Big Kids

We helped Marty load up the U-Haul today. They're moving out of their Lehi apartment 

and going to Denver this week!

Can you believe it only took us one hour to load the truck? 

Add to the parent memory bank file: 

Pumpkin carving, easter egg dying, AND moving from a one bedroom apartment 

each only take on hour

Dan and Marty drive to Denver at the end of the week and move everything in.

Dan comes home Friday and Lizzie flies out to unpack.

Marty will be back home for a week, then officially begins work in Denver Feb. 13.

Lizzie will be in Utah until June teaching 3rd grade. 

So they'll be doing the weekend meet-up for a while. 

 

A Day of Restoration

Having Sunday as a day of rest often feels so different from week to week.

Last week I was alone most of the day and it was quiet and meditative. 

This week Dan and I went for a walk and chatted with several neighbors while we were out.

Miles was over with Nick, Chris came home for dinner, Marty & Lizzie showed up in the evening.

The social was every bit as welcoming today as the quiet last week.

For the last two Sundays I've enjoyed Mormon Tab Pandora all day.

But many other times, by the afternoon, classical music makes me want to scream 

and I've got to listen to something else for a dang second.

Seems like my mind and body don't need every Sunday to be exactly the same.

What if we think of Sundays not as a day of rest,

but as a day of restoration?

A day to restore our souls and minds and bodies and hearts in whatever way we need

to close out the previous week and be prepared to go in strong for the upcoming week.

Sometimes Sundays means naps, reading and TV.

Other times it's catching up on all the things we haven't gotten to lately.

Sometimes its Cowboys football and popcorn with the kids.

Often it's very busy with meetings and planning, but that can be restorative too, 

getting organized and empowered to lead.

I'm grateful for Sundays, from generally stepping back from running errands and to-do lists,

grocery shopping and working in the garage, taking a break from planning activities and organized or organizing events (although once in a while, its nice to have a Sunday to get caught up on that stuff too).

Nick catching up on rest during Zoom Stake Conference.

Weekend Hike

 Mt. Olympus got a new trailhead.

Goodbye, stairway to hell!

You knew you were in good shape when you could skip up the stairs without pausing for breath!

Memes of the Week

When your mom takes you to the doctor.

I'll admit it, I'm a notebook mom.

Dreams and Reality

We are buying an apartment in New York!

Something we've wanted to do since 1999 when we moved from there.

When I went to help Courtney get settled in their new apartment,

I spent the days apartment hunting with an agent. 

Dan flew out Friday night so we could look at my short list together on Saturday,

along with Courtney and Michael. Also so he could understand the market for himself.

It was so FUN!!

Our main priority was we didn't want another project. Had to be turn-key.

Well, there was only one we loved that fit that bill.

But as a co-op, it had some restrictions we weren't sure would work for us.

(Pied a terre aren't always welcome in co-ops. And guests staying 

without owners present is frowned upon too in some buildings.)

Courtney sent me a link to an extra special building saying, "Should we go look at this just for fun?"

Of course!  It was out of our price range, but sooo fun to walk through.

The building has been bought by a developer who is switching the structure from rental apartments to condos. The construction is almost complete on most of the units they bought.

Dan very wisely recommended, "Don't go, you'll want it."

And once I saw it, I very wisely knew Dan would too.

There was one unit closer to our price range , but it was being used 

as overflow construction storage. It had been gutted, the floor was demo'd concrete, 

boxes and pipes and construction lights littered the room. The floorplan was horrible.

On the other hand, it has a view of Courtney and Michael's apartment out the living room windows

and a view of the Courtyard out the bedroom windows. And we saw potential.

But there were several other apartments on our list and we needed to think about

what was most important to us in an apartment.

Dan and I went through quite a lot of discussion and questions and consideration and prayer,

circled round and round, slid back then pushed forward again,

and had several long talks on our long Hawaii walks to figure out what felt right to both of us.

In the end we decided to make an offer on 308. 

Yes, having to wait a year for construction was a bummer.

But we were hoping to get a floorplan that felt welcoming, views we loved from all windows, 

a beautiful building and amenities that are super exciting and fun. 

Last week they accepted our floorplan contingency offer and 

let us make some suggestions to the architects

So we called in the expert -- my mom -- and for two days straight 

reworked the existing floorplan to come up with best use of space. 

After the first night we talked until 11:00 p.m., I texted first thing in the morning saying 

"I didn't go to bed until 1:30 a.m. and here are my new ideas." 

And she said, "I didn't go to bed until 3:30 a.m. coming up with ideas."

Meanwhile Dan was out of town but staying in the loop.

To minimize back and forth with the architects and proposing ideas that wouldn't work because we weren't familiar with NYC code, we were so grateful the developer 

agreed to us meeting with the architect via zoom.

It went splendidly. 

(I'm always a sucker for a person who puts our list of questions 

on the screen and checkmarks off each one as we go through it!)

We're hoping they get back to us Friday or Monday with a final floorplan.

Every Second Counts on a Clock That's Tickin'

Snow yesterday, bright shining sun today! 

Stretched my legs on a run, listening to great music.

(2 minutes on, 2 minutes off, but still!)

 Does life get any better than this?

It was glorious!

The Playlist Line Up:

Philosophy: Ben Folds Five

Viva la Vida: Coldplay

100 Years: Five For Fighting

One More For Love: Five For Fighting

Carry On: Fun.

Iris: Goo Goo Dolls

It's Time: Imagine Dragons

Galileo: Indigo Girls

You Were Meant For Me: Jewel

Talking Points

 Nick had a doctor appointment today 

and ok, I admit it, because I'm THE MOM,

I took the opportunity to ask what an appropriate amount of caffeine was per day 

and if drinking pre-workout could have negative effects.

What I heard was "not much" and "yes."

What Nick heard was, "it's fine."

We were discussing this disparity on the way home but I really didn't want to argue about it.

Or nag about it.

Because who wants to be doing something awesome, only to be told you're doing it wrong.

Not anyone. Especially not a kid from his mom.

And suddenly without thinking, I found myself saying,
"The caffeine isn't something I want to focus on. It's not the main point.

What I really want you to know is how impressed I am. You've been so diligent 

getting up early and working out every day. That's not easy and I'm proud of you. 

I'm proud of how hard you're working to accomplish your goal."

I honestly believe I was given the right words to say at the right time. A literal gift from God.

Open thy mouth and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance...

-Moses 6:32

Object Lesson

 New cold weather record for riding outside -- 25*
Lulu cold weather leggings, bike shorts, warm exercise pants, wool socks.
Fuzzy base layer top, Smartwool ski shirt, bike jacket, bike vest,
balaclava, thick beanie, neck gator, shoe gloves and hand gloves.
And even my fingers and toes were warm as toast!

Remember how I've gotten used to breathing through my balaclava?

I was on my four minute climb up 3000 east (believe me, it feels a lot longer than four minutes), 

and it was hard. Like, because I'm only riding outside once a month, it's getting harder, not easier. 

I was listening to "Don't Miss This" telling the story of Enoch and how God told him to anoint his eyes with clay, then wash them and he would see things not visible to the natural eye. A metaphor for seeing with earthly eyes vs. spiritual eyes and how we often don't even realize what we're missing. 

Suddenly I realized because I was breathing through the balaclava, I wasn't getting as much oxygen as I normally would. I pulled it down and what a difference being able to breathe freely made!

Also guys, I never made the connection that when God clothed Adam and Eve with coats of skins, 

that was the first ever animal sacrifice since there was no death previously in the Garden of Eden. 

And also the coats of skins symbolizing Christ being sacrificed to cover our sins. 

Finally, if you haven't read Eve and the Choice Made in Eden, by Beverly Campbell,

you really should. It's a must read for every woman. And every man.

God walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve teaching them.

Satan did beguile Eve, but "beguile" in Hebrew means to cause to think deeply, ponder.

She knew the consequences of partaking of the fruit, and pondered greatly the decision to determine if she was ready to leave the Garden and take on this new life. No different than any parent who considers if they're ready to leave the life they're living and bring a child into their marriage. It's a big decision. 

One Eve didn't take lightly. But ultimately decided it was time.

So much other good stuff. But that's one of my favorite concepts. 

Repenting and Gratitude

 So earlier this week I mentioned I felt gypped because 

other wards in our stake got cancelled but ours didn't.

That comment has been lingering in the back of my head for a few days causing me to reflect on it.

I mean, I don't have to go to church. No one's making me. 

And the more I thought, the more I remembered,

I actually like church. I love hearing testimonies and insight from our ward community. 

I look forward to seeing friends and meeting new families in our area. 

I really enjoy my calling in Primary. I've always loved Primary songs.

And let's be honest, I love being up front teaching.

I'm finally learning the kids names and feeling comfortable in what and how much to prepare.

In fact, I only teach a couple times a month because my partner and I trade off, so it's not even every single week. How lucky is that?

So what was I grumpy about?

Well, the work preparing for singing time, mainly. 

It's a lot of time and hangs over my head when its my turn.

Especially when I want to be writing or doing other home responsibilities.

Especially when I haven't been there for a few weeks so I'm coming in cold not knowing exactly how everything was taught the previous weeks. (Did they learn actions? Do they have the verses memorized or do we need to work on that? Or will we plan for it but find they already have them memorized? Little stuff like that. That's that I worry about.)

But I actually love it. I don't think I'd want another calling. If I had a choice to not have a calling or to teach singing, I think I'd choose to teach singing. I really do. I love getting to know the kids. I love that they wave at me! Last night I came out of the store in the dark and a friend called out, 

"Adi saw you come out of the store and said, 'that's my singing teacher!' and wanted to say Hi!"

How can I not love that? 

So this morning I repented for my flippant comment and gave thanks instead. 

For the privilege of worshipping. Of taking the sacrament. For singing songs of praise, worshipping with people I love, belonging to a church community. Setting aside a structured time to fill my spirit, quietly meditate and feel God's love.

This morning was so lovely. Just what I needed. All the time in the world to sit in the sunroom,

pray, study my scriptures, write in my journal. Then I did the dishes and tidied the kitchen and table while listening to Christ-focused music.

The talks in church were beautiful. The speakers were open and vulnerable and sincere.

They were funny, enlightening and spiritual.

And I was reminded that I also love church because I'm boosted by the thoughts and insight from those who speak and teach. Not too different from the podcasts I love. But these are people I rub shoulders with. And also those who will love and support me when hard times come. Who I will be able to serve when difficulties arrive in their lives. An expanded community beyond just the borders of my street. 

We've been pretty busy lately. Good busy. Wonderful busy!

But I don't think I've taken much time in weeks, even months, to sit quietly and ponder on spiritual things. 

Well, actually I'm always pondering spiritual things. (SO glad we can get spiritual boosts even driving in the car and we don't have to rely on only communing with God while we're on our knees!!)

But there's a difference between thinking about important stuff as we go about our day 

and SITTING STILL. I need the stillness. My spirit needs it to be filled. 

Years ago in the temple I recognized an important truth.

Even though my mind doesn't comprehend everything that goes on there,

my spirit recognizes it. It's familiar. It recognizes truths I was taught before I was born.

I understand my spirit needs certain things to be whole.

Today was one of those days. 

I am grateful.

Also grateful for these monkeys who feel so comfortable hopping our fence to jump on the tramp on a Sunday morning.

And for internet printouts and ideas to simplify teaching songs that are long.

And cute internet resources for songs that are hard.

Joy and Sorrow

 We had another funeral today for our across-the-street Wander Lane neighbor, 

Paul Sundberg, who died unexpectedly last week. 

He was on the tail end of Covid and bored from just sitting around and watching TV.

Told his wife he was going to the garage to work on a project

 and 20 minutes later when she went to check on him, he was dead. He was only 66.

The really crazy thing is the week before the ward had a fast for our next-door neighbor, Ross Fornelius. He'd been in ICU on a ventilator for a week and wasn't doing well. Sick with a bacterial infection. 

He'd been too busy with work to go to the hospital even though he was pretty sick (he's a builder and had to meet the dry waller and another contractor and there was no way he was going to postpone it). But Margo insisted and turned out his oxygen level was only 58%. Doctor said he wouldn't have made it another day. It's just surreal that we were all so worried about Ross, but suddenly Paul is taken.

Ross moved to rehab yesterday. He has a long road to recovery but is hopeful to be starting that path.

Paul's kids all spoke and told funny and sweet stories. He was always helping other people. 

The go-to guy for anything anyone needed fixed or snow-plowed. Could build anything.

Wore cargo shorts and a polo shirt all year long, even in the winter. Loved candy and playing pranks.

Always snowplowed the front of our yard making space for all our visitors. 

Often making a huge pile in front of the mailbox which was a teeny bit frustrating, 

but we were so grateful too. So we chose to appreciate the work and live with the inconvenience.

It was fun to hear about his beautiful life, and so heartbreaking that he's gone.

Meanwhile Heather (my friend who had her legs amputated below the knee),

got home from the hospital yesterday. 

Neighbors lined the street to welcome her home. I wasn't there but heard she had her husband drive slowly so she could talk to everyone. Even stopping to ask a neighbor who had also been in an accident how she was feeling and recovering. Wow. She has a positive attitude and is so strong.

But another long road.

Life's fragile, you know? 

We just don't know what tomorrow will bring. 

I've been listening to the Primary Song "Build an Ark" all week in preparation for Singing Time.

It's a good one. Been making me cry all week too. 

Clovis, New Mexico

 Went to Clovis, New Mexico for the day for the funeral of a close Shaeffer family friend.

The Mitchell's are the family I've heard about the most from Clovis and Dan's childhood.

Mark and Dan were good friends -- his only other LDS friend in his area.

Mark's dad, Mike, passed away. He and EC are birthday twins -- same day and year. I loved hearing stories of how they pranked each other year after year on that day.

From ads in the newspaper to a box of puppies as a gift.

The planned Mike's celebration on his birthday, even though he died in December.

When I sent these pictures to the kids, I asked Chris if Kansas was this flat.

He said it was.

Michael commented it looked like Chris' mission halftime haircut!

(Remember the blonde buzz?! Ha!)

A wonderful day with Dan, Duncan and Kristin.

Of course the brothers were thoroughly entertained watching plane traffic on the 

special computer program the whole flight there and back.

The celebration of life was beautiful and fun because Mike and his boys are so funny and were always full of mischief. Makes for great stories to share. Plus he had a sweet spiritual side and was very loving which left a significant impression and impact on his kids and grandkids.

So fun to drive around Clovis and drive past their old houses.

(Not all 17 of them, but the Colonial Park ones!)

We drove down Main Street and to be honest, there were quite a few antique shops I would have loved to spend time in. That's not really my thing, mainly because Salt Lake's are either very expensive or completely picked over. But there was some cute stuff in these window.

Leftovers

When I took Christmas down at the end of December, I left a few wintry items up.

I was excited about the additions to this space this year -- a cute wintry 

scene in a bell jar and a just-the-right-colors bookshop ornament. 

However, after being in Hawaii and needing everything organized just so so I can focus on my class,

 I'm done with anything remotely Christmasy and want everything back to normal.

Unplugged the Christmas lights and was going to spend an hour taking down the window wreaths because the lighting company doesn't get here to take down the Christmas lights until end of month. Might even be February. It feels long. Too long.

But they came today before I got started which means

I gained the hour I was going to spend on that project! Merry Christmas to me!

Ch Ch Ch Changes

Nick's new passport came. 

So stinkin' cute -- both the the Nicks!

WorD group was tonight. We haven't met (via Zoom) since first of December.

Got me so excited to get back to working on my book again.

Make time. Make time. Make time.

Zoom

We got home from the red-eye at 7:30 a.m., immediately crawled back in bed and slept until noon. 

(Which is only 9:00 a.m. Hawaii time, so really, not like sleeping in at all.)

The rest of the week Nick has online school. 

Because Omicron cases are insanely high and supposedly staying home 

will help those numbers. Every single person has it, vaccinated, boosted or not.

A couple of wards in our stake got cancelled too for three weeks, 

but not ours, so I feel kinda gypped.

But yahoo! No early mornings this week for any of us!

I had my first live zoom for class tonight--repeating Novel IV.

 All our assignments are online, but our instructor offers a live lecture that's

"1000% optional." I wanted to get on, meet fellow students and say hi to our teacher, Chris,

since I had him for Novel II and really like him. 

Unfortunately I was the ONLY one who wanted to say hi. 

I didn't mind until after our few minutes of catch-up,  Chris said, "Let's get to the lecture," and reminded me the chat would be recorded for the rest of the class to watch 

and he'd be asking questions for me to answer. 😬 

At least I did my hair today!

Zoom brings a whole new level to awkwardness in conversation. 

Watching yourself do the things you know are distracting, is so distracting.

Like how I can't look at a person and think at the same time. 

So I have to look up and away any time I'm asked a question.

And how I use my hands and close my eyes (same reason as above) so often.

In normal conversation, I don't think using your hands matters so much. 

But on Zoom, your hands are taking up the whole screen. 

And finally, I should really use a desk, but all our desks are in dark parts of the house,

so I'm constantly moving my screen to correct the "big boobs, small head" angle.

Ah, Zoom. Who would have guessed you would be a thing?

 

One More Time

One more kayak adventure to look for whale's before we leave. 

One last afternoon sitting on the deck sleeping in the sun.

And one more dinner at Coconuts before we catch our plane.

But not for Marty & Lizzie. They're staying and having a honeymoon, finally!

We could have stayed longer. Nick's school went online for the week.

But he wants to get back to his gym and timing for workouts and not eating out all the time.

Chris considered staying an extra day with a friend in Honolulu, but changed his flight to come with us so he could get a strong start to Winter semester.

I'm looking forward to my new class and writing assignments and getting back to my book.

Isn't it wonderful to get away to Hawaii, but be excited to go home?

Island Life

Beach morning

 

Not pictured: disappointed Cowboys fans in the afternoon

Hike to Twin Falls in the late afternoon.

Falls and Grotto

Cliff Jumping at another pool

Those who didn't jump...

Night: Pizza in Paia then home to hot tub and bed. 

(Chris gave his shirt to Jake's girlfriend, Lily, who was cold. 

And also to live up the island vibes -- no shirt and no shoes and yet we still got service.)

Island Time

Dan and I started the morning with a seven mile walk to Makena. 

Two miles farther than in past years since our hotel is farther down the beach. 

Such a beautiful start to our day.

The boys worked out then we drove to town for lunch at Paia Fish Market.

Playing in the ocean, laying out and even Spike Ball with the Christensens.

Marty and Lizzie shielding themselves from the sun.

Dinner at Nick's Fish House 

and 31 at the Christensen's for a $100 pot. Chris won. 

Nick won last night. Not sure if the Christensens are going to play with us again.