Pruning

I apologize for the nature of the post that follows. I like to think of myself as an optimistic, and generally cheerful person. So know that this is out of character for me. But we all have moments like this I'm sure. So I guess I'm sorry that my moment finds me here with a blog at me finger tips. Perhaps tomorrow will be a better time to type. But alas here I am. So I will type.

Do some things ever seem unfair? That is a rhetorical question. I think some things aren't fair. And that just kind of (eh hem) sucks. February has been an unfair month. I really kind of wish it would end. The combination of trial and winter is a bad one. Certainly struggles in the summer are easier to bear right? Or even the spring I bet.

Amidst some winter woes and personal struggles I gathered my senses and took myself to church for Young Women's on Wednesday. Heaven knows those girls do much more for me than I for them. I should change that. And do you know what I found at church?

This is bad, especially during winter woes.

They cut back all of the Crape Myrtles that adorn the walks up to the doors on every side of the building. All of the big branches are gone. Left are just the most ridiculous looking stubs of trees. Someone cut the trees back.

They must believe that they'll grow again. I'm going to hold on to the idea that the care taker of the trees expects them to be even more beautiful and strong than they were before. Right? I am going to believe that the trees were cut back for their own good.

But that's still sad. And kind of unfair. Shouldn't there be an easier way to grow? Why must we be knocked down to progress? I wonder if the trees know that it was with love that they were given their new struggle. Does that make it any easier though? If I could I would tell them. That even though this moment (eh hem) sucks, it's going to be worth it sooner or later. Maybe if I told them I could fortify my testimony of purpose in trials as well.

Don't worry I'm not going to talk to the trees. But please, if I do, and you see me, don't judge me. Or tell anyone that I've gone crazy. It's just a moment. And we all have them.

Anniversary 3

We letterboxed,

and walked ,

and ate our little hearts out

on a cold cloudy blustery day in Savannah.

And here's the pictures to prove it.

There's a letterbox in there!!!

5$ target shoes.

Of all the lovely architecture. This is the building we document.

The letterbox was gone =(

The day was a sharp contrast to the blue sky and mild day we were wed on. But I think I had just as much fun. Who would have thought. Love actually grows.

A Capicity to Create

I loved this talk when President Uchdtorf gave it. Don't you just instantly recognize it as truth? As someone who has dappled her hands in many projects, and searched for things to be good at creating, I find a lot of peace in the truth that I was "fashioned by an endlessly creative God". Despite how many things I don't excel at creating, the more I rely on the Spirit that greater my 'capacity to create' will be. Last year I tried gardening, and sewing, and baking, and cooking, and even thought I didn't win a prize or set a record, I satisfied part of my desire to create, and to improve.

So on to this year, a new year of creating. What about you. Any creations planned?

Picture Review

David got his wings.

Not really, but almost.

For Christmas I sent David up in the air.

On a tiny little plane .

On a windy day.

With a pilot younger than him,

Who said "Dude" a lot.

Only the first was on purpose.

But he went.

And had a blast.

And admitted that he didn't want to be a pilot.

Phew.

.

Twenty Ten

Wait. It's 2010?

When did that happen? I'm stuck in December, despite my return to work last week. I keep writing 2009 too. My students are loosing their patience. Today one of them even got his papers ready before we sat down to do our reading lesson so that he could name and date his own score sheet. Kind of sweet I suppose . Who would have thought a group of children with Autism would have to learn to be patient with their teacher?

So since it's already double digits in January, I'll spare you the 2009 review and move on the the twenty ten plans....As soon as I make some. For now, enjoy the pics of our last few weeks, because Christmas came and went without a single picture.

December

I missed November. Not literally. I was very present for November. I just missed November here. November was very good to us. And now it's December. And we can't hardly stand it! December. Christmas. Our favorite. family. Here is what we plan on doing:

1. Listening to Christmas music every day.

2. Going to a presentation of Handel's Messiah in St. Augustine.

3. Going Christmas crazy with our lights outside (Our neighbors have no idea what's about to happen!)

4. Finding a perfect tree and decorating it while we wear P.J's.

5. Actually sending the 2 years worth of Christmas cards I've accumulated.

6. Enjoying our paper whites in the living room.

7. The First Presidency Christmas devotional.

8. Enjoying Night of Lights in historic St. Augustine.

9. Seeing more of our wonderful families.

10. Making my mom's caramel corn. Yum.

11. Doorbell ditching some deserving people.

12. Reading the Christmas story from the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

13. Seeing the lights and window displays downtown.

14. Planning and throwing the ward Christmas party. (It's going to be GREAT)!

15. Baking up a storm of goodies.

16. Slowing down, amidst all of this list, to catch up with dear friends, and especially family.


Alright guys, if you're still there....What are your plans? Any traditions that you're carrying on? Or anything new you can't wait to do?