week 11.

It's one of those things you don't appreciate - or even consider - until it's gone.  And this week as the ability to breathe through my nose has disappeared, I have become increasingly aware of the marvel a working body is.  I'm grateful for this nose that usually performs its function perfectly.

week 10.

I love to watch my Jim playing with his boys.  One night this week I sat on the back porch swing to observe baseball instruction. I'm not sure which gave me more delight - Aidan's intense desire to do it all "right" or Jim's treatment of his boy as an equal.  I love that there is no "talking down" in his vocabulary.  To him, when it's time to teach new concepts or skills, Aidan is a little man.  I looked back & forth between the two - father, son - 34, 5 - teaching, learning - and was humbled by the twilight glimpse at this developing relationship.

week 9.

Elder John A. Widstoe said, "Temple work...gives a wonderful opportunity for keeping alive our spiritual knowledge and strength.  The mighty perspective of eternity is unraveled before us in the holy temples; we see time from its infinite beginning to its endless end; and the drama of eternal life is unfolded before us.  Then I see more clearly my place amidst the things of the universe, my place among the purposes of God; I am better able to place myself where I belong, and I am better able to value and to weight, to separate and to organize the common, ordinary duties of my life, so that the little things shall not oppress me or take away my vision of the great things that God has given us."

Jim and I escaped from the ordinary on Friday to spend time at the temple.  Then, on Sunday I taught a Relief Society lesson on Temple Attendance.  This quote completely explains the Blessing the Temple gave to me this week.  I need this adjustment of my all-too-earthly perspective more often.

week 8.

This week was bittersweet as I said good-bye to my calling with the Young Women in our ward.  After two years with these amazing girls and leaders, I have formed true lifelong friendships.  I spoke at New Beginnings on Tuesday night and Courtney surprised me afterward with a dozen of these beauties.  I'm very grateful for the opportunity we all have to serve, to stretch, to grow in this glorious gospel.

week 7.

My biggest blessing this week came when I took this test on Monday..when I realized that I'll be part of an enormous miracle (again), creating life. The possibility of being a mother thrice has given me secret smiles all week.