Slip 'n Slide

March 2009 - I took my nieces ages 5 and 6 to the olympic oval for their first time ice skating.  It was a blast, but I spent most of my time hunched over either holding them up from behind, or pulling them along as I skated backwards.  That lead to a very sore back.

- flash forward 5 years -

March 2014 - I took my nieces, now ages 10 and 11, skating at the Cottonwood Heights ice rink.  This time they've had lessons, and were more independent about skating on their own.  They did fall... a lot. I told them it was because they were trying.  If they weren't trying they wouldn't be falling.  They seemed to accept that answer.  I think they had fun, though I have been living with a lovely chorus of "ow! ow! ow!"'s ever since.  We only had one major fall that led to tears.  Kelsea hit her funny bone really hard, and we commiserated over the fact that the funny bone is a really bad name for that bone, because it is anything but funny when you hurt it.  All's well that end well though and we sure had fun.

Documenting a few of the less epic falls

This is one of the best shots I got of Chloe.  Usually she was off on the other side of the rink skating around as many times as possible.  

Kelsea as she was latching on for stability.  She did great, but was less than stable most of the time.

This was my "I was here too" picture.

 

I have to apologize because this video is SUPER blurry, but it's such a cute video of Kelsea, I had to include it.  I'm not sure why it did that for this one video, but oh well.

And checking in with Chloe on half way through her rounds.  She went around the rink more than 30 times.

The girls discuss a few of their falls.  Ignore my fingers sneaking into the frame partway through.  I was trying to stabilize the camera and skate backwards and avoid running into people.  

Valentines and the Single Gal

I love Valentines Day!  I know it sounds silly, but I do.  I love the reds and pinks.  I love the flowers and hearts.  I love the silliness, and joy.  I think it is a wonderful holiday.  And yes, I am single.

In 25 years I have never been on a date, and never had a significant other to share the holiday with.  Does that make me sad?  Not at all.  In fact, I absolutely hate the notion that Valentines Day is S.A.D. (Single Awareness Day.)  It's a ridiculous notion.  I'm sorry for those who truly have felt this, but I am of the opinion that if anything, Valentines Day is the exact opposite.

I have heard every argument in the book against Valentines Day.  It's celebrating a massacre.  It's a greeting card holiday meant to make you spend money.  It's cheesy and dorky.  It makes singles feel bad.  It has no significance.  The pendulum can swing both ways.  On one side are the lovey dovey's and on the other are the cranky singletons who complain that it is a worthless holiday and try to turn it into some sort of singles empowerment march.  That's also a boatload of crap.

Valentines Day is a day to celebrate love.  It will have different significance for every individual at various stages in their life.  Hopefully we all have someone(s) in our life that make us feel loved no matter what.  For some the holiday has a decidedly romantic feeling.  I do hope to someday have a husband to spend it with, but the holiday will never lose it's savor if I don't.  For me the holiday is one to celebrate with those I love.  And who can complain when my Valentines Day dates are as cute as these little nieces of mine.

Definitely the cutest Valentines dates.

We had a blast.  I took these cuties out to Zupas for dinner, and then we went to Grandma and Grandpas to watch the Olympics and bake sugar cookies.  They dumped massive loads of sprinkles on the cookies, and we laughed a ton.  My favorite was when they brought up the dinosaur hand puppets and started to "eat" grandpa.  He has the best reactions.

Yep.  Valentines Day is definitely a favorite of mine.

Teaching by the Spirit

I had the most beautiful experience at church this week, and had to record it for my own memory.

The teacher doing sharing time during senior primary (kids ages 7-11) gave a beautiful lesson.  I missed much of it because of another calling I was fulfilling, but was lucky to hear the end.  It was all about living life the way God intended.  As he created life, he also provided the 'recipe' for how to live it to achieve our ultimate goal to be like him, and live with him again.  The kids understood so much more than we often give them credit for.  They made beautiful comments, and asked great questions.  The spirit in the room was very strong when he closed.  

I just love when teachers recognize the spirit and teach by it's guiding light.  Instead of going into the fun and silly singing time that she had prepared, the chorister asked me to start playing the song we've been working on "He Sent His Son*."  She gave no introduction before I played.  After the kids had finished singing the song, the chorister helped the kids to recognize that what they were feeling was the Holy Ghost, and to take a moment and reflect on the spirit that was in the room.  After a moment she asked if we could sing some of their favorite songs, rather than what she had prepared.  The children were thrilled, and picked the most beautiful songs to add to the spirit in that room.  The first song they picked was "I am a Child of God," followed by "A Child's Prayer" and "I want to live the Gospel."  She could have easily gone straight into the good and fun songs of "Once there was a Snowman" and "Give Said the Little Stream" as planned, but she followed the spirit.  The result was a very powerful, and beautiful third hour of church that I don't think these kids will forget.  I know I won't.

*He Sent His Son

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?

He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?

He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?

Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.

What does he ask? Live like his Son.

Primary Children's Songbook Pg. 34

Text by: Michael Finlinson Moody.

"We believe in God the Eternal Father,

and in His son Jesus Christ,

and in the Holy Ghost."

Article of Faith #1