oh, jacky...

Jack, Jacker, Jacksters, Jackaroo. He is my little man. What an exuberant fellow he is! When he's happy, man oh man is he an affectionate kiddo. He comes at life passionately, to put it mildly...

Yesterday, we're at Borders. "Mom, can I have a present?' "No, Jacky."

A few minutes later, "Mom, can Grant have a present?" "No, sorry, bud. Christmas is over and I don't have money for presents right now."

Again, a few minutes later, " Mom!!" (and let me be clear here, when Jack wants my or anyone's attention, he means business. LOUD and clear!) "Mom, do we still have some cookies?"

"Yes, bud."

"Well Mom, I don't need money. I'll just get Grant his present... with cookies!

I love him.

feelin' patriotic

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship."

I felt almost electric with chills today as I listened to Obama's inaugural address. I was proud to be a citizen of this great nation as I sat with Grant and tried to explain the magnitude of this historic day while we watched together. Whether or not you voted for him, don't you feel that this nation will be galvanized and refreshed as new challenges and opportunities are presented? I do. I look toward the future with hope and a curious sense of promise.

for the man

Happy Birthday to the love of my life. It's been fifteen years to the day since our first date! And I've been in love for a long, long time. Thanks, Nate, for making every day, even the hard ones, sweet.

Caroline is 2 months!

la-dee-da... here is our little babe at 2 months. How time flies! She continues to be such a happy, good baby... so tolerant of all the commotion, and very expressive. She is a joy! It's interesting what three kids (and the fact that it's freezing outside) will do to you! I used to go insane if I didn't leave the house at least once a day. Now, I'll do anything to avoid it! Grocery shopping online, check. (Hey, with free delivery, who wouldn't?) Have Nate run to CVS on his way home, check. Carpool as much as possible to preschool and praise the school bus, check.

So why is it that my days just seem to zip by?

musings on 2009

In lieu of a rambling list of half-kept resolutions, I have decided this year to incorporate a theme of sorts that can become my mantra for 2009. Thanks, Elise, for inspiring this brilliant idea.

My "theme" this year stems from a talk that President Monson gave in his most recent address. He spoke of finding joy in the present, day-to-day occurrances; joy in the "little things." I reread this talk about a week after Caroline was born, and I remember vividly the events of the subsequent night: Nate was working the night float that week, and my mom was asleep in the basement (so that at least ONE of us could be rested!) In the course of that particular evening, Caroline was up two or three times and a little fussy, Jack wet his bed and was sad, and Grant had a couple of bad dreams and was frantically in and out of my bed. But, somehow through the course of that night, the words from President Monson's talk floated around in my head: "Enjoy those sleepless nights, those piles of laundry, because they won't be there forever, and will be sorely missed." I thought to myself, "Well, at least I am extremely popular this evening! Three sweet little people certainly are vying for my attention and love!" And the thought made a potentially twilight-zone kind of experience one that I will now treasure.

So. As 2009 begins, I want to focus on "finding joy... now." I know I can incorporate this into every aspect of my life. Obviously, finding joy in putting my little people first, and enjoying each day with them, will be my main focus. But also, finding joy in lung-searing, gut-wrenching exercise as I work towards specific fitness goals and races. Finding joy in witnessing my students' progress and love of music grow, and finding joy in knowing that there are times and seasons for everything, even if now is not the season to be focusing on my own performing. Finding joy in the time I have with Nate, even if it is limited, and making the most of our time together. Finding joy in the changing of seasons. Finding joy in the company of great friends.

You get the picture. Wish me luck! I look forward to a more optimistic outlook, and the promise of a bright 2009...