Years ago I went to girls camp as a 2nd year councilor. My experience was not very...pleasant. When we got home I told Mom that I wasn't going back until I was married. I figured a married woman got a lot more respect. Well, I think Mom remembered my saying that. I got married and, sure enough, the very next summer I got a call from her. To be honest, I was delighted. I was no longer in her stake, but they were very short of councilors and if they didn't mind, I didn't mind.
I was really looking forward to camp. I was given the 4th years and that meant a 13 mile hike. Brock and I put ourselves through at least one hike a week until I left for camp. I was ready. I had everything I needed for the hike (an overnight with backpacks), being a councilor (bringing extra everything) and for camp itself. I loaded Brock's car with gear and gas and left at 6:30 AM on a Monday morning. (Camp lasted a week: Monday thru Saturday)
Camp was both a truly wonderful experience that I wouldn't trade for anything and completely exhausting. My girls were all very sweet, the hike was fabulous, everyone was helpful, and the programs and classes were inspired. On the other hand, I got almost no sleep, my calves are rock hard now (I walked across camp five or six hundred times a day looking for stray girls), and my girls seemed to tumble into trouble wherever they went.
If I wasn't talking the JS girls out of giving them extra capers, I was explaining why they were late to a class, or shielding them from the wrath of the kitchen staff. They loved each other, me, camp, and were very obedient, but they just couldn't seem to stay where they were supposed to...out of trouble. I loved them, but they made me tired.
The last night of camp was my breaking point. I had hoped I could restrain my homesickness until I got home the next day, but then I got sick and it all came out in torrents. Mom was there with me and, because I was sick, suggested Brock hitch a ride up to camp the next morning and drive me home. We used the "emergencies only" phone line and got ahold of him. He said he'd be there, and instead of calming down, I broke down. Hearing his voice after a week of never seeing or hearing him was too much. I was hysterical and I hope I never cry like that again. Mom got me to my tent without anyone seeing us and I was calm again when the girls came in to bed. I can never be grateful enough to her for that. Well, Brock came the next morning and in no time we were down the mountain and home. I got the first real shower I'd had in a week and a lovely long nap. I love camp, but I don't think I'll do it again for a while.
I got an email from one of my good friends in my own ward soon after I got back. She said our stake was going to camp the next week, why wasn't I going? I laughed and laughed. Maybe next year, when I've got a grip on myself and won't have a nervous breakdown from being away from my husband for a few days. After all, it was our first time apart in over a year.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Calling all Kids
When we moved into Palo Alto Second ward (just weeks after we were married) they gave us a few months grace before they handed us our callings. Luckily enough, we ended up with two joint callings. "The Lyles" were in charge of Leading the music in Sacrament Meeting and in Primary. We both love music and absolutely love being together, so we were thrilled. After the first few weeks the Nursery staff came to us and basically begged us to come in for the last fifteen or twenty minutes of the day and teach music to the nursery kids. No problem, we said, and we have had a dull Sunday since.
We trade off duties. If Brock leads for Sacrament, then I do opening exercises in Primary (and vice versa). I teach the little ones in Jr. Primary and Brock gets the Sr. kids, which suits us both. In Primary we have developed a board game for the kids that they play every week Sr. verses Jr. Primary. The theme this year in Primary is Rainbow, so we used that theme in our game and the end of the board is a pot of gold. They get to go a space for every song they sing well and go back a space if they get rowdy. They've gone back plenty of times, but they're still almost done and then we'll start it over. It works wonderfully.
I was trained as a grade-school teacher (meaning 1st through 3rd grades) and I'm not very comfortable with the older kids. Brock has a more thorough grasp of music theory, which the older kids enjoy learning, and his attitude is more professional, which impresses them. I like teaching with games and energy, but the older kids need facts and energy. Brock loves it.
Some of the kids in Primary make us laugh and laugh. The sunbeams are darling and do their best, blushing when you give them any attention. A few of the older kids have a little too much energy and absolutely cannot sit still, but they're always super bright and know all the words, so you can't complain. What really makes me laugh about the little ones is the way they practically shriek the words when I ask them to be louder. Yikes!
The big kids can get pretty sarcastic and are sharp enough to catch every mistake you make. Still, they have grown less sarcastic as they have gotten to know us and they don't mind our mistakes as long as we are willing to admit it when they happen. They love to lead the music and practice with us for every song, so sometimes Brock will call one of them up to lead the next one. They sing so well, it's hard to believe they are all under twelve years old. What a talented ward!
In nursery we've tried a lot of things. Some work and some don't, but most of the time everything goes pretty well. The little ones love it when Brock brings his guitar (the big favorite it 10 bears on the bed). I introduced the Hokey-pokey, which they enjoy. We also try to teach them a few basic primary songs, so when they graduate they'll be ready to sing with us. They've learned the Sunbeam song, I am a Child of God, Hello Hello, and Do as I'm doing.
These guys are so cute! One little boy, who is too young to either sit still or speak in sentences, loves to watch us sing and interjects a word now and then. When we announce the next song is "Itsy Bitsy Spider" he runs to the mush-pot of the circle and delightedly repeats "'pider!" They all do the motions to every song (or at least smile happily at us as we do them) and no one likes to be left out of ring-around-a-rosy. You should see the circle! Three leaders and about ten kids, all trying to hold one to each other and not fall down too soon. Of course, they all do, but you have to give them credit for trying to stay up.
We really, really love our Callings!
We trade off duties. If Brock leads for Sacrament, then I do opening exercises in Primary (and vice versa). I teach the little ones in Jr. Primary and Brock gets the Sr. kids, which suits us both. In Primary we have developed a board game for the kids that they play every week Sr. verses Jr. Primary. The theme this year in Primary is Rainbow, so we used that theme in our game and the end of the board is a pot of gold. They get to go a space for every song they sing well and go back a space if they get rowdy. They've gone back plenty of times, but they're still almost done and then we'll start it over. It works wonderfully.
I was trained as a grade-school teacher (meaning 1st through 3rd grades) and I'm not very comfortable with the older kids. Brock has a more thorough grasp of music theory, which the older kids enjoy learning, and his attitude is more professional, which impresses them. I like teaching with games and energy, but the older kids need facts and energy. Brock loves it.
Some of the kids in Primary make us laugh and laugh. The sunbeams are darling and do their best, blushing when you give them any attention. A few of the older kids have a little too much energy and absolutely cannot sit still, but they're always super bright and know all the words, so you can't complain. What really makes me laugh about the little ones is the way they practically shriek the words when I ask them to be louder. Yikes!
The big kids can get pretty sarcastic and are sharp enough to catch every mistake you make. Still, they have grown less sarcastic as they have gotten to know us and they don't mind our mistakes as long as we are willing to admit it when they happen. They love to lead the music and practice with us for every song, so sometimes Brock will call one of them up to lead the next one. They sing so well, it's hard to believe they are all under twelve years old. What a talented ward!
In nursery we've tried a lot of things. Some work and some don't, but most of the time everything goes pretty well. The little ones love it when Brock brings his guitar (the big favorite it 10 bears on the bed). I introduced the Hokey-pokey, which they enjoy. We also try to teach them a few basic primary songs, so when they graduate they'll be ready to sing with us. They've learned the Sunbeam song, I am a Child of God, Hello Hello, and Do as I'm doing.
These guys are so cute! One little boy, who is too young to either sit still or speak in sentences, loves to watch us sing and interjects a word now and then. When we announce the next song is "Itsy Bitsy Spider" he runs to the mush-pot of the circle and delightedly repeats "'pider!" They all do the motions to every song (or at least smile happily at us as we do them) and no one likes to be left out of ring-around-a-rosy. You should see the circle! Three leaders and about ten kids, all trying to hold one to each other and not fall down too soon. Of course, they all do, but you have to give them credit for trying to stay up.
We really, really love our Callings!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
The Bar...Again
Brock was terribly nervous as the time for the Bar (round 2) approached. He found it difficult to concentrate because he was so nervous. He went to class, studied constantly, and had trouble sleeping. I wanted to help, but I just couldn't think of anything that I could do.
Probably the hardest part was how little time we could spend together. If he wasn't studying, he was thinking about how he should be studying. He even felt guilty about sleeping or eating. This went on for a while, but eventually we figured out I could help after all. Brock spent his study hours writing essays and reviewing flash cards. I was curious about his work, so I enjoyed quizing him with the cards and he found our resulting discussions helpful.
Looking back, we realized that just at the time we began studying together and Brock became more optimistic, we had started reading our scriptures together and praying every night. We could never have made it through that study period if we hadn't brought the spirit back into our home. Inspiration came just when we needed it.
Everywhere we went, we quized with the cards. We must have discussed every card at least three or four times, but that was fine becasue my memory isn't the best and his is like a sponge. The information was just as new to me on the fourth try as it was on the first, so I wasn't in bored at all, and he got to review everything until it stuck. And it did.
He was much calmer this time around. I think he just felt more prepared. He was writing essays until the minute the test began. Also, in his favor, the test was closer to home, so he didn't have to book a hotel and I could be with him through the whole thing. On the last day of the test, he walked in the house and smiled. He said, "I think it's done. I think I'm through."
We he ever right!
Probably the hardest part was how little time we could spend together. If he wasn't studying, he was thinking about how he should be studying. He even felt guilty about sleeping or eating. This went on for a while, but eventually we figured out I could help after all. Brock spent his study hours writing essays and reviewing flash cards. I was curious about his work, so I enjoyed quizing him with the cards and he found our resulting discussions helpful.
Looking back, we realized that just at the time we began studying together and Brock became more optimistic, we had started reading our scriptures together and praying every night. We could never have made it through that study period if we hadn't brought the spirit back into our home. Inspiration came just when we needed it.
Everywhere we went, we quized with the cards. We must have discussed every card at least three or four times, but that was fine becasue my memory isn't the best and his is like a sponge. The information was just as new to me on the fourth try as it was on the first, so I wasn't in bored at all, and he got to review everything until it stuck. And it did.
He was much calmer this time around. I think he just felt more prepared. He was writing essays until the minute the test began. Also, in his favor, the test was closer to home, so he didn't have to book a hotel and I could be with him through the whole thing. On the last day of the test, he walked in the house and smiled. He said, "I think it's done. I think I'm through."
We he ever right!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
The Three Hour Tour
Today Brock and I went hiking. I am going to young women's camp this year, and I'll be going on an overnight hike with the fourth years, so we have done our best lately to go on as many hikes as possible. Since camp is in a week, we have been increasing the difficulty of our trails. This time we took the ferry from Tiburon to Angel Island and hiked all the way around.
Just to make things a little more difficult for Brock, he ran a 5k (Olivia's Miles) this morning right before we headed for Tiburon. Poor kid! Still, he recovered and we set off. We packed sandwiches, water, and beef jerky, and made it in time for the noon ferry out to the island. The weather was a little overcast, but that was perfect. It would have been a little too bright and hot with the sun out.
We landed in time to hear about a mock Civil War cannon battle with a ship going on in a nearby bay. We raced to get there, but I think we missed the battle part. However, we did see one of the old cannons loaded and fired (Brock got a great picture!) From there we found the nearest trail and off we went. We hiked for a total of three hours and actually made it all the way around the island! We climbed almost all the way to the top of the mountain and switched trails a few times (including the fire road). In the end we found the switch-backs that took us back to the dock where our ferry was waiting.
We got a little sunburned and our feet were aching, but we were so proud of ourselves for making it all the way around the island.
Just to make things a little more difficult for Brock, he ran a 5k (Olivia's Miles) this morning right before we headed for Tiburon. Poor kid! Still, he recovered and we set off. We packed sandwiches, water, and beef jerky, and made it in time for the noon ferry out to the island. The weather was a little overcast, but that was perfect. It would have been a little too bright and hot with the sun out.
We landed in time to hear about a mock Civil War cannon battle with a ship going on in a nearby bay. We raced to get there, but I think we missed the battle part. However, we did see one of the old cannons loaded and fired (Brock got a great picture!) From there we found the nearest trail and off we went. We hiked for a total of three hours and actually made it all the way around the island! We climbed almost all the way to the top of the mountain and switched trails a few times (including the fire road). In the end we found the switch-backs that took us back to the dock where our ferry was waiting.
We got a little sunburned and our feet were aching, but we were so proud of ourselves for making it all the way around the island.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Valentines Day
For Valentines Day this year we scheduled a fabulous dinner. We knew it was going to fall in the week before Brock took the bar, so we couldn’t play all day. Brock felt bad about that, but with our busy schedules, even if he hadn’t been taking the bar, I don’t think we could have taken a whole day anyway. Besides the dinner was so amazing, that it was plenty for us to celebrate with.
For gifts, I gave Brock a cool little gadget that played nature sounds. It had a dozen different sounds (ocean, rain, rainforest, crickets, and even a heartbeat). Brock enjoyed it while he was studying and when we went to bed it was very soothing. He got me a stunning silver pendant set with an oval cut peridot (my birthstone). He gave it to me at dinner and I wore it all night. I also got flowers! Beautiful roses! Goodness, he spoils me!
We planned ahead and got a reservation at Spago in Palo Alto. It was packed and there were a lot of couples waiting with fingers crossed, hoping that someone would cancel their reservation. We had a nice table and the food was marvelous! Brock had a lobster bisque and steak. I had a salad and crab ravioli. For dessert I got a banana cream tart and Brock had a rich chocolate cake with ice cream. How decadent!
What a great memory for our first Valentines Day together. We have really gone all out in our first year together and we’ll have to be a little less extravagant toward each other from now on, but that’s okay. Honestly, we probably would have had just as perfect an evening if we had stayed home for dinner and just made cards for each other, but I don’t regret our lovely evening. Now and then it’s fun to be spoiled!
For gifts, I gave Brock a cool little gadget that played nature sounds. It had a dozen different sounds (ocean, rain, rainforest, crickets, and even a heartbeat). Brock enjoyed it while he was studying and when we went to bed it was very soothing. He got me a stunning silver pendant set with an oval cut peridot (my birthstone). He gave it to me at dinner and I wore it all night. I also got flowers! Beautiful roses! Goodness, he spoils me!
We planned ahead and got a reservation at Spago in Palo Alto. It was packed and there were a lot of couples waiting with fingers crossed, hoping that someone would cancel their reservation. We had a nice table and the food was marvelous! Brock had a lobster bisque and steak. I had a salad and crab ravioli. For dessert I got a banana cream tart and Brock had a rich chocolate cake with ice cream. How decadent!
What a great memory for our first Valentines Day together. We have really gone all out in our first year together and we’ll have to be a little less extravagant toward each other from now on, but that’s okay. Honestly, we probably would have had just as perfect an evening if we had stayed home for dinner and just made cards for each other, but I don’t regret our lovely evening. Now and then it’s fun to be spoiled!
Monday, June 05, 2006
A Pair of New Shoes
Brighton is a brand name belonging to a company called Leegin Leather. It is Privately owned by a man and his wife (Jerry and Terri Kohl). They own everything. Anyway, we found out that they were going to be in the Bay Area to open a new store and we hoped that he might stop in our store and say hi. I think Rowan asked him to come, but in any case, he DID stop by. He and his wife came on Friday afternoon and we had a full store.
At one point, while I was showing a customer some shoes, Jerry came up behind me and patted my shoulder. He said, “Hi there, young lady!” I said “Hello, Jerry!” and smiled. I have to admit that I was terribly nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Everything here was his! He listened to me selling some shoes and then asked me, “So, which is your favorite pair?”
We had each chosen a favorite pair that we would take to Hawaii. Mine was a glittery, white sandal that I called my “summer goddess” shoe. I showed it to him and explained it’s significance. He asked me if I had a pair. I replied that I did not. He demanded to know why. I told him that my husband had not yet passed the bar and until then I couldn’t get shoes.
Well, he pulled out his credit card and handed it to Rowan. He told her that I was now the owner of a pair of shoes. She looked at me in surprise and I, helpless, stared back. She went and wrote down the card number, then brought it back. She said we’d ring it up later. He thought about it and then announced that everyone working there today could have a pair of shoes!
When they were gone, everyone turned to me and asked, “What did you DO?” I told them what had happened, but, of course, we all knew it wasn’t anything I had done. Jerry was just so nice and generous. We all got to choose our favorite pair of Brighton shoes (which by the way, are super expensive and stunning!)
I actually didn’t get my “Hawaii” pair. I had chosen that as the shoe I would take to Hawaii. Well, I’m not going to Hawaii in the near future, so what good would that do me? I chose a very beautiful pair of coral colored heeled sandals, called “Patti.” They have a strap of coral and strap of cream and a silver buckle with tiny crystals in it. I love the shoe and I will always be able to remember that this pair of shoes was given to me personally, by Jerry Kohl, the owner of Brighton Collectibles.
At one point, while I was showing a customer some shoes, Jerry came up behind me and patted my shoulder. He said, “Hi there, young lady!” I said “Hello, Jerry!” and smiled. I have to admit that I was terribly nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Everything here was his! He listened to me selling some shoes and then asked me, “So, which is your favorite pair?”
We had each chosen a favorite pair that we would take to Hawaii. Mine was a glittery, white sandal that I called my “summer goddess” shoe. I showed it to him and explained it’s significance. He asked me if I had a pair. I replied that I did not. He demanded to know why. I told him that my husband had not yet passed the bar and until then I couldn’t get shoes.
Well, he pulled out his credit card and handed it to Rowan. He told her that I was now the owner of a pair of shoes. She looked at me in surprise and I, helpless, stared back. She went and wrote down the card number, then brought it back. She said we’d ring it up later. He thought about it and then announced that everyone working there today could have a pair of shoes!
When they were gone, everyone turned to me and asked, “What did you DO?” I told them what had happened, but, of course, we all knew it wasn’t anything I had done. Jerry was just so nice and generous. We all got to choose our favorite pair of Brighton shoes (which by the way, are super expensive and stunning!)
I actually didn’t get my “Hawaii” pair. I had chosen that as the shoe I would take to Hawaii. Well, I’m not going to Hawaii in the near future, so what good would that do me? I chose a very beautiful pair of coral colored heeled sandals, called “Patti.” They have a strap of coral and strap of cream and a silver buckle with tiny crystals in it. I love the shoe and I will always be able to remember that this pair of shoes was given to me personally, by Jerry Kohl, the owner of Brighton Collectibles.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Swearing in the Lawyer
Today at 10:30 am Brock was sworn in as a lawyer. Hooray! I got to go, so you get a full account of it.
I met him at his office at 9:15 and he was ready to go (he looked great in his suit and red power-tie!) One of the partners at the firm told us Brock would have to write a few checks (which the firm would reimburse), but neither of us had our checkbooks. This meant we had to back-track to the house and traffic was questionable. Oh well, we thought. We had to have the checkbook.
We made it to the conference center in Oakland just in time for the ceremony to begin. Brock managed to get the forms signed before he took his seat, but that was about it. There weren't a lot of people being sworn in-verification that they don't pass very many test-takers, I guess. There were many speakers (I lost count at 6), but they kept their remarks mercifully short. Brock couldn't believe how quick the whole ceremony was. I ran around the room (literally) taking pictures from every angle. Brock smiled at me, clapped at every interval, and repeated all the oaths. I was so proud I nearly burst.
When the ceremony was over, Brock and I went to finish his paperwork and found out he had to pay for the swearing-in via mail, so we didn't need the checkbook after all. Argh! Still, we got all the paperwork and collected handouts and directories. Then we had time for lunch, so we went to the conference center grill, which was quite nice. All in all it was wonderful and I am so proud of him.
I met him at his office at 9:15 and he was ready to go (he looked great in his suit and red power-tie!) One of the partners at the firm told us Brock would have to write a few checks (which the firm would reimburse), but neither of us had our checkbooks. This meant we had to back-track to the house and traffic was questionable. Oh well, we thought. We had to have the checkbook.
We made it to the conference center in Oakland just in time for the ceremony to begin. Brock managed to get the forms signed before he took his seat, but that was about it. There weren't a lot of people being sworn in-verification that they don't pass very many test-takers, I guess. There were many speakers (I lost count at 6), but they kept their remarks mercifully short. Brock couldn't believe how quick the whole ceremony was. I ran around the room (literally) taking pictures from every angle. Brock smiled at me, clapped at every interval, and repeated all the oaths. I was so proud I nearly burst.
When the ceremony was over, Brock and I went to finish his paperwork and found out he had to pay for the swearing-in via mail, so we didn't need the checkbook after all. Argh! Still, we got all the paperwork and collected handouts and directories. Then we had time for lunch, so we went to the conference center grill, which was quite nice. All in all it was wonderful and I am so proud of him.
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