Called to Serve

Today was a hard day! I remember the first Sunday after Este left was hard for me as well. Today I missed Ethan so much! I waited for him to walk through the door after church. I thought about him all day long.  I wondered if his meetings were in English or in Spanish. I wished I could be a fly on the wall and watch him all day every day while he is in the MTC. I cried through the opening hymn in Young Women's. It was the hymn Called to Serve. I tried not to do the "ugly cry" even though I felt like sobbing. Because I was trying not to do the ugly cry it probably became the "uglier" cry. Oh well, I couldn't help it at the time

Later in the evening Elder Langi and Elder Witkowski came over for dinner. They are the missionaries that are serving in our ward. They are some of my favorite missionaries of ALL time! They teach with the Spirit and they are obedient. I know the Lord will bless them as they serve in this area.

Missionaries are amazing! I love the missionaries serving near and far. I know the Lord loves them too. Today was hard but it was also good as I had a chance to understand more fully what it means to be "Called to Serve."

I am Safe

This is the email that Aaron and I received this morning.

I arrived this morning at the Guatemala CCM without any problems or delays.  There were 38 missionaries on board with me for my flight from LAX to Guatemala.  I just wanted to let you know that I am safe and I love you.  This next few weeks in the CCM will be very busy but I look forward to emailing you more on Monday. Guatemala is beautiful, and it is really exciting to be at the CCM. It is really exciting to have the oppurtunity to learn so much from such great teachers.  Just remember that I love you all and tell the rest of the family I say hi. 

Elder Womack  

I am so very grateful that he arrived safely. I feel like I had more anxiety about his getting to Guatemala than I do about the rest of the entire two years. 

Back to Glasses

Ethan recently decided to go back to wearing glasses. I think he looks great!!

Reverence

We visited the Nasher Sculpture Center while downtown today. We spent most of our time looking at the outdoor exhibits. Vanessa enjoyed resting for a moment on a stone bench sculpture.

Ethan made me laugh. I enjoy listening to his commentary about art. He would make a great art critic one day if he could be serious enough about it. His is interpretations are quite enjoyable though!

The thing I like about Ethan is that as soon as we stepped into the exhibit called  Melvin Edwards: Five Decades, he became quite somber. The sculptures in this exhibit are part of Edward's Lynch Fragments series.

I loved seeing Ethan show reverence where reverence is due. I think that is what is so great about art. Each piece can evoke such completely different emotions in a person.

Food Trucks!!

I love food trucks!! Something about funky food served out of the back of a van makes me excited!

Today we took the kids to downtown Dallas to eat lunch at the food trucks parked around Klyde Warren Park.  There are so many more choices on the weekend! They close down an entire street so even more trucks can come in and everybody just sits on the curb eating great tasting food!

I chose to visit The Texas Burrito truck. Partially because of the name of the truck, partially because their Sweet Pork Barbacoa Nachos sounded delicious!!

And they were. Who knew that coleslaw would be so good on nachos?

Ethan had Kimchi Fries from the Korean BBQ truck. Vanessa had a deluxe grilled cheese sandwich. We shared cupcakes and cake pops. We also enjoyed some sliders. Not just ordinary sliders. One of these had pulled pork topped with mac and cheese. The other had chicken, gravy, and mashed potatoes. We also tried the slider with a gigantic meatball inside.

In the end, we were not able to visit the make-your-own-ice-cream-sandwich truck nor the taco truck with the yummy churros. We were stuffed and could not physically eat any more.

It was a few hours later that the heartburn set in. It is still so worth it.

Something about eating from food trucks, sitting and watching people at the park, and feeling the sunshine on our faces made the world seem right again. There are days that I look around and just feel so happy to be where I am!

Moments like these are wonderful!! It is so important to make time to enjoy life. #lovewhereyoulive

Spring Break Hates Us

While in southern California for spring break in 2010, we felt an earthquake. It was the worst earthquake in San Diego in the previous 18 years. Two years later, while house hunting in Dallas during spring break we were under a tornado warning. We were evacuated to the stairwells of our hotel. There was a tornado, it just didn't touch down in our area.

This spring break, just as we were ready to leave for the Mexican Riviera, a freak winter storm hit North Texas crippling the entire area. DFW became the airport with the most cancelled flights in the world. One of those flights happened to be ours. The area woke up to record breaking snow fall amounts. 

While this doesn't look like much, we received about 4 inches of snow.

Vanessa posed the question, "Why does Spring Break hate us?" We have experienced earthquakes, tornadoes, and now blizzards all during spring break. At that moment we vowed not to visit any place with volcanoes until the trend is broken.

In all seriousness, I pointed out to our family that there was a fatal car accident the night of the storm and that is something that is truly sad. At least we still get to be together whether at home or on the beach.

It's not all bad though. We were able to reschedule our flight for 4 days later. We had to change reservations where we were staying but I think we are better off at the new hotel after all. Aaron had some matters come up at work that he needed to be here to take care of immediately. The kids will actually miss less school.

I will say, if you ever really need a break, just plan on going out of town and then change your mind at the very last second. I have been able to do what ever I want because I had absolutely nothing scheduled. My agenda was completely clear. It has been rather nice.

Sometimes in life, when a blizzard blows you down, you just simply need to step back and decide to make ice cream. Literally.

A friend from Canada shared this recipe. 12-15 cups freshly fallen snow (Do not use yellow snow!) 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in fruit or other toppings if available. It really is yummy!!

Selfie Sunday

Grandpa Womack wanted to learn how to take a selfie today.

#seniorcitizenselfiesunday

It makes me wonder what my children and grandchildren will be teaching me when I am his age. Props go to him for trying to stay up with modern technology. 

In Love

I'm pretty much in love with this little boy. He makes me smile every day. He calls me "Tolette" which is a little too close to the word "toilet" for my liking but he is just so dang cute when he says it that I forgive him instantaneously. Luckily he is my nephew so I feel safe in my slight obsession but his mom still might be creeped out if she knew how many photos I have of him. Who could resist though? Honestly. 

Happy Valentine's Day!!

This morning Aaron and I cleaned out our garage while the kids did their chores. It was very romantic!

They say everything is bigger in Texas. That does not include garages and backyards. At least where we live.

Here are a few photos of the finished product.

Not that I am trying to show off or brag. I just don't know how long the cleanliness will last so I needed photographic proof that it really did happen. You know how garages are, everything stays in its proper place for about 5 minutes.

The nice thing is that I know my love for my husband does last.  It has lasted for the past twenty Valentine's Days. I am hoping for many more Valentine's Days to come. In fact, I look forward to eternity with my valentine!!

Sick Day

Savanah stayed home from school today. She woke up with a slight fever and a headache. Poor thing. I wouldn't say I was happy she stayed home sick from school, but I will say that I did enjoy sitting on the couch with her while we caught up on American Idol episodes we haven't had time to watch.

It was such a nice day! Except for the slight fever and headache of course.

Best Birthday EVER!!

My birthday fell on the date 12-13-14 this year. The last time in my lifetime that the date will be sequential numbers. The day proved to be even more epic than the date.

I told Aaron my favorite breakfast is breakfast burritos. The problem is that in order to make them it requires using every pan in the house. In order to make my birthday a day of no worries Aaron bought breakfast tacos from Rudy's (one of my favorite BBQ joints). I think a brisket taco really is the best way to start the day. Plus we didn't dirty any dishes.

After a yummy breakfast, Aaron and I headed to the Dallas Temple. One of the women in the church that I visit on a monthly basis was going to the temple for the first time. It is one of those momentous occasions in a person's life. I was so happy to be there with so many women from church. As we gathered together in the temple, I just felt that the reason we call each other "sister" in the church is because we really are one big family. I love all my sisters!!

Later that afternoon, was Lexi's baptism. Lexi is like a daughter to me.

A few months ago, I was waiting for church to begin. Mike and Melanie usually sit by us so we can help them with the babies. They were running a bit late so half our pew was empty. A young girl came and sat down on the pew. I eventually scooted down and asked if her family was coming. She replied no. She was alone. It was the first time she had ever been inside a Mormon church.  I scooted closer to her and explained things throughout the meeting to her.

She later told me that earlier in the week she had just started to nanny for a family in the next neighborhood. She had taken the little boy out on a walk. She had become lost in the neighborhood. As she was trying to find her way back to the house she ran into the missionaries. They talked to her briefly and gave her a pass along card with the address and time of church on it. She had also recently met a member of the church which also peaked her curiosity in our church. When she came to church that day she was nervous and alone. She ended up staying for all three hours. She told me she loved the simplicity of our services. She loved that we take turns talking in church. It is not just one person preaching all the time. That week in Sunday School class we learned about the Plan of Salvation. As we learned where we come from, why we are here, and where we are going, it made sense to her. She went to Relief Society while I went to young women's. After church I went to find her and she was surrounded by women. She had a huge smile on her face.

The smile soon faded as she realized that she had lot her key to her car. We searched all over the church. We couldn't find it anywhere. Somebody suggested we pray. I offered a sincere, humble prayer and sure enough a little boy came walking down the hall with the key. It had been found!

Aaron asked if anyone had given Lexi a Book of Mormon yet. She replied no. Well, just a few weeks earlier I felt to order a paperback version of the scriptures and had them with me that day. I was able to give her a Bible and Book of Mormon.

Later that week, we went to see Meet the Mormons. When she asked to know more about our beliefs in the parking lot, I invited her to listen to the missionaries. She accepted. The missionaries soon started to teach her lessons every week in our home. They brought the Spirit with them every time. It was a great opportunity for our family to help teach her. It was perfect mission preparation for Ethan who will leave on his mission next summer.

As the weeks kept going by I was so impressed with Lexi's devotion to learning more about out church. She started reading the Book of Mormon. She loved the stories. She accepted all of our beliefs without hesitation. I felt the love our Savior has for her. She is an amazing soul and I know that the Lord is very aware of her.

Her baptism added my wonderful birthday. She looked beautiful in my temple dress she borrowed.

I love the light that shines in her eyes.

Her friend Rachael was there and these two girls are now my adopted daughters.

Lexi made me a delicious birthday cake.

Julia Richards just returned from her mission in Chile. She told me in Chile the custom is to take a bite out of your birthday cake. Yep, just stick your face down there and chomp.

I think I like this tradition. A great ending to a great day.

Flying Blind

I love the window seat on an airplane! Maybe it's that pent up little kid in me that loves to watch the world go by from midair or maybe it is because I get a little car sick on planes and watching out the window helps distracts me. Whatever the reason, I was happy once again to be sitting next to the window on our flight to DC.

As we approached Washington DC and the captain announced our arrival, I was disappointed to see that I  wasn't going to be able to see much during the landing. I realized that in fact, I couldn't see a thing.  We were flying above the clouds. I hoped that the intruments on the plane were functioning because even the pilot was flying blind.

Soon we were inside the clouds which only made it harder to see.

Eventually we broke through the clouds and landed without any problems.

Within a day or two the sun shone brightly once again.

I think sometimes in life we feel a little quesy when we can't see what lays in front of us. We are not sure exactly where we are headed. We completely have to rely on the Lord to help us reach our destination. We learn to have faith in the process, to trust that the Lord that He knows what He is doing.

Sometimes the path our life should take gets even harder to see.

Always, we will break through and see once again. He knows the Way. He will always deliver us where we need to be be.

The SON will always shine bright when we choose to see. We must all learn to trust in Him.

Weekend in Washington

When Southwest Airlines recently added a new list of nonstop flights all over the country, Aaron and I jumped at the chance of booking a flight for a weekend getaway. On the list of new flights was Washington DC.  When we were there a few years ago, there were several places in DC that we wanted to go to but the kids were less excited about. This was our chance to go.

For our first stop, we visited the National Gallery of Art. One of my favorite paintings was this one called Adoration of the Magi By Fra Angelico and Fra Filippo Lippi. 

 I want to add it to my nativity collection. 

One of Aaron’s favorites was this piece.

It is a leather shield with a depiction of David and Goliath. Aaron wants to hang it on our wall but Goliath’s decapitated bloody head is a bit too realistic for me. It got the veto.

We both enjoyed the Ginevra De' Benci painted by Leonardo Da Vinci.

I especially liked the back side of the painting with the inscription Beauty Adorns Virtue. I want to share that phrase with the young women at church that I work with.

In high school I painted some grapes. They are not as easy as you may think. Here is my version of a still life.

Here is Still Life with Grapes and Game painted by Frans Snyders. I know I must face the harsh reality that one of my works of art may never hang in the NGA. I am fine with that.

We also went on a White House tour. It was beautiful!

My favorite room was the East Room where there have been funerals, weddings, extravagant galas, the Civil Rights Act and many treaties were signed in this room. It is also this room where the recent "fence jumper" ran through before finally being tackled by the Secret Service. It is amazing he made it through.  Security is pretty tight. The only way to get the tickets was through our local congressman. No cameras were allowed inside on the tour. You can take a virtual tour here.(White House Tour). 

We visited the Newseum where we saw part of the Berlin wall. We saw this exhibit the day before the 25^th anniversary of it’s fall. It was interesting to see the two sides of the Berlin Wall. The first photo is from the West side where people enjoyed the freedom of speech.

 This side faced Eastern Germany where there were fewer human rights.

 This tower is called Checkpoint Charlie. This is where soldiers from the East monitored the wall for people trying to escape to the West.

 The September 11^th exhibit was also touching.  It brings back so many memories of that day in history. The is the anntae from one of the towers that was recovered from the rubble.

There was a wall is covered in front page articles from newspapers around the world reporting the attack on the US.

We also looked at many newspaper articles throughout history including the front page article about Joseph Smith’s murder. I was raised to be a news junkie and still read the newspaper almost every morning. This museum was a treat!

We visited the United States Botanical Gardens at Aaron’s request. He loves nature and I will admit, this place was amazing!! It was quite a bit colder in DC than in Dallas so it was nice to sit for a moment inside of a jungle and feel the warmth.

From the Botanical Gardens we had a beautiful view of the Capitol building. Even with the scaffolding, it is a magnificent building.

We visited the United State Holocaust Memorial Museum. It was depressing and haunting. I believe anyone who visits there will be a changed person. I will ever be grateful for food, clothing, education, mattress and pillow, family relationships, and freedom. I hope we as a society never allow something of this magnitude to ever happen again.

This three-story tower displays photographs from the Yaffa Eliach Shtetl Collection. Taken between 1890 and 1941 in Eishishok, a small town in what is now Lithuania, the photographs depict a vibrant Jewish community that existed for 900 years. In 1941, an SS mobile killing squad entered the village and within two days massacred the Jewish population.–US Holocaust Memorial Museum

We walked from our hotel past the Washington monument to the Jefferson Memorial one evening around sunset. It was beautiful! I love feeling reverence for important places, people, and events.

We rode the Metro to a nearby chapel so we could attend church. It was great! I loved this old member built church house.

The talks were great! We were pleasantly surprised to see a friend from Utah who happened to be visiting the same random ward.

I loved the fall colors of the trees on the church grounds.

The leaves here in Dallas don't change color. The trees are either ever greens or the leaves just die and fall off.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was trying different restaurants for every meal. From Ethiopian, to seafood, Italian, Old Ebbit Grill, a tourist favorite that opened in 1856. It is Washington's oldest saloon and happens to serve the best pecan pie ever created. Aaron thinks it is weird posting a photo of half eaten food. The problem is, I didn't know how noteworthy this pie would be until I started eating it. At that point it was too late for a professional food blog style photo. At this point I will just say, it was delish!!

A trip to Washington DC wouldn't be complete without a stop at Z Burger. Every time we talked to Vanessa she asked if we had been to Z Burger yet.

After ordering "one of each flavor" at Astros doughnuts we literally and figuratively had our fill.

We met our friends Melissa and Latif for dinner. It was great catching up with them. They are the ones that introduced us to Ethiopian food and the Metro. 

This was a fun trip. I love learning more about the world around me. I love broadening my horizons and trying new things. There is so much to explore in this world and I as so grateful to have a chance to do just that for a few days with Aaron.