Friday, June 26, 2009

Sometimes babysitting is more fun than usual!

I usually spend a few hours with Ashby on Thursdays so Lisa can get a little time away to run errands or whatever she feels like doing. Yesterday, she wanted to come over to the house to finish up a scrapbook that she had been working on. It is hard to do things like that with Ashby, because she wants too much attention. So, they came over and while Lisa worked upstairs on her scrapbook, I played with Ashby.

She is always smiling and happy, so that wasn't new. She has started pulling herself up on everything and walking around things. She has even started letting go and just balancing. She is also very curious and wants to see and touch (and taste!) everything in sight. She had more fun crawling all over the place, exploring and pulling herself up to see more. We also played with the Legos and the doll and the ball.

By the time Lisa finished, it was time for a nap. We decided to try to get her to nap here so Lisa could run a few errands. We thought she was down and Lisa left, but when I walked back in the house, Ashby was crying again. She was so tired, but it just wasn't her bed! I picked her up and she just cuddled on my shoulder, so I just held her. She is always so energetic that she doesn't usually slow down enough to cuddle. As it was almost time for her to eat anyway, I went ahead and gave her a bottle. When she finished, she just lay there looking up at me and smiling and making funny faces. Too cute! Finally, she ate her solids, and then I put her down again. This time she was tired enough that she went on to sleep.

Just an hour later, she woke up and was crying, so I went in to get her. It was obvious that she was not anywhere near rested yet, so I held her and she put her head back on my shoulder and promptly fell asleep. I figured there was nothing I could do but sit in the recliner with her sleeping on my shoulder. Which is exactly what we did. I even rested with her cuddled up like a little bunny on my shoulder.

It was probably another 40 minutes when Lisa returned and Ashby woke up. By then, she was rested and laughing and ready to play again. What a delightful way to spend an afternoon! I repeat - I have lived my whole life for this moment!!!!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Atlanta Temple is Closing

I have been working (volunteering) at the Atlanta Temple for one day a week since 2000. It is something I really enjoy. Even when I went back to work part time, I made arrangements to leave early on the day I was at the temple so I wouldn't have to give it up.

Last year, we first heard that the temple was going to get some renovations. It is 26 years old and there are things that need to be replaced or redesigned. So all last summer, we waited to hear what was going to be done, how long it would take, when it would be done, etc. Later in the year, the word was that there would be a complete renovation which would mean the temple would need to be closed. In the late spring, we finally heard exactly what was going to happen.

July 1st the temple will close for complete renovation and will be closed for 15 - 18 months! Now that we are into June, the reality of the temple closing is fast approaching. I am finding myself feeling sad and worried. I will really miss the day at the temple each week. It has been like a spiritual boost that helps get me through the rest of the week. I will miss the people who work when I do. Most of them live far enough away that I never see them except at the temple, but they have become important to me. I will miss being in a place where there is only a feeling of love and caring, with the cares of the world left outside. I do hope the next year and a half go quickly!

On the plus side, because the renovation is so extensive, we will have an openhouse for the public and a rededication when it is complete. I am already thinking about friends that I would like to invite to come and see the temple. We were at the original dedication of the Atlanta Temple in 1983 and it will be exciting to be part of the rededication. We took our children to the openhouse before the dedication and Lisa, although only 7 at the time, still remembers it.

My stake has been temporarily assigned to go the Columbia, South Carolina, temple. That will be about a 3 1/2 hour trip, one way. We won't be able to drop by after work! On the other hand, since it will require planning, perhaps we will be more appreciative of the opportunity when we do get to go. Sometimes when things are too easy, we fail to appreciate their value.

I am still trying to decide how I will fill my extra day each week. I am thinking that I will be able to get back into the genealogy research, which I have had to cut back on since I started working again. That would be a blessing I would enjoy!