A Calvin and Hobbs Moment...

Today was a really fun Dylan day! We went to a magic show, spent time at the library, worked on our marionettes, and all around really enjoyed this hot summer day. Dylan was being so cute and fun and generally adorable that I decided to try and capture the moment on film. Dylan had a different idea...he would start out posing sweetly, but just as the flash went off would change his pose considerably. Here is the result:

The Piano Miracle and Other Tales

The first tale I’ll share is actually a thought from Elder Alexander A. Odume called Being content . He shared an experience from his childhood growing up in Nigeria where his family received a gift of food from a neighbor during a celebration. Young Alexander really wanted some of this delicious food and begged his mother to have some even though it was customary that his father decide when to eat the food. His mother, not wanting to disrespect her husbands traditional role initially said no but then acquiesced. Mama gave the boy a little of the food because she didn't want her boy to be unhappy. When the father arrived home and heard what had happened, he was unhappy with his son and pulled him aside to talk. He said to young Alexander that he was very disappointed in what he had done- that he had not shown contentment for what he already had. He taught his son that peace of mind and a good life are only for those who are content with what they have.
My second tale is the Piano Miracle. One day a few months ago out of the blue, a Sister in our Ward called me and said “I have a piano that I would like to give your family, would you like it?” Of course I said yes and sent Owen and a few other men over to collect the unexpected prize. Owen and I instantly counted this acquisition a huge blessing from Heavenly Father because there was no way that we can afford to buy even a picture of the most derelict piano you could think of.

As you might expect, a few weeks after receiving the piano, I received a calling to serve as Primary pianist. I said yes but knew that my piano skills were limited to playing for my own enjoyment and not at all developed enough to accompany anyone. Since that time, I have been burdened with all sorts of pride because I have habitually prayed each week for miraculous skill beyond my own but wasn't given what I desired. I wondered several times why Heavenly Father would subject me to feelings of torture and humiliation in front of our ward family and my little son in Primary.

Then this past Sunday the tide turned in my mind. As I sat at the primary piano ashamed with my lack of skill and struggling to play "Called to Serve" over and over, I thought of Elder Odume’s tale and realized that I was guilty of not being content with the miracles that I’d been given! How selfish I felt as I though of how by the grace of God we had a piano and I had been given the opportunity to develop a skill. My reaction? In stead of being content with these immense gifts, I audaciously asked to forfeit the work and be blessed with something that I haven’t yet earned. I’ve given this epiphany a lot of thought so far this week and it’s already begun to bless me more and more as I’ve applied this principle in my consideration of all of the diverse areas of my life. I hope that I can develop this skill: of being content with God’s will and His call to serve in whatever capacity He requires.

Stir-fry the Storage

Being a traditional LDS Homemaker means that I am constantly trying to obey commandments regarding food storage. Unfortunately, the traditional things stored and prepared with storage items make my family gag. I've spent my efforts this year into thinking up recipes that are prepared with canned/ frozen food items which are tasty and easy to boot. The one that I made tonight called Food Storage Stir Fry won a OP5(Owen's palate says 5 stars!) rating. I thought I would share it with you if you are interested. Just click on this entry title above to get to the recipe... Enjoy!

(and yes, this is an actual picture of the product)

Sorrowful Cicada

The other day I was puttering around in the yard and I came across the most beautiful and large insect that I've ever seen. After some searching I realized that it was in fact a Cicada- the insect probably best known for only emerging from the ground every 13-17 years. The beautiful creature was languishing due to what I assume was the end of it's mating cycle which always leads to death. I felt mournful as I looked at this almost mystical looking insect. A lump of regret formed in my throat as I realized that I wouldn't hear it's beautiful song after it died. After an evening filled with sad thoughts, I decided to be grateful for the unique and beautiful experiences that Heavenly Father's creations afford to us. The cicadas sparkly deep emerald body and fairy-like wings along with the lovely songs that have soothed me in my bed this summer have become a cherished experience to me. So are all of Heavenly Father's creatures- each one has such unique contributions that are often largely under appreciated but can bring large measures of joy and comfort when duly recognised.

Welcome All!

SO I've decided to revamp and retry a family blog. Things are going well...we're getting Dylan ready to start school, Owen is making progress towards his ultimate educational goals and I do my best to take care of everyone. I'll add some pictures sometime in the next few days...