Thursday, June 26, 2008

My New Calling

We've been in our ward about a year and a half. Right away, I was called as the SACRAMENT MEETING CHORISTER. At the same time, Jared and I were called to be WARD MISSIONARIES and Jared was called to be EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SPECIALIST. We loved our callings!! Then our organist moved away and I assumed responsibilities as the ward music chairperson, although I was never officially called to the position. Because no organist was called, I was rotating through the 3 women who could play the organ (primary president, YW president, and a less active woman) and it just wasn't working.

About 6 weeks ago, the bishop called me and asked if I could teach myself to play the organ.

Huh? Just because I play the piano doesn't mean I can play the organ!!

But I swallowed my fear, asked for a key, and asked for a couple weeks.

I went to the church several times to practice, and the primary president even gave me a couple of lessons.

When I called the bishop to let him know that I was comfortable on the organ, I knew what the outcome would be.

I am now the organist, the new music chairperson, and still a ward missionary. At least I learned a new, valuable skill. The kind of skill that no matter what ward you are in, you will always use because wards always need an organist.

The POSITIVES:

1. I don't have to sing. I was never much of a singer, but now I have a great excuse!

2. I get to pick the songs for the program, so I can pick ones that I know and am comfortable playing.

3. I've had 3 VERY musical people tell me I am doing a great job. When you're very timid about doing something, it's nice to know your effort is being acknowledged and is appreciated.

4. Jared gets some one-on-one time with Sariah. Dads always enjoy this time!

I'll let you know how it goes!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Where have we been?

We seem to have disappeared!

Never fear - we're still here!

What have we been up to?

1. Jared GRADUATED!!! I know I know, he's been done with school for over a month now. However, for some weird reason, graduation at ITT Tech is weeks after classes are done. B.S. in Information Systems Security. Basically no one will ever be able to hack in to our computers. =)

2. Grandma Franklin arrived for the summer. She'll be here until just after Sariah's 1st birthday. We've been busy playing, reading, swimming, and having a blast with Sariah.

3. Grandpa Franklin came to visit for Jared's graduation.

4. My sister, Kendall, had her baby.

5. I left my camera at Grandma Wilkes' home so I haven't had my memory card to post pictures from anything.

Stay tuned! I'll post my pictures as soon I get my camera back from my mom's.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Wait...I think she's trying to say something!

I think today's a special day for someone!





We MISS you all a lot. Happy Birthday, Grandpa Franklin!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Emerson Stewart

On Friday, my newest little niece arrived! Here are her stats:

Name: Emerson Sewart

Weight: 6 pounds, 15.8 ounces (how much closer to 7 pounds can you get?!?)

Length: 19.25 inches

Looks: Babies always change, but at this stage in her life, she definitely takes after her dad.

10: Number grandchild she is

3: Number granddaughter she is

2: Number of brothers she has

Sunday, June 8, 2008

No longer a baby

Sariah will be 11 months old on the 16th, and she's truly no longer a baby. She's WALKING!!!

Now...usually, kids will flirt with walking for a while before they do it. They'll cruise, push things around the house, and eventually try to take a couple of steps.

Sariah cruised.

She pushed her little scooter all over the house.

But taking a couple steps? NO WAY.

She just walked right across the living room floor!

I wasn't home because my sister was having a baby so I was there for that experience (girl, 6 pounds 15 ounces, BEAUTIFUL and all are doing wonderful).

Jared was there and grabbed the camera! Go baby, go!

Laundry

Somehow, Sariah found her way into the laundry basket...

Sariah's new snack

Sariah decided that she would try out Corona's dog food. Don't worry, she didn't swallow any. However, it was quite cute to see her sitting on the floor, surrounded by dog food, having a blast!

Table Food Success!

We have been struggling with getting Sariah to eat table food. She just wasn't interested. She has 8 teeth that she's gotta learn to use! I didn't want to make it a big deal, so I have just been introducing food to her little by little. A couple nights ago, we had our first real success! She ate the filling of lettuce wraps. YUM YUM!


Include your children when baking cookies

When I read the title of this article, I laughed hysterically.

"Include Your Children When Baking Cookies"

WHAT?!?!

At first glance, it is hard to believe that some editor actually ok'd the title of this article.

I quickly realized what it meant - include your children in the PROCESS of baking cookies.

So guess what Sariah and I did??