Valentines

 It is on a rare occasion that Jake gets me a Valentine's gift, I do not expect them but he out did himself this year.  I have been asking for chickens for fresh eggs and he has been very hesitant, so much so that I did not think he was going to allow me to get them.  I was even trying to convince a couple of the youth to gift me a chicken and he wouldn't tell me I had to give it back. Little did I know that he was paying them to hatch me chicks.  They starting hatching the 15th and we got them today.  Now, I just have to keep them alive and hope none are roosters.  When I asked for chickens, I was thinking grown ones and not chicks but this can be fun and the kids are loving holding them tonight.

 It is days like today where I feel alone.  Everyone I know is gathered with friends to watch the Super Bowl and out little family is here alone with no invites. It is perfectly fine and we are not huge NFL football fans but sometimes thinking you have friends who would want you around is nice.  Fortunately, we have each other and when Jake gets home from his church responsibilities we will eat dinner and most likely play a game or watch a show.  There are no other people I prefer to be with anyways besides my crew. 

On a happy note though, we were able to attend the temple with the boys and youth on February 10th.  It was Christopher's first time, so I wanted to be there as well.

Helping neighbors

 Ice storms are beautiful but this was not pleasant for many.  We were fortunate and did not lose power except for the occasional blink and about 20 minutes once, so we did our best to open our homes to others for showers, warm meals, and to warm their bodies.  Saturday afternoon, Jake, the boys, and I went and help move broken limbs that had fallen from members yards.  it was great what a small group of people (2 families- us and the Young's) could do. Jake told the boys that is how things get accomplished in the world by small groups or individuals just doing it. I am sad for those without power still. 

 

Yesterday (Sunday) was the first time I felt like I had seen the weight of being a bishop on Jake's face.  I could tell that there was a lot on his mind or many things he may be dealing with. He did not get home from church until late (I was already gone for a camp meeting), then he took sacrament to a couple families, and came home to prepare a meal since we had people coming at 6:00 for dinner (no electricity of them still).  However, dinner was filled with the family complaining about things at church (classrooms, music, primary, teachers, etc.), so I felt that did not help Jake's day.  There is nothing I can do except be supportive and try to handle things outside of church such as home and school assignments but it makes me sad to see him weighed down.

Ice, Ice baby....

I love a beautiful blossoming, green, or multi-colored leave tree  but for the first time I can recall, I am thankful we do not have trees (one pictured is one of our neighbors). We have heard and seen trees snapping too much yesterday in our neighborhood with the build up of ice (it’s beautiful but dangerous- reminds me of the devil can try to be sly). School has been out the last two days (Thursday and Friday) due to a small ice storm.  We are very fortunate as many have been without power but we did not lose it all Thursday. It did go off Friday evening for about 15 minutes but was quickly restored.  I feel bad for those whom have not had it now for over 36 hours.  We have tried very hard to be diligent checking on people, especially the elderly and disabled.