Whew...

Things are starting to settle down a bit here at the homestead. The yard work is WORK. But making progress! 'Hard to believe that Rudy will be here in 7 days. And THE wedding is in only 12 days! 'Wish I didn't have school (the BYU variety) for 2 1/2 more weeks. But the midterm went well, (my 88 ended up being 2nd highest score. But remember there are only 9 of us in the class!)and I have had so much fun learning about power point (with Kryn's help) for 2 presentations I have to do in the next 15 days... :)

So...I got (with Devon's help) the last general conference onto my sleek, stylin' IPOD! My drives to Provo are almost not long enough now! hehehe

My first date with Rudy was to a Last Lecture series talk by Truman Madsen. Truman Madsen died this week. Brilliant man...

This month's book in book club was The Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox. A quote from that book:

"Christ doesn't just make UP the difference, He makes ALL the difference. He requires us to repent, but not as part of paying justice -- only as part of helping us to change... Jesus already bought the whole bike. The few coins He asks from me are not so much to help pay for the bike, but rather to help me appreciate it, value it, and use it correctly."

The Church is true!

9 1/2 years later...

I closed a long chapter of my life this week. Thursday was my last day at Mt. Loafer Elementary school. After many voices of dissent, it was decided that the school would NOT sell the pianos. Next year there will be a limited experience for some students with the pianos. The "hope" is that in another year or two, the piano lab - as we've known it - can be reinstated. My fear is that it won't happen. But it's been a great ride. In the last few weeks, it's been neat to hear students, parents, AND teachers express appreciation for what we've had at Mt. Loafer for these past 9 1/2 years...

'tis May

Yep, it's May. May 21st is going to be a day for celebrating for more reasons than one! I have 11 more days until my recitals and 18 days until I'm done at Mt. Loafer. 'Kinda too bad I had to start my BYU class last week. It HAS added scrunch. But on paper, it looks like everything's going to work out.

Maybe some of you don't know that BYU denied me admission for fall semester, when I had planned to take my last 3 classes. Because I am a post-grad student, I can only take classes spring or summer terms or in the evenings. I can't do any more "evening" classes 'cause I have to teach piano lessons in the afternoons. So, with the support of my principal, I started one class at BYU a week ago, and will take Stats and Research at UVU in the fall...

Gregan asked that I share what volunteer "gigs" I ended up with. For my Intro to Social Work class (a repeat...) I need 20 hours of volunteer work with a selected social services agency. I have FIVE agencies I have committed 20 hours to each. And I will get double or triple that with 3 of them.

Canary Garden - every Monday night. Facilitate one of the grief support groups for families who have lost loved ones.

LDS Family Services - do intakes of new clients and make reminder calls. May start facilitating a support group for parents of early-released missionaries on Wednesday nights.

Wasatch Mental Health - help with classes that teach (re-teach) skills to mentally ill adults.

Family Support and Treatment Center - help care for children in the "nursery" whose parents need respite help.

Rape victim advocacy - this requires a 40 hour training for 2 weeks in June after which I will be on call for a 48-hour stint once a month to give support to rape victims at the hospital or police setting.

'Lest you think I'm REALLY crazy, I am doing only 2 or 3 of these at any given time. :)

I have to say it is very fun to have Kryn and Keaton home - even for a spell. It's just nice to have other bodies in the house. They are very entertaining... :)

Jaron, good luck this week!!! Have you sold your stuff? Take care and keep everyone in the loop as you make your move to Paris...

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. Mother Teresa

The Church is true!