Tender Mercies & Winter Sports

Today in Sunday school, the topic for my class (ages 14-15) was "How can I learn to see Heavenly Father's hand in all things?".  It was not hard to get excited for this lesson using references including Elder Bednar's "The Tender Mercies of the Lord" address and President Eyring's, "Oh Remember, Remember" talk along with several other inspiring messages.  Although I keep a personal journal, it would be good for me to remember to include a few 'tender mercies' in this blog along the way.  In keeping with that thought, I'll briefly mention one from last Sunday evening.  Aaron had the responsibility of getting Cameron on an airplane headed for Phoenix, AZ.  The circumstances were less than ideal and more than a few of us were praying for the much needed miracle of having Cameron board that plane.  For reasons unknown to us, the flight ended up being delayed a few hours.  Normally, that would have been slightly annoying since Aaron had to wait at the airport until his brother boarded the flight.   However, under the circumstances, it was exactly what needed to happen in order for Cameron to actually make the flight.  A 'tender mercy' indeed!  

Scott & Jill, Heather & Aaron - Original Thai Restaurant

Surprisingly enough, our friends from the Phoenix, AZ area were on the very plane coming into our area that Cam boarded to head to AZ.  We had plans to get together with them on Monday so we knew they were coming to town but they ended up arriving a day earlier anticipating bad weather.  They stopped by Aaron's office Monday mid-morning and ended up coming out to the house where we talked for nearly 4 hours!  We met up again for dinner and talked for another 2.5 hours.  Aaron and I really love Scott and Jill - they were at our wedding over 20 years ago and we've kept in touch ever since.  Though we don't see each other often, it's always a 'party' when we do.  And that may all be changing as they have their sights on relocating to our community in the future....we shall see!

Pic for Tanner of Aaron in front of new Philadelphia, PA Temple

Aaron spends plenty of time in airports and this week was no exception.  He flew into Philadelphia, PA for meetings and also drove to Washington, D.C. to meet with some customers.  It was a productive trip and we were happy to have him home by Friday (2am) since he had plans to join Anna on the slopes.  Ski school was postponed a week due to frigid temperatures last week.  They have an option for parents/siblings to ski at a discounted rate so we jumped on the opportunity now that Aaron has secured a nice pair of used skis.  Anna, too!  Jantzen was disappointed not to join them on the hills this year but since making the 8th grade basketball team, the coach will not allow his players to snowboard/ski during the basketball season.  No pics (just video) from his first game played on Tuesday night, but Jantzen is off to a fantastic start.  He had more playing time in this game that any previous game with his former coaches.  Ironically, the boys who play similar positions (who's dads were the coaches) hardly had time on the court.  It was refreshing to witness this change and Jantzen is stoked about this season.

Beard-beanie Aaron & Anna on chair lift

It was pure joy for Aaron to observe Anna in this element.  He was impressed with how she willingly helped a struggling classmate complete a few runs even though it took time and patience for all involved.  Another dad/parent who skied a few runs with Aaron commented on how kind a person Anna is and how everybody on that hill seemed to be her friend.  Aaron noticed how everyone said hello to her and had a smile on their face when they did - then again, maybe they were chuckling at her silly Dad's beard:).  Honestly, Anna has a gift to help others feel comfortable in her presence and she is kind to everyone.  

Though Anna rode the bus from the school to the resort, she and Aaron squeezed in a few extra runs since she didn't have to catch the bus back.  Aaron had his truck.  They skied from 4-10pm.

Elsie & Quinn - walking on top of the hardened snow

Our driveway has literally turned into an ice-skating rink with the melting and freezing that has occurred this past week.  Quinn and Elsie never seem to tire of playing outside (especially Quinn).

And on the occasion when it's too cold or windy, they find plenty to do inside.  Usually LEGOS are involved.  But not always.  Boxes will do.  And Quinn starts basketball this coming week.  Anna had her first (indoor) soccer practice on Thursday night (8:30-10pm - what?!?).  There is a shortage of indoor facilities around town to accommodate the various sports teams.  Usually we have been able to navigate the whole basketball/soccer thing but with an early St. George soccer tournament coming in February, the coaches are anxious to get some playing time for their teams.  Hence, the only time available for Anna's soccer team is pretty darn late for a school night.  Oh boy, here we go!  Jantzen is going to focus on basketball for now and his soccer coach has been made aware of this. And what has Brinley been up to?  Homework, working 3x's a week, helping friends ask boys to an upcoming girl's choice dance and the like.  We look forward to hearing from Tanner tomorrow - we're anticipating he'll receive a new companion after being with his 'trainer' since September 12.  He's ready for a change!