Timely (ha, ha!) Tidbits

I need to do better about the blog. The kids do funny things every day that I really need to remember to hold on to. Like the other night when I was out (singing practice, I think) and Clayton put the kids to bed. Ian was less than restful, giggling and squealing and bouncing around. Finally Clayton went in to put him back in bed and found Ian crawling through his tent. When Clayton would go to one door of the tent, Ian would cackle and scramble to the other. Clayton would follow and the process would be repeated. He somehow finally got Ian back in bed, but when I came back he was still bright-eyed and a bit too bushy-tailed. I sang him a song, gave him "lugs" and told him goodnight. He was asleep in 5 minutes. I guess he was just waiting for me. It's nice to feel loved -- even if it keeps silly boys from sleeping well...

Anya is finding scriptures in the Bible with little to no help. We read from the Scripture Stories for Beginning Readers each night, but have added corresponding New Testament (that's just where we are ) verses. She finds the story, looks at the scripture reference at the bottom, reads book and chapter, and then asks "Half-way through?" (Because she has to turn past halfway in the Bible to get to New Testament.) I nod and then she starts turning. I watch and when she gets close, I tell her to tell me what book she's in. Then I tell her that Matthew (for example) is just before Mark (if she's turned to Mark). She turns slowly till she finds the book and then knows whether to turn forward or back depending on chapter number. She hasn't graduated to verses yet, but there are still a few years before seminary scripture chases. I feel a champion in the making... ;) I guess I better refresh my memory on the books in the Old Testament before we get there or I will be of NO use to her!

As for things with the grown-ups around here, I'm trying to get a part time job (details to follow if anything comes of it) and Clayton just found out that he will not be returning to Rhodes next year. There are possibilities all over -- NC, lots in NY, intriguing possibilities at UNLV and at the Uintah Basin campus of USU. We'll just see what plays out.

Camping Update

Around 8:00 the morning following the campout, I could hear our campers making their way back to the house -- Anya chatting a blue streak, as usual. She had slept very well and Clayton had been bothered by all the noises and was unable to get good rest. Apparently they read some stories and did the usual bedtime stuff, played Barbies for a little while, and then got in their sleeping bags and chatted about the trip. After a couple of minutes, Anya said, "Ok, Dad. Let's just close our eyes now." And that was that! Two minutes later, though it was still not dark outside, Clayton could hear her sucking on her fingers. She was gone and didn't stir until morning, when she woke him pointing to and chatting about the sky. What a girl!

A Big Night

It is 10:15 p.m. and Anya is still outside "camping" in Grandpa David's backyard with her dad in a tent which she helped to set up. The "campout" began with a dutch oven dinner, followed by campfire, marshmallows, and smores. She then helped her dad set up the tent and ran in to get her barbies to sleep with her. She was so excited and it was so cute to see. I didn't actually expect it to last this late, so we'll see if they make it to the morning.

Because she was outside, I was able to spend a quiet bedtime routine with Ian. I read 3 books and he looked from my face to the book each time. Then I was able to sing several primary songs and hymns as he listened intently, watching my eyes and mouth alternately. I truly felt we were communicating spirit to spirit. When he was first diagnosed, I began thinking about all the things I hoped he knew and learned in this life -- what was truly important. Though I think he understands many things far better than I do, I am thankful for these moments when I am able to share my testimony with him and really feel that he is understanding. The song of the righteous truly is answered with blessings.