27 Bits of Gratitude

Sarah had me think of 27 things to be thankful for since Thanksgiving is the 27th this year. Wow, there are so many things to be grateful for, it is hard to limit them to 27. This really got me pondering all the amazing blessings Heavenly Father has given me - from big to small. I could have gone on and on. Thank you, Sarah, for the great suggestion!

1. Darin's gentleness, patience, and back rubs
2. Sarah's smile and long talks with me
3. Megan's hugs and desire to spend time with me
4. Matthew's snuggles and animated face
5. Jacob's fish kisses and fascination with how things work
6. water to drink and swim in and shower in-anytime
7. aquaphor for my chapped lips and skin
8. warm fuzzy blankets
9. the rest of my family's love and support
10. the sound and feel of the ocean
11. Bach - inspiring
12. laughter
13. red, ripe strawberries
14. good friends
15. sitting cat-like in the sun by a large window
16. the gospel of Jesus Christ
17. gardening - even pulling weeds
18. my sense of smell
19. the piano
20. a comfortable home to live in
21. knowing how to read and having books available
22. hymns - comforting and uplifting
23. sweet, juicy oranges
24. a car to drive
25. birds at my birdfeeder
26. springtime
27. hiking and camping in beautiful Utah

Have You Heard? There's A New Emergency Number

A couple of weeks ago Matthew had fire prevention week at his preschool. He learned the whole stop, drop, roll routine very well. He also learned about the number to call in case of an emergency. I know you all learned one of those, too, but apparently, the number has changed. Please make a note of it.

"Mom, (dramatic pause) do you call 991 if you want to order a pizza?"

"You mean 911?"

"Yeah, that's what I said - 991."

(chuckle) "No, you don't call that for a pizza."

"RIGHT!!!! Mom, (dramatic pause) do you call 991 if you want (looking around the room for inspiration) a toy to play with?"

"You mean 911?"

"Yeah, that's what I said - 991"

"No, you don't call that if you want a toy to play with."

"RIGHT!!! Mom, do you call 991 if you have an emergency?"

"No, you call 911 if you have an emergency."

"MOM, that's what I said!"

"Oh, sorry, I thought you said 991."

More giggles from me. Oh, I love that boy! He obviously got down the example/non-example part I learned so much about in my training as a teacher. Unfortunately, the really valuable information - THE ACTUAL EMERGENCY NUMBER- was not quite as solid in his mind. I was laughing all afternoon about our conversation.

That night, as we were driving home from the church, Matthew launched into the same discussion with Megan and her friend Hannah. Sarah and I were in the front seats stifling laughter. Sarah pointed out that at least if we had a real emergency, with any luck, 991 would be Angelo's Pizza and we could at least get a pizza out of the experience! We couldn't hold our laughter in any longer and exploded.

Don't worry, we're having review lessons on the good old emergency number - 911!
Wish us luck!

Brahm's Requiem

Sunday afternoon I had the privlege of attending a concert in which my talented husband was performing. As he walked past the Church of the Redeemer one evening a couple of months ago, Darin heard beautiful music echoing from it's chapel. Quickly recognizing the music as his favorite piece, Brahm's Requiem, he stuck his head in. He found a small choir practicing inside. Once home, he immediately looked up the church, emailed their music director, and asked if he might join their choir practices. The music director said they would be happy to have him join them. He has been practicing for 2-4 hours a week with them for the past few weeks and Sunday they performed.



Now, Brahms has never been my favorite composer - I think his music is a bit melancholy - ("longing" is the word Darin prefers to use), but the Requiem (though at times a little foreboding) was truly beautiful. The choir performed in a beautiful, old stone church building with great acoustics and their voices blended beautifully. There were two soloists that were outstanding and the two pianists (it is a duet) were excellent. It was truly a first rate performance. Darin looked very handsome and happy as he sang his heart out. I was proud of him. I hope he has more opportunities like this, so I can benefit as a listener!

The Healthy Witch of the East

Megan was a witch for Halloween this year.  She did the standard "trunk or treat" at the church a couple of days before Halloween.  Once home, Matthew accidentally grabbed some candy from her bag, which, of course, upset her.  After heartily scolding him, she had a change of heart and told him he could have all of her candy!  When Halloween rolled around, she said she didn't want to go trick or treating.  What???  What kid doesn't want to go trick or treating?  When I asked her about why she didn't want to go, she said "I want to be healthier this year so I don't get any cavities."  (Dentists of the world, rejoice!)  OK, fine by me.  She is, after all, the girl who was once as excited about receiving a can of lima beans for Christmas (from her dentist- uncle, incidentally) as she was about the toys she received, who still prefers a can of warmed kidney or garbanzo beans for lunch over a PB&J, who for a "treat" at the grocery store asks for a plum or nectarine - maybe even two, and who can stop after eating only one fresh baked cookie! 

As she was passing out candy to all the other costumed youngsters from the neighborhood, Darin overheard her say to two little princesses, "You can choose one or two," as she held out the huge bowl of candy to them.  Princess #1 replied, "Oh, I'll have two!" and quickly chose her favorites.  Princess #2 said, "I'll just take one."  Megan then said to Princess #2 (in a very wise and knowing tone),  "That is a very good choice.  You will be much healthier."  

I love my Meggie!  I love that she chops wood in our backyard with a child size shovel, that she makes all kinds of interesting concoctions with berries from the trees and the wood chips from the aforementioned activity, that she finds bird feathers to make into quill pens using the ink (that is often created from the concoctions) to write her name over and over again, that she climbs "her" tree in little white dress gloves and an Easter hat, that she sings at the top of her lungs once she reaches the top of her tree, and for so many other reasons that are witness to her wonderful, creative and singular personality.   

So, to all of you out there who are pondering whether you should raid your kids' candy bags again, think of Megan and the healthy choices she is advocating - grab a can of beans or piece of fruit instead.  I'm sure you will thank her!