Celebrations of All Sorts

Our neighbor, Tony, is a high energy guy, full of ideas.  He has done some nice things for us since we've been here.  So when Tony came to Layne with a Christmas idea, Layne wouldn't do anything to discourage him.  Tony wanted to place a large, lighted star somewhere on our hill.  Layne agreed that it would be a great idea.  So Tony bought all the materials needed and asked Layne to build it.  Normally Layne would attempt to get out of yet another project.  But this was Tony.  So he took on the task and now the star rests atop a pole in the field in front of our house.  I love it!  It can be seen from the highway near our road and, hopefully, adds a little sparkle to those who notice it.  All in our little valley can see it as they drive down our road.  A star is a little thing but we are celebrating it.  This never would have happened without Tony!

Our daughter Audrey had her gall bladder surgery last Monday.  She came home Tuesday.  The surgery was routine, as we hoped it would be.  Signs are good for a full recovery very soon.  It's wonderful to live at a time when so many discomforts and physical problems can be solved relatively easily.  She is out of pain and loving it.  This is a little bigger thing to celebrate.

Our star at night

Our Christmasy front door

While she was struggling with her gall bladder she asked me to teach her seminary class.  I found it surprisingly pleasurable.  Not that her students were ready and open but that reviewing the material was joyful, as I once again pieced together gospel history that I take great pleasure in knowing.  My first day with her students was the "honeymoon" day, when they are too interested in a new personality to cause much challenge.  The second day however, the honeymoon was over.  Still, they responded to some of the ideas presented.  Sometimes I weary of trying to teach teenagers.  They must be "won" before they are willing to open themselves to you.  They can be great or difficult, depending upon the situation and the day.

Our son Reed has been out of a job since November.  He's been through several series of interviews and just finished another series last week.  We've been praying for a job offer for weeks.  We are celebrating once again, as, HE GOT A JOB!  He'll begin working for Bank of the West this next week.  What a sweet relief as he has a big family to support.  As soon and the deal was sealed, he and Dorothy went shopping!

I sometimes think we, as a culture, have become too accustomed to being entertained rather than taking responsibility for our own experiences and fun.  So when I was asked to work with two other ladies to come up with entertainment for our ward social, I suggested that we have everyone participate in some way.  We dreamed up a nativity scenario that included all in attendance and it seemed to work well.  There was a happy lingering after the party was over.  One of my theories about that is that, if there is a good spirit present, people are not in a hurry to leave it.  I think that happened last night at our ward social.  It made me happy to see it.

Layne gives his fifth blessing tonight!