Stephenson Family Ties

What happens to all the things you might

say or want to say, but don't? Well, they

dont lie about in your head indefinitely,

waiting to be let out. For a time they may

stay there quite patiently, but then they

shuffle off and fade until you cant locate

them any more, and you realise they're

not coming back.

from: Half Broken Things

by: Morag Jos

Im not sure how to 'catch-up' on whats been happening around here for the last 3 to 4 weeks. My days werent wasted, but they weren't blogged' about, and so I feel differently about them than all the weeks since blogging became such an integral part of my life.
I've seen other bloggers go through reflective periods. Why do we blog? How much time should I spend blogging? Should I continue to blog?
At this point Im quite certain that that I'll continue blogging. Otherwise my thoughts will shuffle off and be lost. Understand that my respite is quite easily explained.
ANNA IS HOME!!!
Im enjoying my rose colored glasses.
Its also interesting to note that because my camera is busted....(it was sat upon) I have come to realize how much picture taking is a part of blogging for me. Im learning to overcome this deficit and carrying on anyway.
My regret is that I have been negligent in 'documenting' the re-entry' of Sister Anna into the world. And since I dont really believe in regrets, Im going to attempt to share some of the highlights of the last several weeks with you now.

One- Our temple attendance has increased. Thats a good, good thing.

Two- Family scripture study really has been enhanced by a returned missionary's presence.

Three- There is much less tv going on in our home. And when I do indulge (LOST is back!!!) I feel guilt. And since I dont do guilt-I try and DVR and watch when shes not around!! Also, I've been waiting 19 months to watch a couple of movies with her. Two down, one more to go. First it was "Enchanted" which I think she really enjoyed. Second there was "Hairspray" which I think she thinks Im crazy for enjoying as much as I do. (I get such a kick out of that flick!!) One for two; not the best of odds.

Four- There is lovely piano music in the house. We now have THREE ivory ticklers under the roof. And the repair man came and fixed some keys and tuned the ol upright, and all is well.

Five- My commute to work is now shared with my daughter!! (Really, I ask you again, how much better can a job get!!!???) Plus...said daughter complained of being out of shape. BAH!!! She is hiking with the advanced group of hikers now, more often than not!!

Six- Our mailbox holds an anticipation of excitement and news and friendships. When the land phone rings, its very possible that its someone in Texas or someone connected to Texas!! Oh how she glows when this happens. Her life fills ours as well.

Seven- We are now living with the food police!!! I now have a pile of food stacked up, waiting to be returned to the stores- at Annas insistence. "Nobody can eat this stuff; its full of trans fats!!!"
All our yummy food is slowly being weeded from our diet. DRAT!!!! (speaking of police...anyone have connections at the impound yard?? There's a four-wheeler there waiting to be picked up. Now there's another story for a post. Now I bet your curious! )

Eight- Bri-dogs' love and admiration is apparent. Which every mother longs to witness between siblings.

Nine- There have been and will be some fun road trips.

Ten- Because of a road trip, just recently taken, I had the privilege of finally meeting Annas mission president and his wife and several kids. Its blatantly obvious why Anna loves them so!!! WOW!! Wonderful people to be sure.

Eleven- Not only has Anna succumbed to the wiles of ROCK BAND, she now has added the addictive power of FACEBOOK to her life!! Oh how quickly they fall. (Just Kidding Daughter!)

Twelve- We've added yet another member to the family. Meet Zoey. Shes a dog we rescued from our local shelter. Shes a gem and we already love her to death.

WELCOME ZOEY!!

Thirteen- We have an interesting threesome going on here. They have a lot of fun together, and they often get Bri-dog to join them too. The other night they rallied together, gained courage, and ventured out to a 'Stop Light Party' at the local college. It took a lot of encouraging and prodding to get them to go...and the finally conceded to try. But.....they didnt get any farther than the parking lot of the gig. They judged quickly by the attire of the attendees, that this wasnt the type of party that they'd grace an appearance with. So they came home and played ROCK BAND together!!

What I Know:
Im sure there will come a time when Im not writing about my daughter....????
and
LIFE IS GOOD!!!!!