Mountains to Climb

I think I should be granted an honorary MD from the University of Pennsylvania. Not only did I pop Jane’s elbow joint back into place after it was disconnected--twice in one week--but then I rounded up my little family and gave them all, including myself, a flu shot. Now that I think about it, maybe all I deserve is an RN degree because I did have to call my Dad the first time and have him talk me through the elbow incident and then, again, I called my parents on a video chat for moral support while I dished out the vaccinations. Josh was the worst patient by far. I had to use my MOM voice to get him to hold still. I guess it is good that he didn’t earn his candy bar since my young woman stole it out of my bag at our activity the night before anyway. Kate and Jane were pretty brave, both earning a chocolate frog and a cute band-aid. It is amazing what necessity will get you to do.

We had a busy week on the home front. It was my week to host Mommy School. I introduced the concept of money using the book, Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday. We sorted coins, built coin towers, had a coin toss, and made piggy banks. Then we topped it all off with an outing to the US Mint. That same day we helped with a bake sale at Wharton to raise money for the Wharton Kids’ Club. I made scones to donate and then helped at the table for a couple of hours. Just imagine Kate in front of a decorated table filled with yummy treats saying, “Bake Sale! Bake Sale!” It is no wonder almost everything was sold by the time our shift was over.

We have some new games around our house. Kate discovered cloud shapes this week. We were just driving along and she said, “Look, Mom. That cloud looks like an alligator.” I am so excited to have someone to play that game with again. It is one of my favorites. I caught Jane downstairs all by herself one day holding our red light green light signs. She was staring right at the green light and said, “Go!” and then ran around in a circle. She stopped, held up the red light, said, “Go!” and spun around again. I watched her play for about three minutes from the top of the stairs. So cute!

Yesterday we decided to go hiking in the mountains. Something about the Fall calls you to get out and hike. We drove two hours to reach the Poconos. This is what we found...

Behold the Pocono Mountains! Yep, Folks, that there is a mountain range by Pennsylvania standards. Although the elevation was not overwhelming, we had a good time. There was crisp Autumn air to breath and plenty of leaves to crunch. The best part was being with our Dad! Even the two hour drive to nothing was worth it, just to have a chance to sit together and talk. I have to admit, however, that when we merged onto I-80 West there was a part of me that just wanted to keep on driving. ☺

I had a good experience at church today. I am still struggling with my calling. In spite of all of my sincere efforts it is just a constant emotional and spiritual battle. At a time when I feel like I need strength from the church I am not finding it there. I’m still trudging along doing the things I know I need to do--scripture study, prayer, FHE--the sunday school answers that are The Sunday School Answers for a reason. But I’m feeling more and more isolated in the ward and the longing for spiritual nourishment is deepening. Then today I went in for a temple recommend interview. As I answered those questions I felt the Spirit like I never have before in a temple recommend interview. I do believe in Christ. I sustain the Prophet. I believe in the Restoration. I feel like I am traveling through a mist of darkness right now, but I guess it’s my time to hold on tight to the iron rod and just keep moving forward. I am grateful for my testimony of the core doctrines of the gospel and pray that it will be the sure footing to lead me through to lighter days.

Have a happy week.