Grandma Great

Today is Grams' 91st birthday and I wanted to dedicate a few thoughts to her. Whenever we came to visit her, we usually rolled in late at night, but she always had food prepared and was ready to feed us. Visiting always entailed walking to get ice cream, feeding the ducks, splashing in the pool, playing endless rook tournaments, strolling along the golf course, and snuggling every morning. Because of difficult circumstances, Grams moved to Utah a few years ago and built a house next to my parents. Since then, she and I have spent many hours talking about our fears, our hopes, our discouragements, and our joys. We have both carried the burdens of the other and strengthened one another. I feel blessed having her in my life. Love you tons Grams!

Simple Surprises

One of my mom's goals in life is to surprise me but unfortunately has failed in most of her attempts. She tried to surprise me with getting contacts early (my eye doctor wanted me to wait until I was 16), replacing the carpet in the basement, visiting me for my birthday while I was living in Phoenix, and so forth. Each of these were thwarted. Because of unique circumstances, I knew about the contacts before we drove up to the eye doctor so my reaction was not what she had hoped for. I happened to see the new carpet scheduled on her calendar and then proceeded to show Annette. Once again, not the reaction she wanted. The birthday visit actually would have happened if she hadn't broken her hip. We were both disappointed. My mom was able to pull off one surprise, though I almost ruined this one too. I was flying home from Austin, and my sister Suzy and her family, who were living in California at the time, greeted me off the airplane (that was the day you could go beyond security). Having Spencer run up and hug me as I came off the plane was priceless. It isn't that I don't like surprises. I just don't like the limelight associated with them. Many people thrive on the big elaborate productions that come with surprises, but for me I am overwhelmed with the attention and actually become a bit self-conscious. However, I love the simple surprises. Quiet unassuming actions mean more to me than any grand elaborate event. Simple, sweet, and sincere. Thanks for making my day.

Tender Mercy

As I travel back and forth between my house and the Tanner Building on BYU campus, I listen to general conference talks. The last time I burned a general conference MP3, I felt I should put on two additional talks both given during BYU devotionals from Elder Hales and Elder Holland. I remember exactly where I was sitting and how I felt when I first heard Elder Holland's talk. It was the day after Valentine's Day and I had some tough questions on my mind. The talk seemed to be directed towards me. Questions were answered, hope was given, and faith renewed. Tonight Elder Holland's talk played as I was driving. I heard the very words that I needed to hear. My heart softened and fears departed. So, my post is dedicated to a talk that once again has given me hope. Though the talk relates to marriage, my focus is on the principles of faith.

To give ourselves totally to another person, as we do in marriage, is the most trusting step we take in any human relationship. It is a real act of faith--faith all of us must be willing to exercise. If we do it right, we end up sharing everything--all our hopes, all our fears, all our dreams, all our weaknesses, and all our joys--with another person.

2 for 1

I have waited to post this new information because I wanted Lucille to post on her blog first. Last Tuesday, my sister Lucille went into labor. The ultrasound months previous did not give any clear indication whether she was having a boy or a girl. So, she and her husband picked out a boy and a girl name and brought a boy and a girl outfit to the hospital. Well, little did any of us realize (including the doctor) that all this was an omen of things to come. Three hours after her water broke, her little girl Marie Margaret was born. Ten minutes later followed her little boy Peter Hardy. Twins! Lucy and her story have now become the topic of conversation in the maternity ward, mother-baby ward, her work floor in the ICU, her husband's work, their ward, her in-law's ward, my hometown, my sister Kathrine's work, and so many other places. She has gotten responses on her blog from people she has never even met! The miracle in all of this is both babies are healthy and strong. Her ward has rallied behind her in ways no one could have imagined. It was Bishop Edgley who spoke about enduring together as ward members in general conference and I am so grateful for all the help and support Lucy and Scott have received from their ward. The babies are adorable and I am excited to be their aunt! So much fun to be had.

Fall Colors

I went hiking last Friday with friends from MBA school. The mountains were covered in colors. I loved being outdoors and not stuck inside my four walled classroom. Isn't Utah beautiful?