U2 360, round two

Since I am bound and determined not to let May happenings slip by, I'm backtracking a bit and figured a recap from the latest U2 concert are most necessary, even if I did write a lengthy post detailing our last concert experience. With that said, I was in awe every bit as much as last time, however we were so close to the band, it felt at times like a private concert . . . wow, wow, wow.  Each minute was pure joy, but I still have my favorites and wish I could see Bono and crew perform all the songs that make my heart soar.

SLC highlights from my "top 20": City of Blinding Lights, All I Want is You, Beautiful Day, Moment of Surrender, Magnificent and Walk On.  Of course, no U2 concert is complete without Mysterious Ways, Vertigo, Elevation and a few "Joshua Tree" favorites.  Also, every time I hear Even Better than the Real Thing I am instantly transported back to that evening . . . truly, the perfect way to begin the concert.  If I had no other life, I would follow Bono and The Edge around the country, but alas, real life awaits, but it was sure nice to lose myself in the brilliance of their music for a few hours back on Tuesday, May 24th.

Some pics:

Our group waiting in line -  ya want to be close,  you need to spend the afternoon in line!

Ryan and friends after being dropped off after school

Heading into the stadium

Scoping out our spot

Chris found us!  If you're Chris, you can get away with showing up at 6:30 and still getting close . . . 

Curt, he owes you big time!

The Fray - very nice

Curt and I escaped the inner circle before the big show

My man, The Edge . . . performed right in front of us all night

What a night - thanks Bono!

Hold it together

Today marked another unwelcome milestone: the last 1st grade program I'll attend until I have grandchildren.

How depressing.

It was precious.  Cute Liza in her favorite sundress and cardigan standing up straight and tall next to her 1st grade buddies singing her little heart out with the rest of those adorable toothless children.  It didn't hit me until the final couple of songs that this was it, after three other sweet, innocent, and informative 1st grade programs throughout the years, this was my last . . . my baby was moving on.

Sniffle, sniffle.

I did pretty well holding it together until the slide show.  What is it about sadistic 1st grade teachers that want to make mothers of last children make fools of themselves in front of their neighbors??  Really, flood gates and NO tissues . . . man, I wasn't prepared.  My friends from the neighborhood (who, btw, still have younger children) offered their support and condolences with looks of confused sympathy.  Just wait my friends, your day will be here soon!

It was just last week for FHE that we watched Ryan's 1st grade program from Rock Canyon Elementary school in Provo, and now my little Liza was singing in hers.  Life seriously moves too quickly, and I'm finding myself becoming more emotional with each milestone.  Really, crying on the last day of "mommy and me" Kindermusik was one thing . . . what in the world am I going to be like when she graduates from high school??

The least I can do is capture the moment forever.  Oh, wait,  the video camera didn't have a battery and my camera battery died.  Wow, nice one Mom.   But, I did have the cell phone for a quick, yet grainy shot of my girl.  Oh, and thanks Caroline for spending the morning of your first day of summer break supporting your little sister . . . and wondering what is wrong with your overly emotional mother.

And thanks Liza for the giant hug and sweet kiss after the program.  You rock my world young one!

14 years

Our Sweet Caroline

I just love this picture of Caroline, courtesy of my friend Michelle who has the camera I really need to get for myself (but until then, I guess I'll keep bugging her to take my kids' pictures :-).  She took some pics of Caroline for her poster when she ran for SBO of her Jr. High a few weeks ago (didn't make it - dang it) and we thought they captured her personality perfectly!

Caroline's birthday was actually on May 25th, and I promised this year I would not neglect her birthday post like last year - ugh (seriously, a birthday at the end of May is pretty much equivalent to a Christmas birthday).  Every year on her birthday we reminisce about the night she was born and how Chris had left the country just the day before and couldn't get a flight back home until she was ten days old.  It's a pretty funny story and the memory of her birth and how completely unprepared we were for an early delivery seems like yesterday.  Who knew that she was once our scrawny little five pounder!

I believe that one can't turn 14 and make it through the insanity of Jr. High School without having a kindred spirit best friend.  Caroline and her friend Sophie have been close friends since the 3rd grade, and I just had to share Sophie's birthday note she posted on Caroline's facebook page . . . it pretty much sums up my daughter right now:

Hey so today is your birthday, and you are turning 14!!! So here are 14 reasons why I love you soo much!!:)
1. You are soo funny
2. We have TONS of inside jokes;)
3. Your nice to everyone
4. Your an AMAZING tennis player!!
5. We have been best friends for so long:)
6. You love ranch dressing;) haha
7. You make me cry.... Cus we laugh soo hard
8. Robot Unicorns!!
9. French class:)
10. Your crazy dreams!
11. Your cute dresses from the tennis club;)
12. Reeces Pieces... ;)
13. Our pudding song
14. And last but definitely not least, when we flicked that ladle onto the freeway!!
So as you can see, your a pretty great friend;) Hope you had a great day!!!! :) Love you! ♥

We love you too Caroline!

Thank you for bringing that added peace, understanding, wisdom, sensitivity, and unconditional love into our home that is second nature of who you are.

  

May your future be as bright as your beautiful smile . . .

(Picture taken on our annual birthday outing:  

shopping and lunch - she picked Settebello this year - wise girl :-).

Shhh . . .

Operation A20 underway.

Yep, thought of it myself.

Can't wait!

Grateful

for . . .

the last days of school


neighborhood kids, games, bikes, scooters,  & sidewalk chalk


a week without rain


yearbooks


laughter and giggles


frisbees and tennis balls


my children's friends


teenagers


cool spring evenings


the smell of the canyon


the sound of the creek


smiles and hugs


meaningful conversations


GREEN


Dimple Dell running trails


morning walks


flowers


connecting


washed dishes, every evening, courtesy of Chris


healthy bodies


a good book


a clean house


a content husband


a happy dog


a boy who keeps his curfew . . .


Just a few of the myriad of blessings I've noticed the last couple of days.

Who would have guessed that my day actually started out miserably?   However, once selfishness and negative thinking are pushed out of the way, I am much more aware of the abundance of light, goodness, and beauty that surrounds us everyday.

Gratitude is a powerful elixir.

What it's all about

Mother's Day 2011

With my favorite little (and not so little) people in the world

The month of May has flown by, and I'm sure it's been just as crazy for the rest of you as it's been for our crew.  So, I'm attempting to catch up with a few posts capturing our favorite memorable events from the past month.   I'll begin with probably the greatest Mother's Day I've ever experienced . . .

Maybe it's the unsettling feeling that we only have a few short years left having Ryan with us everyday, or the fact that our family really does have a lot of fun just being together, or possibly that I truly do relish my role as "mom" to these kids . . . whatever the reason, this past Mother's Day everything became crystal clear as I reflected on my family, our past, and our future.

It's becoming a tradition on the Saturday before Mother's Day that we celebrate with dinner and a movie of my choosing.  The little girls look forward to our outing because the past few years we have seen the Disney Nature films that are released every spring - this year to our delight, it was African Cats.  So after a yummy meal at one of my favorite spots (which is always fun for the family since our friends own the restaurant and we always see someone we know), embarrassing Ryan to no end (note to other parents: don't reach down your shirt in public to retrieve a stray piece of ice), and laughing so hard together after my slight slip of the tongue while telling the kids we had a box of "Reece's Pieces" for the movie, I realized there was no one on earth I'd rather be spending my evening with.

As I sat in the movie theater while the lights dimmed, surrounded by my family, I couldn't help but think:  This is what it's all about - this is it - my family, the love we have for one another, and the support system we have created in our little Cantera unit - it really doesn't get better than this.  


It's powerful moments like these that keep me trudging along when the kids argue or when I'd appreciate more harmony in the home, because deep down the kids know how much fun we have, how much we really do enjoy being together, and I think that has got to count for something!

It was truly a Mother's Day to remember.  On Sunday Ryan was ordained a priest and blessed the sacrament for the first time.  What more could a mother ask for, than to have a son worthy to become priest and watch him prepare and bless that sacred ordinance.  Furthermore, the young women were asked to say a few words about what they learned from their mothers, and it was nice to hear from my sweet daughter as she expressed her thoughts.  The little girls couldn't wait to shower me with homemade cards and gifts . . . and the best part was the Sunday nap on the living room couch while the crew fixed dinner.

Yep, a Mother's Day I'll never forget.  Thanks Family!

The smile says it all . . .

Chris, Caroline and I got a kick out of these pictures that appeared on Ryan's facebook page this morning after an evening of fun last night with his friends (not to mention the hilarious video that was posted).  We're guessing our boy is having the time of his life these days . . . ahhh, to be 16 again!!

Satisfied

"There are some days when I think I'm going to die 
from an overdose of satisfaction." 

~Salvador Dali~

Simple pleasures . . .

Early morning run through historic Monterey and along the bay, relaxing by the pool with a book, time alone, the beauty of the California central coast, kayaking, seals & otters, Steinbeck country, uninterrupted conversations, cottage in the grove, ocean sunsets, Phil's fish market, 17-mile drive by bike, exploring together, crashing waves, sea air, brilliant ice plant, gnarled cyprus trees, birds, rocky shores, sand . . .


Our adventure.

BYU Women's Conference 2011

"By small and simple things, 

great things are brought to pass . . ."

Alma 37:6-7, The Book of Mormon

This past week my spiritual well was filled to the brim as I spent two inspirational days at BYU Women's Conference.  The theme for this year's conference, "By small and simple things, great things are brought to pass," couldn't have been more relevant for me at this time in my life.  I am grateful for the beautiful messages and insights that were shared by Virginia Pearce, Elaine Dalton, Kathleen Hughes,  Julie Beck and many others.  These women are true followers of Christ and such examples to me,  their testimonies are sure and unwavering.  How I admire each of them and appreciate their devotion, service, and especially the love they have for Savior and the women of the church.

I know that it is through the small, seemingly insignificant things I do, such as consistent prayer and scripture study, that I see the Lord's hand in my life and witness His tender mercies upon me and my family.  What a blessing it is to know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who does care about me personally and allows my faith to be strengthened and my spirit to grow through difficult mortal experiences, yet allows me to feel His love each day as I continue to reach out in faith, desiring to come closer to the Savior and become more like Him.

I am so thankful for these reminders and hope I can carry the sweet, peaceful spirit of Women's Conference with me throughout the year.

Perfect 24

Most of us have good days, some great days, a few "just alright" days, and hopefully not too many lousy days.  But rare is the day that scores a perfect 10, and since they don't come along that often, I feel compelled to record my perfect 24 hours, beginning at 8pm last night . . .

• First gathering of my newly formed book group - a most amazing collection of friends whom I absolutely adore.  It was an insightful discussion about this beautifully written memoir, and I think we all enjoyed each other's company immensely.  Thanks friends for a delightful evening!

• Peaceful, restful, invigorating night's sleep (rare for me - especially when Chris is away).  I attribute my great night's rest to the new exercise regime I am crazy enough to do with some other friends - we'll see if I can make it the entire 60 days . . . I'll be a believer if I actually do get "ripped abs" ;-).

• Waking up to the SUN and bright blue skies early this morning (which are highly appreciated after gloomy, dreary, gray days).  Time to read scriptures, get the kids off to school, straighten the kitchen, and then off for snowshoe adventure with Lucy up Millcreek Canyon.  Even though I did find it ironic I was snowshoeing in a foot of fresh powder at the end of April, I couldn't imagine a more perfect way to begin my day.

• The PIANO TUNER guy came!  OK, this might sound a little strange, but it really is one of those days that brings a smile to my face - every 6 months we get the piano tuned, and it's like playing tennis with new strings - nothing better.  I LOVE playing on a freshly tuned piano . . . . ahhhh, one of life's little pleasures.  After he left, I sat and played piano for almost an hour - heavenly.

• I found a Thule cargo box on KSL for a GREAT price . . . deals make me happy, especially when I was the first caller and 3 people called while I was talking to the guy :-).  Now our family can travel in a little more comfort this summer without taking out seats to fit sleeping bags!

• Productivity.  I organized the girls' drawers, cleaned their room, changed sheets, then organized and cleaned the kids' bathroom and my room . . . all while listening to NPR for company.  This was the most thought provoking story I heard today - I was deeply moved and profoundly grateful for my own blessed life, and the lives of opportunity and safety my daughters enjoy.

• P90X.  Enough said.

• A sweet hour spent visiting teaching one of my favorite people in the world - time to reflect on the gospel, share insights, and gain wisdom from one another.  Perfect.

• Heading out the door to meet some girlfriends for dinner and knowing Ryan is out on the patio grill cooking dinner for the girls - what a guy.

• Spending time with dear friends, catching up with one another, comparing wrinkles (or botox injections depending who you are), and laughing so hard I think we really were a menace in the restaurant . . . I LOVE my friends!

• As I pulled into the garage this evening, I was met by Ryan holding the phone out to me . . . it was Chris, calling from China.  My day ended with a conversation with my sweetheart whose morning is just beginning on the other side of the world.

Yes, a most perfect day indeed.

Oh, Ryan

Today Ryan went to take the test to get his driver's license. 


He's had his permit since October.


He's driven all over town, driven on the highway, driven through construction zones, driven through heavy snow, sleet, hail, and rain.  Clocked hours in the car.


He was prepared.


Apparently, his focus was on the speedometer, making sure he wasn't going past the 25 mph "school zone" limit, that he failed to notice a fairly important road marker . . .


A stop sign.


Sorry dude, but they won't give a driver's license to a 16 year old punk who went through a stop sign in a school zone.

Now that the ribbing from his family, lacrosse team, and young men's leaders is over, Ryan is ready to give it another try.

I have a hunch he'll be on the lookout for those big red signs posted on the occasional neighborhood corner ;-).

"The Easter Bunny, really?"

If you are a Cantera kid,

you don't believe in the Easter Bunny . . .

I'm not sure if my children are missing out on some integral part of growing up in suburban America, but they seem well adjusted, so I'm not worried.  They especially love the fact that as pre-schoolers through about 2nd or 3rd grade they are the only kids in on the big secret that a rabbit doesn't bring Easter treats.

As young parents, we planned on perpetuating the myths of Easter bunnies, tooth fairies, leprechauns, and Santa.  So, beginning with Ryan we began hiding eggs and baskets Easter morning and telling him it was a rabbit who made the rounds.  He easily believed and looked forward to these holidays with anticipation.

Enter Caroline - age 41/2 - born skeptic.

Ryan was about 6 at the time and within one week, Caroline had debunked the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and was quickly closing in on Santa before I stopped her in her tracks and made her believe, at least for another few years, that Santa was indeed REAL.


I remember the day well.  It was early spring, a few weeks before Easter, and Caroline had a couple little friends over to play after pre-school.  I had noticed signs of her apparent logic and reasoning skills since she was about three, and on this day she beamed with pride as I finally recognized her talents.


From what I recall, what began as a group of friends playing peacefully in our basement, ended in tears and accusations of who was "right."  I was preparing a snack when suddenly I heard crying, and not a slight whimper, but a child practically hyperventilating through her sobs.  At that moment, Caroline races upstairs and tells me her friends are SO mad at her and want to go home.  Immediately, I'm wondering what in the world my sweet, docile daughter has done to cause such an uproar . . .

Although this incident happened 9 years ago, I do remember our conversation -
 it went something like this:

Me:  "Tell me what is going on down there?"


Caroline (out of breath): "Mom, they don't believe me!!  I told them there is no such thing as a TOOTH FAIRY and they said I was LYING!  Then I told them there is no Easter Bunny and they started crying!  Go tell them RIGHT NOW that I'm right! Slight pause, as she considers the possibility that she just might be wrong . . . I am right, right?


I was at a complete loss.  How did Caroline figure this out when she hadn't even lost a TOOTH yet?!  My mind went into hyper drive while attempting to address Caroline's questions, as well as ease the fears of two very worried 4-year olds that are under my care for the moment.


Me: "Um, let's take care of your friends right now, we'll talk later."


I can't remember how long the girls wanted to stay and play after my daughter obliterated their childhood innocence, but I manage this lie: "Caroline was just "teasing" and of course, the tooth fairy and Easter bunny are alive and well . . . no worries, just go home and ask your parents."  I then barricaded myself in my bedroom and made calls to their mothers explaining what happened so they could continue "damage control" once their 4-year olds arrived home.

After her friends left the danger zone, I had a little chat with Miss Caroline.  I was quite impressed when she admitted her dilemma - that she couldn't figure out if the bunny was a "real" bunny, because then the eggs and baskets would be too big and heavy to carry in his mouth and he'll break teeth, and how could a bunny open doors anyway?  She also reasoned that a big bunny who looked like a human dressed in a rabbit suit was just too creepy to actually exist.  I thought, "right on Caroline - that is creepy."

After listening to her honest insights, I had no choice but to come clean. I told her she was indeed right, it's her parents that take care of the bunny duties and she no longer need fear of a giant rabbit stalking through our house. 


As for the tooth fairy, she flat out didn't think a little, itty-bitty, tiny fairy with translucent wings who lives with the other fairies in houses she makes in the garden with her friend Josh, would be interested in collecting teeth.  Plus, where did they get all the money to give away to little kids and why did they need teeth???


Well, it was quite a day, one I'll never forget.  However, after all the explaining and answering questions, and phone calls to other mothers, I forgot one minor detail . . . Ryan.  His response after walking in the door from 1st grade when bombarded with Caroline's exciting news:

"You're ruining EVERYTHING for me!!"

Poor kid.  Needless to say, we comforted Ryan and helped him see the light so we were all on the same page.  After that episode, we just debunked the Easter myths and figured it made no sense to keep them alive for the little girls, which has made our subsequent Easters absolutely delightful - no sneaking around hiding eggs and baskets, no children hyper with anticipation, and most importantly, more focus on the Savior and the beautiful reason we celebrate this holiday.  We still hide the kids' baskets and Chris provides the egg hunt every year, and they do look forward to a few little surprises from us in their baskets.  Sophie has been really great at keeping the secret, Liza on the other hand, not so much, just ask her kindergarten class last year.  Sigh.


As for Caroline, let's just say that I worked REALLY hard to keep Santa alive, but by the time she was seven, she had it all figured out . . .

Miss Caroline, age 4

"I don't know, what I've been told . . .

You never slow down, you never grow old."

Tom Petty, Mary Jane's Last Dance

pics taken to commemorate the event - officially 40.

According to my friend, Tom Petty, I'll never age ;-).

Yep, I turned 40, FORTY, "the big 4-0" this past weekend on April 16th, and by the insanity that defines our daily lives there is absolutely no slowing down happening anytime soon.

So, this week I will take one of my favorite songs to heart while celebrating this milestone, and figure as long as I continue full speed ahead, old age will elude me forever!
It was a perfect weekend which began early Friday running on packed dirt trails, hopping over streams, and working up a sweat at the base of our snow covered mountains . . . with Lucy in tow. 

Ahhh, the freedom to finally RUN, just to run injury free on the beautiful Dimple Dell trails on a cool spring morning for the first time this season.  My sense of wonder was heightened as I watched Lucy run with total wild abandonment, filled with such a complete and whole awareness of the "now," and living, and pure happiness.  I couldn't help but embrace the moment and laugh out loud every time she would race past me, then circle back, loop around my ankles and take off once again.  I wonder at times why we humans hold back so much and let the silly cares and responsibilities of life wear us down.  I wish at times I was more like Lucy, and not just live in the moment, but live it with gusto!  Furthermore, I swear my dog smiles, and on this particular morning her grin was almost as silly and wide as mine.

Well, the last day in my thirties also included a massage and facial (oh, and I might as well add "eyebrow waxing" to the agenda - you know when the lady gently urges you to wax your eyebrows, it must be something forty-year-olds can no longer neglect ;-).  As I started the car after three hours of pampering, relishing every second of complete relaxation before I headed back to real life, I realized this is something I need to do more often - MAN, I don't take the time to do these kinds of things (um, ya, the massage in India DID NOT count as "relaxing").  So, chalk up "more massages" to my list of things to do in my forties, along with "stop worrying about things you can't change" and "more yoga."

I'm looking forward to the coming decade and the changes and adventures that lie ahead.  It's a little strange to think that in 10 years, I'll have two children in their twenties.  Sigh.

But, for now, it's back to the present and a recap of my 40th weekend . . .

The morning was spent supporting Caroline in the final matches of the Icebreaker Junior Tournament.  She played so well during the week and found herself in both the singles and doubles finals.  It was nice to spend my morning watching her play knowing Chris was taking care of the other kids' needs, games, etc.  Caroline was disappointed she lost her singles match, but by the time her doubles match took place, all focus was gone and it was all about fun and chatting with friends between sets . . . really, I think the girls spent more time talking than playing tennis!

Chris had made reservations for later that evening at one of my favorite restaurants, our traditional spot where we celebrate milestones together.  It was a perfect evening, and we'll be continuing the celebration next month in Monterey/Carmel, CA.  Thanks my love, I can't wait!


Some pics from the celebration weekend:

Caroline after the tourney: Girls 14s - 2nd place singles and doubles.

Our cake.  Highlight of my bday - after telling the young lady what to write on the cake, she exclaimed, "YOU ARE NOT 40!"  Made my year :-).

Our tradition: blowing out the candles on the same cake!

We had my brother Travis and Kristie over for dinner and cake - they gave me prune juice - nice.

Thanks for the book - I LOVE Tina Fey!

Favorite birthday surprise - homemade cards!

Reading Liza's cute card.

Card from the family - Chris had everyone sign it . . .

Thanks family for making my 40th so special . . .

Big Hugs.

Here's to many more years of love and laughter!!

16 YEARS!

Yep, it's official, we have a 16 year old.

I love it,

and it just keeps getting better.

The poster we all signed for his big day . . . Chris added a little cash.

Our annual birthday outing: shopping and lunch!

Today my thoughts were filled with those sweet moments my son and I have shared over the past 16 years. I tend to get a little sentimental on my children's birthdays as I reflect on their childhood and how they've grown and what they've learned along the way.  For Ryan this past year as been filled with a tremendous amount of growth, in both maturity and wisdom.  I couldn't be more proud of this boy and the direction his life is taking.  Ryan's future is very bright, and today I found myself reminiscing about all of the small and seemingly insignificant building blocks that have formed our mother-son relationship over the years:

Dear Ryan,
Remember when . . .

We would snuggle on the rocking chair reading your favorite books?
Now I watch you hunched over the latest required classic as you carefully annotate each chapter and study for the next English test.

I would drive you to the ice rink, help you put on your gear, and kneel down to tie your skates before practice?
Now you drive yourself to the rink, grab your bag and stick out of the trunk and head off to your practices and games with an absentminded wave and "bye Mom."

You would ask me questions about anything that crossed your mind because you believed I knew all the answers?
Now I watch you carefully considering your options, coming to conclusions on your own, and sharing your new found knowledge and wisdom with me.

We would watch sports together and I could teach you the basics?
Now you fall on the couch, exhausted after school, and tune into "Sportscenter" to catch up on the latest games, stats, and player info . . . you even keep track of you brackets during March Madness.

You would follow the tracks I made with precision on the ski hill so you would know just how to make that perfect turn?
Now I follow you off the beaten track and into the trees for knee deep powder.

All you wanted to listen to was "Wee Sing Dinosaurs," then you, Caroline, and I would sing along together in the car?
Now, I'm dropping you off at various concert venues with your friends so you can watch your favorite artists perform.

You were the slowest kid on the soccer field and once you hollered to me, "I'm running as fast as my yittle yegs can carry me!"
Now you run with grace and speed up and down the lacrosse field, making your mom beam with pride as you play for your high school team.

We made that card for Valentine's day for the little girl you liked in Kindergarten?
Now we're coming up with creative ways to ask a sweet young lady to the Homecoming dance.

I would sing you your favorite songs every night when I tucked you in?
Now, I peek in your room to say goodnight, usually to see you scanning your i-pod looking for that perfect song to lull you to sleep.

I would take you out to lunch, just the two of us, and had to think of topics to keep our conversation going?
Now we can't stop talking we have so much to say to each other . . .

After our lunch at "Himalayan Kitchen" - Ryan's favorite.

Happy Birthday Ryan.  I am grateful for the journey we've had together.  It's been a pleasure raising you these 16 years, despite the bumps in the road at times.  Thank you for not only being my son, but my friend.

Love,

Mom

well said

Invisible to the Eye

Some problems are more obvious than others. When someone is clearly struggling, we are usually quite empathetic. We see them limp through life, and most of us readily help in any way we can. We may even make great personal sacrifices to ease their burdens.

Other times, however, the afflictions people endure might be completely invisible to the eye. Some struggles are silent; some burdens are carried privately. It may be an unhealthy relationship, a personal financial crisis, or physical or emotional pain. Whatever the ailments, these silent sufferers may smile and seem to be all right, but inside they are barely holding on—and doing so alone.

Perhaps we could be more observant. Maybe we should notice when hands clench with pain, when eyes glaze over with disappointment, or when cheeks are flush with embarrassment. Along with such subtle signs, we could pay attention to those quiet feelings in our heart urging us to help, even when others haven’t asked for help.

One woman recalls how a friend noticed that she had started hanging laundry on the banister inside her home. She never told her friend that her clothes dryer was broken; she did not want to explain that she did not have money enough to repair or replace it. But this observant and kind-hearted friend paid for a repairman to fix her dryer. As much as the woman was grateful to have a dryer, she felt even more grateful to have a friend who cared enough to look beneath the surface of her life.

Opportunities to help surround us, but they rarely come with engraved invitations. More often, they come with a gentle nudging in the heart, an intangible sense that we can help. As Saint-Exupéry’s little prince wisely observed: "The eyes are blind. One must look with the heart.”

I remember listening to this inspiring message last Sunday morning before the first conference session began and thought I would share (thank you Lyn for recording these messages on your blog every week).  While listening, I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes:

"Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Plato & oft quoted saying of Marjorie Hinckley

How true.  It is amazing how much a little kindness, love, respect, patience and encouragement means to someone who is struggling.  Even a smile goes a long way. So SMILE this week and look for opportunities to brighten someone's day :-).

Blue skies and polished floors

Really, what is better than a day when the sun finally makes an appearance (I know, it's still cold, but I'll take any weather as long as the sun is shining at this point :-), and I'm so productive that I actually get to the floors which have been demanding attention for weeks, and make them sparkle?

Our house, for at least 8 more hours is completely dust free and spotless, and I'm seriously considering staying up all night just to revel in the scent of my shiny, clean floors before they are covered once again in the grass from soccer cleats, crumbs, muddy dog tracks, sticky who knows what, and a hundred other miscellaneous items that find their way onto the floor.  Truly, an accomplishment - to have the ENTIRE house clean at one time, and although it requires staying home most of the day, it is so worth it and it keeps me mentally sane.  Sometimes I don't realize how much I really do need to have that time at home alone with my thoughts, my music, and my work.  Those who know me well know I don't function well in a dirty house (organization is an entirely different matter ;-) . . . turning into such a grouch when things are messy, cluttered, or dusty.

Hard work is just good for the soul - it's fulfilling and brings so much satisfaction into my life and makes the subsequent days run smoother.  Today was just a "feel good/smile" day which began with a run through the neighborhood (Lucy's first 2 mile "training run" - um, ya, we've got some work to do), then 6 hours of cleaning while listening to NPR and music, then after school catch up with kids, then drop off Ryan at LAX game, head over to club to play a half hour of tennis outside with Sophie before her lesson (so much fun, this girl can HIT), then back to the LAX field to watch Ryan's game, then home, dinner, quick catch up with Chris, then it's off to take Caroline to piano (get some reading in while I wait), back home, evening wrap up with teenagers, kids in bed, finish polishing floors (downstairs still needed to be done), e-mail/FB catch-up . . . . ahhh, time to write a post.

Another reason it was a great day:  I rediscovered a favorite artist I haven't listened to in literally years, Natalie Merchant.  From what I remember, around the end of senior year in HS and freshman year in college, I listened to this 10,000 Maniacs album ALL THE TIME.  I remembered how much I adored Natalie Merchant - loved her voice, her lyrics, her band, and especially that brilliant passion she imbued into every single note.  This afternoon, I grabbed Caroline's i-pod, and who knew, but she had "In my Tribe" downloaded, and the second I pushed "play" the memories washed over me and I was consumed by Merchant's music once again, as if no time had passed at all.  Enjoy . . .


"Verdi Cries" is so beautiful and her talent so raw, I remember the first time I heard it I almost cried.


This was my absolute favorite song on the album - I listened to it over and over and over . . . for some reason it reminds me of the summer after my freshman year at BYU.


Amazing, brilliant song, what else can I say?  Thanks Natalie for the memories!