Soul Carving

    We got a good price when we bought this home. Good enough that we could afford to complete the unfinished downstairs on a budget! Today I'd like to share (alright, let's be honest - brag!) about the cheap finds that allowed us to finish the bathroom beautifully.      First off, months before we closed the deal, we made a terrific find in our own neighborhood. We had just returned home from giving my in-laws a tour of our soon-to-be new home. Actually, they had to drive us home because our car broke down en route! Richard had to call a friend to come help him tow our van back. And providentially, they parked it out on the main road next to our condo, instead of in our assigned parking spot. It just so happened, the next day as we crossed the street to put something into our car, we noticed the owners of the home next to it were renovating. Out on their lawn was an old commode. We asked how much they wanted for it. "Oh, it's free! We were just gonna throw i...

       I was visiting the local art museum's website to check on its hours, when I noticed an offer of free educational materials. Sweet. I submitted a request and they emailed me once the materials arrived. We stopped in to pick up our education package and were informed of an interactive exhibit for children located downstairs. "You guys wanna check it out?" I asked my students. "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!!" came the chorus of eager replies. And I'll tell you, I was impressed. What started out as running a quick errand turned into an entire morning spent at the museum. My budding artists had a delightful time.        Creative work in progress. Ah! The joy of art! The artist whose work was being showcased  preferred to draw from a live model. So we tried it out:  "Stick 'em up!" "Howdy, partner."              There was something to interest every ...

       Some of you may recall my appointment to serve in the young women organization of my church. Well, one really cool part of this assignment is the annual Girls Camp. All the young women (ages 12-17) in our area come together at a camp specifically designed for this purpose. This was my first time at Heber Valley Camp , and I hope and pray I get to go back! It's all run by volunteers, mostly senior couples referred to as "service missionaries". They provide their own equipment and stay at the camp to help out the hundreds of youth groups that come through.               While I was very excited to go, I was also concerned for my young family. I'd never spent the night away from my children before, and my baby was still nursing 3 times a day. Lucky for me, I have the greatest husband in the world who decided that he'd simply pack the 5 kids into the car and make the hour drive up to visit me everyday ...