Sunday Singing

When I was in high school, I began going to "Sunday Singing" with my brother, Adam.  Sunday Singing was getting together with a bunch of kids from my high school each Sunday to sing Hymns and Primary Songs to the residents at Heritage Place Retirement Center.  It was all started by a girl named Andrea and she started small with some friends.  Friends began inviting friends until it became pretty big.  We always had a program of 5 or 6 hymns to sing, usually acapella, sometimes with the piano, sometimes we had special musical numbers.  Then we asked for requests and always ended with the beloved Hymn "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again".  After that, we'd go visit with the residents.  They were so lovely!  I grew to love and admire those neat people.  It was amazing, too what a difference having a good attitude and a faith in God in their lives had.  Their walks of life were all different, but how they approached life was all so different.  Some liked to curse and swear about their situation (Pearl! love her spit fire personality) and others were as sweet as could be though in lots of pain and heartache (Marvel, one of my favorites).  That taught me that we have a choice to make concerning our own circumstances.  But I loved them all the same!  After we visited with them, we'd go and sing to some who were bed ridden and unable to come out to the room where we'd sing.  We'd sing a few songs in the hallways or in the rooms of those who had requested us to come.  When I was a junior, I was asked to take over and make sure that Sunday Singing still went smoothly.  I enjoyed setting the tempos, giving the starting pitches, and arranging special musical numbers.  After singing, sometimes we'd go talk and flirt with our friends out in the parking lot.  A few of us had what we called "Girl Talk", ha ha!  Good times!

Last summer, an old high school friend, Scott Rushforth, e-mailed me and told me the Church heard what was going on and wanted to make a video for the Youth about Sunday Singing.  He asked me some questions to relay to the team making the video.  His brother is still in Sunday Singing and so he was able to go the day they did the taping. They were able to get in touch with Andrea, and talked to many of the kids who are carrying on Sunday Singing.  We hear so many bad things about the youth of today's world.  I think there is lots of hope, and here's just one of the reasons.  To these young ones, the world to doesn't revolve around them.  They are looking for ways to lift and serve.  They are following in the footsteps of our Savior.  They are sharing the light and testimonies they have with others.  I am thrilled to see how huge the group has grown!  Thank you, Youth of the noble birthright!

Here's a link to the video:

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2016-01-002-service-through-song?lang=eng

I also scanned in some of my old Sunday Singing scrapbook pages to send to the media team doing the video so they could get more of an idea of the history of Sunday Singing.  I had such fond memories as I went through them not only of the people we sang to, but also of the friends I gained at Sunday singing.  In particular, the "Bountiful Boys" and "Woods Cross Girls" would get together in the adjacent parking lot and have what we called "Girl Talk", where we'd talk about stuff that girls talk about, but the guys would get in on the action.  (I didn't send that one in, but it makes me look back with fondness and some giggles!)

BofM Love

A couple of years ago, I started studying the Book of Mormon with the Instagram account @BofM365 by following a schedule and then reading a question given each day about the reading, reading others comments, and commenting myself many days.  It's been such a great way to think more about what I read throughout the day.  The questions that are supplied each day really get me pondering.  I've grown to love the people that comment on the account.  It's like a spiritual Sunday school class each day!  We've also been able to meet up a few times at the temple to serve and get to know each other personally.  This week, a challenge by @BofM365 was given to post a picture with ourselves and our Book of Mormon, bear our testimony of the BofM and tag three other friends to do the same.  Think of how this will flood the earth with the Book of Mormon!  Here's what I shared...

• melanieryerse#photoBofM challenge@bofm365 I am so beyond grateful to have this Book in my life! When I read it diligently I learn about Christ and how to be like Him and come to know Him personally. I feel His perfect peace that is so needed in my imperfect world. It is an ancient book of scripture written by prophets who came to the Americas brought to all people in our day by the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is the companion to the Bible and helps me understand the Old & New Testament better. It opens up revelation as I read to help me know what God needs me to do and say. It is the glue that holds my life together. It is my favorite marriage self-help book and parenting manual. When we read and learn from the words as a family, there is greater harmony in our home. Reading lifts my spirit and helps me have determination to live a happy and productive life because of Christ. If anyone is a skeptical, take the challenge found at the of the Book of Mormon as I did many years ago. "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." I prayed then and felt the greatest calm and clarity that this Book was the best one I could spend my time with (though I do love reading other books too, no doubt) and I could not and cannot deny its truthfulness and the benefits that come through it! I still pray now to understand and see and feel what I need at my station in life. And those prayers are many times answered as I read and ponder over the scriptures. If you would like a copy, I'd love to send you one! Or go to Mormon.org. Tagging@amy2rollins @camillerog and@bjcrosby.family to share their BofM selfie and testimony of the BofM. #bofm#sharegoodnes #lds ❤📗❤

Katie & Kelly 3.1.16

We were able to go to Utah to celebrate the union of our good friend Katie Midgley and Kelly Root on 3.1.16.  It was such a neat day and we are beyond excited!  Katie has had lots of ups and downs in her life, probably more downs.  But she is an inspiration to me at how she always stays positive and has a smile on her face.  Her fun personality is just infectious!  Kelly's a great guy too, we knew him in college as he went to WSU with us and was involved in the band program a little.  

We went to the ceremony at the Bellington Manor, it was fun to see all of Katie's family and some good friends, as well as Kelly's family and my old band professor, Dr. Root.  When Katie came in she looked so happy and she was breathtaking! The marriage was performed by Katie's bishop from her singles ward.  It was really nice.  Then we were able to greet her and Kelly.  So happy to see Katie happy again!

Dave and I left for a little bit, figured since we had a babysitter, we might as well use our time wisely.  We went for dinner at the Prairie Schooner, which is just a fun atmosphere and pretty good food.  We mostly talked about upcoming decisions with the job situation.  Then we went back for the reception, they cut the cake, we rang our glasses more than we should've to see them kiss (I'm sure they didn't mind! ;) ), listened to a special musical presentation, and sat by Katie and Kelly for a while and talked to them.  Love these friends!  Congratulations, Roots!

It was funny because so many told me that I looked really good and happy.  In particular, Dr. Root just said that so many times.  Once, he said "I just can't get over it.  You look so...so...dazzling!  You look truly happy!"  I told him I really was.  And I really credit a lot of that to Dave for making me a happy wife.  Katie's mom Susan was saying along those same lines.  She said she thinks motherhood makes some women shine and said I'm one of them.  This is a little quote Katie had on her Facebook page a while back and I really liked it.

"My only relationship goal is to be with someone who motivates me to become a better person and show me the potential I don't see in myself"

I think she's getting that with Kelly and I'm thankful I have my Dave, who does motivate me to be a better person and helps me to see who he sees and reminds me of the potential God sees in me.

We just stayed that night.  Cov and Lucy had fun sleeping over with Grandma and Grandpa Ryerse, and Emma and Cal stayed over night with some friends back home so they wouldn't miss school.  They all had great times!  On the way back, Lucy buckled in her new presents from Grandma and played with them in their seat belts most of the drive home.  Cov had a nice nap and when he woke up his hair was up in the air hilarious!  It was a great trip and fun to take part in the wedding.

Snow Day!

So we had the first snow day many of our neighbors and friends who are life long residents of this place had never seen before!

The day before the school (and many businesses) closed, our superintendent released a video saying basically "Here in Wyoming, we never cancel school".  Well, we got a couple of phone calls at 5 a.m. saying that school was closed for the day!   The kids woke up and were so happy about the news!

We got about 3 feet of snow in just 2 days! The snow drifts were as tall as some of the houses and fences!  It was crazy how much snow dumped!  We saw the snow plow out on our street, which is a first.  Miracle!  But as we went for a drive in the afternoon, we quickly found if you didn't have 4 wheel drive, there's no way.  And if you did have 4 wheel drive, it's still likely you would get stuck.  The streets had tons of snow in them and public works just couldn't keep up.

Dave and a couple of the kids went out to help others shovel, and others helped us shovel.  It's nice to see the community working together and helping each other out.  I saw complete strangers helping push stuck cars for others.  Then it was time to play and jump in the snow!  Lucy and Cov wanted to stay inside, and I was with them!  They had fun playing, watching movies, reading books, and taking pictures of each other and selfies, ha ha!  Cov did like watching Daddy, Em and Cal (for a couple of minutes) frolic in the big snow.  When Dave jumped in face first, Cov started bawling!  It was sad, but cute he is so concerned for Daddy.  Emma loved it and played outside for a long time.  She wanted to do a parody video the District put out.  She said "Here in Wyoming, we never cancel school...except for today!"  She then jumped in and got covered by the white stuff.   Funny gal!

That afternoon, we went to the church to play basketball, volleyball and wall ball.  The kids needed some good exercise, and we had fun doing that.  We had soup for dinner and hot chocolate, of course.  It was a good snow day!

Lucy's Very Mouse-y 5th Birthday

Lucy is now 5!  That "squeaked" up on us. She has been telling me for almost a year that she wants a mouse birthday.  Not Minnie or Mickey, but just a plain grey cute little mouse.  ?  And she remembered and requested that.  Her wish was to do a party with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  So we went to Utah the weekend before her big day.  On Valentine’s Day evening (since that was a night that would work for everyone and no one was doing anything as it was a Sunday evening). 

Tayla and Emma helped beautify this girl and helped her get dressed and did her hair.  They also helped get ready for the party, good helper gals!  We started out having dinner.  Lucy chose to eat “giant cheese sandwich”, a homemade bread rolled out on a pan topped with melty cheese, and more bread on top served with tomato soup.  She loves that, “it’s my favorite!” she exclaims, “and mice eat cheese too!”  We also made “mouse” pears, had some baby carrots and scalloped potatoes for sides and raspberry lemonade mixed with lemon lime soda to drink.  It was yummy!

 Then we played some games.  We started out playing mouse hunt.  Grandma Di made these cute mice out of plastic Easter eggs and hid treats inside.  Emma and Tayla enjoyed hiding them all over.  Then the kids each got to find some.  It was a hit!  The we played “Roll a Mouse”.  Everyone took turns rolling a dice and each number represented a different part of the mouse you could draw when you rolled.  The first one to complete their mouse won.  It was enjoyable for the adults and the kids.  Of course, there was the NBA All-Star game on, so some of the uncles wanted to watch that.  How do we always schedule birthday parties during sporting event must sees for this family?

We had cake next.  Emma, Grandma Di and I made it together.  Emma helped out a ton and is getting good!  We had a fun time making mouse “blobs” and experimenting with the fondant.  Cov dug his hand in the top of the cake (again!), so that’s where we put the mice.  It turned out pretty cute though, as cute as rodents can be.  ;)  Lucy loved when everyone sang to her and telling Jerry to cut off, ha ha!  We ate that cake (it was lemon cream cheese) and ice cream.  Lucy said "I love my cake!"

Then we did presents last.  She was pretty excited about all of the nice things she got and was good to remember to thank everyone!

“This was the most wonderful birthday ever!” she said. Her birthday wish of celebrating with her family came true. Thank you all!  We made these thank you cards together to give to her family.  She was excited about "the cute little heart mouseys".

The night before Lucy’s real birthday, she couldn’t wait to go to bed to get up so it would be her big day.  It was Daddy’s turn to stay up with Lucy the night before and she wanted to paint nails.  Daddy painted confetti fingernails on her and they were so cute!  On Lucy’s real birthday, we woke her up and she requested chocolate chip waffles.  All day, we let her choose what to do.  She kept telling us to call her the “birthday girl” when we’d call her Lucy.  She was living up all the birthday glory!  She took a long bubble bath with Cov, watched a movie, read some books, and when the kids got home, we played some games, and opened presents.  She loved her new ballet slippers, charm bracelet, and My Life doll.  She named her doll Ginger and has been taking Ginger everywhere since she opened her.  All day, Lucy kept going around to everyone, wiggling her fingers and saying “I’m getting confetti on you!” from her painted nails, it was so funny. 

That night, we planned a surprise party for a gal I visit teach who has no family here, they are all overseas in China.  Erin/Chaio is so sweet and loves Snoopy, so we had a Snoopy themed birthday for her.  Lucy understood it wasn't for her and we already celebrated her birthday, but Erin was sweet anyways and shared the birthday glory with her.  Erin was so surprised and was in tears, so excited by how many friends we got to come out for her birthday.  We had a spaghetti pot luck, had a pinata, played raquet ball (which she played in college and loves) with the kids and the dads, and ate the cake I made.  It was a fun one to put together!  I love these friends here and will so miss the kind people here!

Luce is ready to go to school.  She got her kindergarten shots and the day of her birthday she told me “now that I’m five, I get to start school tomorrow!”  We reminded her that she needs to start in the fall after summer with all of the other kids who have or will turn five before the summer ends.  But she does always tell me that she just wants to stay home with me and always says “I’ll really miss you!”  But I think she will love it and is ready.  

Lucy had a wonderful birthday and said “I feel like I am the queen!” at the end of the day!

About Lucy at 5

Lucy is so dramatic!  I swear she'll be a movie star someday.  She just says the funniest things and is so animated about everything.  

Learning how to read.  We are 2/3 of the way finished with the "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons".  She is doing great and really likes it!

Loves playing so much it's hard for her to get ready in the morning.  Her imagination just takes her away and she's out.  Wish us luck next year getting her out the door in time!

Still very stubborn still at times and if she doesn't want to do something, she will totally drag her heels. She'd rather have a punishment (extra chores the next day for example) than do what we ask.  She doesn't like no for an answer and runs away and shuts the door, pouting she didn't get what she wants.

Is very nice to others and very friendly.  Makes friends easily, even at the park, she always makes a new friend or two.

Doesn't do very much screen time, she would rather play which is a good thing.

Still struggles saying her hard R's. But speaks very well and is so articulate.

Still our girly girl.  Loves girl time with Mom and Emma.  Still wearing dresses almost every day.

20 Questions

1. What is your favorite color? Purple

2. What is your favorite toy? My Ana doll

3. What is your favorite fruit? Apples and bananas

4. What is your favorite tv show? Zigo Sharko

5. What is your favorite movie? Matilda

6. What is your favorite thing to wear? My pink dress 

7. What is your favorite animal? A kitty

8. What is your favorite song? Jesus Wants Me for A Sunbeam

9. What is your favorite book? Donald's Toy Sailboat

10. Who is your best friend? Ava

11. What is your favorite snack? Fruit snacks

12. What is your favorite drink? Slushies from Sonic

13. What is your favorite breakfast? Ice cream (Bwa ha ha!)

14. What is your favorite lunch? Peanut butter jelly

15. What is your favorite dinner? Pizza

16. What is your favorite game? Who Shook Hook

17. What is your favorite thing to play outside? With snow.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas.

19. What do you sleep with at night? Usually Ginger and my baby and Nala and my Tiger and my bunny.

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? I wanna be ballerina.