It's only money...

I just need to complain for a minute here, if you're not in the mood for a 'Wo is me' diatribe, you'd best be on your way.

Can I just say I hate money? I hate that so much of my life is consumed with 'living in Babylon'. I'm reading Hugh Nibleys Approaching Zion, right now, and it's got me thinking that we are not living the way The Lord proscribed in scripture, spending all our time and energy for that which has no worth. 

This month, The Lord told Chris to save the money we usually give to charity. I thought, "That can't be good." And it I was right. Well, let's just say, if we'd given that chunk of cash away as planned, we'd be in bad shape right now. As it is, we're just a little behind. 

Luke got pulled over the first week of the month. Expired tags. EIGHT MONTHS expired!! How did we miss that one? It was only because the car didn't belong to Luke that the officer didn't have it impounded. 

Of course it didn't pass inspection. 

We had to replace the power steering pump. Luckily, the hole in the exhaust system went unnoticed, or we'd have been in deeper than the $300 it did cost for repairs, fines, registration and fees. I'm sure we'll have to deal with that in January when it will again be due for inspection. 

Oh, and this is also the month the van needed to be registered. $200 in taxes and fees for that. 

We're losing our health insurance at the end of the month, so I ran Luke in for his mission physical, Ella has strep, and now Tess is coming down with a sore throat. I am grateful that the girls copays and antibiotics will be cheap and that they are coming down with it this month and not next, and that they'll not be contagious next week when we are on a houseboat with 22 people. 

School. 

$190 to register Tess. $200 for uniforms for all three, even though I shopped thrift stores. More for school supplies. Home schooling was definitely cheaper. 

And just in case I wondered if that was it, I got a speeding ticket today. My first in 17 years. 14 miles over-- $150. And I was driving the high school carpool home, AND I swore, LOUDLY, when the cops lights came on. Lovely. I may get kicked out of this carpool soon! 

So, I'd say The Lord knew what was coming and I'm grateful he warned us, but I still wish we could have given that money to friends and family that need it. I wish there was a way to extricate ourselves from Babylon. I'm stumped as to how that's possible though. The scripture from my last post, the lilies of the field, is on the fore front of my mind, and I wonder if I'll ever have enough faith to live like that. 

If we ever pack up our tent and provisions and disappear into the wilderness, you'll know we've decided to leave the system. On days like today, it sounds pretty good. 

First Day of Montessori

No matter what school your kids attend (or if they are home schooled) the single most important factor is not the method, or the atmosphere or the supplies. It is the quality of the teacher. The girls both got an improvement (over me) in that department with this new year starting.

We went to meet them on Monday. Since Ella was accepted so late, she hadn't been assigned to a class yet. The front office was a mad house of the Jr. High kids getting their schedules, so the secretary told me she'd do it later that day.

We made our way down to Kate's teacher. While she was in getting to know her, one of the aids from the other class told me Miss Angela was the best, most experienced teacher in the Montessori method in the whole school, having taught it back east for a decade. Literally, an answer to desperate prayers of this mom, worried about Kate and her dyslexia. Kate needed to stay home the last few months of last year, but she was ready to go back and try again, so she was super excited she got in.

She loves Miss Angela, and I know she's going to be alright this year.

Ella started today, still not having a class assignment, so we were told to wait in the library this morning till they could place her somewhere. So frustrating for her to be in the library with Mom when everyone else was getting to know their new classmates. She kept saying, "I hope I get Miss Melissa!" after deciding she liked the way her room was decorated the best! I was silently praying she would just get a good teacher-- and that she'd be ok with whoever it was.

After 20 min. the secretary finally came around to collect us. We went from class to class while she interrupted teachers to ask what their head count was. She was sure one class had one less student, but after checking them all, and finding them all equal, she made a decision to put Ella with Miss Emily. An older woman, who came out into the hall to hug Ella AND me! She was so kind and nurturing, I knew Ella got a good one.

I went back to the office to finish up some paperwork and the secretary told me that Miss Emily was such a beloved teacher at her last school that families took whatever track she was on, and rearranged their lives just to get her. They were several that were devastated she had left. That's the kind of teacher every parent dreams of for their child. I can breathe a sigh or relief, knowing both girls will have loving, kind, experienced teachers.

They both came home today positively giddy with excitement and lots to tell me about their day. This is going to be a good year for them. The Lord is watching over them, in all things. I'm so happy.

But my head is exploding with 2 car pool schedules to juggle… ugh. Home schooling had it's perks...

{Zeke wanted in on this action too--
He and I are starting reading lessons, at his behest. He's still so clingy, that school this year would have been bad for him, so I'm glad he missed the deadline. I may just keep him home next year too, and then put him straight into 1st grade in 2 years. Chris is worried about school crushing his soul, and begged me not to send him too early. I won't. I think he will reach a point where he wants to go, and will be ready, and then we'll strike while the iron's hot. For now though, he loves his Momma, and loves to say, "I'll go to school when I'm Kate's age (10)." LOL. Hopefully, before that…}

The Church of Nature

Sunday was Stake Conference. We went to the adult session Saturday night, and it was… lame. Zero mention of the Savior. It was all about how to dress and how to conduct our meetings. Chris was sickened. It was pathetic. 

SO, we decided that Sunday would probably be more of the same drivel, and decided to go seek the face of God in his creations. 

We went back to the place where I had hiked a few days earlier, but chose a less strenuous hike up to a beautiful little Circ (Glacier formed) lake, Cecret Lake. It was gorgeous. 

The kids loved all the little squirrels, Zeke is trying to feed him his granola bar wrapper here...

Big brother to the rescue, half way up the road to the start of the actual hike, Zeke started whining, "Are we there yet? I'm tired!" LOL. We need to toughen that kid up.

We just celebrated 22 years. Seems unreal. Yet, we have the wrinkles and gray hair to prove it.

(That ridge in the background, left, is where I hiked before)

How gorgeous is that clear water?! I just wanted to take my shoes off and wade into it, but apparently, it's a fine in a watershed area. Bummer.

Tess was having a bad Aunt Flo day, so sadly, she missed our outing. Like the good girl that she is though, she got dressed and went to conference, only to decide it was lame and leave 10 min. later. That's my girl. 

It was a glorious day. On the way down, I was pointing out the beautiful scenery to Zeke and said to him, "God made all this for us, because he loves us." To which he replied, "Yeah, it looks like an angel!" What? Where? He tried to point out what rock or mountain he thought looked like an "Angel with 3 wings", but I couldn't see it. I did wonder though, 3 wings? Like in the book of Revelations? Hmmm… maybe this little boy saw a glimpse of heaven today. 

The Face of God

I was driving to Deseret Book the other day to get some new tabs for this awesome, pristine 1974 large print (I'm getting old) leather bound quad that I found at Savers for $4, when I saw a homeless man on the opposite side of the street. Normally, I give to pan handlers when I stop in front of them, but I don't go out of my way. Not this day. As I drove by, I was struck with that 'feeling', and knew I had to go back and give him whatever was in my wallet (ironically, only $4). I flipped a U, and turned into the parking lot so that I could drive past him. I was a few cars back as merging with traffic jammed us up a bit, so I got a chance to really look at him. 

I see lots of panhandlers who look clean, well fed and generally healthy, I still give to them, I didn't always, but now I do, because of Luke. He always gives to anyone begging. Not just a buck either, he gave a guy $20 one day. He got into a discussion with a friend of ours over beggars, and this friend was saying that he doesn't give to them, because he thinks most of them could obviously get a job, but choose to beg while killing time on their iPhone instead. Luke responded, "I don't judge. I just give." 

Obviously, our friend felt a little rebuked. As I have, by my son's wisdom at times. See, the thing is, King Benjamin said, 

 16 And also, ye yourselves will ^asuccor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the ^bbeggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

 17 Perhaps thou shalt ^asay: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just—

 18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

 19 For behold, are we not all ^abeggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?   

And I would add, 'perhaps thou shalt say: The man is obviously not homeless and could get a job if he really wanted to…' but we are expressly forbidden to judge. Are we not all beggars? Depending on God for our very lives, He asks us to give freely. 

So back to my story: 

As I watched this man while I was waiting to get close enough to him to hand him some money, I was struck by his demeanor. He never lifted his eyes off the pavement in front of him. He was dirty, no filthy, disheveled and broken. Yes. Broken. That's the thought that came to me. How low this man was, and how he could not even bring himself to look up. When I finally drew level with him, I rolled down the window and had to shout, "SIR! SIR!" to get him to see that I was trying to give him money. 

And when he looked up, through his sunburnt, wrinkled, dirty face, I saw the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen. I almost gasped. He said, "God bless you." as most do, and I drove away slightly stunned, and feeling without a doubt that I had looked into the eyes of God. 

I also felt a profound sorrow for the state of that poor man. My brother. Your brother. He wore defeat in his countenance, and I had only $4 to aid his relief. If I'd had a $100, I would have given it, because in that moment he looked into my eyes, I felt the love the Savior has for him. God showed me that love and I will never forget it. 

Later, through tears, I related the incident to Chris. He asked if he thought the man was an angel, and I had a surge of hope, because if he was an angel, masquerading as a mortal, then the suffering I saw wasn't real, and I didn't have to worry about him. 

Hebrews 13:2  Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

I'll never know. What I do know, is that I saw the face of God in that man's eyes. It was a gift that I'll never forget. 

We'll Take a Canoe for 6 please...

We love Daybreak for the amenities. Included in our $100/mo HOA fee is our internet, access to the pool, tennis courts, awesome parks, and free boat rentals. Last Friday night we decided to go over to Soda Row, the commercial area, and check out their annual Fizz Fest. While it wasn't exactly our cup of tea, we got ice cream and then continued on our bikes to the boat rental side of the Lake. 

I wish someone could have taken a photo of us all, sadly, this is the best we could do on our own.

The view from the Lake. We almost made it into the portal of Atlantis… almost…

Tess and her BFF frequently get a kayak, paddle to a remote dock and then *illegally* jump off into the lake. She's logged more kayak hours this summer than anyone. 

So, despite feeling that we live in the 'Truman Show', or in the Stepford Wives novel, we sure do love the beautiful scenery and green spaces. 

God's Backyard

An old high school friend and I went hiking up Little Cottonwood Canyon last week. I haven't been on a serious hike in… um… too long to remember. It was great to get my heart pumping and my lungs moving, but greater to witness God's creations and feel of His love for us-- having created this gorgeous world in which we come to learn and be tested. Along with a great Gospel discussion, this hike sent me home feeling in tune with my Savior and wanting to see His face. 

This guy just moseyed on past us, without a care or fear in the world.

 
We were literally in the clouds. It was magnificent.

Lake Mary and Catherine, behind Alta to the right, and Brighton to the left.

We were on that ridge!

Give said the little stream… give oh give… give oh give...

I wish my front yard looked this well manicured. I love wildflowers. 

Boys 'n Wheels

Just a few photos from the week:

After watching his 'old mom' get on and ride a unicycle at the neighbors, when no one else could, Luke decided he wanted one of his own. He got the 'Muni' or Mountain unicycle. Cuz, you know, riding your unicycle in the mountains makes so much sense, right?

And, not to be outdone, Zeke shows his affinity for all things moto, making his proud papa almost weep with joy-- I hope that when Zeke is old enough to be his Dad's riding buddy, Chris won't be too old to join him.

One More...

Last night we went to Historic Wheeler Farm for my MIL's ward picnic. I could tell she really wanted to go, but didn't want to go alone, so she was tickled when we all joined her. She proudly introduced us to everyone, and since Chris and I lived in that ward for a year, we remembered quite a few.

While we waited for the chow line to get going, we visited the animals. Oh, and the outhouse...

fancy rooster, no?

The kids all loved the pig the best. He was snorting and grunting at them. They loved it. Except Zeke. He thought the whole event was smelly. Look at him holding his nose! Crack up. 

The ward was having a competition for best dishes, so they gave everyone 4 tokens to drop into the jar next to their favorite foods. The kids quietly gathered up our 20 tokens and dropped them into Grandma's jar, voting for best salad, and of course, she won! She was so surprised, and tickled I think. I wonder if anyone saw. We didn't tell her we stacked the odds. She won a bedazzled wooden spoon. It was fun. 

Eight is Great for Ella!

I hope Ella and Takeshi never get sick of sharing their birthday parties, because I think we're going on 3 in a row now…

We were camping on Ella's birthday this year. She wanted red velvet cake, and I was wondering how I was going to pull that off, when voila! A red velvet cake was on the clearance rack at Walmart. I took that sucker home and stuck it in the freezer, and then it went into the cooler, and by the time we wanted to eat it, it was thawed and as good as a store bought cake can be! (Which is gross in my opinion. The kids liked it though). 

The birthday kids

Not sure who Tess is posing for here...

I'm not sure what she's doing here, making a prom dress out of my baby wipes?

After cake, we went down to the resort on the lake for their outdoor concert series and some ice cream. They have really yummy soft serve in about a dozen flavors. It was awesome. 

Chris is the object of affection here:

Look at that gorgeous view!

The country western old guys. They were ok. It was a nice fit with the scenery.

The only bummer for Ella was that her presents got left in Boise, because I miscommunicated our plans to my SIL. Good though, that a week later, she had more presents to open! 

Yesterday, she was baptized by Luke. It took some convincing. Luke likes to tease and 'tickle' Ella, which always ends up going south, so I think she was half thinking he would try to drown her. He did a great job though, she was calm, and they only had to do it once! 

Alas, no family shots. We weren't that prepared and I was trying to wear 2 hats that day. Mom of a baptismal candidate, and overseer of the Stake baptisms. 

We went home for a brunch (it was at 9:30am) and had family and friends over. She got another load of presents and I think had a good day. 

The Salmon River

The last day of our stay, we ran the river with our friends guides. It was fun. The pictures are a bit deceiving though, they make it look quite exciting and rough. Actually, the photos captured the roughest spot, and the rest of the 2 hours was quite tame and quiet. I think all enjoyed themselves though. It's hard to see the little kids in the middle of the raft. Zeke, Yuki and Takeshi are a little lost to view, but they're in there.

It looks like we are going under here, but we really weren't anywhere near it.

Tess…

I love Tess' facial expressions man, she's the one to watch during any scary event. LOL.

Half way down, we stopped at the 'jumping rock', about a 10 ft. drop into the icy cold (and I mean ICY) river. Everyone in our 2 boats made the jump, with 5yo Takeshi leading the way. Balls of steel that kid has.

We dropped a pretty penny that day, even at half rate (thanks Dave), and we all have a River Co. shirt or hat now, Zeke especially HAD to have the hat and wears it constantly. It was a great time, and since we had packed up earlier before the run, we just jumped in the car and headed home. Uneventful drive. We were all pooped. 3 nights of camping is about my max. Even with the luxury Aero bed (thanks Di) sleeping in a tent with 8 kids is just not good rest. The first night was so cold that we were in and out of bed every time a kid woke up cold to readjust blankets and bags. Then there was Zeke's leg ache. Followed by Yuki's leg aches. You know, regular kid stuff that just sucks when it is so cold it actually hurts to leave your nice warm bag to attend to them. Actually, the last 2 nights weren't nearly as cold as the first, and everyone slept pretty well.

I'm turning into a camper. Who'd have thunk it?