Confessions of a Hermit - Part 2

Right now as I type, my neighbors are on the porch next-door visiting. Why have I not joined them? I don't feel excluded or alienated. But with the kids out on a playdate, I just would much rather be alone. Remember what silence sounds like. Enjoy an uninterrupted moment with the current book I've been reading. Is this antisocial?

Lately, I've really immersed myself in reading. It has been such a long time since I've been able to do that. On Tuesday, I finished Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and now I'm getting deep into The Freedom Writer's Diary. I have my next selection at hand. What can I say? I like to read. It's like a healthy dessert for my brain. So for today, I'll let the neighbors chat, I'll let the kids play with their friends, and after I rotate the laundry, I'll even let that set for a time. But now, I choose to be alone and read.

p.s. Have you read any good books lately that you'd like to share with me? I'd love some suggestions!

What Makes A Father Good?

What makes a father good? Is it the car he drives or the size of his bank account? Or is it simply in the daily choices he makes?
Does he put on a brave face when he, himself is uncertain of the future?
Does he take every opportunity possible to teach his children, of respect, of work, of the gospel, and of kindness?
Does he live by his word?
Does he walk by example?
Does he spend the last moments of a tired day frolicking on the floor with three wired boys?
Does he put everyone's happiness above his own?
Does he honor his priesthood?
Does he teach his boys how to be men?
Does he live the way he should?
Does he carry a sleeping 4 year old from car booster seat to bed?
Does he love, provide for, and care for his two step children as if they were his own?
Does he take a family of two, accept a family of three, and MAKE a family of five?
Does he love his wife with all his heart?
Does he look out for her best interest above his own?
Does he know exactly what to say to make her laugh til she cries?
Does he always offer a shoulder to cry on and (Although she'd never take him up on it) offer his shirtsleeve as a Kleenex substitute?
Does he put a glass of icewater beside her bed each and every night?

If his name is Alfonso, then the answer is a resounding, "Yes!" And not only are we speaking of a Father who is exquisitely good, but a Husband who is true, and a Friend who is THERE. Happy Father's Day, Alfonso. We love you!

A Splendid Birthday

Yesterday, June 15th was my 30th birthday. It was really great. Alfonso woke me up with a piece of chocolate cake with a lit candle on top, and he sang me Happy Birthday. I opened my first present in bed, 2 tickets to see American Idol in Concert next month!!! My day was already complete! I went to Bountiful to have some girl's-day-out fun. My mom, sister Delynn, and neice Megan ate lunch at Robintino's and later got pedicures. I'm lovin' my toes.

Afterwards we went back to Mom's house to visit for a while and play a quick game of Curses (my sister Delynn and her family gave it to me, if you haven't played it, you haven't lived.)

I came home to Heber to be surprised by a living room full of helium balloons, colorful crepe paper, a Mr. Squarepants pinata, a rose, a cake and another gift. All 4 of my boys jumped up from behind the couch and yelled, "surprise."


We had a quick Family Home Evening/Birthday Party, Alfonso handed out previously purchased McD. hamburgers to the kids. They gobbled them up just as the babysitter rang the doorbell. It was time for Alfonso's final surprise.

Before continuing, I would like to quote the menu:
First Course, Fondue for Two: Gruyere & Emmental Cheese, Apples, Cornichons, Sourdough Bread, Pearl Onions.
Second Course, Soup du Jour
Third Course, Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Herbed Spaetzle, Asparagus, Chicken Jus.
It was divine.
Alfonso had taken me to enjoy fine dining at Blue Boar Inn. It was so fun. The chef sent out a complimentary dessert for my birthday. Behold the "Black and Tan!"
I literally got the chills when I got the the chocolate mousse part. It was decadent and quickly became my new FAVORITE dessert! The waiter explained how it takes the chef two days to make it! Apparently, great things come to those who wait. If little discoveries like this can happen when you're 30, then life has just begun. I don't feel old, nor should I. Rather, I feel grateful that the 20's are over, that I survived them, and that I am privileged to share my life with a miraculous man and our wonderful children. It is true, GREAT things DO come to those who WAIT!

Summer Resolution

I'm scared. I just have this anxiety over what I'm going to do with the kids for the next two or three months. Summer has officially started, they're home full-time for the first time in long time. The best thing I can come up with so far is, "Let them play." We've set a goal to read each day, we'll keep it. We have a list of things we want to do (eg. the park, picnics, swimming, library, etc.) But how far will that get us? How long until they strangle each other, or me? Will sanity perservere? Will we all survive?

Sensational Summer Quotes:
Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. ~Russel Baker

Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. ~Henry James

Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable