December 9, 2017

We went to the cutest ward Christmas Breakfast.  The kids got to see Santa, but most of my kids were trying to back away as quickly as possible.  I had to physically grab Miles and Austin and pull them close for a picture.  It was pretty funny.  Santa happened to be one of Lance's nursery teachers at church, so it was very cute when he said, "Merry Christmas, Lance." Lance smiled sheepishly, and appeared to be trying to decide whether to smile or cry.  Owen was the only one who bravely sat on his lap and told him what he wanted for Christmas--a gizmo (a watch that is able to call a few numbers, most of our little neighbors have them, but Owen will most likely not be getting one. Ha!  He's getting much better presents.)

My kids did NOT want to get close.  Ha!

Julia, Owen, Santa, Miles, Emma, Mom, Lance, and Austin

We had a grand time, and I tried my very best to mingle around and say hi to everyone.  I stayed to the very end to help clean up, and by the time I got home, Greg was working away in the garage with his saws and drills and sanders.  I walked over, and with a little chuckle, told him, My calling as a Relief Society President is so weird.

Why? he asked.

Because I'm not used to people coming up to me and pouring out their heartaches, I said.

Then he asked me if I was going to unload it all onto him.  We had a laugh together right there in the garage.  He was covered in saw dust.  The garage doors were wide open.  The sun was shining brightly and the day was already warming up.  It was so pleasant to stand there with him.  And I was feeling so much love in my heart.  I have always been the kind of person who is very interested in other people.  It has always been in my heart to look out for those who might need a friend, but sometimes I hold myself back a little.  This new calling has given me a sort of freedom, or courage, or license to go right up to people and say, "I don't know you very well..." or "I've been thinking of you..." or "I've been worried about you..."  I love that I get to do that.  Oh, I'm still shy and frightened, and it takes a big, deep breath sometimes, but I am feeling a push that I haven't ever felt before.

And I'm turning into a hugger!  I've never been a hugger.  But I'm so glad that I got to experience all of the hugs at my Dad's viewing.  I loved connecting with people that way.  I really felt lifted up when people wrapped their arms around me--people I hadn't seen for years and years.  So now, when someone is telling me that they are having a hard time, I am opening my arms and hugging them.  It lifts me up, too.

Mom gave me some great advice.  She said that one way to reach out to people is to touch them:  a hand on their shoulder, a squeeze on their arm, a pat on the back, a side hug.  She told me to stop and notice everyone.  The Bishop also advised me of that, too.  He told me to clear my mind as much as possible on Sunday so that I could really look at people, and really see who might be struggling or needing help.  I'm trying my very best to follow their amazing advice.  I am more than happy to reach out and love a little more.  It is so amazing to serve, sometimes in the smallest ways.

Emma and Dad in the Christmas Workshop

I had to drag Greg away from his shop to go to Austin's basketball game.  He brushed off the dust and climbed into the car.  I had gone without Greg the week before because he had been in California, and I told him how well Austin did, but how timid he was.  So, I've been talking all week to Austin about things like aggressiveness, and how to block a shot, and how to help your teammates out if their defender gets past them.  We entered the gym, ready.

We spent the next hour in the most exciting, intense little third-grade basketball game!  The teams were so evenly matched, and they both played so hard.  Austin came out of nowhere!  He played his little heart out.  He scored 22 points!  He made the shot to put them into overtime.  He helped his team win, 42-41.  He was a dominating force out there!  It was so fun and so exciting! At one point in the game, Austin got a steal and was bringing the ball down the court to score.  Some man in the audience yelled out, "Dunk it!"  It was super funny.  I'm just happy that Austin was having so much fun out there.  And working SO hard.  He was so cute.  I had him take a few puffs on the inhaler before we left, and I don't know if that helped him, or if he just felt more comfortable this week, but he really turned it on.  Greg and I put our arms around our big, tall boy and walked out of the gym, all smiles.  Austin's was the biggest of all.

Late at night, when we were all climbing into bed, our doorbell rang.  I threw on some clothes and tiptoed out to the door.  There on the doorstep was a cute stuffed deer with a little note for Emma. It said, "Emma, Be a deer and go to Prom with me.  -Jed."

I called Emma down, and Julia came trailing her.  We giggled and squealed.  We were all so excited.  Emma has already gone on one date, but it was to a girls' choice dance.  This is the first time she has been asked.  It is always so nice to be invited.  We were thrilled.  I hugged her tight, and then she took that cute deer up to her room.  I quietly went back to my bed and crawled in.  It's hard to believe that she is old enough for Prom.  She is still my little Emma.  I might be the very most excited!  This is bringing back amazing memories.  I told my girls that I might look old, but I don't feel that way inside.  In fact, I've heard old people say that my whole life.  But I never thought too much about it.  So, I know it sounds cliche.  But it's true.  I still think Prom sounds like a whole lot of fun!  Thank goodness I've got kids to keep me young.  My mind is spinning with excitement!!