oh simple things

sisters

specifically:

visiting with my SIL (my brother's wife), who drove her kids down from Idaho last week for spring break

sitting in on (and being able to speak freely) in a frank discussion with two of my friends who are like sisters two me about how we can create a more positive and kind sisterhood among the girls in our neighborhood and ward family

skipping out of work so I could lunch with two SILs (my husband's sisters) who were in town this week

witnessing the tender hearts, love and unity in a hospital waiting room as Shane's aunts (my MIL has five sisters) gathered together at the hospital later that same day (his uncle joined us later)

spending an afternoon with my own sister the next day--we realized we hadn't seen each other for almost eight months--after what has probably been our longest physical separation since my mission over 20 years ago

gathering with friends and daughters and literally thousands of other sisters for the General Young Women Meeting last night

primrose

crocus

daffodils

forsythia



It's blossom time!

Having my entire family (some more excited to be there than others) sitting w/ me during the Draper Temple dedication today was a wonderful thing. Admittedly we are human and therefore flawed and broken, but we were together today (except for Luke and, well, he is where he is supposed to be) and I have faith that ultimately we will be mended and together forever. Days like today remind me of that fact and of the power in the blessings of the temple.

Embarking on another heck week in which I tackle unpleasant things that have been wearing heavy on my shoulders in the hope of lightening my load. These items of unfinished business include (but are not limited to) the following:

Round SIX w/ Verizon Wireless trying to get my cell phone bill adjusted to what I signed up for with them.

Opening the medical bills and calling the insurance company (one down and several to go in terms of claims denied that should have been covered).

Having the home phone disconnected (yes, and I admitted it publicly) and restored. Who sends out a perfectly bill on 2/25 and then cancels service on 3/4? Now I just need to talk them into dismissing the restoration charge.



Hanging my pastel Egg wreath on my front door. (I may have mentioned that before, but the simple joy of it as a sign of spring is worth noting twice.)



Accepting the delivery of a dozen red roses and a thank-you note from my husband while I was at work.



Ward Temple Night.



Olga dropping by the most happy, fun and colorful little rooster pitcher. This, despite Lynda's threats to Jane and Olga to never give me another rooster item for my kitchen ever. She thinks I have too many collecting dust. She's right about the dust part, but she would be proud to know I try to discard one of my tacky roosters for every quality rooster Olga or Jane cannot resist. Please note I had roosters in my kitchen long before they were the thing to do (in fact, I think they have come and gone at least three times since I started). In any case, you do not walk into my kitchen and say, "Oh. A rooster kitchen." But if you look long enough you will notice them. I hope they make you as happy as they make me.



TGIS! (for spring)

TGIF!

60-plus degree-weather (I don't care if it snows again--it won't last long)

the warmth of the sun on my face

saying farewell to blackened leftover snow

citrus from Sunflower Market

hanging my pastel egg wreath on my front door and breaking out the spring quilts

Jane's Squash Soup w/ cran-apple relish

the hope that springs eternal this time of year