Whew!

Whew! Managed to complete this semester with all A's. I wish I could take all the credit, but I know I couldn't have done it without divine intervention from time to time. (Like the day when I got really sick and had to go home, missing a critical class...turned out that the class was CANCELED!)

I'm looking forward to a few weeks off before the next semester. My classes coming up are Cognitive Psychology, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, the Psychology of Aging, and Multicultural Aging. Five days of classes each week, plus two online courses. I truly hope I'm able to keep the pace up next semester. I have the feeling that grad school will be even more challenging. Only two more semesters until my bachelors is complete.

I'm using the break to prep for the GRE and the CBEST, as well as to start my reading for the spring semester. I'm also hoping to qualify for financial aid for the next academic year. Borrowing money feels so foreign to me.

Fare Thee Well

My friends Scott and Saundra are leaving on a new adventure! Saundra received a promotion and will be beginning her new career in Salt Lake area. Tonight there was a going away party for them, and there were lots of people there to wish them a fond farewell.

I'm so proud of her. I know how hard she has worked. In many ways, she has been a role model for me. Her tenacity in finishing her education helped to inspire me to take the leap myself. I have watched her grow from her early days in the church into an even better person than she already was. And when I was in the midst of turmoil in my private life, I attended the temple once a week at 5:30 in the morning, and nearly every week, she would be there, too. I came to count on her presence, her smile and her hug.

My kids have loved them like part of our family. We have been over to their house for family home evening on several occasions, where we've listened to music, eaten delicious food, and on more than one occasion, we've had root beer floats. Scott ordained Joe to the priesthood.  They've cheered on my children and spoken words of encouragement and positivity. They've gone out of their way to fix ties, compliment a new suit, and tell my girls that they are beautiful. When our family has needed help urgently, Scott was always among the first to show up, tools in hand and dragging a few volunteers.

I have watched these two struggle through health challenges and personal trials with grace and tremendous faith. I have seen them reach out to help others, to love them, and to inspire them. In fact, when I think of Christlike service, I think of these two fine friends. They are anchors for me in my life, and I will miss their personal influence and their hugs greatly.

Thankfully

I think I've said before that Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love having a holiday dedicated to counting our blessings! I feel so blessed, and this year I have felt especially aware of the kindnesses of others as well as the tender mercies of my Father in Heaven. He knows me and provides things in his wisdom that he knows I need. This month, I have felt that he has answered my prayers very specifically in several regards. I have confidence that I can trust him. My heart has been touched several times in just the last week.

Some specific gratitude:
--First, that Erin and Nick made the drive safely from Davis, arriving at 4 a.m.
--Second, that all of my children are safe at home with me and all together for Thanksgiving for the first time in several years.
--For the men who fixed my heater yesterday, and for the friend who arranged it. An unexpected blessing!
--For the friends who shared our meal...Keith Levery, JoAnn, and Keith's roommate (and our new friend) Darrel. (JoAnn will be invited every year since she LIKES doing dishes! Ahh---I'm just teasing. I invite her every year because she's great company!)
--For good health and healthy bodies for my children.
--Last week, I was having such a tough time keeping it together and my good friend Keith Lawniczak brought by a fabulous lasagna dinner, salad and yummy bread that kept my family fed for more than two days.
--I'm so grateful for our home and the land around it!
--I'm thankful for education and the opportunities it will give me and my children.
--I'm so glad for our pets, who are an extension of our family.
--I'm thankful for my faith and all of the richness it provides in my life.
--Most importantly, I'm grateful for my Savior and his loving example of all that I should strive to be. It will probably take me an eternity of striving to become anything like him, but I refuse to give up.
--I'm grateful for this week of service at the storehouse and for one of the most special experiences I have had at the Bishop's storehouse on Wednesday.
--On a personal note, I'm thankful for the privilege of knowing and loving the Scoffield family.
--For men like David DeButts and Bill Scoffield, who teach my young men about being men of God, and teach my young ladies about the qualities that are most important in a future spouse.
--For the scriptures, especially 2 Nephi 4:15-35.
--I feel so blessed to be able to see and experience the beautiful earth and all it's glories! I can't wait to see the world when it has been restored to its perfect form...it's already more beautiful than my heart can take sometimes.
--What would I do without the internet and the ability to stay connected with friends and family around the world?
--We are blessed every day by the leadership in our church at all levels!
--We are thankful for the men and women who serve in the armed forces, and their families for giving up so much so that the rest of us can have so many freedoms and blessings.
--We are so blessed to live in the USA!
--For my friend Tom, who I've loved since high school, and who always pops back into my life (over the phone) at just the perfect moments with encouragement, friendship and joy.
--I have wonderful friends!

My list could go on forever. Gratitude is what keeps my heart turning back to the Lord. I hope each of you have a blessed and tender Thanksgiving!

Tuesdays at the Storehouse

This month, we celebrate thanksgiving. Of all the holidays, this one is my second favorite (for inquiring minds, Easter is my favorite!). Although I still need work on expressing gratitude, I love that we have a holiday that is about being grateful. I feel I have been so richly blessed by the Lord in all areas of my life. I really have no right to complain at all about my life, even though I do from time to time. Maybe more than I should.

Yesterday in the mail I received a newsletter from the Poverello House. In the newsletter, they discussed the programs and opportunities for families and individuals that find themselves in tough circumstances or homeless. They also discussed street corner beggars. As I read through this material, I thought about all I take for granted. I complain about all the repairs and hard work I have to do in my home, or the yard work that needs to be done on my property. Yet, I have a home to live in with space to spare, unlike so many others. I complain about having to plan, cook and clean up after meals, yet my children and I have plenty to eat and some to share. I could go on and on about all that I grumble about. I need to improve!

When I went to the Bishop's storehouse today, as I try to do every Tuesday, I had a another learning experience. As I saw the familiar faces of my friends at the storehouse, my heart was lifted in joy. Although completely out of it at moments from staying up nearly all night to study, I felt so happy for the opportunity to serve those who have less, people I may never meet, but to whom my little bit of service can bring some relief and peace. I treasure my time there because it helps me to repay the tiniest portion of all that I have been blessed with. It reminds me that man "does not live by bread alone" but having a full tummy helps people to focus on the words of Christ and living a good life. Serving at the storehouse blesses me on another level, too...it keeps depression and darkness at bay as I lose myself in the work. I only wish I could do more to help others, but this small offering still provides me with perspective and peace.

Why I Love Primary

On Sunday, we did a special sharing time where we had four stations set up and smaller groups of kids moved from station to station. Each station had a teacher/leader assigned to bear witness about how our prayers were answered. One was about how a prayer had been answered during conference or through living prophets. Another was how a prayer had been answered through another person. The third was how a prayer had been answered through the scriptures. The fourth was a testimony of how God always hears our prayers.

During the time when junior primary was in sharing time, I went with a particular group so that I could stay with Carson, who has autism and needs a little extra support from time to time.  We circled through group one and two, and he was quiet, but definitely very interested in hugging my leg and sitting on my lap. It seemed like he wasn't listening very much, but I could tell he was a little because of how he reacted from time to time. When we went to the third group, Holly was talking with the kids about the scriptures, and she asked whose words were in the scriptures. Nobody volunteered an answer, and she turned and asked Carson, "Whose words are in the scriptures?" In her hands, she held the open scriptures. Carson suddenly sat up in my lap, touched the pages of the scriptures, and said very sweetly and clearly, "Jesus Christ." I felt the rush of the spirit and tears immediately sprang to my eyes. I love that little boy!!

And that is why I love primary. A little boy's words can make me want to devour the scriptures. His words can make me feel the rush of the spirit. His love can help me feel the Savior's love. His simple faith can touch my heart.

Primary rocks!

Being Alone

I was talking with someone once about my desire to find a companion. Her comment to me was that I should accept that I may never marry again in this life. Way to encourage a girl, huh?

When I first separated from my husband, I thought I would never remarry. Too much work. Too much trouble. I've got a track record of choosing people that are mean, whether they intend to be or not. I couldn't imagine dating. At that point in my life, I was barely holding myself together enough to manage my children and I.

In fact, one of my acquaintances in the church heard that I was getting divorced, and she told me that I shouldn't go through with it. I had never discussed my situation with her, and I don't know what she thought she knew about it, but I was curious enough to ask her why she thought I shouldn't. She told me that I wouldn't have anyone to care for me when the children were gone. Without even thinking about it, I told her that my faith was enough, my relationship with God was enough, and I didn't need to stay married or get remarried in order to be happy.

I am happy to report that I was right - and wrong. It is true that our relationship with our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ strengthens us and sustains us, through trials, temptations, loneliness, despair. It is true that we can be happy if we are doing the right things, with or without a companion. In fact, if our relationship with God is amiss, then all of our other relationships are in jeopardy, so creating a strong relationship with Him is essential.

However, I was also wrong. My bishop at the time discussed with me what my plan was for my life. He encouraged me to stay strong in the faith, to date, fall in love and marry at the appropriate time. I told him in no uncertain terms that I didn't think I could do that, didn't want to do that and maybe didn't even need to do that, that my relationship with God was enough. He always had his scriptures ready, this wonderful man. He whipped them out, opened them up and had me read from Genesis 2, and in Moses, and in Abraham. All three said the same thing...essentially God had created men and women to be together, that it wasn't "good that man should be alone." He advised me to think about the proclamation on the family, about what I knew from the temple, and to put all of this together in my heart. He encouraged me to pray about it and think about the example I was setting for my children.

Even years after this conversation, I felt conflicted. I thought perhaps that my loneliness and desire to be with a companion might be stemming from a lack of faith. I finally told told God that I was lonely, and he said, "Duh, you idiot! You're sitting at home alone or with your kids. Are you expecting me to send someone to your door?" Okay, okay. He didn't really say that, that's just my interpretation. In other words, he was telling me to do what I could to create opportunities where he could  bring people into my life. Once I overcame this hurdle and started actively seeking friendships and relationships with others, I still frequently got (and still get) confronted with the realities of dating at my age. Most of the men I have talked to who are my age are looking for younger, blonde, beautiful, skinny women with no baggage.

Um, yeah...good luck with that.

I own a mirror. A big one. And even though I try to avoid looking into it as much as possible, I know I'm not particularly young anymore, or beautiful, or skinny. As for baggage...well, if you're a reader of my blog you know!

Nevertheless, I decided to take God at his word...attend some functions, accept any and all reasonable invitations, and not set limits on who God might have in store for me. I am not particularly brave either, but I have a friend who had been encouraging me to attend some single adult activities for our church, and I had been resisting. I finally told him I would go to some activities, and I discovered, after the initial terror had passed, that it was a great place to make friends and find others who are going through some of the same struggles that I have been. Most of the people who attend are women, but there are a few men. I've even been asked out a few times, by older men. (I tend to prefer older guys anyway.)

I've asked a few men out, too. Most of the time, I get rejected. In fact, people trying to publish books probably get fewer rejections than me. It's easy to believe I'm not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough for anyone to take an interest in. I've been on the verge of giving up several times and just staying at home watching Netflix videos until my brains fall out.

However, I am trying my best to believe that God's promises are sure, even for me. I am trying to live my life in a way that qualifies me to receive those blessings. I will obey and keep my heart open to whatever his plan might be. It's surprising how much courage it takes to keep it up.

Missionary Farewell Oct 16

Today was a wonderful day! I was really looking forward to church and I was not disappointed. The talks by the Rasmussen's were beautiful, focusing on how we can receive personal revelation and confirmation through the spirit. After sacrament meeting, the primary was in the chapel and we went through our primary program. Several times, the spirit was very strong, and the presidency felt the children singing with all their hearts. I hope that happens again on Sunday with the whole congregation!

In the afternoon, Kelly received her patriarchal blessing, which was a wonderful experience. I can't share it, of course, because it isn't mine to share. Suffice to say that it was an experience I'll never forget!

Later that evening, I attended the missionary farewell for two missionaries who served our ward and our family well while they were here in Fresno... Elder Tuaitano and Elder Casper. The first half of the farewell testimony meeting is from individuals invited by the missionaries, and the second half is composed of testimonies of the missionaries. Because I knew very few people who were speaking, I simply wrote down thoughts that jumped out at me as I felt the spirit.

From the invitees: Jesus Christ is our loving Savior. The Book of Mormon is a true and living testimony of Jesus Christ. Because of the gospel, we are no longer alone, no longer lost, and if we look to the temple, we can be closer to God and closer to our family. Trust in him with all your heart. Remember that making mistakes is not the end...it's the beginning. (I particularly loved that comment! Repentance and putting our Faith in Christ means that we can start over, anytime, anywhere.)

From all the missionaries: Being a missionary changes lives. If a missionary has impacted your life, thank Heavenly Father more than the missionaries, because they are acting in his behalf, imperfectly but with the Spirit. This church is the only way home. Love for the gospel is deeper than any other thing in our souls, and it should be. The Lord prepares his missionaries...he also prepares people for his missionaries to teach.

Elder Tuaitano: Heavenly Father puts people where they are because of the people in their lives, and we are meant to be in each other's lives. (Wasn't I just talking about this not long ago with someone dear to my heart?) Change is possible and the atonement is real!

Elder Casper: You can draw closer to the Lord than you know. The gospel changes people. The Spirit is what converts people, not missionaries. The only real regret I (elder C) have is that I can't stay longer. Christ leads the church.

President Gelwix spoke as well, and drew our attention to D&C 138:56 and Alma 53: 20-21. Missionaries are personal representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ. He tells his missionaries to live each day with no regrets and it's true for each of us...work your hardest, love your best, come home dog tired each day.  He gave one word descriptions of each of the missionaries. For Elder T. he said his word was driven...he never met anyone who worked harder toward his goals. For Elder C. the word he used was humble, that he was always touched by Elder Casper's humility and love for others. He issued a challenge to pray, "Lord, who have YOU already prepared that I should invite?" and then once we know who the Lord would invite, that we should then pray, "To what should I invite them?"

I'm so thankful for such a wonderful day!

Shhhh...can you hear it?

So after a few bleak days (ok, more than a few) I finally came up for air and discovered that God's tender mercies are just as active today as ever.

Shhh! Can you hear it? He's speaking!

While preparing for class today, I listened to President Uchtdorf's talk that he gave at the General Relief Society Meeting. I forgot to attend this meeting when it happened,  but I'm glad I listened today. He talked about "forget-me-nots," relating it to our own feelings that we are forgotten by others and by God. He gave the reminders you see above, and this great thought:

"Sisters, there is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower. I hope it will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet. Please never forget that you must be patient and compassionate with yourselves, that some sacrifices are better than others, that you need not wait for a golden ticket to be happy. Please never forget that the “why” of the gospel of Jesus Christ will inspire and uplift you. And never forget that your Heavenly Father knows, loves, and cherishes you."


My heart was touched by what I heard. Then, in class, one of my instructors (a Psychologist) began to talk about tips to break the cycle of depression for people who have bouts of it. She kept apologizing for diverting from our topic, but shared some great thoughts about how to turn things around if you are feeling down, or you feel depression coming on. She may not have realized what she was doing, but I know God knew.  :-)


I'm just muddling along, like everyone else. Every once in a while I catch a glimpse of things that inspire me, that let me know God is listening and intervening. What a blessing! I'm not saying I'm out of the woods yet,  but having a little push like these two incidents is sometimes just what I need to make that course correction from despair to hope. 

Inch by Inch

I was cleaning out some old papers yesterday and ran across a notebook from Girl's Camp the last year that Erin attended. I had also attended as a leader. I believe it was in 2004, though I foolishly didn't write the year on my paperwork.

Our ward had been engaged in a 40 day fast for missionary work, to bring people to Christ. People signed up for a specific day and it was their responsibility to fast and pray throughout the day for that purpose. I didn't realize it at the time, but I had signed up for the time that I would be at camp, on the last day of the fast. On that day, the ward was gathering for a break the fast meal in the evening. The day I had signed up for turned out to be the day of the hike (yes, the big hike), and so I only consumed water that day.

Here's what I wrote:

Today was a day of spiritual and physical challenge for me. I fasted today as the last person in our 40 day ward fast for missionary work. Throughout the day I prayed that the Lord would bless the missionaries throughout the world and thanked him for sending "my" missionaries to teach me the gospel. I asked that he would bless our ward members and me to find opportunities to share the gospel. I expressed gratitude for my testimony and thanked him for the opportunity to serve him with the young women.


In the morning while the others were eating, I read my scriptures about missionary work, and as I was reading and pondering, suddenly the thought came to me that I was a missionary to these young women, active or not, and that I had the responsibility to bear my testimony of the gospel to them so that they could be converted.


We left on our hike at 9. We first hiked up to a beautiful little meadow. From there after eating lunch, some of the group turned and went back to camp, but I decided to continue on. Despite my hunger and knowing that the most difficult part of the hike was ahead of me, I chose to stay the course. I walked at the head of the group, but as others went on ahead and others lagged behind, I found myself alone during the most grueling, rocky, hot part of the hike. I was praying often for strength (and wishing for wings). I thought this part of the hike was kind of symbolic of my life at the time...dry, difficult, challenging. To be honest, I wanted to give up and go back, but I pressed on. When I finally made it to the summit, the view was breathtaking! Even though I had seen it before, I was caught up in the beauty, as well as grateful for having made it. I was glad I had stuck it out. As the others came up, it grew noisy and dusty so I wandered off to sit by myself and ponder. It was truly an amazing, wonderful experience. I felt so peaceful and loved. I knew the Lord's hand was in my life.

It's so nice to come upon these insights from my past. It reminds me of all that I have to be thankful for. It reminds me that spirituality is a never ending quest on this earth, and sometimes everything seems green and wonderful (like the meadow). Other times, it feels like it takes all we have to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving upward. We occasionally slip and fall backward. There are many obstacles. However, the Lord is with us and is cheering us on each little step we make. Even if all we can accomplish one day is an inch, every inch counts!!

No Foundation

In class this week, I encountered a professor who, in the course of her teaching, asked the class to give examples of areas of science where scientists are working with incomplete evidence. I mentioned evolution as one of these areas, knowing that there are well-documented holes in evolution, and not really meaning it to be an indictment of evolution, but simply a statement of fact. This professor became downright hostile about "believers" who refused to accept evolution. Her tone of voice was not positive as she spoke about this segment of society. Also during her lecture, she had the same demeanor about "conservatives" and fundamentalists who questioned global warming. I actually believe there is merit to both theories. Nothing I have ever learned in a class room or a science lab has ever diminished my faith in God or the sure knowledge I have that 1) this world was created, though the means may yet be uncertain and 2) He is in charge of this world and the events that unfold...all things are part of his plan.

I found myself upset off and on throughout the day as I pondered her words, not so much in my own behalf as in behalf of my those in her class who may not be as strong in their faith. Later while reading my scriptures after praying, I turned to the section of Nephi where he is relating his father's dream about the tree of life, and specifically about the people in the great and spacious building that was filled with people mocking the believers and trying to turn them from their path. The building was floating in the air, and as I read those words, I heard the words: It's floating in the air because it has no foundation. She has no foundation, and has incomplete understanding. Instead of feeling angry, I felt sorry for her. Right away, my anger diminished. I also could see that the burdens she had in her life may have affected her viewpoint, and could be made so much easier to bear if she just understood the gospel and accepted it. I took great comfort in knowing that despite all the mistakes I make, I have a sure foundation in the gospel of Christ, and I'm really grateful for the knowledge and peace it gives me.

Prayer Works

The other day, Johnny was complaining to me that Kelly didn't like him. Loudly. A short time later, when he had calmed down, I reminded him of a family story about prayer.

When I was pregnant with Laine, they told me it was a girl, but since I've known several people to be surprised when the opposite gender child popped out at the end of nine months, I always told the children that the doctor said it was one sex, but it could be the other. We always selected names for both sexes. So when I was pregnant with Laine, I told Joe and Kelly that if we had a girl, the baby would be called Mary, and if it was a boy, the baby would be called Johnny. (I should probably explain that Laine's name is Mary Elaine, but we always intended to call her Laine as her nickname.) Laine was going to be our last baby...no more after her.

When I had Laine, Kelly came to visit at the hospital. At three years old, she always said what she thought. She thought Laine was really cute, and she was really happy to see her. She held her and sang to her and got really jealous when Erin held her. She told Joe to be careful when he was holding his new baby sister. Then when it was time to go home, she became very agitated. When I asked her what was wrong, she kept asking "What about Johnny?" I tried to explain to her that the baby could have been a boy or a girl, but we had a girl baby, and there was no boy baby. She was still upset and began to cry when we got into the car without Johnny. I finally calmed her down.

Yet everyday after that, anytime Kelly said a prayer, she prayed that Johnny would come to our family. She prayed that her little brother could be born. She asked that she could see her little brother and hold him. She asked at bedtime, and in the morning, and at meals. She asked in her prayers in her classes at church, too.

I was actively trying to prevent getting pregnant, not because I didn't want any more children, but because the stress in our home was enormous. Well, after about one year of Kelly's constant prayers, I found out that I was pregnant, and Johnny came into our family 21 months after Laine. Right from the start, Kelly was convinced that her little brother was the cutest little guy she had ever seen, except for bubba Joe. He was loved immediately by all of us!

Now when I told this story to Johnny, his countenance brightened. And now, when he's feeling upset with Kelly, I just remind him that she prayed him into our family, and she does love him.

Prayer works, my friends. Johnny is living proof.

Eternal Things

This week has been EFY at home - meaning that instead of the kids traveling to Utah or somewhere else, they stay here in Fresno and have the same program but sleep at home every night. There are classes, scripture study, singing, games, fun, dancing...they keep the kids so busy that they come home exhausted and happy. So from 9a to 9p, Joe and Kelly have been spending their time at the West Stake Center.

Dropping them off every day and picking them up every night is so much fun, mostly because I get to see our beautiful temple every day. The people who take care of the grounds of the temple do such an amazing job! And it lifts my heart to know the good work that takes place inside those well-loved walls. I think of all the people who work to make our small little temple so beautiful and pleasant, but mostly I am grateful to the Lord that he saw fit to give our area its own temple. I remember driving with the kids every week to the temple grounds as it was being built. I have a photo of the kids (Kelly and Joe) turning over a shovel-full of dirt for the temple. We would go to the temple every Sunday after church to see what progress had been made. I remember watching with Kelly, Joe, and Laine (who was just a baby) as the angel Moroni was put on the top of the spire. And I remember vividly the dedication of the temple, and seeing the prophet Gordon B Hinckley, the only prophet I had ever seen in person. I also remember visiting the temple grounds and doing sessions in the midst of one of the most difficult periods of my life, and the peace and love I felt there.

I'm looking forward to Laine turning twelve on July 5th. She will be old enough to visit the temple for the first time and do baptisms for the dead. Then I will be able to be within the walls of the temple with three of my children! (Well, four if Erin and Nick were closer!) I imagine how it will be when all four of the younger group can attend. I think of Erin and Nick getting sealed someday soon. I think of the blessings of doing temple work for our families, of which there is a LOT to do since I am the only member on my side of the family, and the kids' father's side has a lot to be done as well. The blessing of the gospel and the atonement of Christ is that we get to be together as a family eternally if we repent, endure to the end, and believe!

I attended the missionary farewell this last Tuesday. President and Sister Gonzales are going home, and they and several of the missionaries bore testimonies at the meeting. I was really touched by the last elder, who said that the atonement means everything to him, and to be able to share what Christ has done for all of us with the people in his mission area has meant the world. Really, all the things that we have going on in our lives, all the little frustrations and difficulties mean very little unless we let all these things improve our focus on Jesus and his atoning sacrifice. This is why the world was created...to bring all of God's children home to him.

I am so grateful for this knowledge, and the blessings of the gospel in my life. I love my Savior and I pray that he will help me become more like him. I also hope that he will touch the hearts of everyone I love and help them find their way to him. Have a truly wonderful day!

Love Notes

I've come to realize that God meant it when he said it is not good for man (or woman) to be alone, though I've learned a lot from my solitude the last six and a half years. And to be honest, I needed a little time on my own to heal from all that I had been through and to rest from the constant, frenzied pace of my life before. I try to pray for but not obsess over my desire for a companion, but loneliness does overtake me now and then. When I'm feeling lonely, I consciously take note of all the ways God tells me he loves me that day. Here are some things I noticed yesterday:

• My oldest daughter told me she loved me in the morning, even after I was grumpy to her!
• A beautiful sunrise, full of silver and pink and orange!
• My children standing on the sidewalk making "air hearts" when I dropped them off for school.
• A lovely patch of purple flowers "spotlighted" by God! (Literally all lit up!)
• A car engine that doesn't sound like a jet engine anymore.
• Watching a man at college saving a bee from being stepped on in the cool of the morning. (That really touched my heart for some reason.)
• The sweet taste of oranges and strawberries at lunch.
• No runny nose yesterday!
• A stunning sky and a nice breeze most of the day.
• Being able to hear my daughters practicing piano. (Please God, help me to always be able to afford to give them this gift!)
• 1 day closer to my degree.
• My son Johnny's giant smile when I picked him up after school yesterday.
• My children giggling and having imaginative conversations in their "Abby" and "Syrah" voices.
• Being surrounded by my children all giving me a group hug before they headed to their dads.
• Chipotle! (mmmm!)
• Coming home to a safe, secure home filled with love and peace, even when the kids weren't here.
• The peace I felt as I prayed and studied the scriptures.

I hope I live my life in such a way that He knows I love Him, every day!

Pi Day

Today was Pi day! Get it? 3.14.....

Joe made a shirt for Pi day (which I'm trying to get Kelly to take a photo of so that I can post it here. I don't have a digital camera). Have you ever heard my kids sing the Pi song? It's pretty funny. Joe has Pi memorized out to something like 25 digits, and I think Johnny has it memorized to about 12. For family home evening, we had -- guess what? -- pie for dessert! Sara Lee chocolate cream. Mmmm! Except I couldn't have any since I've given up desserts until Easter. Sigh.

Our lesson was on the Prodigal Son, which we really enjoyed. We talked about the atonement and how it makes us "at-one" with one another in addition to God if we let it. We sang "Families Can Be Together Forever" and since we're learning to conduct at the same time, we sang it twice. Johnny said I conduct like a girl, and he wouldn't do it that way, so I had to show him how to conduct like a boy.

We played Clue and I won. Sort of makes up for no dessert. But only sort of.