last night we went to the banff film festival. we saw some films on people who were passionate about doing things that just blow me away. one man rode a tandem bike from alaska to argentina (it took him over 2 years), a group that kayaked down african rivers where the safest places were the waterfalls and rapids (the real danger was the hippos and crocodiles), another woman rowed a sailboat alone across the altlantic, and of course there was skiers and snowboards doing amazing things. now i'm not motivated to do any of that but i am moved by their passion... their passion to squeeze life to it's fullest, to push themselves beyond what they ever believed they could do and to experience things i only read or watch. so it's made me think about my passions. yes, teaching is a big passion of mine (now there's adventure at it's peak) but do i seek to really push myself to a different level? do i seek out new things at all? i'd love to hear what your passions are!
it's been a wonderful birthday...full of family and friends and phone calls...which is exactly what makes it wonderful. thank you all for making me feel so loved...there is no greater gift.
i've been contemplating for the last week about my life, where i am, who i am and where i want to be going. it seems that to really 'keep living' we need to constantly be growing, progressing, moving in some direction. hopefully it's a direction that leads to eternal joy but that doesn't necessarily mean it's an easy direction. growth seldom is easy, and true celestial glory comes at a price. but life is good and i'm embracing getting older. i am grateful for the abundance of blessings i have been given. my life's like the song that says 'i'm sipping my plate cuz my cup's overflowing'. i want this blog to reflect my blessings and the things i hope to learn this year. i'm planning on an adventure and am glad i have all of you to take the ride with.
one thing that's wonderful about winter is it gives me time to nest at home. i love coming home after work and just reveling in the 'home-iness'. whether it's sitting in front of the tv with my laptop and scrapbooking, or finding a spot of sun on the couch after church and curling up with a book and an afternoon to read. the walls are full of memories and each view has a bit of something i love. it's all a bit of heaven of which i am so grateful for.
valentine's day and sunday....what a nice combination. it started with breakfast made by shawn. blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, juice and strawberries. thank you shawn, what a sweetheart you are. oh, and did i mention the sweet card? yeah, that completed the meal. so thoughtful. then calls and texts, a great church service and dinner at my oma's. allen got home from grand junction just in time for all of us to watch amazing race. what a great way to finish off the day. oh and another gift from allen (along with the beautiful flowers i received at school) chips and pop! yeah the way to my heart is definitely food...especially food i don't have to cook! thank you family, you make my life full of goodness and blessings. mmmm....another magic day.
today was a doing day. i cleaned closets, organized bins, ironed, sealed the countertops, scrapbooked my school beach pictures, had chris, rob and kids over for lunch (they brought pizza-thanks guys) did laundry, cleaned bathrooms and vacuumed. i feel a little tired but realized during the day how much i enjoyed working. i agree with Pres. McKay who said "work is a blessing". and what a great feeling it is to accomplish something. there is great joy and a replenishing of spirit in finishing projects. such magic in a day.
well LOST started and it's now week 2 and i'm as lost as ever in that show. i usually work on my computer while i watch a show and i've decided there's no way i can do that. if i miss one little comment i'm even more lost and then dad has to clue me in...which he's getting kind of tired of doing. so if anyone has any insights as to what's going on, bring it on, I'd LOVE to hear them!
One of the wonderful things about family is that you can share happy times, tough times, sad times and in sharing those experiences you not only become closer and stronger, but that those memories take on more meaning because you went through them together. Thank you all for adjusting your schedules to be at grandpa's funeral. I know Val and Tonya would also have been there in a heartbeat and I love you all for the role you took. Whether saying a prayer, sharing a memory, or staying home to take care of children. You all are amazing people and I feel blessed to know that whatever may come our way, we are all in this together. I love you all!
