This evening did not exactly go as planned.

Our plan-

• Eat dinner nice and early
• Have family home evening
• Go out for ice cream

Instead we-

• Invited some neighbors over to join us for a picnic outside
• Talked a lot
• Found out my children were finding buried treasure in my garden while the adults talked. What kind of treasure do you ask? Why, the beans I planted this morning of course. They were replanted.
• Had family home evening
• Ate the fabulous cake the neighbors brought

I am ashamed to admit that that was the first time I have ever really held a conversation with these particular neighbors. They live across the street. It isn't like it is far. During the conversation they said they have lived there for about 7 years. I have lived here for 8. Why has it taken me so long? I don't know.

At Christmas time I like to take a plate of cookies to each of the homes around me.

One day I was at the Dr's office for one of the many checks ups you endure being the mother of 4 young children. The receptionist looked up at me, smiled and said, "Thanks for the cookies, they were wonderful."

How many times had I been in that office and didn't even realize the secretary was the woman who lived across the street? It was so embarrassing. I apologized I hadn't made the connection before.

This spring I really need to make it a point to have a block party. I want my kids to know who lives near them.

I also want my neighbors to know my children.

I am so good at being in my own little world. I am going to work a little harder to see those around me. Maybe some day they will need me for something. Or possibly I will need one of them. I am sure they each have a story to tell. Some way to inspire. Some advice to share. I am going to try harder not to miss out any longer.