Monday, February 23, 2009

A chance to sing.

When we moved into our new ward (congregation, if you will), we were given work to do.  The Professor became the choir accompanist.  I enjoyed the sudden increase in music in our home, but I was a bit disappointed.  I really enjoy being part of the choir.  And I have found it one of the fastest ways to become acquainted with those around us.  But I couldn't figure out a way to both join the choir and watch the little ones.  So I waited and enjoyed being in the audience.

Recently, though, things have changed.  The Professor now gets to help keep the ward's finances in shape.  Suddenly, choir is fair game.  Of course, few choirs are happy to lose a tenor, so a compromise was necessary.  We trade weeks.  I like it.  He likes it.  Even the choir director likes it.  (Two for the price of one.  What's not to like?)  And I finally get to sing again.  I've missed it.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

For Miss M

Listen my daughter, I want you to know
of all that my Savior has done--
How He has blessed me whenever I kneel
and pray for the help of the Son.

How do I find the words to explain
things I'm just starting to know?
Dear, Mommy is not so different from you;
I learn and I grow, but it's slow.

Just as you long to help and to do,
to make and to be--so do I.
Just as you struggle with anger, with grief,
with pain and with you--so do I.

I want to be big, to do it myself.
I start, and I try...and I fail.
The pain I create is too big for me.
I yell, and I cry, and I rail.

Then comes my Savior, loving and kind,
ready to answer my plea.
He comforts. He calms. He cleans, and He heals.
He teaches and purifies me.

Through Him I become. I learn, and I grow.
I finally let myself go.
And as I let go, most wonderful thing,
He steps in and adds so much more.

Beauty for ashes He said He would give,
comfort for all those that mourn.
Truly His promise is worth all we have
For through Him we all are reborn

When life is too much, and you're not enough,
don't give up--fall to your knees.
Through Him we can learn to love and to trust,
for our Savior He always will be.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Sewing again!

I now have enough space for my sewing machine.  It has been fun to think of things to use it for.  

I started with these as Miss M needed something appropriate to keep her covered for Sundays.  I made Miss E's jumper first.  I then modified the pattern for Miss M.  I'm pleased with how they turned out.

Maybe I'll even add those pockets I was planning on.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Go, Dog, Go.

This last week, we took the whole family to a play.  As plays are one of my favorite things (cue Julie Andrews), it was good to have a chance to go.  I got to share an experience I love with my little ones, but, probably more importantly, I got to remind myself that not everything I love is put on hold for the busy baby years.

Generally, young children aren't allowed at theater productions, but this one was different.  (Of course, it's Go, Dog, Go.  The audience would be rather sparse without little ones.)  Miss M and Young A seemed to think it was all great.  Miss E wasn't sure, but mostly liked it.  Young M seemed a bit scared.  I wish they had used more words.  Overall, the actors did quite well, especially when you realize that they are taking a picture book and turning it into 45 minutes of stuff.

The evening was fun.  And family fun is good.

Nation

Take a tolerant, but appropriate, English girl, add a curious native boy whose world just turned upside down, put them together on a small island, add a bit of humor and mix. 

Done well, the result is Nation, by Terry Pratchett, a quite enjoyable read.