Why We Love Georgetown

On Saturday, just after we celebrated Thanksgiving with our family, Demarise and I headed to Walmart in Georgetown to stock up on some weekend essetials (chips and chocolate). As we walked into the store we were greeted by two associates and a manager. Surprised at all the attention I said "Don't worry people, we're here to shop". To which the manager replied "Good, you're the first customers we've seen in an hour!"

And that is just one of the reasons we love Georgetown.

Best Calling Ever

Today was my first day of my second time teaching Seminary. I am so excited! At the beginning of September, the stake had a meeting for all of the seminary students in the Brampton area. Because those students who attend Mayfield Secondary School don't need to be at school until 8am, one of the parents suggested changing the time for seminary from 6:10am to 6:45am. It quickly became apparent that this wouldn't work because of the number of students that needed to be at school earlier. However, Brother McMullen agreed to talk to the Stake President about a later class for the Mayfield (and other late start schools) students. When Brother McMullen left the chapel, I did something I've never done before. I followed him out and volunteered for the calling. I realize that in the Church we neither seek nor decline a call from the Lord. But I love seminary and I just couldn't hold myself back.

Well, it worked and today was my first day. I have 13 fantastic students (including 2 of my own children). We're studying the Doctrine and Covenants and I couldn't be happier to be back doing the best calling in the Church!

Comfort Food

I was working away in my home office a couple of weeks ago when I realized it was lunch time. Generally that would be cause for celebration as I anticipated the wonderful lunch Demarise would bring to me. There would be a delicious sandwich with just the right toppings and dressing to make it perfect. Probably a couple of slices of cheese on the side and some kind of nutritious snack.

But this day was different... Demarise wasn't home. I quickly went over my options. I could run into town and grab something at McDonalds, but that would take too long and cost too much. I could pretend I was fasting and just wait for dinner, but I was too hungry. I could fill up on junk food. That would have worked when I was younger, but now my body wants nutrition. Or, I could make something myself.

Resigned to the fact that I would need to feed myself, I headed into the kitchen. I opened the fridge hoping for leftovers I could warm up. Nothing. I opened the pantry looking for something quick and easy. I found a can of tomato soup and decided I could handle that. I read the instructions carefully and began my meal preparation. About halfway through the soup warming (stirring constantly) I decided to make a grilled cheese sandwich to go along with my meal. (I learned how to make grilled cheese on my mission).

Finally after completing my meal, I sat down to eat. As I began to eat, dipping my sandwich in the soup, I was overcome with an incredible feeling of well being and comfort. The warm soup caressed my throat as it slowly made it's way to my stomach and the crispy goodness of the grilled cheese sandwich seemed to relieve the stress of the day with every bite. My breathing became slower and more relaxed, my muscles released the tension of the day, and I was filled with gratitude for the blessings in my life. I realized, at once, that I had found my comfort food.

This experience had such an impact on me that I called my Mom to ask her if she used to feed my tomato soup and grilled cheese. And of course, she did, all the time. I think it's amazing that something as simple as a familiar food, or smell can trigger such feelings of peace, comfort and contentment. How wonderful that God allows us to revisit times of joy, happiness and simplicity when our world seems difficult, complicated and stressful.

The Mighty Hunter

All is well as our hero types away feverishly on his keyboard, completely focused and intent on the task at hand. Suddenly, the peace is shattered by an all too familiar sound. Abruptly he stops his typing and inclines his head slightly to the right. He hears the sound again and confirms to himself that his old enemy has returned. In a flash he is up from his chair. Instinctively his hand goes to his weapon. It's time to end this rivalry once and for all!

The hunt begins. It moves over moor and mountain, across streams and valleys (or at least from living room to kitchen). After tracking his prey throughout the main floor, it makes a critical error and enters the downstairs bathroom. As the hunter closes the door he speaks to his worthy opponent: "I'm sorry my friend, you've made a terrible mistake. There is no way out of this room for you now." And then in a sickening moment, it's done. On the floor lies the crumpled mass of a once proud and mighty....fly.

Future Cirque de Soleil?

I snapped this picture this morning. It was Ethan's turn to make the lunches and apparently he thought there might be some special treats in the top cupboard! What do you think, does he have a future with Cirque de Soleil?

My Dog Hates Me

Because we don't have cable or satellite, Demarise took the boys down to Danny and Linda's so they could watch the world cup games this weekend, (Go Germany!) leaving Lauryn and me alone at home with Sariah (our dog).

Whenever the dog has to stay at home she's bitter. She's always considered herself a human and doesn't understand why she doesn't get to go everywhere we go.

And when I'm the only one home, it's worse. She treats me like I'm the reason everyone else left. Like something I did drove them away. She won't eat. She won't go outside. She won't even look at me except for the occasional glance to let me know how much she despises me. She just stays in the boys room and sulks, UNTIL she notices me starting to clean up the house. That's how she knows that Demarise is on her way home. As soon as I start cleaning, she parks herself in by the front door in anticipation of the return to the only person she really loves, Demarise.

Finally, when she hears the car coming up the driveway, she acts like a brand new puppy, barking and running around until they all come through the door. And after everything has settled down and Dem and I sit down on the couch to catch up, she jumps up on Dem's lap, settles in for some affection and looks at me as if to say: "You're lucky they came home buddy!"

It's not easy being Ed...