Time Out For Women and Abstractions

Mel and I just returned from Omaha where we attended Time Out For Women. I could blog for miles on this so I will be short and just say we had a great time. My favorite speaker was Mary Ellen Edmunds. If you ever get the chance to hear her...take it! My favorite musician was Jenny Oaks Baker. If you get the chance to hear her...go! Amazing.
Today Mel and I got notification that both our submissions had been accepted into the new art show in Sioux Falls titled, "Abstractions". Mel submitted a mask made of mosaic mirrors. I submitted a triptych, acrylic paintings based on Auschwitz.
The artist's reception in Nov. 7th. It will be nice to have Mel there with me this time.

Kids

Steph spent the last week in New York City. She had a grand time. Went and saw Wicked again and met Glenn Beck and Howie Mandel. She also met lots of business people that I don't know but it was a real big deal to her. She also saw Clay Aiken and Daniel Radcliffe. I am not sure if that is how you spell it?? It is the kid from Harry Potter. She got home late last night and then left this morning for St. George with Scott. They are going to a wedding reception and to see some of his family. She is going to be so tired when school starts Mon. She is going to New Mexico with Scott for Thanksgiving and then he is coming to Sioux Falls during the Christmas break. I am really looking forward to it. Paul and Nate are out shooting at pheasants and Sam is getting ready for work. Mel is at work already and so Ben and I are cleaning house. Sat. have become precious to me since I started working again. I have not found my balance yet but I will adjust soon. I have faith.

It's Friday!

Work went well this week. I really like my job. I am watching the first season of JERICHO on my computer through Netflix. It is interesting. It makes one think about being prepared and that is why I wanted to watch it in the first place but now I am caught up in the story.

Just a family update.

Tonight we had the adult session of Stake Conference. Elder Jones of the Seventy was here. He spoke on Exaltation and the New and Everlasting Covenant. It was amazing. I am looking forward to tomorrow to hear him speak again.
I just finished a new book entitled, "Scheisshaus Luck." For those of you that speak German, do not be offended. I did not realize the title was a German swear word when I checked it out at the library. It was an amazing book though. It was about an 18 year old French boy who ends up a political prisoner in Auschwitz III or Monowitz.
My new job is going great. The only thing I do not enjoy is feeding and cleaning up the animals. We have two toads, 4 different kinds of turtles and a snake. Other than that, I open up the three floors and all the exhibits and interact with guests all day. I work on some projects, watch some IMAX movies and tidy. Monday is my day off and the kids are out of school and wouldn't you know...they want to go to the Pavilion. So I will be at work on my day off but not working. Wierd.
Melanie is sewing herself a new Renaissance dress and I am so impressed. It will be lovely and she definitely inherited my mother's gifts in that area. I cannot do what she is doing.
I am almost finished with a collection of three acrylic paintings for the abstract contest. I will post pictures when the competition is over.
Sam got a job at Burger King. He is waiting to hear on another job at HyVee where Mel works. She is really enjoying the work in the bakery.
Steph goes to New York next week to interview for internships. She is going to see "Wicked" on Broadway for the second time in 14 months and is also going to meet Glenn Beck.
We got approval from the insurance to take Ben to Mayo Clinic next month. He is going to see a pediatric rheumatologist for his leg problem.
Nate's cross country season is almost over. The city meet is this coming week. I feel bad I have to miss it.
Paul starts a new high council assignment next week. He will really miss Madison. He had grown very close to the members there.
So that is the latest update on our family.

Thank goodness for conveniences!

I have become disillusioned with the book I am reading: "Not Buying It". I liked her concept and her determination but two things struck me as I read. The author is an atheist who is very liberal and tried to convey those points in her writing which many times did not have anything to do with the economic basis of her book and I was surprised at how many times her sacrifice of not purchasing anything for a year actually hurt, maybe not hurt, but caused discomfort and inconvenienced others. I would like to cut down on purchases of all kinds also but there are times when we need to meet the needs of others. Socializing and friendship sometimes do cost a little money. Also, time spent with family may involve eating a dinner that comes from a box so we can get to the game etc. I am grateful to live in a day and age that we have some conveniences available to us. Nothing beats a home-cooked meal but it is just not always possible. I also keep in mind that the author does not and never has had children!

Entering the workforce again.

In less than twelve hours I will be back in the mainstream workforce. I enter it with mixed emotions. Grateful for a job and the money that it will bring but sad to be leaving my days at home where I was free to plan my own time and organize my schedule according to my whims. Now, I wonder, how will I balance working, family, church and my social life??? That is the question of all working mothers. But, I know that I am to do this and with the Lord's help I will be successful. I am excited for the job itself. I am the floor supervisor of the Kirby Science and Discovery Center at the Washington Pavilion. Check out the web page:http://www.washingtonpavilion.org/Index.cfm
It is a beautiful facility and I will love being around the arts all day. Sam also starts his new job tomorrow at Burger King. Wish us all luck!