Maybe it's really...

...the "etc's" in life that I enjoy the most.  The little tidbits of shared thoughts and emotions that are never planned, but are always enjoyed.


...it's not unusual...


...to talk with all my girls in the same day.  It is always one of the highlights of  my day to get a call from them and hear about the every-day-ness of their lives.  Most would find our conversations bland and not see a lot of difference in our phone calls from day to day, but I love knowing that they know I love knowing (did you follow that) about their laundry, shopping, room-mothering, visit teaching, child feeding, child sleeping (or not), etc., etc., etc....


...but what is unusual is having lengthy "nothing much" conversations with both my boys in the same day.

They are busy...


...and that's why Tuesday was a great day.


...it started with Michael.  I called him to invite him for dinner, since Erin's visiting her family in KS(love KS).  Just a simple invitation, right?  But it turned into a heart-to-heart, 53 minutes (yes, I noticed the time on my phone) conversation.  We talked about his work projects, 5 million and losing 5 million, the FBI, Amelia's fever, car fixes, etc., etc., etc.


...and during that conversation, Andy beeped in.


...so after finishing the "etc's" with Mike, I called Andy back.  We talked for 48 minutes (really, I did, I noticed the time again) (yes, Andy, I talked to Michael longer than you) about the ICU, deer hunting, Tom Hanks making fire in Castaway, Porter's parent-teacher conference, Andy's 1st grade teacher, etc., etc., etc.


As I drifted off to sleep last night, I had to smile.  I don't know how or why, but I had 2 of the best conversations with 2 of my most favorite people in the same night.  From car parts to human hearts, we covered a lot of territory. 


...and spent a little time together reminiscing, laughing, sharing...


....just by discussing the "etc's".

"Saw Tink!!!!!!",,,

...was yesterday's text from Aubrey.


And I immediately could see it, the giggling, ear-to-ear grinning and total boundless joy when Abbie saw Tinkerbell and got to give her a hug. I imagine nothing could be more joyful and childlike than Abbie with a sprinkle of fairy dust.  Can't you just see it....magic!!!


Tinkerbell was always my favorite too. The little sprite with a big attitude that looks cute in green and can fly where ever she wants to go.

 ...and speaking of her...

... Abigail, that is, not Tinkerbell.




How perfect it is that Abbie is visiting the happiest place in the world after having the happiest week of her whole 8 year old life.  Superbowl doesn't come close.




Her dad came home from Afghanistan on Saturday and exactly one week later, he baptized her.  It was fantastic and I was honored Abbie asked me to speak on the Holy Ghost.




First of all, let me say how proud I am of Abbie, that she chose to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints.  She came up out of the water in the baptismal font and did what Abbie does best...




...giggled.




...and then everybody else smiled and laughed too, because everyone in the room knows that is our Abbie.




...then I spoke about being 8 years old, living in Kansas and roaming the wheat fields and shelter belts, digging in the dirt, skinning my shins on trees to see eggs in nests and shadowing my older brother, because he was the best brother ever.




I told Abbie that I would sometimes get so involved with the next great adventure that I would forget to go in at supper time and then my mother would have to blow a whistle to remind me that I was not allowed to be late for a meal.




Occasionally my mother would blow the whistle to have me do chores, bring in the laundry from the clothesline, hoe the garden, water the garden, or pick beans from the garden.




Sometimes she would blow the whistle to let me know it was getting dark, or a storm was coming and she would be worried. Very often my mom would whistle me home just to say that she missed me and then we would share a piece of chocolate pie.






I learned from my brother to listen for the whistle. I always knew to not get so far from home that I couldn't hear it and that I would get a "talkin-to" if I didn't obey.  I did everything in my power to avoid a talkin-to.




Like the whistle, the Holy Ghost can protect us from storms that we can't always see approaching, reminds us of things we need to do, and helps us stay close to the ones who love us.




I never regretted listening to and obeying the whistle and I have never regretted listening to the Holy Ghost.




I watched Abbie's face during my talk and I could see in her eyes that she already understands the Holy Ghost is there to guide her. Her parents have taught her about the Holy Ghost, just like my brother and mother taught me to listen to the whistle.




What comfort it gives all of us who love Abbie, to know that she will listen and obey.

(hair courtesy of D's Style)




Congratulations to the newest member of the church in our family.




I love you Abbie.




Now go give Minnie Mouse a hug for me.