Table for Eight

Elder Meehan and his current missionary companion--at their ward Christmas Party. I know, I know: I keep saying I will post and write ... and then I don't. It seems like a good New Year's Resolution for me would be to stop promising and apologizing and just be good with the "is-ness of now." ("It is what it is.") But that is SO ME: putting too many things on my metaphorical plate, and then being hard on myself when I can't do it all. (Like make hot chocolate on the stovetop while talking on the phone, while ironing clothes for church--all at the same time. It's a fail-fail situation, and yet, I keep trying it. LOL.) Anyway, my point! It's Christmas week and I am so so so happy to have this time to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas has always been one of my favorite times. And I'm sure for most people--no matter what your faith practice--this time of year is a special one. For the most part, people are just SO kind and hap...

Elder Meehan and his mission district on Thanksgiving (playing in a Turkey Bowl). Note: Going to write tonight. Until then ... here are some photos from our last 3 weeks. Dave and my dad carving the turkey on Thanksgiving. Papaya helping to make Thanksgiving FUNKY. Our to dinner over Thanksgiving break. Our kids and my brother's kids (along with Papaya's friend T). Dave, me, my mom and dad. Thanksgiving Dodgeball at the church. Elder Meehan and his missionary companion on a trolley in northern Indiana. Elder Meehan with one of the Spanish speaking missionaries in his area (after the Spanish missionary had a break-in at the apartment. Eeek!). Missionary lunch. The owner of the restaurant loves missionaries! Elder Meehan's Thanksgiving dinner. (The Bishop in the ward where he serves hosted the missionaries.) Elder Meehan's post-Thanksgiving dinner plate. He and his companion were able to teach t...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Although I haven't been blogging reguarly--at all--I do want to make sure and post today! I am so thankful for the blessing of living on Planet E at this time. There are so many incredible blessings that come as a result of being alive in this time and space. Today I am especially thankful for my family, past and present, the beautiful place where we live, my friends, and the opportunity to learn from so many life experience, people, books (the internet!). Have a beautiful beautiful day. With love, Dawn

Salt Lake City sunset. I love Sundays. Well, most of them. There are definitely some that don't end up turning out like I hope they will, but t hat's beside the point! Today is a good Sunday and I'm so thankful it is turning out to be ... -- a day to slow down -- a day to write our son on his mission -- a day to visit with my friend Janae -- a day to go to church -- a day to leave the TV off -- a day to pretend that calories count for half of the amount they do M-Sat -- a day to read -- and a day to listen to Smokie Norful (who is pretty much my favorite non-Mormon pastor!). I hope you have a beautiful Sunday, too.

Happy Halloween from our family to yours! (and no, we aren't all dressed up--the kids are at that age where they aren't sure how they want to handle costumes) Our ward Soup and Pie Night (and October tradition). Papaya at Soup and Pie Night--which ends with Trunk or Treating in the church parking lot. Lu--at the Trunk or Treat with her new braces. Our favorite kiddos to babysit/tend. Soup and Pie Night again. Harriet and I have walked every day since September 5 (well, we have taken 2 days off). We love it! She loves walking ... because these guys are everywhere. Quack, quack here ... quack, quack there ... you know the bit. 8) Elder Meehan is doing great overall. A little sad to leave his previous area--they just had transfers. He is 3 hours north of where he served before. Here he is with his new companion (also a redhead). He said there are great signs all around town. Basketball at the church....