While the cat was away.....

....the mice underwent a transformation.  Randy and I attended my 40 year high school reunion a few weeks ago.  We left our children looking like this:

and came home to them looking like this.

I did graduate in 1971 - the express your individuality era.  I think they all look like they came out of the 70's.  They've sealed their fate.  These pictures are going to stay!

What we've been up to......

Welcome to the Hall Remodeling Saga....

 More to come -

Caitlin goes to prom.....

We actually got smiles for these pictures.  Numerous older sisters were on hand to help with dress, hair, nails and the overall getting ready marathon.  It's a party when you have six to call upon.  Thanks to the brothers-in-law who tended the children to free up the cadre of ladies in waiting.   

   "The shaping of man's mind begins before this mortal probation.  He brings with him certain dispositions.  He arrives, for example, with a heightened consciousness toward that which will comprise his earthly plan.  This heightened awareness in specific areas acts as a steering mechanism.  A child destined to play the violin will be drawn to everything about violins but may tend to avoid sports.  The girl with intellectual gifts may be drawn to opportunities to use her mind at the expense of, say, homemaking skills.   So the strengths and gifts he comes with will necessarily cause him to develop consciousness in those areas, but also predispose him to be weak in others.  None of us gets the whole pie in this life, only a slice or two.  Therefore, we can be philosophical about some of our weaknesses, and others', realizing that it just wasn't given to us to be strong in some areas, in order that we would focus on other particular skills during our earth life.   Since we can't do everything, our lives are necessarily full of both accomplishment and neglect."    M. Catherine Thomas - Light in the Wilderness


This description of our strengths and weaknesses is a hopeful insight.  I don't think it is the whole story nor is it meant to be, but I love the viewpoint that sometimes our weaknesses are steering mechanisms.  This implies premortal choices, inclinations and desires.  Maybe if we quit wishing for the whole pie we can enjoy the delicacies of our own slice.

Quotes from Ben.....a few thoughts for your Monday morning.

"Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others." 

"If passion drives you let reason hold the reins."   

"Those things that hurt, instruct."  

Benjamin Franklin

Nat's view from her apartment...

Love the color!  True Brazilian!

Quote of the day....