This weekend we spent with the Sanchez grandparents. We had many adventures, but the main event was Paige’s Nutcracker performance on Saturday night. She danced as the Dewdrop Fairy in Waltz of the Flowers (above).
She danced in the Snowflake number.
She was also a Chinese dancer.
She was lovely and she was strong. I can’t believe the stamina she showed in the Waltz of the Flowers. I’m so glad she had this opportunity.
Five and a half years ago we left central Texas. If I were to list the challenges we faced in Texas during our eight years living there, you would wonder why we loved it so much. If I were to list the people who touched our lives during this time you would see that challenges+ friends really did equal joy in our lives.
As we drove into Austin a week ago, Mark asked, “Dad, why did you ever have to get a new job and leave this place?” It took me years to get over leaving. I think that I have finally settled in my heart the decision to leave our friends and family there. We knew it was time to go but we didn’t want to leave Rob’s family and our friends and we’ll always think about them.
Here are a few of the reasons we loved our time in Austin.
Melinda and Rob threw a very nice open house for us. The Mitchells were friends who taught our children in nursery, parked outside our house each morning for years at 6:00 a.m. during seminary, and served with me in the Relief Society. I was so glad to see Annie and Cody! They looked so good. Cody’s wife is expecting a baby in April.
My first Relief Society president in Austin was Mary. She became a good friend and sent Jed and Laura to seminary at our house. She carries several pictures of Jed’s baby Jillian in her wallet to show to everyone.
Dave and Susan took good care of us during the big moments and small, offering gifts to the kids along the way. We served in Primary for a while with Susan.
Pat and Carol were mentors and friends and the hub of the social circle we enjoyed so much. Melinda is doing her best to smile despite a BYU football loss just moments before this picture was taken.
We didn’t get pictures of everyone. It was a blessing to see my grown up seminary students again and hear about all the good things they are doing. Stephanie’s hug meant a lot to me, as did Aileen’s. And we’re always glad that Ricardo can be of computer service to Paul Parks 😉 I’m leaving a lot unsaid because Austin is a piece of my heart. I am just very grateful.
Tonight we fire off the cannons to celebrate Ray being cancer free!
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I’m feeling much better. Thanks for your concern and prayers.
As for Ray, I wish his news yesterday had been better. I’m grateful for the progress that has been made, though. I wish all the energy and concern and love of relatives and friends could be turned into a medicine because I’m pretty sure that would be the cure. There would be no needles and no nausea and hugs and fun times would be the only therapy required.
However, I know that God has a plan for Ray and each of us and we can trust that plan.
Health is a blessing that I easily take for granted. I’m grateful for fewer aches and the good night’s sleep last night.
I’m pretty sure we are missing a good time up north in the mountains where there’s a river, some tubes, and a cabin. It’s family reunion week at the Weber and we’re not there.
I wonder who won the candy game?
How was the group birthday party?
Who “got” to sleep in the bedroom right next to the bathroom?
What is everyone reading?
Have any of the kids fallen into the river (yet)?
I wonder if Mom is ready to take a therapy drive… say, to Wyoming?
How many gallons of weed spray have been dispersed by Dad?
Who is sleeping on the porch bed?
How many fish have been caught?
I’m pretty sure they were waiting for the Sanchez family to rebuild the rock dam. How did that go?
From which pines is the swing hanging this year?
Is there water in the little stream by the road?
Have the kids painted rocks with water?
Have there been any moose? …deer?…bears?
How many repairs have been made to the screen door this week?
Have there been any visits from Sterling or other family?
Have we had *the talk* about what to flush and what not to flush into the septic system?
When did the Finches come up?
Who brought the best junk food?
Are there any poppies left in bloom?
Have the creepy wire mattress skeleton swings been taken down?
Are the horses hungry? Have they nibbled any little hands?
Don’t bother answering any of my questions. Knowing details just makes it harder.
This is where we went today. Look! Sarah and Bryan were there, too!
Now it’s time to settle in for a little nap and maybe when we wake up there will be some rain.
(Honk shoo)
I’ve been thinking about some of the good things my parents taught me. Today I used the door slamming response.
1. If a kid slams a door, he will need to close it quietly 10 times.
2. No candy before noon.
3. It’s a good idea for kids to have a little spending money and freedom.
4. As kids get older, they need lists of tasks to do, and if you write them on a yellow legal pad, it seems more cheery.
5. Bedtime stories are important.
6. Pulling weeds is a good activity for sorting out grumpy or idle thoughts.
7. Kids should learn to walk and talk quietly through the house.
8. Kids need space to think and read and create.
9. Outdoor exercise is a good remedy for grumpiness, laziness, and boredom.
