It Looks So Easy on TV

I was awake at 5:30 this morning, quite an unusual event, particularly on a Monday. Now, at nearly 7, I'm at the computer checking out the world. If I could wiggle my nose and suddenly be transported to work, bathed, dressed, and coiffed, I'd be OK with starting my work day. But the thought of doing all three of those tasks makes me want to crawl right back into bed.

Really?

How could anyone rate a Lyle Lovett album at one star, or even two for that matter? Sometimes I read an unfavorable review and wonder if I'm not discriminating enough. Not this time.

Just Sayin'

For once in my life, I'd like to go to bed at a reasonable hour the night before a trip out of town. This, apparently, will not be that one time. But by golly, I'm determined to rip those two audiobooks, wash all the dishes and paint my toenails before I leave. A girl's got to have her priorities in order.

New Adventure

I received a new calling Sunday as second counselor in the Stake Primary presidency. So instead of teaching the five year olds every week, I'll spend one Sunday a month visiting other congregations in the area to advise and counsel with their Primary leaders. The three women I'll work with in the presidency are awesome, and I'm looking forward to knowing them better.

During the meeting this morning, I thought about the fact that even though I don't have children in my home, I've been able to know and love many children as I've worked in Primary. Later, in the setting apart blessing, I was blessed to come to know many children in the stake by name and to have an influence on many of them.

I listened to all three setting apart blessings, and each prayer was unique and nearly nothing was repeated for two people. That, along with the personal blessing I mentioned, reinforced my conviction that this is the place the Lord wants me to serve right now. I'm not sure how I'll come to know many children by name in only one visit a year, but I trust that it will be so, if I do my part.

I've been extremely fortunate to serve in the past as a counselor and secretary to two of the best Primary presidents the Church could have produced (one is my mother), and I know I've been well prepared for this calling.

You Get What You Pay For

I took the three oldest ARW children to the dollar store on Saturday. I didn't think we would ever get three year old L out of there. He kept wandering each aisle picking up and discarding things, and no matter what we suggested to him, he rejected it.

Seven year old A couldn't decide between a toy pony and an art kit to make a crown, but she ended up with a kite kit instead. I tried to point out she might like something that would last a bit longer, but my advice wasn't heeded.

So how long do you think a kite (actually two kites) from the dollar store lasts? That kite was the source of many tears and arguments (some violent) the rest of the day, as it broke right away and the second kite couldn't even be put together. Five year old J bought a bow and arrow he was quite pleased with, but not inclined to share. It was ugly! Eight month old J, however, was happy to chew on the cutlass that accompanied the bow and arrow set, so he benefited from the trip without even spending any money.

Back to L, he had a jump rope in his hands until he saw trading cards on the way to the check stand. I managed to get those out of his hands, and then IN the check stand aisle he saw batteries, and that was it. L insisted he needed batteries for his frog, and I knew we'd have an argument if I pushed it, so he bought four AA batteries and I bought the jump rope as a backup.

When we arrived home it turned out that L does indeed have a frog, Tad, who talks and sings and counts. Unfortunately, Tad requires AAA batteries, but Dad produced some without L knowing the difference. I gave L the jump rope since I have no need of a dollar jump rope, and he was happy (he broke the handles, with his teeth, a couple of hours later). Tad is still talking and singing and counting, as far as I know. His batteries are too well hidden for L to reach them, unless he learns how to remove a screw with his teeth.

A was not interested in learning the meaning of the title phrase, You Get What You Pay For, something that especially applies to kites.


ps - A later hung up each kite as a wall hanging, and she was fairly pleased with that, though I'm not sure it completely erased the earlier sting.