Newsy November for the Neals

It is time for a brief catch up of our lives this new month. It's a time to gather together -- at least in thought--and recount our many blessings again.

November includes the last of the soccer season for Trevor, weekly visits with the 3 boys, Thanksgiving , visits from Erin and Avery, basketball season begins, Megan starts a new job, Jenny gets ready for home ownership, BYUH concerts, plays, Hon. Symphony, and at-home Christmas music and other gifting and prep.

It seems very different to be at home alone, just dad and mom. It is very true that we are keeping busier in some ways compared to our lives last year. Dad's new responsibilities for Napua Baker's job plus his former responsibilities mean he is serving for about 10-11 hours at work each day. With children here, that wouldn't have been very doable. The Lord knows what we can handle. . . and when.

We decided the other night this year has turned into his "first mission." He does need/spend more time on BYUH projects. I help by not nagging about his early to work/later arrivals home. It is easier to do this with just the two of us, and I'm thankful he was around as much as he was while the girls were growing. I also assist with typing or proofreading a bit for him here at home. We've had some nicer dinners here, later ones, usually, and fortunately, he doesn't mind if I get on a "South Beach" kick for a week or so here and there. We're still committed to looking good in the decade approaching quickly!!!

My one thought on this "mission" is that I hope he can enjoy the moment. With so much stacked on top of each other, the activities can seem more like checking off a to-do list instead of parts of a journey to be enjoyed. . . I hope he can get enough time to feel "re-created" at some of the events we're able to participate in/attend. . .

Our nights try to be relaxing, or at least, together, unless it is a church night for dad. SIFE, other invitations out, BYUH plays/musical productions are mostly shared. Last night was a special one. It was the unveiling of a restored copy of the first publication of the BOM in Hawaiian. Megan's former seminary teacher, Dean Ellis, had it restored; his grandfather had donated it to BYUH long ago since it was a departing gift when he left here in 1920 on his mission here...but it was in the vault for 30 years at BYUH, then the last 16 months it was taken out of the archives and redone [because of the efforts of Bro. Ellis' family] and now is on display at the Visitor's Center, a rightful place.
We were able to see it and hear about the history of Bro. Ellis' grandfather who served a mission or two here. It was very interesting and I felt it was a great opportunity and privilege for us.

After, we watched the BB team get a good start on the season with an "ice cream night" because of their high and victorious score over 100. It was Lisa's "coach's wife" kind of game :D We hadn't seen much of the Wagners lately, so it was great to reconnect awhile with Lisa and watch the game, too.

Soccer ends today for Trevor. We'll spend time at their house to be with the boys awhile due to a funeral. Being with them always brings us smiles and memories in those chances we get to do that. Although our visits may seem spaced, at least we're "not in their face" all of the time and hopefully, we're a welcome instead of dreaded [ugh, not you again!] sight!! Lindsey and John have their hands full, and we are very proud of them for their investments of time and selves into their kids.

For a diversion, I'm looking forward to the Brahms at the Symphony tonight, too, with some shopping and eating out included in the adventure in town. An oboe soloist is on the program...I've enjoyed that instrument more and more in recent years. . .

I reread and realize that this posting is not that much of a headliner, but it's nice to be up early and be able to update my life for a bit. We'll attend the temple this a.m. also, and a few more times until it closes in late December for what will seem like a LONG time.

Classes march on, and the semester ends in just 4 weeks, then one final day to meet with students. I'm grateful for the opportunity to still teach, though I'm weary of some of the study and attendance habits of my students. [Yes, these are moments I probably need to enjoy more.] Perhaps my days are counted in this. . . at least the HEC class. I hope I last until Megan is out of school!! It's nice to have a chance to help out with her expenses while I can and as I did for the others. It's gratifying to see you've all had a chance to be away from home and to have independent time to prepare each of you to thrive. . .

But that brings me back to the beginning, in a way. With everyone seemingly involved in their own "moments" it is a great feeling as a parent to know how thriving everyone appears in their own worlds. We all have so much to be grateful for. The times can be trying as we look beyond our lives, but some things are firm and unshakable. Our faith, our beliefs, family, make it a calmer environment within in a world of change and uncertainty.

Let us all press on!!!!