I haven't blogged about my calling since pretty much after I got it in Dec. 2011. At first I just plain didn't want to whine about how I wasn't getting used to it. I wasn't starting to feel comfortable singing in the front of the room, putting on a show every week like I hoped I would. I tried my best to suck it up and press on. I had weeks I felt successful, and weeks I felt like I kinda bombed. And I let it affect me and my day too much (elation vs. frustration respectively). Thank goodness for creative people, and especially the ones who take the time to blog about their creative ideas! There are lots of chorister blogs and wow, they made (and make) my job easier. Finally, 2013 started off with me thinking "Okay, maybe I can do this", and it's really just gotten better throughout the year.
Well today, duh-duh-duh!!! (that's a happy duh-duh-duh), was the Primary Program! I was nervous. Last year the Jr. Primary chorister did it but she has since moved. I thought the practice on Friday would alleviate my nerves a little, but that night I had crazy anxiety dreams about the program half the night. First, I arrived late. The kids were singing a song we hadn't practiced and were doing a poor job at that. Second, I realized I forgot my signs and the song order. So after each song I had to try and remember which song was next. Of course I couldn't do this in my dream because my brain did not want to let me off the hook and continued on with the nightmare. A lady approached me during the program and said we needed to make changes to the way we were doing things. And last, which finally woke me up (my subconscious realized it was being a little ridiculous), a HUGE fan of hairsprayed cha-cha bangs were blocking my view to the pianist and I actually had to walk up 2 pews to see her. I had to laugh at that once I was awake, but then I layed there for about an hour going over everything in my head.
Anyway, to cut to the chase, it went great:) The 2 hiccups were not in my control so I didn't worry about them. The kids sang out. They knew the words, they smiled, they remembered their parts. People were touched and it was satisfying to see the culmination of my (and the Jr. chorister's) efforts this year.
I think it's really interesting the way life goes. For awhile I wished I would've been one of those people that say no to callings they don't want or feel uncomfortable with. I didn't like it and I didn't want to do it. But because I did it anyway, I've grown. I 'm just about to start subbing 2-3 times per week and now I feel much more comfortable just jumping right into a classroom. I could even teach them some songs if I want! Anyway, I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back. Just to say that when we refuse a challenge, we are only hurting ourselves. You may feel like you need to take the easy way out. I've had lots of people say they could never do my calling (I've probably said that in the past). "I have anxiety." or "I don't have the right personality for that". Those things might actually be true but that doesn't mean you can't overcome your fears and do it anyway. I think especially today, we underestimate the strength we have inside ourselves. (And also the influence we have over our own lives not to mention everyone around us, and situations we're in. But that's kind of a whole new topic.:)
Glinda from "Oz the Great and Powerful" said it best: "You are capable of more than you know."
Monday, September 23, 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Holly's Special Talk
About 6 months or so ago I realized Holly was 8 and already at the age for learning about "The Miracle of Life" (as so described to her). I told her we'd go on a special mommy/daughter date and I'd tell her about something very important and special. At the same time though, since my experience with Emma did not go as expected (she didn't really seem ready to learn about it the first time when she was 8, so we tried again a year later and it went much better:), I wondered if Holly was really ready. I think Dana had the talk with Eli when he was 9 too. Anyway, I didn't push it and she forgot for awhile.
Then just a couple weeks ago she said "Remember when you said we were going to go on a date and learn about a special thing in life?" "Oh yes", I said, "I remember". "Well, when can we do that?" So that Friday (August 30th) we went out to "BJ's" (a noisy restaurant is helpful). I was prepared with anatomical print-outs of women and men's internal bodies. She was so funny. The whole time I talked she kept looking around to make sure no one was looking at us or listening to us.
She was very sweet (and pretty surprised when I got down to the nitty-gritty). I told her that it's a beautiful thing that is only for when we're married and is a gift from Heavenly Father so that we can have children and a family. And anything that's special and sacred, Satan wants to make bad and yucky. That's why there's bad magazines, etc. Anyway, it was a good conversation. I think it's so important for them to have the knowledge presented to them in a good way before they start to hear about things from whoever at school- or heaven forbid see something awful on a computer. It was fun to have the one-on-one time. She was very polite and kept telling me thank you for everything. That made me feel good. When the kids are all together, they're usually pretty crazy and it was nice to see how she behaves by herself.
We were done with that conversation by the time we got our pizookie (yes I cheated and it was so worth it!) and then we headed down the street to see "Planes", which we both enjoyed. The theater had the arm rests that you can put up so we got to cuddle up and I felt very blessed to have such a very wonderful little 8 (quickly approaching 9) yr old.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Post-August Wrap-Up
Oh yeah! It's September!! It doesn't feel like it yet, but summer is going to be ending. Our formidable desert sun will soon be rendered powerless by the Earth's annual trip around it. It's a happy thing and makes me smile whenever I remember what month it is now.
We have been keeping ourselves busy since school resumed. We're back to our schedules. Sometimes it feels a little over-scheduled and then I wonder if we should cut back on activities. But then when I think of cutting this or that, I think of how such-and-such child is benefiting from it, and I just can't. So we soldier on. And we REALLY enjoy little breaks like yesterday. We went to Dana's cousin Amy's for a pool party. It was nice and relaxing. And we also worked on re-vamping our laundry room. But that'll be a future post.
I hope you had a nice Labor Day as well.
Here are a few little pictures to wrap up August since I haven't been the greatest blogger ever:
After checking the mail each day to see if the beach camping park rangers had sent him $40 yet, Eli received this in the mail-
He was a very happy "camper":) What a wonderful Ranger! I have to admit, he actually did not want to turn in the money. It was kind of a forced thing. But once he did, he felt good about it and I'm happy that it worked out in the end. Hopefully it taught him a lesson on choosing the right.
Emma had a "P" (Personal Progress) party for mutual and had to wear as many things that start with "P"as she could, and bring something starting with P"". Yay for "P"istachios!
Our two little girls are always the last ones done at Sunday dinner. They tend to quit early (when everyone else is done) to start playing with their cousins and have to be shewed back into the kitchen to finish.
It's fun to have Miranda here for those Sunday dinners:)
Sadie seems to be finally discovering the joy of reading.
She tends to drag her feet a little when it comes to school stuff and here are the reasons I think she does:
As well as 3rd, 6th, and 8th. In fact Emma is liking 8th much better than 7th. She didn't even realize how much she disliked last year until she was in 8th :).
We have been keeping ourselves busy since school resumed. We're back to our schedules. Sometimes it feels a little over-scheduled and then I wonder if we should cut back on activities. But then when I think of cutting this or that, I think of how such-and-such child is benefiting from it, and I just can't. So we soldier on. And we REALLY enjoy little breaks like yesterday. We went to Dana's cousin Amy's for a pool party. It was nice and relaxing. And we also worked on re-vamping our laundry room. But that'll be a future post.
I hope you had a nice Labor Day as well.
Here are a few little pictures to wrap up August since I haven't been the greatest blogger ever:
After checking the mail each day to see if the beach camping park rangers had sent him $40 yet, Eli received this in the mail-
He was a very happy "camper":) What a wonderful Ranger! I have to admit, he actually did not want to turn in the money. It was kind of a forced thing. But once he did, he felt good about it and I'm happy that it worked out in the end. Hopefully it taught him a lesson on choosing the right.
Emma had a "P" (Personal Progress) party for mutual and had to wear as many things that start with "P"as she could, and bring something starting with P"". Yay for "P"istachios!
Our two little girls are always the last ones done at Sunday dinner. They tend to quit early (when everyone else is done) to start playing with their cousins and have to be shewed back into the kitchen to finish.
It's fun to have Miranda here for those Sunday dinners:)
Sadie seems to be finally discovering the joy of reading.
She tends to drag her feet a little when it comes to school stuff and here are the reasons I think she does:
- Older siblings whining and complaining about homework
- Being the 4th, I haven't been as good about making reading a priority
- The girl likes to play and have fun
- It may not come quite as naturally as it did with our other 3
As well as 3rd, 6th, and 8th. In fact Emma is liking 8th much better than 7th. She didn't even realize how much she disliked last year until she was in 8th :).
80 Years
Dana and I got a little weekend getaway to St. George to surprise Dana's dad for his 80th birthday. All four couples actually took time from their busy lives to be there. What a blessing!
I was pretty sure the "surprise" part wouldn't happen. Sneaky or stealthy or any word associated with "quiet" are not descriptors for my MIL. So we were all surprised ourselves to find out he had no idea. Then we realized that it was thanks to him being a little hard of hearing, along with his already unperceptive, unsuspicious nature.
We were all at the same hotel and Dana and I arrived a day before the other couples, except Don and Shirley. The hotel put us next door to them which was fun after the surprise, but made for some crazy "I Love Lucy"-type situations, before. It was fun to tell him about the close calls later.
Friday night Dana and I went on a date to a hibachi restaurant there that was sooo delicious. We had a funny and, of course, talented chef.
It was such a treat to be alone with my honey for so long:)Even the 6 hr drive there felt like a vacation just being able to talk without interruption. It's really weird to think that someday it will be like that all the time!
Saturday we met for lunch at a pizza place and they walked in to us all sitting there and yelling "SURPRISE!!!" There was so much joy on his face- all the planning and putting together was totally worth it. What more could you want at 80 than to have your family together? The only thing he said was that he missed the grandkids too and wished he could give them all big hugs. So sweet. He is such a good man.
That evening we went to Tuacahn (really awesome outdoor theater you should check out if you haven't) and saw "Starlight Express". The show was different but fun too. I'd love to see "Mary Poppins" there or "Thoroughly Modern Millie" which are both showing soon.
(We all have the zombie eyes going in this one)
Love this one! Haha:)
We presented both he and Dana's great aunt Vandla (who turned 90!) (see pics above) with binders with letters inside from everyone in the family. After they read them, they were both so touched. Don then gave a very sweet and kind small speech. He mainly said that if someone was just to read his letters they would think he's a perfect person. He knows he's not perfect but felt very buoyed up by our letters and said that if we could all try to see each other that way all the time- in the best light possible- imagine what the world could be like. And also if we could remember not to be too hard on ourselves. If others can see us in a wonderful way, than maybe we can try to see ourselves more that way too. Maybe he tends to be hard on himself the way Dana is. Anyway, it was touching and I feel grateful that he's my kid's grandpa. If they could only have one on this Earth, without my dad around, I'm glad it's him :).
Happy 80th. I hope to get there myself someday!
I was pretty sure the "surprise" part wouldn't happen. Sneaky or stealthy or any word associated with "quiet" are not descriptors for my MIL. So we were all surprised ourselves to find out he had no idea. Then we realized that it was thanks to him being a little hard of hearing, along with his already unperceptive, unsuspicious nature.
We were all at the same hotel and Dana and I arrived a day before the other couples, except Don and Shirley. The hotel put us next door to them which was fun after the surprise, but made for some crazy "I Love Lucy"-type situations, before. It was fun to tell him about the close calls later.
Friday night Dana and I went on a date to a hibachi restaurant there that was sooo delicious. We had a funny and, of course, talented chef.
It was such a treat to be alone with my honey for so long:)Even the 6 hr drive there felt like a vacation just being able to talk without interruption. It's really weird to think that someday it will be like that all the time!
Saturday we met for lunch at a pizza place and they walked in to us all sitting there and yelling "SURPRISE!!!" There was so much joy on his face- all the planning and putting together was totally worth it. What more could you want at 80 than to have your family together? The only thing he said was that he missed the grandkids too and wished he could give them all big hugs. So sweet. He is such a good man.
That evening we went to Tuacahn (really awesome outdoor theater you should check out if you haven't) and saw "Starlight Express". The show was different but fun too. I'd love to see "Mary Poppins" there or "Thoroughly Modern Millie" which are both showing soon.
(We all have the zombie eyes going in this one)
Love this one! Haha:)
We presented both he and Dana's great aunt Vandla (who turned 90!) (see pics above) with binders with letters inside from everyone in the family. After they read them, they were both so touched. Don then gave a very sweet and kind small speech. He mainly said that if someone was just to read his letters they would think he's a perfect person. He knows he's not perfect but felt very buoyed up by our letters and said that if we could all try to see each other that way all the time- in the best light possible- imagine what the world could be like. And also if we could remember not to be too hard on ourselves. If others can see us in a wonderful way, than maybe we can try to see ourselves more that way too. Maybe he tends to be hard on himself the way Dana is. Anyway, it was touching and I feel grateful that he's my kid's grandpa. If they could only have one on this Earth, without my dad around, I'm glad it's him :).
Happy 80th. I hope to get there myself someday!
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