Tender Mercy

We had a family Christmas party last night, and we weren’t really sure if we would go.  Since Jared was gone most of the week, he really wanted to stay home and get some things done.  But I was feeling lazy and didn’t want to cook dinner.  He let me make the final decision, so I decided that we’d go.

Because of that, I had to run to Macey’s and grab the items we were supposed to bring.  While there, I ran into a lady from our ward.  During our conversation, she mentioned that she just had to figure out what she was going to do for Primary.  And then it hit me…I was supposed to be teaching the Young Women lesson the next day!

I am so thankful we (I) decided to go to the party.  If we hadn’t gone, I would not have run into this woman, we wouldn’t have had our conversation, and I would have completely forgotten about teaching the lesson!  I can only imagine the horror of showing up and realizing that I had completely dropped the ball.  I am so thankful for this tender mercy, even if all it did was save me from being utterly embarrassed!

Chicago

Jared was in Chicago for some work training last week.  I asked Caleb at least every day (some times several times a day) where Daddy was.  I really got a kick out of how he said Chicago:

Day 1: Shopko!

Other variations: Sha-shago, chick-a-cago, ka-shago

I know there were a few other variations that he threw out – I should have written them down.

By the time Jared got back, though, Caleb was pretty proficient at saying CHICAGO, as long as he slowed down and took his time.

And when he got up this morning and Jared was already gone to meetings, he said, “Is daddy gone to Chicago?”

I was so thankful to say, “Nope - he’s just at church!”

Catching Up

Jared is gone and I’m bored and trying to keep my thoughts from wandering, so I thought I’d do a little catch up here on the ol’ blog.

Emily the birthday girl – 10 years old!

The fall this year made for a rough time with asthma.

Halloween cuties…a witch, a pumpkin, a fairy, and a ninja.

Sailing away in a banana boat…

Thanksgiving at home….yum!

The only problem with having Thanksgiving dinner at your own home is the LEFTOVERS! I can handle them for a day or two, but by Saturday night I was getting pretty sick of them! So we threw the turkey in the blender, along with some celery, green onions, mushrooms and mayo, gave it all a good chop, and used it as a sandwich filling. It was a yummy way to use up the rest of the turkey and the rolls (which were starting to get a little dry). I thought it would have been good with some grapes, and Jared thought it would have been good with some chopped apples. Either way, it was delicious, and even the kids loved it.

Ward Christmas party Nativity, performed by the senior primary. That’s Emily as Mary by the manger. Last year they had a real live baby. I think Emily was a little disappointed that it was only a doll this year.