Austin

We're here - in the great city of Austin and so far, so good. But please remind me (if I ever consider moving again) how much I REALLY hate unpacking.

Go Brigham

“As I have often told my sisters in the Female Relief Societies, we have sisters here who, if they had the privilege of studying, would make just as good mathematicians or accountants as any man; and we think they ought to have the privilege to study these branches of knowledge that they may develop the powers with which they are endowed. We believe that women are useful not only to sweep houses, wash dishes, make beds, and raise babies, but that they should stand behind the counter, study law or physic [medicine], or become good book-keepers and be able to do the business in any counting house, and this to enlarge their sphere of usefulness for the benefit of society at large (Discourses of Brigham Young, 216–17).”

I hope to someday enlarge my sphere of usefulness for the benefit of society, but for now it's my season to sweep houses, wash dishes, make beds, and raise babies.

I just finished...

Book Six.

Again.

Cannot wait to see the movie.

J.K. Rowling is a genius.

Watch a trailer here and here.

America the Beautiful

"Oh, beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!

America! America! May God thy gold refine,

Till all success be nobleness, and every gain divine."

(America the Beautiful, verse 3. Words by Katherine Lee Bates, 1859-1929).

We sang this in church today and verse 3 made me cry. I'm so grateful to be in this country and for the sacrifices that make our freedom possible. I know I don't appreciate it as much or think about it as often as I should.

"...Long may our land be bright with freedom's holy light.

Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King!"

(My Country, 'Tis of Thee, verse 4. Words by Samuel F. Smith, 1808-1895).

Cuties on my bed...

Lots of times when I lay Eric down somewhere, Rachel will run over to lay down right next to him. I think it's cute (when it isn't annoying me) that she has to be so close. I wonder if he ever wishes for a little more personal space with all these siblings in his face all day?