Day's Events

Because of my travel earlier this week, I was asked to take Friday off and work Saturday instead. I planned a very busy day!

First, I took Laine to summer school, then went visiting teaching. After visiting teaching I went to the temple. Unfortunately, I couldn't go twice this week as I have been trying to do because I was gone on Tuesday, but the temple session was wonderful. I then picked up Kelly from home and gave her some driving practice as I  did some shopping for my work. After the shopping was complete, we picked up Laine from school, had lunch at Del Taco, and headed over to a friend's house where the girls and I were able to do some service (and I got to hold a three week old baby!).

Afterwards, we drove home and Laine got ready to go to her dad's house. I worked on a few projects, did some reading and slept through the sweltering heat until almost 11, when Kelly and I decided we'd had enough of the heat and went out for ice cream. And yes, we ate it right before we went back to sleep. (No judging.)

All in all, a very productive day!

Joe's Birthday

My first born son is now 16.

How did that happen?

6 foot 2, eyes of blue, intelligent, sharp-witted, obedient, tender and patient. All this joy from a squirming 9 pound, 13 ounce child!

I've been thinking about him leaving on his mission in a few short years while he has been at scout camp this week. One week is hard! I can't even imagine being without him for two long years. It makes me desolate to contemplate it. I'm sure the Lord will bless me with the fortitude to manage without his hugs, his funny comments, and his helpful nature, but from my perspective right now, it seems darn near impossible. Nevertheless, I know he will serve. I've known since his early days. Above all his other qualities, he is always trying to do what is right.

I'm so glad to be his mother! 

Work Travel

On Monday, I was up at 3 a.m. to take the boys to the departure point for camp. I then took Laine to summer school and worked for half a day. In the early afternoon, I left for San Rafael for additional training regarding refining the staff's approach to care at Nazareth House. I was very excited to meet key people at each of the Nazareth Houses in California (San Diego, San Rafael, Los Angeles, and of course, Fresno). I had met the folks from San Diego previously, and was so happy to renew my acquaintance with Michelle, the activity director there. The entire crew spent two very productive days together brainstorming, learning and sharing. I was very honored to be invited to sleep in the convent, which was peaceful and wonderful. And without internet, it was perfect to turn into a little mini-retreat, allowing me even more time to study and think about spiritual things as well as the material we were learning. We returned on Wednesday evening to the oppressive Fresno heat and a return to reality!

Man of Steel

Laine and I went to see Man of Steel in the expensive theater. Usually we wait to see movies in the $3 theater, but we wanted to do something a little special.

We both loved the movie! I had a hard time letting go of "past superman" at first, but once I just accepted that this wasn't going to match what I "knew" of superman, then I was fine and really enjoyed it.

Thoughts on the atonement

I've been thinking about some comments I received regarding the man who stole my retirement money. It's caused me to ponder forgiveness and the atonement again.

I look at it this way. Yes, the man did wrong. Yes, he should be held accountable (forgiveness and accountability are not the same thing). Yes, losing the money hurt me tremendously financially speaking. However, there is a BIG caveat.

When I accepted Jesus' atonement in my life, I also accepted that his atonement is active in the lives of others. When Jesus died for our sins, he died for ALL of them...the ones that are repented of and the ones that aren't. He paid the price for every sin...made an infinite atonement. This transfers the burdens of all the sins that others commit against us onto the shoulders of our Savior. So in this case, when I forgive the man who stole my retirement, I am really "forgiving" Jesus...who, though he did no wrong, already paid the full price of this man's sin. It's hard to forgive a man who steals my savings and that of many of my friends, who transfers all of his assets to his wife, divorces her, declares bankruptcy and runs off to Panama to play with his ill-gotten gains. But my Savior, who died for me, comforts me, and teaches me daily about his grace...toward him, I can hold no ill will. And he is the Mediator between me and those who sin against me.

It is hard to remember these principles at times. I'm only human, and I struggle from time to time to forgive others. But because I am constantly needing his forgiveness, I am often reminded that the atonement is there not just for me, but for others. And that makes all the difference.

Financial News

Well, the man who stole $25,000 of my retirement savings is going to jail for 6 years, 6 months and will be under "supervised release" for another 3. He has been ordered to make restitution for the $3.3 million he stole from us and other investors. Yeah, right. Like that will ever happen.

My chili was a flop - literally. :)

Yesterday on my way to a party with a big bowl of chili in the backseat, traffic came to a very sudden stop thanks to one idiotic driver. I had to step pretty hard on the brakes to avoid an accident (along with about twenty other drivers), and the chili flopped onto my floor. What a mess!

Later in the evening, I stopped at a gas station and cleaned off the floor mat while getting gas, and I could tell others around me thought it was vomit by their reactions (groaning, grimacing, etc). 

As I was relaying this story to my almost 16 year old son this morning, he said, "Mom, you should have dipped your finger in the chili and licked it in front of them!"

I haven't been able to stop laughing since. Why didn't I think of that?

Sierra Chamber Opera

We had the Sierra Chamber Opera come and present a short opera for our residents at work today. It was so much fun putting it all together and seeing the residents experience so much happiness. The food was a great hit. Everyone who attended was very complimentary. I couldn't have been as successful without the great family volunteers who came, and Rosemary and Sara who pitched in to make it extra special. Anoline put together a great menu that the residents loved. All in all a very satisfying day!

Driving Miss Kelly

Or rather, Miss Kelly driving! She finally has her official permit, and now...(insert drumroll) she is driving us everywhere!

I want her to have a TON of driving experience before she gets her own license. She is loving running errands with me now. Can I just say that I'm loving it, too? For too long now, shopping, which I hate with a passion, was grueling because I had to go all by myself. Now, I have a willing driver! And it's too hot for her to stay in the car, so she actually comes in with me. And since she hit that cool teenager phase, hanging out with mom (and/or siblings) is not preferable to most other options. So I'm squeezing every little blessing I can out of this experience!

Saturday was her first day of driving with me. She is doing a great job! Of course, I'm stricken with panic from time to time, but I just try to remember what it was like learning to drive and how much I appreciated people who were patient and kind as I was learning.

The kids aren't taking it as well. This morning, on the way to church, Kelly asked if she could drive. I said, "Sure." Joe asked quickly, "Can I walk?" We all laughed, but there is a certain element of responsibility that comes with driving passengers and I want her to learn that as soon as possible.

These Moments

Tonight was Laine's final concert for the Bullard TALENT concert band. We listened to some wonderful songs which were beautiful (and surprisingly spiritual for a public school choir) and I thought back to watching her in the Bullard Balladeers when she was in fourth grade.

After their beautiful songs, while her older brother sat by me doing his pre-calculus homework, we were tortured with almost thirty minutes of video from the choir's Philadelphia trip, which Laine did not go to. (Every year we have to sit through that! Urgh! Even when Laine DID go on those trips, I hated being forced to watch those dumb videos.)

Then the Bullard Balladeers performed and did such a wonderful job that I immediately felt better.

It's a bitter-sweet time, these last days of eighth grade at Bullard Talent. I've had at least one child there since 2007, so it's been a while! When Laine is promoted and heads off to Bullard High School, I will have only one child left to cross the threshold into high school.

Why don't my kids ever listen when I tell them to quit growing up so fast??

Lessons in Humility

"I thought I was all alone," she said as she grasped my hand and kissed it. Her next words were as mixed up and confused as they are 90% of the time. Then, with her eyes closed, my hand pressed to her heart, and with great reverence as I sat next to her, this: "Oh, God, last night when I was alone in my room and I prayed for someone so I would not be lonely and afraid, you heard me." I must admit, I teared up. Not because of her kind sentiments about me, but because this sweet lady, who sometimes couldn't remember what to do with a fork or the word for the bathroom, still remembered how to pray.

I'm fairly sure that God translated her words for my benefit. And in my heart of hearts, I too offered a prayer. Please, Father, if I ever get dementia, please let me never forget how to pray. Even if I forget all the names of all my children, or my own name, or even how to form sentences, please help me remember thee.

And right now, please bless my efforts to be the best friend I can to any and all who need me.