Off to a good start

Dear family,

The first day of 2021 has been just great.  If we could have 364 more days like today, I would be very content.

I hope your day went well and that this year is one of blessings for all of us.

Much love,

Dad

Friday, January 1, 2021
9:15 pm

For not caring about staying up to ring in the new year, I sure was up late last night!  Julie, Abbie, Spencer and I started to play a new game Abbie got for Christmas.  Just as we were ready to start sometime after 11 pm, Neil walked in.  He had been awake in his bed for well over an hour, waiting for the new year to arrive.  So we invited him to join us in the game.  It's called Droll, and it is kind of like Pictionary on dice.  It was fun.  It was well past midnight when we finished snacking and put everyone else in bed.  Today has been a good day.

I slept in until 8:00, made oatmeal and English muffins for breakfast, and cycled some laundry.  Emma, Camilla and I read some books.  In the afternoon we had a summit to determine which movie, if any, we would watch today.  Neil and Isaac wanted to watch Hidden Figures, but the girls wanted Narnia.  We finally decided to watch Hidden Figures today, and Narnia tomorrow.  Even the little girls stayed to watch Hidden Figures.  It gave us a chance to talk about racial injustice, kindness, perseverance, and other attributes.  I appreciate how hopeful that movie is.  Emma said at one point, "I feel happy when people are kind to each other."  (Or something like that.)

I tried a new recipe for Middle East Beans and Rice.  It wasn't bad, but I think it lacked a little depth to the flavor.  Maybe next time I'll sauté some onions with it and serve it as a sauce over the top of rice instead of mixing the rice in with the dish.

Thankful: This morning I started thinking more carefully about what I want to become.  I have no interest in "New Year's Resolutions" that don't last until February, but I am very interested in becoming a better person.  As I pondered on this, one idea came to me: I want to look for and point out the good in others.  I felt good about these ideas and think I'm on the right track.  One other thought I have been pondering on: The closer we come to the Savior, the more clearly we see our own weaknesses and inadequacies.  It's almost paradoxical – the closer we come to Him, the farther away we feel.

Ministering: This afternoon I ministered to my children by going with them to the park to swing.  We stayed until they were all cold and ready to come home.

More later…

It was so cute this morning.  He saw the Christmas tree decorated for our New Year's celebration and said, "WOW!"  

Neil and Isaac played Spy Alley, and decided it would be even more fun if they dressed up to play the part.  Halloween is going to be great!