crazy train: 2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

2011 year in review

Maia turns eight tomorrow! She is such a bubbly girl, eager to learn and share, and always ready for FUN. She is doing great in second grade, and loves to dance and play piano. This girl has music in her bones.

Sydney is ten. She keeps busy plowing through the school library. She also loves math and science. In fact, Sydney loves everything at school … except for recess. Her main “academic goal” this year is to go out to recess at least twice a week.

Sam turned twelve at the beginning of the year and became a deacon in our church, which means he has a lot of responsibilities to help others, which he takes seriously. He made his own longboard this spring, and learned to surf this summer when he spent almost a whole month in Hawaii. He impresses us with his study and exercise habits, and dazzles us with his culinary pizzazz.

Berkeley has had a big year. He did an eagle project, planting native plants in a wetland park; he turned sixteen with a raging roller skating party, and he got his driver’s permit. His exemplary study skills continue to pay off. When he’s not studying, sleeping or playing minecraft, Berkeley is running.

Mike and I continue to steer this ship of crazy through both stormy days and calm. We feel grateful for it. Loving this season of the year, and also loving this season of life!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

first world problems

Frozen computer screen
Broken ice-maker
Long line at the grocery store
Misplaced cell phone

These are "first world problems," or problems that occur in the course of a day, if you happen to live the over-privileged, technology-infused lifestyle of this modern society. You're gonna have "first world problems."

This is my teenager's new favorite phrase. He says it anytime he recognizes frustration to be somewhat superficial, whether his own or someone else's. The first time he said it I raised my eyebrows, then I realized he was telling me at least my drinking water is safe and I have flush toilets, immunizations, and the myriad other blessings of a developed nation. So what if my internet is down? First world problems. Try to rise above it and see how ridiculous complaining is.

Thanks, Berkeley, my balanced-young-man. I truly appreciate the reminder.

Monday, October 17, 2011

mormon heritage tour

I have to admit I was skeptical about going on a church history tour. On a bus. For days on end. With strangers. At the mercy of an unknown tour guide. I'm not sure which I was more worried about--the lack of independence or the lack of alone time. Even on family trips with my five favorite people (yes, that's hubby and kids) I get a little on edge about so much compromise and togetherness. So spending two weeks with 52 people? There is no choice in that situation--you just have to go with the flow and hope for the best.

And it was the best! Of course they weren't all strangers--twelve of the passengers were from my family. And certainly the highlight was spending time with my siblings, their spouses, my parents and two teenage nieces. The pleasant surprise, however, was the joy it was to get to know the "strangers." They weren't strange at all. They were just like all my favorite people I've collected throughout life, but with new faces and names. I wouldn't go so far as to say we had "the movie-star, the professor, and Marianne," but we did have a cast of characters. Each so different--some a bit mysterious, others outright hilarious, yet all aboard with a unifying purpose. To trace the footsteps of early pioneers.

What is the point? Sometimes I've wondered that, too. Our mormon culture seems to nearly worship pioneers. What with trek reenactments, movies, mega-series novels, and vast merchandising. But there is something about it that won me over--not only did I learn the history of my own heritage, my own ancestors, but I felt an emotional connection to these actual people who came before. I felt not only a deep gratitude, but also a spiritual kinship. I can't presume to relate to the hardships of the pioneers, but I can try to comprehend it. And I can hope I would be as faithful and courageous. I can probably even meet my own trials and concerns with more faith and courage.

We tend to romanticize the aspects of daily pioneer living: baking bread in a brick oven, dipping candles, weaving rugs, building furniture with hand tools. But really, it all looks exhausting. On top of all that arduous work, heap a pile of illness, pestilence, and persecution. And then in the middle of that, build a temple. It's almost too much to fathom. The only explanation is FAITH. It was so humbling to step back in time, and encounter such great faith.