Snow Bunnies (for a day)

When I came to Idaho, I packed one whole suitcase full of snow clothes, but it’s just so turned out to be one of the warmest Januarys ever.  But hey, I’m not complaining; I like it warmer.  I guess my girls do, too.  Last Monday night it snowed.  The next morning I spent at least forty minutes getting the girls’ snow clothes on, 15 minutes (tops) out in the snow, & then 30 minutes in the hot tub. 

(Maybe living in a warmer climate isn’t such a bad thing after all.) 

 

Getting cold…

getting frustrated…

getting relieved.

Silly girls.

When I Grow Old

Last week my Grandpa Jackson asked my Dad & I to help him put on a music program at a Senior Citizen’s Home in Aberdeen, a little town close by.   This wasn’t uncommon.  Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been performing with my Grandpa & Dad at different functions.  Nothing flashy at all – places like funerals, wedding receptions, nursing homes…

The program was last night, & I convinced AnnMarie to perform her first solo ever.  She sang her favorite Primary Children’s Song, “Families Can Be Together Forever.”  She was so nervous, but she went through with it.  I’m so sad I didn’t take a picture; blame it on my pregnant self. 

I told a story about a woman named Rose who went to college at the ripe old age of 87 because she had always dreamed of getting a college education.  She became a campus icon.  Everyone knew & admired Rose.  One week after graduating, Rose died peacefully in her sleep.  After telling the story of Rose, I sang the love song, “The Rose.”

One day, I’ll grow old; we all will.  Anybody can grow older.  I guess the idea is to grow up.  Rose taught us that we grow up by finding opportunity in change.  It’s never too late to be who you were meant to be.

I thought about this as I watched (& listened) to this (before the program):

My Grandpa didn’t start playing the harmonica until his 50s.  I personally think he’s a pro :).

And then I saw this:

My Dad’s mom & dad listening to their son play away for nearly 30 minutes – the sweetest thing ever. 

So basically, when I grow old, I hope I’m still passionate in following dreams & doing what I love, AND I hope I’ll have a child who can serenade me with beautiful music whenever I want ;).

Welcome Home Wedding Style

Last weekend our family had a celebration dinner in honor of Nathan’s return.  We met in an old family cabin near my mom & dad’s house.  There were  a lot of people there (like 160 people a lot).  My mom found a very talented girl who made this cake.  Can you believe it?!  And so as Nathan announced, we celebrated this party wedding style.

I love how happy my dad & grandpa are as Nathan cuts the cake.

In one corner of the world there are dozens & dozens of my own family members who look a little like me, talk a little like me, & even think a little like me - imagine that;).  In another corner of the world, I’m a foreigner surrounded by people who look, talk, & think nothing like me. 

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in all of our differences with others.  Sometimes it seems as though our differences are the only things we even notice in others, including our own family members. 

But this party – this celebration – was a reminder to me of how silly it is to focus on those differences.  We’re all so similar, really. Especially if we live in the same country, let alone the same community. Most people are just trying to figure life out like you & me, even if they do speak a different language.

Anyway, here’s to you Nathan!!  One…last…hoorah!