Blogging? What's blogging?

I know I have been sorely vacant from the blogging world, but forgive me. I have much to catch up on and I have several partially completed posts, but "our" internet is on the fritz--or should I say our neighbor's wireless signal isn't reaching us as strongly as it was in the past. But once I post all these, you better read fast to keep up with me. Ha ha!

Our Christmas Jar

The evening started out like any other night--diaper changes, last drinks, chasing a half-dressed Rain around the house, trying to complete her night ensemble. Then after herding her to her room, it was tickle time and then prayers. We were just kneeling down when the dogs started barking and Shane went to see what had set them to barking. It's not unusual for that time of night as there is the occasional neighbor walking a dog, or a teenager that roars around our corner that gets the dogs excited. Shane went to tell them to be quiet while I finished saying prayers with Rain.

When Shane got back, he had a silly grin on his face. He handed me a book, wrapped in gold ribbon. I had seen the book before, and had even wanted to read it, but hadn't quite ever run into it again to do so. It was called Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright. I thought that was a nice gift and asked who had left it. Then I realized that Shane still had his hand behind his back. Sure, I thought, keep the cookies to yourself, and give me the book. Probably a fair trade at our house.

 Then, he pulled out from behind him a huge glass jar filled to the brim with silver coins and green bills. Whoa, I thought. That's a lot of money. Most of the silver coins were quarters. I asked again who had left it. Shane said some teenager that he had never seen before had given it to him. Shane wanted to give it back to him, but the kid said that somebody else had asked him to deliver it to us. Truly anonymous.

At first I thought it was my mom because the handwriting was so familiar, but after a little sleuthing, and flat-out asking, I found out it wasn't her. So, somewhere, out there, is a family that I owe a heartfelt --

THANK YOU!

The questions tumbled around in my mind that night. Who? Why? How can I repay . . . someone for this gift? After the girls were in bed, I sat on the couch in the silence staring at the jar and the book. Then I started reading. I read the entire book right then, even though the dishes weren't done and the toys weren't picked up yet. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Shane, who had fallen asleep on the floor amid the day's tornado of toys, woke to my sniffling and soggy shirt cuffs.

This year has been one of faith and prayers. It's one of the reasons that Mesa's middle name is Faith. Shane hasn't had actual employment since May and every month we have seen many miracles that have helped us get through to see the next one.

It's also been a challenge to be on the receiving end of service, gifts, and help. But there is also a lesson to be learned in receiving and it brings good growth. Even if we don't have a lot right now, I want to help others where I can, and when we are more on our feet, I want to help even more. I am thankful for a gospel that teaches us to look out for one another. We shouldn't tear each other down, or be spiteful, if someone else succeeds. It may be that success that will help you out in your own low spot at some point. And when you do succeed, you can help others. We are all in this journey together and I hope I can be better at giving someone a hand when they need a little lift. I know I need it now and again.

Tangled Forest

The other day we went for a spontaneous family hot dog roast

while the uncles worked on building a corral.

 Rain absolutely adores her cousin, River.

They immediately found each other.

Hand in hand, they set off on a marvelous adventure
through the tangled forest to find the sticky swamp.

HUP, two, three, four!

First, they had to conquer the tangled forest.

"Wriver! Whey yare you?"

"Over here!"

Finally, success!

Next, it was the Canyon-With-Only-One-Way-Out, which was UP!

And UP we went,
clamoring, sliding, clinging, grabbing, dragging, and carrying.

Rain turned out to be quite the hiker and didn't want much help
from the rest of us. She is Little Miss Independent these days.

We grown-ups were invited merely for the fact that

they needed a little help traversing the area.

The girls had fun climbing up the sandbanks and sliding back down.

River was a very constructive mentor for Rain

The two younger cousins enjoyed the warmth of a perfect fall outing.

Believe me, it's a challenge to hold a little one on your hip, navigate a camera and take semi-decent pictures, all the while trying not to impale the said little one with the newly cut--and sharpened--hot dog roasting sticks that are somehow entwined in your fingers, the crook of your elbow, or poking out of a pocket. Somehow we all managed.

Watching my mom help on our adventure, it made me remember all the Saturday "Bentures" we had growing up. I'm sure I always did my share of complaining about things not being perfect--the sand in my shoes, or my hot dog falling into the fire, or the smoke in my eyes--but I remember my mom always being so cheerful about being out, doing something together as a family. Now I'm a mom and I get the challenge of tackling not-so-perfect circumstances and still being positive.

When we returned after giving up on the Sticky Swamp, the little explorers were ready for some grub. But first we had to roust the uncles away from their work.

If one little girl in a hole is fun . . .

. . . then two little girls in a hole is even more fun!

Yum, hot dogs, finally. River wanted both varieties--
cooked and uncooked.

"Hey, how come you got two, I only got one."  

This was a good day!