Spring break!
I am happy about it.
I slept for 9 hours for the past three nights and I think it has given me a new lease on life.
Saturday morning we went to clean the church and I thought maybe we should do that every Saturday because it got us up and out the door early. Adam magnanimously asked me if I wanted a drink at Maverik after and I said of course.
Then he said, "And I'm going to go wash my car...."
Very tricky! I hate going with him to wash his car because he is the most thorough person alive and I feel like it's a hostage situation.
He said, "I'm going to just vacuum it 'very quickly.'"
I didn't believe him, but it actually was pretty fast.
The takeaway is be wary if someone offers you a drink at Maverik after cleaning the church on a Saturday.
We went about the rest of our day and in the afternoon I spent time researching some of my British ancestors. We may see some of their places--still not all planned.
Ansley Miller is my third great grandmother and I visit her grave every Memorial Day. I was reading about her and piecing together stories I sort of already knew and I told Adam, "I wish I could ask my Grandpa Wood about all of this."
Then I remembered I had his life story, written by my mother and given to me by her, on my shelf.
What a gift!
The family story has its definite ups and downs with people falling away from the Church and then future generations coming back.
Words in it inspired and bolstered me:
Ansley remained faithful to the Church.
Such a simple sentence that speaks volumes. So does this:
Grandpa was not a member of the Church and Grandma was devoted to the Church. Out of respect for Grandma's religion though, he always made sure that she paid her tithing.
Also this:
After they moved to Bennion, Stern Jr. got a serious case of pneumonia. They had the Elders administer to him. In their blessing they promised him that he'd be well. That's what aroused Grandpa's interest in the Church.
What an impact those unnamed priesthood holders had on my life!
He joined the Church, they were sealed in the temple. The chain that had been broken, was reconnected when they performed temple work for his parents.
It was all such an important reminder that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, it is never over and we can also change. There is an incredible amount of hope knowing that our stories aren't irreparable.
I'm grateful to my mom that I have these stories!
Mark was sick, but Emma came over yesterday. We talked to Braeden and Anna and QE, ate dinner, took a walk and played some games.
Today I have an exuberant to do list for my at home spring break day. Hopefully my energy matches my ambition.