Ryan likes to read to Acadia out of the "Frog and Toad" books. Tonight as he was reading to her before bed, she was drawing pictures of the things she had done today.
Ryan reads, "Mr. Toad sat up in bed and began to write a list." Ryan then stops reading for a moment, looks at Cadi sitting in bed and writing (or drawing) a list of things she did today.
He said, "Cadi, you're being like Mr. Toad!" She was even sitting cross-legged, which could be seen to look like froggie legs.
Very cute moment.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
My First Real Test
Last night was mutual. We took the youth to the temple, walked around in small groups and talked about it. In my class there is one girl who is new to church and doesn't know much at all about it. I had the other girls tell her what the temple is for, what we do there, how they feel. It was good. Afterwards there was a devotional where we were challenged to "Aspire to something higher." It was a really good evening.
However, one of my girls was having a rough day. A few months ago, she injured herself playing soccer. Her arm has been in a cast, and more recently in a brace. She had been hopeful that it would be healed by now. Yesterday she went to the doctor's office and they learned that there is still a problem. They don't know why it isn't healed, but it looks like this is going to last until the end of summer or even fall.
This would be discouraging enough but to make it even more difficult, soccer tryouts are coming up and this soccer loving girl isn't even going to get on the team this year. (She already missed the end of last season.) As you can imagine, this along with other annoyances that come with having your right arm (she is right-handed) injured and facing another 6 months of healing, was just too much for her to take.
She had put on a brave face but later as we had some quiet time at the temple, she became tearful. I held her as she cried and offered lame phrases of comfort, "It's not fair. I'm so sorry. Life stinks sometimes.", etc. After a moment, I took the other girls to walk some more and let her have some time alone.
I wanted to really talk to her and tell her that I knew Heavenly Father cared about her and her arm. I wanted to tell her that I know she is a strong person and I can see that this trial could be an opportunity for things we don't know about yet. But there were other girls around and I'm not sure that she was ready for that part yet anyways. Right now she was just sad and needed to let that out.
I am going to call when she gets home from school today to invite her out for ice cream tomorrow. I'd like to talk to her and see how she's doing after a couple of days letting it all sink in. If it feels appropriate I'll try to express some of those things then.
From the very first day of receiving this calling, to work with 14 and 15 year old girls, I've worried about finding away to build a relationship with each of them. I don't know what to talk about when I'm with them. I know they consider me old (and I guess to them I am). I don't know if they want to talk to me at all. Sometimes I feel like I'm failing miserably. So I don't want to mess this up. I hope that she feels comfortable with me. I hope I can show love for her without it being awkward.
How do you do that? How do you find the balance? I want to be someone who she will trust and who she knows loves her. But I also need to be her leader. I don't think it's wrong to have a friendship with the girls, but it is important that they respect me as their advisor. I can't be on the same level they are. I think they should see me as a source of spiritual guidance.
But how? I guess I better figure it out by tomorrow!
However, one of my girls was having a rough day. A few months ago, she injured herself playing soccer. Her arm has been in a cast, and more recently in a brace. She had been hopeful that it would be healed by now. Yesterday she went to the doctor's office and they learned that there is still a problem. They don't know why it isn't healed, but it looks like this is going to last until the end of summer or even fall.
This would be discouraging enough but to make it even more difficult, soccer tryouts are coming up and this soccer loving girl isn't even going to get on the team this year. (She already missed the end of last season.) As you can imagine, this along with other annoyances that come with having your right arm (she is right-handed) injured and facing another 6 months of healing, was just too much for her to take.
She had put on a brave face but later as we had some quiet time at the temple, she became tearful. I held her as she cried and offered lame phrases of comfort, "It's not fair. I'm so sorry. Life stinks sometimes.", etc. After a moment, I took the other girls to walk some more and let her have some time alone.
I wanted to really talk to her and tell her that I knew Heavenly Father cared about her and her arm. I wanted to tell her that I know she is a strong person and I can see that this trial could be an opportunity for things we don't know about yet. But there were other girls around and I'm not sure that she was ready for that part yet anyways. Right now she was just sad and needed to let that out.
I am going to call when she gets home from school today to invite her out for ice cream tomorrow. I'd like to talk to her and see how she's doing after a couple of days letting it all sink in. If it feels appropriate I'll try to express some of those things then.
From the very first day of receiving this calling, to work with 14 and 15 year old girls, I've worried about finding away to build a relationship with each of them. I don't know what to talk about when I'm with them. I know they consider me old (and I guess to them I am). I don't know if they want to talk to me at all. Sometimes I feel like I'm failing miserably. So I don't want to mess this up. I hope that she feels comfortable with me. I hope I can show love for her without it being awkward.
How do you do that? How do you find the balance? I want to be someone who she will trust and who she knows loves her. But I also need to be her leader. I don't think it's wrong to have a friendship with the girls, but it is important that they respect me as their advisor. I can't be on the same level they are. I think they should see me as a source of spiritual guidance.
But how? I guess I better figure it out by tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 8, 2005
The Day After Tomorrow
Ryan and I just watched "The Day After Tomorrow", a kind of cheesy end-of-the-world movie.
As soon as it ended, we were flipping channels and quickly noticed that all the stations had the same thing on. Just about an hour ago, Mt. St. Helens had an earthquake, not real big - only 2.0. But after the quake, a very large plume of ash shot up out of the mountain. The plume rose straight up 36,000 ft!
The plume and ash are now blowing to the Northeast. There is no sign of it affecting Vancouver or Portland at all. They aren't overly concerned about it. We've had regular earthquakes up there and minor erruptions for the past few months.
For us it was a little exciting because of the timing. Turn off a movie where half the world freezes over to see breaking news in our backyard. We're really bummed we weren't outside where we could see it though. It's been a beautiful, clear day - it would have been quite a sight!
As soon as it ended, we were flipping channels and quickly noticed that all the stations had the same thing on. Just about an hour ago, Mt. St. Helens had an earthquake, not real big - only 2.0. But after the quake, a very large plume of ash shot up out of the mountain. The plume rose straight up 36,000 ft!
The plume and ash are now blowing to the Northeast. There is no sign of it affecting Vancouver or Portland at all. They aren't overly concerned about it. We've had regular earthquakes up there and minor erruptions for the past few months.
For us it was a little exciting because of the timing. Turn off a movie where half the world freezes over to see breaking news in our backyard. We're really bummed we weren't outside where we could see it though. It's been a beautiful, clear day - it would have been quite a sight!
Monday, March 7, 2005
Make new friends, but keep the old... one is silver and the other gold.
Last night the Reamers came over for dinner and we had a BLAST! They are lots of fun and all night we both kept saying how scary it was that we are so much alike. Just little things that would come up in the conversation. We did talk some about the church. Things like the "missions of the church", which led into temples.
The girls got along great too! And I mean REALLY WELL! As well as Cadi's gotten along with any other kids over here. This is especially surprising because Rebecca's two years younger than Cadi. I was afraid that Cadi would get bored with what Rebecca wanted to play, but nope - they had so much fun together!
I'm going to invite Jessica to Enrichment this week. Although, I know she works and I'm not sure if she gets back in time, so we'll see. I hope it works out. But we do know that we've made some friends and we're planning on getting together again soon. :thumb:
I just got a call from Beckie. She and Jack are inviting us to have dinner with them and the missionaries tonight. BBQ hotdogs and hamburgers. Yum! We're there! I told Beckie that Acadia has the lesson tonight for FHE and asked if she can share it with them. Of course she said yes.
The Williams are becoming more and more like adopted grandparents for her. Beckie watches Cadi everyother week for me while I have mutual (on the Wednesday's Ryan works). They also have Cadi come spend the night sometimes. I'm glad that they have such a neat relationship since Beckie and Jack are our best friends here.
Monday's Mutterings:
The girls got along great too! And I mean REALLY WELL! As well as Cadi's gotten along with any other kids over here. This is especially surprising because Rebecca's two years younger than Cadi. I was afraid that Cadi would get bored with what Rebecca wanted to play, but nope - they had so much fun together!
I'm going to invite Jessica to Enrichment this week. Although, I know she works and I'm not sure if she gets back in time, so we'll see. I hope it works out. But we do know that we've made some friends and we're planning on getting together again soon. :thumb:
I just got a call from Beckie. She and Jack are inviting us to have dinner with them and the missionaries tonight. BBQ hotdogs and hamburgers. Yum! We're there! I told Beckie that Acadia has the lesson tonight for FHE and asked if she can share it with them. Of course she said yes.
The Williams are becoming more and more like adopted grandparents for her. Beckie watches Cadi everyother week for me while I have mutual (on the Wednesday's Ryan works). They also have Cadi come spend the night sometimes. I'm glad that they have such a neat relationship since Beckie and Jack are our best friends here.
Monday's Mutterings:
- Usher:: Wedding
- Cherish:: Value
- Mistreat:: Abuse
- Forum:: Discussion
- Systematic:: Orderly
- Warning:: Signal
- Wash:: and wear
- I wish:: I may, I wish I might
- Candles:: PartyLite
- Metallic:: SU! pencils
Saturday, March 5, 2005
How Great Shall Be Your Joy
Last night was a ward activity. We had dinner - hotdogs, baked beans, chips and corn bread. And there was sack races, square dancing, and line dancing. There was a good turnout and it was very fun!
I wish I had taken my camera! When we got up to square dance, Emily Davies (one of my Mia Maids) called out at me to "Look!". Acadia and Emily's little brother, Garret had coupled up and were walking around with arms linked. SO CUTE!!! They square danced with us, complete with Dosidos and Promenades (sp?). As a mother I have to put in my two cents that I like Garret! He is cute, being raised in the Gospel, a sweet boy and as much of a gentleman that you'll see in a 5 year old. And I like his mom! (She's the YW president.)
After square dancing was over, the line dancing started. We were about to join in when I noticed a family walk in that I didn't know. They seemed to match the description of the family we are to "escort". The missionaries had already left so I walked up to them and bluntly asked if they were the Reamer family. Why, yes they were! So I introduced myself and Ryan. We helped them get some food and watched as their daughter, Rebecca quickly joined the other kids playing out on the floor.
We had a great time visiting! Ryan and James work in the same field and even work with one another at Intel. They had never met, but their work impacts the other daily. They are even on the same work schedule. Jessica and I talked about all sorts of things. Where we're from, our families, stuff like that. When I asked if they were planning on coming to church, the discussion became more spiritual. She shared with me her honest thoughts and concerns about the church.
It started out with little things like the classroom walls were white. She felt that the primary classes should have classrooms more fun. When I explained that the classrooms get used for several purposes, she better understood why things are fairly plain. I told her that most teachers do bring props, pictures, flowers, etc to help "liven up" the classrooms.
Eventually we were talking about real concerns. Some of which even us long-time members feel. Like the misconception that everyone at church is so pure and "I" have made so many mistakes. I hope that I assured her that we are all human, we all make mistakes. Every one of us has something(s) in our past we wish we could change. We usually don't call attention to it, though some will share their experience to help others learn from their mistakes. And we don't judge one another. We are all striving to be the best we can be, but not one of us has reached perfection! Thank goodness for repentance!
We had to end our conversation while in the middle of discussing her concerns about Joseph Smith. She was interested about Ryan's conversion and if he had a hard time accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet. Ryan shared with her his feelings of relief. He had been wondering why God's church used to have prophets, but that there weren't any prophets today. When he learned there were, it made sense to him. I told her that the only way any of us can know if it is true is to pray. None of us were there. There is no video of the actual event. No proof beyond the witness of the Holy Ghost. So we each need to read the account, what Joseph Smith claims to have experienced and then we need to pray. It's the only way any of us can know for ourselves. I told her I had done that and I have a testimony of it. I believe he is a prophet.
She told me when we were leaving that she had never felt as comfortable talking to anyone about Mormonism before. She said I seem "real" to her. I am glad she feels comfortable discussing these things with us. I told her and James that I don't like to be pushy about things. I believe in giving people information, answering questions, and then allowing them to make up their own minds. I bore my testimony that for me, I know the church is true. I've prayed about it, I've read the scriptures, and I know for myself. But I don't expect anyone to make their decisions based on my beliefs. I believe we all need to find out for ourselves, then live according to our beliefs and respect eachother's decisions.
At the end of the night, they had accepted an invitation to have dinner at our house Sunday night. I hope we can continue discussing the things on their minds. If they would rather not, that's okay. We'll respect that.
I called the Sisters as soon as we got home to tell them the Reamers had arrived just after they had left. They were so bummed they had missed them! But so glad they came and we saw them right away. They were thrilled to hear we were having them over for dinner Sunday. They were so grateful to hear we had already begun discussing the Gospel and that they seem to feel comfortable being open with us. They said that choosing us as the "escort" family had been an answer to prayers.
There is very little that can make you feel as good as knowing the Lord is working through you to help one (or a whole family) of His children draw closer to Him. I know I'm not perfect and I'm not worthy of having such blessings in my life. But I am sure grateful nonetheless!
I wish I had taken my camera! When we got up to square dance, Emily Davies (one of my Mia Maids) called out at me to "Look!". Acadia and Emily's little brother, Garret had coupled up and were walking around with arms linked. SO CUTE!!! They square danced with us, complete with Dosidos and Promenades (sp?). As a mother I have to put in my two cents that I like Garret! He is cute, being raised in the Gospel, a sweet boy and as much of a gentleman that you'll see in a 5 year old. And I like his mom! (She's the YW president.)
After square dancing was over, the line dancing started. We were about to join in when I noticed a family walk in that I didn't know. They seemed to match the description of the family we are to "escort". The missionaries had already left so I walked up to them and bluntly asked if they were the Reamer family. Why, yes they were! So I introduced myself and Ryan. We helped them get some food and watched as their daughter, Rebecca quickly joined the other kids playing out on the floor.
We had a great time visiting! Ryan and James work in the same field and even work with one another at Intel. They had never met, but their work impacts the other daily. They are even on the same work schedule. Jessica and I talked about all sorts of things. Where we're from, our families, stuff like that. When I asked if they were planning on coming to church, the discussion became more spiritual. She shared with me her honest thoughts and concerns about the church.
It started out with little things like the classroom walls were white. She felt that the primary classes should have classrooms more fun. When I explained that the classrooms get used for several purposes, she better understood why things are fairly plain. I told her that most teachers do bring props, pictures, flowers, etc to help "liven up" the classrooms.
Eventually we were talking about real concerns. Some of which even us long-time members feel. Like the misconception that everyone at church is so pure and "I" have made so many mistakes. I hope that I assured her that we are all human, we all make mistakes. Every one of us has something(s) in our past we wish we could change. We usually don't call attention to it, though some will share their experience to help others learn from their mistakes. And we don't judge one another. We are all striving to be the best we can be, but not one of us has reached perfection! Thank goodness for repentance!
We had to end our conversation while in the middle of discussing her concerns about Joseph Smith. She was interested about Ryan's conversion and if he had a hard time accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet. Ryan shared with her his feelings of relief. He had been wondering why God's church used to have prophets, but that there weren't any prophets today. When he learned there were, it made sense to him. I told her that the only way any of us can know if it is true is to pray. None of us were there. There is no video of the actual event. No proof beyond the witness of the Holy Ghost. So we each need to read the account, what Joseph Smith claims to have experienced and then we need to pray. It's the only way any of us can know for ourselves. I told her I had done that and I have a testimony of it. I believe he is a prophet.
She told me when we were leaving that she had never felt as comfortable talking to anyone about Mormonism before. She said I seem "real" to her. I am glad she feels comfortable discussing these things with us. I told her and James that I don't like to be pushy about things. I believe in giving people information, answering questions, and then allowing them to make up their own minds. I bore my testimony that for me, I know the church is true. I've prayed about it, I've read the scriptures, and I know for myself. But I don't expect anyone to make their decisions based on my beliefs. I believe we all need to find out for ourselves, then live according to our beliefs and respect eachother's decisions.
At the end of the night, they had accepted an invitation to have dinner at our house Sunday night. I hope we can continue discussing the things on their minds. If they would rather not, that's okay. We'll respect that.
I called the Sisters as soon as we got home to tell them the Reamers had arrived just after they had left. They were so bummed they had missed them! But so glad they came and we saw them right away. They were thrilled to hear we were having them over for dinner Sunday. They were so grateful to hear we had already begun discussing the Gospel and that they seem to feel comfortable being open with us. They said that choosing us as the "escort" family had been an answer to prayers.
There is very little that can make you feel as good as knowing the Lord is working through you to help one (or a whole family) of His children draw closer to Him. I know I'm not perfect and I'm not worthy of having such blessings in my life. But I am sure grateful nonetheless!
Friday, March 4, 2005
How you know when you've had a good workout.
Today I hit the gym...finally! It was the first time this week - and it's Friday! Eeks. Well, it's been crazy for me lately. Being sick, then catching up from being sick, plus regular stuff - life happens.
But I am realizing that I probably won't be at the gym every morning. I can accept that. I just need to adjust my workout schedule. I liked alternating upper body one day, lower body the next. Except that I like working the lower body best, so I always start with that. Then if I miss a day, I start with lower body again! For the last couple of weeks, I've only done lower body! :lol:
So, today I decided I just need to do the whole body every time I go. And my arms were in shock when I picked up those weights! Now I'm starting to feel them and my abs. I like it when you can feel the workout afterwards. It makes me feel good about going to the gym. As long as it's not painful - I don't think I went that far today. Just far enough. :thumb:
But I am realizing that I probably won't be at the gym every morning. I can accept that. I just need to adjust my workout schedule. I liked alternating upper body one day, lower body the next. Except that I like working the lower body best, so I always start with that. Then if I miss a day, I start with lower body again! For the last couple of weeks, I've only done lower body! :lol:
So, today I decided I just need to do the whole body every time I go. And my arms were in shock when I picked up those weights! Now I'm starting to feel them and my abs. I like it when you can feel the workout afterwards. It makes me feel good about going to the gym. As long as it's not painful - I don't think I went that far today. Just far enough. :thumb:
From 1 to 5
Another Friday Five
1 thing that's on your mind right now
I need to make a phone call
2 songs you like
Bright Lights
I Think I Love You
3 things that make you angry
Dishonesty
Dishonesty
Dishonesty
4 things that make you happy
The Gospel
My family
Beautiful views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood
Friends
5 people who have made a big impact on your life
My mom
My best friends during my teenage years: Barbie and Heather
Ryan, DUH!
Acadia
1 thing that's on your mind right now
I need to make a phone call
2 songs you like
Bright Lights
I Think I Love You
3 things that make you angry
Dishonesty
Dishonesty
Dishonesty
4 things that make you happy
The Gospel
My family
Beautiful views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood
Friends
5 people who have made a big impact on your life
My mom
My best friends during my teenage years: Barbie and Heather
Ryan, DUH!
Acadia
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