Saturday, February 20, 2010

Museum open for business

Some people have asked what the bright yellow sign on our front door is all about. (yes I know its crooked)

Last week on Wednesday it was a snow day. Before moving onto a new activity I wanted Sam to pick up some of his toys off my bed and his bedroom floor. At the time I was in the middle of working on something for the Mt Pleasant Discovery Museum. I knew just saying Sam clean up your toys would result in a meltdown because that task is not specific enough. Creativity can be important at this point. The first thought that came to my mind was “Sam I have this great idea, why don’t you take all of these creations you made with the kid connects and turn your bedroom into a museum!” Then I suggested that all of the pieces on his floor could be piled into like piles so that customers (probably a poor choice of words in hindsight) can easily locate the pieces they want to use to build new creations. He totally bought into it – IMMEDIATELY! I have never seen someone clean up so quickly. But he played for real. “Mom now we need signs – 2 of them, one for the front door (he placed this one and I don't want to ruin his careful placement) and one for my bedroom door”. Our front door now has a sign that reads “Sam’s Awesome Building Place of Fun”. I was the first “test” customer and later that night Dan’s friend became the first real customer. Sam decided though if Dan's friend had fun, his first visit was free (instead of 5 pennies). The next morning the first thing he said when he woke up was “did we have any customers?” I have also been told I need to work on coupons good for 4, 3, 2 or 1 penny off getting in.

I was in a seminar with his teacher the next day and I told her about Sam’s new venture. Two days later Sam had two more museum customers, his teacher Mrs Auker and her daughter. He was so excited to see them come to the house and I had fun observing. He is now considering a second exhibit with space in the basement…Hmmm what a creative kid.

I never thought I'd be working on two children's museums at the same time.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Drawing on other's words - updated links

Because of the deep impact I have felt over the passing of our dear friend's husband Phil the brave I have wanted to write something and share it on our blog. I have been contemplating this but nothing seemed right. Then I gratefully noticed several other blogs with tributes and other feelings posted. Some share much more personal experiences with Phil and others share the feelings I too am experiencing. Because of the sweet friendship we have had over many years with his companion Heidi, Phil has become important to us as well. Our children enjoy listening to Voice Male CD's and thus enjoying Phil's great voice. Hearing his voice always makes me think of Heidi and her beautiful voice that I admired so much when we were mission companions. Then I think what will Eden's voice be like. She is one lucky gal to have such gifted and talented parents and more importantly parents who love her so much. I pray for her to always feel that love but have no doubt Heidi has enough love in her for both.

Because I love everything that has been shared by others including Heidi I am sharing links to these posts as well.

Obituary
Prayer and Peace
Phil the Brave
Shared Tears
Another Angel
It Stays With Us
Remembering Phil
Sing Out Strong
Voice Male In Memorium
Jacksonville State University News (and a poem "FAITH"by Phil)
Forever
Each Life that Touches Ours for Good
Utah Services
Phil's Testimony
Testimony of a Friend
Phantom Pain
Answered Prayers

This is where peace comes from knowing that families are eternal and that all will be together again.