Spiritual Thought

I finally got a hold of the January Ensign to read (Chris usually steals it first and then I can't ever find it). I read a few articles and then was just glancing through when I noticed this quote by Elder Neal A. Maxwell.

"One's life . . . cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free . . .

"Therefore, how can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, 'Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share They joy!' . . .

"Real faith . . . is required to endure this necessary but painful developmental process."

Needless to say after reading this I felt like someone had just slapped me in the face. I so want to be both faith-filled and stress-free. But after reading this it reminded me of our purpose here on Earth and how all my experiences so far have made me the person that I am. I know I could never feel worthy of living with Heavenly Father again if I got to just "glide naively through life."

I know things are going to happen - that is life! Now I am praying to have the faith to get me through these experiences - and not just take the experiences and trials away.

Date Night With Chad

I had a fabulous day today! It started out with going to a baptism of one of Halle's primary friends. Then I got to play the piano at a wedding. In between the two I snuck a peek at Sean's first basketball game.

After lunch I got to take Chad to a birthday party and then hang out all day with him. I love that Chad! But I'm also at the stage where I am not quite sure what to do with a 9 year old boy. Halle and I do lots of things together because we like to do girly things together and Sean is still a mama's boy and my baby so I still get hugs and kisses from him. But Chad is growing up and not so into his mother smothering him any more. So today was good.

His birthday party was at Roller Valley with a bunch of school friends. It was fun to see this mob of boys use up their energy running everywhere, jumping everywhere and skating, skating, skating. After the party we went to IHOP for dinner. Chad is very into food and loves eating out so it was fun to treat him (I don't mind eating out either). And then we went to a movie at the Garland. Again, since it was his special day with mom I let him pick the treat - he passed up the usual choice of popcorn for a big red slushie. And of course we talked and joked and just enjoyed each other's company. It was a very great day.

Free Pizza - Well Earned

Dinner was divine last night. Free Pizza Hut pizza. Two of my kids had the "Book It" coupons and I have a $20 credit at the Pizza hut store. So dinner was easy, easy, and easy. (I love easy dinner nights.)

But, I do want you to know that the $20 credit was well earned!!!!!

Last month I went to pizza hut - to again redeem my kids' coupons. I wasn't feeling good (horrible head and sinus cold) and just needed something easy to do. So I called up pizza hut to place my order. They said it would take 15 minutes. I waited 20 before I even left my house to get the pizza (we always do carryout - Dave Ramsey would be proud we never waste our money on tips for delivery.)

When I arrived and told them my order I was told it was not ready yet. I was a little disappointed - after all I had given them an extra 15 minutes to get it ready. But I sat down like a good little costumer and waited.

While I was waiting several other people came in to pick up there orders - they all had to wait too. So I wasn't feeling so bad that I was the only one.

I waited and waited and tried to entertain Sean (Chad and Halle had stayed at home with dad). I got a little nervous when I heard the phone order people now telling their phone customers that it was now a two hour wait for delivery.

My hopes picked up when everyone else around me started getting their orders. But, just in case, I asked about how much longer my would be - the answer - just a few more minutes.

So, I waited and waited. Now 40 minutes had elapsed and I still had no pizza. I was going mentally insane and just wanted to go home and lie in bed. Then one of my favorite families walked in the door - It was Kari Ann and her gang. We talked for a few minutes and then I joked about how slow service was and was ready to place a bet on who would get their pizza's first, me or them. Guess what - they won!!!!! I was still waiting for pizza!

Again I asked about where my pizza's were. The answer? They lost the order!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was fuming mad and ready to cry - again I'm not feeling well and all I want is to be back in bed. I want to just leave and run to McDonald's but the manager comes over and assures me he can get my order out in 10 minutes and will give me a 20% discount. I trust him. Why not - my family needs food.

So I wait, and wait, and wait again. Apparently 10 minutes in pizza time is really 20 minutes in real time.

Finally I have my pizza in hand and head back home.

Meanwhile my husband is totally worried about me. I have been gone for an hour and a half. (Two hours since I called Pizza Hut.) He's tried my cell phone but can't reach me because it is on vibrate - I haven't thought to call because I am literally going insane with waiting and being sick.

After I told him the whole story my husband was not pleased with the 20%discount. He called the manager up and gave him a few words (Dave Ramsey style - "Is that the best you can do?!") The manager apologized and gave us a $20 credit.

So yes, free food is great - but boy did I earn it for us. Next time I just want my pizza on time!