knew something was wrong. I took him to the after hours clinic and they sent us home with instructions to give him an antacid. It didn't really work, but the pain seemed to go away. He ...

39 years ago today, my little brother Kevin was born. He was a chubby, round faced little cutie. I loved playing "baby games" with him like "peak-a-boo" and "so big." When he got a little older, like two, he began wandering around the neighborhood. He would pedal around on his big wheel with our dog and the neighbor's dog following behind him. When we went on the search for him, we usually spotted the dogs first and knew that Kevin was nearby. He did not usually go too far, but I remember searching for him day after day. Once he even went to the school and made it into Kent's first grade class. Kent called my mom and asked if she knew where Kevin was. She thought he had been right by her only moments ago, but he was fast. When she arrived to pick him up he was sitting happily coloring in his own chair just like the big kids.  As he grew older, he and Renee did not get along very will. Even though they were old enough to look after themselves, my ...

And I'm not talking about rocking a baby either! At day's end yesterday I was telling Destry how many times I had been to one school or another yesterday. It began with taking everyone to school except for Taylor before 8:00 a.m. Then I took Taylor to school at 10:30. I drove to Orem for some appointments and made it back to Saratoga Springs in time to pick up the girls from the elementary school and some random kids from the high school at 2:15. Then at 3:00 p.m. I picked up Taylor. at  4:00 I picked up Spencer and some additional random teenagers, fixed an early dinner for Spencer and his friend and had them back to the high school at 5:00. Then at 6:00 I picked up Estelle and her play practice cohorts and drove all of them home. At 8:30 I picked up Spencer and his friend. In case you lost track that was eight  trips to one school or another in one day!  Today I was sharing this with Renee along with the driving schedule for next year. I will have kids in four differe...