Saturday is a day that will live in infamy in the life of the McKay family. Our house burned down. It's the most surreal thing I've ever had to come to terms with. It's still so hard to believe. It's unbelievable that I now live in a motel and couldn't cook if I wanted to. There are so many reasons to be thankful though.

1. Everyone got out okay and no one was hurt.
2. Leland was home and not traveling
3. It was Saturday right in the middle of the day (Between 2-2:30)

At first I cried and cried and couldn't stop. I even had to have the paramedics help me with oxygen because I was hyperventilating. The next day less and the next day less. As I lay in agony on the floor while it was happening, I could hear my memories. I heard laughter of happy occasions like Christmas. I thought of all the pictures that were going up in smoke. I thought about the bedrooms that Leland and I decorated together and how much fun we had doing it.

Then, my friend and writing buddy Tahsha Ford came over with the rest of the writing gang. She got a phone call that will live in infamy in the Ford family. Her husband was killed in a para sailing accident. All of a sudden my blackened, charred house was nothing. Tahsha would rather be dealing with a burned house than loosing her husband. I ache for her. We went to the viewing tonight and couldn't believe the number of people there. The line went to forever. So many people who love the Ford family. It sure says a lot about them.

Spencer is married now very happily. It's so very comforting for parents to know that their children are securely married. Their wedding day was wonderful and couldn't have gone better. It was all beautiful and they were so happy.

I think I'm over the "weirdness" of my son being engaged. He's getting an incredibly dedicated, loyal, sweet girl and he should consider himself the luckiest guy on earth which he does. My daughter is NOT engaged or anywhere near it any more thank heavens.
Right now, my baby girl (7) is sleeping and the rest of the brood is upstairs having a gospel discuss with their father; How did it all begin? Who is Heavenly Father's father? Who is the "main God" that started it all? I love hearing my husband carefully teach my children the gospel. Nothing draws me to him more than when I see him honor his priesthood especially with my children.
Football was over a few weeks ago and I was suppose to start back up with my writing group. But, I've had meetings with my church calling to attend the last couple of Wednesdays and one more this Wednesday. It's going to be really weird to go back after such a long sabbatical and I'm so far behind. While the rest of my writing buddies have made major progress and growth on their talent, I've probably lost some of mine. I'm just going to blow the dust off my poor forgotten story and begin again. Poor Crystal and Megan. Abandoned by their mother and father and by the one being who loves them most....their creator.

My summer has whisked by. My cute little missionary came home from his LDS mission from England and things have settled down somewhat. But, I have a feeling I'm about ready to take another plunge into a busy life. My eldest daughter is seriously dating a young man and my eldest son has asked for the hand of his girlfriend from her father. They are in Florida right now at the Disneyland resort where he will propose with the help of some staff members.
How do I feel about this? I don't know. I'm not happy and I'm not sad. His girlfriend is a gem and so good for him. But, I feel so. . .weird. I feel like he's not old enough and yet he is twenty three. I feel like he doesn't have enough money yet he has no debt, has a small savings and paid cash for her ring. I feel like he still needs us yet he goes off and handles all of his own issues and makes all of his own decisions most of the time without our ever knowing anything about it until after its done. Thank heavens. I'm totally excited about his moving on with his life and moving out. So, what's wrong? I don't know. Maybe I feel the loss of an era. My family is changing so fast. Missions and marriages are pretty life changing. Things will never be the same. And yet, there's more to it. Anyone have any thoughts?

Cut The Teacher Some Slack

In January, I jumped at the chance to teach drama to first through third graders at my childrens elementary school. I have directed three children's plays including one musical, Annie Jr., and had a blast. But, this is different. I'm not having a blast. Thank heavens it's only once a week. Friday. How I've grown to hate Fridays.
The frustrating thing is, I love these kids. Every little face is precious and innocent and I want desperately to make a difference in their lives. Instead, they are making a difference in mine. Since I was in sixth grade I've wanted to teach. Not any more. It scares me to death now.
How is it that I can totally adore and love these kids and at the same time never want to go back. Sad.
One thing I've learned, teachers are the most undervalued professionals in the world. I no longer get upset if my kids come home and say that a teacher yelled at them. I don't agree with teachers yelling at children. I truly believe there is a better way. But, now that I've walked a mile in their moccasins, I will cut them some slack.

In The Beginning

In the beginning, there were bloggers. Then, there were more bloggers. Now, blogging has taken over as a way of life. . .and I love it!
I'm excited to start this new project in my life. I used to be critical of it until I heard a panel of writers discussing its benefits. So, I started looking at other's blogs and I am impressed. Besides, I need the therapy!