Today was the Christmas program in Sacrament Meeting at Church. The Bishop chose to have an all music meeting and it was very nice. The choir, which I still direct, sang 3 numbers: one prelude and two during the meeting. I am still amazed at how beautiful they sounded. Someone said that it sounded as if there were angels singing with us because of the power and majesty of their voices. I would not be surprised at all if that were the case. I invited angels to come join us, if it were allowed. : - )
The songs were:
Born is the Light of the World, The Gift of Love, and O Come O Come Emmanuel..
Jennie, how did your solos go?
Mom
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
I got called "Heather" today!
I went to Michaels (store) tonight and saw Brother Hawker. As I walked by him, saying "Hello!" he said, "Hi Heather!" I just smiled and kept walking. Made my day!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Wow. What's been Happening?
I've been away far too long. I miss writing, I miss reading what you've shared about yourselves, your families, about life. After reading the past few posts by Jennie and Heather, I just want to say that I am really proud of my daughters. I'll include Lisa too because she has been through so much this past year, just like you both have, just in different ways. It's easy to let time slip away, one day, one week, one month. I have tried really hard to progress in the field of photography and to do that I have stayed pretty focused. There is much that I eliminate from my life just to have the time to devote to it. I came to realize something last week-end. What I thought was important dropped a notch because I haven't been doing "what matters most." I am so glad that I figured that out. I just want to apologize for telling you that I would send you pictures and then allowed other things to come first. I've failed all three of you in this regard, and I'm sorry. Sunday night when I would normally mat pictures for SVCC, I matted pictures for Heather and Lisa, and would have done Jennie's also, but I needed to know a frame size before I cut the mat. It felt so good to work on those projects, and I hope that you enjoy the result.
Grandpa gave me The Book of Mormon on tape some time ago and I listen to it whenever I am driving in the car by myself. I have come to prefer listening to that than music or the news, and it is amazing how fast I progress through it. However, I am not in a hurry - I usually listen to the same tape twice before I move on to the next one. Talk about perspective...it keeps me "grounded" in the spiritual things. It being part of my routine everyday, I feel more and more its importance to "survive" these times we live in. It gives me not only perspective and knowledge, but the power to discipline myself where it is needed. I really feel that.
I had a neat experience last week. I took a day off work to go Christmas shopping, and I was thinking of past times when I have been shopping with Heather, or Lisa, in particular, and I just wished that I had someone with me to give me their opinion about things I was considering to purchase. I was in Penneys, didn't really see anything that excited me that much so was on my way out, when this young sales clerk with red hair asked me if she could help me find anything. I told her that I had a list of people that I was trying to find something special for for Christmas, and she basically stayed with me for the next hour and a half, maybe two hours, helping me pick out gifts. She knew the products well and had good suggestions, I thought. She was so nice, it was almost as fun as being there with my daughters! And funny thing, I was pretty sure that I knew her from somewhere, but I just couldn't place her. I gave her a GLOWING review on a survey I filled out online, and I hope that got her a raise, or something! When I was walking in to Church on Sunday, who was coming out, but this sales clerk! I said, aren't you Kallie, who helped me do my shopping? She did a double-look, got a big smile on her face, and said "Yes!" She married the oldest son of Tim and Pam Lines this past year. I was so grateful to her. Luckily there weren't many people in the store that day.
I can relate to Jennie's post about weight gain, and looking different to a person who hasn't seen you for awhile. Because we live so far away from one another, I am fearful that when we get together, you will think of me..."Oh, she looks old!" So while you struggle with your added pounds, I am learning to get a grip with growing older, getting more wrinkles and a few more gray hairs (which I pluck out). I don't feel my age, I don't look my age, and I am very blessed in that regard. Truly living a healthy lifestyle has paid off for me, and it is a BIG motivator to continue to live this way.
I have more to say, but I'll save it for later. It is not HEALTHY to be up this late when I have to get up early so I'm heading to bed. Sweet dreams everyone.
I love you so much,
Mom
Grandpa gave me The Book of Mormon on tape some time ago and I listen to it whenever I am driving in the car by myself. I have come to prefer listening to that than music or the news, and it is amazing how fast I progress through it. However, I am not in a hurry - I usually listen to the same tape twice before I move on to the next one. Talk about perspective...it keeps me "grounded" in the spiritual things. It being part of my routine everyday, I feel more and more its importance to "survive" these times we live in. It gives me not only perspective and knowledge, but the power to discipline myself where it is needed. I really feel that.
I had a neat experience last week. I took a day off work to go Christmas shopping, and I was thinking of past times when I have been shopping with Heather, or Lisa, in particular, and I just wished that I had someone with me to give me their opinion about things I was considering to purchase. I was in Penneys, didn't really see anything that excited me that much so was on my way out, when this young sales clerk with red hair asked me if she could help me find anything. I told her that I had a list of people that I was trying to find something special for for Christmas, and she basically stayed with me for the next hour and a half, maybe two hours, helping me pick out gifts. She knew the products well and had good suggestions, I thought. She was so nice, it was almost as fun as being there with my daughters! And funny thing, I was pretty sure that I knew her from somewhere, but I just couldn't place her. I gave her a GLOWING review on a survey I filled out online, and I hope that got her a raise, or something! When I was walking in to Church on Sunday, who was coming out, but this sales clerk! I said, aren't you Kallie, who helped me do my shopping? She did a double-look, got a big smile on her face, and said "Yes!" She married the oldest son of Tim and Pam Lines this past year. I was so grateful to her. Luckily there weren't many people in the store that day.
I can relate to Jennie's post about weight gain, and looking different to a person who hasn't seen you for awhile. Because we live so far away from one another, I am fearful that when we get together, you will think of me..."Oh, she looks old!" So while you struggle with your added pounds, I am learning to get a grip with growing older, getting more wrinkles and a few more gray hairs (which I pluck out). I don't feel my age, I don't look my age, and I am very blessed in that regard. Truly living a healthy lifestyle has paid off for me, and it is a BIG motivator to continue to live this way.
I have more to say, but I'll save it for later. It is not HEALTHY to be up this late when I have to get up early so I'm heading to bed. Sweet dreams everyone.
I love you so much,
Mom
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Hello Again!
It's been a while since I've checked in! Life is so busy sometimes and oh so tiring. :) I remember when I was younger and Mom would tuck me in for bed she would often fall asleep the second she sat down. She would go in and out of conversations as her head bobbed forward and backward. I "only" have 3 kids so I can hardly imagine what it might have been like to have have 7 kids and also have to contribute to the household family income and go to work everyday. So I guess this is a good time to say......Good job Mom. I know things weren't perfect but I know you worked really hard and did your best. :) I love ya!
With that said, I am my Mother's daughter. I fall asleep every night with my girls if I lay down with them. I used to like to watch TV at night to unwind but most nights I don't even have the energy to stay awake for a 30 minute show. I'm not complaining. I consider my life to be better than I could have ever imagined. I'm not trying to be cheesy or sound all mushy. It's the honest truth. I've never been happier. I get to tuck my kids in tonight and the parents of those 20 little angels don't get to. I can hardly hold back tears for them. It absolutely breaks my heart. We are reminded yet again to not take our days and minutes for granted.
Last night we went caroling with the Straleys (Jessica's family) to some of the older ladies in our ward for FHE. A couple have recently lost their spouse and one of them has a daughter that took her own life a couple years ago. We went to three homes and one nursing home. They were all touched and I know that they all appreciated our service. I will say though that it was deeply touching for us and such a good teaching moment for our children. We definitely felt the spirit and so did the kids.
This coming Sunday is our Christmas program. I've been asked to do 3 of the solos in the cantata. (There is 4 in all. I did last years too so I was a little worried that others would be frustrated that they weren't getting equal opportunity. When I addressed the issue to the choir director he just said, "well I'm not asking for volunteers. The only question would be if you were going to do all four or not." So I just shut up and said okay. I'm flattered but I guess I just wonder where you draw the line between what you really want and giving others the opportunity. (One of the sopranos didn't return after she found out she wasn't and hasn't never been asked to do a solo. I do have to say though, she's not a great singer but thinks she is so its a little awkward.) Anyway, that's the ole drama over here at the moment. Thankfully I don't think she blames me. :)
Other than that, just getting ready for Christmas! We don't have any snow and its been warmer than normal so it hardly feels like Christmastime but I can't complain. I'm sure we'll have some blistery cold months to come.
Love you all,
Jen
With that said, I am my Mother's daughter. I fall asleep every night with my girls if I lay down with them. I used to like to watch TV at night to unwind but most nights I don't even have the energy to stay awake for a 30 minute show. I'm not complaining. I consider my life to be better than I could have ever imagined. I'm not trying to be cheesy or sound all mushy. It's the honest truth. I've never been happier. I get to tuck my kids in tonight and the parents of those 20 little angels don't get to. I can hardly hold back tears for them. It absolutely breaks my heart. We are reminded yet again to not take our days and minutes for granted.
Last night we went caroling with the Straleys (Jessica's family) to some of the older ladies in our ward for FHE. A couple have recently lost their spouse and one of them has a daughter that took her own life a couple years ago. We went to three homes and one nursing home. They were all touched and I know that they all appreciated our service. I will say though that it was deeply touching for us and such a good teaching moment for our children. We definitely felt the spirit and so did the kids.
This coming Sunday is our Christmas program. I've been asked to do 3 of the solos in the cantata. (There is 4 in all. I did last years too so I was a little worried that others would be frustrated that they weren't getting equal opportunity. When I addressed the issue to the choir director he just said, "well I'm not asking for volunteers. The only question would be if you were going to do all four or not." So I just shut up and said okay. I'm flattered but I guess I just wonder where you draw the line between what you really want and giving others the opportunity. (One of the sopranos didn't return after she found out she wasn't and hasn't never been asked to do a solo. I do have to say though, she's not a great singer but thinks she is so its a little awkward.) Anyway, that's the ole drama over here at the moment. Thankfully I don't think she blames me. :)
Other than that, just getting ready for Christmas! We don't have any snow and its been warmer than normal so it hardly feels like Christmastime but I can't complain. I'm sure we'll have some blistery cold months to come.
Love you all,
Jen
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