Details

"The Lord is in the details of our lives."  

- President Thomas S. Monson

I have loved this quote since I first heard President Monson say it.  I try to look for the Lord's hand in my life and acknowledge His presence in the details of my life.  One day last week I was feeling rather down. As I cleaned my kitchen after dinner, I thought to myself, "I'm going to go buy some flowers for my kitchen."  Fresh flowers in my home always lift my spirits. I continued wiping down the countertops and pondering things that were distressing me.   Not long after, my doorbell rang.  A sweet friend was on my doorstep with a small bouquet of fresh flowers.  She said, "I came into some flowers today and thought you might enjoy them."  She had no way of knowing that was exactly what I needed right then!  I hadn't prayed for someone to bring me flowers. I was just going to buy some myself, but she and her small gift were evidence of the Lord being aware of me and my simple need that day.  I have felt His love each time I glance at the flowers on my table. I am so grateful for seemingly small, but deeply meaningful experiences, for dear friends, and for the Lord and His goodness and love.

Dig

I don't know what it is about boys and dirt, but my boys can't get enough of it.  Last year our in-ground trampoline bit the dust.  After removing it, the boys have loved digging in the pit that was left behind. We're still undecided as to what to do with the pit.  Fill it in and put a new trampoline above ground?  Put a new trampoline back in-ground?  They've requested - begged, really -  that we leave the pit as is so they can dig in it whenever they want to.

Well, the last few days they have been in filthy dirt heaven out in their pit.  What are they doing, you might ask?  Digging.  Holes.  Just because.  They were literally out there today for about 5 hours.

Armed with shovel, spade, and knee pads

Checking hole depth

Overheard during a brief drink and bathroom break:

Jacob:  Do you want to stay inside?  I think we've probably had enough digging time today. We've been out there for like three hours.

Matthew:  Yeah.  We've been building character and we've been building muscle!  It really does build character, Jacob.

Jacob:  I know... Am I still gullible?

Matthew.  No. Not as much.  Just sometimes when people are younger they're more gullible and stuff.

Jacob:  Yeah.

(They returned to the pit for a couple more hours after this break.)

Oh, how I LOVE my boys!  Building character, muscles, and relationships (and apparently becoming less gullible!) while simply digging holes in the pit!  I wish I could plant a secret device outside to record their conversations while they're digging. I hope they'll always be best friends.  

Prom

March 21st was Junior Prom.  Megan was escorted by the esteemed Garrett. He asked her about a month ago with a darling bear that had a recording of his voice saying, "Megan, will you go to Prom with me?"  She ran around squealing for quite some time that morning and I think she sleeps with the bear every night.

 

I really had a lot of fun looking for a prom dress and accessories with Megan. We checked out our local dress shop and found a lovely gown that Megan loves and looks beautiful in.  We found glitzy earrings and a bedazzled headband as well.

The date began with a hike and a picnic with other couples in their group.  It was a beautiful day and they had a great time.

Pre-hike

After returning home from the hike, Megan raced to get ready for the evening.  She pulled it off in record time and had to figure out what to do with herself for an hour before being picked up.  I don't know how she does her hair and make up so beautifully.  She is really so talented in that!  She had fun hanging out with some of her friends who are too young to go to the dance while she waited to be picked up.  They oohed and ahhed over how lovely she looked.

Beautiful!

When Garrett came to pick her up, he said, "Wow! You look AMAZING!"  He had a beautiful bouquet of roses for her as well as a lovely corsage.  They kindly posed for a picture and then they were off for pictures with friends, dinner, and the dance.

Dinner was at Garrett's house and his mom had made their basement beautiful with candles, classical music, and an adorable little sister as their server. After a smashing time at the dance, they all returned to Garrett's house for an ice cream bar and a movie.  Garrett sent Megan home with a small gift.  It was a pretty little heart shaped picture frame.  (She loves frames for her pictures.)  Megan reported that it was soooo much fun and that Garrett, once again, spoiled her and was a complete gentleman.

I'm so glad she had a wonderful time and that Garrett treats her so well.  What a fun time of life!

All hail, Mr. Lincoln!

Jacob had an assignment to research an American who has positively influenced our lives today.  He chose the honorable Abraham Lincoln.  He was also to dress up as his chosen person and present some facts at the class "wax museum".  He chose the elements of his costume and even had some letters stuck inside his hat as Lincoln often did.  He did a great job!

Here is the paper he wrote:

"Do you want to learn about Abraham Lincoln?  If you do read this.  He was a great man.  He was born on February 12, 1809.  Its sad that he got murdered. Read this now. He rocks.  This has many facts about him and his life.

He was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky.  His parents' names are Thomas and Nancy Lincoln.  Guess what?  He did not go to high school or college.  How strange.  He taught himself.  How crazy is that?

He was married to Mary Todd Lincoln.  He was the 16th president of the USA. Did you know that he freed the slaves from slavery?  He kept America together.  He was very honest, strong, and athletic.

He died on April 18, 1865.  He was actually at the theater and someone camp up from behind and "bang".  They shot him right in the head.  He died at the age of 56.  Lincoln Memorial represents him. He was also a lawyer.

I think he should be guarded.  I hope you know how important he is.  I also hope you enjoyed this.  But remember he rocks.  I really hope you liked it."