2-1-2009 Week in Review

Our week started out pretty well.  The boys had off of school so I put them to work.  I offered them one dollar an hour or a trip to Cici's pizza if they worked REALLY hard.  It was either this or they had to work all day for free.  There were very happy to take the trip to Cici's.  Corben worked like a champ all day.  He even scrubbed the kitchen floor on his hands and knees!  Dade worked just as hard, getting all the bathrooms sparkling from top to bottom.  I was a VERY happy momma!

Tues - Ella's Monkey Impression....

Wednesday I took both of the boys to see an orthodontist.  Dade has an overbite and Corben's teeth are crowded.  They quoted me a bill of $7000 for Dade!!  Is that normal?  When I told them that I wouldn't be paying that and that I was going to get a second opinion the price suddenly became $5400.  Hmmm....seems to me someone had a pretty high mark up and if they're that dishonest with their prices then I'm off to see someone else anyway!  Besides, the last place I took Dade to a year ago quoted $4600.  I told Dade he just may be fixing his teeth when he's older and can afford it himself!  They told me they'd have to wait to see what Corben's teeth were going to do as his permanent teeth came in.  I surely don't mind waiting.

Friday night was spent remembering an amazing man.  Pres. Russell Wilford has been our Stake President for the last several years.  (In our church, congregations are grouped into local groups called Stakes.)  During all the time he served he was also battling cancer.  He sometimes spoke to us at meetings over the phone from the hospital.  He was recently released from his position and passed away Wed. morning.  We attended his viewing Friday night.  He was an inspirational man and never wavered in his responsibilities despite his illness and pain.  There were times he could not walk or stand but he would still be there when he was needed.  Many people loved him and will miss him.

Saturday I sang in the choir at his funeral.  Ryan was an usher.  It was a very special ceremony.  My mom came and sacrificed attending so that Ryan and I could serve.  She stayed home and watched the kids.

On the way to the cemetery I had flash backs of following the lines of my own Grandmother's funeral procession.  It wasn't my first time going to the cemetery for someone I'd loved but it was the first time I'd ever seen someone in the opposite lane stop their car and get out to honor her as we passed.  I remember how much that touched me and how thankful I was for the respect given my Grandma on this day that was so hard for her family.  I have always, when able, tried to follow that example and pull over & get out to respect the family passing on their way to lay their loved one to rest.  Saturday as we traveled through the back roads of a quiet little town, I saw cars pull to the side of the road.  I took note of the young drivers speeding past them busy on their cell phones and annoyed at the cars slowing in front of them.  They took no notice of the line of cars headed slowly in the opposite direction.  I looked at the faces of the drivers patiently sitting on the sides of the road.  Most were older, some young.  I didn't know those people but I knew something about the kind of person they were.  Someone had taught them respect.  Someone had taught them about love.  And they had listened.  I hope that I can teach my children the values I've been taught.  I want righteous values to continue on through my descendants.  I want someone to see my child pulled over on the side of the road and think, wow, that's a good kid.  I want my kids to see the world around them each day, whether they're driving, working, playing, whatever, and recognize that they are not alone and that there is emotion and events happening all around them that is effecting others.  I want them to recognize those moments and act accordingly.  As God would have them act.  Because even a small act, such as pulling over to the side of the road and delaying their day to show respect for a stranger, can be a huge act in the eyes of someone who's life has just been shattered by loss.  I was thankful that Dade was with us, I hope he'll always remember the examples they set.

Saturday night was Girl's Night Out.  Not all the SIL could attend so it was just me, Rachel, & Jamie.  At first we were going to watch Mamma Mia! but then....we decided to take Mamma Mia to Erin who hadn't been feeling all so well.  This, of course, required a little dressing up, a good song, and, as all good songs require, a dance routine!  We performed our little piece in Erin's living room, much to her joy & surprise.  I'd have to say, the pyramid at the end was my favorite part!!....okay, we're a little silly but it sure was fun!!