Here is Mark in his new suit and fresh haircut. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of him. At church this week I let him skip Primary and come to class with me. In the hallway someone reminded me that it’s good for kids to face their troubles, which is a good insight… but not for us today. I have learned that sometimes a child just needs a little break and he can face his troubles better next time. Also, I can’t discount the effect that Richard’s absence is having on the little hearts in our family, and I think that extra love is needed.
Color
This was a quick phone shot on our way home from school one day last month. I love the reds, but those yellow aspens up high on the mountains are spectacular.
I get to see this view of the mountain every day as I drive home. When we drove to the house for the first time, the realtor mentioned that it felt like we were driving right into the mountain. It still holds my wonder each time I approach it. Right now it’s blanketed in some white. It’s always beautiful.
Tonight the street lights are reflecting off the black pavement after a day of slushy rain. The sunset was blue and deep gray. I spend a lot of time marveling over sunsets, leaves, and snow, don’t I?
Some of the best women I know
I went to lunch this week with my mom, sisters, and a sister-in-law (not pictured). They are smart, spiritual, tender, and industrious. I can guarantee that each of them is working on one or more of the following things today: Graphic design, music, sewing, quilting, refinishing, remodeling, building furniture, nurturing children, photography, rescuing someone, or party planning… They inspire me.
Family Home Evening
Mark taught our Family Home Evening lesson this week about the Armor of God. He gave each person a piece of armor and asked us to look up the scripture in Ephesians and explain how each piece of armor represented something spiritual we can do to be protected from evil. We placed the armor on a disproportionate picture of a little man. We called him Pippin.
The next morning I found our visual aid thus arrayed:
I’ve had to trust that our armor, however hastily or incompletely placed, will be enough this week because I can’t do any more than I’m doing. I have felt lifted physically and mentally even though I’ve fallen asleep every time I’ve tried to read the scriptures this week. I’ve felt like I’ve been carried. The grace of God is amazing like that. We turn to our Father in Heaven in our weakness, and that act of turning (however incomplete or imperfect) puts us in a position to receive great blessings.
Things I have found during the past few days
There has been an unperceived threat. Lego armies are assembling in many corners of the house.
Here is a small paragraph written by Timothy at school that I discovered this morning. I think it is marvelous.
Space World Setting: A black starry planet with dark lurking creatures I have just lamented over the loss of my space ship to take me home. I am currently on the dark planet Catoure. There haven't been any signs of life forms. Yet. Thank goodness too, because I don't want to bump into the star dragon. This planet conceals many things. One thing is a sea urchin like creature who grabs your feet with tweezer-like pincers. I just hope I can repair my ship and sleep in my hammock.
Preparation
The little boys spent the weekend dressing up in layers of superhero awesomeness and throwing glow sticks in the dark.
Paige worked on a painting and performed her concerto for some judges (amazing!). She and Richard stayed up late working on math, much to Richard’s delight.
Daniel showed off his web design skills for his dad and helped clean out the gutters.
Richard worked on the leaves (a never-ending project) until he stepped on a rusty nail in the garden. Boo!
My dad took us out to dinner for my birthday. I chose Los Hermanos in downtown Provo as the restaurant, of course.
I played the violin in church with Paige as my accompanist. People loved seeing Paige up there with me. A good friend reminded me that we have a year and a half left to play together and that we need to cherish it.
I spent last night preparing mentally for the week ahead. I took Richard to the airport and then drove home without the radio and let the silence seep into my soul. I read to the boys from The Two Towers until Mark fell asleep nestled up beside me. After the bedtime routines, I made lists and menus, looked up maps and recipes, and searched for library books that are due. I made play dough for the second graders. I went to sleep listening to the Mormon Tablernacle Choir and then Alfie Boe.
It was a good weekend. I think I’m ready to face the week.
A day or two
A lot can happen in one day. In our case, one day several weeks ago, Richard’s job responsibilities changed dramatically and he was whisked away to another state for a few months. The change was sudden and the implications of this temporary assignment continue to sink in on different levels of consciousness.
He has been home this weekend. The hours are precious and there are more things we wish we could do together before he goes back. I find myself treasuring our time and even our surroundings as precious gifts.
Roadshow pictures
Paige and Daniel were in a roadshow production in October with their church youth group. Daniel had the part of Jaws and he played the ominous theme from the movie on the cello as he made his entrance.
There were heroes and there were villains and they danced and sang.
Paige played the part of Mary Poppins.
“Practically perfect in every way.”
Photos by Janine Clarke and Jolynn Sorensen
Simple things
If I could extend these years of piano practice in the living room every afternoon and evening, I would do it.
It’s that time of year when I begin practicing Christmas songs on the violin for church. I’m also playing in a quartet this month at an elementary school assembly to introduce string instruments. I’ve been practicing faithfully and it’s a wonderful outlet for me.
My ideal evenings always involve family and music. Simple.
Juxtaposition
Paige had to take some photos for an art class showing a juxtaposition of a person in an unexpected situation. We’re not sure what the neighbors thought of this late night photo shoot in our garage.
My life is a little like this photo right now. Sure, I’ll take on whatever needs to be done, but I’m fundamentally unsuited for many of the tasks.
If only I looked this poised as I tried to figure out why the outlet in the bathroom blew up today…