I Know That My Savior Loves Me

Amber sang a solo today in sacrament meeting.  Kate was supposed to sing with her, but stayed home with a fever.  Amber didn't even flinch at singing a solo last minute.  She did such an amazing job!  She didn't even look nervous.   I really don't think she was.  She enjoys performing and has a strong voice & good pitch.  I don't think there were many dry eyes in the congregation.  She received more praise & compliments than most 9 year old receive in a year.  She told me, "Mom, it's like I'm famous now or something."

Kate is hoping we can have another turn again soon.  I think we could work that out.  I'm wondering where their courage came from.  I'm still trying to overcome my fear of performing.  Here are the words to the song.  And a link to the score. 

1. A long time ago in a beautiful place,
Children were gathered ’round Jesus.
He blessed and taught as they felt of His love.
Each saw the tears on His face.
The love that He felt for His little ones
I know He feels for me.
I did not touch Him or sit on His knee,
Yet, Jesus is real to me.

 

Chorus
I know He lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.

2. Now I am here in a beautiful place,
Learning the teachings of Jesus.
Parents and teachers will help guide the way,
Lighting my path ev’ry day.
Wrapped in the arms of my Savior’s love,
I feel His gentle touch.
Living each day, I will follow His way,
Home to my Father above.
Chorus

Tami Jeppson Creamer and Derena Bell, “I Know That My Savior Loves Me,” Friend, Oct 2002, 46–47 

Home Photo Shoot

It was time for professional photos, but I decided to do them at home.  I'm not totally satisfied, but it was a good learning experience. 

Surviving Winter

 

Winter can be brutal around here.  Winter recreation is recommended for survival.  These photos are from our city's annual Winterfest, held at the park.  Events include sleigh rides, snow bowling, digging for buried treasure, a "snowball" throw, sledding, hot chocolate, & a polar plunge (diving into icy water in the middle of winter).  It's become one of my kid's favorite traditions.  This year we left dad at home to study & Spencer in the warmth of Grandma's house. 

I'm wishing I'd brought my camera on our other winter outings.  We enjoyed a day of skiing at Kelley Canyon with Amber & Kate.  Our day started out rough as the rope tow was not friendly, and the lift to the beginner slopes was down for the day.  I was worried we may have killed our kids' interest in downhill skiing when their first really hill was one of the most advanced hills on the mountain.  But, we eventually found some beginner slopes & had a great time.  At the end of the day I concluded that I can enjoy most activities.  Many of the things we do together I do for the sake of my kids, & I enjoy them.  But skiing is my favorite.  It's the activity we do for me.  It's therapy for my soul.  Now, if I could just figure out a way to downhill ski for free. 

Cross country is a close second & I'd be happy to go cross-country skiing almost any day, especially if I can take my sisters along.  We've skied together for years.  There's just something magical about the way the snow mutes all sounds, and the exhilaration of one of the world's best workouts.  I love the talk time that can take place while cross-country skiing.  It's just one more form of girl-therapy.    

I enjoy snowmobiling too, mostly because it's an opportunity to spend time with my dad.  But, truthfully, there's always a health dose of fear for getting lost, wrecking a borrowed machine, or triggering an avalanche. 

Snowshoeing is also on my winter list, but I haven't been for a few years.  And of course, winter wouldn't be winter without a sledding outing or two and at least one really cool snow fort.  We built the coolest snow fort a few weeks ago when we had a warm spell.  That just means the snow gets warm enough to stick.  We took the troops outside & built snow walls around the swing set.  Spencer got to hang out in Rich's hammock while we worked.  After he'd been hanging out for a while we looked over to find him buried in snow, thanks to his littlest big sister.  We were all disappointed when dusk settled in too quickly.  We were hoping to finish it the next day, but is rained all day & our walls fell down.     

And that is my ode to winter recreation.

Learning to lesson

I think this is the next life lesson I need to focus on.