Monday:
The good news for the week (though you didn't know there was a possibility of bad news): my sister's tumor is benign!!! Yea!!!
Tuesday:
Found out that Ryan is not being transferred, though his mission president had hinted that he might be. So he's in Many, LA for the holidays.
For my birthday this year, I used my birthday money that I had saved from last year (I can be patient at times) and combined it with this year's to buy stained glass crafting supplies (remember I took that class a year ago?). Those of you who follow me on Pinterest probably won't be surprised by that, seeing the number of stained glass items I've pinned lately. I've made 4 pieces so far, but haven't finished them because I'm still missing a few supplies. But on Tuesday, I taught Hannah the basics:
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| cutting the glass |
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| grinding the glass |
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| putting copper foil on the edges |
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| soldering the pieces together |
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| Hannah's finished tree (after adding embellishments, of course) |
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| my first piece that still needs a hanger |
I went Christmas caroling with our youth group on Tuesday. It was FREEZING outside, but since the wind wasn't blowing, it wasn't too bad and was really kind of fun. The Bishop drove his big bus, which had Christmas lights hanging in the window and there were about 33 of us who unloaded off and loaded onto the bus at each stop. Then, of course, we had hot chocolate and doughnuts after spreading good cheer through caroling.
Wednesday:
It was Mom P's birthday and she just turned 80. We had had a little surprise party for her when Teresa and her family were visiting, but we wound up over there for cake, ice cream, pie, and some fun conversation. Happy Birthday Mom!
(Thursday:
There really isn't any Thursday news, but since it's the only day of the week that didn't get mentioned, I thought I'd add it and say that I saw the D.A.R.E. presentation 3 times while subbing--and 3 more times on Friday, too--and I now know how to refuse, explain, and avoid situations that involve me being asked to do something I don't want to do.)
Friday:
We had the ward Christmas party. The gingerbread houses the girls had made last week looked amazing on the tables. The food was fabulous. The children's nativity was adorable. Good people were there to surround us. Excellent party.
Saturday:
Eric got to go to the Christmas Concert on Temple Square with singer Deborah Voigt and actor John Rhys-Davies Saturday night. I heard it was really good from others. Hope he enjoyed it. His new assignment for his mission is dealing with the Iowa non-population census records. Plus he's indexing and singing in a concert with his Elijah Choir, but he doesn't say when the concert is.
The tree has been up since last Saturday and the lights since Monday, but we finally got the tree decorated. It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
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| my mini-village got lit for the first time this year, usually it just sits there |
Last night we went to see
The Forgotten Carols in Fernley. I had read the book a few years ago, but didn't really know the music. I think I'm going to have to get a CD of it. It's a musical where a nurse takes care of an old man who claims to have been alive since the time of Christ's birth and had a chance to talk to the inn keeper who had no room, a shepherd who slept through the angels announcement of Christ's birth, a woman who held the baby Jesus, etc. For each character, there is a song that tells that side of the story. Beautiful.
Sunday:
I had a dream this morning that I was playing the organ at church and I kept messing up...playing when I wasn't supposed to (I couldn't hear the man conducting) and then going to play the wrong song (well, I didn't know they had changed the song!).
In the dream, we had a real intermission in our church meeting and I found out this unknown man in charge was asking around trying to find someone to replace me, because our church service was being broadcast and I was ruining the music.
So, I was trying to explain to people around me what the problems are. And they are the reasons why my organ playing hasn't gone as smoothly these last 2 times:
This quarter, I did not choose my own music. It was chosen for me. I had the right to ask for changes, but I didn't. I said that I was rough on some of the songs, but I thought I would have the kinks worked out by the time I had to play. I apparently didn't practice enough, because some kinks weren't worked out and I messed up. My big prayer when I play is that I don't detract from the Spirit and I think January through September my prayer was answered, so I am pleased with those months.
One of my goofs last month was I lost my place...when I play, I sing the first verse of the song in my head as I play and it helps me track the music, only I got off and when the congregation was singing the 2nd or 3rd verse, I couldn't find the place in the hymn, so I just couldn't play for several measures until I figured out where they were.
So, I have chosen my hymns for the next quarter. I really do want to improve, so I don't always choose things I can already play 100%. I am inspired by those around me who so willingly serve and who improve their talents and don't just skate by on what they already knew. Thanks Annalee. You are a great example in so many areas.
