Practically Perfect Morning

I woke up this morning to sunshine and warm air. Sage played mommy all morning. She put her "baby" to sleep (after singing to her and rocking her of course) on a pillow on the living room floor, turned off the light and told me to sshh. Then we walked up town to pick up Ivy from school. Ivy was particularily chatty on the way home. Her wonderfull words of wisdom--Jesus likes flowers, that is why he put seeds in the stores! Oh, it doesn't get any better than that.

Success

Through out all the ages, people have had a different definition of success. Some believe that the wealth one amasses shows success, how big a house, what kind of car (you get the picture). Today, I have a new definiton of success:
Success is being respected by hundreds of people who, when you pass from this life come to honor you on your last journey. Last night we went to the viewing of a man who did not live in a mansion, did not drive a flashy car, and who did not in this life amass a fortune, but he was a success. The viewing was to start at 6 PM, we went at 6:10, and did not even get into the room until 7:30PM. It was 8:00 before we made it to the family. When we finaly got to the book to sign, 230 people had signed before us, (remeber, we arived only 10 minutes after the viewing had started),and the line behind us still went out of the Gym and down the hall. Yes, I did say Gym. Now I know you are thinking Who would have their viewing in a Gym. Well, it just so happens this Gym had been named for him. Who was he? Not a famous singer, not a polition, not a millinare, not any of those things you might think. He was-a retired high school teacher and coach. He was a man who was true to his values in every situation, a man who lifted his students rather than tearing them down. He taught by example everyday of his life, and those he taught came to honor him this one last time. Several of the flower arrangements were not from individuals, but from classess. "To Coach fromt the Class of 68" or "Graduating Class of 1988", and even "The class of 1944". Coach Wilbur Braithwaite was a success in every sense of the word, and if you can't understand why hundreds would honor a mere school teacher, Google his name, and prepare to learn the real definition of a success! Thanks Coach, for everything! We were blessed just to have known you.

One picture worth a million words.

General Conference

Sunday morning I left my house at 5 AM, in the middle of a snow storm to head to Salt Lake City to attend LDS General Conference. Of course, because it was so early the snow plows weren't out, but we had left early so we were there in plenty of time. We got our seats, right in front of where the Prophet enters the building, just 4 rows back. Since we were so far forward, we were actually even with the seats on the stand, and had a wonderful view of the 1st Presidency and the council of the 12. Conference was wonderful, but one moment stands out far above the rest. During the rest song when everyone stands to sing, there I stood looking down the row of our leaders, all standing singing praises to our Heavenly Father. It was a profound experience for me as, once again the spirit testified of the Holy callings of each of those men, called at this time to lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was so overcome that I could not sing, just stand there and feel that wonderful affirmation. How truly blessed we are! I am so grateful for the friend that last week said to me "I have 2 tickets for Conference, do you want to go with me!" YES, I want to go!