Mirror, Mirror, in the Crib

Monkeying Around
Grant is our little monkey! He loves it when Mom and Dad make monkey noises (Dad sounds, looks, and feels more like a gorilla, of course.) He giggles and sometimes he even joins us! He has actually tried to mimic us, forming an "O" with his little mouth and making ooh sounds.


Sing, Sing A Song
It's funny that Grant has already indicated some musical preferences! I have a series of songs I like to sing to him, mostly because they are the ones that always come to mind. Still, some of the songs he will scowl to (even some of my childhood favorites, like "Angel Lullaby,") and others he actually tries to sing along with! His favorites are "Teach Me to Walk in the Light," and "Silent Night." I know, I know, the last one is a Christmas song but he loves it. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to have a son who loves to sing!

New Presidency

They've been chosen! The months of February and March are so full of suspense and anticipation for me, as we await the election and following appointments of the BYUSA Presidency. After all, over 2100 hours of my time during the next year will be dedicated to serving, teaching, supporting, learning from, and befriending these very students. I finally know who I get to work with! The Presidency consists of Elise, Landon, Lee (my VP), Cami, Jessica, Karen, Kelin, Chad, and Becca. I had the chance to spend a weekend with them during our New Presidency Retreat. It is one of my favorite activities of the year, because they all come in with such optimism, energy, humility, and vision. I can't help but be inspired by them and their willingness to serve as volunteers for such a huge committment. I am seriously a better person because I get to work with these guys.

In particular, I'll be working with Lee Adams. Lee has been an Executive Director on my team this year, so I've gotten to know him already and I am confidant he'll do a great job. He's got big shoes to fill, as Nicki has been a phenomenal leader this year. But he's learned from her, and as he mixes in his own ideas and takes advantage of the fresh perspectives of his new EDs, I think he'll measure up to the task. I can't wait to see it all happen.

So, I am no longer keeping myself awake at night wondering about the elections and choices being made. I can rest easy knowing that next year will be another great year for BYUSA. I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!

So funny!

This was just so funny, I had to share!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Jonathan turned into a leprechaun today! OK, well, perhaps he didn't shrink or find a pot of gold, but he did decide to cook up Irish feasts all day long! What a guy! For breakfast we had Irish Rosemary & Ham Scones, which were honeyed biscuits with deli ham.  For dinner he made glazed corned beef (Yum!) and boiled potatoes and carrots, with Irish Soda Farls and dessert was Irish Cream Chocolate Cheesecake!  The little bit of Irish in me had a hayday!  Thanks to Jonathan for making it a special day!  

Movie Review: Race to Witch Mountain

Jonathan and I went to see Race to Witch Mountain for our date night.  I really liked it, but then again I don't mind occasionally canned and predictable acting from good looking actors! :-)  Seriously, though, the movie gets started right away and stays moving at a quick pace.  There's lots of action and special effects, which I love, but would probably be intense for some kids.  (It's only rated PG, but you know how the rating system is!) I have to admit, though, the girl in me still thinks the original version was better because it captured my imagination better and felt like a stronger plot.  This one is a good ride, but not really engaging like the original one.  All in all, a fun action movie that doesn't require me to bring earplugs and blind folds ranks high in my book! I give it 4 stars.

Long Lost Wedding Video

Jonathan and I were viewing videos from Grant and lo and behold, discovered wedding videos that we didn't even know we had!  I don't have any idea how they even made it on to this computer, since we bought it over a year after we were married.  So, I thought I simply must share the luau fun! 

 

Campus Activities Retreat

Last Saturday I went on a retreat with my crew of Campus Activities students. (They rock, and it has nothing to do with my obvious bias.) Tommy and Nicki planned the whole thing. We first went to race karts; I should make it clear at this point that Nicki came in third. She would be most upset if I failed to mention that important fact. Ben came in last, which he says is because he is always last at work (his role is evaluate) so technically he "should still be driving." Lee and Ryan came in as the top two (depends on which lap you assess and how you calculate the averages, jury is still out...) It was a hoot! Then we went to Cheesecake Factory where we all ordered an appetizer and had a free for all. I must say, my favorite was the avocado wraps, but it was fun to be able to try a variety. Our next stop was... my house. They dropped me off because Grant was having a tough time, so they went to "All Shook Up" without me at Hale Center Theatre and then Jonathan, Grant and I joined them at Tucanos for dinner. All in all, it was a good time. I know I've still got 4 weeks left with these guys, but I am already starting to miss them! I just can't tell you how much I love working with each of them! Next retreat, however, I will make sure I don't eat so much food--I was full for days!

Our Child of God

"Mystery" Flowers

When Grant was born, sweet Jeannie (a co-worker) brought flowers to the hospital for us in an adorable green vase. I thought it was so cute, I brought the vase to work for my desk. However, it sat there empty for the first month as I simply admired the vase and blue/white bow. One day, I came into work to discover the vase had been filled with a fine arrangement of fresh flowers! Amazing! It sprouts its own flowers! They kept me happy for a while until they expired as all fresh flowers do. Lo and behold, my amazing vase must have gotten in a purple mood when it once again sprouted this mysterious bouquet! Jeannie denies having anything to do with it, but she seems to know a lot more than she's willing to admit... and she did mention that she hated seeing a naked vase... Hmmm...

Anyway, my mysteriously appearing flowers keep me happy and remind me of how grateful I am for good friends and acts of random kindness!

Desire

I've been thinking a lot about desire lately. One of my students was talking about how he wants to do well in school and wants to serve and fulfill his calling and be a good employee, etc., but struggles to actually put things into action. It made me think of a favorite talk by Elder Maxwell called "According to the Desire of Our Hearts." This talk is specifically about desires to follow the Savior or the adversary, but it applies to all aspects of our lives. Here's the quote that really struck me: "It is up to us. Therein lies life's greatest and most persistent challenge." Wow, that's so true! Who we are, who we become, how we spend our time, how we respond to the trials before us, it's all up to us. He tells us that we all having fleeting thoughts, ideas, feelings, etc. but who we are is made up of what we desire most fervently most of the time over a long period. It is a powerful talk, and I simply can't say it better than Elder Maxwell. I just know I have a renewed desire to evaluate my desires!

Loudest Laugh Award

Grant had his 4-month check up this morning, and he's doing great!!!  He's 26.1 inches long and 17.6 pounds, both are in the 90th percentile.  He had to get his shots, but he was a trooper and just got mad at the surprise, but quickly calmed down and was happy again.  Dr. Paxton told Jonathan he'd never seen a baby who laughed like Grant, and said he wins the "Loudest Laugh Award."  No idea who he got that from!  ;-)  

He's a happy, healthy, baby and we're so grateful!!!