The Meaning of Christmas

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We hear this passage of scripture so many times throughout our lives. And yet, it spoke to my heart with more power last Sunday than it has in years. Merry Christmas everyone. There is still time to make this Christmas more meaningful! Love from the Dittos to each of you.

Standstill Moments of December

Pure joy in teaching my little clogging class at Greg and Maria's studio. These kids are the greatest.

 I don't mean to be biased but really they did such a great job for their first Christmas performance! Ya know how coordination just comes naturally for some kids? That is how most of these babes are. They do really well for a beginning clog class! Sometimes I really wonder why I didn't major in Dance where so much of my passion lies. However, I know a lot of other wonderful opportunities would not have come my way had I taken that road. All I know is I am so grateful to still be dancing! Thought that would all be over after high school. Thankfully I was very wrong.

And here is the Ladies' Man of our team! Little G was our star. Flexing his muscles would make any girl pass out, especially the cute littles ones in his class! (You have to see them act this out at the beginning and end of their Justin Bieber dance. Yes I used a Bieber Fever song! ha ha ha.) Anyways Little G flexing his muscles in the very front was a major crowd-pleaser.



And seeing this beautiful girl at the end of our performance just warmed my little heart. My kindred spirit visiting from Maryland! Erin, I am addicted to your baby and the way he wrinkles his nose when he smiles or screams. I thought I better tell you that I am obsessed with him. He can visit his Aunty Rachel any time!

The love of a Grandpa. Stockton Rex and Harvey Rex sitting on a very comfy lap.

The babies visiting from Alaska!

Uncle Jon and baby Eli. Look how adorable his baby teeth are!

Christmas Around the World 2010. Obviously. Thanks for takin the picture, Hawaii.

And still enjoying every Ditto moment. "Feels Like Home to Me."  

Luckily I am not retarded on the ice anymore thanks to a beginning ice skating class I once attempted. However, you should have seen Josh take me out from behind. It was a nice hit! Ha ha ha. As for Jon, let's just say he's better in water than on the ice. (Little fish grew up with the beach in his backyard.)  Matt, however, is about to go PRO:

Merry Christmas everyone! Do something Christmasy this week!

All I Wanted for Christmas

The picture says it all. I wanted a real tree so bad! Isn't it amazing how a live tree can change the atmosphere of your home? Then add the lights, the smell, the presents underneath, and I am sold. Let's keep it up all year long! My favorite room is suddenly our little front room. Love sac, Christmas tree, music, hot chocolate, and hubby.

It's hard to take a good picture of a Christmas tree.  Oh well, I am still so content.

Poor Jon woke up with the stomache flu last night. Florence Nightengale to the rescue. Maybe our tree has magic healing powers...

Ditto Pride

These are the uncles and father of my children. Sometimes a 20 second clip says it all.

My children have such bright futures.

Our Harry Potter Fanhood.

Yes, we truly are fans of the chosen one. We figured we might as well do a HP marathon to be fully prepared for the seventh movie, and we knew we had to do it as the fearsome foursome. Because we knew the Purcell's would be dedicated, and prioritize their lives correctly with us: Harry came before school work, decent bed times, and what was supposed to be a blizzard last night. (Good thing we took that risk! What a wimp of a storm we received here in P-town...we woke up to GRASS. Whoop dee doo.)

So I think we started our movie marathon in early October. And once a week, we watched Harry conquer task after task, catch snitch after snitch, and throw one spell after another at his evil enemies. We probably would have gone to the premiere on Thursday, but I had a dance competition in Vegas last weekend so our faithful friends waited for us. I guess our men had a good point - attending the midnight show might have been a waste of money - undoubtedly Steph and I would have fallen asleep. Okay, so we're grandmas.

But we're freakin sweet grandmas! We all wish we went to Hogwarts really bad. This picture makes me laugh so hard. Matt was too cool for school and refused to pose, Steph and I are just trying not to laugh, and Jon looks like he belongs on the marquee.

How bout a smiley. We are all crossing our fingers that Matt and Hawaii (that rockin husband of mine) go to the same law school.

The movie was pretty good. As Jon and I just read the book over the weekend (and felt a little strange that we both had DREAMS about Harry Potter!) I realized a few things to help me enjoy the film better. First of all, books are always more detailed and just altogether better than movies. Always. I had to kind of separate the book from the movie in my mind, and needed to realize they won't be exactly the same. When I came to that conclusion, I was able to enjoy the movie more. Oh and what was with the unnecessary scenes between Harry and Hermione? Oh Hollywood, you crack me up.

But we had a blast. And Bathilda Bagshot is the creepiest person casted, next to Bellatrix Lestrange. Oh, and I LOVE Luna. She's probably my favorite. And even if the blizzard would have been what all the hype said it would be last night, nothing could have stopped our Harry Potter fanhood and our long-made decision to see the Deathly Hallows last night. Like I said, priorities people. Ha ha ha.

Not Neglecting the Journal

While the world of blogging is a great thing and has the benefit of loading pictures in seconds, let us remember our old-fashioned journals. Do not neglect that little book on your shelf that may be obtaining a thicker and thicker lining of dust on its outer cover.

Benefits of journal writing (the old-fashioned way):

• There is something so real about seeing actual handwriting on an old page, and it is more personable than the text on a computer. The author of the entry wrote it on that very page, allowing more of a connection with him/her.
• One may be more inclined to write about deeper, more personal things in his/her actual journal. Blogs are open to a greater audience and therefore have a greater chance of being censored by your subconscious.
• Blogs tend to be about on-the-surface topics.
• Journals allow you to practice your good old-fashioned penmanship. What a beautiful way to express yourself.
• Computers may crash down one day. Ya never know...
• There is something so special about obtaining a journal from a relative who has passed away. It feels like a piece of that person is still with you.
• I hope to leave my journals with my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.

I love blogging. It is relaxing and fun, and what a great way to know what is going on in the lives of your friends! But I hope to never ever neglect that little brown book that waits for me on my book shelf every morning.

Life is So Beautiful

I love my job. Think of the most ideal characteristics that your dream job would have. Maybe some of the following would be included on your list:

• Flexibility - I choose my hours every week
• Meaning - I am so fulfilled because I know that reaching out to one family at a time makes a difference in this crazy world today. Our entire focus at the Parent Information Resource Center is to strengthen families and promote education at home. I am using my psychology degree every day.
• Freedom with job responsibilities - The federal grant that funds our center does require certain things: reports of the amount of people we are serving, their ethnicity and status, etc, direct and indirect information given to parents about No Child Left Behind (now termed ESEA under the Obama administration but whatever it is still the same thing). Other than specific grant requirements, I get to coordinate pretty much whatever activities I feel the community is in need of. It is so liberating.
• Great pay - I am only working part time but the hourly wage is the best I have ever had. 15 hours a week works ideally for me and my sweet hubby.
• Interviewing and finding my BYU interns - what a huge asset to our little center Jelly and Mike are! They have a passion for strengthening families as well as I do, and I am super excited to have them and their lovers over for dinner this Sunday.
• Time off - I can take breaks whenever I need to, so long as I focus on making up the hours.
• Excellent director - my "boss" I guess you could call her that is an outstanding woman. She trusts me, is warm and kind, and very approachable if I need help with anything. She is a friend, not only a director. My job before this one well...let's just say I wasn't so lucky.
• Creation - We started from scratch with this center in Springville. It was quite the project last summer, organizing and creating a parent library out of thousands of books. I was overwhelmed but with lots of prayer and many hands, WE DID IT. Now this little center is our little baby. Creating something brings enrichment and purpose to one's life.

And now, I am teaching Love and Logic parenting classes because of this job position.Wow. Talk about an opportunity given from God. Jon and I are learning so much. There I stand on Wednesday evenings, in front of 30-40 parents, teaching a parenting class. There's humility for ya. But it works, and it works well. Not because of me, but because of the curriculum (which is WONDERFUL. This IS the kind of parent I want to be) that I know how to study and present to the class. Mostly what I do is present the researchers' excellent ideas and facilitate discussions about real-life parenting problems. Mostly what I do, is come home every Wednesday feeling on top of the world. I know without a doubt that God is using me at East Midvale Elementary, where these Love and Logic parenting classes are being held.

And isn't it neat how everything you have experienced up to a certain point of your life accumulates so that in one moment, you can feel like you are in the very place you are meant to be? If there are moments of success in my teaching Love and Logic classes, it comes from being an EFY counselor for two summers, a child with questions years before that, a nanny of a strong-willed 3 year old last year at this time, a dancer associating with people of different cultures and backgrounds, a BYU student studying for psychology exams, and a woman of 24 who contemplates motherhood more than ever. In essence, it all comes from my Heavenly Father who allows me to be an instrument in His hands. I know that the spirit guides me through teaching these classes. How else would I be able to pull off such a daunting task! That first week of class, as the line outside the door grew larger and larger I looked at Jon (my handsome tech-man in the back!) with a code look of intimidation on my face. (Um, yes you all have children and no, we do not yet. Would you like to spend an hour listening to me?) And his confidence in me ever so strong and soothing "You got this Rach, no problem." Well, the task is pulled off well, at least for the first two lessons so far. And I assure you it is not because of me. And life is so rich, so beautiful, so fulfilling. Always and yet again because of the gospel in my life.

After the second class last Wednesday, we celebrated with a Burger King date. That's right. I can eat a hamburger every now and then and not hate myself for it afterwords. Does that tell you a little something about how good Jon is for me? :-)

Life is beautiful. More specifics on the ideas of Love and Logic parenting to come. After all, who do you suppose is learning the most during those Wednesday evening sessions? The teacher, of course! I highly recommend the parenting ideas of Dr. Jim Fay and his son, Charles.



2 yrs. old for life

Jon says I am such a little kid. Good thing he thinks it's adorable instead of completely annoying. Apparently it comes out most blatantly in my sleep...if I get cold in the night. He told me a story about myself while we were eating lunch today. It went something like this:

Last night I fell asleep around 10:30, (not early enough considering how early I have to wake up on Wednesday mornings, but such is life). He can always tell I am asleep because I begin the twitches...luckily he thinks that is adorable too. So he was sitting on the bed with his laptop, finishing up law school application thingies and probably checking out college football stats. I had been asleep for about twenty minutes when it happened...the covers weren't on me all the way. I honestly don't remember any of this, and he probably embellished the story a little but his imitation of me was pretty childish. I was whining and helplessly attempting to pull up the covers. What do I become in my sleep? A baby. Embarrassing.

We were laughing so hard because usually when this happens (great...this is not only a one time thing) he helps the "helpless" out by putting covers on her. Well last night he decided to do an experiment and watch me struggle until I fixed the problem myself. Cruel. (and hilarious) I can just see him now, completely amused, just quietly laughing and thinking I am the most hilarious person he has ever lived with. The point is...what am I in my sleep? Two years old? Good thing that guy loves me so much. I really am a woman of almost 25 years...I think.

Have a question about college football? I know more about the sport than I ever have before! He's so proud.

Yea boiii these were our seats at the last game (when they decided to start winning again).

Good thing or else I might have started whining about it...

Top 10

I have to write. It's the strangest feeling but it feels so therapeutic to ramble. I don't even know what to say. I guess these are 10 things worth mentioning:

1) I have been researching Tucson, Arizona and Chapel Hill, North Carolina because within those two cities are law schools that the husband is certain to apply to. I even looked at little apartments for rent in both places and read the brutal opinions of people who hate Arizona. I for one, wouldn't mind a warm Christmas. However, my vote between those two would be Chapel Hill. I think...?

2) I am listening to Swithfoot's Always repeatedly. That band always has lyrics with below-the-surface meanings and I think they are amazing. They often sing about God, and I am trying to interpret the lyrics of this intriguing song.



3) Having a hard day? Look at this face.

 Stockton Rex Mecham

What a handsome little guy.

4) I feel like summer was snatched away from my finger tips. I might throw a tantrum on our black and white checkered kitchen floor because of it.

5) I was sick all week. I pride myself in how powerful my immune system is, but I guess it's not that cool after all. And it always surprises me how quickly you can lose your endurance in a matter of only a few days! I went jogging today and started losing energy after only one and a half miles. Come on body.

6) Josh Park married Emily Carpenter yesterday. Their sealing was so real and brought so many of us to tears. I am so happy they realized after five years of knowing each other that they are each other's companions for this life and the next and the next and the next....

Yesterday was what I call "Folk Dance Heaven." So many kindred spirits that I danced with at BYU traveled to Utah for the celebration. It was a rich day to be at the temple with them. These are my equivalent to mission companions and they will forever feel like family.

Girls I love and admire.

My brothers.

Emily looked breathtaking. I wish I took a picture of her hair that Cindy spent hours on. What a woman.

7) Time for me to be better at crafting, gardening, interior design, and sewing. Is that too much to ask?

8) I whipped out my Spanish text books last night. My job is going really well, but the road to improvement requires my Spanish conversation skills to come back to me. They remain in that brain of mine somewhere, I know it! Hispanic women are highest in attendance at the parent resource center, and I want to speak fluently with them.

9) Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes General Conference October 2010 is here. Jon and I usually try to go to at least one session. Don't wait in standby if you want to get in. Just ask people on the street corners of the conference center if they have extra tickets and you'll find some. Some people even hold signs "Will give hugs for 2 tickets." I think it works for them. Jon's mindset, "Why not just go up to people and ask" works even better. I guess people can't really resist a face like his.

10) My biggest accmplishment in life was marrying you.

Black and White = Their Name Tags

The Father: Quiet strength, sometimes mistaken as shy, spiritual and doctrinal giant, caretaker for his family, generous, a man of comfort and healing, massive hands, twinkie lover :-), constant warmth, protector, favorite past times include reverent discussion of the gospel and sitting with his children at the dinner table, gets teary-eyed about his family, missionary work, and the people of Chile. Stubborn as they come but softer than a teddy. What he shared most in common with her was the covenant they made together on August 1, 1974.

Do opposites attract?

The Mama: Powerhouse, leader, a voice that's heard, State PTA President, the young women's president that changed lives, RED + blue = purple in the personality color code, (don't you dare misunderstand her heart, I won't have it) hilarious, party planner, social butterfly, loves Mexican food and going out to eat (Geckos for life), listener, compassionate, fun, honest, tells you how it is, never a dull moment, father was a World War II Veteran, misses her mama, knows how to cowboy up but needs her validation, a tender tender heart, and beautiful as ever. What she shared most in common with him was the covenant they made together on August 1, 1974. 

But they did share something else in common during that courtship of the 70s: they loved to play raquetball together, and they both SPOKE SPANISH. 

Elder and Sister Mecham are currently serving in the Utah Salt Lake City Spanish-speaking mission. They were called last May and still have 18 months remaining in this part-time service mission. 

Jon and I attended their Spanish ward in Salt Lake last Sunday and it was wonderful. The elders serving in the area each shared their testimonies, and I admire their passion for preaching the gospel. The investigator class gave me a real taste of a proselyting mission, and the excitement that full-time missionaries live with each day. We loved spending the weekend with you, Mom and Dad. Thank you for your love and for your examples of truth.

“The Standard of Truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame. But the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and dependent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, until the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah will say, ‘The work is done.'”    - Joseph Smith

Someone has a plan for you to be very involved in this mission.

Are you listening?

Learning from Atticus

I relish in days where I can stay in my pajamas for most of the morning, and read. I find it therapeutic to "let the world take a spin without you for a little while" as my sweet grandmother used to say. From time to time I wonder if I relish in these mornings a little too much. 10:30 and I am still here in my bed, so relaxed and almost done with "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

Don't you love classic novels? They are my favorite reads for sure. I remember this book as a reading assignment my sophomore year of high school, but that was nine years ago. And I always get more enjoyment out of reading a book when the desire to do so stems from my own motivation. That's a standard for all things, as you may have realized. Make an unbearable task a mission by creating an underlying principle for you to learn, and it just might become bearable.

Do you remember this book? Atticus Finch, defending the innocent Tom Robinson at the Maycomb city courthouse for a crime he certainly did not commit. Scout (Jean-Louise) and Jem Finch, along with their guileless friend Dill: children who understand the equality of human race far more than the greater half of the county's population. Yet because of racism and prejudice, and despite Atticus's compelling case that practically proves the man innocent, the jury concludes "guilty....guilty....guilty....guilty"

One thing I love during the trial is how often Atticus looks out the window. Looking out the window of any home or building provides greater perspective, or a bigger picture of the world. And Atticus Finch lives his life that way. He understands truth and justice, and lives ahead of the times by treating all people equal regardless of race, age, education, or status. He emulates wisdom and I love the way he fathers his two children throughout the story. He reads every morning but never flaunts his knowledge. He deals with dramatic situations yet continually maintains his calm composure. He is "just the same in the courthouse as he is on the street corner." In so many ways, I want to be like Atticus Finch. This hero, like so many others, helps me realize how much I have to improve upon.

I peeked at Jem: his hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulders jerked as if each "guilty" was a separate stab between them...Dimly, I saw Atticus pushing papers from the table into his briefcase. He snapped it shut, went to the court reporter and said something, nodded to Mr. Gilmer, and then went to Tom Robinson and whispered something to him. Atticus put his hand on Tom's shoulder as he whispered....Then he left the courtroom, but not by his usual exit. He must have wanted to go home the short way, because he walked quickly down the middle aisle toward the south exit. I followed the top of his head as he made his way to the door. He did not look up....
'Miss Jean Louise?'
I looked around. They were standing. All around us and in the balcony on the opposite wall, the Negroes were getting to their feet. Reverend Sykes's voice was as distant as Judge Taylor's:
'Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin.'

There are boundaries among us. They may be more subtle than they were a number of years ago, but   bold and erect they yet stand as boulders. I still see them, even between people who are "different" from one another at the Title 1 elementary school I work at. Will they ever be broken down and trodden upon by the various parties, where they may finally meet in the middle and shake hands? If the world contains more Atticus Finch's, then some day there will be no more boundaries. Some day, the commonality will be to discern our similarities rather than our differences. Some day.

I have to blog you Mr. Blanks

May I introduce you to a friend of mine? Okay don't laugh, especially those of you who have known me for years and have an idea of how huge of a fan I am.

Meet Billy.

Seriously people. It all began for me during the summer of seventh and eighth grade. I was one chunky kid, and fed up with it. Tae Bo has been a major part of my life ever since then. I know it sounds silly, but it is on my bucket list to meet this man before I die. It started with the old school spandex and advanced vhs's of 1996, and now he continues to rock my world with his adopted daughter, Shelli Blanks-Cimarosti. (Have you ever wondered why Billy seems a bit personal with one of his right-hand girls on these videos? She has been by his side these past ten plus years and now you know why!)

They are always updating their workouts. They encourage excellent cardio, toning, and strength building through various dvds. But my current favorites are certainly the TAE BO AMPED series, which require a 3 lb. bar for the full experience. (Little I know, but very effective)

I love his passion, his speeches that encourage the mind to be stronger than your tired body, and his martial arts expertise. Yep, I had to. He has been with me for one too many years, and I had to promote him. He has played a role in building my confidence and increasing all my opportunities with dance since age 14. Not to mention the fact that I felt beautiful in my wedding dress last June. :-)

Thanks Billy. Still goin strong. I am coming to your class in person some day, and you may scream in my face all you want.

For a little more Billy inspiration, click HERE.

The Hopeless Romantic

Truth: Jon David is one of those.
Truth: I am obsessed with the fact that he is.

I surprise him with a little card the night before our one year anniversary (take it easy...one year from the day we met, that is) and he blows me out of the water the next morning.
First, I wake up to a note that says "Sorry honey, you have to wait in the bedroom. Don't spoil the surprise."

And awhile later (after he tested my patience with waiting!) I walked out to a room full of eleven white roses. Each rose represented each month from the day we met, and memories were posted by each one. This took him some time, and what most impressed me was how well he remembered specific moments of us together during each of those months.

(Party animal Lisa requested that we babysit her LoveSac. Jon was far from opposed, even though it takes up half of our living room floor. Okay I love it too, reminds me of when we were dating anyways.)

My cheeks were hurting from smiling so much.

The husband was paranoid about me seeing the kitchen before this point, because it all had to go in order.

Month 12 memories were mentioned in the most beautiful letter I have ever received, in that card. He knows the way to my heart. See those CHOCOLATE COVERED CINNAMON BEARS? And, a magnificent calla. Did you know they symbolize majestic beauty, as well as rebirth? A native flower of Southern Africa (where Jon served for two years), it is the best flower in my world. Eggs on toast, nectarines, and strawberries. He is cute enough to even get me the specific yogurt I prefer. I know he laughs the whole time preparing surprises such as these, because he pictures my face and my reaction to it all. I sort of freak out. :-)

Thank you, thank you, thank you Jon. I love everything you are. I am so blessed, and I learn from you every day.

We had a blast celebrating at Lagoon. We both sort of FREAK OUT about amusement parks too.

I think we'll always be a couple of kids at heart. (The very back is the fastest sometimes!)

Here is the key to partying at Lagoon while maintaining your budget savviness: borrow your sister's (and sister's friend's) bounceback passes. (10$ each as opposed to $4frickin4)

Love your life.

I feel more complete than I ever have before.

Had I Known...

I have been having major flashbacks to my high school days. Yesterday, Ashton McMullin married Jaron Woolley, an incident that would have made those 15 yr. old girls of 2001 squeal with delight. (If only we had known when he kissed her on the busride home from ninth grade Lagoon day: Jaron would be Ash's first and last kiss!) Crazy how things work out, isn't it?

All but one. Missin you, Andrea! I'm still the only darky :-)

Gorgeous little bride.

Oh our days of Bingham High School. Were there clicks? Oh yes. Matt and I laughed at how remnants of those clicks still existed last night at the reception. And I suppose we could laugh at ourselves, catching up with old friends in a corner of green grass, reflecting on days of our past as the sun set in South Jordan. I saw old Dance Company friends, grade school friends, and even old Goose from Camp Oakcrest. (You're not really old Goosey, I just thought it sounded good.)

To continue the teenage nostalgia, the fearsome foursome  (Matt, Steph, Hubby and Self) ended the night with a visit at Sarah Hunter Gayheart's home, only to meet up with other graduates of 2004. It feels like years since I have seen those good people. I suppose it has been...somewhere around six. And the whole night just got me thinking about my 18 yr. old self. Someone quite different from who I am today. And yet, the core of me has remained constant. My soul has always soared for truth and light, or at least aspired for it. This is not a self-boasting page by any means. The point is, the events of last night got me thinking.

Had I known.
If I had known as a senior at Bingham High School that I would continue dancing throughout college, I would have been "simply flummuxed" (President Hinckley introduced that one) and completely thrilled at the same time. It seems so strange now, but at the time I thought I was all through with dance. I would obtain my degree from college and find a passion in teaching. Well, one year without dance and little Rachey was depressed. I found myself again through performing with a company of (who would become) some of my most cherished friends and exceptional examples. My BYU experience centered around the International Folk Dance Ensemble. I traveled to some of the most amazing destinations in our world, and met some of the most inspiring people. Pioneers of the gospel in Belarus, Czech citizens who praise America, Chinese babies with smiles that would resolve contention, and various others who have left permanent imprints upon my heart.

Had I known I would major in psychology, I would certainly wonder why. Wow that was unexpected. And fascinating. Hopefully I can be a better mother, friend, neighbor, instrument, and individual because of some (I will not say all) of the ideas presented throughout my social and clinical psychology classes at BYU. If you still can, take LDS Perspectives on Psychology by Dr. Edwin Gantt. That class changes lives. After graduation I did end up working in an elementary school after all, eh? I admit I am in love with my job. And using what I learned to obtain my degree is extremely rewarding.

Ha ha ha. Had I known I would become really close friends with Greg and Maria Tucker, I might have clogged harder at clogging camp when I met them in 2007! At least I might have tried to make light conversation with them at the time. But hello who wouldn't be intimidated by such talent? Three years later, I am attempting (sort of a key word here:-) to clog on their top competing team, Jon and I babysit their children, and their faces remain in my memory of June 1, 2010 at the glorious Manti temple. It meant so much to me to have them at our sealing.


And best of all, the "had I known" that takes the cake. You can probably guess it.

Him.

Here is a picture of the day we met one year ago this Saturday.

And Nayla with Uncle Jon. She is quite taken with him.

And had I known in high school that I would pull an Ilene and get married at age 24 to really, the ideal family man, I wonder what kind of celebration I would have had. To those of you who knew me then, you can imagine it would have been no small party. And every emotion would have been written across my face. Alright I will spare you from anything more mushy than that. For today at least.

But here is the thing. Had I known all those things then, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Had I known all that was coming for me, I might have sat back and missed out on all that I encountered along the way. I was meant to trod that specific pathway, and that is what amazes me.

God is good, Jon and I often say. He is in His heavens, and who knows but what pathway He has laid out for you to venture upon? Tread that path, and find your standstill moments when you can. Choose to dare, to move, to act. Try something new. At some point or another, all of us will find ourselves saying "Had I known..." I hope that when you do, it is said with more contentment than regret.

Angel on Earth

A fortunate accident
that I arrived at the lobby then
And everyone assumed I was there
to assist her
So I pushed her wheelchair along until
she stopped me outside of the dressing room.

Despite her mumbling words, "Muh muh...bah bah..."

                  She knows the routine

And is capable of telling me what to do without actually speaking.
Shoes off. Slippers on. Temple case in the ordinance workers' room.

As I continue to push her into the locker room and wait for her outside the booth,

I feel honored

Honored to assist a woman so noble and dedicated 
Privileged to aid a daughter of God so faithful as she is
Every Wednesday she has come, infinite and pure, so that each of us may learn from her
                              And today my turn has come

Into the elevator, and she pushes the button
As we stroll along a sacred hallway to room six,
something to become a memory happens.

Her finger is reverently pointing to  every picture of Christ we pass

My heart.

"You know him, don't you"
and though I say it the words don't seem to be my own
"He knows you too"

               I am overwhelmed
                          And my eyes burn with tears in that quiet moment

She may not speak, yet I know she understands
Perhaps more than most of us
             
                       And I know she knows our Savior.

Ode to Sister Johnson.

Dear Future Children

I am so excited for you to meet this man

I wonder if you have some idea of  how much he loves you already. He has waited a long time for you to enter his life, and he will do everything in his power to bring you happiness. Can I tell you a little about him? It would be my pleasure.

Your dad loves water. He grew up in Hawaii and feels more at home outside than inside at times.

He's kind of a daredevil, which I think you will like very much. I will like it most times. :-) And yet I anticipate those moments in our future where I play the mom role, and everyone rolls their eyes saying "Oh mom, you always worry too much. We're fine!" And we will be.

Your father loves me very much. He is dedicated to telling me that every single day. :-)

Your father is a warrior in the battle of good and evil. His testimony of Jesus Christ is solid, and he honors his priesthood every day. He is the presider of our home; his mere presence will bring you feelings of safety and comfort. I always think of him when I read Alma 56, because I do not doubt his mother taught him exceptionally well. Thank you, Laura and Dan.

 

Your dad loves to play, which is one of the many reasons we get along so well. ;-) He is up for anything. 5:00 am movie and pancakes? "Sure babe." Come to the gym with me? "Let's do it right after I get off work." Burger King for dinner tonight? "I love whoppers."

Build a fort??!! "Great idea Rach! Man your battle station, Viper!"

My primary role is to be your nurturer, but your daddy is a nurturer too. You are so lucky for that. I suffered from severe cluster headaches last winter, and he sat with me until the end of every one. Those nasty little things screamed at me almost every day in February. One lasted for almost half a day, and your dad held me until it was over. Another came along to ruin our Valentine's Day. The headache began at somewhere around 4:30 am, and Jon was at my doorstep in minutes to guide me through it for the next four hours. He is a rock, and I know his example of love and loyalty will inspire each of you to be better children of God.

Your daddy is fun! He makes me laugh.

I wonder if you will be shy like he was as a kid. My little treasure box children,  just needing to be opened in the right places for your jewels to shine.

We plan to go on family hikes as often as we can. Are you ready for Ditto adventures?

It seems your daddy was born to be a father. Children are drawn to him, and being around them brings him great joy.

But I know you will bring him the greatest joy of all. I can't wait to see him in each of you.

Control

From Jem:

Truth, we don't wanna hear

It's too much to take

Don't like to feel out of control

So we make our plans

Ten times a day

And when they don't go

Our way we

Breakdown

Yeah we breakdown

Well don't you breakdown

Listen to me

Because

It's just a ride, it's just a ride

No need to run, no need to hide

It'll take you round and round

Sometimes you're up

Sometimes you're down

It's just a ride, it's just a ride

Don't be scared

Don't hide your eyes

It may feel so real inside

But don't forget it's just a ride

Slowly, oh so very slowly

Accept that

There's no getting off

So live it, just gotta go with it

Cuz this ride's, never gonna stop

Breakdown

Don't you breakdown

No need to breakdown

No need at all

Because

It's just a ride, it's just a ride

No need to run, no need to hide

It'll take you all around

Sometimes you're up

Sometimes you're down

It's just a ride, it's just a ride

Don't be scared now

Dry your eyes

It may feel so real inside

But don't forget enjoy the ride.

No point in trying to control what you cannot control. That only wastes your energy and your time. If something is worrying you, realistically determine whether or not you have some level of control over the situation. If you do have some portion of control, rate it on a scale from 1 to 10 in its rank of importance. From a higher and more eternal perspective, we learn that some trivial matters are taking way more out of us than they really should. So review in your mind the things that are causing you stress, and see if you can throw away or at least spend less time on those that are least important.

Control what is in your power to control, but relax and let go of the things that you cannot. Meanwhile, tell someone how much you love him/her today. That is definitely in your power. :-)

Thanks for soothing me, Jonathan 

Standstill Moments

That is what Erin Maxwell Sorensen and I began calling them. I think the phrase came to my mind while exploring the wonders of China during May 2009. It was during a bikeride in the enchanting city of Beijing. The smiling eyes of the Chinese welcoming us as we passed them by, the grace in the movement of tai chi through the trees in every park, and the fact that I was far far away, liberating my soul. Suddenly the world seemed to stop moving in a moment of pure joy and ecstasy. Or at least, it stopped the sadness, the anxiety, the struggles of  life for a few minutes. Happiness froze in its place, so that I could immerse myself entirely into it. And I nearly tasted it. In those magical moments, I pleasantly strolled along and everything felt at peace in this world. It was pure bliss, contentment, and peace of mind.

And so, Erin and I continued to call those moments "standstills." And she is just as likely as I am to continue searching for those, even if we must be the creators. True, I can't go on an enchanting bikeride in Beijing every day. But I can create happiness whenever I choose. And absolutely, I choose to find the  standstill moments. They may vary in their intensity or in their length of time, but here are some of those that Jonathan and I have shared in our life together thus far.

Hiking the Y for a sunset picnic

Playing with the Dittos. Seriously people, I lucked out with the in-law situation.

Watching Jon play with babies. Any baby. I think he likes them more than I do!

Playing in a river in Puerto Vallarta

And our first few nights in our new home. Who needs a bed anyway?

Or a kitchen table for that matter?

"We should honor the Savior's declaration to 'be of good cheer.'  Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!" -Jeffrey R. Holland

I dare you to create a standstill moment today.