Seriously? Are You Sure?

I got called to nursery today! What are they thinking?

Anyone who knows me relatively well, knows that young children are not really my area of expertise. I have never been a babysitter and all my younger cousins never lived very close to me, so hopefully it's my lack of experience rather than my lack of ability.
 

So when I entered the nursery room for the first time, I have to admit I felt very far from my comfort zone. The toddlers were chatty and busy, and didn't seem to need much attention at first.

Soon I had a little girl come pull on my skirt, and looking up at me she announced that she needed the toilet. So I said, "OK", and called to another nursery leader, "she needs the toilet." I was quickly told, " well take her!" At this point I explained that I don't know how to take her? My explanation was met with a harsh "well figure it out!" I mean seriously I don't know exactly how capable these children are, I just walked in the door, and have no previous experience. Nonetheless, I took this little girl to bathroom. It was a rather unsuccessful trip and I kept wondering if I was doing something wrong? But then thought, "Oh well they are not my kids. What a funny and awkward situation I have got myself into." 

I realized, as I watched these busy bees for the next two hours, that they are slightly adorable. Its like mini- humans running around, and it's quite fun to watch. They all have there own personalities; this calling is definitely going to be an adventure and a learning curve for me. 

Wish me luck!

Since this post I have also had a child piddle on the chair, sadly we couldn't seem to figure out which child. I am having loads of fun, of cause.

P.S. I used to love to draw children, so I thought it would be appropriate to include my own works of art in this post. I am hoping I will be able to enjoy watching our these little ones as much as I enjoyed painting them.

Seasons Greetings

Nothing says Christmas like hundreds of decorated trees, sparkling lights and the Christmas devotional!

This past Saturday, my mom and I had the opportunity of visiting the Festival of Trees held at the South Town Expo Center. I have always heard about it, but have never  actually gone to enjoy the hundreds of Christmas trees that are decorated every year, in an effort to raise money for The Children's Memorial Hospital. When we arrived, many of the trees and the other decorations had already been sold, as people showed their generosity around this special time of the year.  

Some of my favorite tress, were the ones that showed creative and individuality.

For example:

This tree was modeled after the 50's, with rock-and-roll and soda-pop, being the distinctive features.

I immediately knew what this tree was all about before I read it's name or description. I don't think there was a better example of visual rhetoric in the whole festival. All viewers were on the same page within just one glimpse; the iconic symbols were a give away.

And this one has to be my absolute favorite! It was four trees placed next to each other, bending over and forming a wave. Father Christmas under the Sea, says it all. Notice the feet with the fins that are sticking out of the wave in the right-hand corner, and the scuba goggles on all their faces. 

Of cause my moms favorite items were not the trees, but rather the wreaths.She has always loved to make them herself, and so she thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the festival:

My very favorite of the whole event was the gingerbread houses! They were amazing; I can only imagine how many hours were put into constructing these little houses. My mom was quite funny, and asked if people buy them, and then eat the candy. We must definitely not be too familiar with the gingerbread house art.

 

This one was just awesome!

 After attending the festival, I definitely felt the Christmas spirit and I am exciting the season to be jolly is finally here!

No matter what you call him, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Santa Clause, he has become a symbol for the gift giving of this special time. As the devotional advised, lets not focus too much on the wrapping, but more on the really message of Christmas. The message that causes all nations to rejoice, and that is the birth of our beloved Savior.

So this Christmas remember to remember Him.

A Bucket List for Provo

Just the other day, a girl I work with asked me what my bucket list for Provo would be. She is a freshman at BYU and moved here from Idaho; of cause she assumed that since I am a senior I would have some good ideas for her, unfortunately I couldn't think of very many suggestions for her on the spot. So lately I have been thinking about what I have done, and still need to do before I graduate. I haven't hiked the Y or been to many football games during my time at BYU, and don't plan to do so, but there are some other gems hiding in Provo that I would advise for the complete experience.

1. Get addicted to Cafe Rio! 

( I mean seriously who leaves Utah not craving that pork) 

2. Get a speeding ticket on downtown center street for going 25 mph.

( Believe me its an experience)

3. Tube down the Provo river at least once.

( That water is so freezing cold you will probably not do it again)

4. Visit Sammy's and order a plate of sweet potato fries.

( They are the best in town)

5. Hike to the Hot Springs in Diamond Fork Canyon and relax for hours while watching shooting stars.

(The 40 min walk is well worth it when you see how beautiful the sky is and feel as if you are soaking in a bath- note: watch out for the naked people)

6. Ward hop and realize you really do live in Utah and it's great.

(Even through it is frowned upon, sometimes its good for perspective)

7. Buy a bike for the summer and enjoy cruising around with the wind in your hair.

(When you live in such a safe place you just have to take advantage of it)

8. Go for a picnic at the park behind the Walmart and play on the swings.

(They are awesome)