Singles Ward, parts 31-45

I went to a singles ward on Sunday for the first time in a while. This singles ward is different than anything I've experienced before. It's a ward for singles aged 31-45. The only singles wards I've gone to are for 18-30. I've been on the older end of things for those types of wards. In this new ward, I'm on the younger end. A very strange feeling. It was amazing to realize how diverse the ward really is. There are people there who've been divorced and who have children. There are some, I'm sure, who are widows/widowers. Then there are those like me who have never been married. It's quite the mixture of people. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about attending a singles ward again. I'm tired of all the games that people play in the dating world. But I figure that I need friends in Logan, since the 2 I had last year moved. I have friends in my program, but they are all married. I need friends who are single....thus my decision to attend a singles ward. Plus, I was reminded in my institute class last week that every person needs to keep marriage as their first priority, even those who are single. Most days I'm okay with being single. It's a lot easier than being married for sure. But with that reminder, I guess I need to keep my options open. (Ug. Thanks a lot, Brother Harding.) What better way to do that than attend a singles ward for old people like me. ;)

Perry the Platypus

All of my nieces and nephews are amazingly talented. (That statement has no bias whatsoever.) Once in a while I am able to record their amazingness. While visiting Bryan and Chelsey last month, Hannah amazed me with her Perry the Platypus immitation. For those of you who don't know, Perry is a Platypus that stars on the Disney show "Phinneas and Pherb". She is an avid watcher. (It's actually pretty creative and funny. I've laughed during every episode I've seen.) Anyway, one day she made this noise. I called her Perry and she thought it was great. So, this video is of us singing Old McDonald had a Perry on his farm. For a reference of what the real Perry sounds like, you can see that here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONgjXrOShlc. Definitely not as good as Hannah, though.

Happy Birthday, Kirk!

I can't believe that it's that time of year...Happy birthday to my youngest brother, Kirk. I know I cried when you were born because I wanted a sister instead of another brother, but I am so grateful that you are you. I cried more tears as the years passed by, either because I was frustrated that you wouldn't listen or because of how special you are. I have laughed because of the funny things you've said at the most inappropriate times (like during church when you yelled 'shut up' during a talk). I have been frustrated by your incessant asking to go the Red Apple. I have loved sitting on the couch with you to tickle your feet and arms. When you sing your songs, it brings a smile to my face. It's been amazing to see how much you have grown through the years, and especially this year working with Janet. I would give anything to be able to know what you are thinking at any given moment. But most of all, it brings joy to my heart to know that one of God's special children was sent to be my brother. I love you, Kirk.