Ten p.m. train of thought...

The kids are doing so great in school. I feel we have been blessed with especially good teachers this year. A few weeks before school began, Parker told me he had been praying this summer for a particular teacher. When we found out he had her, we were both seriously overjoyed. He comes home every day and talks about how awesome she is. I could say the same for all of the teachers my elementary kids have. As for middle school, it's different for me to know Taylor and Graci are switching up teachers all day. Definitely good in lots of ways, but it's hard to feel like I don't know the teachers yet. So far, no complaints from them-- so that must be good.

Jen, you asked if I liked school uniforms and the answer is YES! I didn't think I would, but now that we have done it both ways, I wouldn't change it for anything. I love so many things about it, including that my kids can always put their own outfits together, it simplifies things, it unifies the school, it keeps kids from getting judged on their clothing, it keeps kids dressing modestly, I like how the uniforms look, and I think it helps the kids act more professionally. (:

I was able to go into all five of the first grade classrooms and talk about Lexi's blindness and Xander's legs/feet. The kids were so cute and responded very sweetly. Xander was so happy to have me show up and was so matter-of-fact about his condition, much different from last year when he felt more self conscious. Lexi was happy to see me, but told me I wasn't supposed to be at school with her. (: I brought Sophi in and they were especially enamoured with her. The kids asked lots of questions and loved watching her do things with her toes. She was like a little rock star, and had them eating right out of her hands, er, feet. (:


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Speaking of Soph-- I took her to Shriner's Hosptial today and she showed off her walking skills. The doctors were duly impressed and are trying to figure out the best way to help even out her legs and give her some stability. We are trying some new shoes with lifts, and they are also making a brace for her. We had a cast made today and should be getting them in a few weeks. I don't think I ever posted a picture of her first shoes made by Shriner's. She used them to practice walking in her walker. Pretty cute, right?




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Speaking of cute, check out our Jessica in her baptism dress.





Jesi was baptized last Saturday. It was a beautiful service for a beautiful girl. She wore the dress that Rosemary (Jeremy's mother) made for her daughter's baptism over 30 years ago. Graci had worn it for her baptism as well, making it extra special. Jessica was able to choose the program, and she wanted everyone in the family to participate, which I thought was really sweet. Xander was the chorister, I played the piano, Taylor and Parker spotlighted Jessica, Lexi and Sophi bore their testimonies, and Graci gave a prayer. The family sang a song together. My sister-in-law, Megan, gave a wonderful talk on the Holy Ghost and my mom on baptism. Baptisms are such beautiful events. I love the spirit that is there and the sacredness of the ordinance.

Jesi, we are so proud of your decision to follow the Savior into the waters of baptism. We love you with all of our hearts.

Thanks to our wonderful family and friends who came to her baptism.





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Speaking of wonderful people, I am feeling so, so much better due to the thoughtful people in my life. The cold I had turned into a sinus infection and bronchitis and the doctor said he was actually going to treat me for pneumonia because he felt that's where it was heading. Dealing with that on top of all the surgery stuff had me feeling so miserable. We continue to be blessed by such good people all around us helping in so many ways. I love the words "The errand of angels is given to women, and this is a gift that as sisters we claim." How grateful I am for the women in my life who have taken on the errand of angels.


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Speaking of angels, don't you just love this quote?

"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away." ~Dinah Craik

My Grandma Larsen had that quote up in her home, and as a young girl I committed it to memory because I thought it so beautiful. Today I was thinking of this quote and feeling so grateful for the people in my life that make me feel that kind of comfort. While it's good to weigh words, it is so freeing to have friends who just "get you" to the point where you don't have to worry about coming across the wrong way. I am resolving right now to try even harder to "sift" and to always have that breath of kindness!



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And finally, speaking of quotes, some of my favorite have come from Time Out for Women conferences. And, crazy enough, our blog has been featured this week on the Time Out for Women website. We are honored! TOFW loves to share stories of inspirational people, and I can't think of anyone more inspirational than our Sophi. (:

TOFW has been a great blessing in my life. I attended events in Nashville when I lived there, and in St. George with my sisters. The speakers there have uplifted and strengthened me-- thank you, TOFW.

Speaking of TIME, I think it's time I went to bed...

Goodnight!

--Christianne