Eternal

In Relief Society today, the lesson was on our roots, and how we can feel connected to our ancestors and those who have passed away maybe a little more recently. It made me think of my grandparents. I never had the opportunity to meet most of them. My paternal grandfather passed when my dad was seven, and my mom parents died a few weeks before she and my dad got married. I've only ever known my Grandma on this earth, and I am lucky enough to be very close to her, but I've often wondered what it would be like to have all my grandparents around. Or at least to have known them for a little while.

And then I realized I do know my grandparents, my maternal grandparents especially. My mom has always told us about them, and when the whole Davis clan gets together, the siblings talk about them, tell us stories, and just make them alive for us. I know that my grandma loved to read (Anne of Green Gables especially), loved to travel, and wanted a redhead. I've always felt connected to her because those are attributes that I have; I love to read, love to travel, and, well, I am a redhead. I know that my mom looks exactly like her mom, and that my brother looks just like our mom. Those are things that connect our family and let my brothers, cousins, and I know who we are and what our lineage is. My parents have done the temple work for their respective parents years ago; long before I was born, and so I have always been sealed to them for eternity. When Kevin and I got married, I know that my grandparents were there in the sealing room with us and a part of that moment. I felt them and their love for me, even though we've never met on this earth. They know me, and who I am.

The temple is where generations can come together on this earth. I know that my family is eternal and that I will have the opportunity to know my grandparents fully. I am grateful for the knowledge that our families are eternal and that we can be with them forever. Death is not the end of our relationships; they have the ability to transcend the realms of death and time. I am grateful for that knowledge and the power of the resurrection and atonement. It is a comforting testimony.

Cousin Trip to Eureka! (aka For Aunt Elizabeth)

My cousin Meghan and I went up to Eureka this weekend for a little girls trip. Meghan used to spend several weeks in the summer with us when we were younger, but hasn't been to the homestead since she was 14, so she was past-due for a visit. We hung out, went to Fern Canyon (one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen) and just had some good family time. It was a quick trip, but a good one.

Here's what I think

**I think everyone needs to have a roommate so they can learn how to respect the space around them for other people.
**I think that if someone is rude and thoughtless towards me, then I don't have to like them anymore.
**We might have the freedom of speech, but we have a responsibility to act like a decent human being and not abuse that privilege.
**Educators are there to teach, not be a de facto parent.
**I really did learn a lot of what I need to know in kindergarten.
**Just because you spend a lot of money, doesn't mean you have any taste.
**My mom is my hero
**I miss living in Long Beach sometimes.
**Those who do not learn from the past are definitely doomed to repeat it.
**Old houses are the best houses.
**Close friends are a saving grace.
**Travel is its own form of education.
**Just because I have a different opinion, doesn't make me wrong; it just means I have a different viewpoint.
**Eureka is where my spirit can breathe.


Just some of the many tidbits I've been chewing on for awhile. What do you have thoughts on?

Disney Dog!

I have a Disney dog! I came home to find Maggie guarding the Beauty and the Beast DVD. Even when I went to get it in order to put it back on the shelf, she scooted over it a little. It was too funny. I feel good knowing that Maggie loves Disney as much as I do. We'll have to get her some doggie Disney accessories; maybe a hat or sweatshirt, or something. But I will definitely keep her away from the whole crazy pin thing.

In love with love

I've been hearing some people say that they hate Valentine's Day; it is a manufactured holiday designed to sell chocolate and cards. And maybe it is. But what is wrong with taking a day apart from all the others and recognizing the love we have in our lives. Even if you don't have a significant other, there are our parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, nieces, and nephews. You don't have to buy all the hype, but love is important, in all its varieties. So celebrate the love in your life, buy yourself some flowers, and enjoy the chocolate and other goodies that are in abundance.

I personally enjoy Valentine's Day. I always have and always will; significant other or not. I'm in love with love.

Transitions

Those who know me know that I am a fairly social person. I like to be around people. That being said, I have always been fortunate to find that core group of friends pretty quickly in the various areas in which I have lived. I made some really good friends at the singles ward up here, but have found it kind of difficult to make friends in the family ward. It is a whole different agenda, with different schedules and groups. There are the young families, the older families, those who have been in the ward forever and those who I just don't mesh well with. There aren't any young marrieds without kids, so making friends has been hard. Don't get me wrong; I've met some people and we hang out semi-frequently. And I still see my "single-ward" friends regularly. But a family ward is so weird as an adult. It is going to take some time to get used to it. I have devised a plan, of sorts. I've been showing up at the activities, offering to be in charge of certain aspects of events, and just plain putting myself out there. It is taking time, more than I am accustomed to, but I have become friendly with some of the ladies in the ward. And I have had a ladies night at my house with more to follow.

Transitions are hard, and not the most fun. I'm grateful for the friends I made in the singles ward up here. It helps keep me sane. And I am going to keep working at making friends in my ward; I think I will be there for a very long time.

Grandma

I have the cutest, sweetest Grandma. I love her to pieces and cannot imagine my life without her.



For all those who know about the health scare, Grandma is doing TONS better. She just recently adopted a dog and is learning to share the house.