Pray for Chile

My mom called this morning and told me to turn on the news. From the tone of her voice, I sensed it was serious. She informed me that Chile had been hit by a major earthquake. You may wonder why this would shake me and become the majority of my focus today.

At the age of 21, I was blessed to spend a year and a half of my life as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I lived in La Cisterna (Santiago), La Florida (Santiago), Puente Alto (Santiago), Buin, Paine, Peumo, and Pichidegua. All day I've been trying to make contact with people I knew in Chile. Facebook is a wonderful tool! With each new notice that a friend is safe, my heart lightens. I still have many that I haven't heard back from. I especially am concerned for the people who lived in Peumo and Pichidegua since they were located even closer to the epicenter in smaller towns that didn't build for earthquakes in the same way they did in Santiago.

I see the pictures and want to cry.

Chile will always be a part of who I am.
Please keep the people of Chile in your prayers.

Update on the Ashcrafts

I love the Olympics. I have to admit that I have become quite the recluse since Opening Ceremonies on Friday. I just can't get enough of it. I have such wonderful memories from the Salt Lake City Olympics. Ivan and I were able to attend an event in 2002 and feel of the Olympic spirit that was there. I wish we could be in Vancouver!

With everything going on, I haven't been diligent at updating our family blog. I thought I would list what we've been up to:

1. I was just put in as secretary of the Police Citizens Advisory Commission for the town of Marana. I have to type up all the minutes to be posted on the town's website along with the agenda for upcoming meetings. Just what I needed- extra work!

2. Elizabeth and I have been going crazy selling Girl Scout Cookies over the last month. I still have Trefoils, Do-si-dos, Thank You Berry Much, Dulce de Leche, and Lemon Chalet cookies left if anyone would like any!

3. Ivan has been staying busy as Cub Scout Master. Pine Wood Derby is now over and the Blue and Gold Banquet is coming up soon. I have the dream calling of teaching the Gospel Essentials class. I love all the wonderful people who come to my class and who I learn so much from.

4. Devan was Student of the Month in January. He's been enjoying learning about colonial history and the Declaration of Independence. We're in the middle of Devan's Science Fair project. I hate science fair projects. Ivan leaves on Wednesday for Florida leaving me to help him finish his project. Devan is also receiving his Tender Foot Award in Boy Scouts.

5. I'm in the middle of working on 2 new cookbooks. Testing, trying, thinking of new ideas. That about sums it up on that one.

6. My dad had to have his heart shocked back into rhythm today. We were grateful that the procedure went well and that he's feeling so much better.

7. Ivan and I were able to go to the Gem and Mineral Show for the first time on the 12th. I let Ivan buy me a beautiful pair of opal earrings that were mined 15 miles from his family farm in Spencer, Idaho. We also went to a great valentine's dinner put on by one of our local builders and home owners association. It was wonderful to meet more of our neighbors.

8. I still am posting deals on www.mysavvysavings.com and filming 2 stories a month for KVOA's 4 p.m. news. I really enjoy it.

Hope this catches you all up!

There's got to be the bad mixed in with the good

Emma has been our family's joy over the last 3 years. Yet, recently she has been my biggest challenge. She's always been a good kid, but lately she's turned into a little terror. In one day, she emptied a whole tube of my lipstick by rubbing it all over the couch upstairs, poured lotion that an older sibling left out all over the hallway carpet, and wrote all over her sister's bed sheets and her own stomach with a permanent marker that another sibling left out. That was in just one day. I could start a huge list of what she's been up to, but I'll refrain. Last night she cried on and off all night. I thought the days of not sleeping were over until the kids hit the late teen years.

As I reflected on the madness and my frustration with this little girl, I started to think about the necessity of opposition. Without pain and sadness, we wouldn't appreciate the joy and happiness. Without chaos, we wouldn't relish peace. It's all part of Heavenly Father's plan.