veterans day

Honestly, I never think much about Veterans Day.

We are not a military family; we don't really have any veterans. (Except, wait! My grandpa was in the Navy!)

But I was reading the paper last Sunday, and a little article in Parade magazine caught my eye. It listed 11 ways to help veterans. It had things I had never thought of, so I thought I would post a few of my favorites in case it helps anyone else to provide a service:

- Offer a vet a ride.
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free transportation to men and women unable to travel to VA medical facilities on their own. You can volunteer to drive a DAV van for those in need.
dav.org/volunteers

- Record a war story.
Do you know an old soldier with tales from the front lines? The Library of Congress wants to hear his/her voice. Go to the website below for tips on conducting an interview or to request a field kit, including biographical data and release forms.
loc.gov/vets

- Put those old cell phones to good use.
Instead of stashing your used phones in the junk drawer, ship them to Cell Phones for Soldiers. For each one donated, the organization will pay for an hour of talk time for troops overseas.
cellphonesforsoldiers.com

- Donate used DVDs.
Drop off movies or television shows at your local VA facility, or mail them to DVDs4Vets, a national organization that distributes them where needed.
dvds4vets.org

- Cut coupons.
Have some expired coupons lying around? Military families can use them for up to six months past their expiration date. (I had no idea!)
coupsfortroops.com

- Share your expertise.
MilServe connects volunteers with vets in many areas; financial counseling or legal services; job search guidance; even carpentry, for building wheelchair ramps.
milserve.org

- Post a care package.
Through the organization Kitchen Table Gang, hospitalized veterans and troops abroad can receive personalized parcels containing everything from candy to board games. Get a service member's address from KTG, bundle up items with a note of thanks, and send them off.
soldierpackages.org

Kinda cool, huh?

a too-short visit

My parents came into town from Philadelphia last Thursday at midnight. They came for a brief visit to celebrate Lucas's birthday and Priesthood ordination. I was so glad they could make it, especially considering the stressful time my mom is having with her business right now.

I was not so glad when they had to leave on Monday. We don't see them often enough, and the time just flew by.

As I have already established, my dad spent the entirety of his time here making trips to Home Depot and working on handyman projects around the house and yard. He's a wonder.

Mom and I ran errands, did a little shopping, and cooked together. (I love having a cooking buddy.)

Here are a few random photos from their short visit:

Mom let Eva borrow some of her bracelets for church. She was thrilled, of course. She sometimes refers to my mom as "Grandma Queen" because she is so fancy.

Eva came up to my mom on Sunday and said, "Have you ever dreamed of having a choir of two?" Mom replied that she had not, but was happy to join when Eva invited her to form their very own choir of two.

They snuggled in Eva's bed, making their selections from the Children's Songbook and practicing.

Max was their accompanist. There's not much I love more than family making music together.

So sweet.

After the choir concert was over, Eva sang Read Me a Memory for Grandma and Grandpa. I still get choked up every time I hear it.

Mom came with us to the junior high when we paid Lucas's fees ($145!), got his locker assignment, and practiced with the combination.

(Sadly, his schedule is royally messed up, so we are still waiting for a new one and he has not had the chance to walk around the school and find his classrooms yet.)

We always take an airport self-portrait (usually because I have forgotten to do one before that point). I have the cutest parents.

I hate it when they leave. Especially when I don't know when we will see each other next. sigh.

Sneelock was here

My dad spent a good 5 hours on Friday cutting down volunteer trees, overgrown bushes, and a bunch of other stuff from our horrid, dog-ruined jungle of a backyard. It was also a very hot day.

This photo truly is not representative of the magnitude of the piles of cuttings.

One neighbor lent us a trailer, and another their Excursion to tow the trailer. We all helped to haul branches, cut them down, and load it up. It was quite a job.

Dad and our wonderful neighbor took the whole load to the dump on Saturday morning.

The backyard is hardly recognizable. Still weedy and rather out of control, but much less of a jungle. Sunnier. More open. It seems like a miracle of sorts.

On Sunday, Dad helped Marc to measure and hang this old window we bought from a cool secondhand store.

He spent all of today (until it was time to leave for the airport) fixing our leaky bathtub faucets and the drain outside of our laundry room (it flooded for the umpteenth time last night due to a rainstorm).

I lost count of how many trips he made to Home Depot, but I think it was at least 6 in just 3 days.

I sure do love having Sneelock around. And service is the best kind of gift.

Sneelock was here

My mom came into town for Women's Conference at BYU. My dad accompanied her and provided child care, entertainment and chauffeuring services so that I could attend the conference!


I wrote out quite a daily schedule for him to follow. True to form, he did it all with nary a complaint.

He took Eva on many bike rides with her new bike, drove hither and yon, checked Max out early one day when he wasn't feeling well, took everyone to Wendy's, and even made macaroni and cheese – twice! (he doesn't cook).

He also found time to fix the approximately 15 feet of gutter that was falling off of our roof. He also reinforced it all, just to be sure.

On Friday night, after having attended the conference all day, I put Eva to bed, went to the store to get ingredients for her birthday cake, and then looked for my angel food cake pan.

It was stuck – firmly wedged – on the bottom section of the defunct lazy susan where I keep all of my baking supplies. Max and I tried to pry it out, but it absolutely would not budge. I was reduced to whining, and it seemed that real tears were imminent.

Emily came to my rescue and helped me empty the whole thing out (the only way to extract the cake pan). Those are chocolate chips in there, by the way.


My dad was gone visiting his family that night, but he spent quite a bit of time addressing this problem the next day. Another trip to Home Depot was required, and he rejected several ideas before settling on the one that finally worked.

If he hadn't been here to fix things, I am sure they would still be in a frustratingly non-functioning state. He does so much to help me, and never acts like it's any big deal. It is so great to have a Sneelock around, even if only temporarily.

Man, I love it when my dad comes to visit. And I hate it when he leaves.

p.s. Yesterday was his birthday, and he is in Tuscany on a photography expedition! I'm so excited for him.

Sunday thoughts

I went visiting teaching this week, and it was my turn to give the lesson.

I opened up the Ensign and saw the title of January's lesson: "Becoming Self-Reliant." Yawn. I thought it was going to be about food storage and savings, things I need to be better about doing.

I don't know why I would think the VT message wouldn't be good -- it always, always is. And this one gave me a whole new vision of self-reliance.

"How do we become self-reliant? ... through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being." -- Julie B. Beck

Ohhhhh.

"Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others. It is important to understand that self-reliance is a means to an end. Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish service to others. Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance." -- Robert D. Hales

Double ohhhhh.

I just love the idea that self-reliance is a means to an end, a way for us to be free to provide selfless service, the way our Savior would do. And that any time we improve ourselves, in any way, we are doing more to reach that ultimate goal. It's so much more than food storage.

Sunday thoughts

I can't think of anything else today besides service.

If I know one thing about getting ready to move halfway across the world, it's that we are inundated with service. You might think you would welcome that with open arms -- and maybe you would -- but I still struggle with being the recipient at times. Nonetheless, I am always, always incredibly grateful and humbled afterwards.

Jill has once again proven herself to be the most understanding, selfless, giving friend ever. She has been over so many times this week, I lost count. She didn't wait for me to ask for her help or tell her what I needed her to do (she knows me too well).

-- She took Eva for the whole day on Thursday, and I spent the entire day doing errands and knocking items off my to-do list(s).

-- Hannah watched Eva for several hours on Friday so I could be distraction-free.

-- Jill came over on Friday for a summit about the state of my lists.

At Marc's suggestion, we went out to lunch. My first reaction was that I couldn't possibly, but I was oh so glad that we did. The summit took place at California Pizza Kitchen. {all photos by Jill}

This was one of my lists. I consolidated them all to one new one. (plus one for packing) I am seriously a list addict.

We then hit Cold Stone, as Jill had a gift card (thanks, Lisa!) and treated me to this embarrassing decadence. It was fabulous.

We went back to my house and did 3 more things on the list before I had to pick up Eva!

-- One of my visiting teachers called on Friday and asked if we liked corn. She was going to a corn stand and wanted to bring us some as well. Oh, and a Costco rotisserie chicken and a huge package of strawberries. I nearly wept with relief.

-- On Saturday, Jill and Jenn came over to help. It felt more like they came to stabilize me. I feel like I've been teetering on the edge of a precipice for the last week -- one minute I am thinking, "I'm doing great, I can totally handle this!" and the next I am thinking, "I am never going to make it to the end. I think I'll sit down and cry." And yes, I'm still taking my meds.

When they first arrived and asked what they could do, all I could do was shrug. Jill returned our library items and came back with Sonic drinks. Jenn started dusting:

I am embarrassingly bad about dusting. (I think that once someone has cleaned your house, and seen your (lack of) housekeeping skills, it takes your friendship to a new level. There are no more secrets.) Jill joined in on the dusting, vacuumed the laundry room and the downstairs.

(blurry self-portrait, but it had to be documented)

Jenn had to leave, but Jill picked up Wendy's for us and the kids and we all sat down to watch So You Think You Can Dance (top 15 routines ever). Any guesses on how I felt when they left?

-- Jenn brought me the game Gloom because she knew I was planning to buy it before leaving. She gave me a gift and saved me from another errand!

-- Marc took Lucas shopping for new shoes, as we discovered he didn't have any. Hooray, one fewer errand for me! Plus, he helped the boys pack their suitcases! Woohoo, I didn't have to pack for 4!

-- Our bishop announced in sacrament meeting today that we were leaving and wished us safe travels and told us that we would be missed. I was surprisingly touched by that.

-- My darling neighbor Traci called this afternoon and invited us to dinner. I haven't been buying food, as I'm trying to use up what we have, and I was planning to scrounge up something, probably waffles. Instead, we went to her lovely home and had a veritable feast. We ate wonderful food outside on her back patio, which feels like a little corner of paradise. She even sent us home with a cellophane bag of homemade cookies!

-- I received several cards from blog friends over the last couple of weeks, many well wishes and expressions of thoughtfulness sent my way.

And so, once again, I find myself absolutely humbled by the many ways I have been served. How did I get such wonderful friends? What have I done to deserve such gifts of time and sacrifice? All I can think is that I have a Heavenly Father who is aware of my every need. Thanks so very very much to everyone who stepped in to fill those needs.


*We leave tomorrow!*

Sunday thoughts

So, I was asked to give a talk on home teaching. I immediately came up blank on that, but with a little help from lds.org (and Jill's dad!), I came up with some material. And, as usually happens, I was scrambling to finish in a timely manner and had to leave out much of my talk.

The highlights:

-- The bishopric member I spoke with on the phone said, "You just can't be a member of this church and be a hermit." This actually gave me pause and I thought about it for a couple of days. Because I am a hermit! Or at least, very hermit-like. I have determined that it is a very good thing I have church callings, or I might truly never get to know anyone in the ward. Who are we kidding? I might never leave the house. And I am thinking that moving to Paris is probably a really good thing for me as well -- talk about going outside of my comfort zone.

-- Home teachers support and serve all members of the families they visit. They nurture the friendship and respect of these members, showing genuine concern and love for them. They become acquainted with each member's interests and needs and recognize special events in their lives. (Church handbook)

-- "To perform fully our duty as home teachers, we should be continually aware of the attitudes, the activities and interests, the problems, the employment, the health, the happiness, the plans and purposes, the physical, temporal, and spiritual needs and circumstances of everyone - of every child, every youth, and every adult in the homes and families who have been placed in our trust and care as bearers of the Priesthood and representatives of the bishop. This is literally the Lord's way to watch over his flock." (David O. McKay)

-- "In this world of gluttony and greed, there is a certain satisfaction that comes from rendering service to others purely because of love and not for pay. I think the Apostle Peter felt that same exhilaration when he wrote:

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; (1 Peter 5:2)

"I recognize that it takes time to develop the discipline and desire to prioritize concern for others ahead of one's personal interests. That ennobling transition begins when one makes the baptismal covenant:

Now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things...

"Home teaching opportunities provide a means by which an important aspect of character may be developed: love of service above self." (Russell M. Nelson)

-- Above all, be a genuine friend to the individuals and families you teach. (Ezra Taft Benson)

-- I talked about how I have been given a visiting teaching assignment multiple times where I didn't think I had anything in common with either my companion or one of the sisters we were to visit. Without fail, I learned to love those sisters -- usually very quickly. I quoted one of my former companions who said, "I love it when the Lord chooses my friends!"

-- President Faust related an incident that happened to him as a young boy. His father found a lost lamb in the desert and brought it home. He was given the charge to care for the lamb. He fed it out of a bottle, played with it, named it, and generally considered it his pet. One stormy night, he forgot to put his lamb in the barn. He could hear it bleating outside, but he didn't want to get up out of his cozy bed. In the morning, he saw that his lamb had been killed by a dog. He said:

"My young heart was broken. I had not been a good shepherd or steward of that which my father had entrusted to me. My father said, 'Son, couldn't I trust you to take care of just one lamb?' My father's remark hurt me more than losing my woolly friend. I resolved that day, as a boy, that I would try never again to neglect my stewardship as a shepherd if I were ever placed in that position again."

-- "Anyone serving in any capacity in the Church in which he is responsible for the spiritual or temporal well-being of any of the Lord's children is a shepherd to those sheep. The Lord holds his shepherds accountable for the safety of his sheep." (Bruce R. McConkie)

-- "Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes. The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others." (President Monson)

Evidently we as visiting teachers are under the same obligations as the home teachers. That quote about anyone serving in any capacity in the Church is pretty clear. Can you imagine how many burdens would be lifted if all home and visiting teachers took their duties seriously to be shepherd of the Lord's flock? I know I'm inspired to do better.

Sunday thoughts

I didn't want another week to go by without my Sunday thoughts, so I'm posting them on Monday.

When we were in Vail, we attended a bilingual branch there -- half of the meeting was in English, half in Spanish. (At least my dad could understand everything!) The talk in English was given by a visiting high councilman and it was excellent. It really stuck with me and has been on my mind ever since. The subject of his talk was angels, and he referred to Elder Holland's talk from last October's General Conference.

I re-read it, and the whole talk is wonderful, but I'm including some excerpts:

I ask everyone within the sound of my voice to take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He “would fight [our] battles, [our] children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children.”10 And what do we do to merit such a defense? We are to “search diligently, pray always, and be believing[. Then] all things shall work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.”11 The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants.

I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us, and in my case, one of them consented to marry me. Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind.

My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.”13 On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.

May we all believe more readily in, and have more gratitude for, the Lord’s promise as contained in one of President Monson’s favorite scriptures: “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, … my Spirit shall be in your [heart], and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”14 In the process of praying for those angels to attend us, may we all try to be a little more angelic ourselves—with a kind word, a strong arm, a declaration of faith and “the covenant wherewith [we] have covenanted.”15 Perhaps then we can be emissaries sent from God when someone, perhaps a Primary child, is crying, “Darkness … afraid … river … alone.” To this end I pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, November 2008

The speaker also said that one reason we don't see angels more frequently is that we see what we are looking for. He cited some very interesting scientific studies demonstrating that fact, that somehow our brains are wired to quickly scan our surroundings and decide what information is most germane to our situation at any given time -- that we see only what our brain deems relevant for us.

He then referenced 2 Kings 6:

14 Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.

15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his ^aeyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and ^bchariots of fire round about Elisha.

I love that. Not only legions of people to help them fight their battle, but also horses and chariots!

The speaker also reminded us that, even when we have turned our back on the Lord, he still will send us aid.

I have to say, I have never really given much thought to angels before. But as I have pondered this, I have seen much evidence of angels in my life. I have no other explanation for our being spared huge accident and injury during our recent road trip incident. And so many people have been angels to me, providing service when I was in need, doing things for me that I could not do for myself. So many times I have been rescued. I so want to be available to render that kind of service to others.

Sunday thoughts

Today our Sacrament meeting was about choosing happiness. One speaker used this talk given by President Uchtdorf at the last General Relief Society broadcast. I loved this talk when I first heard it, and it touched me again today.

Some excerpts:

On Creating

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.

Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.

Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty.

You might say, 'I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.'

If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination...

You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter."

On Compassion

"As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves. President Spencer W. Kimball taught, 'The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls.'

President Gordon B. Hinckley believed in the healing power of service. After the death of his wife, he provided a great example to the Church in the way he immersed himself in work and in serving others. It is told that President Hinckley remarked to one woman who had recently lost her husband, 'Work will cure your grief. Serve others.'

These are profound words. As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.

President Lorenzo Snow expressed a similar thought: 'When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.'

My dear sisters, I have a simple faith. I believe that as you are faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, as you draw closer to Him in faith, hope, and charity, things will work together for your good. I believe that as you immerse yourselves in the work of our Father—as you create beauty and as you are compassionate to others—God will encircle you in the arms of His love. Discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way to a life of meaning, grace, and fulfillment.

As spirit daughters of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage."

The speaker then talked of combining the two, of being "creatively compassionate." She related an experience in another ward where a sister was hospitalized and on a medication that made her somewhat loopy. She was upset that she hadn't shaved her legs, and although it seemed a small thing, even irrelevant at the time, her Relief Society president went to visit her and shaved her legs, thereby doing something that she could not do for herself, and that soothed her spirit. I love that.

I know for me personally, that creating and finding ways to show compassion lift my spirits every single time, and to hear this confirmed by an Apostle of the Lord is incredibly validating to me. When I'm feeling down or struggling in some way, I can be proactive and do things to make myself feel better. And what could be better than meaningful service? It's amazing to me that as we build and lift others, we simultaneously do the same for ourselves.

Wonderful Wednesday!

Today was our first Wonderful Wednesday and it was utterly fabulous!

Jill picked Eva up at 9:30. Lucas and I had been talking it up for days and Eva was prepped and excited and ready to go -- she spent the morning deciding what to put in her backpack for the big day. (stuffed dinosaurs, Hello Kitty lip gloss, a Land Before Time DVD, the tiniest farm animals in the world, an extra pair of underwear, and one Hot Wheels car)

We talked about talking nice and listening to Jill, and I hope it was successful. I am not sure if Jill would tell me if it were otherwise.

She was excited to be getting in Jill's car. As I went back into my house, I saw Jill taking a self-portrait with Eva -- that always gives me a little thrill.

Jill invited her niece Ashley over as well. Eva and Ashley have played before and gotten along, so that was just an added bonus for Eva! I love this photo -- they both have their backpacks and you can just see that they are both into the lip balm.

As for me, I was positively giddy! It's a good thing I had already planned to work on cleaning up my studio or I might have been overwhelmed and paralyzed by the possibilities.

It was in a pretty scary state, complete with post-Christmas chaos. I worked for a couple of hours and talked to Jessie on the phone.

I took a lunch break to eat the chicken and pasta salad that Jill brought me! This truly represents a labor of love, since Jill doesn't like chicken, and she certainly doesn't like cooking it/shredding it. I recognized the sacrifice here, and it was such a tasty lunch, especially since I didn't have to prepare it! Moulin Rouge happened to be on TV while I was eating, so I watched that for a little while.

Max was home sick today, but he made himself scarce by retreating to my bedroom and watching DVDs, so it still felt like I was home alone (the best vacation).

In addition to working in my studio, I also did some laundry, and at one point, when I was feeling sleepy, I dozed for almost an hour on the guest bed downstairs!

Ta-da! I still have a few odds and ends to deal with, but for the most part, order has been completely restored. So satisfying.

And would you believe that Jill didn't bring Eva back until after 6:00 p.m.?? She had fed her dinner and everything, so she hung out with the boys a bit and then we got ready for bed! I love this day.

mopping monday

My cute cousin Emily came over today for what she terms "Mopping Monday". I tried to dissuade her, saying that that seemed to be a less-than-fun way to spend her day off, but she was insistent. And, in the end, how could I turn down an offer to come over and mop my floors? (perhaps my most dreaded household chore. well, that and making the bunk beds)

Even though my photos came out blurry, I had to document this act of service. Not only did she mop the floors, but she wiped down all the cabinetry as well, something that has been on my to-do list for an embarrassingly long time.

We chatted, and it was fun to hear about her roommate woes and other college happenings. It took me right back to the time when I was a freshman living in the dorms. Emily is not only good-hearted and willing to help, but also highly entertaining. (It's crazy that I don't see Emily and Charlotte more, when they are going to school a mere 20 minutes from my house. I guess I just figure they have a lot more fun/social things to do than hang out with their old boring cousin!)

Emily also turned me on to the charms of Murphy Oil Soap, which is not just for cleaning wood, by the way. I think that somewhere, way back in the annals of my past cleaning days, I may have used this product but have since forgotten about it. Well, I have been converted and picked up a bottle of it for myself this afternoon.

Here's a quick run-down of my day:

7:00 went to the church to help the Priests/Laurels put up flags on all ward members' lawns for the holiday
8:00 after-flag breakfast (pancakes with chocolate chips and peanut butter chips, bacon)
8:30 snuggled with Eva and watched Martha Speaks
9:00 cleaned up Eva's room, with her help, and then played dinosaurs
10:00 miscellaneous picking up
10:30 Emily arrived, tandem cleaning
12:15 Emily left
12:30 grocery shopping
1:30 read to Eva, quiet time
2:00 laundry
3:00 attempted to take Lucas to friend's house, car stuck in ice on driveway -- try to shovel, salt, eventually get pushed out by kind neighbors
4:00 made muffins
5:00 went back to the church to help take down all the flags
6:00 made dinner for the kids
7:00 snuggled with Eva and watched another Martha Speaks
7:30 read to Eva and put her to bed
8:00 read blogs
9:00 gave both of my sick boys medicine and sent them to bed; ate a baked sweet potato

It was a good day. A day in which I wasn't rushing around, didn't have to do a bunch of chauffeuring, I was the recipient of service (Thanks, Emily!), I gave some service, my coughing seems to be less frequent, and I actually got a decent amount done. Now I'm giddy about going to bed and reading.

lucky girl

On Tuesday, I called Jill to see if we could come over and bring her gifts, finally. Instead, she offered to come to my house, and she brought lunch!

This Pizza Factory alfredo/tomato/ham pizza was delish.

Exchanging gifts with Jill is always one of my favorite parts of Christmas.

She thinks she's not very good at receiving gifts/reacting, but I disagree. I love to give her gifts because she is always so appreciative. She didn't even mind that I gave her a trash can for Christmas! (it just seemed like she really needed a new one)

She also told me that the gifts I've given her have lasting value, which made me get a little teary. That's one of the best compliments I've ever received.

She gave me a headlamp, which has life-changing possibilities, and a gift certificate for a pedicure -- woohoo! But best of all...

an offer to take Eva for one Wednesday out of every month, for the whole day! I honestly cannot think of a better gift. I'd call it Glorious Wednesdays if it didn't take away from the alliterative value.

In fact, I almost think it's too generous. As Jessie said, "and this is Eva we're talking about." So, we'll give it a try, but I've given her an escape clause if it proves to be too much.

I don't know how I got to be such a lucky girl! Thanks for everything, Jill.

the best Christmas gift!

My love language is acts of service. With that knowledge, my dad gave me the best Christmas present a person could give!

I had asked if he would put in new baseboards in our little entryway. He agreed, and kept adding more and more things to the project.

All of my pictures of him in action came out blurry, but I have to include the documentation anyway.

He spent hours pulling carpet staples and carpet fibers out of the wood on the edges of our stairs, hurting his back in the process. (I spent hours on this project shortly after our new carpet was installed -- over a year ago! -- and then haven't gotten back to it since. Not a fun project.)

He put in new trim on the stairs to make the sides match each other.

He filled in the big gashes and all the little holes.

It is truly remarkable what a difference a baseboard and some paint can make.

He pulled off the plastic sheeting we had on our too-old-to-be-up-to-code railing, now that we don't have babies who might fall through. I was completely amazed at the difference that this made -- night and day!

Of course, he took time out to fix the pipe that broke in the kitchen on Christmas Eve. Whew!

He hung our new kitchen light fixtures! (no more bare bulb!!)

He hung the draperies that finally arrived! (part of last year's Christmas gift)


He cut shelves for our year-long bookcase project, ready to paint -- hallelujah!

He and Mom decided we should paint the ugly old railing black. Again, night and day. (why didn't I ever think of that?)


Now I have to paint the front door. And that makes me want to paint the interior doors. And the kitchen cabinets. And.... one thing always leads to another in home improvements.

Thank you, Dad!!! I couldn't be more thrilled.