Pantry Conversations

I have vivid memories of my Aunt Becky, of nine children, sitting in her pantry talking on the phone. Really, it became the place for anyone in that home to hold a phone conversation because as you can probably imagine it was quite busy and noisy. However, what makes me smile about this memory is that she really couldn't "hide" in there. Those were the days of the corded phones. You remember those annoying phones that actually had a cord attached! Well, they had an extra long cord cord at their house to stretch to the pantry. When in search of her it was pretty much a give-away as to where she was when you spotted the cord stretched to the pantry door around the corner and the door closed.

I personally enjoyed the privileged of sitting in that pantry with the door closed carrying on a phone conversation. Although, I most likely was just talking to my parents in a vain attempt to extend my vacation time.

Now that I'm old and grown with my own children I've got my own pantry phone booth. And it really is the best! And since I don't have a corded phone they usually don't know where to find me. While I do really enjoy the quiet and the ability to consume a piece of candy in peace I wasn't prepared for the regular contemplation I have on how disorganized my pantry is! Oh well. I find it amusing that I'm not the only one to discover this treasured room in our home.

Many serious business meetings takes place in this room.

Put in My Place

If you know me, you probably know that I enjoy singing. It's a fun pastime. Periodically I'm privileged to be invited to sing at such things as church, parties, weddings and just recently, Stake Conference.

After my recent public singing event I'll admit that my singing ego got slightly out of check. How could it not, when people tell me such things as, "You sound like Sarah Brightman." Ha, yeah right but thanks anyway! "Have you considered going professional?" My professional capacities currently include laundry, potty training, avoiding cleaning my home, couponing, and marathon book reading. "You should be on American Idol!" Ok, that is seriously funny because I think of myself as more of a classical-type singer and not a pop singer and I'm pregnant. But you see how the flattery can be hard to avoid. Sweet really until I get home and my kids take care of any swelling I currently was feeling.

Jaron, for example, as I was explaining to him that I would be singing at a church meeting like I sang in church a few weeks ago looked at me very perplexed. "Remember," I prodded "I sang in church two weeks ago." "Nope," was his causal reply. Russell, who keeps track of all things friends stated, "Sammy's Mommy played the violin in church." Ok . . . thanks guys.

But Eliza, sweet little verbalista Eliza really put me in my place. While trying to sooth her the other day I started to sing. She stopped her sobbing to adamantly declare, "No. No." "No what?" I implored. "No singing?" With no response from her I was silent for a moment and then continued on. Even louder she declared this time, "No! No song!" Well ladies and gentleman that says it all.