"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." Doctrine and Covenants 25:12
You know what? I love music. Like, real music. Not trashy, made-up, weird stuff. Just real instruments, real voices, real rhythm, real music.
You know what else? Fun fact about me: I have played the piano since I was in second grade. It's true. I'm actually not that great though, lets be honest here. Not trying to be modest here, I really wish I really practiced and kept up with it. I can mostly play hymns and a few primary songs, but that's pretty much the extent at this point. I still play and I still love it.
Instruments that I want to learn to play? Several actually, my mom played the harp in college. How cool would that be? I love, love, love cellos! You play the cello and I automatically love you. End of story. I also think the harmonica or the guitar would be fun to learn, or the clarinet.
Another instrument that I also actually play is the violin.
Well, did.
*Ok Suzanne, pull yourself together here*
I played the violin in middle school, high school, and a bit in college. The violin is very dear to my heart. Nothing like unzipping that familiar, old, black case to open up and find this beautiful instrument, ready to be listened to. Mine was orange-brown colored, four strings like they all do, a twisted scroll at the top, chips on the sides to show it's age and memories, and a shoulder rest that never did stay on straight.
I love that thing.
I remember playing twinkle-twinkle little star for the first time, and I remember easily being first chair and playing several solo parts for competitions and Christmas concerts. I remember playing in sacrament meetings and at funerals. I remember practicing for hours on my vibrato, shifting, and other techniques. Fiddle music, gentle music, whatever crossed my way I liked to learn to play.
Well, why don't I play any more?
Two reasons: first being that over the years of playing I have developed what I think is carpal tunnel in my left wrist. It bothers me from time to time, even when I am not playing. The pain is excruciating. Especially in my heart.
My second reason is that my father has lost his job. Simply, with money being tight and my youngest sister wanting to play an instrument in middle school now, I couldn't let it go to anyone else.
Do I wish that I could keep playing? Most definitely. Do I want to let it go? Not necessarily.
But will I let it go? Yes and no.
Yes my younger sister will learn to play and hopefully enjoy the same joys that I have come to know from learning and playing.
But no, because the memories will always be in my heart.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Memories
Well friends, I have one week left here in Texas.
One week left of chiggers, huge mosquitoes, and fire ants.
One week left of huge thunder storms.
One week left of beautiful, cloudy, hot days.
One week left of tomato-juice soup and pizza nights.
One week left of free rent, laundry, and food.
One week left of work, children, and leaving work with pacifiers and tissues in my pockets.
One week left of runny noeses, toddler songs getting stuck in my head, and who-knows-what stuck on the bottom of my shoes.
One week left of changing diapers.
One week left of chiggers, huge mosquitoes, and fire ants.
One week left of huge thunder storms.
One week left of beautiful, cloudy, hot days.
One week left of tomato-juice soup and pizza nights.
One week left of free rent, laundry, and food.
One week left of work, children, and leaving work with pacifiers and tissues in my pockets.
One week left of runny noeses, toddler songs getting stuck in my head, and who-knows-what stuck on the bottom of my shoes.
One week left of changing diapers.
One week left to talk about my day at work at the dinner table.
One week left of humidity, sunshine, and the warm Texas breezes.
One week left of cows, fields of corn, and bales of hay on the way to work.
One week left to watch the cotton grow and get harvested each week as we drive to church.
One week left to walk out the door in the early mornings and feel how heavy the air is.
One week left to sleep with the fan on.
One week left to sit in my old room that I grew up in.
One week left to pack school lunches for my younger siblings.
One week left to be in a family ward.
One week left to walk around the block of my familiar, old neighborhood.
One week left to eat ice cream on the back porch.
One week left to quote movies before, during, and after we watch them.
One week left to play my mother's piano.
One week left to mop my mother's kitchen floor.
One week left to name the spiders that we squish at work.
One week left of H-E-B.
One week left of humidity, sunshine, and the warm Texas breezes.
One week left of cows, fields of corn, and bales of hay on the way to work.
One week left to watch the cotton grow and get harvested each week as we drive to church.
One week left to walk out the door in the early mornings and feel how heavy the air is.
One week left to sleep with the fan on.
One week left to sit in my old room that I grew up in.
One week left to pack school lunches for my younger siblings.
One week left to be in a family ward.
One week left to walk around the block of my familiar, old neighborhood.
One week left to eat ice cream on the back porch.
One week left to quote movies before, during, and after we watch them.
One week left to play my mother's piano.
One week left to mop my mother's kitchen floor.
One week left to name the spiders that we squish at work.
One week left of H-E-B.
One week left of dad's gospel doctrine classes.
One week left of waking up in the morning at 6:15am to my phone alarm.
One week left to sit behind the really cute family with four little kids in Sacrament meeting.
One week left of "stadium seating."
One week left to sing the at the top of my lungs to the Beatles or Beach Boys with my sister as we clean the bathroom.
One week left to have family prayer and scripture study with my family.
One week left to drive back and forth to work and take pictures with dad.
One week left to whistle, sing, and quote movies for mom.
One week left to look out my window and see my backyard.
One week left to hear "ya'll" and "fixin' to"
One week left to have family home evenings with my family.
One week left to borrow my sister's clothes.
One week left to 'borrow' her q-tips in the mornings.
One week left to play my violin.
One week left to exercise with my brother.
One week left of family phrases, words, and inside jokes.
One week left of vacuuming the family room.
One week left of rinsing the dishes.
One week left to tease my sister about early morning seminary.
One week left to help my sister choose clothes, do hair, and offer mouthwash before a church dance.
One week left of "Robin Hood theme music" from my youngest sister.
One week left to sit behind the really cute family with four little kids in Sacrament meeting.
One week left of "stadium seating."
One week left to sing the at the top of my lungs to the Beatles or Beach Boys with my sister as we clean the bathroom.
One week left to have family prayer and scripture study with my family.
One week left to drive back and forth to work and take pictures with dad.
One week left to whistle, sing, and quote movies for mom.
One week left to look out my window and see my backyard.
One week left to hear "ya'll" and "fixin' to"
One week left to have family home evenings with my family.
One week left to borrow my sister's clothes.
One week left to 'borrow' her q-tips in the mornings.
One week left to play my violin.
One week left to exercise with my brother.
One week left of family phrases, words, and inside jokes.
One week left of vacuuming the family room.
One week left of rinsing the dishes.
One week left to tease my sister about early morning seminary.
One week left to help my sister choose clothes, do hair, and offer mouthwash before a church dance.
One week left of "Robin Hood theme music" from my youngest sister.
One week left of "Soup Guy".
One week left for my brother to crack my back for me.
One week left to not sit in my assigned place at the table for breakfast.
One week left to even sit with my family for a meal.
One week left to skip every-other stair as I run up the stairs.
One week left to ride in the big-green-van.
One week left to check the mail down the street.
One week left to watch the nest of birds on our front porch.
On week left to see my younger siblings and parents.
One week left of home.
One week left for my brother to crack my back for me.
One week left to not sit in my assigned place at the table for breakfast.
One week left to even sit with my family for a meal.
One week left to skip every-other stair as I run up the stairs.
One week left to ride in the big-green-van.
One week left to check the mail down the street.
One week left to watch the nest of birds on our front porch.
On week left to see my younger siblings and parents.
One week left of home.
A week from today I'll be in Utah getting ready for school.
Now I know that I will do many of these things in the not too distant future, and that I will surely see my family again soon. And it's not like I don't have family close where I am going, but next time might not be quite the same, and I want to remember
this summer and this week.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The Constitution
Because I am going back to school soon and next Sunday will be my last Sunday in my family's ward, I was released from my calling as a nursery worker. Bitter sweet. I'll miss those sweet spirits, and I know why I was called there. It was a great learning experience for me.
Well, I was grateful to be able to attend gospel doctrine class today. It was especially good because my dad is actually the gospel doctrine teacher in our ward.
Today's lesson I felt was especially most excellent. We are learning from the Old Testament from the books of Jonah and Micha.
I would like to share what I learned today.
Here is the scripture that we read today that was part of the lesson that I found the most interesting:
"But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." (Micah 4:1-2)
This scripture is talking about the last days. The first question that was asked in class was: What is "the mountain of the house of the Lord" referring to? The answer is the Temple.
The next question was what Temple specifically is mentioned here? "And many nations shall come...let us go up to the mountain of the Lord..." That would be the Salt Lake Temple; many nations flowing unto it and learning in the house of God, leaning his ways etc. Very true.
What is Zion? We know that Zion has many definitions, such as "the pure in heart" But in this context, Zion is Missouri.
And he word of the Lord is his gospel.
But was what is the law that shall go forth?
Here is a quote from President Harold B. Lee about these verses:
"President Harold B. Lee gave the following commentary on these verses: "With the coming of the pioneers to establish the Church in the tops of the mountains, our early leader declared this to be the beginning of the fulfillment of the prophecy that out of Zion should go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
"I have often wondered what that expression meant, that out of Zion should go forth the law. Years ago I went with the Brethren to the Idaho Falls Temple, and I heard in that inspired prayer of the First Presidency a definition of the meaning of that term-'out of Zion shall go forth the law.' Note what they said:
"'We thank thee that thou has revealed to us that those who gave us our constitutional form of government were wise in thy sight and that thou didst raise them up for the very purpose of putting forth that sacred document [as revealed in the Doctrine and Covenants 101]... We pray that kings and rulers and the peoples of all nations under heaven may be persuaded of the blessings enjoyed by the people of this land by reason of their freedom under thy guidance and be constrained to adopt similar governmental systems, thus to fulfill the ancient prophecy of Isaiah and Micah that "...out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem"' (Improvement Era, October 1945, p. 504.)
So what is the law that will go forth? It is our constitution; our way of government; of the people, by the people, for the people.
We can see this today; many countries who were once dictatorships and monarchies are now-in some form or another-adopting a more republic and 'of the people, by the people, for the people' governments.
We also read in Mosiah 29: 37-39 "And now it came to pass, after king Mosiah had sent these things forth among the people they were convinced of the truth of his words. Therefore they relinquished their desires for a king, and became exceedingly anxious that every man should have an equal chance throughout all the land; yea, and every man expressed a willingness to answer for his own sins. Therefore, it came to pass that they assembled themselves together in bodies throughout the land, to cast in their voices concerning who should be their judges, to judge them according to the law which had been given them; and they were exceedingly rejoiced because of the liberty which had been granted unto them."
I think this scripture goes along these lines perfectly; these people no longer had or wanted a king, but judges. They were able to take upon them the responsibility of their own sins and they were anxious that everyone would be able to have a chance and to be able to cast in their voices; to be heard. They were excited for the liberty that was granted unto them. Sound familiar?
And I think it is because of that liberty which we have here in America, because of the constitution of the United States, that Joesph Smith was able to restore the gospel through Jesus Christ on the earth today. And it is because of our liberty, that we also have the freedom of religion.
This liberty is being spread throughout the world, the law is going forth. And once the law has gone forth, the gospel can also go forth. Countries of the world are being opened for missionaries.
Fun fact about me: I am related to the man who wrote the hymn "High on a Mountain Top." My great grandfather is Joel H. Johnson.
I think the fourth verse of this hymn also really applies to this lesson:
"For there we shall be taught The law that will go forth, With truth and wisdom fraught, To govern all the earth. Forever there his ways we’ll tread, And save ourselves with all our dead."
Isn't that so neat? I love going to gospel doctrine class.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Preach My Gospel
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to serve as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Today, I got a little taste of that as I spent my day with the sister missionaries.
The day in the life of the sister missionaries:
My alarm went off at 6:30am this morning, same as the sisters. The sisters get up at 6:30am and exercise for thirty minutes and then get themselves ready for the day. They picked me up at 7:45am.
Once in the car, I could already feel that this was going to be an amazing experience. Gentle church piano music was playing and gentle conversation was made. Their voices were calm and soft spoken, however they laughed and made jokes with one another. They discussed their day and the people we were going to see.
When we stopped at a red light, one sister wanted to get out of the car and hop over to the car next to us. "I wonder if he wants to get baptized?" she laughed. So eager was she.
Their apartment was clean, orderly, and calm. We pulled up chairs to their table and began our personal study with a prayer.
The missionaries start their day with an hour of personal study. They can study from the scriptures, conference talks, True to the Faith, Our Heritage, Our Search for Happiness, Jesus the Christ, and of course Preach My Gospel.
As we studied, I observed them marking scriptures, cross-referencing, and taking notes in journals. I did the same.
When the hour had gone by, we discussed what we read and learned. We shared scriptures and thoughts about what we liked and bore testimony that it was true.
We then sang a hymn together. We sang "Because I have been given much" (Hymn #219) One of my favorites.
We then knelt in prayer together before companion study. Then we stood and recited their San Antonio, Texas Mission theme in English and Spanish. The sisters had it memorized, but gave me the paper to read from.
Then we recited Doctrine and Covenants 4, (which they also had memorized)
"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen."
Next we read a section from the white missionary handbook.
For companion study, we read from the Book of Mormon to each other and discussed the chapters and other relating scriptures.
Roll playing with the sisters was such a neat experience. After we had companion study, we pulled out our "Preach My Gospel" manuals and discussed how to invite the investigator to be baptized.
"Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God? We will be holding a baptismal service on [date] Will you prepare yourself to be baptized on that date?" (Preach My Gospel page#75)
Missionaries are truly amazing.
The sister then had language study for an hour. Because I am not very familiar with Spanish, I continued to study from my scriptures and the other books.
For the next hour, we ate lunch and the sisters made several phone calls and scheduled appointments and followed up with members and investigators. Their planners were neat and tidy; they were organized, prepared, and on top of things.
I observed that they would hum and sing hymns and primary songs as we transitioned and throughout the day they harmonized with each other. They both have lovely singing voices, and have sung together in church before.
At noon, we set out to their various appointments. On our way, we pulled over several times and got out to talk to people on the side walks and in their driveways.
Most people in Texas are very kind, and most people are already very religious. Some took the pass-along cards and talked with us and others wanted nothing to do with us.
Our first appointment was with one of the investigators who is getting baptized tomorrow. He lives at home with his parents and older brother. The older brother has been newly baptized and has a wonderful spirit. Still learning, but so eager. Their father was an older man who had been baking bread before we came and gave us some from his new recipe as we walked in the door. He was a sweet older man who showed us his beautiful paintings that he had done that were on the wall, and offered for the sisters to come over again so he could teach them to paint. Their mother was sick, so she did not meet with us, but the sisters, these two brothers and their father, and I began with a prayer and then read from the scriptures.
We taught them about Lehi's vision of the tree of life, and challenged them to continue to read and to pray to know that it is true. We also challenged their father to quit smoking.
It was so interesting to me to hear what they had to say. Both to hear their questions and to listen to the answers from the sisters and from the Spirit. It was amazing.
Our next appointment was with a single mother and her eleven year old son. We met with her in her kitchen and taught her the plan of salvation. She was so amazed. I was so amazed. There were so many things that she already knew and believed in that were similar, but not complete. Again I was amazed to see her point of view; not knowing the gospel, and we were teaching her!
We bore testimony and invited her to come with us to church tomorrow. She said she would continue to pray and read from the Book of Mormon, but she was not quite ready to come yet.
Our third appointment was with a man, his wife and son. We mostly talked with him, while his family was down stairs. Their family is moving, so we helped him pack a few things from their family room and moved boxes down stairs for him. He had been feeling sick, and asked for a priesthood blessing. We called a member from the ward who came right away. It was neat to discuss the priesthood and blessings. We bore testimony of the power of God and of priesthood power.
Between appointments, we would often pull over and walk through the neighborhoods and talk with people who were outside. We made more appointments for the following weeks and followed up with other members at their homes and other investigators. We prayed in the car each time before we went in for an appointment, and afterwards when we came back in, we discussed how it went. We visited with many.
At 6:00 they dropped me off at home. They had a dinner appointment with a member in the ward and I needed to be back.
It was overall one of the most incredible experiences of my life; the sister missionaries have the Spirit with them. I loved observing them; watching how they handled situations and conversations, how they initiated challenges and invitations, how they promised blessings, and taught with the Spirit. They were friendly to all and ready to serve however they could. I was so grateful to be with them and it filled me with peace.
I hope they call me on a mission...
Today, I got a little taste of that as I spent my day with the sister missionaries.
The day in the life of the sister missionaries:
My alarm went off at 6:30am this morning, same as the sisters. The sisters get up at 6:30am and exercise for thirty minutes and then get themselves ready for the day. They picked me up at 7:45am.
Once in the car, I could already feel that this was going to be an amazing experience. Gentle church piano music was playing and gentle conversation was made. Their voices were calm and soft spoken, however they laughed and made jokes with one another. They discussed their day and the people we were going to see.
When we stopped at a red light, one sister wanted to get out of the car and hop over to the car next to us. "I wonder if he wants to get baptized?" she laughed. So eager was she.
Their apartment was clean, orderly, and calm. We pulled up chairs to their table and began our personal study with a prayer.
The missionaries start their day with an hour of personal study. They can study from the scriptures, conference talks, True to the Faith, Our Heritage, Our Search for Happiness, Jesus the Christ, and of course Preach My Gospel.
As we studied, I observed them marking scriptures, cross-referencing, and taking notes in journals. I did the same.
When the hour had gone by, we discussed what we read and learned. We shared scriptures and thoughts about what we liked and bore testimony that it was true.
We then sang a hymn together. We sang "Because I have been given much" (Hymn #219) One of my favorites.
We then knelt in prayer together before companion study. Then we stood and recited their San Antonio, Texas Mission theme in English and Spanish. The sisters had it memorized, but gave me the paper to read from.
Then we recited Doctrine and Covenants 4, (which they also had memorized)
"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen."
Next we read a section from the white missionary handbook.
For companion study, we read from the Book of Mormon to each other and discussed the chapters and other relating scriptures.
Roll playing with the sisters was such a neat experience. After we had companion study, we pulled out our "Preach My Gospel" manuals and discussed how to invite the investigator to be baptized.
"Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority of God? We will be holding a baptismal service on [date] Will you prepare yourself to be baptized on that date?" (Preach My Gospel page#75)
Missionaries are truly amazing.
The sister then had language study for an hour. Because I am not very familiar with Spanish, I continued to study from my scriptures and the other books.
For the next hour, we ate lunch and the sisters made several phone calls and scheduled appointments and followed up with members and investigators. Their planners were neat and tidy; they were organized, prepared, and on top of things.
I observed that they would hum and sing hymns and primary songs as we transitioned and throughout the day they harmonized with each other. They both have lovely singing voices, and have sung together in church before.
At noon, we set out to their various appointments. On our way, we pulled over several times and got out to talk to people on the side walks and in their driveways.
Most people in Texas are very kind, and most people are already very religious. Some took the pass-along cards and talked with us and others wanted nothing to do with us.
Our first appointment was with one of the investigators who is getting baptized tomorrow. He lives at home with his parents and older brother. The older brother has been newly baptized and has a wonderful spirit. Still learning, but so eager. Their father was an older man who had been baking bread before we came and gave us some from his new recipe as we walked in the door. He was a sweet older man who showed us his beautiful paintings that he had done that were on the wall, and offered for the sisters to come over again so he could teach them to paint. Their mother was sick, so she did not meet with us, but the sisters, these two brothers and their father, and I began with a prayer and then read from the scriptures.
We taught them about Lehi's vision of the tree of life, and challenged them to continue to read and to pray to know that it is true. We also challenged their father to quit smoking.
It was so interesting to me to hear what they had to say. Both to hear their questions and to listen to the answers from the sisters and from the Spirit. It was amazing.
Our next appointment was with a single mother and her eleven year old son. We met with her in her kitchen and taught her the plan of salvation. She was so amazed. I was so amazed. There were so many things that she already knew and believed in that were similar, but not complete. Again I was amazed to see her point of view; not knowing the gospel, and we were teaching her!
We bore testimony and invited her to come with us to church tomorrow. She said she would continue to pray and read from the Book of Mormon, but she was not quite ready to come yet.
Our third appointment was with a man, his wife and son. We mostly talked with him, while his family was down stairs. Their family is moving, so we helped him pack a few things from their family room and moved boxes down stairs for him. He had been feeling sick, and asked for a priesthood blessing. We called a member from the ward who came right away. It was neat to discuss the priesthood and blessings. We bore testimony of the power of God and of priesthood power.
Between appointments, we would often pull over and walk through the neighborhoods and talk with people who were outside. We made more appointments for the following weeks and followed up with other members at their homes and other investigators. We prayed in the car each time before we went in for an appointment, and afterwards when we came back in, we discussed how it went. We visited with many.
At 6:00 they dropped me off at home. They had a dinner appointment with a member in the ward and I needed to be back.
It was overall one of the most incredible experiences of my life; the sister missionaries have the Spirit with them. I loved observing them; watching how they handled situations and conversations, how they initiated challenges and invitations, how they promised blessings, and taught with the Spirit. They were friendly to all and ready to serve however they could. I was so grateful to be with them and it filled me with peace.
I hope they call me on a mission...
Friday, August 27, 2010
Hungry
Before I go to work I always make sure I have a good breakfast. I tend to have low blood sugar issues, and I may pass out or get really shaky etc. if I don't eat well throughout the day. I also make sure and pack a decent lunch each day.
I also love to eat really healthy foods; good colors, good variety, and good tastes. I like to take fruits, veggies, and grains. Same thing at breakfast, I usually have a good source of grain to give me some good energy and a piece of fruit and skim milk.
Because skim is the best.
End of story. :)
So this morning, I decided to make a salad for lunch. I washed and cut some good, green lettuce from the fridge. I picked out the biggest tomato, and diced it up. I found some shredded carrots and purple cabbage. In the pantry I discovered a box of croutons, and on the counter was the last avocado. I threw in half of a green pepper and I was getting hungry already. I sprinkled some cheese on the top and poured some dressing in a separate container for later.
After packing the rest of my lunch up, I grabbed my water bottle from the fridge and I was out the door.
I started my day off as usual, and all was well.
In our classroom today however, there were three teachers instead of the usual two. So we were able to give each other lunch breaks. My first co-worker started off to her lunch break at 12:30.
An hour later when she came back, my other co-worker went on her lunch break.
I was getting hungry.
Weird fact about me: I don't like eating in front of people unless I know you really well. I just don't. And I don't like talking about food. I just don't. Write about it? (Well obviously I'm ok with it with the looks of this post.) Just don't bring it up. First date going out to eat? May not be a good idea.
So as I clean up the children's lunch with my co-worker, that salad is on my mind. I was getting a little shaky and I couldn't wait for my other co-worker to come back. Two hours felt like eternity.
At 2:30 she was in, and at 2:30 I was out.
In the break room I finally whipped out my lunch. The room was pretty full of several of my other co-workers also conversing and eating lunch.
I pulled out my salad and poured the dressing on top nervously. I began to stir my dressing in, and with the mixed feelings of being shaky because of hunger, and being nervous around my co-workers (which is silly) my plastic fork did not last long.
*snap*
Dang it.
I think I have a granola bar in here somewhere...
I also love to eat really healthy foods; good colors, good variety, and good tastes. I like to take fruits, veggies, and grains. Same thing at breakfast, I usually have a good source of grain to give me some good energy and a piece of fruit and skim milk.
Because skim is the best.
End of story. :)
So this morning, I decided to make a salad for lunch. I washed and cut some good, green lettuce from the fridge. I picked out the biggest tomato, and diced it up. I found some shredded carrots and purple cabbage. In the pantry I discovered a box of croutons, and on the counter was the last avocado. I threw in half of a green pepper and I was getting hungry already. I sprinkled some cheese on the top and poured some dressing in a separate container for later.
After packing the rest of my lunch up, I grabbed my water bottle from the fridge and I was out the door.
I started my day off as usual, and all was well.
In our classroom today however, there were three teachers instead of the usual two. So we were able to give each other lunch breaks. My first co-worker started off to her lunch break at 12:30.
An hour later when she came back, my other co-worker went on her lunch break.
I was getting hungry.
Weird fact about me: I don't like eating in front of people unless I know you really well. I just don't. And I don't like talking about food. I just don't. Write about it? (Well obviously I'm ok with it with the looks of this post.) Just don't bring it up. First date going out to eat? May not be a good idea.
So as I clean up the children's lunch with my co-worker, that salad is on my mind. I was getting a little shaky and I couldn't wait for my other co-worker to come back. Two hours felt like eternity.
At 2:30 she was in, and at 2:30 I was out.
In the break room I finally whipped out my lunch. The room was pretty full of several of my other co-workers also conversing and eating lunch.
I pulled out my salad and poured the dressing on top nervously. I began to stir my dressing in, and with the mixed feelings of being shaky because of hunger, and being nervous around my co-workers (which is silly) my plastic fork did not last long.
*snap*
Dang it.
I think I have a granola bar in here somewhere...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
You've Got Mail
“I turn on my computer. I wait patiently as it connects. I go online. My breath catches in my chest until I hear 3 little words, "You've got mail." I hear nothing, not a sound on the streets of New York. Just the beat of my own heart. I have mail...from you.” (You've Got Mail)
Well, it wasn't quite like that.
I came home from work today exhausted, with a headache, and you don't want to know what was all over my work vest, but then I walked into the kitchen.
On the counter was today's pile of mail. Nothing special about it. I mean, I never get mail unless it's my birthday or a reminder from my dentist that I have an appointment next week. Why should this pile of mail make any more difference to me than yesterday's pile of mail?
I walk past it, past feeling.
As I begin to talk to my mom about my day, my sister speaks up and says: "Hey, I think you got something in the mail."
I shuffle through the stack unenthusiastically. But then I reach a white envelope. With my name on it. Hand written. (as opposed to what the dentist would have sent) and a crooked stamp in the upper right corner. An unexpected letter from an unexpected friend.
I stood in surprise for a moment.
I have mail.
I searched for the letter opener and tore open the envelope. Inside was -not a typed- but a had written letter.
(Man, I sound like I have never received a letter before. What else would be in that envelope?)
As I read through the letter, I could see the sender's careful thoughtfulness and kind inquiries. The letter was fairly short, but it still took a while to translate his handwriting.
It put a smile on my face, and it certainly brightened my day.
Thats all.
Doesn't getting a letter, make you want to go write one?
I think so.
Well, it wasn't quite like that.
I came home from work today exhausted, with a headache, and you don't want to know what was all over my work vest, but then I walked into the kitchen.
On the counter was today's pile of mail. Nothing special about it. I mean, I never get mail unless it's my birthday or a reminder from my dentist that I have an appointment next week. Why should this pile of mail make any more difference to me than yesterday's pile of mail?
I walk past it, past feeling.
As I begin to talk to my mom about my day, my sister speaks up and says: "Hey, I think you got something in the mail."
I shuffle through the stack unenthusiastically. But then I reach a white envelope. With my name on it. Hand written. (as opposed to what the dentist would have sent) and a crooked stamp in the upper right corner. An unexpected letter from an unexpected friend.
I stood in surprise for a moment.
I have mail.
I searched for the letter opener and tore open the envelope. Inside was -not a typed- but a had written letter.
(Man, I sound like I have never received a letter before. What else would be in that envelope?)
As I read through the letter, I could see the sender's careful thoughtfulness and kind inquiries. The letter was fairly short, but it still took a while to translate his handwriting.
It put a smile on my face, and it certainly brightened my day.
Thats all.
Doesn't getting a letter, make you want to go write one?
I think so.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Exotic Farm Animals
While we wait for lunch to arrive, usually my co-worker and I will pull out our variety of exotic animal puppets and sing to the children as they sit in their highchairs.
Our song went something like this today:
"Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, oh! And on that farm he had a parrot, e-i, e-i, oh! With a caw, caw, here and a caw, caw there! Here a caw, there a caw, every where a caw, caw! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a monkey, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a oo-oo, here, and a ah-ah there! Here a oo, there a ah, every where an oo-oo! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a bear, e-i, e-i, oh! e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a grr, grr here, and a grr, grr there! Here a grr, there a grr, every where a grr, grr! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a lion, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a roar, roar here, and a roar, roar there! Here a roar, there a roar every where a roar, roar! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a zebra, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a nay, nay here, and a nay, nay there! Here a nay, there a nay, every where a nay, nay! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a giraffe, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a....
uh...."
Our song went something like this today:
"Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, oh! And on that farm he had a parrot, e-i, e-i, oh! With a caw, caw, here and a caw, caw there! Here a caw, there a caw, every where a caw, caw! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a monkey, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a oo-oo, here, and a ah-ah there! Here a oo, there a ah, every where an oo-oo! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a bear, e-i, e-i, oh! e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a grr, grr here, and a grr, grr there! Here a grr, there a grr, every where a grr, grr! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a lion, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a roar, roar here, and a roar, roar there! Here a roar, there a roar every where a roar, roar! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a zebra, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a nay, nay here, and a nay, nay there! Here a nay, there a nay, every where a nay, nay! Oh McDonald had a farm, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh!
And on that farm he had a giraffe, e-i, e-i, e-i, oh! With a....
uh...."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Bless You
There are some children that are easier to feed than others.
In my class, some of the children eat on there own, and that's great. On the other hand, some need to be fed.
While I'm feeding them, several like to put their fingers in their mouth, and then they begin to rub their eyes and hair (and my hair!), try to reach for the bowl when I'm not looking (or even when I am looking,) and play with other toys that other children put on the trays (how did you get that?); thus getting sticky jar food all over the place.
Love it.
Some would rather watch and smile at the other children playing on the floor and you have to constantly remind them to focus on the meal at hand.
"Hello! I'm feeding you here! Focus! You can play later."
Sometimes they like what you offer, sometimes they don't.
Sometimes they fall asleep while I'm trying to feed them.
Sometimes they spit it out.
Or spit it on me.
Sometimes when I am trying to feed two or more babies at once, as I alternate, I'll leave one bowl on the table. And sometimes the babies like to push the bowls into my lap.
Sometimes they like to pick it up and pour it on themselves.
Or on the crawling children below them.
(Don't worry, most of these situations have only happened a once, I'm a fast learner.)
Some cry, others laugh.
Some eat neatly, others need their clothes changed afterwards.
Some go through two or more bibs.
Or two or more outfits.
One baby in my class doesn't like to open his mouth very wide. I can barely put a spoon in there! I've tried everything; making him laugh, tickling him, making faces, opening my mouth wide, nothing.
So I sit him in his highchair today for snack.
Here we go again.
The first couple of bites (if you can even call them bites) go slowly as usual.
"Come on, you can do it," I encourage. "Open your mouth a little wider."
Then suddenly he opened his mouth so wide, that it took me by surprise.
I'm thinking, hey alright we're getting somewhere! And I quickly put the spoonful of jar food in his mouth.
*AAAACHOOOOO*
*sneezes baby food all over me*
"Bless you."
In my class, some of the children eat on there own, and that's great. On the other hand, some need to be fed.
While I'm feeding them, several like to put their fingers in their mouth, and then they begin to rub their eyes and hair (and my hair!), try to reach for the bowl when I'm not looking (or even when I am looking,) and play with other toys that other children put on the trays (how did you get that?); thus getting sticky jar food all over the place.
Love it.
Some would rather watch and smile at the other children playing on the floor and you have to constantly remind them to focus on the meal at hand.
"Hello! I'm feeding you here! Focus! You can play later."
Sometimes they like what you offer, sometimes they don't.
Sometimes they fall asleep while I'm trying to feed them.
Sometimes they spit it out.
Or spit it on me.
Sometimes when I am trying to feed two or more babies at once, as I alternate, I'll leave one bowl on the table. And sometimes the babies like to push the bowls into my lap.
Sometimes they like to pick it up and pour it on themselves.
Or on the crawling children below them.
(Don't worry, most of these situations have only happened a once, I'm a fast learner.)
Some cry, others laugh.
Some eat neatly, others need their clothes changed afterwards.
Some go through two or more bibs.
Or two or more outfits.
One baby in my class doesn't like to open his mouth very wide. I can barely put a spoon in there! I've tried everything; making him laugh, tickling him, making faces, opening my mouth wide, nothing.
So I sit him in his highchair today for snack.
Here we go again.
The first couple of bites (if you can even call them bites) go slowly as usual.
"Come on, you can do it," I encourage. "Open your mouth a little wider."
Then suddenly he opened his mouth so wide, that it took me by surprise.
I'm thinking, hey alright we're getting somewhere! And I quickly put the spoonful of jar food in his mouth.
*AAAACHOOOOO*
*sneezes baby food all over me*
"Bless you."
Monday, August 23, 2010
Fathers
August is that fun month of the year when people begin to go back to school. Some are finishing up their schooling, and some are just beginning. I love this time of the year, I love autumn. Especially in Texas. The weather is still warm, the air is still humid, the leaves begin to change color, and school supply shopping was always a treat. Nothing like a bag of new, sharp pencils or a couple of new shirts for school. I remember loving to get ready for school (I know, I'm a nerd,) and one of my jobs growing up was helping mom get things ready for our school lunches.
One of my most memorable preparations for school, was the tradition in our family (as I'm sure is the same in many families) to receive a father's blessing before the new, upcoming school year.
"Persons desiring guidance in an important decision can receive a priesthood blessing. Persons who need extra spiritual power to overcome a personal challenge can receive a blessing. Expectant mothers can be blessed before they give birth. Many LDS families remember a sacred occasion where a worthy father gave a priesthood blessing to a son or daughter who was about to be married. Priesthood blessings are often requested from fathers before children leave home for other purposes, such as school, service in the military, or a long trip. Newly called missionaries often request a father’s blessing before they depart. I have a friend who is blind. He remembers how his father blessed him that despite his physical disability he would be able to complete the mission, be successful in his calling, and develop a great love for the people. I am a witness to the fulfillment of that blessing in the life of a wonderful Latter-day Saint." (Elder Dallin H. Oaks "Priesthood Blessings" May Ensign 1987.)
I have many memories of my father giving me priesthood blessings. I wont go into too much personal detail, but I am grateful he has always been a worthy priesthood holder in my home growing up, and I hope that someday my husband will be the same kind of father; a worthy priesthood holder who can give our children a father's blessing.
"Blessings given in circumstances such as I have just described are sometimes called blessings of comfort or counsel. They are usually given by fathers or husbands or other elders in the family. They can be recorded and kept in family records for the personal spiritual guidance of the persons blessed." (Elder Dallin H. Oaks.)
For my younger siblings, school starts tomorrow, and I don't start till mid-September. So for our Family Home Evening tonight, my dad is giving us all a father's blessing.
This is something that I look forward to. I love the bonding moments I have with my family; my siblings with me, my mom who writes it out for me, and especially my dad.
"The father of our home leads our family With wisdom's light in all that's right; My father's good to me.
The father of our ward tends with loving care Each member's needs with kindly deeds; Our bishop's always there.
And now we'll sing great praise and reverently recall The Holy One who gave his Son, The Father of us all.
Fathers are so special with a very special love. They watch us and protect us. They guide s and direct us Back to our home above." (Children's Songbook #209)
One of my most memorable preparations for school, was the tradition in our family (as I'm sure is the same in many families) to receive a father's blessing before the new, upcoming school year.
"Persons desiring guidance in an important decision can receive a priesthood blessing. Persons who need extra spiritual power to overcome a personal challenge can receive a blessing. Expectant mothers can be blessed before they give birth. Many LDS families remember a sacred occasion where a worthy father gave a priesthood blessing to a son or daughter who was about to be married. Priesthood blessings are often requested from fathers before children leave home for other purposes, such as school, service in the military, or a long trip. Newly called missionaries often request a father’s blessing before they depart. I have a friend who is blind. He remembers how his father blessed him that despite his physical disability he would be able to complete the mission, be successful in his calling, and develop a great love for the people. I am a witness to the fulfillment of that blessing in the life of a wonderful Latter-day Saint." (Elder Dallin H. Oaks "Priesthood Blessings" May Ensign 1987.)
I have many memories of my father giving me priesthood blessings. I wont go into too much personal detail, but I am grateful he has always been a worthy priesthood holder in my home growing up, and I hope that someday my husband will be the same kind of father; a worthy priesthood holder who can give our children a father's blessing.
"Blessings given in circumstances such as I have just described are sometimes called blessings of comfort or counsel. They are usually given by fathers or husbands or other elders in the family. They can be recorded and kept in family records for the personal spiritual guidance of the persons blessed." (Elder Dallin H. Oaks.)
For my younger siblings, school starts tomorrow, and I don't start till mid-September. So for our Family Home Evening tonight, my dad is giving us all a father's blessing.
This is something that I look forward to. I love the bonding moments I have with my family; my siblings with me, my mom who writes it out for me, and especially my dad.
"The father of our home leads our family With wisdom's light in all that's right; My father's good to me.
The father of our ward tends with loving care Each member's needs with kindly deeds; Our bishop's always there.
And now we'll sing great praise and reverently recall The Holy One who gave his Son, The Father of us all.
Fathers are so special with a very special love. They watch us and protect us. They guide s and direct us Back to our home above." (Children's Songbook #209)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Popcorn on What?
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matt 18:3
As you know, I have been working at a daycare all summer. Let me just say that I was definitely nervous at first. Well, I have worked with children many times throughout my life; nannying, babysitting, and not to mention I have three younger siblings whom I have changed all of their diapers before. (Well, at least helped.) But what worried me was the fact that I would be the one taking care of them. All day. I would be the one influencing them.
Where are their mothers? My heart just goes out to so many of these poor babies who get dropped off at 6:30 in the morning and don't get picked up by mom till 6:30 at night. And I am very sure that I do not know every one's circumstances, but these babies need their mothers.
I have been an influence in their young lives. It's amazing not how much you watch them, but how much they watch you!
For example they look to you to see how to respond to a cause and effect situation. Lets say one of them trips while running to you. They look up at you. What is my reaction? Do I run to them and cradle them and comfort them and let them cry? Or do I say:"Hey! Oops! Did you fall? It's ok pick yourself up!"? My response will teach them how to respond. If I worry over little things they will learn to cry over little things. If I comfort them, but tell them to shake it off, they will learn to pick themselves up and keep going. Now of course I comfort them when they need it, and that's how they learn that they are loved.
Another really funny example of that is with the buckets of toys. Some of the older children's favorite things to do is to take a bucket of toys, dump it out, and then take it some where in the middle of the room and stand on it. This drives me nuts! I constantly and positively remind them to "Please keep your feet on the floor" but they kept doing it! So every time I saw some of these kids standing on buckets, I would redirect them to another activity and take the bucket and put it in one of the cribs so they wouldn't be able to reach it. It worked, when I had all the buckets in there. A couple of weeks later one of the older boys was standing on the bucket again. I said calling their name, "Hey, please keep your feet on the floor so we can be safe." and as I walked over towards him, he got off the bucket, picked it up, and put it in the crib.
Totally cracked me up!
It's truly life changing to care for a child. Much more I would imagine when it's your own child, but these children are such sweet spirits. All children have sweet spirits. I have loved every minute of it! It has been such meaningful work and a learning experience that I think I really needed. Experiences that I can really apply in my future life. I can not write a hundredth part of the things that I have learned, especially about each individual child. Everything from their first steps, feeding them, and watching them as the fall asleep...They have such different and wonderful personalities that are already beginning to shine.
Such a wonderful and beautiful creation is a child. Especially these tiny babies that I have been working with. So new to this world. So eager to learn and to see. Ready to explore, touch things feel things, see things. (Eat things.)
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have began to sing to them and sang, "I looked out the window and what did I see? Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!"
My co-worker: "Popcorn on WHAT?"
Oops.
That's what I love about Nursery.
So, not only am I working full time at a daycare Monday through Friday, I have also been called into the Nursery (full time) this summer in my family ward! Six days a week.
It's awesome.
Children are so ready to learn about the gospel.
"Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear, Things I would ask him to tell me if he were here. Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea, Stories of Jesus, tell them to me!
Oh, let me hear how the children stood round his knee. I shall imagine his blessings resting on me; Words full of kindness, deeds full of grace, All in the love-light of Jesus' face.
Tell me, in accents of wonder, how rolled the sea, Tossing the boat in a tempest on Galilee! And how the Master, ready and kind, Chided the billows and hushed the wind." (Children's Songbook #57)
I love their Christ-like qualities "...and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him even as a child doth submit to his father."(Mosiah 3:19)
They are in need of so much nourishment, and I only wish I could teach them as much as they teach me. There are many times that I have looked at the families of the children in my daycare class, and wished they too could be taught. Oh how I love the gospel of Jesus Christ, and oh how I love the little children.
As you know, I have been working at a daycare all summer. Let me just say that I was definitely nervous at first. Well, I have worked with children many times throughout my life; nannying, babysitting, and not to mention I have three younger siblings whom I have changed all of their diapers before. (Well, at least helped.) But what worried me was the fact that I would be the one taking care of them. All day. I would be the one influencing them.
Where are their mothers? My heart just goes out to so many of these poor babies who get dropped off at 6:30 in the morning and don't get picked up by mom till 6:30 at night. And I am very sure that I do not know every one's circumstances, but these babies need their mothers.
I have been an influence in their young lives. It's amazing not how much you watch them, but how much they watch you!
For example they look to you to see how to respond to a cause and effect situation. Lets say one of them trips while running to you. They look up at you. What is my reaction? Do I run to them and cradle them and comfort them and let them cry? Or do I say:"Hey! Oops! Did you fall? It's ok pick yourself up!"? My response will teach them how to respond. If I worry over little things they will learn to cry over little things. If I comfort them, but tell them to shake it off, they will learn to pick themselves up and keep going. Now of course I comfort them when they need it, and that's how they learn that they are loved.
Another really funny example of that is with the buckets of toys. Some of the older children's favorite things to do is to take a bucket of toys, dump it out, and then take it some where in the middle of the room and stand on it. This drives me nuts! I constantly and positively remind them to "Please keep your feet on the floor" but they kept doing it! So every time I saw some of these kids standing on buckets, I would redirect them to another activity and take the bucket and put it in one of the cribs so they wouldn't be able to reach it. It worked, when I had all the buckets in there. A couple of weeks later one of the older boys was standing on the bucket again. I said calling their name, "Hey, please keep your feet on the floor so we can be safe." and as I walked over towards him, he got off the bucket, picked it up, and put it in the crib.
Totally cracked me up!
It's truly life changing to care for a child. Much more I would imagine when it's your own child, but these children are such sweet spirits. All children have sweet spirits. I have loved every minute of it! It has been such meaningful work and a learning experience that I think I really needed. Experiences that I can really apply in my future life. I can not write a hundredth part of the things that I have learned, especially about each individual child. Everything from their first steps, feeding them, and watching them as the fall asleep...They have such different and wonderful personalities that are already beginning to shine.
Such a wonderful and beautiful creation is a child. Especially these tiny babies that I have been working with. So new to this world. So eager to learn and to see. Ready to explore, touch things feel things, see things. (Eat things.)
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have began to sing to them and sang, "I looked out the window and what did I see? Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!"
My co-worker: "Popcorn on WHAT?"
Oops.
That's what I love about Nursery.
So, not only am I working full time at a daycare Monday through Friday, I have also been called into the Nursery (full time) this summer in my family ward! Six days a week.
It's awesome.
Children are so ready to learn about the gospel.
"Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear, Things I would ask him to tell me if he were here. Scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea, Stories of Jesus, tell them to me!
Oh, let me hear how the children stood round his knee. I shall imagine his blessings resting on me; Words full of kindness, deeds full of grace, All in the love-light of Jesus' face.
Tell me, in accents of wonder, how rolled the sea, Tossing the boat in a tempest on Galilee! And how the Master, ready and kind, Chided the billows and hushed the wind." (Children's Songbook #57)
I love their Christ-like qualities "...and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him even as a child doth submit to his father."(Mosiah 3:19)
They are in need of so much nourishment, and I only wish I could teach them as much as they teach me. There are many times that I have looked at the families of the children in my daycare class, and wished they too could be taught. Oh how I love the gospel of Jesus Christ, and oh how I love the little children.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Special Day
The hour was fairly early, but early enough that the room was still faintly dark. The table was clean with its chairs neatly standing tall and still around it. The counter top was empty, except for the vase of roses in the middle. The tile was cold. The blinds were shut tight. The sink was softly and slowly dripping. The air was still and the house was quiet. Too quiet.
Delicate footsteps were heard, creeping down the stairs and into the room. The blinds were opened and small, beautiful rays of sunlight instantly flowed into and illuminated the room.
Cupboards, pantry doors, and drawers were opened and shut. Mixing bowls, spatulas, and other utensils were retrieved. The fridge poured out its icy air as milk and eggs were gathered.
The counter top was busy now with a variety of colorful bowls and ingredients. The soft noises of the mixer was gentle, but broke the complete silence. The aroma of the ingredients began to fill the air as heat was applied to the combined mixture.
Curious other footsteps began to tiptoe down the stairs and into the room. Quiet whispers filled the room. Helpers were enlisted. The table was arranged simply, but with care. Plates, napkins, cups and forks were set. Mixing bowls and other utensils that were used and finished with were rinsed and loaded into the dishwasher.
It was ready.
Eager plates were lined up and were served a warm, square-shaped, and delicious smelling morning meal. The chairs were pulled out and sat in. Powdered sugar, syrup, and fruit was applied and consumed. Content conversation was made, grattitude was expressed.
All were satisfied.
The table was cleared and washed from its sticky state. Chairs were pushed in neatly and resumed standing tall and still around the table. The counter top was cleared and washed as well, and other dishes and sticky forks were added to the dishwasher. The tile was swept from crums under and around the table, and the sink stopped dripping.
All was left as it was before. Except the light that now completely filled and warmed the room. Nothing much, except a special memory of breakfast together.
Delicate footsteps were heard, creeping down the stairs and into the room. The blinds were opened and small, beautiful rays of sunlight instantly flowed into and illuminated the room.
Cupboards, pantry doors, and drawers were opened and shut. Mixing bowls, spatulas, and other utensils were retrieved. The fridge poured out its icy air as milk and eggs were gathered.
The counter top was busy now with a variety of colorful bowls and ingredients. The soft noises of the mixer was gentle, but broke the complete silence. The aroma of the ingredients began to fill the air as heat was applied to the combined mixture.
Curious other footsteps began to tiptoe down the stairs and into the room. Quiet whispers filled the room. Helpers were enlisted. The table was arranged simply, but with care. Plates, napkins, cups and forks were set. Mixing bowls and other utensils that were used and finished with were rinsed and loaded into the dishwasher.
It was ready.
Eager plates were lined up and were served a warm, square-shaped, and delicious smelling morning meal. The chairs were pulled out and sat in. Powdered sugar, syrup, and fruit was applied and consumed. Content conversation was made, grattitude was expressed.
All were satisfied.
The table was cleared and washed from its sticky state. Chairs were pushed in neatly and resumed standing tall and still around the table. The counter top was cleared and washed as well, and other dishes and sticky forks were added to the dishwasher. The tile was swept from crums under and around the table, and the sink stopped dripping.
All was left as it was before. Except the light that now completely filled and warmed the room. Nothing much, except a special memory of breakfast together.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Survival of the Fittest
She now has the prime spot. She is the biggest and the strongest. She makes her position known among the others by shifting her weight side to side as she sits and makes her self comfortable. Her head is high. All acknowledge her. She has won.
But wait. She sees something not too far away; just out of reach. She wants it. Badly. But dare she move? Is it worth giving up her spot? She tries reaching for it slyly; can she be in two places at once? Another one stirs and makes a quick, unexpected run for the spot. She sees this and retreats back to her spot angrily. The other one slows his pace, disappointed.
She then tugs on my sleeve and points at the toy she wants; not wanting to leave my lap.
If you compare my classroom to an ecosystem, you will find that the phrase "survival of the fittest" suits it well. Not struggling for life, but rather for the best of everything.
For example, my lap. Every chance I get to sit down, all the children in my class fight for the prime spot.
Some run and others crawl as fast as they can. Then comes the battle.
One girl comes running with open arms; pleading in her eyes for a hug and a chance to sit in my lap. Another crawls from just around the corner of the shelf and eyes the empty spot. One boy springs from hiding and dives head first into my lap. He has won. The others look at me with disappointment, rejection.
Some do not give up so easily. They grab my hair from behind and rub their dirty noses on my sleeve. (As if that's persuading) They pinch and cling onto my arms and some try to sit on my knees. Sometimes there are three in my lap at once, all pulling hair and pleading with their cries to be the one who gets the most attention.
If I stand up to leave, I feel like a mother hen and all these little chicks follow me around for a few minutes, crying and wondering why I have left them.
Lets shift to the lunch hour.
Groups of hungry babies wait impatiently for food. Strapped in tightly, they wiggle uncomfortably, moan, and wail as they wait for the late meal to arrive. The door opens and an uproar of screaming, over tired, and hungry babies can be heard. I begin quickly to serve food to each tray.
The first child gets his serving of food. The two beside him cannot wait any longer, and begin to reach over to their neighbor and take what they can grab for themselves. The first with food has to defend himself, and begins slapping the others away.
Snack time is no different, with the exception that today was someone's birthday! A parent brought in mini-cupcakes for the class. All eyes are big.
One patient girls sits quietly waiting to be served her treat. A cute, small cupcake, with swirly blue frosting and sprinkles is placed before her. She smiles up at me, as if to thank me for the snack. But before she knows it, her friend next to her has already snached her cupcake and had started to shove it into his mouth; blue frosting running through his fingers. Her smile turns to tears.
Back to the floor of this jungle, all seems calm.
A faint noise is heard in the corner, but all heads turn. Someone is at the door! All are drawn to the door and run towards it, as if hoping for escape. The teacher at the door has delivered his message and shuts the door promtly, leaving several disappointed babies behind.
But then all eyes are back at me. My lap is empty.
But wait. She sees something not too far away; just out of reach. She wants it. Badly. But dare she move? Is it worth giving up her spot? She tries reaching for it slyly; can she be in two places at once? Another one stirs and makes a quick, unexpected run for the spot. She sees this and retreats back to her spot angrily. The other one slows his pace, disappointed.
She then tugs on my sleeve and points at the toy she wants; not wanting to leave my lap.
If you compare my classroom to an ecosystem, you will find that the phrase "survival of the fittest" suits it well. Not struggling for life, but rather for the best of everything.
For example, my lap. Every chance I get to sit down, all the children in my class fight for the prime spot.
Some run and others crawl as fast as they can. Then comes the battle.
One girl comes running with open arms; pleading in her eyes for a hug and a chance to sit in my lap. Another crawls from just around the corner of the shelf and eyes the empty spot. One boy springs from hiding and dives head first into my lap. He has won. The others look at me with disappointment, rejection.
Some do not give up so easily. They grab my hair from behind and rub their dirty noses on my sleeve. (As if that's persuading) They pinch and cling onto my arms and some try to sit on my knees. Sometimes there are three in my lap at once, all pulling hair and pleading with their cries to be the one who gets the most attention.
If I stand up to leave, I feel like a mother hen and all these little chicks follow me around for a few minutes, crying and wondering why I have left them.
Lets shift to the lunch hour.
Groups of hungry babies wait impatiently for food. Strapped in tightly, they wiggle uncomfortably, moan, and wail as they wait for the late meal to arrive. The door opens and an uproar of screaming, over tired, and hungry babies can be heard. I begin quickly to serve food to each tray.
The first child gets his serving of food. The two beside him cannot wait any longer, and begin to reach over to their neighbor and take what they can grab for themselves. The first with food has to defend himself, and begins slapping the others away.
Snack time is no different, with the exception that today was someone's birthday! A parent brought in mini-cupcakes for the class. All eyes are big.
One patient girls sits quietly waiting to be served her treat. A cute, small cupcake, with swirly blue frosting and sprinkles is placed before her. She smiles up at me, as if to thank me for the snack. But before she knows it, her friend next to her has already snached her cupcake and had started to shove it into his mouth; blue frosting running through his fingers. Her smile turns to tears.
Back to the floor of this jungle, all seems calm.
A faint noise is heard in the corner, but all heads turn. Someone is at the door! All are drawn to the door and run towards it, as if hoping for escape. The teacher at the door has delivered his message and shuts the door promtly, leaving several disappointed babies behind.
But then all eyes are back at me. My lap is empty.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Day One
I think the first 'official' post is always the hardest. You have no idea how many drafts I've gone through.
What was I up to today? Well, I went to work.
The end.
Well thats boring.
Rip page, click pen.
Hmmm.
Well, let me tell you about my job then.
First of all, if you don't know me very well, or even if you do, here is something that you can probably already tell about me. I am a very timely and routine oriented person. I love to plan ahead, make notes of scheduled events, and organize and balance my priorities. But I'm mostly concerned about the time. My mind is set up in a scheduled manner; things have to be done by a certain time, or I'll run late.
If you have ever been in a class with me, search your memory and you'll see that I was probably there before you every day.
So if you mix the fact that I am a routine machine, with what I have been doing for work all summer, you would probably say "that's the perfect job for her."
All summer I have been really blessed with great employment. I was able to get through training and start right away. Little did I know, based on how fast I was getting reeled in, how much they really needed me.
I have been working all summer in a daycare. I have been learning from and working with thirteen 9-18-month-olds.
Nothing like thirteen different babies, on thirteen different schedules. It's awesome.
I love this age group; they are at different stages as far as learning to walk, transitioning from bottles to sippy cups, parents taking away pacifiers (nightmare), eating table food instead of jar food, not sleeping in cribs, and the list goes on.
But as chaotic as it may seem to get with only two of us teachers against thirteen needy babies, I love the routinely and scheduled atmosphere.
I start my day promptly at 8:30am. I walk into my classroom where I am greeted with some running and other crawling children awaiting for me to pay attention to them. Some get fed food from home, others wait for the school's morning snack.
At 9am I cycle through and give everyone a new diaper.
Fun fact: I can change thirteen diapers, wash my hands imbetween each child and mark their chart, and strap them in one by one into their highchairs in forty minutes. That's approximately three minutes per child.
Between 9:30-10am they are fed, cleaned up, and highchairs are washed and the floor swept (so that our good little helpers do not eat what they threw on the floor.)
10-10:30 we go out side, stapped in a huge stroller. (They are not light babies.)
They come back into the classroom and play till 11am.
Thats when we cycle through diapers again. Not a fun fact: we are required to change diapers every two hours in addition to when ever they need it.
11:30-12pm they eat lunch. Or throw it. Or eat off each other's trays. Which ever they prefer.
12-2:30pm is preferably nap time, however as previously mentioned, there are thirteen different children on thirteen different schedules, so they sleep when and how long they want to. Generally.
Lunch is usually a disaster to clean up, so you have to use your time wisely. Children need to be patted to sleep, charts need to be updated, cups need to be washed out and put away, all highchairs and trays need to be washed, and the floor needs to be swept. Not including making sure all children are cleaned up (clothes changed if necessary) and asleep. (all asleep at the same time? HA)
Children are changed as they wake up, and then fed a snack usually between 2:30-3pm; usually eating something they have from home.
Between 4-5:30pm they play in the classroom and are changed again at 5pm.
Fun fact: thirteen children x five diaper changes a day = sixty-five diapers a day.
More or less, that is the basic schedule. I love the children in my class, and I love being constantly busy.
Does the same schedule ever get boring? Like I said: thirteen babies on thirteen different schedules, I guarantee you that it is different everyday.
What was I up to today? Well, I went to work.
The end.
Well thats boring.
Rip page, click pen.
Hmmm.
Well, let me tell you about my job then.
First of all, if you don't know me very well, or even if you do, here is something that you can probably already tell about me. I am a very timely and routine oriented person. I love to plan ahead, make notes of scheduled events, and organize and balance my priorities. But I'm mostly concerned about the time. My mind is set up in a scheduled manner; things have to be done by a certain time, or I'll run late.
If you have ever been in a class with me, search your memory and you'll see that I was probably there before you every day.
So if you mix the fact that I am a routine machine, with what I have been doing for work all summer, you would probably say "that's the perfect job for her."
All summer I have been really blessed with great employment. I was able to get through training and start right away. Little did I know, based on how fast I was getting reeled in, how much they really needed me.
I have been working all summer in a daycare. I have been learning from and working with thirteen 9-18-month-olds.
Nothing like thirteen different babies, on thirteen different schedules. It's awesome.
I love this age group; they are at different stages as far as learning to walk, transitioning from bottles to sippy cups, parents taking away pacifiers (nightmare), eating table food instead of jar food, not sleeping in cribs, and the list goes on.
But as chaotic as it may seem to get with only two of us teachers against thirteen needy babies, I love the routinely and scheduled atmosphere.
I start my day promptly at 8:30am. I walk into my classroom where I am greeted with some running and other crawling children awaiting for me to pay attention to them. Some get fed food from home, others wait for the school's morning snack.
At 9am I cycle through and give everyone a new diaper.
Fun fact: I can change thirteen diapers, wash my hands imbetween each child and mark their chart, and strap them in one by one into their highchairs in forty minutes. That's approximately three minutes per child.
Between 9:30-10am they are fed, cleaned up, and highchairs are washed and the floor swept (so that our good little helpers do not eat what they threw on the floor.)
10-10:30 we go out side, stapped in a huge stroller. (They are not light babies.)
They come back into the classroom and play till 11am.
Thats when we cycle through diapers again. Not a fun fact: we are required to change diapers every two hours in addition to when ever they need it.
11:30-12pm they eat lunch. Or throw it. Or eat off each other's trays. Which ever they prefer.
12-2:30pm is preferably nap time, however as previously mentioned, there are thirteen different children on thirteen different schedules, so they sleep when and how long they want to. Generally.
Lunch is usually a disaster to clean up, so you have to use your time wisely. Children need to be patted to sleep, charts need to be updated, cups need to be washed out and put away, all highchairs and trays need to be washed, and the floor needs to be swept. Not including making sure all children are cleaned up (clothes changed if necessary) and asleep. (all asleep at the same time? HA)
Children are changed as they wake up, and then fed a snack usually between 2:30-3pm; usually eating something they have from home.
Between 4-5:30pm they play in the classroom and are changed again at 5pm.
Fun fact: thirteen children x five diaper changes a day = sixty-five diapers a day.
More or less, that is the basic schedule. I love the children in my class, and I love being constantly busy.
Does the same schedule ever get boring? Like I said: thirteen babies on thirteen different schedules, I guarantee you that it is different everyday.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Scripture Power
I have always wanted to be a writer. I guess it comes from my love of reading; I see these wonderful arrangements of words, creatively combined into beautiful masterpieces that only the writer can truly appreciate... then I can only practice and hope that maybe someday I can become an accomplished and published writer as well.
Of course if I desire to develop my talents, who better to seek than He who knows how to do it best?
"Our spiritual survival during the stresses of our society and the temptations of our time is greatly dependent upon the strength that we will receive from searching the scriptures and listening to the words of the prophets, seers, and revelators. Without searching the scriptures, they cease to know the Savior." (L. Lionel Kendrick)
How do I seek Him? Through reading the scriptures.
The scriptures are so beautifully written, and are in fact the words of God. He is quite the writer, and I still have yet to fully soak in His words. That's why I read my scriptures everyday, because there is always something for me to learn.
When I seek His help, He is always there.
"I'll seek the Lord early whlie in my youth, and he will help me to know the truth. I'll search the scriptures and find him there, then go to our Father in fervent prayer. I'll seek the Lord early, and I'll obey his living prophets in all they say. I'll keep his cmmandments; his love will abound. I will seek the Lord early, and he will be found." (Children's Songbook #108)
One day when I was reading my scriptures, I came accross the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 64:25. It has stuck with me ever since that day. It is so simple, and straight to the point. "Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today." This scripture has since given me more motivation to become like the Savior. If I believe him, I'll labor today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not when I'm free. Today.
I know that if I lay hold upon every good thing, labor while it is called today, and follow His plan for me, I may become what I seek; which is ultimately to become like Him.
What I hope to express through my blog, are the things I am up to 'today.' I hope to share what I am doing today. I hope that also I will be able to develop my writing skills as I try to write more often. And maybe you will get to know me a little better as well.
Of course if I desire to develop my talents, who better to seek than He who knows how to do it best?
"Our spiritual survival during the stresses of our society and the temptations of our time is greatly dependent upon the strength that we will receive from searching the scriptures and listening to the words of the prophets, seers, and revelators. Without searching the scriptures, they cease to know the Savior." (L. Lionel Kendrick)
How do I seek Him? Through reading the scriptures.
The scriptures are so beautifully written, and are in fact the words of God. He is quite the writer, and I still have yet to fully soak in His words. That's why I read my scriptures everyday, because there is always something for me to learn.
When I seek His help, He is always there.
"I'll seek the Lord early whlie in my youth, and he will help me to know the truth. I'll search the scriptures and find him there, then go to our Father in fervent prayer. I'll seek the Lord early, and I'll obey his living prophets in all they say. I'll keep his cmmandments; his love will abound. I will seek the Lord early, and he will be found." (Children's Songbook #108)
One day when I was reading my scriptures, I came accross the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 64:25. It has stuck with me ever since that day. It is so simple, and straight to the point. "Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today." This scripture has since given me more motivation to become like the Savior. If I believe him, I'll labor today. Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not when I'm free. Today.
I know that if I lay hold upon every good thing, labor while it is called today, and follow His plan for me, I may become what I seek; which is ultimately to become like Him.
What I hope to express through my blog, are the things I am up to 'today.' I hope to share what I am doing today. I hope that also I will be able to develop my writing skills as I try to write more often. And maybe you will get to know me a little better as well.
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