When I was a recruiter for USU, I repeatedly told students USU was “only an eight hour drive away from home and therefore the perfect distance from family.” The eight hour buffer gives you space, but you also can make if home if something important comes up. While there is some truth to the buffer theory, the eight hour drive is a lie and one I have been guilty of perpetuating. Sure Google maps will support the eight hour theory, but it’s…
I swear the people that work on the Mormon Messages are evil righteous geniuses. I feel like almost every one that I’ve seen has made me teary-eyed, but this one in particular had me full out crying. I guess you could say it struck a chord. Ellen and Cooper are already good friends (they’re also excellent at squabbling) and I’ve had several people tell me they’re lucky to have each other and that they’ll help each other grow in different ways….
Religiously, I feel like Easter is a very important holiday and I really want my children to understand that. This year, we tried out “Seven Days Till Easter” that was featured in the April edition of The Friend. Basically, each day in the week leading up to Easter we would learn something about Jesus by reading a scripture, singing a song, and matching what picture went with that day’s theme. Even though it took five minutes or less, it was still…
Lately, I’ve been wishing life could slow down. Everything has just felt a little chaotic and it seems we’re constantly rushed as we dash from one place to the other. This weekend I was hoping to get some insight into how to lead a less stressed life as I listened to our church’s semiannual General Conference, but an answer came before the conference even started. Noel and I were out for a 6 mile trail run (made possible by mother-in-law…
My brother, Mitchell, came to visit us last weekend. The kids love Uncle Mitchell, which is a good thing since he was almost like their surrogate parent the four days he was here. Mitchell watched them while we went to a class, hauled them around when we went snowshoeing, entertained them while we made dinner, helped load them in and out of cars, pushed them around in a heavy laden Costco cart, and also helped me decorate and buy groceries…
‘Tis the season for baking delicious goodies (see a few a few of our favorites over at Dirty Dish Club). Trimming the tree while blasting Christmas tunes. Giving gifts. And of course, for remembering the true meaning of Christmas. Hope you guys are enjoying this Christmas season!
Danielle, Noel’s sister, was in town on business and got to spend an evening with us. Ellen was taken with Aunt Danielle and kept bringing her books to read and even gave her hugs which is almost unheard of. Ellen has begun a rigorous training program. Noel and I went on a “date” to test drive cars since we’ve come to the conclusion that we at least need to start thinking about replacing our 18, going on 19-year-old car. I’m…
We made a quick trip to Utah last week for my grandma‘s funeral. My grandmother had requested that the service be no longer than one hour, that my sister play Finlandia on her flute (familiar to many of us as the hymn “Be Still My Soul“), and that we tell jokes. We did our best to honor her wishes. As the oldest grandchild, I had the privilege of writing and reading her life sketch. Although it was a sad day,…
My brother, Spencer, will be leaving in a month to serve a two-year mission for our church. Before he heads off to Eugene, Oregon he wanted to spend some quality time with us (mostly our kids) so he came and visited. It’s pretty common for people to worry about all the fun they’ll miss while they’re away for two years, but after visiting us for a week I think we helped Spencer put those worries to rest. At least as…
I kind of view these years when my kids are little as years that I can practice and refine holiday traditions without too many consequences. For the most part, our kids are still pretty oblivious to typical holiday celebrations and I have the freedom to experiment with traditions without being locked into them. I also was able to breathe a sigh of relief that I made it one more year without fielding any questions about fictitious characters that come bearing…