How can a kid go from being the baby who prefers riding in the sling to anything else in the world to going to Kindergarten in just a matter of moments? I don't know how this has happened. The years have flown by. I am still the same person, struggling, playing tug of war with myself, trying to make it all come together and happen. My kids have progressed, and become little people, part of a community of friends and classmates. I am so happy they are learning and moving on and up in the world. I am proud of Sammy for being so excited about kindergarten. She is excited about homework, and meeting new friends, but disappointed about not being able to ride the bus. She is a cute little school girl. Drewby and I miss the girls during the day.

3rd Grade!

It is crazy that Emily has left for school. She is in 3rd grade; still a little girl, but on the verge of big girl. Every veteran parent warns new parents that the time goes by so fast, but I couldn't have imagined how quickly the time really does go by. She was just a little soft, dark-curly haired, sweet baby a few months ago, right? I am excited for her to learn new things, and make new friends. I always love hearing about the things she is energized about. I am happy she gets to move on. There is something in my heart that aches a little though.

I remember the first day of the new school year having the feeling of crisp clean air, butterflies in my tummy, and overall excitement. Nothing has changed. Last night Emily woke up, almost too excited to go back to sleep. She packed her own lunch last night, in her new thermal lunch carrier, cleaned out her backpack and replaced her old pencils and erasers with a fresh clean pencil box, filled with her favorite erasers, pencils, ruler and scissors; new shoes, new uniform, and new haircut. What a great kid. I will definitely miss her during the day. But, I love all the new 3rd grade things she gets to learn!

Zumba

Have you ever tried Zumba? If you haven't, you should. This is the most fun I have had working out ever, and I have seen the quickest and best results. I still have a long way to go, but this is the most fun I have had getting in shape. Bring it on. (I have gone from well over 200lbs, the photo on the top, to comfortably under it, the photo below. Still a bunch more to go. Wish me luck.)

Things I love part 2

Last week was so full of too much. Too much that would make you cry your eyes out from sadness, and things that would make you cry your eyes out because they are so happy! I want to list the happy things so I won't forget the happiness.
- Wadsworth reunion in Panaca
including: swimming in the spring, hiking at Cathedral Gorge, horse back riding, fireworks by Nate, Aunt Helen O's 90th bday bash, Tyler got married, Gretchen has a baby (not in Panaca) . . .
- Zumba class (way too much fun, and a crazy workout!)
- Zack home from his mission!
- Cate getting her endowment
- Being able to spend time with family and friends that I don't usually get to see
- Cate got married!!
- Deborah Hansen-Conant concert at Deer Valley

I like harp photos

My brother in law sent these to me. They are from his wedding. I like harp photos!

What you LOVE

Doing what I love relieves stress and creates outlets for easing nervousness, as well as giving me opportunities to use my creative energy's. This makes absolute sense, but I forget it too often. When I go into my studio and just play music to my hearts content, I feel revived, and happy. When I swim in the hot summer, I feel at peace with my family. When I write down my thoughts and feelings, I feel relief and more put together. Something else I love to do is dance. I don't really get to do this anymore, except for the impromptu dance party with the kids in the family room every so often. Before the summer is over I am going to go salsa dancing with or without Mike! (Of course, I would chose to go with him, but will he come?)

Greater Good

Working with someone for the greater good isn't as simple as it sounds. My opinion of the "greater good" might be entirely different from the other persons idea of the greater good. Sometimes we get lost in our efforts to express our true values. For the most part, I believe we surround ourselves with people we have commonalities with. I have found, in my on-going attempt to be a better communicator, that the people around me and I have varying opinions on what the greater good actually is. I try to be a Christian person, to be giving, forgiving, understanding, to live with the spirit of Christ is my life always. I try to live my life this way for the good of the people around me, for my family, and because this is how I want to be. (Always a work in progress). What am I striving for? What is my role here? Can a difference for good be catalyzed by one person? I don't just want to be dulcet, but to make a difference for good, for the greater good.