This is Good News

Good news all around. While keeping busy at home this cold, spring day I received a phone call from my youngest sister, Elena, who lives in Arizona. It's always good to hear from her and today she called with surprising news.

Her 15 yr old son, Brody, has been talking to his father, Scott, for many years about his desire to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Scott is not a member this church and didn't want Brody rushing into anything. However, in the past he promised Brody he could be baptized when he is older, mature enough to know what he would be getting involved in.

Brody's been patiently waiting to reach that age, eager to receive the priesthood and participate fully in the Church. When he started high school last August he began attending early-morning seminary. He gets up without any encouragement from his mom or dad and shows up for class every morning. For those of you who attend seminary during the school day, count your lucky stars. Early-morning seminary begins at 6:00 AM every school day.

Recently, Brody approached his dad and started a discussion regarding his wish to "do more" at church. He wants to be ordained a Teacher in the Aaronic priesthood and receive more responsibility. Well.....

Scott gave his permission. This happy news brought tears to my eyes. Scott doesn't know that he is part of a miracle. Prayers have been answered and testimonies strengthened. Elena and Scott are raising a first-rate son and I am proud to be his Auntie Anna.

Barry is 50

My brother, Barry, turned 50 on March 15. He lives in a small rural town in southern Virginia about 100 miles down the road. My dad, Murray and I drove to that small town and met him for lunch. I always enjoy that drive. It meanders through some of the prettiest countryside you will ever see in Virginia. It's also the same path my dad drove when we went to visit my grandparents during my childhood.

Barry will always be older than me, so I'm keeping an eye on how his 50th year treats him. I'm not far behind and I hope it's a jolly good year for him. My Dad's older brother, Jack, showed up to join in the festivities and we enjoyed sharing memories of all those trips to my grandparents. Uncle Jack lived next door to the grandparents. A lot of our time was spent at his house with our cousins during those visits. Oh, the stories we could tell but didn't. It was a good weekend all around.

And It's a Boy!

My backyard borders a locally owned farm. Just inside the fence of my backyard neighbor's property, a calf was born this morning. Here you see the first steps as the momma cow pushes her baby up off the ground and encourages it to walk. Pictures taken approximately 15 minutes after the birth. There was a whole lot of hollerin' goin' on by the momma. I can't say as I blame her.

Snow Day Activities

Snow days are a favorite around here. We are having our third snow day today. I receive a text message informing me that schools have been cancelled before it's announced on the local news. How do I manage that you ask? Look here.

Almost anything goes on a snow day. We sleep in and have a lazy day. The TV is on all day which is the best part of a snow day. In our house there is absolutely no TV allowed by those under the age of 20 on a school day. We take a nap, play games, eat junk food and drink sodas. Emma can do all of these activities from one location.

She positions herself in my bed and plugs in her laptop. Plays a few of her favorite games and simultaneously logs on to facebook to chat with her peeps. Her cell phone is just a short reach away on the nightstand next to her snacks and soda. The TV, of course, is on because it's not a school day.

I let her sleep as long as she wants, something growing teens need. Besides, early-morning seminary starts next school year. I'm all for stocking up for next year's deprivation. That's her there somewhere among the pillows and her long hair.

A pan of warm brownies are a must on a snow day. Emma likes the center piece. She leaves the rest for us.
Her bed remains unmade, her dirty laundry is still in the hamper and we haven't come close to eating from the four food groups but we stoked the home fires and laughed together. Every day should be this good.