When my mom was in college, she and her roomates had this "deal". Whenever you kissed a guy for the first time you had to buy everyone ice cream. Some of my siblings have kept on the tradition.
No, I do not owe because of a first kiss (Ryan paid that years ago, I believe). But I do owe A., one of my Mia Maids ice cream tomorrow.
Two weeks ago I asked her to come to church with me (like I do every week) and she said no (like she does every week). I had asked her several times why she didn't want to come, she doesn't really have a reason. We've talked about how she doesn't understand alot of what is going on but how if she starts coming, she will start to. But week after week she says she doesn't want to come.
This particular week (2 weeks ago) I decided to start the bribes. I told her if she would come to church I would take her to ice cream the next day. She said she would, but then didn't show (even after I called in the morning to make sure she got up and ready!).
Last night I called again, to see if she would come with me. She said no. Today when Sacrament meeting was over Ryan said to me, "Did you see that L. is here?" (A's mom) I looked back... AND A. WAS WITH HER!!! I practically jumped the pews to get back to her! (Okay, not really. But I got to her as soon as I possibly could.) I gave her a huge hug and told her that she just made my entire week! They told me that they didn't tell me because they wanted to surprise me. It worked!
So to keep my promise, I am taking her to ice cream tomorrow. After church I asked if she will come again next week and she said yes. I hope and pray she does. She is going with the young women to girl's camp this week. It could be a wonderful experience for her.
I know I shouldn't get my hopes up too much, not yet at least. But I am really hoping this is a turning point for her.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Going, Going, Gone
We are back down to 2 cars. Last night we sold the Pontiac Bonneville to our friends/neighbors. We are always nervous about doing "business" with friends. But this time we aren't concerned. The friend is a mechanic and great with cars. He checked it over really well.
Before we bought the Odyssey, we had no real concerns about the Bonnie. It was a very reliable car for us and we didn't have very many problems at all. Though, we were well aware that it is now 10 years old and has LOTS of miles on it. We were still planning on taking it up to Canada next month - at least until we bought the minivan. Now having the Odyssey we are already spoiled to the point where we wouldn't want to drive the Bonnie on anymore road trips. We have already forgotten how much we did trust the Bonnie just a couple of months ago!
So as we've approached selling it, we made sure to emphasize how old that car is! We've told everyone how it has been a great, reliable car for us but we don't know how long that will last. Now that we've sold it and have heard the confidence that our friend has in it (after he drove it and checked it out) we remember, Oh yeah. It was a great car. And it is still pretty reliable.
We also told our friends what we attribute to the success of our vehicles (paying tithing and praying for their good running daily) - I'm serious! We don't doubt that we have been blessed with few car problems because of those two things. Try it, it works.
Before we bought the Odyssey, we had no real concerns about the Bonnie. It was a very reliable car for us and we didn't have very many problems at all. Though, we were well aware that it is now 10 years old and has LOTS of miles on it. We were still planning on taking it up to Canada next month - at least until we bought the minivan. Now having the Odyssey we are already spoiled to the point where we wouldn't want to drive the Bonnie on anymore road trips. We have already forgotten how much we did trust the Bonnie just a couple of months ago!
So as we've approached selling it, we made sure to emphasize how old that car is! We've told everyone how it has been a great, reliable car for us but we don't know how long that will last. Now that we've sold it and have heard the confidence that our friend has in it (after he drove it and checked it out) we remember, Oh yeah. It was a great car. And it is still pretty reliable.
We also told our friends what we attribute to the success of our vehicles (paying tithing and praying for their good running daily) - I'm serious! We don't doubt that we have been blessed with few car problems because of those two things. Try it, it works.
Friday, July 29, 2005
The Price is Right
One half-hour horse riding lesson a week for four weeks: $60
Gas to and from riding lessons: $4.66 (per day)
Bottle of water to drink after riding in the sun: $1.25
Happy Meal for dinner grabbed on the way home: $3.69
Seeing her sit in the saddle and love every minute of it: Priceless
This is Sugar. We don't know if she will get to ride Sugar every week or if it will be a different horse each time. Sugar was a great horse to ride, very gentle, easy to guide, and very soft!
Gas to and from riding lessons: $4.66 (per day)
Bottle of water to drink after riding in the sun: $1.25
Happy Meal for dinner grabbed on the way home: $3.69
Seeing her sit in the saddle and love every minute of it: Priceless
This is Sugar. We don't know if she will get to ride Sugar every week or if it will be a different horse each time. Sugar was a great horse to ride, very gentle, easy to guide, and very soft!
A mother's job is never done.
1. What was your first job?
Besides babysitting and besides cleaning houses for a couple of families at church, my first real taxes-withheld-paying job was working at Brooks Clothing and Outlet Store in Florin Mall. I liked it because they had really cute clothes and I got a discount! I didn't like it because they had really cute clothes and I got a discount = I didn't really take home much $$$. Took home some really cute outfits though!
2. How much did you make?
I'm sure I started at minimum wage. I think that was about $6.50/hour at that time.
3. Describe your least favorite co-worker of all time.
I have blocked it out of memory! lol, Really I can't think of anyone. The only thing I can think of was when I worked at Gymboree. That is the least favorite job I've ever had and so that is probably why I didn't like the people very much either. They had TONS of role-playing meetings, quotas, scripted sales pitches - it was NOT ME! The manager was constantly telling me to role-play with her using the scripted lines and I hated it!
4. What is your dream job?
Now or then? Well, honestly I guess the answer is the same for either. I have always wanted to be a killer whale and dolphin trainer. Seriously. And I think I would have pursued it if I hadn't chosen to marry and have a family instead. I am glad I made that choice (ie. stay at home while raising Acadia) and wouldn't change it for the world - not even killer whales. But whale training still keeps the title "dream job".
5. What do you currently do and do you like it?
Uh, I think I answered that in the last question.
But to clarify... I stay at home. No, not eating Bon Bons and watching soap operas. Not on the phone gossiping about the neighborhood real life "desperate housewives". Not sleeping in all day. Not even (despite popular belief and apparent evidence otherwise) sitting on the computer "surfing the net" or blogging all day. (Though I do make sure to squeeze it in, usually daily.)
I am a stay at home MOM. And that means I work like a dog all day long. It means I get no sick days, vacation time, or even holidays. There are no breaks, not even for lunch. I get no over-time pay and don't even think about double-time! I work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and my work will never be done until the day I die.
I don't think anyone who isn't a mom can understand that fully. Not until they are one. And guys never will. They think they do when they become dads, but they are only seeing part of it.
That is just they way it is. But I am glad to be a mom, and especially an at-home-mom. While there aren't breaks, OT, or holidays, there ARE amazing benefits. Kisses and snuggles from the cutest girl on the planet. Handmade drawings of just her and I encircled with hearts and "X"s and "O"s. Hearing everyone (even strangers) say, "You look just like your mom!" And even better, hearing her say, "I want to be just like my mom when I grow up." What job could possible be better than mine?
Besides babysitting and besides cleaning houses for a couple of families at church, my first real taxes-withheld-paying job was working at Brooks Clothing and Outlet Store in Florin Mall. I liked it because they had really cute clothes and I got a discount! I didn't like it because they had really cute clothes and I got a discount = I didn't really take home much $$$. Took home some really cute outfits though!
2. How much did you make?
I'm sure I started at minimum wage. I think that was about $6.50/hour at that time.
3. Describe your least favorite co-worker of all time.
I have blocked it out of memory! lol, Really I can't think of anyone. The only thing I can think of was when I worked at Gymboree. That is the least favorite job I've ever had and so that is probably why I didn't like the people very much either. They had TONS of role-playing meetings, quotas, scripted sales pitches - it was NOT ME! The manager was constantly telling me to role-play with her using the scripted lines and I hated it!
4. What is your dream job?
Now or then? Well, honestly I guess the answer is the same for either. I have always wanted to be a killer whale and dolphin trainer. Seriously. And I think I would have pursued it if I hadn't chosen to marry and have a family instead. I am glad I made that choice (ie. stay at home while raising Acadia) and wouldn't change it for the world - not even killer whales. But whale training still keeps the title "dream job".
5. What do you currently do and do you like it?
Uh, I think I answered that in the last question.
But to clarify... I stay at home. No, not eating Bon Bons and watching soap operas. Not on the phone gossiping about the neighborhood real life "desperate housewives". Not sleeping in all day. Not even (despite popular belief and apparent evidence otherwise) sitting on the computer "surfing the net" or blogging all day. (Though I do make sure to squeeze it in, usually daily.)
I am a stay at home MOM. And that means I work like a dog all day long. It means I get no sick days, vacation time, or even holidays. There are no breaks, not even for lunch. I get no over-time pay and don't even think about double-time! I work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and my work will never be done until the day I die.
I don't think anyone who isn't a mom can understand that fully. Not until they are one. And guys never will. They think they do when they become dads, but they are only seeing part of it.
That is just they way it is. But I am glad to be a mom, and especially an at-home-mom. While there aren't breaks, OT, or holidays, there ARE amazing benefits. Kisses and snuggles from the cutest girl on the planet. Handmade drawings of just her and I encircled with hearts and "X"s and "O"s. Hearing everyone (even strangers) say, "You look just like your mom!" And even better, hearing her say, "I want to be just like my mom when I grow up." What job could possible be better than mine?
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
No Rest For the Weary
And it's over... TA DA!!! And with only one day's rest in between, I was back in YW presidency meeting discussing Girls Camp and our SLC trip. lol I have been assigned to arrange the rides for the girls to and from camp since our YW president is going to be out of town. No biggie, I'm already almost done getting drivers.
With this 99 day challenge, I have had so many thoughts in my mind. I don't know that I could acurately express them. I am watching the youth participate - and some not participate. I see the blessings that are coming to those who are - small, simple things, and I see the difference between them and those who are not reading. Isn't it amazing how much words on a page can affect us and literally change our life? If someone were to say that ink on paper could have that power, it would sound absurd. Yet it is true.
I feel the influence of this challenge in my life. The thing that surprises me is that I've been pretty good about reading - even before the challenge. And we've been good at reading as a family as well as Ryan and I reading together each night. But this challenge is influencing me even more. I can't describe it. All I can say is that my testimony of the scriptures is growing. I am feeling a power come from this actvity/program/challenge - whatever you want to call it. I don't know why this experience is affecting me so much more than my regular readings were before. Maybe because we are doing it as a group, with a common goal and purpose? Maybe because as I pray and read, I am praying that my girls will pray and read too? I suppose it doesn't matter why. All that matter is that I take this experience, take these feelings, take this testimony and continue on reading, feeling, and growing.
With this 99 day challenge, I have had so many thoughts in my mind. I don't know that I could acurately express them. I am watching the youth participate - and some not participate. I see the blessings that are coming to those who are - small, simple things, and I see the difference between them and those who are not reading. Isn't it amazing how much words on a page can affect us and literally change our life? If someone were to say that ink on paper could have that power, it would sound absurd. Yet it is true.
I feel the influence of this challenge in my life. The thing that surprises me is that I've been pretty good about reading - even before the challenge. And we've been good at reading as a family as well as Ryan and I reading together each night. But this challenge is influencing me even more. I can't describe it. All I can say is that my testimony of the scriptures is growing. I am feeling a power come from this actvity/program/challenge - whatever you want to call it. I don't know why this experience is affecting me so much more than my regular readings were before. Maybe because we are doing it as a group, with a common goal and purpose? Maybe because as I pray and read, I am praying that my girls will pray and read too? I suppose it doesn't matter why. All that matter is that I take this experience, take these feelings, take this testimony and continue on reading, feeling, and growing.
Monday, July 25, 2005
The perfect end to a great weekend.
Last night was great. We went to the fireside that concluded the Dance Festival activities.
Before it started, me, our YW president and our YM president went up to talk with Sister Dalton. We introduced ourselves and told her about our 99 day Book of Mormon challenge. We showed her the booklet we made, pointed out where she was quoted in it, and gave it to her. Then we told her that we will be finishing the final chapters in SLC when we take the kids for General Conference. She was so excited to hear that and invited us to take a tour of the Relief Society building when we’re there. She gave us her number and got our YW president’s e-mail address. She told us she will join us in the 99 day challenge and would treasure the booklet! Then we introduced her to some of the youth in our ward who were taking the challenge. She hugged them and spoke with them for a few minutes.
The fireside was awesome! The spirit was very strong. The BYU dance team director talked first, then four of the BYU dancers. They all sincerely expressed how amazed they were with the youth. Here we were, all this weekend just watching these BYU dancers, admiring them and it turns out the whole time, they were doing the same with our youth! The director told us she had been to hundreds of dance festivals, but none had ever impressed and touched her so much as ours! They all told how their testimonies had been strengthened, especially of Joseph Smith as this festival was in celebration of the 200 anniversary of his birth.
Then 8 youth were chosen to bear their testimonies. That was powerful. This festival has changed lives, starting with our own. These youth developed a greater understanding of Joseph Smith during their workshops. They have felt the spirit as they performed, bearing testimony through dance. They have seen the miracle of what was said “could not be done”, done – and done beautifully. And they will treasure this weekend.
We also heard from Sister Dalton. She told the youth she will be returning to SLC a better person than she was when she left – because of this dance festival. Her testimony of the pioneers was strengthened as she watched the performance dedicated to the pioneers. She told the youth that she felt the spirit of those pioneers there during their performance.
One thing I didn’t mention before… We all received wristbands. You know, the ones that are so popular now. Ours are white and say “Choose Light”. When you go in the sun, it turns yellow. Sister Dalton was given one too. She told the youth that she would never forget them and this weekend. She said that she will wear her wristband to help her remember. And she told them that when she speaks in General Conference, not to be surprised if she casually puts her elbow on the podium, bringing her hand towards her face so we could see her wristband still on her wrist. And that would be a sign to us that she was thinking of us.
Afterwards, most of the youth signed a poster (with the logo of our dance festival) which will be given to President Hinckley. As we drove home, I asked the youth what they thought. They really liked the fireside. They especially love those BYU dancers! They love that the dancers called them their friends and seemed to get as much from the youth as the youth had gotten from them. This whole experience has been wonderful, and we're a little sad to see it come to an end. But all good things do.. and before we had gotten home (the drive was about an hour, the fireside was in Longview), they were already starting to talk about Girl's Camp which will be in one week. Ya gotta love teenagers!
Before it started, me, our YW president and our YM president went up to talk with Sister Dalton. We introduced ourselves and told her about our 99 day Book of Mormon challenge. We showed her the booklet we made, pointed out where she was quoted in it, and gave it to her. Then we told her that we will be finishing the final chapters in SLC when we take the kids for General Conference. She was so excited to hear that and invited us to take a tour of the Relief Society building when we’re there. She gave us her number and got our YW president’s e-mail address. She told us she will join us in the 99 day challenge and would treasure the booklet! Then we introduced her to some of the youth in our ward who were taking the challenge. She hugged them and spoke with them for a few minutes.
The fireside was awesome! The spirit was very strong. The BYU dance team director talked first, then four of the BYU dancers. They all sincerely expressed how amazed they were with the youth. Here we were, all this weekend just watching these BYU dancers, admiring them and it turns out the whole time, they were doing the same with our youth! The director told us she had been to hundreds of dance festivals, but none had ever impressed and touched her so much as ours! They all told how their testimonies had been strengthened, especially of Joseph Smith as this festival was in celebration of the 200 anniversary of his birth.
Then 8 youth were chosen to bear their testimonies. That was powerful. This festival has changed lives, starting with our own. These youth developed a greater understanding of Joseph Smith during their workshops. They have felt the spirit as they performed, bearing testimony through dance. They have seen the miracle of what was said “could not be done”, done – and done beautifully. And they will treasure this weekend.
We also heard from Sister Dalton. She told the youth she will be returning to SLC a better person than she was when she left – because of this dance festival. Her testimony of the pioneers was strengthened as she watched the performance dedicated to the pioneers. She told the youth that she felt the spirit of those pioneers there during their performance.
One thing I didn’t mention before… We all received wristbands. You know, the ones that are so popular now. Ours are white and say “Choose Light”. When you go in the sun, it turns yellow. Sister Dalton was given one too. She told the youth that she would never forget them and this weekend. She said that she will wear her wristband to help her remember. And she told them that when she speaks in General Conference, not to be surprised if she casually puts her elbow on the podium, bringing her hand towards her face so we could see her wristband still on her wrist. And that would be a sign to us that she was thinking of us.
Afterwards, most of the youth signed a poster (with the logo of our dance festival) which will be given to President Hinckley. As we drove home, I asked the youth what they thought. They really liked the fireside. They especially love those BYU dancers! They love that the dancers called them their friends and seemed to get as much from the youth as the youth had gotten from them. This whole experience has been wonderful, and we're a little sad to see it come to an end. But all good things do.. and before we had gotten home (the drive was about an hour, the fireside was in Longview), they were already starting to talk about Girl's Camp which will be in one week. Ya gotta love teenagers!
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Dance Festival 2005
What an experience!
Dance festival was amazing! And honestly there simply aren't words to describe it. It consisted of a three day conference with the youth, most of which was rehearsals. But there were also workshops with the BYU dancers and some devotionals.
Those youth worked hard! They worked, sweated, danced, played, and it was not easy! I was fortunate to be there all of Thursday, most of Friday and all of Saturday. We are all sunburnt! But it was worth it! And I've got pictures!
Tech Rehearsal, American Tribute:
Cadi with me at the Tech Rehearsal:
The Day of the Performance!!! Waiting to start Dress Rehearsal:
Elder Nash, our area authority gave an opening devotional before the Dress Rehearsal. He talked about what we need to live spiritually.
Two of my girls they were lining up to start the Dress Rehearsal:
Beehives and Mia Maid in their costumes waiting in bleachers behind the field while the Laurels/Priests dance:
Dress Rehearsal Grand Finale:
Sister Elaine Dalton of the General YW Presidency giving a devotional at the end of their Dress Rehearsal. She had just come from being with the prophet the night before during his birthday celebration. She bore witness that he is a prophet of God. She was so very impressed with the youth and their performance in the dress rehearsal! She immediately called President Hinckley and spoke to him about them and what they are doing. She told him that there is a DVD being made and he asked her to show him a copy of it. He said he wanted to see these kids dance! We told the youth this right before their first performance. We told them that when they dance out there, it wasn't going to just be for the people in the stands. They would be dancing for the prophet too! They errupted into huge cheers and applause!!!
I watched the first performance in the stands, here is the Israeli dance (my girls!):
BYU dancers:
Grand Finale:
We were all so tired!!! This was a common sight after the first performance, during lunch:
During the second performance, I took my turn backstage. We had so much to do! We had to make sure flags and ribbons were given out and collected, got kids in costumes, helped them get lined up for the next number, touched up hair and make up, even mended costumes! When we were finally on the Grane Finale, "Get Your Shine On", all we had to do was wait for them to finish! Here are some of the leaders dancing along with the kids backstage:
We wanted a picture of all the kids in our stake, but lots of them were already changing. We still got a large group and a good picture:
More pictures on my Photo Bucket album.
Here's an article from Friday, announcing the festival and also an article in today's paper, reporting on it. They are two different papers, they each had pictures too, but they aren't on the websites. Watch the Church News too, it should be in one of the issues coming up.
Dance festival was amazing! And honestly there simply aren't words to describe it. It consisted of a three day conference with the youth, most of which was rehearsals. But there were also workshops with the BYU dancers and some devotionals.
Those youth worked hard! They worked, sweated, danced, played, and it was not easy! I was fortunate to be there all of Thursday, most of Friday and all of Saturday. We are all sunburnt! But it was worth it! And I've got pictures!
Tech Rehearsal, American Tribute:
Cadi with me at the Tech Rehearsal:
The Day of the Performance!!! Waiting to start Dress Rehearsal:
Elder Nash, our area authority gave an opening devotional before the Dress Rehearsal. He talked about what we need to live spiritually.
Two of my girls they were lining up to start the Dress Rehearsal:
Beehives and Mia Maid in their costumes waiting in bleachers behind the field while the Laurels/Priests dance:
Dress Rehearsal Grand Finale:
Sister Elaine Dalton of the General YW Presidency giving a devotional at the end of their Dress Rehearsal. She had just come from being with the prophet the night before during his birthday celebration. She bore witness that he is a prophet of God. She was so very impressed with the youth and their performance in the dress rehearsal! She immediately called President Hinckley and spoke to him about them and what they are doing. She told him that there is a DVD being made and he asked her to show him a copy of it. He said he wanted to see these kids dance! We told the youth this right before their first performance. We told them that when they dance out there, it wasn't going to just be for the people in the stands. They would be dancing for the prophet too! They errupted into huge cheers and applause!!!
I watched the first performance in the stands, here is the Israeli dance (my girls!):
BYU dancers:
Grand Finale:
We were all so tired!!! This was a common sight after the first performance, during lunch:
During the second performance, I took my turn backstage. We had so much to do! We had to make sure flags and ribbons were given out and collected, got kids in costumes, helped them get lined up for the next number, touched up hair and make up, even mended costumes! When we were finally on the Grane Finale, "Get Your Shine On", all we had to do was wait for them to finish! Here are some of the leaders dancing along with the kids backstage:
We wanted a picture of all the kids in our stake, but lots of them were already changing. We still got a large group and a good picture:
More pictures on my Photo Bucket album.
Here's an article from Friday, announcing the festival and also an article in today's paper, reporting on it. They are two different papers, they each had pictures too, but they aren't on the websites. Watch the Church News too, it should be in one of the issues coming up.
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