Shopping Success

So, for the past several weeks I have occasionally been dragging DD4 out on the search for new jeans. Now DD4 is a bit different than many young ladies in that she greatly dislikes shopping of most kinds, especially clothes shopping. Normally we both avoid  shopping for clothes for her untill it is absolutely necessary, but it has gotten to the point where she literally has had no jeans, slacks, shorts, or pants of any kind (except for pajamas) without major rips and holes. For the first few weeks of summer it wasn't such a big deal, but she has two major events coming up where she will be away from home for days at a time, in public, amongst friends and strangers rather than enjoying her summer quietly at home with family.

So, every week or few days lately we've gone out in search of jeans that will be acceptable in size, style, color, fit, and comfort for DD4. The search has been rather futile. The budget is tight, the requirements are high, and patience and tempers are short. The jeans that meet the size, style, color and comfort requirements do not fit the budget. The jeans that meet the budget requirements do not fit the requirements of size, style, color and comfort. Last week we finally purchased one pair of jeans at the thrift store that was merely acceptable. However, for a several day stay away from home and laundry facilities, one pair is not sufficient.

Last night we had another shopping trip that ended in short tempers, frayed nerves, almost tears, and no new jeans. The time was up and the stores were all closing, so we returned home empty handed. The first trip begins tomorrow, so tonight was the last ditch effort. We returned to a store where we had shopped several weeks ago and found a style, size, color, and fit that worked. But the price had been too high. Tonight we hit the jackpot! They were on sale, clearance sale! And, we purchased three, yes three pairs of jeans for less than it we would have paid for one pair of the jeans we were looking at last night!

Hallelujah!  Hip Hip Hooray! I'm cheering loudly for all to hear (or at least read.)

Success.  :)

Family, Fireworks, Faith, and Priesthood

It's been a good weekend filled with concerts in the park and fireworks to celebrate the birthday of our city.   DD4 and I started out at the first concert on Thursday night, (the symphony, one of my favorites) on Friday night we added DD1 and DD2 and some fireworks, then on Saturday we included DH, DS1 and his friend, and DD3, along with assorted friends and inlaws, a few munchies, visiting, dancing to the music and even more awsome fireworks.   My favorite kind of weekend, in spite of traffic and late night bedtimes.

Today was also good, sitting in church, soaking up the spirit and the testimonies after watching some very awesome young men bless and pass the sacrament.  One of the young men blessed the sacrament for his very first time, and did so clearly and carefully without a stumble.  He has some disabilities, but still did an awesome job, and it was so wonderful to see beaming and so proud of his accomplishment.  We have many wonderful, faithful youth in our ward, with strong testimonies.

I also loved the great testimonies that were borne, testifying that faith can grow and flourish, as long as we continue to nurture it.  One sister compared it to her new back lawn, planted with little tiny plugs of grass seedlings, being faithfully watered three times a day, now starting to grown and spread and hopefully to grow to a new, lush lawn.  Reading, praying, and living the commandments;  that's what grows our faith and brings us true happiness.