It rained at least three times today--this morning at around 6:30 am, again at 8:30 am, and this evening at around 7:30 pm. None of the rainstorms lasted very long (typical Texas weather, or so my experience has been), but they sure do come down hard and suddenly. Luckily I was inside for all of them. At the end of the most recent one I was outside and I noticed a huge, though dim, rainbow reaching across the sky. I realized it's been a very long time since I've seen a rainbow. And as I recalled other rainbows I've seen (most of them involve mountains that the rainbow dips into), I realized how every time I see a rainbow there's a thrill that comes with it, including tonight. It begs you to point it out to others, to stare, to try and see how long you can see it as you drive along. But really, most rainbows are very much like other rainbows. Perhaps their brightness varies, their length, and there's always the wonderment of a double rainbow. So what's so special about rainbows? Maybe it's their symbolism of hope, and new life.
Seeing that rainbow reminded me of a conversation I had with my sister earlier today, which reminded me of this post, which reminded me that there is a rainbow at the end of the storm. And in this case, it's not really a storm, just a period of uncertainty and stress. When I look back, it's so easy to see how God has led me from one thing to another, never leaving me truly in the dark. Why should I doubt that He will now? What's the point of all the stress and worry--I wonder if I will ever get better at that.
There was a member on my mission who told me that when he was a missionary, he never worried when they didn't have a teaching pool (which stressed me out as a missionary). He knew that God was going to lead them to people that were ready to be taught the gospel if they just kept working. And he said it always worked--they always found people to teach in no time. What faith--I wish I had that kind of faith as a missionary. I wish I had that kind of faith now and forever!
It all goes back to the control issue. We (or I should say, I) believe that if we worry and work and search and try HARDER, we'll work it out. We hate to trust and WAIT, of all things (not that we're not supposed to put in any effort). Don't you find that more often than not, the right things for your life come into your path rather than you stepping into their path?
It's good to remember these things. It's even better to live them!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS IT’S A GIRL….
Well it’s been a pretty good last week or so and I bet you are all wondering what the surprise or the excitement from a couple of posts ago was all about. Well you aren’t going to find out this time either…… Just kidding. This picture explains all:
Just Kidding. Here’s what has actually brought us some joy and happiness amid a time of struggling and tears…
IT’S A GIRL yorki-poo (Yorkshire terrier-poodle hybrid designer mix) puppy. My parents got us this for our “wedding gift” despite everything they did to help us with the wedding. Really I don’t think we’ll ever actually get her though. Her name is Buffy by the way. She’s a pretty friendly and small pooch. She unfortunately is NOT potty trained. We borrowed her over the weekend and she pooed and peed all over the bathroom (at least it was on newspaper), and even peed on me on the way back to my parents house. Overall she was pretty good, but definitely needs to be house-trained so she can walk on our carpets next time we take care of her.
(Heather's note: Here she looks, as she often does, like your common black duster.)
Anyway, that was the exciting surprise you’ve been waiting for. If you had read Heather’s post that mentioned the exciting surprise immediately after she posted it you would have actually known this before-hand, but we decided to keep you in waiting to see if any of you called and said “Hi”. I only think Amy did though. Ah well. We’d love to hear from the rest of you.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Happy Birthday Love
"You've had a birthday shout HOORAY! We want to sing to you today. . . " Or, "This [day] is such a special one it's birthday time for you! We really want to celebrate this happy day with you. . . " Or how about, "Happy happy birthday [Royce-ee] dear, happy days will come to you all year. If I had one wish than it would be, a happy happy birthday to you from me."
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROYCE!
Just wanted to shout out to the world how happy I am that it's your birthday--especially because now we share the same age! No, just kidding. Just because it's your special day and we get to celebrate all about you.
We get to celebrate . . .
Your humor--thanks for helping me keep things light.
Your sensitivity--thanks for always letting me cry on your shoulder, even when I don't want to tell you why.
Your childlike nature--I love how excited you get over things like Disneyland, waterslides, Killer Bunnies, and even video games.
Your wisdom--you say I'm smarter than you, but I've proved time and time again how that's just not true.
Your tallness--it's definitely what you are, and I'm so glad!
Your friendship--you're a true, loyal friend to so many people.
Your spontaneity--library hide-and-go-seek, rolling dice for dates, etc.
And your love--I'm so glad we get to share it!
Hope you have a great birthday dear!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROYCE!
Just wanted to shout out to the world how happy I am that it's your birthday--especially because now we share the same age! No, just kidding. Just because it's your special day and we get to celebrate all about you.
We get to celebrate . . .
Your humor--thanks for helping me keep things light.
Your sensitivity--thanks for always letting me cry on your shoulder, even when I don't want to tell you why.
Your childlike nature--I love how excited you get over things like Disneyland, waterslides, Killer Bunnies, and even video games.
Your wisdom--you say I'm smarter than you, but I've proved time and time again how that's just not true.
Your tallness--it's definitely what you are, and I'm so glad!
Your friendship--you're a true, loyal friend to so many people.
Your spontaneity--library hide-and-go-seek, rolling dice for dates, etc.
And your love--I'm so glad we get to share it!
Hope you have a great birthday dear!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Thoughts for the day
Last night I went to Target to get some ice cream (that's worth a trip, don't you think?). And I realized that I need to clarify when I say how much I love Target. Because in reality, I love SUPER Target. A lot! I love the lighting in the store, I love their cute gadgets, I love that we're still using giftcards from our wedding to pay for stuff there. But plain Target, especially the one across the street from us, I don't love so much. It's just . . . different. For one thing, their ice cream selection was limited to 5 flavors, but beyond that tragedy, the employees aren't as helpful and happy, the lighting isn't quite as nice, and there's something about the layout compared to Super Target that's just not aesthetically pleasing. Well, it still beats WalMart!
Next random thought. I've been wondering for awhile when it will seem like I'm really Heather Severson, instead of Heather Rust. It's not that it's ever been hard to introduce myself that way, or write my name that way. Kind of like when my name was Sister Rust. You just make the change and on you go. But it always kind of felt like a lie. No, more like a game or make-believe. Around I went, parading as this one girl, when inside I've always been someone else. But the other day, my coworker asked me my maiden name, and as I told her, it sounded like a lie. Like a game, or make-believe. I guess the transition is complete.
And finally, my job is really funny. Some days the phone rings a fair amount, and there's plenty of instruments to clean, etc. But the last couple of days have been totally dead. So today I asked my boss to come up with something for me to do, and among other things, she had me make these buttons that they sale. It was really great. I copied the template onto colored paper, I cut out each button pattern into a square. And then I put each square of paper onto this machine that cut it into a circle! I want to buy one of those! No more trying to make rounded edges with scissors. And then they have the button machine which involves putting the button parts in, pulling down on the lever a couple of times, and out comes a button. I bet you're all totally enthralled by now, as if you were there watching me!
Next random thought. I've been wondering for awhile when it will seem like I'm really Heather Severson, instead of Heather Rust. It's not that it's ever been hard to introduce myself that way, or write my name that way. Kind of like when my name was Sister Rust. You just make the change and on you go. But it always kind of felt like a lie. No, more like a game or make-believe. Around I went, parading as this one girl, when inside I've always been someone else. But the other day, my coworker asked me my maiden name, and as I told her, it sounded like a lie. Like a game, or make-believe. I guess the transition is complete.
And finally, my job is really funny. Some days the phone rings a fair amount, and there's plenty of instruments to clean, etc. But the last couple of days have been totally dead. So today I asked my boss to come up with something for me to do, and among other things, she had me make these buttons that they sale. It was really great. I copied the template onto colored paper, I cut out each button pattern into a square. And then I put each square of paper onto this machine that cut it into a circle! I want to buy one of those! No more trying to make rounded edges with scissors. And then they have the button machine which involves putting the button parts in, pulling down on the lever a couple of times, and out comes a button. I bet you're all totally enthralled by now, as if you were there watching me!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Exciting!
Yesterday was an exciting day for us.
First of all, we finally were able to talk to my parents on the phone. It was the first time since our wedding (for those of you who don't know, a few days after we were married my parents left on a mission to Prague). Anyway, we had tried several times before, but had problems with connecting through, but finally it all worked out!
They are doing well--frustrated sometimes. The language is very difficult and not many people speak English. Occasionally my dad will find someone who speaks German, but, from what I understand, they live in a pretty tiny city so mostly they struggle along with their limited Czech. Also, sometimes there is not enough for them to do, but they are working with the mission president to figure out more things (their assignment is to oversee the CES work in the Czech Republic and Slovakia). Next week they will accompany the young adults to a regional young adult conference in Hungary, so that will probably be a good experience for them.
The second exciting thing is pretty great, but you'll have to wait to find out until I can get some pictures and it doesn't have to do with Heather being pregnant...........cause she's not. (I knew some of you would think she is if we left just the one period after pregnant).
P.S. Less then 6 days to go till Royce's b-day. I hope you got him a gift! :-)
First of all, we finally were able to talk to my parents on the phone. It was the first time since our wedding (for those of you who don't know, a few days after we were married my parents left on a mission to Prague). Anyway, we had tried several times before, but had problems with connecting through, but finally it all worked out!
They are doing well--frustrated sometimes. The language is very difficult and not many people speak English. Occasionally my dad will find someone who speaks German, but, from what I understand, they live in a pretty tiny city so mostly they struggle along with their limited Czech. Also, sometimes there is not enough for them to do, but they are working with the mission president to figure out more things (their assignment is to oversee the CES work in the Czech Republic and Slovakia). Next week they will accompany the young adults to a regional young adult conference in Hungary, so that will probably be a good experience for them.
The second exciting thing is pretty great, but you'll have to wait to find out until I can get some pictures and it doesn't have to do with Heather being pregnant...........cause she's not. (I knew some of you would think she is if we left just the one period after pregnant).
P.S. Less then 6 days to go till Royce's b-day. I hope you got him a gift! :-)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
All or nothing
I think I've learned something about myself. It's all or nothing for me. The series of blogs ahead are in no particular order. Royce is out with the missionaries, and so I, feeling a little bored and lonely, decided to tackle all of my blogs. Sorry to post them all at once. But I knew if I didn't do it today it would be at least another month before it got done. Pace yourself.
Thoughts
I always have things I want to blog about. But a part of me says I can't because I haven't blogged about old stuff. So I tuck it away. So here is a list of my random thoughts and activities.
1. I think one of the best inventions of the 20th century has got to be the Ziploc bag. I have no tupperware with me this summer, but I found that I really haven't missed it. Most anything will go into them, and they take up a whole lot less space in the fridge. Plus, I don't have to wash them! I suppose I'm adding to the wastelands, but at least I'm not wasting water.
2. On a similar note, I also love Press'N'Seal. So, so much better than Saran Wrap. If you haven't used it, you should start.
3. I've been working part time at a music store. It's been fun--I answer phone orders, clean instruments, help them re-write the catalog, etc.
4. We've been watching old seasons of Monk. So silly, but so funny. Thanks to our library for having all the seasons.
And . . . my brain can't remember anything else.
1. I think one of the best inventions of the 20th century has got to be the Ziploc bag. I have no tupperware with me this summer, but I found that I really haven't missed it. Most anything will go into them, and they take up a whole lot less space in the fridge. Plus, I don't have to wash them! I suppose I'm adding to the wastelands, but at least I'm not wasting water.
2. On a similar note, I also love Press'N'Seal. So, so much better than Saran Wrap. If you haven't used it, you should start.
3. I've been working part time at a music store. It's been fun--I answer phone orders, clean instruments, help them re-write the catalog, etc.
4. We've been watching old seasons of Monk. So silly, but so funny. Thanks to our library for having all the seasons.
And . . . my brain can't remember anything else.
Stockyards
Fort Worth is kind of a historic place. It's a pretty big city with an old town feel. One thing they do almost every day is the Cattle Drive. Twice a day they walk the cattle herd around the block. There were not as many cattle as I had hoped. But it was a fun experience. We also went to the Stockyards museum, which had all sorts of old interesting stuff. Like cow skulls and stuff. Great times.
Museum?
Do you remember when I mentioned the St. Louis City Museum? Well, here are a few pics. It really is one of the greatest places I've been.
Lots of tight spaces.
Lots of slides--this one is really steep!
Almost everything you see can be crawled in or on.
This was in a totally dark room (with the flash you can't tell). It felt kind of creepy to crawl through a tunnel of rubber hands.
Do you think Royce has a chance?
Human hamsters.
Have I convinced you yet?
Lots of tight spaces.
Lots of slides--this one is really steep!
Almost everything you see can be crawled in or on.
This was in a totally dark room (with the flash you can't tell). It felt kind of creepy to crawl through a tunnel of rubber hands.
Do you think Royce has a chance?
Human hamsters.Have I convinced you yet?
New York
Ok, I know what you're thinking. "Didn't they go to New York like 2 months ago? And she's just now getting around to posting about it?" Well, better late than never?
I won't say too much--this was a school carnival that we passed on our way to Lindsay and Blake's in Brooklyn. It's hard to see, but they have all your typical carnival rides and booths, but rather than being in a large park or on fair grounds, they're crammed into a tiny lot. I guess in New York you just make it fit.
Royce and me in front of the New York Stock Exchange.
With Lindsay and Garrett on the Brooklyn bridge. See all those gray clouds--I think it rained every day we were there.
A small shot of Central Park. We didn't spend a lot of time there, but wow, really beautiful.
We took the Staten Island Ferry (which is free) to get a close up view of the Statue of Liberty. Much cooler in person than I thought it would be. We were too cheap to go to the actual island though.
At FAO Schwarz. Royce is almost as tall as Chewy, but not quite.
We had a lovely time with Lindsay, Blake and Garrett (sorry you're almost cut out of the picture Blake) and we can't wait to go back some time.
I won't say too much--this was a school carnival that we passed on our way to Lindsay and Blake's in Brooklyn. It's hard to see, but they have all your typical carnival rides and booths, but rather than being in a large park or on fair grounds, they're crammed into a tiny lot. I guess in New York you just make it fit.
Royce and me in front of the New York Stock Exchange.
With Lindsay and Garrett on the Brooklyn bridge. See all those gray clouds--I think it rained every day we were there.
A small shot of Central Park. We didn't spend a lot of time there, but wow, really beautiful.
We took the Staten Island Ferry (which is free) to get a close up view of the Statue of Liberty. Much cooler in person than I thought it would be. We were too cheap to go to the actual island though.
At FAO Schwarz. Royce is almost as tall as Chewy, but not quite.
We had a lovely time with Lindsay, Blake and Garrett (sorry you're almost cut out of the picture Blake) and we can't wait to go back some time.
Gambling
Did I ever blog about horse racing? I don't think I did. A few weeks ago, Royce's company sponsored a dinner and activity at the local horse-race track. It was a new experience for both of us. I always knew horse-racing was largely tied to gambling, but after being there I concluded that the ONLY purpose of horse-racing is gambling. It's bizarre. There are 30 minutes between every race. Why? Well, so you have time to collect you winnings and/or place more bets. I don't think people go because they like to see horses run. It's not like a basketball game, where athleticism is idolized and admired. It's all about doubling your money.
I was just there for the free food, and the new experience.
They're off!
This one was a close race. It was a photo finish! Very exciting when they replayed it on the big screen in slow motion.
Royce had extra tickets from people at work who couldn't come, so his older brother came along too.
I think my life is complete now.
I was just there for the free food, and the new experience.
They're off!
This one was a close race. It was a photo finish! Very exciting when they replayed it on the big screen in slow motion.
Royce had extra tickets from people at work who couldn't come, so his older brother came along too.I think my life is complete now.
Wow
Welcome to Buck'n'Loons.
You can't tell, but I'm holding our GPS because that is how we found this treasure of a place. There's a great feature on GPS devices called "Points of Interest" and you can search for everything from fuel to entertainment and it will find locations nearby. So when Royce and I were feeling indecisive, we just picked a place and went there. (Actually, Royce picked first, but the place he picked turned out to be a tea room that is only open in the afternoons.)
I'm trying to show two things in these two pictures: 1) How great the menus are--colorful, disposable, etc. 2) How incredibly far away from the table the benches are. And yes, the table is bolted into the floor. (Keep in mind that Royce has incredibly long legs.)
I don't think the sandwich fits in my mouth. You should have seen Royce's half-size meatloaf. I think it filled the plate.
What a great place. Will we go back? Probably not, but just because there are so many other places to explore.
Monday, July 14, 2008
On marriage
When I originally conceived this post, I had a lot more to say. But as the days have passed, my verbosity has decreased.
In any case, I played for a wedding on Saturday. I've played for several weddings this summer actually. And (amazingly) I always seem to think about my marriage on these occasions. This most recent wedding was an especially long ceremony which afforded me extra pondering time. (It was extra long because there was both a Christian pastor and a Jewish Rabbi performing the ceremony. Side note: This was my first ever Jewish wedding, and if you've ever seen Thoroughly Modern Millie you'll be able to relate to my experience of playing "Mazal Tov" following the ceremony. It was something else: the stomping on the glass, the cheering, and whatnot.)
So my thoughts on Saturday were this in, I guess, no particular order. It was a beautiful wedding. The bride was beautiful, there was the biggest wedding party I have ever seen (7 bridesmaids and groomsmen, 6 junior bridesmaids, and several flower girls and . . . flower boys?), the church was packed, there were beautiful decorations, and it was just a really lovely wedding. This couple seemed to have a lot going for them--the pastor shared that both of the parents were reaching milestones in their anniversaries, and before they kissed as husband and wife he announced that this would be their first kiss together--not just as husband and wife. Their first kiss ever. That impressed me a great deal--I don't think it's for everyone, but good for them.
I think God is pleased when a man and a woman get married. No matter the religion, I think two people who marry are entering a sacred union. Some people may not recognize that, but . . . I'm babbling.
So I thought about my temple sealing. I love that memory. Walking hand in hand with the love of my life into a small room filled with my nearest and dearest friends and family (minus a few that could not be there, of course). I've never before felt so overwhelmed with love for and from so many people. Compared to the wedding I played at it was, well, simple. But it was so beautiful. No words can describe the utter joy I felt after being told by the sealer that we were sealed for time and eternity.
I also think of my marriage at all these weddings. I didn't know exactly what marriage was going to be like. I knew that it would take work to make it work. And I knew that our love would grow over time. Mostly because other people have said that's how it works. But each day I'm learning more and more what married life is all about. I've been married two and a half months, and I can sincerely say that I love Royce more now than I did when I married him. Partially because I know him better. We've had to work out struggles together, and as we've worked those things out we've become closer. I'm sure things will be different too when we have children. I'll love him more then, and partially because I'll know a different side of him then. We'll change, and our marriage will change, and our love will change and grow. Constantly. I'm so glad to be on this journey with him. It's a mystery in many respects. I don't know what's coming our way. But one thing I know and am so grateful for--that I can be with him for eternity. I think that any two people in love would want that. How lucky I am to know that if I am faithful that is our outcome.
Well, that's all. I'm not sure if these ramblings mean anything to anyone, but I needed to put them down on . . . I was going to say on paper, but you know what I mean.
In any case, I played for a wedding on Saturday. I've played for several weddings this summer actually. And (amazingly) I always seem to think about my marriage on these occasions. This most recent wedding was an especially long ceremony which afforded me extra pondering time. (It was extra long because there was both a Christian pastor and a Jewish Rabbi performing the ceremony. Side note: This was my first ever Jewish wedding, and if you've ever seen Thoroughly Modern Millie you'll be able to relate to my experience of playing "Mazal Tov" following the ceremony. It was something else: the stomping on the glass, the cheering, and whatnot.)
So my thoughts on Saturday were this in, I guess, no particular order. It was a beautiful wedding. The bride was beautiful, there was the biggest wedding party I have ever seen (7 bridesmaids and groomsmen, 6 junior bridesmaids, and several flower girls and . . . flower boys?), the church was packed, there were beautiful decorations, and it was just a really lovely wedding. This couple seemed to have a lot going for them--the pastor shared that both of the parents were reaching milestones in their anniversaries, and before they kissed as husband and wife he announced that this would be their first kiss together--not just as husband and wife. Their first kiss ever. That impressed me a great deal--I don't think it's for everyone, but good for them.
I think God is pleased when a man and a woman get married. No matter the religion, I think two people who marry are entering a sacred union. Some people may not recognize that, but . . . I'm babbling.
So I thought about my temple sealing. I love that memory. Walking hand in hand with the love of my life into a small room filled with my nearest and dearest friends and family (minus a few that could not be there, of course). I've never before felt so overwhelmed with love for and from so many people. Compared to the wedding I played at it was, well, simple. But it was so beautiful. No words can describe the utter joy I felt after being told by the sealer that we were sealed for time and eternity.
I also think of my marriage at all these weddings. I didn't know exactly what marriage was going to be like. I knew that it would take work to make it work. And I knew that our love would grow over time. Mostly because other people have said that's how it works. But each day I'm learning more and more what married life is all about. I've been married two and a half months, and I can sincerely say that I love Royce more now than I did when I married him. Partially because I know him better. We've had to work out struggles together, and as we've worked those things out we've become closer. I'm sure things will be different too when we have children. I'll love him more then, and partially because I'll know a different side of him then. We'll change, and our marriage will change, and our love will change and grow. Constantly. I'm so glad to be on this journey with him. It's a mystery in many respects. I don't know what's coming our way. But one thing I know and am so grateful for--that I can be with him for eternity. I think that any two people in love would want that. How lucky I am to know that if I am faithful that is our outcome.
Well, that's all. I'm not sure if these ramblings mean anything to anyone, but I needed to put them down on . . . I was going to say on paper, but you know what I mean.
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