We were playing with the camera the other day. I asked Baylub to make some emotion faces.

Happy

Sad

Trying to go cross-eyed

Sleepy

Shocked

In reply Lulu said, "I wanna do a shark face" (instead of shocked face) and this is what she offered

But don't you worry, those of you who fear sharks. This little cowgirl. is always on duty, ready to scare away any monster or ruffian to threaten these parts.

Happy Maewyn Succat's Day

I found out this year that that is St. Patrick's real name. I taught Baylub's preschool on this lovely holiday and for the absolute first time in my life got into the St. Patrick's day spirit.

I ran out in the afternoon and bought ingredients to make a fast St. Patrick's day feast. A huge part of researching the holiday was hearing over and over again about corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, soda bread, and I just had to make it.

So I did. It was delicious even for only three hours of planning and cooking. I never thought boiled red meat could be so tasty.

I don't think I have Irish ancestry, but nonetheless, we thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the life of Ireland's patron saint.

He is a man worth honoring, in my 0pinion. After being a slave for 6-10 years to the Irish, he escaped back to England, joined the clergy, and then in the complete Spirit of Christ-like charity, came back to his captors and converted them to Christ. It made me think of the sons of Mosiah. Here's to Maewyn!

I know many of you have seen this video before, but I just have to share it and add some of my thoughts with it.

I originally tried to write everything I felt about this video, which just ended up being impossible. Not only because my feelings are too difficult to describe, but also because they are just too personal and sacred to post. Here are some things I would like to share though.

-The first thing that came to my mind was the incredible sacrifice the members happily made in order to participate in this production. Being familiar with the economic situation of the areas involved, those beautiful costumes were most likely sewn in some loving members home, while all the travel expenses also came out of pocket. People sacrificed time away from work, a lot of money for travel, and a lot of time to prepare such an amazing even, all for the love of the gospel. It is amazing.

-Although I do not know any of the youth interviewed, the video reminded of all the other amazing young members I knew in Kiev. I remember being so impressed that so many of the young people, whether they had been members for 3 months or 10 years, were as knowledgeable and familiar with the details of the gospel as I was and I was a missionary. They are choice spirits for sure, prepared to lead God's church in an area of the world where strong leaders are so badly needed.

-One girl says this is a gathering of Israel. I love to tell people this because not many people know it, but, while I was in Kiev, the first Stake in the former Soviet Union was established. And in turn, all of these Russian speaking members were finally able to receive their patriarchal blessings (you cannot receive your patriarchal blessing in a language in which you are not fluent). Three patriarchs were called and travel around the former Soviet Union giving blessings and what they found is that members there are from the ten tribes of Israel. I knew a girl from the tribe of Gad. A missionary I taught in the MTC wrote home from Samara, Russia saying that in their little branch, there was a member from every single one of the 10 tribes. As I've thought about this new temple for the people of that northern region of the world, I've thought about how at last, the lost tribes, after thousands of years, have their temple. It is very significant.

-My mission, to me, was a HUGE event that influences me every single day of my life. However, watching this video, I see how my efforts there were just a little drop in the bucket of a much bigger work than I even could comprehend at the time. A member once said to me, "You missionaries go home and forget about all of us and move on with you lives." What this video shows me is that, we, missionaries don't forget. Those members are still apart of something so important and most of them I served with I'm sure have forgotten about me. We serve and give everything we've got, but the building up of the kindgom really is the Lord's work. And I was just one small person who was lucky enough to be tethered to that for a small moment. And I still feel connected. And I am so grateful for all of it.

So many profound thoughts in this video. Definitely worth the time to watch.

To blog or not to blog...

Of course I'm going to to keep blogging. The question I should ask is more along the lines of, "Why do I blog." I initially felt motivated to go on-line by encouragement from Elder Ballard. It was just a fireside in Hawaii, but I took it to heart. Put my own testimony out there. Do my own part in trying to share the gospel any way I could. Hence, I don't want to go private because I want my blog to be reached by those I'm not necessarily in touch with. I make certain provisions to keep some privacy, like using my kids somewhat crazy nick-names. I'm not the best blogger. I know my readership consists of family and close friends who probably also have blogs themselves and so, are online and look for other blogs to read after posting themselves. I'm on their list. I provide nothing spectacular or moving. Wait, I take that back. My kids are actually quite spectacular. Hence all the pictures of them and very little of those of us not quite so spectacular parents.

But, lets be honest, I'm not furthering the work by writing about my kids Halloween costumes or fieldtrip activities. Or am I?...

My mom sent me this little article that inspired me. This woman doesn't want to join the church, but reading about the amazingly blessed lives we as lowly Mormon house-wives lead, she says herself is "uplifting." I don't know why I'm surprised by her observation. We sacrifice worldly honors and years of freedom to live the most blessed lives any woman could hope for, being mothers to chosen little spirits. It's one of the best kept secrets the gospel has to offer.

So keep on blogging my sisters of the web! (especially those who have a readership beyond the boundaries of friends, family, and personal acquaintances) You don't know whom you will inspire!

Destiny

I bought this little girl outfit at the end of my mission in Ukraine. Adam bought his from a member there too. I'm thinking they are perfect for Halloween this year.

Now Lulu fits in the girl outfit and Baylub nearly fits the boy outfit. Just a little sign that our little family was meant to be.

Old Father Time

So I am slowly getting older. It is slow but it seems really fast. I've been eying the big 3-0 for a couple of years now and I still have one more year for it but I'm still wary of it's arrival.

As my birthday this year has been drawing close, I've been thinking how grateful I am for one more year in my twenties. I was thinking this the other night while brushing my teeth when I looked in the mirror and what did I find? Not one, but TWO gray hairs...CLOSE TOGETHER!!!!

I have had a random strand here or there over the years but THIS,... this is really official. Wow. Gray hair. For my birthday, I am going to treat myself to a trip to Sally's to buy some cheap but wonderful hair dye. I mean, I still do have ONE more year in my twenties before I have to really accept the mortality of my youth. I am determined to enjoy it by being in denial.