Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Funny MTC Memory
So as I was thinking about my mission, especially the first part, I remembered how I felt we prayed ALL the time. I don't think that praying is a bad thing, don't get me wrong, but I do remember feeling like I was praying SO much! We would have companionship prayer and personal prayer in the morning. Then we would have a morning devotional before breakfast with an opening and closing prayer. Then we'd bless breakfast. Then we'd pray in class, opening and closing again. Then we'd bless lunch. Then class again, two prayers. Dinner, same routine. Evening classes had opening and closing. Then any time you'd have personal study time you'd pray before and after. Then evening companionship prayer, prayer as an entire room and personal prayer. That's a lot of praying!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The First Day as a Missionary
My parents are in the MTC now, learning how to be missionaries. I have been thinking a lot about them, because I love them, and it has made me think a lot about my own mission. My own first day. I had so many different feelings going through my body: excitement, uneasiness, sadness over leaving loved ones, but happiness to be doing the work of the Lord, fear that I wouldn't be good enough. I think these emotions were normal and good. They caused me to rely on both the Lord and on my new companion, Sister Loveless.
Some of the things I remember about my first day are:
1. Getting my dork dot. This is a bright orange sticker that is placed on your nametag the first day you are in the MTC. It is there so people will be able to know you are new if you get lost, which is really easy at the MTC. If you have never been there, all the buildings are of the same orange-brown brick and most don't have signs on them. You just have to "know" which is which. Even though I have a pretty good sense of direction, I felt lost more than once on my first day. I kept getting turned around I guess.
2. More shots. I don't know why I didn't get all my shots done before I went into the MTC, but I had to get my third Hep A/B Twinrix shot, along with another Tetanus shot (because it had been more than five years since my last one). I hate shots and this was NOT a fun way to start my MTC experience. It took time out of my unpacking and getting to know the other girls in my room and IT HURT!
So, if I could share one scripture that would have helped me on my first day as a missionary it would be this,
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."
2 Timothy 1:7-9, The Holy Bible, King James Version
Some of the things I remember about my first day are:
1. Getting my dork dot. This is a bright orange sticker that is placed on your nametag the first day you are in the MTC. It is there so people will be able to know you are new if you get lost, which is really easy at the MTC. If you have never been there, all the buildings are of the same orange-brown brick and most don't have signs on them. You just have to "know" which is which. Even though I have a pretty good sense of direction, I felt lost more than once on my first day. I kept getting turned around I guess.
2. More shots. I don't know why I didn't get all my shots done before I went into the MTC, but I had to get my third Hep A/B Twinrix shot, along with another Tetanus shot (because it had been more than five years since my last one). I hate shots and this was NOT a fun way to start my MTC experience. It took time out of my unpacking and getting to know the other girls in my room and IT HURT!
So, if I could share one scripture that would have helped me on my first day as a missionary it would be this,
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."
2 Timothy 1:7-9, The Holy Bible, King James Version
Monday, February 25, 2008
Learning about Lent
This last weekend we had an interviewing student from Notre Dame University stay with us for two days. It was interesting to talk with him about the Catholic religion and, more specifically, about Lent. He doesn't participate in the traditions of Lent but his comments made me want to learn more.
I have learned that fish goes on sale in predominantly Catholic communities because of the practice of abstinence from meat on Fridays (and fish isn't meat, I guess).
I have learned that every Christian church, except the Mormons, have "fish fries" to get people out to church.
I have learned that fasting is eating only one meal and two smaller ones, if necessary (see Wikipedia article).
I have learned that I do not understand Catholic traditions at all. And neither do many Catholics that I have asked.
I have learned that fish goes on sale in predominantly Catholic communities because of the practice of abstinence from meat on Fridays (and fish isn't meat, I guess).
I have learned that every Christian church, except the Mormons, have "fish fries" to get people out to church.
I have learned that fasting is eating only one meal and two smaller ones, if necessary (see Wikipedia article).
I have learned that I do not understand Catholic traditions at all. And neither do many Catholics that I have asked.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Emmett's New "Trick"
I know I shouldn't call his new funny skill a trick because he is not my dog. But I don't know how else to describe his favorite activity of today: twirling in circles. I like to call it Chasing His Tail because it reminds me of my old dog Junior, although Emmett doesn't spin nearly as fast as the dog did. Oh yeah, and he doesn't have a tail to be chasing either. He doesn't seem to be chasing anything and we are left to wonder why he likes to spin around like this. Does it make him feel good? I tried it and it just gave me a headache. As you can see for yourself from this video, he enjoys this very much.
Friday, February 22, 2008
A Day With Emmett
Emmett is a very busy boy. He loves to play with all sorts of different toys and he is a chatterbox. I am not sure if this is just because he is, or because he has a chatterbox mom. (Was there a book when I was a child called Ms. Chatterbox?) Anyway, I have recently caught Emmett doing many different funny things that I will share here:
Where I found him today:
Also, I have some new video footage of the little guy. The only reason why I am laughing so hysterically about him saying, "Baa" is because we never talked about what a sheep says. He just learned it somewhere. I don't know how he knew it to tell you the truth.
This next video was taken the same day I wrote about Emmett eating his crayons. He is still chewing on them, by the way. He must think they taste good? My mom suggested I always have him color in his high chair so he can't get to the walls, which he thinks are huge pieces of blank paper. So I tried it:
Where I found him today:
Also, I have some new video footage of the little guy. The only reason why I am laughing so hysterically about him saying, "Baa" is because we never talked about what a sheep says. He just learned it somewhere. I don't know how he knew it to tell you the truth.
This next video was taken the same day I wrote about Emmett eating his crayons. He is still chewing on them, by the way. He must think they taste good? My mom suggested I always have him color in his high chair so he can't get to the walls, which he thinks are huge pieces of blank paper. So I tried it:
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Cold Weather
The weather this morning reported a wind chill of -27 degrees. I kind of feel bad that Josh had to walk to school. The good news is he made it safe and sound without any frostbite.
"Grandpa" Al Anselmo
All of my grandpas have now passed away. While I was home we got the news that my "grandpa" Al Anselmo had died. I am glad that he can return Home to be with his sweet wife, Loeda. He was a great adopted grandpa and I will miss his fun laugh.
Here is a picture of a moment we shared many years ago.
Here is a picture of a moment we shared many years ago.
Pilot Rescue
Yesterday, Emmett and I flew back home to Omaha and it was quite the trip. Anyone that has traveled with a toddler on their own knows how demanding it is to keep them happy and quiet (at least a little quiet). On the first flight I got lucky and Emmett fell asleep....most likely because he woke up at 4 AM and was exhausted by 1 PM. Once we got to Denver we weren't as lucky.
Right as I walked up to the gate the pilot announced that during his walk-around inspection he noticed hydraulic fluid leaking from the brake system and that the mechanics were currently checking it out to see if it could be fixed. It was fixable and the parts were there, but it would take over an hour, so after 45 minutes they found us a different plane and we moved from gate B45 to B49.
Once settled at the new gate we continued waiting. After about 30 more minutes an alarm went off, leaving everyone in the airport thinking, "Is this a fire alarm? Are we supposed to evacuate?" It seriously was the craziest thing that has ever happened to me in an airport. One lady across from me said her husband had that alarm go off during his previous traveling and he said it was a major security breach and that the entire airport went into lock-down. That seems a little far-fetched but I couldn't tell you what actually happened. It seemed like my section of the airport was running just fine, no panicked employees or anything.
After about 30 more minutes our plane arrived but no one got off. There was no gate agent there to board us onto the plane either. It was strange because the phone at the podium kept ringing and ringing. But no gate agent. Finally, about 30 minutes later, the pilot comes out and says, "I'm going to take the bull by the horns here and board the plane because we can't seem to find our gate agent. Hopefully I won't get fired since I've never boarded a plane before." So he took our boarding passes and we got on the plane and flew to Omaha, no problems (except a bumpy landing).
Considering the wait time, Emmett did pretty good. He threw a couple little tantrums but overall I think he did well.
Right as I walked up to the gate the pilot announced that during his walk-around inspection he noticed hydraulic fluid leaking from the brake system and that the mechanics were currently checking it out to see if it could be fixed. It was fixable and the parts were there, but it would take over an hour, so after 45 minutes they found us a different plane and we moved from gate B45 to B49.
Once settled at the new gate we continued waiting. After about 30 more minutes an alarm went off, leaving everyone in the airport thinking, "Is this a fire alarm? Are we supposed to evacuate?" It seriously was the craziest thing that has ever happened to me in an airport. One lady across from me said her husband had that alarm go off during his previous traveling and he said it was a major security breach and that the entire airport went into lock-down. That seems a little far-fetched but I couldn't tell you what actually happened. It seemed like my section of the airport was running just fine, no panicked employees or anything.
After about 30 more minutes our plane arrived but no one got off. There was no gate agent there to board us onto the plane either. It was strange because the phone at the podium kept ringing and ringing. But no gate agent. Finally, about 30 minutes later, the pilot comes out and says, "I'm going to take the bull by the horns here and board the plane because we can't seem to find our gate agent. Hopefully I won't get fired since I've never boarded a plane before." So he took our boarding passes and we got on the plane and flew to Omaha, no problems (except a bumpy landing).
Considering the wait time, Emmett did pretty good. He threw a couple little tantrums but overall I think he did well.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Eating His Crayons
Does anyone know how to get a toddler to stop eating crayons? Thankfully, all Crayola products are non-toxic, but I still don't want Emmett eating his crayons! He seems to like them more than most foods we give him. What a kid!
We Got a Bill
I know it sounds silly, but Josh and I gave up on looking for the bill from the ER when he split open his forehead on Christmas Eve, so it was a shock when it came today in the mail. I mean, it has been over a month! The amount really didn't seem too bad though, considering he got six stitches. I guess we'll add it to the stack...
Sunday, February 10, 2008
No Nap Craziness
Why is it that children rebel on Sundays? Emmett has refused to take a nap today and we have church from 3-6 PM. I'm not excited for it today because I know it will be hard with a very cranky 16 month old!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Ooey Gooey Cheese Sandwiches
One of my favorite meals as a kid was a cheese sandwich made the fast way: toast two pieces of bread, place sliced cheese in between the two pieces of toast and microwave for 30 seconds. It is so good.
When my nieces, Amber and Brianna, were little I remember my sister calling this creation an Ooey Gooey Cheese Sandwich. The name stuck so well in my brain I am now using it with Emmett. He had an Ooey Gooey Cheese Sandwich for lunch and every bite he would go, "MMmmmmm". It was cute.
When my nieces, Amber and Brianna, were little I remember my sister calling this creation an Ooey Gooey Cheese Sandwich. The name stuck so well in my brain I am now using it with Emmett. He had an Ooey Gooey Cheese Sandwich for lunch and every bite he would go, "MMmmmmm". It was cute.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Poop In The Tub
It's only the 2nd time Emmett has pooped in the tub and I'm pretty sure it won't be the last. Last night I was lucky I had asked Josh to give Emmett his bath because I didn't have to clean up the mess. Lucky me!
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
New Videos
We have finally uploaded some new videos to YouTube. Hope you enjoy them!
Peekaboo!
Swinging His Bat
New Word: Duck
I Can't Hear You!
Peekaboo!
Swinging His Bat
New Word: Duck
I Can't Hear You!
Busy Life
I have no excuse for not updating my blog except being busy and not taking the time to do it. Emmett is keeping me busy and I'm keeping myself busy and Josh is always busy. Normally our days don't have much excitement unless you consider watching part of a kids movie excitement, or cleaning up food that Emmett has thrown on the floor, or hearing Emmett say Hi for the hundredth time.
Sometimes I feel like I'm very busy doing nothing. It is hard to explain. I have a lot of things to get done and I accomplish a lot, but you can't tell by looking at me. You just can't tell that I was busy all day cleaning the house because Emmett has dumped his blocks all over the newly vacuumed floor. And you can't tell that I did the dishes because then we had another meal and the sink got filled up again. Same with laundry. So I'm busy today with my daily tasks that will never be obvious to anyone but myself. I better get back to work!
Sometimes I feel like I'm very busy doing nothing. It is hard to explain. I have a lot of things to get done and I accomplish a lot, but you can't tell by looking at me. You just can't tell that I was busy all day cleaning the house because Emmett has dumped his blocks all over the newly vacuumed floor. And you can't tell that I did the dishes because then we had another meal and the sink got filled up again. Same with laundry. So I'm busy today with my daily tasks that will never be obvious to anyone but myself. I better get back to work!
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