Post-It Notes

Grandpa Harmon

When my children were young, I used to sing to them before naps and bedtime. My repertoire included Primary songs, "Jumbo Elephant" which my mom sang to me growing up, and a song I have never heard anywhere else--a combination of Rock-a-Bye Baby with an added verse of Hush Be Still.

When I was a little girl, my parents took me nearly every year to visit my mother's parents. They lived several hours away, so it was always a treat to see them. One of my favorite memory's of those visits was sitting in my Grandpa's lap as he sat in a large, upholstered rocker. I remember it being a dark red, but that might be my imagination playing tricks on me. He would also be holding at least one or two of my siblings at the same time.

Grandpa Harmon

Slowly he would rock back and forth, back and forth and begin singing Rock-a-Bye-Baby. When he got to the end of the song he would begin singing:

Hush be still,
As still as a mouse,
There's a baby in the house
Not a monkey, not a toy,
But a happy brown-eyed boy.

He would then go back to singing Rock-a-Bye-Baby. I don't know how many times I heard him sing this song, but it stuck with me.

Three days after my eleventh birthday, I was practicing the piano when the phone rang. That wasn't too unusual in our house. The phone was constantly ringing. My mother answered the phone and then came out to the living room to tell me that Grandpa Harmon had passed away. I was shocked. It was the first person I ever knew who had died. I thought of this gentle man holding two or three squirmy grandchildren in his lap at a time and softly singing. I remember sitting at the piano crying.

Ten and a half years later, I held my first daughter in my arms. One of the first songs I sang to her was Grandpa Harmon's version of Rock-a-Bye-Baby. I changed the words slightly to describe her eye color and the fact that she was a girl. I sang this song to each daughter as they joined our family, but I'm not sure if I ever told them where I had learned the song.

I'm looking forward to someday being a grandmother and holding my own squirmy grandchildren in my lap as I sit in my soft blue rocking chair. As I softly sing Hush Be Still to them, I will think back to how their great-great grandfather introduced this song to my family. Perhaps one day, they will sing it to their grandchildren as well.

Waking up Happy

I Love to See the Temple

The Sacramento Temple

I love the Primary Hymn, "I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday. To feel the Holy Spirit, to listen and to pray..."

Last Friday night, Ron and I went to the temple with members of our ward. We had a sealing assignment. As I listened to the promised blessings I was filled with joy and gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who makes it possible for us to be united as families for all eternity. The sealer shared with us that approximately 50 generations separate us from Abraham. For some reason, this made Abraham seem more like a close relative like a beloved Grandpa instead of someone whose story is only found in the Bible.

The temple has always been important to me. I remember as a little girl attending the Oakland Temple Open House. I don't remember much about the event except walking up a very steep parking lot and thinking my legs would not make it.

Later, as a 12 year old, I remember the special, reverent feelings I had doing baptisms for the dead. As a Senior in High School, I had the opportunity of being on the temple ground nearly every day for a week performing in the Temple Pageant. That was a life changing event as I felt the Spirit testify to me that the things I was hearing and singing about are true.

I remember the anticipation I felt as Ron and I prepared to be married in the temple. I recall waiting with Ron in the Celestial Room for our turn to be married. I held his hand and could not believe this special day was finally here! I was filled with great joy when the sealer joined us together as husband and wife for eternity.

This past summer as Ron and I attended the temple nearly every week, it became our anchor during our uncertain time. When we became nearly consumed with stress, we knew that a visit to the temple would bring us peace and help us remember the great love our Heavenly Father has for us. We looked forward to those weekly visits because we knew that for a few hours we would find peace and comfort. We would also return home filled with strengthened faith and hope.

I recall one visit in particular when I felt such overwhelming joy! It was a feeling I had not had in a very long time. I believe it was a gift from my Heavenly Father assuring me that we were not forgotten and that we could experience joy even during the dark times.

As we were at the temple Friday night with members of our ward family, I glimpsed to a small degree what Heaven will be like. I am so grateful for temples here on the earth and for their saving ordinances.

My dilemma

If you were a fly on the wall of our car as Ron and I were driving to the temple Friday night, you would have overheard this conversation.

Me: Ron, I have a dilemma.

Very long pause.

Ron: So, what is your dilemma?

Me: So, you know how much I like Christmas music?

Very long pause.

Ron: Yes, I know. So, what's the problem?

Me: Well, remember how I told you that I wanted to get TWO new Christmas CD's this year? I want to get David Archuleta's Christmas CD because I really like his voice. And you know how much I LOVE Hilary Weeks. Well, she has a new Christmas CD out, too. I really want that one also.

Very long pause.

Ron: Yes, I remember that. So, what's the problem?

Me: Well, now I want THREE Christmas CD's. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has a new one out and I heard selections of it on Amazon. It's very, very good! I don't know what to do!

Very long pause.

Ron: Why don't you buy me one of those Christmas CD's. for my birthday. That will solve your problem.

Is it any reason why I don't love my husband?

Halloween Bag Dinner

If you were to ask my four darling daughters what their favorite holiday traditions are, chances are that the Halloween Bag Dinner would be at the top of their lists. Many, many years ago, I wanted to encourage my children to EAT dinner before going out trick-or-treating. I knew what would happen if they didn't--they would gorge on sugar when they got home, end up with horrible "stummy-aches" and then we would ALL be miserable. Yet, for some reason, the thought of actually enjoying a healthy meal on Halloween night was nearly impossible when there was so much exciting action waiting outside.

As I thought about my not-so-serious dilemma, I decided that if I could make the Halloween dinner FUN, that perhaps they would actually eat the food, thus consuming less sugar, and alleviating the potential "stummy-ache." (Yes that is a real word in our family--a combination of stomach and tummy.) Thus, the Halloween bag dinner was born!

The Halloween Bag Dinner is ready to be served!

I decided on a menu that has twelve items--including utensils, napkins, and some type of beverage. Then I come up with Halloween names. Rolls might be called "tumbled tombstones." Baked potatoes could become "Revenge of Swamp Thing" and orange Jell-O could become "frosted pumpkin." Even the fork, knife, and spoon have new names. I typed up this Halloween menu, made enough copies for each member of the family, cut the names into slips, and then placed them in individual paper sacks. Over the next hour, each member of the family would draw three items at a time and wait to see what Black Cat's teeth really are (corn) or find out if they would be eating their first course with their hands because they didn't get a fork or a spoon (a family favorite) or if they would get dessert first! (Another family favorite.)

Ron clearly didn't have any utensils for this course...

Neither did Emily...

Ahhh...but Jennifer has a knife to stab her pork chop! Good times!

We always eat our Halloween bag dinner by candlelight which adds to the spooky fun. Best of all, the Halloween Bag Dinner became almost as popular as trick-or-treating. When Jennifer left home, Emily was very concerned that we would stop this tradition. I told her we weren't getting rid of it anytime soon because Ron and I enjoy it, too.

You know you have a successful family tradition when your adult children continue it. I know Christie and Tim have carried it on. Heather and Jennifer have introduced their college roommates to the messy fun. It wouldn't surprise me if those roommates don't introduce it to their OWN families someday!

I am Woman

Many, many moons ago when I was a teenager, Helen Reddy recorded a song that celebrated womanhood. It wasn't my favorite song, but I heard it ALL the time on the radio because it was a very big hit.

It's funny because this past week I've burst out in a exuberant voice saying "I am Woman...Hear me ROAR!!!" not once but three times. Weird.

Let me share with you my three experiences. Maybe you will agree that they were memorable and worthy of a ROAR. OK, maybe not memorable for anyone else but me.

Shrimp Scampi

A week ago, I made Ron a brand. new. recipe. He mentioned how much he LOVES shrimp and I decided, "I'll make him a shrimp dinner." I had never made Shrimp Scampi before, but I found a recipe on All Recipes website that received rave reviews. It looked easy. One problem--I needed to buy raw shrimp. Raw shrimp that was still in its shell. I've never peeled a shrimp before but for Ron, I was willing to give it a go.

Well, can I tell you that peeling shrimp was not hard at all! I was so proud of myself for figuring it out that I said, "I am Woman...Hear me ROAR!" I think my family was a little startled by that random comment. Even better, the dinner was delicious! I am definitely making this one again!

"Fixing the Garage Door"

OK, when I say I "fixed the garage door" I want you to know upfront that I didn't fix the springs. But I did do something for the first time.

The day of the BIG storm, I needed to pull a string to release the garage door thingy. (Obviously, I don't know what it is called.) After I did this, Emily and I were able to manually open and close the door. Well, as you may recall, the power was out for TWENTY-ONE hours (not that I was counting or anything) and Ron went back to work before putting the garage door thingy back together.

When I talked to Ron on the phone later on Wednesday, he walked me through the steps on how to reattach whatever that thing is called that I need to reattach. (I hope this makes a little sense.) When I actually did it, I was so excited that I yelled, "I am Woman...Hear me ROAR!" Emily raised her eyebrows in mild astonishment.

Conquering the Leaf Blower

After the BIG storm, our front yard was looking very straggly. Our beautiful maple tree lost several tree branches (not too big thank goodness) and there were hundreds of leaves and maple seed pods all over the place. I thought it would be nice to get the yard cleaned up before Ron came home on Friday. I spent a long time picking up branches and raking leaves. The entire green waste container was filled with the fruits of my labor. It looked great, but the driveway was still covered in leaves and debris. I started sweeping and then I remembered the leaf blower! I have never used his mechanical piece of magic before, but I am WOMAN! It took me longer to untangle the extension cord then it did to plug it in and begin getting rid of the leaves. It was so much fun! I think I should work for a lawn service company being their expert leaf blower. After I put everything away, I walked into the house and yelled, "I am Woman...Hear me ROAR!" By this time, Emily hardly blinked an eye. Clearly, her mother had lost it.

I was hoping that Ron would teach me how to use the BBQ tonight so I could yell my favorite new phrase once again, but he had an even better idea. We went out on a date. To dinner. Perhaps next week I'll conquer the BBQ.

Random Acts of Friendliness

A while back I read an article about a man who was concerned about the lack of social contact among many Americans. With the proliferation of social sites, texts, on-line role-playing games, and e-mails he was worried that people didn't know how to interact face-to-face any longer. He decided to do something about it.

For one month, he would greet EVERYONE he saw with a smile and a friendly greeting. He said it was very uncomfortable at first getting out of his comfort zone. But as he did this more frequently, it got easier. Not everyone was receptive to his random acts of friendliness, but most were.

I've thought about that article off and on over the past few months. I am not the most outgoing person in the world, but I decided I could at least smile at others.

After months of trying to keep a smile on my face, I decided it was time to take it to the next step--engaging in brief conversation. On Wednesday, I began phase two of my social experiment. I'm sure you are dying to find out how it went and so I am happy to satisfy your curiosity.

Now, I don't consider myself a threatening type of person. I don't have large tattoos and multiple body piercings. I don't have facial hair (thank goodness) or wear gang insignia. So, my experiment might not work well for others who, how do I put this tactfully, look a little more extreme.

On Wednesday with my hair looking much better than the day of the BIG storm, I ran several errands. At the first two stores, I kept my friendly greetings to the cashiers. I mean, they are paid to be somewhat friendly as they serve the public. At the grocery store I girded up my loins at the checkout line. I noticed the woman standing behind me only had a few items and I invited her to go before me. As she put down her four vegetables on the conveyor belt, I only recognized the tomatoes. Smiling at the woman I pointed to one of the unfamiliar vegetables and said, "I've never seen this before. What is it called?"

Her face lit up. In a heavily accented voice she told me the name of the vegetable. I couldn't understand everything she said but she explained that she put three of the vegetables with pork and made a delicious dish. She then confided that she had recently arrived from the Philippines. She told me that she was worried that she wouldn't like it in America but was happy here.

For two minutes I made a connection with someone I probably never would have met. It was fun. I'm going to keep reaching out with my own "random acts of friendliness."

Suviving the BIG One!

For days our weather forecasters had breathlessly reported the BIG upcoming storm.

"We have a BIG storm coming! You NEED to spend this weekend preparing for it. Clean up your yard. Make sure leaves won't clog storm drains. It's going to be BIG!"

We haven't had rain in a while so I was excited. YEAH! We have a BIG storm coming!

Monday evening I spoke to Ron and mentioned the BIG one coming. "They are talking about power outages. I really need to learn how to use the BBQ in case we don't have power." Ron reassured me it wasn't difficult.

Early Tuesday morning I could tell the BIG storm was coming. The wind was howling. The rain was falling. I felt warm and cozy in my little home.

I planned my day. Clean the house. Pay the bills. Watch the BYU devotional. Work on my Independent Study lesson. Teach a piano lesson. Run to the library and post office. Make a yummy dinner.

My plans soon changed. We lost our power at 8:15 am. Remember that time. It is important. 8:15 am. My hair was still damp.

I kept busy. I cleaned my house as well as I could in the dark. I paid the bills. I planned my weekly menus and wrote out my grocery list. The power was still out. I read my textbook. I did as much of the lesson as I could without the use of a computer. The power was still out.

I called the power company at 9:00. I called the power company at 11:00. I called the power company at noon. Still the power was out.

Library books were due. Emily and I manually opened the garage door. I bundled up against the torrential rain and gusty winds and BRAVED the elements by MYSELF! Emily refused to come with me because SHE TOO didn't have her hair done. I drove around fallen tree limbs, standing water, and other hazards. My hair looked pretty horrible so I dashed into the library, dropped off the due books, picked up the reserved book, and quickly left before I ran into anyone I knew.

My exciting moment at the library was witnessing the confrontation between two drivers. One driver had been rear-ended by another driver and the hitter would not give his ID to the hittee. (Is that even a word? Well, it is now!) I let the library security guy know that he was needed in the parking lot NOW! He was thrilled by my Good Samaritan interest.

It was now 2:30 pm. The power had been off since when? POP QUIZ everyone! That's right. 8:15 am. At 2:30 we still had NO POWER!

I canceled the piano lesson. The temperature inside our house was getting a little uncomfortable. Now what could I do? Stared outside the window. Check. Wandered around the house. Check. Foraged for non-perishable food to keep from opening the refrigerator. Check. Stared at a spider to see if it was dead. Check. Poke at the spider to see if it was REALLY dead. Check. Called the power company several more times. Check. Check. Check. Pulled out a library book to read. Check. Watched Comcast install a generator in our neighbors yard. Check. Now it was 2:45. Still no power.

I told Emily I had some OLD chocolate. She was interested. "How old?" Christmas stocking old. She whooped. She hollered. She pulled out Sequence. Whoever won the game got a piece of ancient chocolate. She won. She won again. We were bored with Sequence. It was now 3:30 pm. Still no power.

Emily said, "We need to play Life." I was not too thrilled. But, the electronic version isn't bad. In fact, I think Emily and I should play this game EVERY WEEK mainly so I can redeem myself. Yes, she beat me BAD! We played. We played some more. We played for nearly three hours. Still no power.

Ron finally came home! He brought dinner! He is my hero! I didn't have to forage for non-perishable food any longer. We ate. We talked. We cleaned up. It was time for Emily and Ron to attend their church meetings. Still no power!

I read by lantern light. I did a Sudoku puzzle by lantern light. I wandered the rapidly darkening house by lantern light. I called the power company again. Still no power.

Ron came home. Emily came home. Our good friends rescued our perishable food and stuck it in their extra refrigerator and freezer. It's finally time for bed. Still no power.

I woke up at 1:00 am. SOMETHING woke me up! My heart fluttered! Did we have power? I opened my eyes to a VERY dark house. No little green power light from the cordless phone. No flashing lights from the radio. Still no power.

Ron got up at 4:45 am to get ready for work. I groaned. Still no power. Were we doomed to go another full day without power? Half hour later the lights came on in all their glory! Twenty-one hours after the power went out the refrigerator was humming, the freezer was playing catch up, the lights were humming, the cordless phones were recharging. We rejoiced. We danced. We raced to the computer to check our e-mail.

And that is how we survived the BIG storm of 2009.

Mrs. Snively

I had some wonderful teachers growing up. One of my favorites was Mrs. Snively. She was an excellent teacher who helped me develop my math and reading skills. She also taught us the importance of recycling and encouraged us to bring in our old newspapers and aluminum cans. The money our class raised through recycling these products helped build a school in Chile. Now how cool is that?

My least favorite part of her class was "clipping day." Once a week we stood in front of the class sharing a newspaper or magazine article. I was painfully shy and the thought of getting up in front of my class was mortifying. I know I always turned several shades of bright red when it was my turn. Those two minutes in front of the class seemed like two hours as I stuttered through sharing my noteworthy event.

My favorite part of class was right after lunch. Mrs. Snively would have us sit quietly at our desks and then she would pull out a book. One afternoon she pulled out a bluish-gray book. The pages were yellowing. On the front cover was the title and the silhouette of a girl carrying a magnifying glass. It didn't look terribly interesting.

Then Mrs. Snively said something that seemed quite profound. "You can't judge a book by its cover." She opened the book and began reading the first chapter of The Mystery of the Moss-Covered Mansion. It was my first Nancy Drew book--but it wasn't my last. I probably read every Nancy Drew book available at the time. I collected Nancy Drew books. I have 26 in my bookcase today.

As I was thinking about Mrs. Snively, I picked up an old copy of The Secret of the Old Clock from my bookcase. I'm not sure how I ended up with this book--possibly a library used book sale. Inside the cover are the names of six girls, including myself and oldest daughter who read and loved this book. I am grateful for teachers who go beyond the basics of reading, writing, and math to help us grow and develop. I'm grateful for "clipping day" which helped me overcome my fears of public speaking. I'm grateful that she taught me the importance of recycling to help our environment, the love of serving others less fortunate, and the love of old battered books.

Thanks, Mrs. Snively.

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Ron isn't home every night for dinner, so when he is, I want it to be special. Recently he told me he was in the mood for some type of Alfredo dish. I went to Allrecipes.com web site and found the following recipe. It is not healthy, but it tastes very good and great for an occasional meal. I would give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5.

This recipe takes some time to prepare and cook so it's best saved for a more leisurely evening. It makes a lot though and the leftovers are very good.

Enjoy!

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Ready in 1 hour Serves 8

Ingredients:

3 large boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cut into cubes
6 T. butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
1 T. Italian seasoning
1 pound fettuccine pasta
1 onion, diced
1 (8 oz) packaged sliced mushrooms
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1 T salt
3/4 tsp. ground white pepper
3 cups milk (I used skim to make this a little healthier.)
1 c. half-and-half
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz. shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
3 roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 c. sour cream (I used nonfat)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat combine chicken, 2 tablespoons butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook until chicken is no longer pink inside. Remove from skillet and set aside.

This smells great as it's cooking!

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al-dente, drain.


3. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in large saucepan. Saute onion, 3 tablespoons garlic and mushrooms until onions are translucent.

Don't these mushrooms look tasty?

4. Stir in flour, salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes.

5. Slowly add milk and half and half; stirring until smooth and creamy.


6. Stir in Parmesan and Colby-Monterey Jack cheeses; stir until cheese is melted.


7. Stir in chicken mixture, tomatoes, and sour cream.

Serve over hot cooked fettuccine.

Little Letters

Letter writing seems to be a lost art. Most people text or e-mail today. However, here are a few letters that I would like to send:

Dear Tail-Gating Driver who is Right Behind Me,

Please back off. You are making me very nervous. I can't go any faster because there is a semi right in front of me. I've already been rear-ended three times in the past several years from drivers who are driving too close and can't stop in time.

Thank you very much.
Nervous Driver


Dear Honda Finance Department,

I have called three times to let you know that I'm not Jackie. My name's Loralee. I've had this cell phone number for over two years. Please don't call me, anymore. I don't own a Honda and I never will if you keep harassing me with two or three calls a day.

Sincerely,
Someone who has never owned a Honda

P.S. You are also using up my precious minutes.


Dear Piano Tuner,

I am so sorry that about your bad health. I am praying that the doctors will help you feel better. I hope I see you again next year, but if I don't, thank you for all your wonderful years of service. I will miss you.

Cordially,
A Grateful Customer


Dear Neighbor who Lives a Couple of Blocks Over,

Thank you for the very fun Halloween decorations. I enjoyed them on my evening walk.

Sincerely,
Someone who doesn't get into Halloween as much as you do, but I can appreciate all your hard work.

Reflections on Conference

The past two days has been a spiritual feast. I always feel a little sad when the closing prayer of the last session has been given. It's time to get back to real life. But, I hope that I can implement the things that have been taught.

As I reflect on the messages given, I have sensed a theme running through several of the talks-- the importance of receiving our own personal revelation and spiritual guidance. I was very touched with Elder Scott and Elder Nelson's talk about how we can receive answers to our questions and receive spiritual guidance. Both of these men suggested that we write down the impressions that we receive and then study them out and pray about them. I really liked Elder Scott's suggestion that we ask Heavenly Father, "is there more guidance I need?" Elder Nelson taught that we need to ask with "real intent" with the "intent to actually act upon the promptings." I am looking forward to studying these messages in further depth when the November Ensign arrives.

Sister Matsumori, the second counselor in the General Primary presidency also spoke about being guided by the influence of the Holy Ghost. She taught that the Spirit can guide us daily in our lives as we let virtue garnish our thoughts constantly.

Dealing with life's challenges was another theme that ran throughout conference. Elder Clayton spoke about the burdens that will be pressed upon us. Some of our burdens come from living in this world--natural disasters, illness, death. Some come from the actions of others--their bad choices can cause us sorrow and grief. And some of the burdens come because of our choices. But he taught that burdens can become blessings, although well-disguised, as we grow in faith and ability.

One of my favorite talks was given by Elder Bednar about being more diligent and concerned at home. He taught that we need to "Express our love and show it. Bear testimony and live it. Be consistent." I am determined to become more loving, to share my testimony with my family more often, and to be more consistent in family scripture study. I know that our family will be blessed.

President Eyering's talk about becoming better than we are touched me deeply. I love the children song, "I'm trying to be like Jesus." I will try to make this thought be my guiding principle in dealing with others.

Elder Holland's powerful talk on the Restoration and the Book of Mormon thrilled me. This talk stood out in Sunday's afternoon session.

May I say how much I love President Monson? The Spirit bore witness to me as he was speaking that he truly is a prophet of God. I will look for ways to serve others. Posted in my kitchen will be two of his statements from Sunday morning's session. "We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth. What have I done for someone today?" I'm planning on buying a large bag of "warm fuzzies" and it will be fun to see how full our family can fill a glass container by next General Conference as we follow our prophet and serve others.

So, which talk stood out for you?

Locked Out

Do you want to hear the saddest story EVER? Well, probably not the saddest story, but one that has caused stress and inconvenience. Well sit back as I share this three part story.

Story 1

About two years ago our family thought it would be nice to go out to dinner. We had a lovely time at the restaurant. When we arrived home, Ron realized he only had the car keys. The house key was locked up safely in the house. The alarm system was set. I forgot that the garage door leading to the backyard was also on the alarm and so when I opened it to see if we could "break in" through a window, it went off. It was very loud and we could not shut it off.

Ron remembered that his sister and her husband had a spare key to our house. He drove over there to retrieve it as Emily and I walked up and down the sidewalk as we waited for him. It hurt our ears to stand out front.

Story 2

I hope you have a Kleenex for this next sad story.

Several months ago I went visiting teaching on a Sunday afternoon. Before I left I told Emily what I had planned for dinner. For the past 10 years, my daughters have made Sunday dinner because I'm not home a lot and it is great practice for them to develop their cooking skills. Ron was also gone. Emily went out to the garage to grab something from the freezer. Unfortunately, the bottom lock on the garage door was in the "locked" position and she could not get back in. As I left my last appointment, I called Emily to let her know I would be home in about 20 minutes. I thought it was strange that she didn't answer the phone. After dropping off my visiting teaching companion, I called her again. Still no answer. I was beginning to worry at this point. When I got back home, there was Emily lying in the spare truck, almost asleep. This was the second time Emily had accidentally locked herself out of the house in just a few months period of time.

Story 3

This past Friday morning was my turn to take Emily and her friends from Seminary to school. Because I was going to walk with a friend after dropping them off, I grabbed my keys, my driver's license, and a light jacket. I carefully set the alarm, locked the door, got into the car, and realized that I had my church keys instead of my house and car keys. I was stuck! Ron was out-of-town. Grabbing the garage remote control, I ran the several blocks to a friends house. I knew she would be up since we were supposed to walk that morning. As I ran, I saw anther friend. I stopped long enough to ask him to call my brother-in-law and sister-in-law to meet me back at my house in about 15 minutes. I was very glad they have a spare house key so I would not be locked out all day. My walking friend graciously agreed to drive to the church, pick up the three high school girls, drive back to my house to pick up Emily's backpack that was still in the car, meet Gary who handed me the house key, and then drive the girls to high school.

As Julie was driving us all, I scribbled notes for the three girls. "Please excuse (fill in the blank) from being late. Her driver locked her house and car keys in the house." The girls got to school with a minute to spare.

How grateful I am for the three good friends who rescued me when I needed them.

Today, Ron and I got a spare house key made. Hopefully this sad story won't be repeated again.

The End.

Conference Weekend

President Thomas S. Monson
Photo Courtesy of LDS Church

I am looking forward to this coming weekend. Twice a year, we have the chance to listen to our church leaders as they speak at General Conference. I begin anticipating the event several weeks in advance. I can't wait to hear what our leaders have to say.

Last April, it seemed that many of our leaders talked about adversity. They spoke about faith and hope. They spoke about the temple. It seemed like every talk was given just for me. I soaked it in and felt reassured that everything would be OK even if my little world was in chaos.

As I listened carefully to what our church leaders had to say the quote that stood out to me six months ago was given by President Monson. During the Sunday morning session of General Conference he said,

"My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith."

This piece of advice became one of my lifelines as I tried to follow his counsel.

Six months ago, Ron knew he would be unemployed soon. I remember talking to him between conference sessions wondering what our lives would be like the next General Conference. I can testify that our Prophet was inspired in his message. Our future is bright. We know that Heavenly Father is mindful of us and He hears and answers our prayers. I cannot wait to hear the messages given this weekend.