Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Thoughtful Tuesday*—From Here to China

Ray and Cali are in Belize.

Ty is in China.

Abe is in Iraq.

Ande and Grace are here.

Calvin is mowing the lawn.

We’re scattered from here to China. And so are my thoughts . . .

I should get my passport renewed.

Thirty years ago today I graduated from high school. I spoke at our graduation. I still remember the polyester, peach colored dress I wore with a tie at the neck. It was the same day Mt. St. Helen’s blew. I wonder whatever happened to Tamara Rogers.

Abe asked Grace to make sure she reads to Clara each night so The Twelve Dancing Princesses, King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub, Heggedy Peg, Fanny’s Dream, Elbert’s Bad Word . . . they’re all making the rounds again. I had to read to our kids at noon because I was too cross and tired at night. I’m quite enjoying these stories in the evening. Who knew? I’m also very much enjoying playing the piano each day so Grace can sing to Clara. I quietly snapped this picture of Abe talking to Clara last week.


Ande made a fresh blueberry lemon pound cake. It is coming out of the oven as I type. Yum. She’s a great cook. She made stinging nettle soup last week. It’s as good as it is beautiful. Have you ever served something this natural this neon? Me neither.


Occasionally I still rock Ande in the rocking chair. I hope we never outgrow it. Today we still fit.

Today has been a beautiful, rainy, cool, nice day. Everything smells wonderful. The front door is wide open and so are many of the windows. So is one heater.


*Thank you again for all of the ideas for Tuesday posts. I’m only about half way through them and I have sure enjoyed your topics. Thanks.

11 comments:

Tyler - Danielle - Emree said...

Our family is just from here to Provo, but isn't modern technology amazing! It allows us to be so close to our loved ones even though we are far away. It is amazing. We love you guys!

Samantha said...

I love that so many women are staying/living at your house right now. It sounds like such a nice support group, especially for Grace while her husband is at war. There is something so romantic about it. Not to make light of hard things, but I just love family and women supporting each other.

Marie said...

Abe talking to Clara is making me cry. I wish I was in WA right now; I just want to hug you all.

Samantha said...

Oh my goodness. I read this post (and posted my stupid comment) before I read your last post! I am just so so sorry for Grace and Abe and your family. My heart is aching for baby Clara and mom. As a pregnant woman it made me especially emotional. We are all so blessed to have the gospel in our lives to provide that peace you spoke of. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

melanie said...

I never want to outgrow rocking my kids. I'll get a bigger chair!

I love this post. The peach dress I can picture you in, Ande's pound cake and the books read in the evening to sweet baby girl. All written perfectly.

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

Oh Sam, please don't say your comment was stupid! I loved it. Calvin often does the count, "There are FIVE WOMEN producing estrogen in this house(my niece and Cali were here visiting last weekend, too)." My, my, my is he getting taken care of well. There is one to help him in the garden, one to help him with his projects, one to go check on the owl and the killdeer nest with him, one to laugh at his stories and jokes, one to . . .

It is fun to have so many of us here together. We all recognize it as a great (and fun) blessing.

Unknown said...

Calvin must be in 7th heaven! I talked to Ty on the phone the other day - thought I had your cell phone number and it was his - what a fine boy! I love that as a mom, your thoughts are as scattered as your family - I guess I should feel lucky that I only have 1/2 the state of Washington to worry about this week?? Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

My mom still rocks me, and just try to picture Elliott snuggling in for a rock. Yes, it still happens! Mamas laps are never too small or too old to provide a perch.
Your last post made me cry. Leaving Marshall this morning made me cry. Mamas are never too old for that, either.

Love you and that whole household,
BRENDA

Jill said...

Wow, how amazing to have so many family members all over the world! I'm so glad you have Ande, Grace and Calvin home with you.

It's just too sweet that Abe gets to talk to baby Clara in utero!

michelle said...

From there to China is right! Wow. I love that Abe can talk to the baby in utero, what a very sweet thing.

I quite often long for a little more estrogen in my household.

Noriko Anderson said...

So I have a Tamara Rogers in my ward.. and I LOVE HER... she is amazing.. I wonder if it's the same one you are wondering about...