MaeLyn's Musings

Every day I must compete for computer time. It must be summer.      -Me Summer is here now School was boring and dull then. Summer is funner.      -Joshua I miss my teacher. Most people like the school end, But sometimes I don't. -Peter It is summer now. No assignments all day. Too much free time. -John

When I was a kid, on Memorial Day we would get up extra early and climb in the car (if we kids hadn't slept in the car the night before) and head north a few hours to my aunt and uncle's home somewhere in the wilderness outside Greenfield, California. I remember watching for the old green bridge that we would cross as we approached their home, and looking for the horses as we turned into their long driveway. Our arrival was often heralded by barking dogs, and then the smiling faces of uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins. I still remember waiting impatiently for the adults to decide it was finally time to go swimming, and being devastated when temperatures or inclement weather meant that we couldn't that year. Lunch time meant gathering around the huge outdoor table with the lazy Susan in the middle and feasting on hamburgers, chips, salads and soda. Afternoons meant a game of whiffle ball on the huge lawn under a giant oak tree. And dessert usually included a birthday ...

Last night I attended the seminary recognition and graduation. One of the speakers talked about institute and the changes they are making to the program, and encouraged those graduating from seminary to get involved in the institute program. It got me thinking. I am very grateful for seminary. Not only did seminary teach me tons about the scriptures, encourage me to memorize scriptures that I still remember today, and help me to get a spiritual start to each school day, but that's also where I first noticed the boy who would become my husband. As part of our study of the Book of Mormon we were reenacting Lehi's dream, and Steven played the role of Nephi. I'm also very grateful for institute. I went to BYU, so I took institute classes as part of my school curriculum, but I appreciated the chance to learn about the scriptures as well as the lives of the living apostles and prophets and their teachings. It helped me to feel a connection to them which helped me as a missi...

This morning, as the boys and I were walking to school in the rain, Peter and Josh and I huddling under my extra large umbrella and John wearing a rain jacket with the hood up, a small, dark sedan stopped in the road and the young Hispanic lady in the drivers seat rolled down the window. "I want to give you this." She said, holding out a small black umbrella. "Really?" I asked in surprise. "Yes. You take it!" She insisted.  "Well, thank you! Thank you very much!" I took the umbrella, and thanked her again. She nodded, rolled up her window, turned her car around and drove off. I handed the umbrella to Josh to hold and we continued on our way to school a little less crowded. As we walked, Peter was exclaiming about how fluffy it was. (It was small, therefore it was cute. Everything cute is also fluffy.... isn't it? Peter likes fluffy.) I have no idea who the lady was. I didn't ask her name. But I appreciate her kindness. To see ...

I went to the doctor this morning for a check on my shoulder , and the sling is OFF! I don't even have to wear it when I'm "out and about" any more! Yay!!!!!! I will continue going to physical therapy for a few more weeks, and the doctor said it will probably take three months (from when I originally injured it) to fully heal. But, the mobility is slowly returning. I can just about raise my arm straight up now. I can't twist it much yet - yesterday I tried to rest my hand on my hip and just about died. I hadn't realized how much of a twist that was! The doctor said I'm not supposed to be twisting it... it might twist out of the socket and I'd be back at square one again. I definitely don't want that. It still aches most of the time, but I suspect that the wet weather we've had for the last couple weeks has made it worse than it would otherwise be. I realize I haven't been blogging as often as I should be. My weak excuse is that I'...

First violinist plays first note of last concert: "Sweet Sad Sound" in A. Last night I attended Hannah's last orchestra concert of the school year. She performed with both the concert and symphonic orchestras, playing songs from Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Grease, Phantom of the Opera, Mission Impossible, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Lion King, James Bond and Lord of the Rings. During the performance, they had clips from the movies projected on a screen behind the orchestra, which was fun. Between the familiar music and the images on the screen, I really enjoyed this concert. I wish the rest of the family had been able to attend.

As I've visited with a physical therapist once a week for the last few weeks to work on regaining mobility and strength in my arm after dislocating my shoulder a month or so ago, I've pondered this analogy. In many ways, God is like a good physical therapist. We turn to Him when we are in pain, feeling weak, or inadequate. When we are strong and healthy, we can feel we have no need for Him. He acknowledges our pain and weaknesses. He knows they are real and He is willing to work with us as we are. He sees our great potential, and what we can achieve if we commit ourselves. He knows that we can be strong and powerful, and free of the pains that come from weaknesses. He has the wisdom to know how to help us, to know what we need to experience to help us overcome our weaknesses. He gives us challenges and trials that he knows will stretch us, strengthen us, and increase our natural abilities. The things he asks us to do aren't often easy, and sometimes they are very ha...

Last week Wednesday, Hannah performed in her high school's one act plays. She was in a play called "Voices" in which a young couple find refuge in a house during a snow storm, and the woman starts hearing voices. Hannah was one of the "voices" and did a great job with an eerie laugh and even got to sing!