Hope..

Today I gave my first "official" lesson as a RS instructor.. I think it went pretty well!
It was about Dieter F. Uchtdorf's October conference talk (featured in the November Ensign), "The Infinite Power of Hope"..
The end of his message, touched me:

"The Lord has given us a reassuring message of hope: “Fear not, little flock.” God will wait with “open arms to receive” those who give away their sins and continue in faith, hope, and charity.

And to all who suffer—to all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely—I say with love and deep concern for you, never give in.

Never surrender.

Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.

Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart."

I so love Sundays.. the refreshing lessons, the spiritual re-charge I get.. the re-focusing. I so loved Sunday School today. I love Gospel Principles in the first place, love the discussion format, love the people in the class.. love the teachers. Jesse (or should I say Brother Hansen..) did such a good job presenting the lesson today, I really enjoyed it! He reminds me of my Mer-Bear.. quiet, soft-spoken, but has so much good to say and share!

Just another day...

Woke up this morning after having nothing but Obama dreams.. I woke up, not wondering if it was real, but remembering the night before; witnessing history. No staying up late, watching the returns come in, wondering who will eek away with a lead.. no. That was decided pretty early on in the evening. Months ago, really...
I must say, that both candidates speeches were very eloquent and gracious.
I somehow feel hope.
But on to fun stuff...
We spent the afternoon at mom's. Catching up, crocheting/knitting, and laughing.
I am so thankful to have my mom! I have realized lately, that everything I do, is either something my mom has taught me, or something that she, my grandma, and I would do together. Sewing Lynn's costume, with Grandma's machine, I felt like she was there, reminding me to take out the straight pins before they passed under the presser foot ;)... While I crochet, with her hooks, I remember her teaching me how to hold them so my hand wouldn't cramp.
I miss her.
But I am so thankful that my girls and I still have my mom, their grandma, who can teach them the same things.
Grandpa said such a sweet prayer over dinner as we were getting ready to leave. His voice is so sincere and tender.. I can't help but think of how much he misses Grandma too. He prayed for all of his children and grand-children. He prayed for us to be safe as we drove home. I love my Grandpa!
Ashley and I had an interesting exchange today while picking up a few groceries...
It involved her favorite word as of late...
Ass.
We were picking out bananas.
Me: "Ash, you have a banana ear..."
Ash: "Mom, you have a banana nose.."
Me: "You have a banana mustache..." (There was an old cowboy walking past with a good looking mustache...)
Ash: (Now brace yourself...) "You have a banana ASS..."
Me: "Ash! (Trying not to laugh...) We don't say that word!"
Ash: "But mom, everyone has an ASS..."
Me: (Still trying not to laugh...) "We still don't say it."
Ash: "Why?"
Me: "Because if any of these people heard you say that, they would know that I am a bad mom..."
Ash: "Then the police would come and under-arrest you, huh?"
Now what would Grandma think of that?