Marriage is like music
Both
are playing different
instruments and different parts,
but
as long as you're playing
from the same sheet music,
you
can create something
beautiful.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
"Who Is This?!"
Dear Son in Laws,
The air conditioning guy, carrying a loaded tool box like it was a basket of feathers, paid me a scheduled visit this morning. (We still get warranty calls about every 6 months.) I never know who will show up; it's always someone different than before, so I am always cautious when I'm alone. He was a big dude with short light hair, blue eyes, clear skin, and about your ages. We visited about the units and he went about his business to check things out.
After a few minutes I heard him come upstairs and in an excited voice say, "Who is this?!" I turned around to see him close to frantically pointing to a photo of you on the shelf against the stairs. I proudly informed him it was my son in law, expecting to hear of his knowing you. And since he was so interested, I went on to give him your whole name, upon which he almost didn't believe me. He was a little disappointed to learn your photo was not Tom Cruise . . . As he puttered out the front door, shaking his head in disbelief, I heard his voice fade out again and again, "He looks just like Tome Cruise! He looks just like Tom Cruise!"
I wandered over to the shelf to see for myself and realized he was pointing to the other of you than I had originally thought.
To one of you, you are our new claim to fame Tom Cruise-look-alike-son in law. . . to the other, this dude now knows your full name . . . Walk softly and carry a bigger toolbox!
The air conditioning guy, carrying a loaded tool box like it was a basket of feathers, paid me a scheduled visit this morning. (We still get warranty calls about every 6 months.) I never know who will show up; it's always someone different than before, so I am always cautious when I'm alone. He was a big dude with short light hair, blue eyes, clear skin, and about your ages. We visited about the units and he went about his business to check things out.
After a few minutes I heard him come upstairs and in an excited voice say, "Who is this?!" I turned around to see him close to frantically pointing to a photo of you on the shelf against the stairs. I proudly informed him it was my son in law, expecting to hear of his knowing you. And since he was so interested, I went on to give him your whole name, upon which he almost didn't believe me. He was a little disappointed to learn your photo was not Tom Cruise . . . As he puttered out the front door, shaking his head in disbelief, I heard his voice fade out again and again, "He looks just like Tome Cruise! He looks just like Tom Cruise!"
I wandered over to the shelf to see for myself and realized he was pointing to the other of you than I had originally thought.
To one of you, you are our new claim to fame Tom Cruise-look-alike-son in law. . . to the other, this dude now knows your full name . . . Walk softly and carry a bigger toolbox!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
"Whew!"
I teach piano to an elementary school girl. She comes every week with a positive attitude, usually with a story to tell about her week. She is kind and considerate, and wears a big smile. She is progressing, alright, but most weeks I sense her mind wandering. When a student doesn't look at the music when you're explaining something, that is a red flag.
The problem I have discovered, is not her. It is me. I'm not that much different from the norm. Everybody likes to be accepted, don't they? Being a teacher, it's nice to know your students think you're OK. There are a few positive signs however, like looking at the music, that are important when you're trying to learn a piece. But this girl's eyes, most weeks are not on the music. Two guesses where they are . . . .
Like an owl, her neck slowly turns her head towards me and then she stares.
I pretend to carry on without the distraction. But how do you ignore when you know someone is looking at you for whatever reason? And then my mind wanders. What is she looking at? Did I miss my lips again with my fast application of lipstick? Is there a hair, or heaven forbid something else in my nose? Do I have a comb over? Did I miss my top buttons? Is she comparing me to her great grandmother?
Yesterday it happened again. I lost her. She slowly turned her head to me, but this time she spoke.
"Mrs. Clawson . . . Do you wear contacts?"
As I looked back at her over my spectacles , I answered, "Nope."
Then she said. . . . ."Because your eyes are SO blue."
I politely thanked her and heaved a sigh of relief. How about that? I think I just got a compliment when I expected the worst. There's a lesson in there somewhere. . .
"Whew!"
The problem I have discovered, is not her. It is me. I'm not that much different from the norm. Everybody likes to be accepted, don't they? Being a teacher, it's nice to know your students think you're OK. There are a few positive signs however, like looking at the music, that are important when you're trying to learn a piece. But this girl's eyes, most weeks are not on the music. Two guesses where they are . . . .
Like an owl, her neck slowly turns her head towards me and then she stares.
I pretend to carry on without the distraction. But how do you ignore when you know someone is looking at you for whatever reason? And then my mind wanders. What is she looking at? Did I miss my lips again with my fast application of lipstick? Is there a hair, or heaven forbid something else in my nose? Do I have a comb over? Did I miss my top buttons? Is she comparing me to her great grandmother?
Yesterday it happened again. I lost her. She slowly turned her head to me, but this time she spoke.
"Mrs. Clawson . . . Do you wear contacts?"
As I looked back at her over my spectacles , I answered, "Nope."
Then she said. . . . ."Because your eyes are SO blue."
I politely thanked her and heaved a sigh of relief. How about that? I think I just got a compliment when I expected the worst. There's a lesson in there somewhere. . .
"Whew!"
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Leaving "Home"
Yesterday was my last day of officially serving at the Mesa AZ temple. Starting in September, I have spent MANY wonderful early mornings there. The women I am surrounded by are each such a light and have taught me so much. I have been trained, shadowed, and befriended by the cream of the crop. Being new, there is so much to learn. Each sister gave me knowledge, from hands on to my heart. I think of the things I have learned and put a mental picture of that sister and her instruction in my mind every time. Sweet, sweet knowledge.
I also experienced heaven on earth as I was privileged to study inside. When I started, many quiet places were pointed out. But from the first day, I found my favorite study place in the youth center, behind the wall that led to the little boys' white dressing room, on a tiny stool. It was most peaceful, among the graduating sizes of little boys' white Sunday attire. I could lean back against the shelf, with small white neckties hanging to my side, and think. If you thought there was a more peaceful place in the temple, it couldn't have compared to the sweetness there. At this point in my temple life, I'll miss that place the most.
Being back after Christmas, I have reflected so much on the Mesa temple experience. It's like we're moving away from our house that we've lived in forever. We have to pack so many memories and precious belongings. It's overwhelming, the life we've experienced there. Randy and I were sealed there, as well as Carianne and Rusty, Julianne and Brenden, Gregg and Rachael, and Jeff and Vita. I have easily reflected, as if it were yesterday, being with them on those important days as I have served in so many of the same sacred places inside. From our Grandparents, to our parents, to family sealings, and first times through for missions . . . That temple has been a safe haven. And like any moving experience, I wonder how I can possibly keep things the same.
At our 6:30 AM prayer meeting, the brothers and sisters all squeezed into the chapel to be together one last time, just like each prayer meeting held each of the days and shifts this week. Messages were thoughtful and profound. We sat in the front and as they ask those who were going to the new Gilbert temple to stand, I turned around and saw at least 2/3 of our group on their feet. They spoke about changes. Good changes. This, as hard as it is, is a good change. We will move on. The experiences I have had and the people I have met there will be forever imprinted in my heart. And the experiences I have in the future will only be more grand because of what I learned there. I'm anxious and nervous, both. Anxious, because I'm ready to continue serving, even though it will be in a new temple; and nervous, because I'm leaving my "home". I am excited to experience the wonders of how it will change my life. That's the great thing about faith, it's all good. But the Mesa Temple will always be my favorite, and I intend to return there with fondness . . . especially to that little boys' white dressing room.
.
I also experienced heaven on earth as I was privileged to study inside. When I started, many quiet places were pointed out. But from the first day, I found my favorite study place in the youth center, behind the wall that led to the little boys' white dressing room, on a tiny stool. It was most peaceful, among the graduating sizes of little boys' white Sunday attire. I could lean back against the shelf, with small white neckties hanging to my side, and think. If you thought there was a more peaceful place in the temple, it couldn't have compared to the sweetness there. At this point in my temple life, I'll miss that place the most.
Being back after Christmas, I have reflected so much on the Mesa temple experience. It's like we're moving away from our house that we've lived in forever. We have to pack so many memories and precious belongings. It's overwhelming, the life we've experienced there. Randy and I were sealed there, as well as Carianne and Rusty, Julianne and Brenden, Gregg and Rachael, and Jeff and Vita. I have easily reflected, as if it were yesterday, being with them on those important days as I have served in so many of the same sacred places inside. From our Grandparents, to our parents, to family sealings, and first times through for missions . . . That temple has been a safe haven. And like any moving experience, I wonder how I can possibly keep things the same.
At our 6:30 AM prayer meeting, the brothers and sisters all squeezed into the chapel to be together one last time, just like each prayer meeting held each of the days and shifts this week. Messages were thoughtful and profound. We sat in the front and as they ask those who were going to the new Gilbert temple to stand, I turned around and saw at least 2/3 of our group on their feet. They spoke about changes. Good changes. This, as hard as it is, is a good change. We will move on. The experiences I have had and the people I have met there will be forever imprinted in my heart. And the experiences I have in the future will only be more grand because of what I learned there. I'm anxious and nervous, both. Anxious, because I'm ready to continue serving, even though it will be in a new temple; and nervous, because I'm leaving my "home". I am excited to experience the wonders of how it will change my life. That's the great thing about faith, it's all good. But the Mesa Temple will always be my favorite, and I intend to return there with fondness . . . especially to that little boys' white dressing room.
.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
BLESS THEIR HEARTS!!!
Yes. Miracles DO come true. This was the first year of many that I did not participate in organizing the orchestra for Tempe South Stake's Messiah. Each year 2 of our 4 (3, including Rachael) have given no guff, as they have claimed a spot in their sections. This year, as I bowed out, I was relieved for them. It would be the first year in many they would have no pressure from me.
Along came the weekend of the performance and as if I was in a fog, I heard Rachael's voice say, "Did you know that Gregg is playing in the Messiah?" I turned around in disbelief to see Gregg standing behind me with a big grin on his face. I couldn't hug him fast enough! Gregg happens to work with the director this year, so he had an in (without Rachael, because someone had to watch Francie). And it turned out that Carianne was the instigator. She devised this Christmas surprise and would be playing also. Wow! Imagine that?
But the shocker came Saturday morning (as we lazily basque in the joy of finally having Julianne and Brended here from Utah, arriving the night before) when in walked Jeff. All ready to start his day. No Vita. No Henry. It's always great to see the "kids" (no matter how little or big). But in a confused voice, I couldn't help saying, "Hey Jeff! . . .What are you doing?" He continued at his focused pace, greeting all who sat around. Then I heard the words, "I came to pick up my bass." NoWwwway! Pinch me! But it was true. and he couldn't run away fast enough before the hugs began. Usually there is one or maybe two basses, but this year there would be six. That was an easy decision for him, a little rust wouldn't show. It was tempting for Julianne, too.
But that Carianne. She knew the needs from friends that would miss her. And, there would be plenty of seats to fill. It thrilled me to see each of them fall in line together. That just plain doesn't happen very often. But I can't give all the credit to them. When you are single and fancy free, your life is all about you. Now they are all married with spouses and families of their own. Their choices now are a team effort. I have to thank Rusty, Vita, and Rachael for their support!
This Christmas, I'm permanently marking my happiness card to read: THANK-YOU!!! I'll never forget it!
I Love You All
Mom
Along came the weekend of the performance and as if I was in a fog, I heard Rachael's voice say, "Did you know that Gregg is playing in the Messiah?" I turned around in disbelief to see Gregg standing behind me with a big grin on his face. I couldn't hug him fast enough! Gregg happens to work with the director this year, so he had an in (without Rachael, because someone had to watch Francie). And it turned out that Carianne was the instigator. She devised this Christmas surprise and would be playing also. Wow! Imagine that?
But the shocker came Saturday morning (as we lazily basque in the joy of finally having Julianne and Brended here from Utah, arriving the night before) when in walked Jeff. All ready to start his day. No Vita. No Henry. It's always great to see the "kids" (no matter how little or big). But in a confused voice, I couldn't help saying, "Hey Jeff! . . .What are you doing?" He continued at his focused pace, greeting all who sat around. Then I heard the words, "I came to pick up my bass." NoWwwway! Pinch me! But it was true. and he couldn't run away fast enough before the hugs began. Usually there is one or maybe two basses, but this year there would be six. That was an easy decision for him, a little rust wouldn't show. It was tempting for Julianne, too.
But that Carianne. She knew the needs from friends that would miss her. And, there would be plenty of seats to fill. It thrilled me to see each of them fall in line together. That just plain doesn't happen very often. But I can't give all the credit to them. When you are single and fancy free, your life is all about you. Now they are all married with spouses and families of their own. Their choices now are a team effort. I have to thank Rusty, Vita, and Rachael for their support!
This Christmas, I'm permanently marking my happiness card to read: THANK-YOU!!! I'll never forget it!
I Love You All
Mom
They really do take awesome photos, but I can never resist this pose!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
SURPRISE!
2014 can't continue without documenting Randy's 60th birth day. We succeeded in completely surprising him with a party. It was held on Nov. 27 at the Corona ball field ramada. The next day would be Thanksgiving, so we plugged in a party the night before, since most of his siblings would already be here. Invitations, decorations, banners, tagboard face images on sticks of Randy's changing stages, a tiered hostess treat cake, a "roasting", were all lovingly produced by each of our good children. We were treated with fresh fry bread and beans, etc. ("etc." being the key word!) The best part was that he was indeed surprised, even though he had every opportunity to put some strange pieces together!
On December 22, he officially turned 60. Again, there was a wonderful dinner planned at Carianne's, and every child and grandchild rallied around. It was also the night of the Messiah, where we claimed 3 of the participants! Happy Day!
On December 22, he officially turned 60. Again, there was a wonderful dinner planned at Carianne's, and every child and grandchild rallied around. It was also the night of the Messiah, where we claimed 3 of the participants! Happy Day!
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