I interrupt the monotony on this blog with the announcement that I finally get to meet someone in person that I've conversed with on the phone and on the internet for a year and a half.
Oh, and I'm taking my family with me.
Let's just say the excitement overfloweth in our house.
Watch out, Michelle and crew, here we come!!!!!
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
BEST Surprise
What do you do when your best friend flies in to surprise you for HER 30th birthday?!!
You celebrate with cheesecake, of course.
Then, you spend the night talking, watching Alias,
and squeezing her every once in a while just to remind you that she's really there.
The next day, you make sure your husband gets a good picture of you with your bestie and her sister, then you go get your feet all doodied up, go out to lunch and dinner together, and watch more Alias.
Then you let her attend Jackson's school with the penguins (because I do know how to share sometimes).
And then I squeeze her one last time to make sure she knows that I love her guts.
And what do I do now that she's gone back home? I miss her immensely. . .
Love you, Natalie!
You celebrate with cheesecake, of course.
Then, you spend the night talking, watching Alias,
and squeezing her every once in a while just to remind you that she's really there.
The next day, you make sure your husband gets a good picture of you with your bestie and her sister, then you go get your feet all doodied up, go out to lunch and dinner together, and watch more Alias.
Then you let her attend Jackson's school with the penguins (because I do know how to share sometimes).
And then I squeeze her one last time to make sure she knows that I love her guts.
And what do I do now that she's gone back home? I miss her immensely. . .
Love you, Natalie!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Yoked, not Yolked
Sometimes I feel completely helpless. I have friends to whom I just wish I could reach out and take their burdens the way they have taken mine. I wish I knew what to say, how to ease their minds and give them that ONE magical answer. More than anything it breaks to heart to watch my broken friends figure out how to mend and piece together what's left after their storm has raged.
I've definitely had my storms and my moments. Somehow, I weathered them, but I know that I was never alone - even when I felt like I was completely on my own. There was always someone thinking about me.
Recently in church we talked about Christ's yoke and what it means to walk with him. The scripture that I reference is Matthew 11: 28-30:
I think we, in turn, can do this for our friends, and even for those who are not. My parents have an actual antique oxen yoke hanging on their hallway wall. It looks almost exactly like the one below:
That thing is NOT light. It is very heavy, and personally, I wouldn't want to carry it on my own. Thankfully, I haven't had to very often. In fact, the times I have had to carry "it"(now referring to my burdens here) on my own are when I've chosen to do so. There have been many times when someone else has stepped in and filled the empty hole next to me without asking. I thank the Lord every day for you have done that for me. Thank you for stepping in, even when I didn't want you there because I really did, I just didn't realize that I would.
Now, I hope that I can help you with your yoke in some small way. I hope you can forgive my missteps when I try to help you carry yours. Just know, I do it out of love because I love you very much, and I want to help you as you've helped me. I hope you will find rest.
Oh, and of course my sweet, sweet friend posted the video below on my Facebook wall. Little did she know I was writing this post tonight, and it fits PERFECTLY with my message. I love her dearly.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.The interesting thing about this metaphor is that it doesn't mean that I should hand over my burdens to the Lord for Him to carry for me while I walk by His side empty-handed watching Him carry mine. No, a yoke is something that two people must carry together, laden across our shoulders. We pull each other, and my burdens are lighter because I take upon His yoke, not mine. I choose to follow Him and do what it takes to follow Him. I choose what He would have me do. The rest is unto my soul, not my physical body. I choose to wear His burdens on my back.
I think we, in turn, can do this for our friends, and even for those who are not. My parents have an actual antique oxen yoke hanging on their hallway wall. It looks almost exactly like the one below:
That thing is NOT light. It is very heavy, and personally, I wouldn't want to carry it on my own. Thankfully, I haven't had to very often. In fact, the times I have had to carry "it"(now referring to my burdens here) on my own are when I've chosen to do so. There have been many times when someone else has stepped in and filled the empty hole next to me without asking. I thank the Lord every day for you have done that for me. Thank you for stepping in, even when I didn't want you there because I really did, I just didn't realize that I would.
Now, I hope that I can help you with your yoke in some small way. I hope you can forgive my missteps when I try to help you carry yours. Just know, I do it out of love because I love you very much, and I want to help you as you've helped me. I hope you will find rest.
Oh, and of course my sweet, sweet friend posted the video below on my Facebook wall. Little did she know I was writing this post tonight, and it fits PERFECTLY with my message. I love her dearly.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Lovin' it!
Want to know one of the best parts of having a house full of people? This little guy right here:
So stinkin' adorable!!!! I really need a picture of Matt with Little Man. Matt adores him, and Little Man adores everyone. He's so full of smiles and coos all day. Babies are indeed very special, and I get to sniff him any time.
Also, I got to make a Girl Cake!!! Today is Sweet Lindsey's Birthday. She turns six. I'm glad they're here with us. I'm quite sure we'll all go into withdrawals when they finally move into their house. After three weeks, I feel like they're family, really and truly. We love them.
Sorry the bottom picture is blurry, but you get the idea. The best part is that the cake is an orange-colored, lemon-flavored, purple princess cake!
Happy Birthday, Lindsey!
So stinkin' adorable!!!! I really need a picture of Matt with Little Man. Matt adores him, and Little Man adores everyone. He's so full of smiles and coos all day. Babies are indeed very special, and I get to sniff him any time.
Also, I got to make a Girl Cake!!! Today is Sweet Lindsey's Birthday. She turns six. I'm glad they're here with us. I'm quite sure we'll all go into withdrawals when they finally move into their house. After three weeks, I feel like they're family, really and truly. We love them.
Happy Birthday, Lindsey!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Replaceable but Meaningful
Two days ago I was talking on the phone to my sister-in-law when I heard the crash in the living room. At first I was confused, but as I looked around the corner, it became clear. My heart sank, and I couldn't bear to analyze the wreckage for the first moments. I could see that something was completely smashed, and although I didn't want to look, my heart knew and just sank.
After I got off the phone, I stood at the edge of the couch looking down at the mess behind it. Two of my shelves had fallen off the wall; one of which held several porcelain keepsakes. Most of them I could see were intact, but there was one, just one, that I could only see the base, and the top of the shelf sat upside down on top of it. I didn't want to look, but I had to confirm it.
My dear friend who is staying with us, helped me pull back the couch and move the larger shelf. After a very quick surveillance, my head acknowledged what my heart already knew. I had to turn my head and fight back tears and a sob. I reached down and picked up the pieces to a beloved statue of Jesus Christ embracing a child. It was a gift I had received from my brother's in-laws (who are just like family) at Clarissa's graveside. Replaceable. That's how I comforted myself. "It's just a thing, I can buy a new one." I vowed I would buy one within a couple of days. Replaceable but meaningful. I couldn't bear the thought of the crushed statue being gone for more than a couple of minutes. I knew right where I could get one.
Last night as Matt and I sat visiting with our dear friends, their little girl approached me with a new statue. Suddenly strange events that afternoon and evening made sense. Matt had called me around 5:30 and said, "I'm in the truck with D------," and so I expected them home within 15 minutes, but they didn't arrive for another 45 minutes. When they did return, they were outside for several minutes, and then our friend said he had to take off again.
When their sweet daughter handed me the statue, they explained what had happened. The wife had called her husband and told him that he needed to buy a new one before I could. She had noticed my emotions although I tried to contain them, and she knew just how special it was to me; and she knew I planned to go out and buy one today. There are about three or four things that I treasure most, and that statue was one of them.
Apparently, the men drove to 3-4 different places scouring store shelves with no luck. Matt suggested that they return to the house and pull the statue base out of the trash can because he remembered seeing a label on the bottom. Little did he know that I had filled it with yard waste after working in the garden. After digging through yard waste and house waste, they finally found the base and took a picture of it. The sculptor had a phone number on the bottom, and our friend called her. He found where she sold them, and he quickly left so he could make it there before the store closed at 7:00 p.m.
I know it is just a statue. I know it is just a thing. For me, it is more than that. For me, it embodies my emotions the day I buried my little girl. Now the statue embodies that hope as well as standing for true friendship and love. Now instead of just one meaning, it has multiple. I'm thankful for things like true friendship and memories that are NOT replaceable and very meaningful.
Thank you to my dear, dear friend who was very discerning and her husband who was very diligent and persistent in finding it. I love you!
P.S. Don't worry -- no more sitting on high shelves that just might come crashing down.
After I got off the phone, I stood at the edge of the couch looking down at the mess behind it. Two of my shelves had fallen off the wall; one of which held several porcelain keepsakes. Most of them I could see were intact, but there was one, just one, that I could only see the base, and the top of the shelf sat upside down on top of it. I didn't want to look, but I had to confirm it.
My dear friend who is staying with us, helped me pull back the couch and move the larger shelf. After a very quick surveillance, my head acknowledged what my heart already knew. I had to turn my head and fight back tears and a sob. I reached down and picked up the pieces to a beloved statue of Jesus Christ embracing a child. It was a gift I had received from my brother's in-laws (who are just like family) at Clarissa's graveside. Replaceable. That's how I comforted myself. "It's just a thing, I can buy a new one." I vowed I would buy one within a couple of days. Replaceable but meaningful. I couldn't bear the thought of the crushed statue being gone for more than a couple of minutes. I knew right where I could get one.
Last night as Matt and I sat visiting with our dear friends, their little girl approached me with a new statue. Suddenly strange events that afternoon and evening made sense. Matt had called me around 5:30 and said, "I'm in the truck with D------," and so I expected them home within 15 minutes, but they didn't arrive for another 45 minutes. When they did return, they were outside for several minutes, and then our friend said he had to take off again.
When their sweet daughter handed me the statue, they explained what had happened. The wife had called her husband and told him that he needed to buy a new one before I could. She had noticed my emotions although I tried to contain them, and she knew just how special it was to me; and she knew I planned to go out and buy one today. There are about three or four things that I treasure most, and that statue was one of them.
Apparently, the men drove to 3-4 different places scouring store shelves with no luck. Matt suggested that they return to the house and pull the statue base out of the trash can because he remembered seeing a label on the bottom. Little did he know that I had filled it with yard waste after working in the garden. After digging through yard waste and house waste, they finally found the base and took a picture of it. The sculptor had a phone number on the bottom, and our friend called her. He found where she sold them, and he quickly left so he could make it there before the store closed at 7:00 p.m.
I know it is just a statue. I know it is just a thing. For me, it is more than that. For me, it embodies my emotions the day I buried my little girl. Now the statue embodies that hope as well as standing for true friendship and love. Now instead of just one meaning, it has multiple. I'm thankful for things like true friendship and memories that are NOT replaceable and very meaningful.
Thank you to my dear, dear friend who was very discerning and her husband who was very diligent and persistent in finding it. I love you!
P.S. Don't worry -- no more sitting on high shelves that just might come crashing down.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
March Just Is
Our lives are completely, well, different at this time. This month is one long, weird, un-vacation. What do I mean? We have some of the greatest friends living with us for a while until they can close on their house - which means it feels like vacation without being on vacation. Jackson hasn't had much school this week because of an end-of-term break, but he did last week and next week he will still have school, and our friends will still be with us.
Living in close quarters with good friends can be a learning experience. The greatest thing I've learned is that these are some of the greatest friends we have. They have a large family, compared to us, and I admit that I was nervous before they came about how Jackson would handle it all. Yes, he does get overwhelmed sometimes, but I notice that he worries more when our friends leave on a family outing. He wonders if he will get to see them before bedtime or have time to play with the kids. He adores them. Even better, they are so good to him. Jackson is getting a lot of very intimate social interaction with kids who want to play with him. This experience has been very, very good for him so far. He is picking up normal social behavior. This makes me happy.
The thing is, I KNOW that our friends would do the exact same thing for us if we needed their help. I love that they are here. Yes, we all struggled after about a week because we were still all displaced, but now we're in a groove. The communication is open, at least I feel it is; and we get along well. While we have different schedules, somehow it's working out. Of course, it's not a stroll in the park for anyone, but we all know that, and we all accept that fact; and because we accept it, we can deal with it much better. Again, I'm so grateful for such wonderful friends.
P.S. I have to admit that one of the greatest perks is that I get to hold a sweet, smiling baby several times throughout the day. (Sorry I don't have any pictures yet.)
Living in close quarters with good friends can be a learning experience. The greatest thing I've learned is that these are some of the greatest friends we have. They have a large family, compared to us, and I admit that I was nervous before they came about how Jackson would handle it all. Yes, he does get overwhelmed sometimes, but I notice that he worries more when our friends leave on a family outing. He wonders if he will get to see them before bedtime or have time to play with the kids. He adores them. Even better, they are so good to him. Jackson is getting a lot of very intimate social interaction with kids who want to play with him. This experience has been very, very good for him so far. He is picking up normal social behavior. This makes me happy.
The thing is, I KNOW that our friends would do the exact same thing for us if we needed their help. I love that they are here. Yes, we all struggled after about a week because we were still all displaced, but now we're in a groove. The communication is open, at least I feel it is; and we get along well. While we have different schedules, somehow it's working out. Of course, it's not a stroll in the park for anyone, but we all know that, and we all accept that fact; and because we accept it, we can deal with it much better. Again, I'm so grateful for such wonderful friends.
P.S. I have to admit that one of the greatest perks is that I get to hold a sweet, smiling baby several times throughout the day. (Sorry I don't have any pictures yet.)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
This year we again hosted Thanksgiving at our house. My youngest brother, his wife, and his daughter came as well as our friends from our old neighborhood. We loved having all the little ones running around, and Jackson handled the crowd so well. The food was delicious and the company enjoyable. What more could someone ask for on Thanksgiving?
Starting left and moving clockwise: Aimee, Annie, Ken, Paige, John, LeMira (Matt was taking the picture)
The kids' table: you'll notice that Jackson didn't stick around for very long as he's not in any of the pictures!
The spread; we ate on my Grandma's china, and everyone contributed to the delicious meal!
Starting left and moving clockwise: Aimee, Annie, Ken, Paige, John, LeMira (Matt was taking the picture)
The kids' table: you'll notice that Jackson didn't stick around for very long as he's not in any of the pictures!
The spread; we ate on my Grandma's china, and everyone contributed to the delicious meal!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Cherry On Top
When I first started researching adoption blogs and adoption in general on the internet, I had no idea what impact that would have on my life. Not only did I learn some very valuable truths, and my mind was opened to so many new ideas (for me), I have gained some amazing friends. The funny thing is, I haven't met any of them in person. I've talked to a few on the phone and on Skype, but I've never met them. . .yet. (By the way, if any of you ever come to my neck of the woods, you'd better let me know so you can come to dinner, or I'll come meet you just to give you a hug!)
My adoption friend Kelsey, from "The Birth Mother Voice," gave me a blog award this week. Me! I was so honored by that award and still am. From the first blog post I read on Kelsey's blog, I knew I would be a forever follower even if our adoption path changes. I admire Kelsey so much for putting her heart out there and telling her truths especially when she had been attacked by other birth mothers for believing the way she does. She has been a mentor for many new birth mothers as well.
Kelsey is also an amazing mother who dedicates so much time for her boys. I know she's that mom that all the other kids are jealous of because she's so spunky and fun! She volunteers at their school (and just pulled off the Book Fair -- which is a lot of work, by the way). Kelsey is also a dedicated wife to her very supportive husband. So, receiving this award from Kelsey has meant a lot because I really look up to her.
Now I get to give my own!
It was very hard for me to pick because I read so many blogs that I just love. In no particular order, I present my Cherry on Top Awards:
Andy's Clan
For the "Cherry On Top" Award:
1. Link to the person who gave it to you!
2. Pass it on to 5 more people!
3. Leave a comment on their blog telling them about it!
P.S. I understand if you don't pass it on, but know that you earned this award just by being you and writing what you do! I love reading all of your blogs.
My adoption friend Kelsey, from "The Birth Mother Voice," gave me a blog award this week. Me! I was so honored by that award and still am. From the first blog post I read on Kelsey's blog, I knew I would be a forever follower even if our adoption path changes. I admire Kelsey so much for putting her heart out there and telling her truths especially when she had been attacked by other birth mothers for believing the way she does. She has been a mentor for many new birth mothers as well.
Kelsey is also an amazing mother who dedicates so much time for her boys. I know she's that mom that all the other kids are jealous of because she's so spunky and fun! She volunteers at their school (and just pulled off the Book Fair -- which is a lot of work, by the way). Kelsey is also a dedicated wife to her very supportive husband. So, receiving this award from Kelsey has meant a lot because I really look up to her.
Now I get to give my own!
It was very hard for me to pick because I read so many blogs that I just love. In no particular order, I present my Cherry on Top Awards:
Andy's Clan
For the "Cherry On Top" Award:
1. Link to the person who gave it to you!
2. Pass it on to 5 more people!
3. Leave a comment on their blog telling them about it!
P.S. I understand if you don't pass it on, but know that you earned this award just by being you and writing what you do! I love reading all of your blogs.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Spy Games
On Friday night we were invited to attend a Spy Party, so Matt and I became well-known spies: Michael Vaughn and Sydney Bristow. I wish I had the mad skills that Sydney has, her unique wardrobe, or even just the waist size, but I don't. I only could conjure up a blond wig and personal facts. Matt had gadgets, a trench coat, and even a fake, but real-looking gun. Jackson's babysitter gave me the funniest looks by trying not to give me funny looks, and my friend and party hostess didn't recognize me at first. With all intents of getting our picture taken, I took my camera, and then I forgot to have someone take a picture of us! So, you'll just have to imagine it.
One of the requests of attending was to bring a spy-themed food. So, this is what I came up with. I hope you can tell* what it is supposed to be:
I'm not a big fan of chocolate cake, but it was fun to make, and I ate more than I should anyway. The filling is frosting with red hots and coconut.
*If you can't tell, it's a bomb. . .
One of the requests of attending was to bring a spy-themed food. So, this is what I came up with. I hope you can tell* what it is supposed to be:
*If you can't tell, it's a bomb. . .
Saturday, September 11, 2010
One Sunflower
All summer long I've been spraying the weeds in my backyard on that hill where the city stole my trees. I've had the hardest time figuring out what to put there: more trees, berry bushes, a flower bed, or grass? This week, something beautiful showed up. It was alone, but stood out among that barren vastness, one sunflower.
For some reason, this sunflower has brought me joy all week long. This morning I made Matt get his camera and "do his thang." Yes, he's the owner of the blog header picture as well.
My heart is extremely full today. The past week and a half my heart has been aching for a friend who was struggling. I wearied the Lord (and my husband) with my worries and pleas, my wishes to do more than I could to help. The world looked barren, like my hill of dirt. Today, the sunflower popped up. I have witnessed an answer to fasting and prayer yet again.
It's amazing to see just how kind and generous people are. With the bombardment of cruelty in the world, we forget sometimes that the world is full of giving people. I have watched friends rally around our friend in need; I have witnessed them be answers to her desperate prayers. I have watched these friends lift another. I have seen Charity in Action.
"Friends are like pillars on your porch. Sometimes they hold you up and sometimes they lean on you." (Author Unknown)
You never know if you will be the answer to someone's prayers, and you never know when you will need to be: are you willing to be? Are you ready to be?
Many of you have been the answer to my prayers. You may say you don't believe in God, but I know that I do. How can I not? I have prayed for peace, strength, comfort, knowledge, preparedness, love, and so much more throughout the years. You have been my answers at different times. You've been my sunflowers in my fall.
"Know that the Lord, in His time, will bring about all your righteous desires—sometimes in ways we predict, sometimes in ways we could not have possibly foreseen. What a wonderful recipe for happiness and peace." Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Improving Our Prayers,” Ensign, Mar 2004, 24–31
Many times the way that the Lord answers our prayers is through our friends.
"A reassuring presence, A LIGHT when times are dark, A hand reaching out, Is what friendship is about."
Author Unknown
Author Unknown
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Aug 5, 2010: Pike's Place, the Boardwalk, and the Gum Wall
On the way to the restrooms, we stopped and watched taffy being pulled. Good thing we were on a tight budget because I love candy, and we would have ended up with more than I needed.
While the kids took a break, then men played around with their cameras.
After the "Square," we decided to walk down through Pike's Place. I love these open markets, but I would have loved them more if I'd had money to spend on them. It was packed like sardines, and I felt like salmon swimming upstream most of the time, but we made it through.
Some of the ways we entertained the kids included
drooling over this bear made of gummy bears,
getting a picture with the World's Tallest Man and paying to look at his shoes
Playing in the fountain
and letting them all contribute to the Gum Wall
Very NASTY, but you haven't been to Seattle until you've seen it.
While the kids took a break, then men played around with their cameras.
After the "Square," we decided to walk down through Pike's Place. I love these open markets, but I would have loved them more if I'd had money to spend on them. It was packed like sardines, and I felt like salmon swimming upstream most of the time, but we made it through.
drooling over this bear made of gummy bears,
getting a picture with the World's Tallest Man and paying to look at his shoes
Playing in the fountain
Aug 5, 2010: Seattle's International Fountain
(I have some serious back blogging to do. . .)
When our friends asked us what we wanted to do while we were visiting in Seattle, my response was, "Whatever is free!" Did you know that Seattle is expensive to visit? Parking is stinkin' expensive!! However, it helps if you have friends with a 12-passenger van, even if the driver can't remember where all of the one-way roads are and how to avoid them! (We had many good laughs about Seattle's crazy, narrow, odd one-way streets!)
But, notwithstanding the outrageous parking fees, we still found many free things to do. First up, the International Fountain. If you go to Seattle, you HAVE to see it. I wish I had taken a change of clothes because it was so hot that I wanted to play in the water. Instead, I got to watch Jackson almost get wet! Watch the video to see what I mean.
The water shot up in the air to music playing,
and the kids LOVED it, even "Baby" who is screaming in the picture loved it.
We also watched the Blue Angels do some practice runs,
and wished we could afford to eat in the restaurant to ride up in the Space Needle. Instead, we just took pictures in front of it.
When our friends asked us what we wanted to do while we were visiting in Seattle, my response was, "Whatever is free!" Did you know that Seattle is expensive to visit? Parking is stinkin' expensive!! However, it helps if you have friends with a 12-passenger van, even if the driver can't remember where all of the one-way roads are and how to avoid them! (We had many good laughs about Seattle's crazy, narrow, odd one-way streets!)
Above: The noise patrol aka, the kids
Below: The Driver
The water shot up in the air to music playing,
and the kids LOVED it, even "Baby" who is screaming in the picture loved it.
We also watched the Blue Angels do some practice runs,
and wished we could afford to eat in the restaurant to ride up in the Space Needle. Instead, we just took pictures in front of it.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Who?
So, my dear friend gave me permission to share this story with you. I got a good laugh out of it, and you will, too -- especially if you've followed the Twilight movies at all.
My friend was watching T.V. recently and saw an advertisement for donating money to help the orphans in Haiti. She felt very moved by the program and knew she just had to donate. (She says that George Clooney didn't have anything to do with it. . . hmmm.) Normally she donates money through the LDS Humanitarian Fund, but she felt strongly that she needed to donate to this fund.
So, she called the number and did her part. After she'd donated and was feeling that high you get from doing something good for someone else, the operator said, "Now as a thanks for donating, you get to talk to a celebrity."
"Uh, okay," replied my friend. The operator then told her that some of the celebrities that have answered the phones have included Michelle Pfeiffer and Robin Williams. She was a little intimidated, not sure what she'd say.
The phone rang and a man's voice answered, "Hi! This is Taylor Lautner. Thanks for donating to Haiti today."
"Hi! You're welcome. I think it's such a great thing that you're doing, and I wanted to help out. What did you say your name was?"
"Uh, Taylor Lautner." My friend quickly wrote his name down and decided to "Google" him later.
{This is the part of the story where I started BUSTING A GUT!}
She and Taylor Lautner then made small talk, and she could tell that he knew that she had NO IDEA who he was.
My friend closed the conversation, "Uh, well, thanks for talking to me today, that was really nice of you. Have a good day, Good-bye!"
She then "Googled" him, and for those of you who don't know who Taylor Lautner is because you've been living in a box (or you're completely anti-Twilight), this is who she talked to
Taylor Lautner is only Jacob Black.
Oh, and at the time, she was just finishing reading New Moon for the first time.
My friend was watching T.V. recently and saw an advertisement for donating money to help the orphans in Haiti. She felt very moved by the program and knew she just had to donate. (She says that George Clooney didn't have anything to do with it. . . hmmm.) Normally she donates money through the LDS Humanitarian Fund, but she felt strongly that she needed to donate to this fund.
So, she called the number and did her part. After she'd donated and was feeling that high you get from doing something good for someone else, the operator said, "Now as a thanks for donating, you get to talk to a celebrity."
"Uh, okay," replied my friend. The operator then told her that some of the celebrities that have answered the phones have included Michelle Pfeiffer and Robin Williams. She was a little intimidated, not sure what she'd say.
The phone rang and a man's voice answered, "Hi! This is Taylor Lautner. Thanks for donating to Haiti today."
"Hi! You're welcome. I think it's such a great thing that you're doing, and I wanted to help out. What did you say your name was?"
"Uh, Taylor Lautner." My friend quickly wrote his name down and decided to "Google" him later.
{This is the part of the story where I started BUSTING A GUT!}
She and Taylor Lautner then made small talk, and she could tell that he knew that she had NO IDEA who he was.
My friend closed the conversation, "Uh, well, thanks for talking to me today, that was really nice of you. Have a good day, Good-bye!"
She then "Googled" him, and for those of you who don't know who Taylor Lautner is because you've been living in a box (or you're completely anti-Twilight), this is who she talked to
Taylor Lautner is only Jacob Black.
Oh, and at the time, she was just finishing reading New Moon for the first time.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Helping Out a Friend
If I had some photography skills, maybe I would have entered this contest. But . . . I don't. I only wish I did. Instead, you should all vote for Marcene Perry at this blog post here.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Our version of the Nativity Story
When acting out the nativity, you don't need acting skills, costumes, or props. Really,
you only need the following: people to fill the parts, someone to read the story while you act it out, space, and a good sense of humor!
"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; . . .to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." Sorry, Mary, we don't own any donkeys or pets of any kind. Robert was the best we could do on such a tight budget. At least he's wearing blue -- that's almost gray.
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger that was too small for him; because there was no room for them in the inn." He really could have used a pillow.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Aren't there supposed to be some sheep somewhere?
"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:" She really is a cute angel, isn't she?
"and they were sore afraid." and gave deathly looks to all who would betray their fear.
And the Narrator told the angel what to say. She really didn't want to say it, so the Narrator said it for her . . ."Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude [okay, just me. . .] of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earthy peace, good will toward men."
"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hat made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. and pretended to hold their staffs that they knew would have been really cool had they been REAL. . .
"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." But, really, they were more interested in their new staffs that showed up when they arrived at the stable!
"When they had heard the king, they departed; and , lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was."And they wondered, as did Mary, about the donkey, as he seemed a little snuggly towards the wise woman. . .
"And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." And tried not to step on the sheep that was crawling between their legs. And the sheep resembled, Lo, the Angel of the Lord.
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold (applesauce), and frankincense (treasure box), and myrrh (tissues?)."
"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." And wondered at the gifts that the "wise men" had brought.
you only need the following: people to fill the parts, someone to read the story while you act it out, space, and a good sense of humor!
"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; . . .to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." Sorry, Mary, we don't own any donkeys or pets of any kind. Robert was the best we could do on such a tight budget. At least he's wearing blue -- that's almost gray.
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger that was too small for him; because there was no room for them in the inn." He really could have used a pillow.
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Aren't there supposed to be some sheep somewhere?
"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:" She really is a cute angel, isn't she?
"and they were sore afraid." and gave deathly looks to all who would betray their fear.
And the Narrator told the angel what to say. She really didn't want to say it, so the Narrator said it for her . . ."Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude [okay, just me. . .] of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earthy peace, good will toward men."
"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hat made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. and pretended to hold their staffs that they knew would have been really cool had they been REAL. . .
"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child." But, really, they were more interested in their new staffs that showed up when they arrived at the stable!
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men" and one wise woman
"from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east," Who resembles Lady Liberty
"and are come to worship him."
"from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east," Who resembles Lady Liberty
"and are come to worship him."
"And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." And tried not to step on the sheep that was crawling between their legs. And the sheep resembled, Lo, the Angel of the Lord.
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold (applesauce), and frankincense (treasure box), and myrrh (tissues?)."
"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." And wondered at the gifts that the "wise men" had brought.
Cast
(in order of appearance)
Mary: Katie
Joseph: Tyler
Donkey: Robert
Lo, the Angel: Lindsey
Shepherds: Zachary, Jackson
Star in the East: Mindy
Wise Woman: Kristin
Wise Men: Matt, Dave
Narrator: LeMira (I know, I never "appeared")
(in order of appearance)
Mary: Katie
Joseph: Tyler
Donkey: Robert
Lo, the Angel: Lindsey
Shepherds: Zachary, Jackson
Star in the East: Mindy
Wise Woman: Kristin
Wise Men: Matt, Dave
Narrator: LeMira (I know, I never "appeared")
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