She’s very excited for this afternoon, and what a vision of a lovely nervousness she is!

If you did not receive an e-mail invitation*, my dear reader, and would like to join with us in celebration (more…)

12 February 2009 marked the fifteenth anniversary of my baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My decision to be baptized is far and away the best choice I’ve made in my life. Every good thing in my life either flows from it or was enhanced by it.

My mind was all a flutter Thursday morning–moving details, painting decisions, and waiting for the much anticipated official recording of the escrow documents we had signed the day before. Fifteen years ago I probably felt similarly eager for the journey and fearful of the unknown associated with it.

If anyone had told me that evening that I would be a ‘temple mormon’ with six children  buying my first house (in Arizona of all places), I would have shook my head disbelievingly.

If anyone had told me fifteen years and two months ago that who, what, where, why and how–I would have been rolling-on-the-floor-tears-streaming-down-my-cheeks-gasping-for-breath-laughing. It won’t be that long before my time in the Church exceeds the years without it.

As I sat pondering in Sacrament meeting last week, I started thinking about the prayers and my baptism. I quietly reached for the little notebook I carry in my scriptures and wrote the following:

“I did witness unto God, my Eternal Father, that I was willing to take His Son’s name fifteen years ago.”

I did it again that afternoon, partaking of the bread and drinking from the cup. I’ll do it again next week, and the week after that, two weeks after that, three weeks after that, four weeks after that, six weeks after that…  I’ll get to appreciate the sacrament all the more for not having it the fifth week, right?

A most sweet fruit I’ve tasted over these fifteen years, filling my soul with exceeding great joy. Alas, my words fail me when it comes to expressing it. Just know that it’s there.

Last Monday was a special day, it’s birthday time for her!

Emma’s looks for approval to blow out the candle nestled in her favorite ice cream: chocolate chip cookie dough.

Emma has decided to be baptized and that ordinance will take place on the 28th. She’s interviewed with two bishops at this point because of the move–pretty sure that being approved twice is nice  =)

“I believe that Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to be happy. We should remember to pray so that we can tell Him all about our day and tell Him what we need. and that we can pay our tithing and not for other stuff like games and clothes.”

You can click on the links below to read about Emma’s birthday in years past.

2006 

2007 

 2008 

Some fun snapshots from her official 8-day.  (more…)

Life is good. In the words of Dave Ramsey, I’m doing better than I deserve. 

So here’s my confession this time around: I have an ever-growing case of thriver’s guilt. (more…)

May I present to you, my dear reader, our new home.

Look for “The Kazoo–New Home Edition” coming soon to a website near you.

I have been most unforthcoming about our situation this year.

I probably owe you, my dear reader, an apology for doing so; however, if you’re in the know, you must have above-average interrogation techniques  =)

I was so afraid that this would unravel (like the Georgia trip did) that I have done my best to keep this feline well-bagged, despite all the meowing you might have heard. And even though today there is nothing signed, sealed, or delivered–I feel an obligation to make the announcement. An obligation I’m actually following through on, mind you, dear reader, despite my fears of issuing a retraction next week.

(more…)