Memorial Day

We spent Memorial day in Montana.  We drove up to Ennis because Troy said there was a cafe that had "the best breakfast", and since I am always up for good food, (I know you are surprised) we jumped in the car and went for a drive.  Troy and I love to drive, it's nice just to be together and the scenery tops it off.  We drove just a little further to Nevada City and Virginia City, explored the old trains, stopped at a couple of Antique shops and had some really good ice cream.  The day was just about perfect.

I actually didn't order anything but totally benefited from every one's choice, they were all nice enough to share, (they were definitely coerced with a smile :)

A new calling

A couple of Sundays ago I was called into the Bishops office and he asked me if I would be the pianist for the Relief Society....(dramatic pause).  Seriously?! ME?!  I wondered if he knew how frightfully inept I would be, if he knew that I would make mistake after mistake, if he knew there was not very many things scarier than that request, yet I heard myself say I would be willing to accept the calling.  

There are two reasons that I accepted despite my fears and misgivings.  The first reason happened a long time ago, right after I returned home from my mission.  A member of the Bishopric stopped by the house and the following dialogue occurred:    him, "will you be the girls camp director?",    me, " you do know I only went to camp one year, right?"     him, "that's okay"      me, "I don't know anything about camping."       him, "that's okay".   Apparently he had much for faith in me than I did.  I then responded with words I don't ever like to hear, "I can't".  But I felt positive that  it was the only answer that made sense.  I just knew I wasn't capable, and I convinced myself that there was not a responsible parent alive that would want to send their daughter with someone so inexperienced as myself.  So I chose not to serve.  It has always bothered me because I gave up a chance to expand, learn, and serve.  I'm sure I would have made a lot of mistakes, heck we probably would have eaten hot dogs every meal, (the only camping food I knew how to make at the time).  But I would have come home with so much more, and I don't think the girls would have minded one bit.  I chose to avoid something that made me uncomfortable and in turn an opportunity was lost.

The second reason is still kind of an ongoing event.  About 4 1/2 years ago I was serving in the primary presidency.  It was January and I was listing my goals for the year, I listed "relearn the piano".  The thing is it wasn't just a thought, I knew the Lord needed me to learn it.  I just didn't know why.  So I started, I pulled out some old music and began practicing a little.  Sadly, it only lasted for about a month.  I looked around the ward and wondered why I would ever need this skill there were so many pianist  that were really good, so once again I quit.  Then 2 1/2 years ago our ward split, I once again found myself in the primary presidency and at our first meeting we talked about who was qualified to serve in the music.  The president looked around and asked each one of us if we played the piano, to at least get us through until we found someone.  We soon realized there were very few people in the entire ward that played.  And everyone who did play already had a calling.  I was dumbfounded, I felt like the Lord was saying,  "I told you I needed you, how come you didn't listen?"  So I started once again, and soon realized that I needed lessons, because I didn't remember much from when I was younger.  A good friend of mine agreed to teach me and the adventure began.  I substituted as the pianist a couple of times before the actual calling came and every time was so scary.  I know I am not good, I make SOOO many mistakes,  I have a hard time slowing my breathing down and my hands sweat like no other.  So why did I say yes, because I know I am not alone in this little adventure.  

The Lord will not make me perfect in this but he will strengthen me, and I will do it because I trust Him.

Summer begins and goals are set

On the last day of school I try to take my kids out to lunch, and this summer we started with a trip to Wendy's.  We talked about the fun things that we had planned for the summer and the goals that we would set.

The last couple of summers we have set aside an evening where we talk about things we want to accomplish through the summer.  Then we get a poster board and decorate it with all our hopes for the summer.  This summer I added a little something extra.  We set up a board to track all the miles we move this summer, walking, running, hiking and a biking for the kids.  For each mile we go we circle a number and for every 25 miles there is a pocket with something fun to do.  The more miles we go the bigger the event.  I hope it motivates us all to move a little more and enjoy the process.

I took a picture of each of the kids posters with their goals, I love how their personalities are so evident Each of J.T.'s bullets are logos for sports teams.

 Sara got down to business this year and added a little extra with the papers, she is going to do great.

Cambelle did hers all by herself, spelling and all.

 I do a poster too, I hope my kids will see my attempting to reach goals and they will know that it never ends, there is always room to expand.

I hope to post a follow up at the end of the summer, hopefully there will be a good percentage complete, wish us luck.

....and Mahalo

This post is simply to remind me of the walks we took in Hawaii.  Probably the reason I love this place so much.  How could you not when you are surrounded with the pure saturation of color and beauty.  Enjoy.