Stuff We Do

Instead of wasting my time in front of the TV, I have started sorting and categorizing all of our family photos. I bought several photo keepers, each with 12 individual photo cases. I am sorting the photos by name for each child, Michelle, and me. I also sort separately all photos that have more than one family member. I have separate cases for any photos with a parent or grandparent of mine or Michelle's in the photo. Finally, I have separate cases for miscellaneous people (cousins, friends, etc.). As of now, I have sorted around 5000 photos, trimming many of them to fit the cases, and cleaning off tape and preserving fragile ones in acid-free sleeves. Some day, my posterity will rise up and bless my name! Or not. Either way, I have really enjoyed looking at all of those photos and walking down memory lane. (Some of them are blackmail material, so be nice to me).


Every Monday morning Michelle keeps the computer nearby while she gets ready for the day. In this way, she can see the very second Mitchell's email comes in from the Mission. Then, she emails him in "real time" to make sure he is still alive, and he answers a few of her interrogatories on the spot. What a super missionary mommy!

Mother's Day Photos

Just a couple of photos from Mother's Day dates.... Michelle and Susan (she's the hapai one - meaning pregnant). The sunset is from our Lanai, taken by Susan.

Poor Michelle. I have this new camera, a Nikon D90, and I take it to work with me on the hope that I might have an opportunity to slip away and take some photos. Unfortunately, I don't have time so I end up just shooting Michelle while I test out settings. It drives her nuts. But I liked this one. I was reading today a story that made me think of Michelle's philosophy of life. Benjamin Zander, founder and conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, shared a revelation that had come to him as he was conducting his orchestra. It happened many years into his career. As he stood in front of the orchestra with his baton raised, Zander suddenly realized that he, the conductor, makes no sound. Although it was his picture and name on CD’s, Albums, and posters announcing the concerts, he realized that he makes none of the music himself, not a sound. He then realized that his job, as conductor, is to get the best music out of the musicians. His role is to coach, encourage, support, and occasionally push. But the conductor never makes a sound. Michelle is that same kind of leader, I believe. She really does bring out the best "music" in me.