Thou shalt love thy neighbor...

I can honestly say that I love my neighbors (in my neighborhood), literally... I love my neighbors!!! I live in the best neighborhood and I am so blessed to be surrounded by such caring people. Because of my neighbors, I always find vegetables by my front door from their gardens or little gifts during the holiday season. Sometimes goodies are left "just because." When I am ill, a meal is found there waiting as well. If I am out of town and unable to pick up a sick child from school, a neighbor is there to do it for me. If I need a sitter and Mom's not available, a neighbor is always ready and willing. When a child had a project, presentation or play at school, or a football game, a neighbor was always there to support them. If a tree that had fallen during a windstorm needs chopping, you bet it was done and dumped in that neighbor's trash bin. When it snows and the men in my home take too long to shovel the driveway, I usually find a neighbor doing it. If I needed something from the grocery store, a neighbor who is conveniently on their way to the grocery store brings back what I need. When the Samoan section for the BYU Luau needed costumes a couple of years ago, it was my neighbors and Mom, who sewed them all, without pay! When we're away on vacation, our neighbors take care of our home, mail and sometimes Max and Lucky. Whatever and whenever we needed help, my neighbors have always been there (this also includes my neighbor on Goosenest). Well, you know how much Dallin loves to be outside and explore new things, right? He's your typical toddler full of mischief and curiosity and as most of you know, I am one very paranoid mumma when it comes to the well-being of my children and those children that I babysit. I freak out when Dallin is not in my view or if his whereabouts are unknown to me. This has a lot to do with his "blue spells." I have seen him pass out from his spells many times and although he's getting much better with them, I still worry. As worried as I get with all of my children and those that are under my care, I'm surprised that I'm not riddled with ulcers. Anyhow, this past Saturday, Mom had a surprise 60th birthday party at our ward building. While I was busy with my in-laws in cleaning up the hall, two of my sis-in-laws, Shelley and Crystal, brought Dallin to me. They told me that he was found wondering outside by a jogger. My heart started pounding so loud when I heard this that I could swear everyone around me must have heard it as well. As I sat on the couch in the foyer with Dallin, I told him that he was to "no go outside" and he responded in his sweetest and saddest voice, "okay." As I cuddled him, I wondered who the jogger was and what would've happened if he were to be lost, hit by a vehicle, or taken... I felt overcome with emotions. I was very upset that Dallin was outside unattended and yet, I was extremely grateful he was safe. You may think I'm overreacting, but I cannot fathom the idea of losing any one of children and others who are entrusted in my care. Anyway, the next day at church, our friends Jeff and Lori told us what had happened. Dallin had crossed the street and was calling for me, I think they said he was crying, when a jogger from another ward, Sis. Richie, found him. Jeff and Lori were out walking with their family when they ran into Sis. Richie and she asked them if they knew who the kid belonged to, and they did. Jeff and Lori figured we must be in the building and brought Dallin there and found Shelley and Crystal. Let me just say... my neighborhood isn't perfect, but it is one that I feel safe in. It's the people here that would make it very hard for me to move away. I know when my children are outside and I'm not nearby, they are watched over, not only by a very loving Heavenly Father, but by my neighbors.

In case you're wondering, he has pretzels in his mouth! ;)