Dinosaur Museum

A few weeks ago Michael and I had the opportunity to go to the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving point. We went with some friends from our ward and had a great time.
Michael is really into dinosaurs right now. His favorite show to watch is Dinosaur Train on PBS. At our school carnival in August he won some little dinosaur toys. He carries them around with him constantly. Everywhere we go he wants to look for dinosaurs. We bought one for him at Macey's that squeaks, but he calls it his squishy dinosaur.
When we were at my parents' house last week Michael told my sister that he had one stegosaurus and two triceratops. She had to ask him to say it again because she couldn't believe that he could say those names.
Not only does he know their names he know their features. The triceratops has three horns on its head and the stegosaurus has plates on his back that he uses to "beat the heat." All the information that he learns from Dinosaur Train he remembers and tells people. He is such a smart little boy.

Mission Memories

One of the reasons I decided to serve a mission was because a friend told me that it would change my life forever. She was right. So much of my life today is affected by the decision I made to serve a mission.
Today I heard from a friend I met on my mission. Jack and his family are my favorite family from Texas. For some reason Jack and I just clicked. He was like an older brother to me. Or as he said, he was my "project." My companion and I worked with Jack to get him active in church. Sister Jaime and I had so much fun with Jack and his family. If we were having a rough day doing missionary work we knew that if we visited them we would feel better.
Words can't express the gratitude I have for them and their love. They just loved us so much. It helped so I didn't miss my family so much.
My life was changed for the better when I met them; changed forever. It has been ten years since I returned from my mission and probably five since I have really heard from Jack. But the joy I felt today when I read his email was just as strong as if he had been a part of my life everyday for the last ten years. And in part, he has been. The experiences I had as a missionary have helped me become the woman I am. And Jack and his family were a part of that.

I Love being a Mom

There are so many blessings that come with being a mom. Most recently I have found joy in getting up early with Lorenne to help her get ready for school. Most of you know that I am not a morning person so you would think that I would hate getting up, but I have really enjoyed it. I am getting a lot more done during the day because I have added a few hours by getting up and started earlier.
Lorenne and I walk to her bus stop each morning. And as we walk, we talk. I love those few minutes when it is just the two of us. Her favorite phrase recently is, "can I tell you this?" Sometimes it is just silly stuff and other times it is the opening for a quick life lesson.
One of my goals as a parent is to be open enough that my kids feel comfortable in coming to me to talk. There is so much for our kids to deal with now that they need good righteous counsel. I want to be the source of that for my children.
Another benefit of walking Lorenne to the bus is being able to visit with the other moms that are there at the bus stop. Those few minutes each morning and afternoon visiting with other women is so rewarding. I feel like my circle of friends has expanded greatly.
How grateful I am for the small blessings that add up and are evidence of my Heavenly Father's love for me.