Beth's Blog

Facebook Kidnaps Bloggers

2011-03-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a looooonnnnnggg time since I blogged. I'm not sure if I will continue this again, after this post, but I just want to put down a few thoughts.

First, tomorrow is Nathan's birthday. Happy 29th birthday, Nathan. You are a son that has brought me more hours of joy than you can imaine. You came into this world, as you have lived it. Not making a big fuss or big commotion, just quietly going about your business, doing your thing. Marching to your own drummer, not really caring so much what others think, confident in your own timing. I love you so much and am very proud of the man/son/father/husband you are.

Second, Aunt Shirley...on my mind big time. Aunt Shirley (86) has been in a nursing home, in the Alzheimers/Dementia wing for about a year and a half. Uncle Dick (89)lives at the same facility, but in a different, less restrictive wing. About a month ago, U.D. called to say that A.S. had been refusing food and meds. She eats, then she won't eat. Repeat. When she eats, it's very little. Evidently, this is part and parcel of the progression of dementia.

So, now the question is how to deal with this dilemma. Request a surgically implanted feeding tube that will guarantee the much needed nourishment and hydration? Or, let nature take it's course and let her gradually, slowly-but-surely, fade away. It's pretty much his call, but bless his no-internal fortitude-little-89-year-old heart, he is having a hard time making this call. Probably the MOST important call of their soon to be 50 year marriage.

I spoke to the nurse that manages her care today. They've been trying to get him to make a "yay" or "nay" decision about the feeding tube for nearly a month. He just can't bring himself to decide either way. And, I surely don't know what is best.

It's easy to say "let her go" when she's relatively healthy and one isn't faced with this choice. It's another thing when she's displaying behaviors that are clearly detrimental to her well being.

Here's the big issue. It's a quality of life vs. quantity of life thing At what point do we not fight that fight? As a person who values life, and has always believed there is a point and value in some suffering at times, even when it's not obvious what that purpose is, but at the same time, wanting to be compassionate and gentle and respectful, it's hard to know what advice to give U.D. He's looking to me to help him. I won't (can't) make that decision for him, but he knows how I feel about her, recognizes me as her primary living relative who has a vested interest in her well being and is looking to me for guidance.

She pretty much has zero, what we call, quality of life. She lives her entire life, with the exception of an hour or so when she's taken to the dining room once a day, in her room. She can no longer walk or transfer herself out of bed or use the bathroom without assistance. She still knows Uncle Dick, but I don't know if she's going to recognize me when I go see her in a few weeks. But, that whole "quality of life" thing bugs me. Who are we (I) to define "quality" of life. Isn't all life "quality" life? Didn't Christ die and atone for all of us? Did he say, "I'm going to atone for everyone who has a really good quality of life, but for those who aren't active or are paralyzed or have ALS or other insidious diseases, who leave them with a pretty crappy "quality of life", they're out of luck"? Of course not! All life is precious to him. It's not what we do that gives our life quality, in His eyes, is it? It's who we are. God's child.

So, "quality" of life...should it factor in? It SEEMS obvious that it should, right? But, are we really qualified to make that call? So, then, the question becomes, how far should we go to extend life?

I don't have the answer to this one. I'm suspecting it is going to be a while in coming, after much prayer and contemplation. And, I'm praying for my Uncle Dick, that he can make the decisions he needs to make and have a sense of peace and assurance that he's made the correct choice. When he finally gets around to making it.

Happy Birthday, Erin!

2009-08-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Let me begin with a little disclaimer. This post should have pictures, but my pictures are being held hostage by my sick computer and I can't attach any, which is a huge bummer!

31 years ago, on Tuesday, Erin Elizabeth Garrard joined our little family. She joined her ancient, 13 month old sister, Sarah, and her mom and dad, in our little house in Burley, Id.

Because I had been pregnant 18 months out of the 24 months we had been married, my doctor, who was also a family friend, offered to induce me and I jumped at the chance to not be pregnant. She was due on the 9th, but we got her on the 4th. She gave us a little scare on the way, as she was posterior for while and there was a little distress and there was a little time that a caesarean section was being considered. But, she turned and everything went well and she came with no problems. She was my smallest baby, but then, everyone else was late or on time.

From the beginning, Erin was different than Sarah. I loved to hold my baby and cuddle. Erin did NOT want to cuddle. She had thick, dark and what would later turn out to be curly, hair. Sarah's hair, like mine, is stick straight.

As Erin and Sarah grew, she had a built in best friend in Sarah and they spent countless hours playing all the things little girls play. School. House. Beauty Shop. They put on plays and shows for us. They made BIG messes. They were inseparable.

We nearly lost Erin when she was 5 years old. She & Sarah were in swim lessons at the Burley city pool. Kids had to be 5 years old to take lessons and Erin had turned 5 the week before. She was doing well in her lessons when one day, a terrible accident happened. Without going into all the details, the instructor found her floating face down, unconscious, in the deep end of the pool. I was there and spent a very surreal, almost out of body 10 or 15 minutes until she got to the hospital. Poor Howard was at home with Nathan, who was asleep, and I had our only car. A friend I was with drove the car home so he could get to the hospital and I rode with Erin in the ambulance. A true miracle occured as she was not responding and the doctors were telling us that she needed to be transferred to a larger hospital in a neighboring town. A ward member, came to the hospital to see if he could be of any assistance, as he had heard about the accident when he was in a store, selling radio advertising. The clerk at the store was also a member of our ward and her husband was a deputy for the sherrif department and had just heard about the accident from her husband. Dusty Anderson came to the hospital just in time to help Howard administer to Erin and she almost immediately made a turn around and did not need to be transported. She was kept overnight for observation, but by late afternoon, she was a permanant attachment at the nurses station. She recovered with no brain injury whatsoever and is a living testimony of the power of the Priesthood.

Erin has brought us so much joy. She is a very tender hearted person, as anyone who knows her can attest. She has a VERY strong spirit. That strength of spirit expressed itself often during her teenaged years. There were times I just KNEW that when Erin turned 18, she would leave home and I'd never see her or talk to her again. There were times I really wondered if our relationship would survive. But, I'm happy to say that it did and is thriving today :)

Erin is really smart and she loves music, especially the piano. She started taking piano lessons when she was about 9 or 10 years old and took for several years. Her piano playing has brought many hours of joy to me and others, I'm sure. Seeing her play makes me very happy.

When Erin was 12 years old, she was diagnosed with scoliosis. For a while, she wore a Milwaukee brace, which, for her was torture. She had to sleep in it, and could only be out of it for 1 hour each day. She wore that brace for over a year, until she outgrew it and then got another type of brace. Right before she was 14, at a routine visit, we were dismayed and shocked to learn that her curvature had increased to the point that surgery was required to correct it. She was in the hospital for 9 days and endured pain that no parent ever wants to have to see their child endure. She has subsequent issues from the scoliosis that still cause her neck and shoulder pain, but she seldom complains. She just deals with it. Pregnancy is particularly difficult as the baby grows. Brooklyn will never know what her mom endured before she got here! Erin has a strength that I marvel at. She sure didn't get it from me. I am pretty sure she inherited her grandmother Garrard's pioneer stock strength and I'm grateful for it.

Erin is a wonderful mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend. She makes friends easily, as people relate to her soft voice and tender heart and spirit. She has a great sense of humor and is very quick to offer service to others she sees in need, never expecting anything in return. She has matured into a capable, smart, wise woman and shares her gifts with others. She does not like a lot of hoopla made about her, but I am hoopla-ing for her tonight because she deserves it. She is amazing in so many ways.

I can't imagine my life without her and pray I never have to.

Happy Birthday, Erin.

Nobody blogs anymore!

2009-08-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

It seems like since Facebook hit the market, no one blogs anymore. Maybe that's ok, I don't know. I know I sure don't. But, that's mostly because I just don't feel like I have that exciting a life to bother with it. But, that's what a lot of people say.

It's 12 days til our missionary son, Michael, comes home. Am I excited? SO excited!
It's a very busy time at work for me and that's a blessing because it keeps my mind occupied and that's good. Very good. Though, I can tell you that at least 10-15 times a day, I think about it, look at the calendar, REcount the days and imagine the homecoming scene at the airport. Michael has requested In-N-Out for lunch that day, with absolutely NO hesitation, when asked what he'd like to do. So, that's easy enough. He's spending a lot of time deciding what he'd like his first home meal to be and is going to get back with me on that! Silly boy. Yes, it is wonderful. Not just to be able to see him again, as I think my kids think it's all about for me, but to have my entire family together, again. That's the beauty of it, for me.

I have been thinking lately about my blessings and I recognize that I am blessed in so many ways. I have pretty good health (and it's getting better), I am married to a great man and have 5 pretty great kids and 11 definitely great grandkids. I have a pretty decent paying job and Howard's job seems secure in this turbulent economic time. I live in the USA, which provides all sorts of blessings in and of itself {heathcare, (while not perfect is better than if I lived in China or the Congo or, I don't know, Mongolia, maybe?), clean water anywhere I go, flushing water and electric power we take for granted}. Cars that run, (carS, not car),friends & family that love me and care about me. I have, while definitely limited, an education that surpasses what many ever get to have. I have never been hungry because THERE WAS NO FOOD to eat. I am blessed to have been born in a time and place that I was able to learn about, and gain a testimony of, Jesus Christ. His grace has blessed me countless times and in countless ways. I know things and have gifts that make this life so much easier than those who don't.

The consideration of the blessings I have, especially the ones that I did nothing to receive them, naturally leads me to ponder, on occasion, the why nof it all (I'm a WHY person from the get go)and I've come to the conclusion that I don't know why I was born when and where I was, but God does.I just thank Him for his goodness and lovingkindness. With all these blessings come great responsibility. Now, that's where it gets a little dicey. I'm not so great to living up to all that I have been given. I squander time. I suppose I squander money. I'll have to account for that. I think, somewhere in the back of my mind, I hope that if I have a significant GOOD event or two that I did, or caused to happen, that it might wipe out a few of the squanderings. It probably doesn't work that way, but you know, the spirit is willing, but my flesh is DEFINITELY weak. I've come to understand that scripture more the older I get. So, the challenge is to get the flesh in line with the Spirit, huh? Yeah, I don't do so well with that, I think. But, I have my successes, too.

I guess this will be it for now.

Choices

2009-07-19T07:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, situations arise in our lives that test us, yes? Whether they are tests designed just for us, or are the consequence of well... life, and others' use of their Divinely given agency, albeit perhaps poorly, isn't so much the issue, as it is that we have to deal with said test. Trial. Opportunity for growth. Whatever you want to call it.

I'm dealing with something right now that fits into this category and I'm torn between how to handle it. Do I consider the source, knowing that there's little I can do that will change their mind, be humble and take my lumps trusting that God will deal rightly with all concerned, including me? Or, do I stand up for my reputation, and use the tools at my disposal to do everything I can to change the path that seems to me, from my perspective (yes, that's redundant, I realize) headed in the wrong direction? Both choices have potential positive and negative outcomes.

What to do, what to do?

Isn't this just part of why I'm here on earth? To use everything I know to ponder, pray and make decisions? Then, search for confirmation as to the rightness of that decision? Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes the answers are crystal clear. Often, however, they aren't, leaving me to question, even as I'm acting on what I think is the better option, to wonder if I'm doing what is "right". Right for me, at this moment in time. And "right" to me, means, "is this what Heavenly Father would have me do? For whatever reason?" I realize that what He would have me do might lead to more tests & trials. Not every "right" decision leads to an immediate happy ending, does it?

So, I have some work ahead of me. To figure out what I should do; to as a friend recommended, "be humble". I'm trying, I really am. When pride and humility meet, there is ALWAYS a conflict. I don't like the feeling of being a battleground for my soul! But, I think it is a necessary thing. Where else would this war happen? My battles can't be fought on someone else's battleground.

Happy birthday, Sarah Jane

2009-06-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

Sarah Jane. My eldest child. My first daughter. My wonderful daughter. Born 32 years ago Monday. How in the WORLD can she be 32 YEARS old? Aren't I only 32 years old? It's weired. It's surreal. But, it is real.

When I learned I was expecting a baby, I was tha-rilled. I hoped so hard that it would be a girl. I can't figure out why, except that I never had a sister and always wanted one, so I guess I thought a girl baby would be the closest thing. And, it turned out to be so. Of course, this was in the days before ultrasound was a common thing and we got to wait and be surprised. Consequently there was a lot of yellow and green baby gifts given before babies arrived in those days. But, I digress.

One day, when Howard and I were talking about names, (I still remember where this conversation happened. On our front porch steps of our house), he told me if we had a girl, he wanted to name her after his grandmother, who had died a couple of years before we got married. I thought, "oh, that is so sweet"! Just one more reason for me to love a man who was so thoughtful. "What was her name, honey"? "Sarah Jane". "Sarah JANE?!" I immediately flashed back to being 12 and remembering a girl I went to school with who's name was Sarah JANE. I. Did. Not. Like. Her. She was mean and unkind to me. So, asking me to name a child of mine Sarah JANE was not something I was crazy about. So, I (diplomatically, I thought) said, "How about Sarah, but not Sarah Jane"? I thought that would satisfy both sides. Giving Grandma Catlin the honor of naming a child after her, but not making me have to remember the mean girl every time I spoke her name. But, no. It would be Sarah Jane or nothing at all. Later, as I saw the family group sheets and pedigree charts, I realized how common Jane is in the family. I got over it. Sarah Jane came. And I'm so glad. Now, I can't imagine her named anything else. Janer, for a nickname her dad sometimes calls her. She's the best.

Sarah has many of the characteristics of the classic first born. She is very much a leader. She is uber-responsible, thanks in no small part to undoubtedly an unfair amount of responsibility dumped on her by her mom and dad to help with the younger siblings. She is SO organized. She loves to organize. It's a talent. A gift. A compulsion, maybe? But, how can you not love that about someone. I WISH it was a talent/gift I had. She got that from her dad, as did her sister Erin and brother Nathan. It skipped David and I'm not sure yet about Michael. Again, I digress.

She is smart. She loves (again, like her dad) English. She majored in it in high school. She is well read. I don't know how, with 5 kids how/when/where she finds the ability to read like she does. She's pretty. She's crafty. She's a talker (she might have gotten that from me). She's a good cook, I think. Not a baker, Erin got those genes, but she makes good meals. She is funny. But, then, most of our family is funny. If you don't believe that, just ask us...we crack ourselves up sometimes. I'm sure many others don't quite appreciate how funny we think we are!

She's a teacher. Naturally. College trained, yes, but a natural teacher. She's a good mom. A mom who stresses that she's NOT, and that she's screwing up her kids because she has imperfect days. She tries really hard and takes her motherhood very seriously. She loved teaching. She set it on the back burner while she took on a more important job...raising children. And, I think she's doing a pretty good job at it. Tyler gets some credit for that, too, by the way.

She's kind. She's thoughtful(again, a Howard thing). She's generous. She has a pretty well defined sense of right and wrong. But, she isn't judgemental. She has a strong testimony of Christ.

I guess the gush fest should end now. I can't help it. I'm unbelievebly well pleased in the person she has become and continues to become. I'm one of those people in this world who happens to believe that family members are put together for reasons and that one day we'll know what those reasons are. Maybe not in this life, but one day. I still haven't quite figured out why I am the mom and my kids are the kids in this mix. Some days I feel like Sarah should have been the mom. She seems so far ahead of me in so many ways. I have learned so much from her. It's like she should have been the mom to ME.

Happy birthday, Sarah. I love you.

Wow!

2009-06-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

I'm home. And, man, there IS no place like it. I don't think I've ever been so glad to see my own house before in my life.

Let me tell you what happened. (Because I know you're all just dying to know!):)

I arrived in MI on Thursday afternoon. Took A.S. to dinner. Didn't say anything. While I had her at dinner, U.D.'s son and daughter-in-law arrived and took U.D. to dinner. Returned to their apartment and visited. Planned to tell on Friday.

Friday AM, I spoke to the social worker with the Commission on Ageing and she agreed to meet me at 10:00. I had an appointment at 1:30 to take A.S. to look at an assisted living center. The social worker was lining up another one at a different place. I got there about 10:05. She was already discussing it with her. U.D.'s son and daughter-in-law arrived. Somehow, someone, finally got around to letting it be known that U.D. had made plans to move out into a smaller apartment (alone!) and she would need to be going to A.L. Well...she wasn't having any of it. She was angry (understandably, I think), but irrational. Refused to go anywhere, in spite of the fact that she knew notice had been given for them to move out by June 1 (3 days away). She just said she wouldn't go and that was supposed to be that. It was heated. The social worker called the place she was trying to get placement for her at and they heard the ranting and raving and swearing and they said, "no, thanks". Eventually, U.D.'s son, Jerry, his wife, Liz and I left with U.D. and went to the doctor's office to pick up a letter that stated she is unable to care for heself. We returned to the apartment and met with the manager. While talking to him, A.S. was seen opening the garage, opening her car and gave every appearance that she was about to drive off.

Jerry ran over to her and hopped in the car and a heated argument ensued. Liz and I went over, too, but stayed pretty much out of the fray. She shouldn't drive. Ever. She doesn't think that's so. Realizing our hands were tied because she NEEDED to be placed in an assisted living facility, but with her refusing (or being unable) to understand, I felt I had no choice but to call the police. They came (they were familiar with her; they had been called before). After talking to her, they called the paramedics. She was taken away by the men in the white coats, literally. She was upset. That's an understatement. She was taken to the hospital and transferred to another hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. She's still there, but is supposed to be discharged on Monday.

At the hospital she said that she thought it was 2004. Dementia. She was pretty upset in the ambulance, I guess, because they gave her Haldol. Strong stuff. By the time she got to the psych ward, she was so relaxed, she signed herself in. But, because of the circumstances, she was unable to sign herself out.

So, while she was safe and secure, we proceeded to pack and move U.D. on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, we got a curve thrown at us because U.D.'s other daughter-in-law, who seldom even visits her, told her husband U.D.'s son that she would call the police if we proceeded with moving A.S.'s things because she said we were making her homeless. Of course, we had ever intention of finding a place for her, once we had the hospital's recommendation as to what level of care she needed. It was a DRAMATIC day, to say the least, but we got through it. She never called anyone, as far as I know.

But, with her stirring things up, all the things I intended to dispose of, (15 bras, probably only 2 or 3 that still fit, 20 pairs of shoes, only 3 of which she ever wears, 13 slips, umpteen pair of panty hose and upteen more pair of knee highs, untold # of nightgowns and slippers, and on and on and on and on...)I decided to keep and just put in storage along with her furniture we were keeping until we were able to know where she would be placed.

So, originally, the plan was for me to come home on Tuesday. Here's where the story gets more interesting...

On Friday AM, right before I went to the apartment to meet them and the lady from the Commission on Ageing, I got a call from my brother. My sister-in-law, Pam, had had some sort of attack and was enroute by ambulance to the hospital. They live in Louisville, KY. Gary said it didn't look good. And it wasn't. It was determined later in the weekend that she had a pulmonary embolism and she had suffered a massive assault to the brain. On Monday AM at 3:57, Pam died.

I diverted my return plans and went to KY on Tuesday and was with my brother and nephew until yesterday, when I came home. Pam's brother and wife from MD and sister and husband from MI and daughter she had given up for adoption at birth from FL all had arrived by Tuesday. A private viewing was held and we all visited and said our goodbyes.

So, there it is. The whole long weekend in a nutshell.

Without a doubt, Friday til Tuesday, were the most stressful, sad, emotional 4 days of my life. However, they were testimony building ones. I had prayed and prayed that I would be guided and led to know what needed to be done. Truly, that happened. I had no intention of calling the police, but it seemed very clear to me, at that moment, that that is exactly what I needed to do. In retrospect it must have been. The hospital says she needs to be not just in an Assisted Living facility, but a memory care facility. I never imagined that. I thought Assisted Living would do. When I got the call from my brother, I just prayed over and over, like a mantra, "make me equal to the task that lies before me this day". And, I guess He did. I got through it. I wanted so much to drop everything and run to my brother's side. But, he understood why I couldn't, until Monday or Tuesday. I could NOT have done this alone, and with Jerry & Liz helping, it all came together. A.S. isn't the only one who has issues. I think it's not going to be very long before U.D. will need to be assisted, but for now, I think he's ok where he is. The people we worked with, from apartment manager to social workers to nurses were all very kind and understanding. I stayed a few nights with Howard's sweet, SWEET aunt Ora, who was a steadying, Gospel filled influence when I so very much needed it. Tender mercies were delivered in a myriad of ways, from assistance to me at the airport to a very understanding apartment manager.

I didn't know when I left HOW this would all work out, but I knew it WOULD. And it did. I'm grateful to know that she'll be taken care of. I'm sorry it's going to cost such an unbelievable amount of $$ to do that ($3500/mo). I pray for my Uncle Dick, who has been pretty overwhelmed by all of this. I pray, too, for Aunt Shirley, to be able to come to a level of acceptance and understanding about what needs to be. And, I pray for my brother and nephew to be strenghtened and comforted at the loss of their wife and mother. While they know Pam has gone to a place where she is free of suffering (she had been sick for a very long time) nonetheless, it will be hard for them as they try to piece their life together without her. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that doesn't always give us what we want, but gives us what we need when we need it the most.

I'm off!!! (My rocker?)

2009-05-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow, Thursday, I'm out of here on a jet plane headed to Saginaw, Michigan to place the aunt...somewhere. Still not entirely sure where. Yet. Waiting to see how things transpire.

Wish me luck. Better yet, pray for me. For the next 6 days until I return to good ol' Las Vegas!

Trust, faith, and challenges.

2009-05-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

I've got a challenge before me. It's a challenge unlike any I've ever faced before. At times I vacillate between feeling completely overwhelmed with it and totally accepting of it.

I have an aunt. She's famous (infamous) to many of you. She is not a pleasant person, much of the time. She defies description. You have to know her and experience her to understand what I mean. She's mean to her husband. Even abusive... in every way. She's stubborn and irrational. She's spiteful and holds grudges. She has alienated any and all friends she hasn't outlived. She's selfish and self serving. She has no family except me and my brother. My brother washed his hands of her and her shenanigans years and years ago.

Four and a half years ago, realizing she and my sainted uncle to whom she's been married 46 years needed to be near family as they got even older (she's now 83 and he's 86) and sicker, I went to Michigan, where she's lived for the past 50+ years and with the help of my uncle's son and his wife, moved them to Las Vegas, in an apartment near our entire family. "Need anything? Just give us a call". We helped. We moved them. Twice. We taxied. We listened. We fetched. We coordinated dr. appointments. We...struggled. After about a year of unreasonable demands and lack of gratitude, my husband had had it and wrote a rather scathing letter and left it on her door. About the same time, authorities were called about suspected abuse to my uncle. The combination of the two things convinced her that she really didn't want to live in Vegas anymore and she and the uncle moved back to Michigan. I told them then that they were only going to get sicker and older and it was a B.A.D. idea. But, move they did.

Fast forward to now. The uncle has finally seemed to reach his saturation point and says he can't deal with her any more. He wants to move into a separate facility from her, possibly even relocating to AZ, but that remains to be seen if that will happen or not. But, when he goes into a separate facility, his income will be required to provide for him. Her income will not be enough to cover her needs in a facility with her own quarters. Assisted living is the name of the game, here.

Here's my challenge. I'm going to Michigan on May 28th and returning on June 2. I will be there 4 1/2 days. She doesn't yet know I'm coming. She doesn't know her husband is leaving her and taking his $$ with him. She doesn't know she's going to have to move THAT WEEKEND! And, I get to be the one to find a place for her, sight unseen, and hopefully, convince her that the move is the only reasonable thing to do. Did I mention she's unreasonable? And, in addition to that, we have to pack them up (separately of course) and get them actually moved to a different place. The uncle is moving literally, across the parking lot into a smaller apartment at the same facility they are currently in. She...who knows, yet. I'm learning that most assisted living facilities charge $2,000-$3000+/mo. She will have to use her limited savings until it runs out to supplement her income, then, will have to go on Medicaid and be put into some nursing home. Compounding all of this is that I no longer have medical Power of Attorney for her, as I used to. So, literally, I can not MAKE anything happen if she doesn't agree to it. I could be going to Michigan for nothing. Time will tell.

One who knows her could argue that she's made her bed her entire life and now she just needs to lie in it and deal with it. Her actions are what are prompting all of this. She's hardly a victim, except of herself. One who holds that perspective might be right. HOWever...I cannot just leave her on the sidewalk to rot, so to speak. I have to do what I can to help, even if what I can do isn't enough to meet her needs. All I can keep thinking is..."what would Jesus have me do"? Many people have aged parents to deal with. Both my parents died while I was in my late 20s and early 30s. But, I get Aunt Shirley. Now, I happen to believe that families are put together for a reason... or reasons. Even though I'm only a niece, I'm still the only person in her family who will advocate for her. Everyone needs an advocate. Even the ones that, from OUR perspective, don't deserve it. Even us at times. Some of my favorite scriptures are the ones that teach of Christ's roll as advocate with Heavenly Father on our behalf. When HE advocate for US, he doesn't tell God how great WE are and how we deserve a blessing. He says, "Do it for ME, because of what I'VE already done." God certainly knows of our faults and weaknesses, and so does Christ. But, pure, perfect love grants us that blessing. We call that Grace. If I'm going to TRY to be like Christ, how can I NOT do everything I can for her? I don't mean for that to sound pompous and let-me-pat-myself-on-the-back-for-how-great-I-am, I'm just explaining that that's my challenge.

I've read and learned and studied and pondered about the Gospel of Christ for nearly 34 years. It feels like it's all coming to a head in this challenge. How much have I really absorbed? How much have I learned to follow HIM? How in tune am I to His voice? Can I meet this challenge with charity, which is the pure love of Christ? Or will I be resentful? I pray not. I know the Lord loves my aunt. I know he paid the price for her sins and pains just as He did mine. I know He knows of her challenges and trials and emotional pains and WHY she's the way she is. I know He would have me treat her kindly and do whatever I can for her, within my ability. I also know he will make me equal to the challenge. Somehow. That is faith, I guess. I can hardly wait to see what happens because I really, truly, don't have any idea how this whole thing will go down. I have ideas of how I'd like it to go, but I've never felt so much like Nephi,in the Book of Mormon, when tasked with a seemingly impossible thing to do. He said, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them". After weeks of stewing and only seeing my obstacles, I'm calming. I'm beginning to "trust in the Lord with all "mine" heart and lean not unto "mine" own understanding. As I do that, I know that if "in all "mine" ways (I) acknowledge him, He will direct my paths".

I'm grateful to have the knowledge of that truth. I need His guidance now as I seldom have before.

At the carwash...Blech!

2009-05-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

So...today, on my 60 minute lunch hour, I had to go to the CCSD main office and pick up an "official" copy of Michael's high school transcripts because I'm trying to get the boy/man applied for and hopefully accepted to UNLV. Yeah, 6 months ago that would have been a really good idea. Anyway...it's taking forever and today I was finally able to go pick them up.

I had 15 minutes to be back to work when I approached the gas station/car wash I used to frequent. Frequently. I glanced at my gas gauge an it was between 1/4 & 1/2 full. Thinking of our Stake President's counsel to always keep our cars full, I thought, "get gas now. You'll be glad later".

So, I did. Self serve pump. Two-three minutes to get the gas. "Do you want a car wash?" flashed on the screen. Because it hasn't rained in FOR-EVER, my car wasn't all that dirty, but it's probably been 3 weeks or more since I washed it and since I had a good 10 minutes, till I had to be at work (3 minutes away) I thought I'd do the car wash. So, I bought the carwash and drove to it. Punched in my code. Hit #1, which is the secret combination to get the wash going. Secret combination is right! The soap came squiriting out, the water started spraying, but the car didn't move. The conveyor chain-y thing didn't engage. I sat there for at least 2 minutes, waiting for something to happen. I tried to back up, but it had come up behind my rear tire, but wasn't moving me forward, so I was stuck. I opened the car door to get out so I could go into the store, stepping in at least an inch of water that had puddled as it poured out of the squirting, spraying car-not-wash. Got sprayed with soapy water. Went in. Told the clerk what was going on. She said, "well, it's because you didn't press 1!". "Uh, excuuuuuse me, but I did", I thought. I can follow directions, lady. So, I told her I did. She then turned to the man clerk and told him to go check and see if the thing was stuck. Again. What?! So, I hurried back to my car, hopped in and put it back in neutral, in case it got going. So, Mr. Clerk had punched in some magic numbers while he was still int he store to give me a new code to restart the process. All this time, I'm looking at my watch, thinking, "this better happen fast, or I'm going to be late back to work. So, he brings some tool thing with him and lo and behold, the conveyor works. My car goes into the car wash. The one that's been squirting and spraying for a good 5 minutes, now. You know those straps that hang down that jiggle and shake and clean your car? The first thing you go through on your way through? Well, mine weren't jiggling or shaking, they were just hanging there. But, I had lots of soap and water, and the car wasn't too dirty, so I thought...oooookaaaaaaay. Whatever. Well, what comes next? Rinse, right? Wrong! No water to rinse off the soap was sqirting out! Hmm...I'm thinking this isn't looking too good. But, what WAS working? The wind tunnel, dryer. That's right, I got soap blown dry onto my car. Streaky soap. Well, Mr. Clerk was standing at the exit of the car wash to make sure everything was ok, and was I glad to see him. I'm now offiially supposed to be back at work. But, I have dried soap all over my car. I opened my window to tell him what had happened. But, wait...I'm still not out completely of the wind tunnell. Here's a little piece of advice. Do NOT open your car window in a car wash wind tunnel. I quickly closed the window and waited till I was pushed a little further out. So, I told him and THEN, he pulls the magic new code he punched up out of his pocket and handed it to me and said, go back through! So, I raced around, punched in the new code, and luckily the car went through with jiggly hangey down things AND rinse water. Busted out of the car wash, and made it back to work. 5 mintues late. I think. I hope that was all. Whew! All because I was trying to be OBEDIENT!

To Do lists

2009-05-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

For some people, lists are motivating. For others, they are just a list of things to do. I think I'm rather neutral on the list concept. They're good. They have a purpose. They've helped me remember lots of things. Today, here are the things on my "To Do" list. Now, These things aren't necessarily pressing, oh-my-gosh-I've-GOT-to-do-this-right-now things. They are just random things I COULD do, probably SHOULD do and some I just WANT to do and some things I definitely DON'T want to do.
So, here they are...in no particular order. Just what pops into my head:

Clean out my refrigerator.
Organize my pantry.
Organize my kitchen food cupboard.
Work on quilts.
Mop my floor.
Clean out and organize my closet.
Put all the pictures from Michael's mission in a photo album.
Put all of Michael's letters in a binder.
Get a gizmo that will convert old VHS tapes to DVDs.
Use the gizmo & make DVDs.
Take all my CDs, organize them into a CD case. Or cases. Can't decide how I want to organize them.
Watch some Netflix movies so I can get them returned and see some more.
Read two books...The Edgar Sawtelle book for book club and Angels and Demons before it comes out. I don't think I'm going to make it.
Read the Old Testament.
Read the Ensign.
Finally, once and for all, get all my important documents in one place.

So, there you go. Five minutes after I log off this Blog, I'll think of 10 other things I could have added. I'm sure you all have a list of could/should/would/want to dos. This is just a few of mine.

Some Random Thoughts on Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today is Mother's Day. The day women with kids reflect. The day women without kids either mourn or rejoice. The day kids reflect, too, I suppose.

Today, I rejoice. I rejoice at being a mother. I have 5 kids. Five wonderful kids. Now, most mothers think their kids are wonderful. Mine really are. They are creative, loving, compassionate, thoughtful, smart, responsible, forward thinking people. And, they love each other. But, maybe even better...they LIKE each other. They like being with each other. Hanging out. Talking. Gossiping. Chatting it up. Laughing. That makes my mother-cup full to overflowing.

I spend a fair amount of time thinking about "the big picture". The purpose and meaning of life and all. MY life, specifically, often. A lot of "whys" will be answered one day. But, for the time being I just have to accept things as they are and learn from the past to either continue successes or discontinue failures. When I think about my roots and the circumstances that combined to bring me to my present, I have a lot of curiosities. 'How might things have been different IF..." "Why did..."? "Why didn't..."? "How in the world..."? You get the idea. I don't suppose I'm much different in that than most people. Or maybe I'm just weird.

My own mother...Elizabeth Joyce Weir Prudhomme Voorhies...if graded on her life might not score very high in some people's book. Hard childhood. Crappy teen aged years. Tough adult life. Alcoholism. Abuse. Early death (50). Yes, I have outlived my mother, which is weird. I always knew she died young, but it was only when I reached her age that I realized just HOW young it really was. But, she had an ability to love. Some people might have lost that, but she never did. She had a handicapped brother that she loved fiercely. She loved my brother and me. I've said it before, but when I was sick she, and only she, could make me feel better. I might have still been fevered or achy but I was COMFORTED. NURTURED. LOVED.

All I had was her example on how to learn to be a mom. Some of her examples weren't all that great, to be honest. But, many were. I've tried to throw out the bad and keep only the good. I've not succeeded, always. But, my kids still speak to me, they love me, they support me, they care about me. So, today, I rejoice. I rejoice that for whatever reason, I got the kids to mother that I did. I love them in ways I can't even express. They completely enrich my life.

It is a happy Mother's Day for me, thanks to them (and Howard, of course)! I couldn't have been a mom without him :) I love you all. And a very Happy Mother's Day to Sarah, Erin & Stacy.

Happy Birthday, Nate!!!

2009-03-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that 27 years ago today, Nathan joined our family. He came very easlily (2 hour labor) into this world. He was a bit reluctant, as he was nearly 2 weeks overdue, but he was in every way worth the wait. He was our first son and what a joy he has been! He was a healthy kid, too!

As Nathan grew he had his fair share of challenges. Luckily, one of the most challenging, came while he was still young enough that he doesn't remember most of it. The staph infection he picked up in his knee when he was 2 led us all on a journey we would have rather not gone one. I feared that he would never walk without a limp. This brace he had to wear was BAD. UGLY. PAINFUL.

But, prayers were answered, good medical care received and he healed. Thankfully. We loved watching him grow. He played soccer (until he announced he didn't really like to run all that much), then he played baseball and was really very good. In high school, he played football & vollleyball. One of the best things about Nate is how he loves to spend time with his family; his siblings, cousins, even old mom & dad.

Time passes in a way that we can't even comprehend, sometimes. He went on his mission, met the woman that fits right into our family (and whom we love, tons) and brings him joy. Now, Nate is a GREAT dad, a Police-man, husband and super-son! He has brought more joy and happiness into our lives than I can even express. We're so proud of you, Nate! Happy birthday.

Something to be thankful for

2009-03-27T17:40:00.001-07:00

Yesterday and today have been really stressful at work. As many of you know, the economy in Nevada has taken a serious hit. The people aren't coming, spending and filling the state cofers. So, when funding for our school district is cut, cut, cut, eventually those cuts mean people are going to lose jobs. It's finally happening in our department.

Yesterday about 30 people got notice that their jobs are being eliminated. It's a complicated thing, but depending on who you speak to and how you interpret what you read, some of these people may not end up actually unemployed, but they could be placed in jobs that have NOTHING to do with their current job. Or, maybe they will be unemployed, I'm not sure. All I do know is that, FOR NOW, I still have a job. I'm grateful for that job. I've always been grateful for it, even on days that I'd just rather not get out of bed and go to it. Even on days where things go wrong. Over the years I've made a lot of friends and acquaintences and it's so sad to me to know that some of these people are experiencing the consequenses of this economic downturn. Single mothers. Single fathers. REAL people. People who have worked at their job for years. YEARS. And, for no fault of their own, might end up without a job at all.

So, today, as always, but maybe especially today, I'm grateful for my job. And, my friends. And all my blessings.

I got pictures AND a letter!

2009-03-21T20:00:00.000-07:00

Is this the best Saturday, EVER? WEll, maybe not ever, but it's pretty darned good. These are a few pictures we got from Michael,today.

Next to Michael is Elder Hutchings, who Michael trained, and the Elder on the right is an Elder that Elder Hutchings trained. Michael says he's a "grandpa" now.

The missionaries got new mattresses, compliments of a member, so in Michael's words, "So what do you do with four mattresses you don't need? What else?"

This is a missionary version of "EXPANDED Risk". They made their own continents. One of them looks suspiciously like a volleyball :)

And finally, This is Michael, his companion and another set of Elders on New Years Eve.

It was SO good to get these pictures. He'll be calling on Mother's Day, which will be here in about 6 short weeks. Woo hoo! Go, Elder Garrard!!!

Happy Birthday David!

2009-03-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

So, 25 years ago yesterday, David James Garrard came into this world. Our world would never be the same.

David is a joy bringing person. He finds humor in things when others don't. As a little boy, he was the MOST sharing child I'd ever known. He got a lot of joy from sharing his candy, toys, whatever it was. He's still a pretty giving guy.

David is spontaneous, lively, fun loving, caring, kind, and sweet. Of course, this is a post from his mother, so what would you expect.

I gave this to David for his 25th birthday.

Twenty-five Reasons Why I Love You

1. Your smile.
2. Your sense of humor.
3. You like my cooking.
4. You are generous.
5. You are athletic.
6. You are enthusiastic.
7. You tell me you love me when we say goodbye.
8. You say “Please” and “Thank you”.
9. You are polite.
10. You are charismatic.
11. You have a great, strong spirit.
12. You care about how you look.
13. You are a great uncle to your nieces and nephews.
14. You love your brothers and sisters.
15. You are smart.
16. You are caring and kind.
17. You respect women.
18. You aren’t ashamed to give me a kiss.
19. Your eyes. I love how they crinkle when you laugh.
20. Your laugh.
21. You like to read about various things.
22. You love sports.
23. You are adventurous, even in the kitchen!
24. You tell a great story.
25. You’re MY son and you will always have my heart!

Happy Twenty-fifth Birthday, David!
Mom

And the Winners Are.....

2009-03-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

Leah
Jerolyn
Jeannie G.
Megan C.
Marsha N.

Congrats! Well, maybe. You don't know what I'm getting you, do you??? Neither do I! Guess we'll see what transpires!

It's not original...but I like it

2009-03-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

I got this from Julina's blog and I like the concept. So, here goes:

Pay attention kids!

Here is the deal: The first five people to comment on this post will get something made by me.My choice.For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
2- What I make will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be photography, I may sew or stitch or bake something. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do whatever I want!

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your own blog and offer the same deal to 5 of your own lucky blog readers. So, the first 5 people to leave a comment telling me they are in, win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it.

Support is nice

2009-03-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

It's a little unsettling to be, if not in the middle, definitely connected to, some negative drama. I'm not going in to all the details. You can read Sarah's blog for that. I'll just say this:

I have had shown to me, twice today, how important it is to have ALL facts before drawing a conclusion. I struggle all the time with that. I THINK I have all the facts, make a conclusion, only to sometimes find out that I didn't. And, if I knew before, what I later learn, my conclusion would have been different. And, to use a term I gladly credit Sarah with, I could have been more...GENEROUS with the other person...give them the benefit of the doubt.

We all have good days, better days, bad days, worse days and THE WORST days. In the overall scheme of things, having someone slander you or your intentions is seldom the end of the world, or even close to it. But, it can be upsetting.

This weight loss challenge that Sarah put together has proven to be a great motivator for many people. I'm glad of that. I look at Sarah and wonder WHERE in the world she finds the motivation to make it to the gym in spite of her crazy, busy schedule. And, all you have to do is look at her and see it's paying off, BIG TIME. I'm a joiner. I crashed my daughter, Erin's book club, for example, and really look forward to that experience. I go to parties. I love a fun time. And, because of that,I'm looking forward to the Weight Loss Challenge dinner on April 15th. However, I have NO delusions of winning this. Not because I'm not being good and sticking to my diet. I'm not going to win, because I would have to be on the REAL Biggest Loser and live in a gym to lose enough in the few short weeks before the final weigh in to actually BE the Biggest Loser in this competition. But, that's ok. I'm in this for the long haul. I'm losing 2-3 pounds (3 pounds would be great, but it's more like 2 pounds a week. That's not very dramatic, is it? But, I hope to continue to lose 2 pounds a week for a year. That's my goal. This is not a rapid weight loss program for me. This is a slow and steady weight loss program. I joined the challenge initially looking for whatever motivation I could get. And,if I managed to win (what were the odds?, great. However, believing that I'm not going to win, I'm more than happy to contribute $20 if it helps motivate others to lose their weight like I have struggled for years to lose mine.

I have a lot of people rooting for me to be successful. For lots of reasons. Very low on the list of reasons is about how I look. I think though that I'd be kidding you and myself to say that isn't a perk I'm hoping to experience! I've learned through sad experience that when "how you look" is your main motivator, unless you are AMAZINGLY vain, it's not long lasting. The real motiviation (to accomplish ANY goal) HAS to be much more long term and health based.

I appreciate support, as we all do, in whatever form it comes. Everyone has their own battles to fight. Some are obvious, some aren't. I thank all of you who have voiced your support, written it or even just sent me a positive thought.

Here's to meeting our goals...whatever they may be.

I almost died...literally

2009-01-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

This is a little late, and it really is ancient history at this point, but I was almost killed on my way to work the other day. Literally. Or, seriously, as Erin would say. I was stopped at a red light at Ramrod & Mt. Vista and when the light turned GREEN, I proceeded into the intersection, only to be suddenly surprised by a car that came barrelling up Mt. Vista on my left. Luckily I was only going maybe 15 mph, so I slammed on my brakes. I was going so slow, the brakes didn't even squeal, that's how slow I was going. Anyway, this car was coming VERY fast, maybe 45-50 mph, at least. Maybe faster. He/she swerved to the left and BARELY missed me. When my life is over (after the FABULOUS funeral I have planned) I will want to see that moment in slo mo just to see how in the HECK we didn't hit. I sat there for a second or two, just staring at the GREEN light, making absolute certain, that yes, I did have the green light, then, just made my turn and proceeded on to work. Whew! I braked and braced myself so hard that I totally gave myself a cramp in my left leg!

Marsha is coming on Monday. For scrapfest next weekend. Well, supposedly for scrapfest (sorry Sarah) but I know it's to see me. She's spending and entire week with me. A whole week! I can't believe it. I took the week off work on vacation. I'm not sure what we'll do, but whatever it is, we'll have fun, fun, FUN. I'm stoked.

I never know how to wrap up a post. I'm done, though. I guess that does it.

Road Trip...Good times

2009-01-26T20:14:00.000-08:00

We (Sarah, Erin, Nathan, Jerolyn, Sydney and I) went to Mesa last weekend to attend neice Colby's wedding. I took the day off work and Erin was kind enough to drive. Thanks a TON Erin. It was exciting to the point of feeling a little giddy when we left. I just have to say, 5 hours in the car with some of my most favorite people in the world??? Well, it doesn't get much better. And, people, if you don't already know this...we are funny! Just ask us. We cracked each other up all the way there. It was a laugh fest. I brought a book that I was sure I'd get some good reading time in on, but nope. No time for the book. Could have saved the weight and space of it.

So, we got to Mesa just in time to drop Sydney off at her cousin's and change clothes and make it to the wedding with 10 WHOLE minutes to spare before the nuptuals began. It was overcast and cloudy and I wondered if we'd get through the wedding without a downpour, but the heavens were kind enough to wait until it was over by about 10 minutes before it started to sprinkle.

We went into the reception hall and it was beautiful. Tables were set up and we snagged a table near the dance floor (for people watching, not dancing, thanks anyway). Dinner was yummy Mexican food and then the dancing began. We had a great time watching the imbibers dance? their night away! And, conversation and gab with the fam was the best. It was great to see Larry, Sr. and Larry, Jr. and Chuck and Clo and visit with Jodie and her crew through the evening.

After the reception, we went over to Jodie's and visited more with Garrett (who can be F.U.N.N.Y., BTW, while we waited for Jo to get home. Finally, near midnight, we drove to Jessika's and crashed on her spare bed and floor. Erin, had to get up early to attend the temple with her nephew who is going on a mission, but the rest of us got to sleeep in. Personally, I slept until 10:30. That's nearly a Guiness record for me. But, give me some Tylenol PM, 2 ear plugs and I'm good to go to nighty-night land!

Then, we went to Adam's mom's house and had a yummy, yummy luncheon and watched Colby and Adam open their gifts. Made a quick trip to Colby's to see her house and finally got on the road around 5:00 to head home. Unfortunately, a freeway was closed for some reason and we had to take a longer way to get our of the city. It took us a while to get home and we were all GLAD to be home Saturday around midnight thirty, from what I recollect. Really, is there any place better than home and your own bed when you've been travelling, even if it's only for 2 days???

Here are some photos:

You May Kiss the Bride!!!

Happy To Be There!

Mr. & Mrs. Adam Barnes

Larry & Mark Chatting it Up!

Aren't Her Eyes Beautiful?!

Sarah Enjoying One of Many Laughs

Is Erin about to K.O. Garrett? Check Out the Fist!

Nate & Erin

A Bevy of Beauties!!

Colby Dancing With Garrett

Isn't He Cute!?

At The Gift Opening

It was a seriously fun time.

On the Verge

2009-01-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we are on the verge of making history in America. I'm excited. I'm hopeful. I'm encouraged. I don't think a magic wand is given to the new president when he's inaugrated, so I don't expect miracles overnight. I think it's going to take a LOT of work and cooperation and abandoning "politics as usual" to repair damage that we're seing the results of, now. And time. It's going to take some time. Hopefully, time is given him. I don't know if changes I hope for will happen. That will depend on others. I will pray for our new president. I will pray for his family. I will pray for the Senators and Representatives that have the awesome, mind boggling job of making our country's laws. And, I will go to bed tonight, like I do every night, thankful to be an American.

I don't know how to do a lot, computer wise, but on Oprah.com, there is a new song that David Foster has written, sung by some amazing artists. I tried to copy the link, but I'm dumb and wasn't successful. You can go there until Tuesday at 5:00 and download the song for free. It's amazing, as is the video. Please watch it. And, pray for our new president,

What I've Been Up To

2008-12-14T08:47:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I posted so I thought I'd check in. My last post was Thanksgiving. Let's see if I can remember what has happened since then.

1. We attended the Cousin's Christmas Party, hosted at Dustin & Leah's. While, I'm not a cousin, and neither is Howard, we're allowed to come. It was F.U.N. SO fun. I love this family!

2. Work is...work. I'm in my "slow" time and so we get lots of "clean up" projects to work on. Tedious, but necessary.

3. Christmas Shopping. Not so much. I'm not sure if it's the general state of the economy or what, but I'm just not feeling the need/desire/urge to overindulge as I have in years past. I think it's happening all over. But, at the same time, I'm looking forward to Christmas. I always do. I love it.

4. Howard's school's Christmas Party. My husband has been a decorating, shopping, arranging FIEND these past few weeks, in preparation for the Helen Herr Staff Christmas Party. We hosted it at our house. We had 49, yes 49! (51 including us) in our house last night. It was pretty wall-wall, but I think people enjoyed it. The overwhelming comments were about how lovely the house was. I don't brag when I say that, because most of you know that Howard is the one who has done all the work in that regard. And, I do have to say, our house looks stinkin' GOOD!

5. I put together a 12 Days of Christmas package and sent it to Michael. Hopefully, he received it by Saturday. He gets to open one gift each day until Christmas. Now, I just need to get the rest of his "real" Christmas to him.

6. Polar Express! Next weekend, we are going to Williams, AZ for the Polar Express, compliments of Sarah and Tyler from last year's Christmas. What an amazing gift. We're all headed down on Satuday, ride the train on Saturday night, and come home on Sunday. I finally scored some pretty cute PJs that will fit in with Sarah's color/theme coordinating, I think. Got a great, fuzzy robe, too. Unfortunately, it doesn't coordinate with the PJs. Hey, you can't have everything.

7. Christmas Cards. STILL haven't done any. REALLY want to, this year. We haven't gotten to that for the past few and I really don't want to drop off people's list. Just trying to find the time to come up with a short, clever, informative note to include, then take the time to sign them and address them all.

8. Christmas goodie baking. STILL haven't done that, either. This was going to be THE year I was on top of both cards and baking. Yeah. Right! But, really, I meant to. I really did. Seriously. But, we have enjoyed a few from others who are more on top of things.

9. Got really great news from Marsha. After a gruelling year of cancer and treatments and recuperation, she had a scare after another mammogram. But, because of insurance snafus, it took her a few weeks to get the final word that EVERY THING IS OK!!! Just one more thing to be really grateful for during this Christmas time.

10. I found out I DO have a tear in my left rotator cuff which means that surgery is coming...sometime later...maybe in the early Spring. I've got some other things to take care of first. I am NOT looking forward to this. The doctor says it will hurt. And, since doctors tend to downplay how MUCH things hurt, when they say it will hurt, I know it will HURT. And, I'm a big, BIG, HUGE pain avoider. I'm banking on lots of pain meds. I've never had the need to use them much, with the exception of a bad bout with my back about 4 years ago, luckily, but I'm not opposed to them. I figure it's the perks of being born in 1955, as opposed to say, 55 or 1455.

11. Christmas dinner. We have our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve. Mackenzie told me that last year, I said, "next year, we're having pizza and birthday cake!". Now, I don't remember saying that, but it's totally something I would have said in the midst of the scramble of getting dinner on the table. So, after discussion with the adult kids, we're doing pizza this year. I'm so conflicted about it. On the one hand, it just seems like one really good, worthwhile tradition going down the tube. But, on the other hand, I think if it makes for a more relaxed, calm, enjoyable time together for everyone, then I'm all for it. I'll report later. Tyler said he was glad for this new tradition. I said it's not a tradition, but an experiment! We'll see.

That's about it for now. Cold has finally arrived in Las Vegas. It always seems to the week before and the week of Christmas. I've noticed that this seems to be the coldest time of year, often. Considering how long it was G-L-O-R-I-0-U-S here, I don't feel like we can really complain. Rain and SNOW?!?! is forecast for tonight and tomorrow. But, temps aren't going to be cold enough for it to stick, I don't think.

I don't know if I'll post again before Christmas or not, but if I don't, I hope you all have a wonderful one. I can't help but love the time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior and the hope he brought into the world. It's a time of evaluating and reevaluating and resolving to make things better. Yep, it's my favorite time of year.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T15:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving
I thought I'd post something. All I've had to report lately has been my days at work...boring and doctor appointments. Also boring. So, here's my thoughts on this Thanksgiving eve.

H---I'm happy for Howard in my life. He's brought many great things into it. I love him.
A---Aplenty. Plenty of everything. More than I need of most things. Blessings aplenty.
P---People I love being around me on holidays.
P---Poodle dogs. We have two. They're obnoxious at times, but I can't help but love them.
Y---Yellow Daffodils are my favorite flower. They brighten me up.

T---Turkey=tryptophan! Bring it on, brined turkey.
H---Heart health---no blockages, YAY!
A---Afternoon naps. Gotta love 'em.
N---NOT hitting the BAAAAAAD driver that turned in front of me this morning
K---Kitchenaide mixer...LOVE IT!
S---SO many grankids! Love everyone of them.
G---Good friends. Good. Old. Friends.
I---Ice cold drinks.
V---Vacations...aren't they great?
N---Nighttime. I LIKE the early darkness. I like being home longer in the evenings.
G---Garrards. All of them.

OK, this was kind of lame. But, I'm happy today. I got off work early, I got home and just have the day to get started on tomorrow. We got a nice letter from Mike yesterday. I miss him and know he's missing us this holiday season. I don't want him to be homesick, though. I'm FINALLY starting to feel the Christmas spirit. I think it is the weather today. I love Christmas, and even though it's Thanksgiving, it's a pre-curser to Christmas, and I love it.

I'm back!

2008-11-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

I've been off the blog for a while just because there hasn't been much blog worthy. Been speding time at the physical therapist (no real results) and various and sundry doctor appointments for various and sundry issues. None huge, in and of themselves so I won't go into it.

We (Howard and I) went to Idaho for a few days this past weekend for a Garrard "family reunion". That term is used loosely. We did have a good time and I learned some interesting things about his dad and grandfather. I never knew either of my grandfathers as they both died before my parents married. Howard's dad died when Howard was only 8 years old. I SO look forward to getting to meet him. EVERYONE I've ever spoken to that knew him always say the same thing. He was kind, gentle and he loved Howard's mom. He was a wonderful father and husband and a hard worker. From pictures, I can tell Howard looks a lot like him and from what I hear, I think Howard must be a lot like him.

Today is Election Day. I am excited. I think this is going to be a historical election, for sure. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be ABLE to vote. I remember when the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed. I was 10. It's hard to imagine today that IN MY LIFETIME there were millions of people who were routinely and systematically denied the right to vote simply because they were African American! Crazy. It makes me sad to know that there will be millions of people who will not exercise their blessing of being able to vote. I know people are frustrated and often feel it makes no difference. But, I believe it does.

Anyway, America ROCKS! And, today, I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN, WHERE AT LEAST I KNOW I'M FREE, AND I WON'T FORGET THE MEN WHO DIED, AND GAVE THAT RIGHT TO ME. (Thank you, Lee Greenwood)!

Mothers

2008-10-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Today, in Relief Society, the lesson was on mothers. Not just mothers in general but young mothers and the challenges that they face. I've been out of the "young mother" category for a while now, and now, I watch my kids go through this phase of their life.

Motherhood is hard. Period. It NEVER gets "easy". At least, not in my experience. But, the challenges are different, depending on the phase you're in. The demands of young mothers can seem overwhelming, I know. There is a lot of pressure, expectation, whatever you want to call it. Some of it is imposed from outside sources and some comes from within. Every mother has her idea of what a "good" mother is, and they then try to meet that standard. But, as hard as motherhood is, the rewards are SO worth it. I can't imagine my life without my children and I thank the good Lord that I have had the blessing in my life to be able to raise the 5 wonderful kids I have. And, now, grandchildren are the bonus of all those years. And, maybe I'll even see great-grandchildren.

I think that feeling unappreciated is often the straw that breaks the camel's back for mothers. Whether it's feeling like the kids, the spouse, or the WORLD as a whole doesn't appreciate all you do, that's a particular burden that seems too much to deal with. But, I just want to say that I watch my kids with their kids and I am so impressed. They lose patience at times, but who doesn't? They also are extremely patient at times when others wouldn't be. They live in a permanant state of sleep deprivation. They crave adult conversations. They get tired of explaining "why" all the time. But they do all this. And more. Why? Because they know they are shaping and molding young lives. All they do, they do for their kids and their husbands. And, they reach the greater community when they even find the time and the energy to reach out of their family circle and serve their church and community.

I have been particulary blessed with wonderful two sons in law and a daughter in law that I think are so well suited for my kids. I couldn't have chosen better, even if I had tried. It brings me great joy to see how much my kids love their spouses. And, their kids benefit from that. Which, brings me back to the beginning of my post. It's all about the kids and the mothering of them (not to short change the dads, but that's another post for another time).

So, here's a shout out to the young mothers who wipe, clean up, hush, rock, taxi, discipline, cook, iron, braid, brush, bathe, teach, and play with/for their kids! Hang in there. Believe me, one day they WILL be grown. And while that day seems light years away, it comes faster than one thinks.

Food For Thought

2008-10-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

This was posted on the "Word-A-Day" site I've discovered. This is interesting. If every star was a $1 bill...

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
There are 10^11 stars in the galaxy. That used to be a huge number. But it's only a hundred billion. It's less than the national deficit! We used to call them astronomical numbers. Now we should call them economical numbers. -Richard Feynman, physicist, Nobel laureate (1918-1988)

The Presidents

2008-10-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

PBS has a series of shows on the presidents of the United States which has been WONDERFUL. They don't seem to be in order, and I've probably missed some. I watched the one on Jimmy Carter and I am watching the one on Nixon right now. I think I missed the one on Reagan, which I really didn't want to miss. It's been great to look back on these days that these guys were president. And, it's interesting to see the issues then, compared to now. I recommend the show! Monday nights, channel 10. They're long, though. Usually 3 hours, so you can set your DVR. You can buy each show for $24.99, but the entire set for $129.00 (10 DVDs). Of course, it helps to love history to want to watch them! Thank goodness for DVR, though, because I'm headed to bed. Can't hang til 12:00 with Richard Nixon with work tomorrow!

Sleep Study #2

2008-10-11T06:12:00.001-07:00

So, it's 6:10 AM on Saturday morning. I just got home about 20 minutes ago from my 2nd sleep study. This time, I wore my usual sleepwear, which helped a LOT in the comfort level. Plus, the technician hooked me up with a little more leeway on the leads attached to my legs which meant that I could move around and not feel like I was tethered to a short rope. I was fitted with a mask (like an oxygen mask) that strapped to my head, after they hooked up all the leads to me (head, chest, legs, arms). Air is pumped into the mask. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to breathe. So, I went to sleep and as I slipped into REM sleep and apnic events occured, the technician would increase the air flow. The air keeps the airway open. Once I would get into REM sleep, she would come on the intercom and ask me to sleep on my back. OK, I can NOT sleep flat on my back. KILLS the low back, thank you, herniated disc (disk?)! So, of course, then I couldn't get into REM sleep and after several times of going through this, I would just finally roll over so I could get back to sleep. Then, she would come on again and tell me AGAIN to get on my back. It was a better experience than last time, though. I could at least BREATHE when I was on my back, so if I could get my back to not hurt, that would be FANTASTIC! So, now I wait to get my very own, CPAP machine for home. I was really surprised at how quite the machine was. Maybe I'm on my way to not being tired all the time!

Why I like TV

2008-10-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

I watch TV and find a lot of enjoyment in some shows. I will most likely NEVER be one of those people who "just don't watch TV". I probably should read more books and one day perhaps I will regret the TV I watch, both the quality and quantity of it. But, one thing I do love about TV (and movies) is a well turned phrase. Now, those of you who know me, know I do love to converse. But, I don't know that I'm particularly good at it. But, sometimes, when I watch a TV show, the writers put together a dialog that, to me, is downright inspiring in the well-put-togetherness-of-the-words. Tonight, I was watching Monday night's "Boston Legal" (thank you DVR!!!), in my opinion, on of the best written TV shows on TV (and I'm sad this is the last year it's on). It presents all sorts of pertinent political and social and legal issues and always shows at least 2 sides to every argument. Here is a short excerpt of a dialog I love because it is EXACTLY how I feel, but NEVER could have phrased it so well...
Denny Crane (ultra conservative) tells his best friend Alan Shore (liberal) that he's surprised Alan owns a gun (Denny owns many, many guns). Alan said, "It's in my safe, at home. I see nothing wrong with THAT. I see a lot wrong with assault weapons; people walking around like you with guns (Denny had been arrested for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit)". Denny said, "I can't fathom a liberal like you owning a gun". Alan said, (and this is the part I loved), "That's one of the problems in the country...there are two camps...those that like guns and those that don't. Why can't there be a middle? Why can't we say ok to guns and ok to gun legislation? Why does it make someone a pinko liberal girl if he supports background checks and bans on assault weapons?"
Someone should make a T-Shirts with that on it and sell them. I bet a lot of people would buy them.

Tagged

2008-10-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

My wonderful neice Jerolyn tagged me to do this post. Probably because I've been sadly lacking in the posting department lately. Just seems I don't have that much to write about that I think anyone would care to read.

*Link to the person who tagged you
*Post the rules on your blog
*Write six random things about yourself
*Tag six-ish people at the end of your post
*Let each person know he/she has been tagged
*Let the tagger know when your entry is up

#1. I know the words to a LOT of songs. Older songs, to be sure, but a LOT. People I know at work have commented on how I should go on "Don't Forget the Lyrics" because they are sure I would win. If an oldie comes on, chances are, I know the words to it. And...it doesn't take much to get me to relate a phrase in a regular conversation to some song...and then, sing a line or two of it to show the connection! People don't especially love it when I do that, though!

#2. I hate being splashed with water or getting squirted with a water gun. Even if I'm in a pool. I think it's all about feeling like I have the control of the water. Maybe it goes back to my near drowning when I was 12, I don't know. But, really, DON'T SPLASH ME!

#3. If I make a favorite dish (Red Pepper Stew), I can eat it, breakfast, lunch & dinner, until it's all gone. I NEVER get tired of it. I'm all about making LOTS of something and then not having to cook for a few days. Kind of boring for some, but I just don't get how time of day should dictate what we eat. Chili for breakfast? Why not? Bacon, eggs or pancakes for dinner? Sure.

#4. I've gotten a LOT better about this, but I used to subconsciously "type" with my toes. I will type the entire alphabet with my toes (as though they were fingers). Not on the keyboard, silly, but in my shoes. Or barefooted. Or wherever. And, really, I think it has something to do with why I have a really good typing score! I think the brain connection was made and then reinforced. And reninforced. And...you get it.

#5. This probably comes under the heading of spoiled, but I HATE unloading the dishwasher. I'd rather wash dishes by hand! Doesn't make sense, does it? As a kid, I didn't have a dishwasher and just KNEW if I ever had one, I'd never wash a dish. But, I just hate it. I'd rather clean a bathroom. And, I don't mind folding laundry.

#6. I can't stand the thought of eating escargot. Or Sushi. Or Flan. Or, and especially, I should say, OYSTERS. I could never be on one of those reality TV shows where you have to eat all the disgusting things. I'm glad they aren't doing that on Survivor so much anymore.

I tag Megan, Marsha, Linda B (yes, you!), Sarah, Erin & Stacy.

Michael

2008-09-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Thoughts about my youngest son...

I think a lot of people think that I obsess about Michael and think/talk about him ALL the time. Well, I don't. Really. There are days that outside of praying about/for him, I don't think about him more than a few times. Maybe that's a bad thing, but it's the truth. But, when I do think of him, I have very tender thoughts.

Maybe it's the timing of the mission. He's been out just about 13 months. Long enough to be used to him being gone, but also long enough to really miss him.

When I read his emails, sometimes I'm a bit frustrated because there's not as much "personal" info (feelings, thoughts, etc.) as I would like, but then, I realize it's MICHAEL who's writing. Not the emoter in the fam. So, I'm grateful that he writes as faithfully as he does. I try to imagine him in his daily routine. What is he wearing when he sleeps and gets up in the morning. What is he eating for breakfast? Where is he reading in his scriptures. Does he have a favorite scripture? Do he and his companion get into good Gospel discussions over the scriptures they've read or a lesson they taught or attended on Sunday? Where is he going today? How many doors is he knocking on and are people at least kind, if not receptive? Does he find humor in the situations? Knowing Michael I bet he does! What is he eating for lunch? IS he eating lunch? Did he get mail today and did it make his day because he had a really discouraging one? Is he teaching a lesson tonight? What did he get for dinner? Is he having to eat things he hates? Is he getting things he likes? Does he get homesick?(I hope not). What do the other missionaries think of him? Does he know how proud we are of him and how often we think of him? And so it goes. Now, I don't think all those thoughts every single day. But, I've thought all of them at some time or another.

It's just weird to think of what he'll be like when he comes home. He left a young man. He'll return a MAN. Full of confidence and NOT needing me to tell him what to do. But, I probably will, about some things. After all, it would be a waste to not share some of the wisdom I've accrued, right?! Just kidding. I dont' think he'll find us (the ones he left behind) changed as much as we'll find him changed. Of course the neices and nephews will have grown 2 years and that will be obvious. But other changes, from other people, not so much.

I've dreamed of him a few times and that seems to put me in the "thinking of him more" mode. It's weird, what can I say?

This isn't a profound post or earth shattering in any way. Just some random thoughts about my boy/man that I miss. A lot. Just like I would miss any of my kids who I hadn't seen in 13 months.

Heroes

2008-09-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

At Time Out for Women, a question that was asked of the presenters was, "Who Is Your Hero? They all had interesting comments, some said family members, others people from history. That got me to thinking about who my heroes are (is). Sheila Doherty is a hero to me. She is an amazing woman. Fun, full of energy, so totally devoted to the Gosepel of Jesus Christ, GREAT mom and grandmother. Missionary. She, to me, has always been so totally insightful to so many things. It's like she's always where I want to be. She's about 10 or 12 years older than me, so maybe that's why. I consider her the big sister I never had.

Stephanie Waite is a woman I've never met. But, I've read her blog on a regular basis. She's heroic in how she's handling the drowning death of her baby girl, Camille. She wouldn't think she's heroic. But, her willingness to share her experience with the world is.

So, who are your heroes? I'd like to know.

Time Out!

2008-09-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

I went to Time Out For Women, today. It was originally scheduled to be held in February, but when Pres. Hinckley died, it was postponed. I went two years ago. It was good, but a bit cheesy. OK, really cheesy. I might have skipped this year, except for the fact that my ALL TIME FAV Gospel music singer, Hilary Weeks was performing. So, I went. Was not disappointed.

Hilary was pretty much the main event. I thought that she'd sing a song, maybe two, three if we were really lucky and then she'd be off. But, no, she was on, off, on, off, on, off...singing every time. Pretty great. She has a new CD out, which I purchased on the spot and she sang a few songs and I was not disappointed. She sings what's in my heart, so often. I'll stop, but I think it's safe to say there's probably not a bigger Hilary Weeks fan than me. The other speakers were pretty good and one in particular, was FUNNY. I saw some people from our old ward and visited with them. It was nice.

Work has been pretty busy, busy. I won't go into it but will just say that it appears that the increased cost of gasoline is being reflected in more students riding the busses. And, we didn't get more busses. So...lots of work for yours truly.

Howard's 60th birthday was Thursday. From what he said, he had a pretty good day. We took all our kids/spouses/girlfriend to dinner at Marie Callendars. We had the little private room and it was great. Great company, great conversation, lots of laughs and good times. I really wanted to throw a big 6-0 party for him, but he threatend mutiny if there was one, or if he even caught wind of one, so I passed. The man just doesn't appreciate a good surprise party!

My brother was without power for 5 days in Louisville this week. Hurricane Ike blew through with high winds for several hours and lots and lots of big, old, trees blew down and took power lines with them. The power company actually ran out of poles replacing all of the ones that were downed and broken. The governor had to call back the National Guard troops that had been sent to Texas to help with the clean up there. But, they finally got power back yesterday.

That's about it from my super exciting, entertaining, thrilling, life for now.

Hmm. Really?

2008-09-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Turns out I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I knew there was a possiblility because I scored really high on the symptoms test. And, I'm really tired a lot of the time. But, when I had the sleep study and they didn't have to come in with the C-Pap machine, I took that as a good sign. But, today, the EN&T Dr. told me I have mild-moderate apnea. I had 10 episodes/hour of not breathing for 20 seconds. And, I had one session of v-e-r-y s-l-o-w breathing that lasted 92 seconds. And, I have a fairly deviated septum which has my right side of my sinuses a bit messed up. I have cool CT scan pictures to show it. This means that while I don't have chronic sinus infections, because of the messed up anatomy, it increases the opportunities for repeated accute sinus infections. Go! Dr. Wahab, because that's what she said. Actually, she said, "I want you to see a specialist to follow up with some tests to see if you have chronic infection that just NEVER clears up or not". IF I want to have surgery to correct it, it will help my breathing and possibly help the apnea, but it's not pressing. It would be outpatient surgery and supposedly not all that painful (which anyone that knows me, knows that's huge, to me). The other option is to have surgery to REDUCE THE SIZE OF MY TONGUE and remove my uvula and take out some soft tissue in my throat. Uh, no thanks! Even the dr. doesn't want to do that.
But, for now, I'll have to start with the C-Pap.

So, the next step is go BACK for another sleep study and get to wear a mask of some sort and have them figure out how high the pressure needs to be to reach optimal results. Yippee. I can hardly wait. But, this time, I WON'T have to try to sleep on my back, which I never do anyway, and was a great waste of time and sleep. After the 2nd sleep study, I'll get a C-Pap machine. Then, after 3 months, we'll re-evaluate.

Catching Up

2008-08-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

This week has been a tiring, busy one for me. It's the first week of school. That means lots of work for me. True to expectations, I've been busy. Next week, I have to correct overloaded busses, and get busses to schools on time and fix all kinds of other issues. I'm in my new office and I have to say, it's good.

Howard and daughters and daughter-in-law are in Utah this weekend having a fabulous time at Swiss Days. I've been enjoying the solitude and quietness.

I had a sleep study on Friday night. Just can't sleep well during those things. I don't think anything bad will show up. I had to spend a lot of yesterday napping to catch up on what I missed Friday night.

I have a cousin in Thibideaux, Lousiana ( a town just west of New Orleans) that had to evacuate to northern Louisiana. I have a friend in Eunice, Louisiana that had to evacuate, too. She just had surgery 2 weeks ago! Still has a catheter. Imagine that. The projected path looks like Thibideaux could be hit really hard. The TV coverage is so eerily similar to what it was 3 years ago with Katrina. I'm hoping and praying that all will be well with their homes. Louisiana has been hit hard these last few years. I grew up there and hurricanes have always happened, but they are 1) more frequent, 2) stronger and 3) do more damage, thanks to the erosion of the natural barriers that used to slow them down. Katrina wiped out 200 miles of wetlands, which was nature's barrier. It stinks. Big time. My heart breaks for all the homes that are going to be lost and how lives are going to be so disrupted. But, at least this time, the leaders seem to have learned from the mistakes of the past and are evacuating people and doing things right. At least, better. I just don't GET people, though, who choose to stay and ride these things out. How do you ride out 15' of flood water? In a boat, I guess.

A cousin I used to see fairly often when I was a kid, died Monday. He was 59 and had a heart attack. I hadn't seen him for 30+ years, but nevertheless, when his daughter called me and told me he had died, I was really sad. Selfishly, I think it was because I felt just one more link to my past gone. I had gotten a phone number for him a few months ago and called him and we spent about an hour and a half catching up, and I'm really glad I did. When I saw his obituary photo, it shocked me, because it was like looking at his dad, who I knew well. I feel sad that my kids never knew and will never know any of these people or see any of the places that are still so vivid in my mind. Places I knew well when I was young. I guess that's what happens when you move 2000 miles away and change your religion when you're 19.

I watched the Democratic Convention this past week, saw Barak Obama's speech and liked what I heard. I was pretty surprised by John McCain's pick for a running mate. After 2 years of campaigning, it's hard to believe that in just a little over 2 months it will all be over, one way or another. Gladly.

No Title

2008-08-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

I couldn't even come up with a decent title for this nothing post so there it is. No Title.

What have I been up to? Hmm. Work. Church. Sleep. The Olympics. Repeat!

The Olympics have been fantastic and I think I'm going to go through withdrawals from Michael Phelps and the rest of the great team. This is what the Olympics do to me. I get all jazzed up over a sport that ordinarily I care NOTHING about. But, it's only every 4 years, so what the hey!

I went to the doctor today and a quote from him, "your triglycerides and sugars are beautiful!". Yay me. My cholesterol was 156 and he said that was great. Go Lipitor!

I got moved into my new office at work. It's a portable classroom that has supervisors clerks on one half and my Routing & Scheduling peeps on the other half. It's going to be good, I think.

Saturday Howard and I drove to St. George for my good friend Calleen's son, Cade's, wedding reception. It was at a beautiful country club called Entrada. It was out of town and the red rocks were a beautiful backdrop to the golf course. It was fun to see and visit with Rick and Calleen and see their grown up kids and THEIR kids. Mike and Marsha were there and we laughed and reminisced all evening. We drove home that night because I had to be home to come up with a talk for church on Sunday. Anyone want to know anything about Charity? I have lots of info on it! Thank goodness for the internet and Gospel Search. Any talk ever given or written is in there. Pretty amazing, this internet stuff, when you think about it. We get so used to and accustomed to it (is that redundant) but, really? Pretty cool.

We got a brief email from Mike today and what a great surprise. He got transferred last week and we hadn't heard from him, so this was a bonus. He'll write us his normal email on Wed. He's back in Virginia and from what he says, it sounds like he's in an entirely different mission. He says there's a huge difference in Virgina and West Virginia. He's in Buena Vista, but covers Lexington, which is the home of Southern Virgina University, or as some people call it, BYU of the East. Mike got a lot of recruiting from there. He says there are lots of members and they have lots of investigators. He sounds really pumped up. I'm happy for him.

School starts next week, so don't be surprised if you don't hear from me for a while. I'm going to be BUSY getting everyone's kids on the busses. OK, not EVERYone's kids, but it will feel like it.

It's Never Good

2008-08-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

It's NOT, I repeat NOT a good idea to stay up until 12:10 watching the Olympics when you have to be up @ 5:30. Especially when you have an insomniac-y night and are awake what seems like every 15-20 minutes! It's a good thing that Michael Phelps is taking the day off today and isn't swimming. I need to sleep! Tomorrow and Friday are HUGE days for me at work and I need my brain rested.

When you look your grossest...

2008-08-09T23:16:00.001-07:00

That's when something's going to happen, isn't it? I went out this afternoon. My hair was really needing a shampoo and blow dry! I had two stops to make. One, at the car wash, and 2 was @ 7-11. I made my purchase @ 7-11 and when I got in the car it wouldn't start. Dead battery, I guessed. Thank goodness the car didn't die while it was in the car wash!!! I called Howard and discussed the matter with him. Call AAA, for sure, but sometimes they have a truck that has batteries and they'll replace it for you and the question was do we wait for that or just have it towed to our mechanic? We did that a while back, (had AAA replace our battery) in our driveway but, my car engine is built weirdly and the battery is positioned way low, and they guy ended up having to take the wheel off to get it changed and it took him forever. We decided to just do whatever we needed to that would get the tow truck there the fastest. So, there I was, sitting in the 7-11 parking lot with greasy hair and it's hot outside. Luckily, I had enough juice left in the battery to operate my electric windows and I was able to get them down and there was a breeze. And, I had grabbed a soda out of the fridge before I left. Howard was on his way and so I proceeded to do some good people watching. If you need some good, cheap entertainment, sit in front of a 7-11 on a Saturday afternoon and see the flow of VERY interesting people! So, I tried to call AAA and I must have been in a dead spot because my phone kept dropping the call.

Howard arrived, and was on the phone with them. Long story short, AAA showed up, but in the mean time, I realized that the battery was so dead I couldn't get my windows back up. So, if we towed it, I wouldn't have any way to secure the car over the weekend and I didn't want to leave it wide open, parked in the parking lot, because that's just an invite to STEAL ME! So, when Mr. AAA got there, he gave me a jump and, lucky day, it started and I was able to roll up my window. Mr. AAA said he'd follow us to the shop "just to make sure" it didn't die again. I made it all the way, but was waiting for traffic to clear to make the turn into the parking lot and it died again! Another jump got me into the parking lot. So, the car is at the Car Doctor.

The good things in this story are these:
1) AAA. I SO recommend them. They've saved our bacon lots of times and I would hate to be without the service now that I've had it.
2) It was Saturday and Howard was able to come to my aide and follow us to the shop and give me a ride home. Howard and I sat in our cars next to each other in the 7-11 parking lot and had a nice little Saturday afternoon date watching people come and go and visited. Nice in a weird way!
3) While it was hot and my hair was greasy, there was a nice breeze blowing and the sun was not shining in the front windshield. Greasy hair makes it feel hotter, you know. And, I was able to pass the time reading some in the Book of Mormon that I just happened to have in the backseat of my car!
4) We have an extra car, so getting to/from work on Monday isn't an issue as it sometimes has been in the past.

So, all in all, while it was not the afternoon I would have chosen, it turned out to be not so bad!

And Michael Phelps won his first Olympic Gold medal today!

Opening Ceremonies

2008-08-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

Did you SEE the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics last night? Or, this morning, as they have re-run it? Amazing. Truly amazing. I can't even explain what you missed if you didn't because it was so technologically cool! And, just now, as I watched the torch be lit, I was thrilled. I mean, I literally got a thrill. Not unlike the thrill I get when I see the American flag in a parade. I think it's all about patriotism and all. But, seeing the torch lit was cool! Now, we get 10 days or so of great athletes and great wins and losses to watch.

I think the Olympics are fun to watch, because even (and maybe BECAUSE) if one isn't athletic, it's hard to not admire the athleticism of those that are. And, the hard work and sacrifice and dedication is inspirational. I have a hard time deciding which Summer Olympic events are my favorite. I do love the gymnastics. I think of our great-nephew Garrett and wonder how he'll feel watching them. He's doing well, by the way, in re-hab in California, thankfully. I love swimming and volleyball and diving. Remember when Greg Lougainis cracked his head? Scary. It WAS Greg Lougainis, wasn't it?

Anyway, I love the Olympics. Don't you? Let the games begin!!!

If you like "The Office" and you want a good laugh...

2008-08-02T11:15:00.001-07:00

I read a blog the other day that someone gave this link to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7PHL4HXm1o&feature=related. It lasts a little over 5 mintues, but if you watch "The Office" you HAVE to go to this and you will get quite a chuckle. The last one was the funniest, I thought. Although, it was a toss up. Jello will never be the same to me!

53 Reasons I Love Life

2008-07-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

Warning!!! This is a little long. Today is my 53rd birthday. When I was a kid, I calculated ahead to see how old I would be in the year 2000 (who could imagine the year 2000?!!!??!) and remember just being so taken with the idea I would be 45. Well, here I am, 8 years later. Now, I wonder what things will be like in say, 2030. Seems SO far away, but we all know time flies and I suppose 2030 will be here before we know it. Anyway, I digress. I have been thinking lately of all my blessings and things that make me happy. Here are some of them.

1) My family
a) Howard-A funny, hard working man of integrity. I love him.
b) My kids--Smart, kind, pro-active, beautiful people. I tear just thinking of them. I love them!
c) My parents--Not the most ideal upbringing, but it could have been so much worse. And, I got some good stuff from them. I used to think they should never have married and had kids, but then, where would I be? WHO would I be? I think, when it comes to births, there are no real accidents. Not accidents from an eternal perspective. I've also decided it's not what we have or don't have, where we are or aren't, it's what we do with it that matters. All we have to do is do our best, whatever that may be, whether we're rich or poor by earthly standards. That's the big equalizer of life.
d) My sons and daugher-in-law. GREAT people and great matches for my kids.
e) My 11 grandkids. GRAND is a good word for them.
f) My brother, Gary. I love him. He's 5 years older than me. We're siblings for a reason. He's a hero to me in lots of ways.
2) Being an American. My daddy's family came to America before it was the U.S. It was a French colony. My mother's father's family came in the early 1700's from the best I can figure, from England. I love knowing where I came from and wish I knew more about those people's stories.
3) Belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My life changed SO much for the better when I was baptized into this church. While I am FAR from perfect and have much to improve upon, I have learned truths that influence the choices I make and the woman I have become.
4) My home. Not that I "love" my house. I've lived in many houses and I know that I can be happy or unhappy no matter where I live. But, I am grateful I HAVE a house. So many of God's children don't. And, it's a comfortable one. VERY comfortable.
5) Air conditioning. Seriously, living in Las Vegas makes that high up on the list.
6) Food. Really. Part of it is being an American, because in America, there are supermarkets that have a large variety of food. Usually in plentiful supply. I take it for granted. Some in this world can't.
7). Flushing toilets. Ditto.
8). Electricity in my house. Imagine your life without the wonder of electricity. I wouldn't be able to write this here blog without it, sitting in my house with the TV on, the AC on and the fan on, keeping me cool and comfy. Good stuff, electricity. Gooooooooo Ben Franklin and Thomas Edison!
9) Being able to vote.
10) Education. Not that I'm THAT educated. But, I can read, write, do some math and know a little about a lot of stuff. That knowledge makes my life better. Comes from living in the USA.
11) Being born in 1955. Disneyland & I started that year. Lots of good stuff has come along since 1955. Microwaves. Computers. Think about it.
12) Friends. How poor someone truly is who doesn' t have friends. I have good ones, and some of the best ones are in my family.
13) A job. A job I like. Comes with some drama and some stress, but isn't that life? I like what I do and rarely dread going to work. But, I'm totally loving the idea of NOT working tomorrow!
14) Movies. I love a good movie. Now, MY idea of a good movie is this: A romantic comedy, a romantic drama or a historically factual story, particularly ones that are set in 19th century England or are about Revolutionary, Civil War and WWII stuff. I LOVE Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice and, Gone With The Wind.
15) Television. I know, I know, I watch too much of it. But, how can you not like good drama? Gray's Anatomy (good is a relative term, morally, I know!), The Closer and Boston Legal? Those are some shows I just won't miss if I can help it. And, Survivor. And, the Amazing Race.
16). Memories. Good and bad ones. Bad ones help you appreciate the good things in your life and remind you to avoid whatever you can to prevent them from happening again, if you have any control over it. Good ones are just, well...good!
17). Chocolate. I can't believe I left chocolate til #17.
18). Blogs. Really, I can't thank Stacy enough for bringing Blogs into our world. What would I do if I didn't check and read blogs every day? Read some of the great books on Sarah's list??? Well, I COULD... but I wouldn't. I'd watch TV, probably.
19) Naps. Gotta love a good nap. Now that I'm older, I value them more. Probably because I GET them now. Need them, too.
20) Dogs. We have 3. Most days, I feel like that's about 2 too many. We have some issues with some of them. But, I had my first dog when I was 8. They are good and fun and loving and cute.
21) Red Pepper Stew. Family dish...heaven on a plate. I NEVER tire of it and I hope one day, one of my kids want to learn how to make it so the goodness will pass on to the next generation. I fear it won't.
22) Cars. Really, where would we be without them? Traffic and all, expensive repair bills and all, I'll take them rather than leave them.
23) Airplane travel. SUCH a time saver. See, if I had been born in 422 BC, I wouldn't be able to fly in a plane. Good reason to have been born in 1955.
24) Oprah Winfrey. I know lots of people don't like her and some people are waiting for a HUGE skeleton to come out of her closest. I suppose time will tell. I don't think she's perfect, but she's OPRAH. I don't agree with some of her politics. But, she does good things and motivate others to do good things, too. I would like to think we could have lunch and be in the same orbit.
25). Music. I'm no afficianado of quality music. But, I love songs that put me in a good mood. "My girl". "Love Shack". Most Motown. Most Marvin Gaye. Some country. Some gospel, especially Hilary Weeks. I get to see her in Sept. I'm excited because I LOVE her music.
26) Teachers. I have had some teachers that really, truly shaped me. Mrs. Smith (Ms. Bessie) in the 5th grade. Coach Patterson in the 9th. God Bless them all. Well, Coach is alive. Ms. Bessie's not.
27) Genealogy. I love knowing who my relatives are.
28) Needle work. I've done counted cross stitch for nearly 30 years. I've sewn for longer than that. I've crocheted for about 33 years. I'm moving on to quiliting.
29) Massages. A good one is heaven. A bad one is...not. None at all is deprivation.
30) Relief Society. Relief Society is the woman's organization in my church. Lot's and lots of good women struggling to become better. Like me. Struggling, that is, to become better.
31) Road trips with someone I like.
32) Solitude. As I've gotten older, I've come to be more comfortable with myself and not mind, even LIKE, being alone.
33) A good night's sleep. Between medication and who-knows-why, I seldom sleep more than 6 1/2-7 hours a night. But, that's generally ok. But, a good, uninterrupted night's sleep is G-O-O-D.
34) Clean water. Water that I don't have to boil to be able to safely drink so I don't get sick.
35) Scriptures. God's letters to me.
36) Caffeine Free Diet Coke and Dr. Pepper. Not together.
37) Hot dogs. Grilled are best, slightly charred.
38) Lemon cake with lemon filling. My mother used to make it. I don't because I'm afraid it won't be as good as I remember it. It's a totally "feel good" memory of my childhood.
39) Vision and hearing. Life is better being able to see and hear than it would be not being able to.
40) Inlaws. Not the daughter and son type but the sister and brother and mother type. I love you guys!
41) Board games. I LOVE board games, but Howard doesn't. My kids do, mostly, but it's hard to ever get to play with them. I think it's the competitiveness in me. Whatever. I like 'em.
42) Seeing my kids love each other and laugh together and cry together.
43) Fashion shows. Every year, the Sunday night before school starts, we have a family fashion show where the granddaughters come and model all their new clothes for school. So far, the boys have refused to participate. It's good fun.
44) Making foods my kids like. Howard never asks me to make anything special. Maybe he doesn't like my cooking!
45) My closet. I have a walk in closet. I've never had one before. It's a good thing.
46) My BIG tub. I have a shower and a tub. A big tub and when I want to have a bath, I can have one and not be scrunched.
47) Hot weather and sun at a pool or beach. Calgon...take me away! Well, not Calgon, but you get the idea.
48) Health insurance.
49) My dollstone collection.
50) My ruby birthstone ring. My daddy gave it to me when I was 17. Let's count. That's 36 years ago. He gave it to me sitting in a booth at a "Sambo's" restaurant. I promised it to Sarah and one day she'll get it. Two years later, he gave me a small diamond neclace that Erin will get. I just can't say when.
51) Washing machines, vacuums and remote controls. Energy savers.
52) Freshly mown grass. LOVE the smell. As a kid, it used to remind me of watermelon.
53) Missionaries. And letters and pictures from missionaries. Go, Mike!

Well, that's just some of the things I love. If you're reading this, there's a good chance I love YOU. At the very least, I probably know you and have been blessed to have you in my life. Happy Birthday to me!

Blogs!

2008-07-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

What is it about Blogs? I have hours of projects to work on, but I made the dreadful mistake of coming in to the office to check email, which also includes checking to see if anyone blogged anything I just can't wait to read and then got to blog surfing and have been here for nearly 2 1/2 hours! Seriously, I'm in trouble! I'm such a lurker.

Best Friends

2008-07-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

I've had two people in my life that I can call best friends. One, Linda Welborn, was my BF when I was a kid in Pelican, Louisiana. She was a true gift to me, and I still consider her my best friend of my early years. She and I lost touch with each other for around 30 years and reconnected about 8 years ago. It's been nice to be in touch with her again. She lives too far away to see her very often. I wish we could see each other more. When I'm with Linda, even though our lives are very diverse, I feel comfortable with her and the years just dissolve. Linda had cervical cancer 6 or 7 years ago and is still experiencing issues related to it, though she is cancer free. Life is not easy for her because of it, but through it all, she remains upbeat and faithful. I love her.

Most of you know we went to Idaho last weekend. It was a two-fold purpose trip---the Catlin family reunion was that weekend and I got to visit with Marsha. Marsha is my BF of my adult years. As many of you know, Marsha was diagnosed with breast cancer in November. She began her chemo treatments in January, and just finished her radiation therapy last week on July 23. Her birthday was July 25, so that was a pretty good birthday present for her. It has been a LONG 8 months for her. I have lived this experience vicariously, but I am certain that I only have an idea of how hard and grueling the experience of chemo was for her. I wanted to visit her while she was having her chemo, but I was never able to go when she was in her "up" periods, when became fewer and fewer as time when by. She is an amazing woman and I am honored to be her friend and even more honored that she considers me hers.

Marsha says that she felt the prayers offered by family and friends. Isn't that amazing? I mean, we pray in faith, hoping that Heavenly Father will bless the person we're praying for, but we sometimes don't ever know the direct impact of that prayer on them. We don't always know if they knew we were praying for them. But, she says she felt them, giving her strenth and lifting her up. I'm so glad to know this. I think when we die and go to the Spirit World, that we'll be surprised to learn of the blessings we received in this life because of the actions and prayers of others that we were never aware of. That inspires me to try to be a little more kind and to try to be in tune with the promptings of the Spirit that lead me to do good things.

Marsha and I have been friends for, and this is hard for me because as strange as this sounds, I don't remember meeting Marsha. It just seems like one day she was in my life and I don't know when it happened. She remembers meeting me at church. I believe her, I just don't remember it. It was around 1978, I think. She and Mike, her husband, and Howard and I used to scrape our pennies together, literally digging in couch cushions and bottoms of purses and wherever money could hide, to find the way to go out when we were in our leaner (both physically and monetarily) years. Along with other friends we forged a lifetime of memories---picnics, dinners, lunches, phone conversations (hours long conversations), church meetings and parties, home get togethers, holidays, vacations, trips, deaths, births, weddings and illnesses. And, the memories continue to be made. We've laughed together and cried together. Shopped together and watched TV together. We've seen each other at our worst and best. I hate that we live so far away from each other, but it does make the times we get to spend together sweeter. Relationships like this can't be designed, I don't think. I think they were forged before we ever came to earth.

Friends are a great blessing in our lives. I have been blessed to have great friends.

Highlight of the Week!

2008-07-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

We got some pictures from Mike in the mail yesterday. I loaded these in reverse order and can't figure out how to switch the order, so here goes.

This is an example of signs on churches in West Virginia. Nate used to send home pictures like this, too, when he was in Tennessee and Arkansas. We don't see signs like this in the west as much.

This is Mike's companion, Elder Hutchings and outgoing Mission Pres. Cowley. Elder Hutchings is from Riverton, Ut. Mike is training him.

And this is Pres. & Sis. Cowley. They're home now and a new Mission Pres. is in place.

It's so good to see pictues of the boy. Man. I know he's a man, not a boy. But, you know what I mean. He's got a baptism scheduled for this coming Saturday and hopes to be having 3 more in the near future. The wife of the man that's being baptized this Saturday, another man and a foster son of the bishop. That should be a good shot in the arm for Elder Garrard if they all pan out. On the 22nd, he'll be out for 11 months. Somedays it seems like it's going pretty quickly an on others, not so much. But, I know when he's home I'll look back and think it went pretty fast. That will be a great day.

I've been waiting

2008-07-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Until I could post something fun and half way worth reading about and with some good pictures to go with it. But, I have zippo. My life at this point is all about work and collapsing when I get home from work. I have worked SO much overtime already (and not gotten paid for it, BTW). Major deadline looms Monday morning and I worked until today @ 4:45 and decided I'll go in early on Monday to finish up what I needed to do today. I've never felt so frustrated and behind and I feel like I'm never going to get caught up. So, the next time any of you have a kid or grandkid that gets on a school bus, think of me and all the work that goes into having that bus be available to you!

Howard and I met some friends this week at the Balboa Pizza restraunt in The District. GREAT food. I would recommend it. Howard got a pizza that was delivered on a wooden cutting board type thing. I got a salad and wings. They make homemade potato chips and delicious dips (garlic parmesean, french onion) that are fantastic. Anyway, it's good. It's on the back side, sort of like Lucilles. Go there. I think we're about to go check out the Orchard Street Cafe. It's right down the street from our house and I've wanted to eat there a long time and try it out.

Are you seeing a pattern here? I can't believe how much I DON"T cook anymore. I came home last night and told Howard I was hungry (starving, actually) and he told me there were tamales in the fridge he bought from someone at his school. I did make Mac & Cheese Monday. Here we are on Thursday and I'm not cooking tonight and since tomorrow is the 4th, I won't cook then, either. Probably not on Saturday. Which brings me to Sunday when I WILL cook. I feel a little guilty, but not all the time and not a lot. I think it's totally an age thing. I cooked from scratch for 25+ years and now I'm just a little tired of it all. Mostly, it's about time. I'm all about making something that gets me out of the kitchen in a hurry. Rather limiting, to be sure, but it is what it is.

I need to prepare a lesson to teach in Relief Society on Sunday. I've only had 3 months to figure out what the Lord wants me to talk about. Guess I need to get on that.

Well, in spite of no pictures, I posted. I have a boring life, so no exitement. I am going to Idaho in a couple of weeks and will enjoy Marsha's company, seeing Randy & Dan, Taco Bandito and cool weather. Good times await!

Daniel, this one's for you!

2008-06-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

I know, this isn't the most attractive picture of Erin, and not much better of Sarah or you, Daniel, but hey, I thought it was a blast to run across it while I was looking for pictures to post on my kids birthday posts. I remember the day well.

Love you!

Alpha & Omega Garrard Kids #2

2008-06-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Can you spell Frustration???!!!! I have spent an hour and a half scanning and storing pictures, only to have half of them not work in the upload of this post! But, today is my baby boy's birthday. Michael is 20 today. I no longer have a teenager in the family. Just like with Sarah (who I posted about just before this) I have a hard time realizing 20 years have passed and Michael has gone from this

To this

and this

To this.

I hope someone in Beckley, West Virginia helped make my boy's birthday a great one and he got to blow out some candles! Happy Birthday, Mike!!!

Alpha & Omega Garrard Kids

2008-06-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is a day late, but well intended! Sarah's birthday was yesterday. I CAN NOT believe it's been 31 years since she graced our world. To say that she has been a joy is a complete understatement. Now, there have been less than joyful moments, of course, but all in all, I'm danged proud of her and the woman she has become. It's hard to realize that she has gone from this

To this

And this

to this!

I love you, Sarah!

Stressed out!

2008-06-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

I have had, without a doubt, one of THE most stressful weeks of my work-life. I won't go into the details, but suffice to say that I had to do in 3 days what normally we would have had 2 weeks to do. And, I'm still not finished with EVREYthing, but have ANOTHER deadline on Wednesday. Fun times, in the CCSD Transportation department in the summer. Good thing I like my job. Good thing, good thing, good thing.

Now, I'm going to take some Ibuprofen, go have dinner with our bestest friends, Terry & Matt and come home, crash and hopefully, enjoy tomorrow. I wish I had a pool. I think I'd float until I was a prune. All the while worrying about skin cancer.

Isn't that kind of like life?

Father's Day

2008-06-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day gets a lot of attention, deservedly so. But, Father's Day, not so much. Why is that? I mean, let's face it. We couldn't be mothers without those fathers!

Father's often don't want a big fuss made over them. It's not their style. Usually. I'm sure there's an exception or two out there. We all have in our heads the idea of what it means to be a "good" parent, mother or father. But, I'm STILL looking for the owner's manual that I thought surely would come with the kids I birthed. At times, I'm pretty sure the FATHER had hidden it and/or memorized it. He always seemed so SURE of what needed to be done/not done, said/not said, even/especially when I wasn't. But, I don't think that father's have any more of a clue most of the time than mothers do. They just have to act like they do. And, I think sometimes that's half the battle, right there. I mean, someone has to make a decision and run with it. Time will tell if it turned out to be a good one or not.

Mothers are allowed to cry. Even EXPECTED to, sometimes. But, dads, while allowed to cry at really touching things, definitely aren't expected to. It breaks the man rules. Gotta be tough. Gotta be DAD. I would think though, that that has to be a hard act to carry on all the time. A woman can cry, rant, meltdown and blame it on hormones, nature, Oprah, whatever. Dad's don't get that luxury.

I want to honor all the great DAD's out there on this Father's Day Eve, especially Howard, Nathan, Tyler & Kevin. Thanks for hanging in there, being patient when you really just want to punch the wall, working every day, even if you hate it, because you're the DAD. Thanks for bringing home the bacon, picking up the dog poo, emptying the trash, mowing the lawn, cleaning the pool, playing with the kids and fixing stuff. Thanks for NOT drinking, drugging, or gambling the money away.

Thanks for being DAD.

Family Campout #2 Mt. Charleston

2008-06-09T17:26:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, we had our 2nd Big Ol' Family Campout this past weekend @ Mt. Charleston. While it's not as green as one might like, it's high enough to be a nice, cool respite from the heat of the Vegas valley. Some stayed the night, some came up just for the day. But, it was a great, relaxing day and fun, fun, fun.

This is Briggs. The youngest one there.
Mackenzie & Zachary seriously checking out the Palm. Or whatever it was.

I got this shot of Brock. He was all by himself and had just been playing in the dirt. Too bad the sun washed out his cute face. He was serious about what he had been doing!

David and Shana.

Seth had been just a tad bit grumpy and Erin got him to smile. I LOVE his smile.

The day wasn't without it's injuries. This is Sydney's. I think it looks worse than it was. She had such a death grip on that thumb she could have had a tourniquet on it. I'm not sure that's the correct spelling of tournequit, tourniquet, turnequit, t-u-r-n..I quit!

Monica and Erin.

This is Gus. He is cute. He looks just like his daddy did. He is precious.

There were more pictures and I'm sure others will blog/post them. But, I found it interesting to sit and just listen to snippits of conversations. This is a sampling of what I heard:

"Do NOT let him get pubic hair. ANYwhere on his body!"

"You've GOT to come to Scrapfest this year!!!"

"Well, there's new new, but we're still not done with the new new."

"Gosh, I wish that fire pit would smoke some more".

" Now, there's a kid who got his money's worth out of today".

"That's your penalty for not checking that thing".

Now, you know who you are that said these things! Out of context some of them are really funny. Heck, some of them were pretty funny IN context. But, the funniest thing I heard all weekend was this:

"Bifidus regularis? More like Crampus Maximus!"

I doubt anyone else thinks we're as funny as we do. But, this is the BEST family one could be a part of. We rock!

Ah, Motherhood

2008-06-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day for our family, as Tyler & Sarah blessed baby Briggs. Another milestone. There have been 11 of these, so far for us. Baby blessings that is, of the grandchild sort. Five of the children sort. They are all special. Sweet, hectic for the parents who have to get everything ready, loud afterward at lunch, especially as the kid count increases. Yet, would I have it any other way? "No way", to quote Brooklyn. It is an incredible blessing to us that we have had all of our kids live in the same town as we do for as long as we have. One day, when I die, hopefully a LONG, LONG time from now, I would wish to do it with all these people I love so much surrounding me, sending me on the great beyond. I don't think I would want to die alone. But, hey, time will tell how/when that plays out and I probably won't get a lot of say in it.

In the meantime, I lurk on the blog of my good friend, Sheila's daughter, Juliana. Today, she posted the column of Anna Quinlan, a journalist for Newsweek. Here it is. Maybe you can relate:

All my babies are gone now. I say this not in sorrow but in disbelief. Itake great satisfaction in what I have today: three almost-adults, two taller than I am, one closing in fast. Three people who read the samebooks I do and have learned not to be afraid of disagreeing with me in their opinion of them, who sometimes tell vulgar jokes that make me laugh until I choke and cry, who need razor blades and shower gel and privacy, who want to keep their doors closed more than I like. Who, miraculously, go to the bathroom, zip up their jackets and move food from plate to mouth all by themselves. Like the trick soap I bought for the bathroom with a rubber ducky at its center, the baby is buried deep within each, barely discernible except through the unreliable haze of the past.Everything in all the books I once poured over is finished for me now. Penelope Leach., T. Berry Brazelton., Dr. Spock. The ones on sibling rivalry and sleeping through the night and early-childhood education, have all grown obsolete. Along with Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are, they are battered, spotted, well used. But I suspect that if you flipped the pages dust would rise like memories. What those books taught me, finally, and what the women on the playground taught me, and the well-meaning relations--what they taught me, was that they couldn't really teach me very much at all. Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay. No one knows anything. One child responds well to positive reinforcement, another can be managed only with a stern voice and a timeout. One child is toilet trained at 3, his sibling at 2. When my first child was born, parents were told to put baby to bed on his belly so that he would not choke on his own spit-up. By the time my last arrived, babies were putdown on their backs because of research on sudden infant death syndrome. To a new parent this ever-shifting certainty is terrifying, and then soothing. Eventually you must learn to trust yourself. Eventually the research will follow. I remember 15 years ago poring over one of Dr. Brazelton's wonderful books on child development, in which he describes three different sortsof infants: average, quiet, and active. I was looking for a sub-quiet codicil for an 18-month old who did not walk. Was there something wrong with his fat little legs? Was there something wrong with his tiny little mind? Was he developmentally delayed, physically challenged? Was I insane? Last year he went to China . Next year he goes to college. He can talk just fine. He can walk, too. Every part of raising children is humbling, too. Believe me, mistakes were made. They have all been enshrined in the, "Remember-When-Mom-Did Hall of Fame." The outbursts, the temper tantrums, the bad language, mine, not theirs. The times the baby fell off the bed. The times I arrived late for preschool pickup. The nightmare sleepover. The horrible summer camp. Theday when the youngest came barreling out of the classroom with a 98 on her geography test, and I responded, "What did you get wrong?". (Sheinsisted I include that.) The time I ordered food at the McDonald's drive-through speaker and then drove away without picking it up from the window. (They all insisted I include that.) I did not allow them to watch the Simpsons for the first two seasons. What was I thinking? But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them, sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow ofthe swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less. Even today I'm not sure what worked and what didn't, what was me and what was simply life. When they were very small, I suppose I thought someday they would become who they were because ofwhat I'd done. Now I suspect they simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I back off and let them be. The books said to be relaxed and I was often tense, matter-of-fact and I was sometimes over the top. And look how it all turned out. I wound up with the three people I like best in the world, who have done more than anyone to excavate my essential humanity. That's what the books never told me. I was bound and determined to learn from the experts. It just took me a while to figure out who the experts were.

Sunday Morning

2008-05-25T09:53:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning, at a glorious 7:30! That's really sleeping in for me. I had awakened a few times before, but was able to slide back into slumber and LOVED looking at the clock and seeing what time it was. Watched a little Sunday Morning and checked blogs and email.

Now, I've mentioned before my love and affection for the Pioneer Woman Cooks website. Great recipes. But, this morning I noticed a tab that she has that tells "her story". I've been glued to my computer for 2 hours reading her love story with her husband, Marlboro Man. I love the way this woman writes. Her sense of humor, her REALNESS. LOOOVVVEEE it. So, if you need a fun read, you, too can read her story. She has it broken down in installments so you can read one a day (doubtful) if you want. I want to meet this woman!

That's about it. Not exactly a blockbuster week. No big news. I did realize the other day that Michael has been on his mission 10 months. Heck, that's nearly a year. HECK, that's almost half done! He recieved a brand new missionary, straight out of the MTC to train this week. Can't wait to see what he has to say about that next Wednesday, my new favorite day of the week.

OK, gotta run get ready for church. And figure out what we'll be eating today, since instead of going grocery shopping last night as I planned, Howard and I met friends for dinner and didn't get home until 9:30 and by then I SO didn't care about grocery shopping. This morning, I kind of wish I had. Sort of. A little. Not really. If I never had to grocery shop again, I'd be ok with that. Funny thing, grocery shopping. I used to actually enjoy it. It's really not the shopping I hate. It's the bringing it home and putting it away. Yeah, I know. SERIOUS problems in my life, huh!

What have I been up to this week?

2008-05-17T18:10:00.001-07:00

Quilting, my friends. I've been bitten by the quilting bug. I've always had it, but it's become more active than dormant lately. Now, for all the really serious quilters in the world, I am SO an amateur at this. But, I've signed up for a class. I've picked up a little along the way for the past 30 years. But, I want to learn the real stuff. So, I made my friend Tammi's daughter a baby blanket for her upcoming baby girl. Nothing fancy, just a tied, pink flannel blanket. I also made a Raider's football quilt for my friend JC a few weeks ago, but didn't get a picture of it. But, about 2 months ago, Seth announced that for his birthday, he wanted an "all yellow blanket with rainbow on the back". Evidently he's decided that yellow is his favorite color. At least fo rnow. Hmm. It got me excited and I was ready to try new stuff. First, I sketched it out on the first piece of paper I could find available. That's how I roll, you know. You might not be able to tell, but I have this bad boy planned out to the INCH.

I got the pattern for the quilt block out of this little lovely publication. It's aptly named.

I bought 10 different fabrics, ALL variations of yellow. In this picture, a couple of them look like they're white. But, no, they're yellow. I made the blocks an "uneven nine patch" from 9 of them and pieced them together with the cat fabric. Can anyone say B-U-S-Y? It's actually kind of hard on the eyes.

Then, I put on the back. It's not "rainbow" per se, but it has all the colors of the rainbow in it. So, I hope it worked for Seth!

It's about 45" x 60".

After coordinating schedules, I took it over to give to Seth this AM. He had had birthday already and was pretty excited. Can't you tell? This is him sitting on the "birthday chair" waiting for his mom & dad to get ready (Erin getting her camera). And, what were they doing?

Playing a HOT game of Halo with Austin! Poor Seth. Acutally, he only had to wait a couple of minutes. He was good. Kevin won by 2 seconds. Whatever that means. I don't do Halo. I do Dr. Mario. Barely.

Finally, after asking ,"what did you make me, Grandma?" he got to open his present. Seeing the front.

Checking out the back.

It got a place on the "chair of honor" and he was generous enough to share with Brooklyn.

And, what good is a quilt/blanket if you can't make a tent out of it and hide under it???

And sometimes, it helps to just lay on something comfy, put your feet up and play with your toys. Whatever they may be. I think it's good to be 4!

Happy Birthday Seth!

2008-05-16T19:32:00.001-07:00

Grateful

2008-05-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

As part of my job, I sometimes have to go to IEP meetings. Individual Education Plan. For Special Education kids. Transportation likes to have a representative present to help assess with the team of people that makes decisions. Today I had an 8:00 appointment for an IEP for a 15 year old young man that had a TBI (traumatic brain injury). The saddest thing about this kid is that he was perfectly normal kid until about 4 years ago when he was involved in an accidental hanging. I heard later that he was playing around with some friends and things didn't go as they planned and now, he has this horrible injury. He can't walk, talk, or eat at all. He understands quite a bit that is said to him, and has the greatest smile. But, his life and the life of his family has changed in a way that is incomprehensible to me. I left that meeting feeling so humbled and grateful for my health and the healthy kids and grankids I have. Things happen in our lives in an instant that can change just everything.

And, I talked to Marsha today and let me just say this. CANCER SUCKS!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T18:07:00.001-07:00

Today is Mother's Day. I have 5 wonderful kids that I love more than words can tell. They were all here at our house today, with the exception of Michael, of course. But, he called home and got to speak to everyone. He seems to be having a good time on his mission and is doing well. He got a fair share of razzing for not writing more, but I'm not expecting the flood gates to open in the letter writing department!

My kids were generous to me. Nate & Stacy gave me a gift of a massage from a therapist they know. Erin is taking me to lunch and a movie in a couple of weeks when we both have time. Sarah and family gave me a book and a gift certificate to Deseret Book. Howard gave me some flowers, made dinner for the kids (Stouffer's Lasagne, a tradition) and a promised gift certificate to Quiltique, a quilt shop I like. I've signed up for a beginners quilting class and I have no doubt that I'll be able to spend it with no problem!

I just want to give a shout out to all the mamas, I know and have known. There is no job or calling in this world that is harder to do well, and most of us, a lot of the time, feel that we're coming up short in the mothering department. Which, ironically, I think, is a good sign. If you CARE that you're not doing well, and worry about that, then you probably are. Its the people who don't care about how they do that we need to worry about! I watch my kids parent and see the tenderness and love they show their kids and are very happy for my grandkids to know that they are coming into families that love them. As a girl, I had only one big desire. To be a wife and mother. I was always afraid that I'd not be able to have children, because my aunt on my dad's side and my mother had difficulties. But, I was blessed. It's easy to complain about our kids, no matter what age they are, and heaven knows I've done and do my share of that. But, the truth is, I would be shattered if I lost one of them and would prefer to have them than to not have them. And, if I do it right, in the time I have left, I know I will have them FOREVER. Can it get better than that? I don't think so!

Sore toe

2008-05-07T17:37:00.001-07:00

Warning!!! If you have an aversion to feet, you might not want to read this!

About a week ago, my left big toe started hurting. For the past few years I've been plagued with an ingrown tonail that rears it's ugly head every two-three months. Today, I ALMOST mustered the courage to call my podiatrist and schedule the dreaded ingrown tonail surgery procedure that I've witnessed 3 of my kids have. I don't worry about the procedure. It's the deadening I dread. (Say that 5 times really fast...Deadening I dread, deadening I dread). That minute or two of sheer, living hell, while the doctor numbs up your toe with shot after shot AFTER SHOT of novacaine into the already sore toe. Sometimes a little knowledge is NOT a good thing. But, I chickened out and decided instead to go see Mai, my pedicure girl who helps me out. Sometimes she's able to "operate" with little pain. Oh, not today. I had a major hotflash in the chair and wondered what in the world was I doing, avoiding the one person who could permanantly help me. But, I endured it and I'm hoping for big things tomorrow. Well, not big. Little. As in not swollen and gross. I'm not going into details. But, here is what my toe looks like now, post pedicurist working on it. Thank goodness it's summer and I can wear open toed sandals. Owwwww. I'm such a wuss when it comes to pain stuff. No pioneer stock in my blood!

Feelings...

2008-05-06T18:42:00.001-07:00

There's something I've learned in my life. I learned it about 7 years ago, I'd say. What is this, you ask? To listen to my body. OK, no jokes about how LOUD that conversation must be! But, seriously, I've learned to listen. I used to hear about people with a "gut feeling". I know what that is, now. I usually get a really bad feeling, and yes, I feel it in my gut, when things aren't just right. Sometimes I don't know what it is about, sometimes I do. But, I take it as a warning of some sort. Sometimes I find out what it was, sometimes I never really know. But, it makes me very contemplative and aware as I try to figure out what's going on.

So, I have been seeing a cardiologist for about a year. I don't have any big deal going on, other than a fast heart rate (always have had one) and high blood pressure, which is being managed with medication. I've had several tests and bottom line, I'm pretty ok. But, about 2 months ago when I saw him, we discussed me having an angiogram, just to rule out any blockage I might have, because he saw a shadow in some image from another test and he kind of wanted me to have one to rule out anything serious. He said it was probably just my breast, but he couldn't be absolutely positive, without an angiogram. And, our wonderful health insurance won't approve the CT angiogram they can do, which is totally non invasive. ANYway...I had it scheduled for the 23 of this month. Today I had an echocardiogram and a follow up appointment with him. But, all day, starting early this AM, everytime I thought about it, I just got this gut feeling that I've come to recognize. I could tell my BP was up, because I was just totally stressed by even the thought. I considered cancelling the appointment alltogether, but didn't. I found myself even feeling very much teary-eyed about the whole thing.

I don't know why. I trust this doctor and recognize the value of having the test. I just don't think NOW is the right time. So, during the echo, I told the tech about my feelings and she encouraged me to talk to the dr. about it and told me if I didn't feel good about having the test, then I probably shouldn't have it. When I got in to the dr. he told me the same thing! He doesn't even like having to do them, because what he makes in $$ on them really isn't worth his time, he says, but it's kind of part of the job. Bottom line, I cancelled the thing and am considering having it later, in the fall.

Wasn't that a long story? Sorry. You know me and details. And details. And MORE details. I get it from Erin! But, I am really grateful for the "feeling" I get from time to time. Now that I've made the decision, the bad feeling is gone. And, I'm glad for that!

But, the good news of the week is that Marsha had her VERY last chemo treatment last week!!! Yay, Marsha. I just hope you get your strength back really soon! I love you with all my heart.

What Did You Do Today?

2008-04-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is what I did. First, I slept in until 6:30. Woohoo! Then, I got up and puttered and checked email and was so surprised to get an email from him.

Then, I wrote him a letter. Then, I went over to Sarah's to pick up Brock and got to see Briggs. Yay, me. Sarah and I decided he's way cuter in life than in pictures.

Then, I came home and made this. Mostly for Sarah. There's a little left at my house.

Then, when Caylee got home from school, we did this.

Then, I was watching all of them.

Then, I did this.

Since I was on a roll, I did this. It is chicken & broccoli casserole. It was yummy. I also made cornbread, but didn't get a photo.

Then, to get a head start on tomorrow, I did this. That is my "Stuffing Stuff" casserole. I never knew what to call it, so that's what I named it. Dumb, huh?

All in all, I'd say it was a pretty darned good day!

Oh, What A Night...

2008-04-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Last night was pretty remarkable. Considering it started at 6:00 with a Temple Session to do some family name sealings. I was able to arrange a sealing session that included all my married kids and most of their spouses to help with some sealings I've needed to take care of for quite some time. Dinner was planned afterward, thinking we would be out by 7:00. There were some name pronounciation issues and it took longer to do the names than we expected, so it was 8:00 before we actually left the Temple. We changed our dinner plans from Macaroni Grill to Pei Wei because Mohlers and Garrards had to get home and relieve sitters.

Sarah called her doctor (a previously arranged plan) and met her at her office where she stripped Sarah's membranes and told her she would be seeing her "in a couple of hours" at the hospital. Sarah went home, got her stuff together, got with Tyler (who hadn't been at the Temple with us) and sure enough, went to the hospital, in labor. Dodie, Erin and I all arrived between 12:00 and 1:00. Sarah got to 6cm. by around 2:30-3:00 and we're all thinking, by 4:30-5:00 we'll have us a baby. Imagine our (very sleepy & tired) surprise when, at 4:30, she was still @ 6 cm. The epidural she got (the best one, EVER, according to Sarah) really slowed down her contractions and it took a while for the nurse to call Dr. Lewis for orders for pitocin. ANYway...we had a bit of a scare because the little guy's heart rate started dropping with every contraction and there was a very tense 45 minutes while we waited for Dr. Lewis to come and assess the situation. She arrived and said we would absolutely NOT be doing a C-Section, and after working some cervical magic, announced it was time to have a baby. What good news that was! So, at 7:08, Briggs Lavell Barlow made it into the world. He's pretty adorable, as newborns are. I can't wait to see him tonight, because newborn's looks change so much in those first 12 hours or so. I'll post pictures later. He is only 6.5 # and 19.5 inches long. A little peanut of a guy. Looks a lot like Brevin, I think. Handsome.

What a joy and a blessing it is to have another healthy baby in our family!

Really?!

2008-04-24T21:38:00.001-07:00

AMAZINGLY GUTSY LADY who had the NERVE to yell at me in the Von's parking lot because... now get this, I was driving straight, not fast at all, (because I had been following this black Infinity being driven by two young people who looked to believe that they invented the word Cool, and was admiring the car) and suddenly, there she was, backing up,VERY FAST I might say...I didn't stop for HER!!! I didn't even see her backing up initially. Until she was practically hitting me and honking her horn. Barrelling out of her spot. Like, seriously, I've never seen anyone back out so fast. I was stopping, because I really, had better plans than to get backed into. But, she stopped honking and then yelled at me, "Why don't you stop!?" I was so shocked and taken aback by it all I just reacted and said something lame like, "well, maybe YOU should stop for the traffic". She then said, while still backing up, though slower, "Whatever...you SAW I was backing up WAY before you got here". I'm thinking as fast as you were backing up, NO one could have seen you first. Anyway, I said something like, "it's called the RIGHT OF WAY" and she said, as she drove away "oh, shut up".

I turn 7 tomorrow.

A New Link for Garrett

2008-04-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

Most of you who read my blog already read Sarah and Erin's so this will probably come as no surprise to any of you. But, in case you don't you can check the GoGarrett link to the right of my blog to learn more about Garrett and how you can help him.

Please read it.

Mama

2008-04-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my mother's 75th birthday. I've learned over the years that on certain days, I can be rather weepy and a little extra emotional, only to come to the realization that it's a significant day. Usually her birthday or the anniversary of her death. It's like my spirit or subconscious recognizes the date before my conscious mind does. So, today was like that for me. Not totally bawling, but a little sensitive. I glanced at my watch and saw the date and realized...oh, that's what the deal is.

She's been gone from this earth for 24 years. That's a long time. I was saddened and shocked when, a couple of years ago, Michael and I were talking and he told me he didn't know her name! (Joyce) I couldn't believe that. Had I really done such a poor job of making her known to him??? It was a real eye opener as to how easy it is for people's memory to become lost to those who knew them. How could it be that my mother, who I have such vivid recollections and affection for, was someone who's name my son didn't even know!?

I believe she was called home at age 50 because her life had been so hard and there just didn't seem to be much opportunity for it to get any better and Heavenly Father just said, "Enough. You're done". Right? Wrong? I don't know. But, that's what I believe. And, I can talk about her and think about her and not get mushy. But, there are days I can't. Today is one of those days. I like to think that she watches over me. Not just watches me. Watches OVER me. Helps me. Takes care of me. She was a good nurturer when I was really young and I think that's what I miss the most about her. Whenever I would be sick, she was always there. She took care of me through rheumatic fever, measles, chicken pox, untold ear infections and a few bouts with the flu. There were times, as she and I got older that she drove me crazy and certainly embarassed me and disappointed me and even broke my heart. But, I think she did the best she could with what she had.

I love you and miss you, Mama. Happy Birthday!!! And tomorrow, I'm going to make fried chicken, because that's the first meal she taught me to make.

I Think

2008-04-17T16:47:00.001-07:00

That if your only two daughters and only daughter-in-law leave town with your only grandkids all at once, one of them ought to invite you to go with them so you don't have to be missing everyone all at once!!! I've said this before, but maybe it's just the IDEA of knowing they're all gone that makes me miss them so much. Anyway, the only Garrard's in town are Nate, David, Howard and me.

Today is a good day. I finished my 4 day conference for work and got to go back to my office and do what I know how to do and catch up. I got my cel phone back because I left it at work on Tues. afternoon. Bah. Today the house cleaner came. Gotta love every other Thursday. I never want to cook and mess up the kitchen. Or, maybe I just never want to cook. Either way, do you sense a trend???

Michael emailed and said the baptism that had been planned came off with nary a hitch. His former companion that taught Tom got to come back and be there for it, so that's good. I wish I could have been there. He's really a missionary all the way through these days.

I'm going to go now and do something productive.

10 Days...

2008-04-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

...since I posted. Yikes. Not that my life is so exciting that people are sitting on the edge of their seats, but I keep thinking I'll get some pictures up and just don't get around to it. So, here I am, pictureless.

I'm attending a conference this week for work. I'm just not loving it. I got to go to the office for a few hours this afternoon and it felt good to be there...doing stuff...productive stuff. I hate sitting around, listening and "learning" stuff I'll probably never get to use. Bah.

I've been a bit more productive this past week than perhaps in a while. Saturday was a blockbuster day, productively speaking. I woke up early (don't I always?) and went to Walmart just to get it over and done with. I bought mega groceries and got home by 8:45. Whew! That was accomplishment enough. I have fallen in love(?) with www.thepioneerwomancooks.com and just HAD to make her chicken & rice soup recipe. It DID NOT disappoint. But, of course, if you're going to have homemade soup, you needs to have homemade bread to go along with, right? So, I busted out a couple of loaves of wheat/white bread. Then, to top it all off, I had bought some strawberries at the store and made a batch. Not that it compares to the marathon jam making Erin did a few weeks ago, but after soup and bread, I was pretty pleased. And, I was done with all the culinary wonderfulness by 12:30.

I followed that all up with a shower and a nap that helped offset the early rising of the day. Then, cue in choir music here, I went to the Temple. That's right, 6:30 session. And somehow, in the process of the afternoon, I managed to lose my debit card and Sam's club card. I stuck them in the pocket of the shirt I wore to the Temple, but it's a rather shallow pocket and somewhere they fell out. I called the Temple today and no one has turned them in, so I guess I have to call and have it replaced. That's stinky because it takes 10 days and that's FOREVER to be without my debit card. Stinky, stinky, stinky.

I'm also working on a couple of quilts/blankets I've been working on for a while. Once I bind them, I'll have them both finished. Then, I have a couple more to start. One is going to be great! I hope. We'll see. Maybe I shouldn't be so sure of it's greatness before I start, huh?

I've felt the pull of Family History again. I have SO many names that need sealing done, I've just got to get my family to the Temple to help get these done. I went to the Family History Library tonight to work on clearing more. That's a process! But, I'm going to go back next week and see if I can't get some new names cleared. I LOVE this work. I love to think of them in the Spirit World being so happy the work is getting done for them.

My brother had knee surgery. Torn miniscus. Been there. Two times. He's doing well. As is his son. And wife. Better anyway.

Mike writes tomorrow. We get to find out if the planned baptism he had scheduled for Saturday went through. He was pretty excited in his last letter. Tom is a guy they had worked with for some time and he had decided during General Conference that he was going to make the commitment. I'm happy for Mike and the work he's put in and I know that must be so gratifying. I'm really happy for Tom. I know the great, wonderful change it will be in his life. Go Tom!

Balloon Babies

2008-04-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Last night Erin and Sydney and Brooklyn and Mackenzie and I went to Red Robin while Kevin took Seth somewhere (Austin was sleeping over with the Barlows). Sarah had to miss out because she was practicing for Savior of the World. Afterward, Sydney and Mackenzie slept over. So, when we left, the girls wanted a balloon. At 8 & 9 years old, "I'm thinking why do you want one? It'll just make the dogs bark." We got home, and they forgot about them while they watched tv and played Dr. Mario. I went to bed. This morning, after breakfast and getting bored with General Conference, they went into the other room to play. A little while later, they came in and this is what they had done with the balloons! All's I'm sayin' is...girls will be girls...

Amazing.....Grace!

2008-04-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching the movie Amazing Grace. It is the AMAZING story of the man who nearly single handedly abolished the slave trade from England. The United Kingdom in the 1700s and early 1800s was a world superpower, as you probably already know. But, the money to run the navy, that gave England the superiority she had, (most of it anyway), came from England's colonies. Many of those colonies were in the western hemisphere; America, Jamaica, Haiti, etc. William Wilberforce was a young, up and coming politician, who was friends with the man that wrote the words to the hymn Amazing Grace. That is a fantastic story in itself. He was a former slave ship captain of 20 years who "repented his sin" and spent the rest of his life trying to make up for what he done and wrote the words to the hymn after his conversion to Christ. William was inclined to give up politics to pursue a more religious and benign profession, but was persuaded to combine his belief in the wrongness of the slave trade with politics. After many years in the Parliament and several puttings forth of a bill to end the slave trade, the timing was right and England finally abolished it.

Watching a movie like that, makes me wonder about one's purpose in life. Am I fulfilling my purpose or am I just muddling along, not really making any difference. I realize not everyone is meant to be heroes. But, I think to ponder ones purpose is, well, good.

We all have gifts. At least one. Scriptures tell us that, and so I know it's true. I have spent a good amount of time pondering what my gift(s) is/are. I think I've identified a few of them. I think many of us won't know until we get to the other side. Singing, definitely& sadly, isn't one of them, however!

It's General Conference weekend and I do have to say, gotta love church at home on the TV & in your jammies if you want. Good to know who our new apostle is, D. Todd Kristopherson. He spoke at a press conference and I have to say, I liked what I saw and heard. Like I wouldn't. Like it would matter if I didn't!

Here's to good movies! And Marsha, if you read this...POST!!!!!

Then & Now

2008-03-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

I came across this picture of Nate. Compare it to Gus. I see a resemblence. Minus the hair, of course.

Carlene

2008-03-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

Today, I got some sad news. My 2nd cousin, Carlene, passed away on Tuesday. She was 78, would have been 79 next month. Her son, Frank called me and told me to call him. I had an inkling, but I was hoping it was a Mama's-in-the-hospital call, rather than a Mama-died call.

I have such fond, deep seated memories of Carlene. Her father and my grandfather were brothers, though I never knew either one of them. Her mother was "Aunt Lilly" and she died when I was around 12 in 1967. I have vivid memories of going with my parents to Carlene's house and sitting around watching the grownups have fun visiting and having their "highballs". Carlene loved to dance and they would push the furniture against the wall, put on the "hi-fi" and dance away the night. Gary and I and Frank would amuse ourselves running around and being bored a lot, but it was more fun than staying home! When Aunt Lilly got sick, Carlene took care of her at home, before she eventually died. I had never been around anyone so old and/or sick and it was a bit scary at the time. Aunt Lilly and my grandmother were great friends and it was hard on my grandmother after Aunt Lilly died. She missed her a lot.

As I got older, Carlene and her house became a haven to me. She was kind, sweet and loving to me. She called people she loved "Baby", including me. She could cook some of the same foods my grandmother did, and just as well. Carlene was stability to me as I went through hard times with my family. I learned her phone # when I was a little girl of about 8 or 9 and never forgot it. I called it yesterday, from memory. I would always call her when I went to visit my grandmother, because she lived nearby.

After she retired from the Highway Department, she eventually went to work at a mortuary and when my mom and later, my dad, died, she was kind enough to let Gary and me and our families stay at her home and be "based" there. So gracious. So giving. So Carlene. A huge sadness is that my kids never got to meet her and know how special she was.

She loved her only son, his wife and grankids. She was a devout Catholic and was a southern lady. I will miss her, even though I seldom ever saw her in the past years. She had been very sick for the past several months and it was a blessing to her that she was able to join her husband, and mother and siblings who went on before her.

I love you, Carlene.

Busy Week

2008-03-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well, for all of you who are just turning blue from holding your breath wanting to know how work is going for me at my new digs...it's fine. I still feel like a visitor and am very cramped, but the work is fine. I have LOTS of it and am trying to learn all the schools that are now mine to deal with and who my drivers are and...well, lots of stuff. I am NOT caught up and probably won't be. But, I'd rather be busy than bored and we're headed into our busy time. Compounding the whole thing is I have a brand new clerk and I'm having to answer a lot of questions she has and teach a lot. A lot. And, things keep getting thrown at me to "fix". Sigh. Such is the life of a CCSD R&S analyst! But, it's all good. It was really great to see old friends that I haven't seen in years. Some of whom I've known for 20 years. How is that possible?

We're having our Relief Society Birthday Celebration tomorrow night. I totally stole the idea from Erin (with her permission). We're having a Service Auction. So, that's going to be fun.

And, Megan, I made the Apple Dumplings and they WERE sin on a fork!!! They were awesome. I was surprised how far two little old Granny Smith apples can go. I've checked out the Pioneer Woman Cooks website and want to make the linguine salad that's there.

Gotta run make some dinner. And clean my bedroom. It's a disaster zone in there!

Hola & Adios

2008-03-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well, we went to Mexico. Howard, David, friend Terry and I. We were there for a week and it was pretty great. We had a fantastic time with David and Terry and had lots of laughs. With the exception of the day we left, we had absolutely perfect weather. I don't know what the temperature was, but I'd guess 75. Warm days, cool nights, but I only got really cold one night. Terry and I laid out on the beach three times. It's glorious! You could stay there for 8 hours, because it feels so stinking good. (My pedicurist said today, "what have you done to your feet!?). The hospitality we received from our hosts, Morris and Elaine, was really amazing, as they are!

Coming back we had a bit of excitement. The pilot announced, about 2 hours into the flight) that there was a problem with the plane. (I remember him saying "serious problem", but Howard only remembers "problem". ANYWAY...because of the problem we were going to have to make an emergency landing and he'd tell us more later, once we got landed. A stewardess told someone that we were landing in Hermosillo, MX. We all immediately got out our maps of Mexico that's in the Delta Airlines magazine in the seat pocket to see where it is. Northern Mexico, south of Tucson, AZ. When we landed ("crash landed" according to Terry, but not really), they told us that there had been a fuel leak from one of the engines. True enough, because there were 3 fire trucks waiting for us on the side of the runway! Then, they had to figure out whether we could get the problem fixed or whether Delta would have to send a plane for us. By now we realized we WEREN'T going to make our connecting flight in L.A. to Vegas, which was a bummer for David because it was his birthday and he was hoping to get home and go play with his friends. They eventually were able to fix the leak, refuel the airplane and get us up and off again. We landed in L.A. around 8:30. Then, we had to go through customs and that took FOREVER. Because there were no flights out of L.A. to Las Vegas at that time of night (hard to believe) they gave us a room voucher and got us scheduled to leave L.A. the following morning at 6:50 (too early!). By the time we ate some dinner in the hotel restraunt and got into our (very nice) room, it was midnight. We had to be up and ready to catch the shuttle by 4:30, so it was a short night. Got on the plane ok and made it home around 8 something. This little experience confirmed two things to me: 1) always take the day AFTER you plan to return off work and 2) bring snacks of some sort with you. I threw away a bag of trail mix that morning because I didn't want to have to carry anymore than I needed to. And, you know how heavy those peanuts and M & M's can be :). We pretty much cleaned out the plane of cookies and crackers and sodas while we were on the ground (2 1/2-3 hours, I figure). But, all in all, it was a great trip. And, I read two books. Bonus!

Upon return, it's been nice. We got word that our fabulous son in law, Kevin, passed his final test for his CPA licensure,which was great news.

Today, I got a pedicure, made a baby blanket and a choir robe, cleaned out my refrigerator, went to a baby shower, made invitations for our Relief Society Birthday dinner for the Laurels in our ward, and did some other stuff for it. My calendar is filling up. The next week is crazy, for me. Stuff to do/places to go every day! I hate those kinds of weeks. And, I need a hair cut.

We got a great email from Michael this week. He and his comp, Elder Stewart have two potential baptisms in the works, but it's too early to tell. And, we had some pictures waiting for us from him when we returned. He sent some pics of him eating some "local cuisine". I might post them later, once I scan them in. You might get a little sick, so maybe I'll see if anyone wants to see them before I post them. You vote!

I have watched two of my all time favorite movies today. I watched Sense and Sensibility while I was making the baby blanket and while I've been working on the R.S. stuff and writing this blog I've been watching The Ten Commandments. Interspersed with Top Chef. That's congruous, right? Every time I watch that movie, I wonder what Moses thinks of Charlton Heston portrayal of him (hee hee).

My SIL, Pam, is in the hospital with pneumonia. A few complications the night she was admitted and she nearly died, according to my bro. Scary, but she's better now. She was in ICU, but was waiting for a regular room, yesterday.

Monday, I report to my new old work location. I will love it. I will love it. I will love it. I will love it!

Marsha had chemo treatment #4 on Friday. Two more to go. The last one kicked her butt. I hope this one won't be worse. I love you, Marsha!!!!

Music & Passion

2008-03-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

Barry Manilow was wonderful. I think you don't realize how many really good Manilow songs there are that you would sing along to until you go to his show. I knew EVERY one of them, even the old songs he's remade from the 50s, 60s & 7os. It was so cool that Shawnna would invite me, and though I thought about Sarah, Erin and Howard having a good time without me, I was having a good time without them, too, so I guess it's all good. Shawnna is such a fun person and I'm really glad to know her (even if I didn't get free Manilow tickets). We had good seats, pretty much center, but in the back. Really, not a bad seat is in the showroom. I'll be Copacabana-ing in my sleep all night, tonight!

Timing...sometimes stinks

2008-03-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

Tyler and Kevin (my super sons-in-law) are taking all their kids except Brooklyn camping tonight. That leaves the Moms (my beautiful daughters) "free" to do whatever they want. Sarah called me today and asked if I wanted to do a movie Marathon tonight, beginning with The Other Bolyen Girl". I really want to see it and wanted to see it with Sarah, since we both read the book. And, that was the plan. Along with some sort of dinner, a REAL girls' night out. THEN, I got a call from friend Shawnna..."I got free Barry Manilow tickets for tonight's show...wanna come"? Oooooohhhhh....SO torn! I love Barry, I really do. And, his music. But, a night out with my girls (or girl as the case might have been) is pretty much equal in the enjoyment quotient as far as I'm concerned. But, Sarah encouraged me to go see Barry. So, I am. And, I hope the chance comes again to do a movie and dinner with her and Erin! But, really, of all nights? C'mon!

And, thus begins my weekend. I've got an entire day of chores lined up tomorrow, because I AM going on a trip next week and haven't done a thing to get ready for it. My former Supervisor's mother passed away yesterday and I learned that her funeral is Sunday afternoon, and I'll probably go to that.

Monday is my last day at work at my wonderful office, before I relocate to my new old digs.

Let the weekend begin!

Better Attitude

2008-03-05T17:24:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm feeling much better about things regarding my job. Nothing really has changed, except my attitude. I've decided that it is what it is and I can make the best of it. I think what bugged me most about it was the feeling that I think less than noble motives were behind it, but whatever the reason, I'm going to go and Analyze the heck out of that area and make everyone wish they could have my location! I'm already looking at it and am psyching myself up for the move. I've pretty much emptied my desk out into the trunk of my car (amazing what you can accumulate in a year's time), so mentally, I'm there.

Sarah is sick. She has a Super Sinus Infection. It stinks.

I got to talk to Marsha today. Her last chemo treatment really kicked her butt and she's only just today felt like talking on the phone. We had a good "therapy session" as she said. But, because of that, and the fact that I have to go Visit Teaching, I didn't get to the gym today. I really should have gone, because I didn't make it last night, either. I'll be there for sure tomorrow because I have an appointment with Marcos. That means I'll have to go Friday and Saturday, fo sho, to get in my 4 days this week.

We're going to Mexico on Tuesday. I need to get some shopping done and start packing this weekend. Maybe I could just leave something there, so I don't have to pack every time we go! Hmm...that's an idea! Mexico wardrobe to stay in Mexico. Talk about travelling light...the trip back could be real light.

I'm really interested to see what the Democratic party is going to do and who they end up nominating for the Presidential candidate this summer. This campaign is one for the record books, for sure. I read somewhere (Time Magazine, I think) that if Obama gets the nomination, and is elected President, he should choose her to be his Secretary of State. I actually thought that would be a good idea. But, if this campaign has shown us anything, it's that you never know what's going to happen. 6 months ago, I would never have expected John McCain to be where he is now.

TTFN.

Suck it Up

2008-03-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

You know how you get up and go about your day and all of a sudden, on some days, things just hit you out of the blue? Things you don't like? Well, today was one of those days. But, before I go any further, let me say on a scale of monumental proportions, this "problem" really isn't all that much. But, for the moment, I'm bummed.

I found out today that I'm being reassigned to a different work location. My problem is that I get too emotionally involved with the people I work with and begin to regard them as my FRIENDS. People I care about and, yes, love. After all, you spend more time with those people than your own family, when you think about it. So, having to relocate is a bummer to me. Not that the new people I'll be working with won't be just fine people to work with, it's just that I'm comfortable and happy and content where I am. There's a bit of "why me" and "it's not fair" going on in my head, but I know enough about the purpose of life here on this hunk of dirt to even ask the first question and who said life is supposed to be fair anyway? I think what has me bummed almost as much as having to relocate is that 1) my immediate supervisor hasn't even said one word to me about it. I can even give her the benefit of the doubt and suppose that her supervisor said "don't say anything until I send the ever-so-personal email informing her (and the others--- oh, yes, there are others who might not be any happier than I am, but I'm not convinced that misery really does love company), but once the info was common knowledge and word was out, you might think that she MIGHT say something along the lines of, oh, I don't know, "are you ok with this? or "let me help you understand how this all came about and why it's happening". No. Nada. Zippos. She didn't say a single word to me all afternoon about it. And, I think that a year and a half ago when I stepped up and agreed to be the one who would go to our new yard when we were just in a portable and had to us a portapottie for 7 months in cold, wind, and rain because no one else wanted to, even though I was perfectly happy where I was at the time, should count for something.

But, if I am to believe what I'm told, my "strengths" are needed where I'm going. I guess I should feel complimented by that. And, the site administrator (whom I will share an office with) approves of me being with him, which, again, is a compliment.

OK, I've vented. In a few days, I'll be ok. Thanks for "listening" and really, I'll just try to be extra grateful tonight when I say my prayers that I even HAVE a job I like. Some days more than other, however!

I'm Baaaaccckkk

2008-03-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Wow, I always enjoy reading other people's blogs so much that I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted. Two weeks, I guess, or close to it.

What have I done? It's hard to tell. How is it that we can be so occupied, yet, at the end of the week, not really be able to tell much about what we did? I think my life is PRET-TY boring, most days, and therefore, not too blog worthy. Here was my week:

Monday:

Got up @ 5:15
Left for work @ 6:10
Worked till 3:30
Met Marcos at the Gym @ 3:45 (trainer)
Came home @ 4:45
Checked email and blogs
Packed lunch.
Watched TV.
Went to bed @ 8:30 (gym makes me tired!)

Tuesday:
Got up @ 5:15
Left for work @ 6:10
Worked til 3:30.
Went to Sam's club and shopped
Brought groceries home
Made & ate dinner
Cleaned kitchen
Packed lunch for next day
Called Marsha, but she wasn't home and I talked to Mike
Fell asleep @ 8:15. Went to bed @ 9:00

Wednesday:
Got up @ 5:15
Left for work @ 6:15 (running late)
Worked til 3:30.
Stopped @ Nates & Stacy's after work til 5:00
Went to the gym
Got home @ 6:20
Checked blogs and read email
Picked up bedroom before houskeeper came on Thursday
Went to bed @ 10:00

Thursday:
Got up @ 5:10
Left for work @ 6:10
Worked till 3:30
Met Marcos at the gym @ 3:45
Worked out til 4:45
Hurried home, cleaned up and left @ 5:10 to go to Terry's
6:10 arrived @ Terrys and went to dinner
Visited with Terry until 9:45
Drove home. Fell in bed @ 10:20.

Friday:
Got up @ 5:10
Left for work @ 6:15
Worked until 3:30
Skipped the gym and came home.
Cooked rice for pudding.
Enjoyed my clean, quiet house.
Got a call to join Stephens and Barkers and Taylors @ Chuck-E-Cheese
Ate & visited with family until 9:15
Came home and made rice pudding.
Fell asleep @ 10:40.

Saturday:
Woke up @ 6:15 ( I love sleeping in!)
Worked on my R.S. lesson I'm giving today.
Did a load of laundry.
Checked email and blogs.
Went to the gym.
Came home around 10:00 or so.
Started working on a quilt for a friend.
Sarah called and asked if I could watch kids. Said ok.
Sarah called back and said nevermind.
Worked on quilt some more.
Decided to find someone to do a two-for-one at the massage school with.
Left @ 2:00 for a massage.
Got out @ 4:30 from massage.
Went to Sarahs and massaged her head for an hour and had a nice visit. Well, nice for me, I wasn't the one with the migraine.
Stopped @ Taylors and gave $$ from Sarah to their daughter.
Got home @ 6:00 or so.
Doug called and came over and set up the router. THANK YOU, DOUG!!!!!
I busted out the laptop and hooked it up.
Worked on my lesson some more.
Fell asleep around 11:45.

Sunday:
Woke up @ 6:20
Worked on my lesson till 9:30
I'm writing this blog.
I will go to church till 2:00 and have a 2:15 meeting.
I will come home and fix something to eat, which I didn't do before church because I was working on my lesson and writing this blog.
Hopefully, I'll see David and visit with him, since he's not working today.
Mallory's from Idaho are coming over to visit sometime tonight.
I might get to watch Big Brother, but we'll see.

Ok, see, my life is B-O-R-I-N-G. I'm not complaining. I'm just sayin'.....No reason to blog.

Another survey

2008-02-19T21:40:00.000-08:00

I got this from Julina.

What is your ideal wake-up time in the morning? Anytime after the sun is up.
What are some of your favorite movies? Hope Floats, Nottinghill, Sense & Sensibility, Gone With the Wind. The Sound of Music, The Ten Commandments rock!
What is your favorite TV show? Grays Anatomy, Boston Legal, The Office.
What is your favorite breakfast? Toast dipped in Chocolate Milk.
What is your favorite cuisine? Mexican.
What foods do you dislike? sushi, mushrooms.
What are your top 5 favorite candy bars? Milky Way, Three Musketeers, $100,000, York Peppermint Patty, Pay Day.
What is your favorite music group? Too many for a favorite. Hilary Weeks-Church, Toby Keith-Country
Favorite sandwich? Good old Hamburger, I guess.
What do you wear most often? Work clothes. Pants & Blouse.
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Nauvoo, IL
Favorite item of clothing? Don't have one. My nightgown, maybe?
Where would you want to retire to? Not too far from my kids/grandkids. Warm climate, hopefully.
Favorite time of day? Depends on the day.
Place you were born? Shreveport, La.
Favorite Sports to watch? Football. Volleyball if my kids are playing.
Are you a morning person or night owl? Used to be a night owl, but now I'm old. More morning person. I'm usually the first one up in the house, even on weekends.
Favorite animal? Dog.
Any news you'd like to share with everyone? I went to the gym today. TWO days in a row! Go me, too!
What did you want to be when you were little? A pediatrician, a nun or a nurse and a MOM.
In regards to parenting, children are : Opposition or blessing? Blessings. Even in opposition. What are some of your favorite things to do in your free time? Catch up on TV, quilt, cross stitch, read blogs.
Favorite flavor of ice cream? Good, creamy, chocolate.
If you could make one wish? And have it come true? Have ALL my family I love active in church.
Favorite baked good? So many! Cinnamon Rolls? Fresh bread.
Favorite season? Used to be Spring when I lived in the South. Now, it's fall.
Favorite cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory? Chocolate!
Ever done something you could've been arrested for? Yes, but I'm not telling!
Favorite color? Red. Purple. Black.
Favorite sport/ activity to play? Well, I used to LOVE softball. Favorite flower? Daffodil Favorite fast food restaurant? No favorite.
How many times did you take your drivers test? One time.
Favorite grocery store? Von's because it's close. How many tattoos do you have? 98! Yeah, right!
Who sent this to you and what is something you love about them? Julina. Her goodness.
What materialistic thing would you ask for if you had one wish to make? New flooring in my house.
Pizza or hamburgers? pizza,
Mr. Darcy or Mr. Knightley? Mr. Knightley
Snacking: sweet or salty? Sweet & Salty together.
Who's worse: Stephen A. Smith or Charles Barkley (sports broadcasting)? I guess Charles Smith. I think Charles Barkley is funny.
Beverage of Choice? Caffeine Free Diet Coke or Dr. Pepper or Diet Cherry Limeade from Sonic. Favorite Disney Cartoon? Lady & the Tramp.
Book you want to read? A thousand something Suns. Author of The Kite Runner.
Banana split or rootbeer float? Banana Split!

A Journey of a Thousand Miles Starts With The First Step...Right?

2008-02-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

Well, today it FINALLY happened. What great, long awaited event, you ask? The opening of the Anytime Fitness a mile from my house. The one I have to go past to get home from work. The one I'm counting on having NO EXCUSE to not use.

So, today, I checked the email and there was an email from Margo telling me they were finally open. They originally were planning on early Jan. So, I called, made an appointment, went and got my key pass to let myself in when staff isn't there and made an appointment to go back this afternoon and meet with Marco, the trainer. So, I went this afternoon for my first trained workout. Lets just say what used to be muscles in my upper arms and shoulders got swapped for marshmallow. I'm not sure when that happened, but the evidence was there, today. Anyway, I worked out and came home and am working on psyching myself out for the eating change I need to make. He wants me to avoid ALL refined and processed foods, anything with partially hydrogenated oil and sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which is in EVERYTHING. Dr. Oz would be so happy. He's a proponant of Gillian's (of Biggest Loser fame) method of workout and eating. Oh, and drinks lots of W-A-T-E-R. Hmm. I've heard that before. Too bad they didn't open 2 months ago so when I go to Mexico in 3 weeks you can tell I've been going, but whatever. Better late than never.

Wish me luck. You know I need it!

Techno Wizard I'm NOT!

2008-02-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

OK, I got a laptop for Christmas. Howard gave it to me. I had wanted one and he says I even voiced that once, and lo and behold, it showed up Christmas morning. Now, I know in order for it to work, we needed to get a router. That much I knew. So, I called the trusty local Cox cable company and explained I needed a router and Mr. Helpful on the phone told me I could stop at either of the local Cox offices and buy one. The alternative was to have them ship me one @ $100.00. I'm thinking, no thanks, I'll stop by on my way home from the Temple, the Saturday after Christmas. When I got to Cox, I was told, "We don't sell routers. Never have". Thanks, Mr. Helpful at Cox! So, I truck off to Best Buy. I consult with a guy, AFTER getting ignored for several minutes. I guess "Ms. Not-so-techno-savvy" showed all over me. ANYway, I got the router home. And it has set on the high chair ever since. I was afraid to tackle the installation. All the while, I've been getting lots of comments about my not using my new-still-in-the-box- super cool-laptop.

So, tonight, I determined was the night. I opened the router box. BIG label that says, "put in CD first". Ok, it's a walk-you-through-the-process-DUMMY instructions. Cool. Step one: Connect router to power. Okey dokey. So far so good. Step 2: Disconnect cable from computer and plug in the router (it shows animation so you make sure you put the right plug in the right hole). Ok, I check the back of the computer to unplug the cable. Hmmm... Cable is NOT there. We have some other cable, that doesn't fit into the router hooked up to the computer, that's coming from our current modem.

I called Howard in (I REALLY wanted to hook this baby up on my own and didn't want to have to get help). He identifies some cables, etc. but as I point out, they aren't the type that will fit into the router. He says, "call Doug or someone who knows how to do this." Which, is WHY I haven't done it before now. I hate to bother Doug with this stuff, but he's super smart when it comes to this stuff and I'm an idiot. He talked me threw it on the phone, back in December, and it sounded easy enough, but here I am, 6 weeks later. Stuck. Daniel, can you come to Vegas, please?????

So, even though I'm pretty glad I was born in 1955, I'm thinking about right now that being born in 1985 might have been a better idea and maybe I would have learned a little something more about computers, routers, modems and crap like that.

So, please, I don't want to hear anything else about my not using my super-cool laptop! This is why. Not that I don't want it or like it or think it won't come in super handy. I'm really looking forward to having it in my life. And, can some one tell me how you can set a wireless laptop up to a printer that is already connected to a PC? That's my next wonderment.

Computers...can't live without 'em, can't live with 'em!

And, while I'm at it my ineptness is why my sewing machine is still NOT in the new cabinet that Nathan and Howard put together and my quilt frame is still in the box in the garage. I wish I was the WOMAN-WHO-CAN-PUT-CRAP-TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, I'm not. I'm ready to call 1-800-handyman!

Marsha Tagged Me

2008-02-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 16, 2008

I've Been Tagged...the ABC's of Me
A- Attached or single: attached
B- Best Friend: Marsha
C-Cake or Pie: Today? Lemon Pie
D- Day of Choice: Saturday
E- Essential Item: TV
F-Favorite Color: red
G-Great friends
H- Hometown: Pelican, Louisiana
I- Indulgence(s): getting a pedicure, regulary and a bi-weekly house cleaner
J- January or July: July, it's my birthday!
Kids: Sarah, Erin, Nathan, David & Michael
L-Life is incomplete without: Chocolate!
M- Marriage Date: July 13, 1976,
N- Number of Siblings: 1 brother, Gary
O- Oranges or Apples: oranges
P- Phobias or Fears: snakes
Q- Quote(s): "Shut UP!"
R- Reason To Smile: Gray's is coming back!
S- Season: summer
T- Temple ( I love it)
U-nknown Fact About Me: I wish I had a great singing voice.
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Gotta love the meat!
W- Worst Habit: I watch too much TV
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds...no radiation
Y- Your Favorite Food: Red Pepper Stew
Z-Zodiac: Leo

How Did I Miss It?

2008-02-13T21:17:00.000-08:00

HOW did I NOT know BIG BROTHER had already started a new season? I left home this AM @ 6:10 to go to work. I got home tonight @ 8:30 after leaving work @ 2:45 for a 3:00 dr. appointment I didn't get in for until 4:10 and then went straight to a R.S. Pres. meeting and was there until 7:00 and then went to vist a lady in our ward. Walked in and Howard was watching BB and told me it started LAST WEEK! Darn writers strike. I've really not been watching too much TV, so I guess I missed it. But, I'll have to do a warp speed catch up!

Marsha, sorry I didn't call you today. I WILL tomorrow. Promise.

Yesterday was a sucky day at work. Today was better. That's what I love about new days. Go to bed one night and you can put a bad day behind you. Wake up and it's all posibilities.

I checked the weather today for Beckley, West Virginia where Michael is. It was 5:30 PM in Beckley when I checked. It had been snowing earlier in the day, but it was 20 degrees with an 11mph wind blowing so it felt like 9 degrees. I hope he's staying warm. And eating well. Well, well enough. And isnt' sick. He says he only gets fed by members about 1 day a week and since he NEVER learned to cook anything before he left other than Ramen noodles and Mac & Cheese, I'd be VERY curious what he eats these days when he and his comp have to cook for themselves.

I read all that Sarah did today and I was a little jealous. Jealous that those days are behind me. I was the most productive when I was her age with a house full of kids. I remember how bone aching those days could make you, but how GOOD it felt to fall, exhausted into bed and be asleep almost before your head hit the pillow, but so GLAD to have accomplished so much.

I'm super stoked about the NEW family search program that the LDS church has developed and will be bringing online in a week or so. You'll be able to clear names AT HOME, print out a card with a bar code on it, AT HOME, take it to the temple, do the Temple work, and practically by the time you get home, check online and it's supposed to be recorded and updated. I hear the new program will prevent the duplications that are being done now, as different people, unbeknownst to each other are working on the same family lines. I have SO much Temple work to get done. I need all the help I can get accomplishing it. Some of these people have been waiting a long time and I have to get on the stick and take care of business. I really don't want to have to face them and have them ask me why I didn't get it all done!

David sprained his ankle yesterday and he says it KILLS. I hope he didn't break it. Sucks to not have health insurance. The new job will provide it in about 2 more months. Not that that helps right now.

Well, it's off to bed and a NEW day, full of possibilities tomorrow. And, hopefully, an email from Mike since we didn't get one today.

Time Tells Everything...Eventually

2008-02-12T21:06:00.000-08:00

I loved Jerolyn's post today. See, that's why I'm not a good blogger. In a MILLION years, I would NEVER have been able to come up with an orginal, creative post like that.

But, it gets you to thinking, doesn't it, for those of you who've read her post. The question she posted was, "if you could ask God ANY question (crazy or not) what would you ask Him"?

There are so many things we just don't get to know, at least right away. It seems that there are some things that take days or weeks or months or even years to know the answers to. It might even be in the next phase of life (you know, the after this life phase) before we know the answers. I'm pretty sure there's a really good reason for that. It's in our searching for answers that we learn so much and become so much more than if the "answers" were so readily available, it seems to me.

People all around me are experiencing pretty huge things right now. It makes my heart hurt for them. Real hard. And, when the huge, hard things are happening to people I love and not me, I have to consider the why. Not in the why-is-this-happening-to-them-they-are-so-good-they-don't-deserve-it sort of way. But in the why-not-me-too-I'm-so-blessed-what-am-I-doing-with-that sort of way. Do I succor enough? Do I pray enough? Do I love enough? If I were suddenly gone tomorrow, would they know how much I loved them? So, to all of you going through big stuff and even BIGGER STUFF, I love you.

Acceleration--To Increase The Speed or Velocity Of

2008-02-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

You know that on-ramp you use to get ON a freeway with? The ACCELERATION lane? Yep, that's what it's called in highway terms. NOT the CREEP-ALONG-AT-35MPH-LANE-SO-THE-PERSON-BEHIND-ME-GETS-CREAMED-WHEN-THEY-GET-ON-THE-FREEWAY Lane. EVERY time I use the 95 southbound to get onto the 215 westbound when there's more than 4 cars on the road, this happens. I know the acceleration lane curves gently. I know it's on an incline. But, seriously, if your car won't go faster than 35 going up the hill, maybe you don't belong on the freeway in the first place.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Happy Friday! Let the weekend begin!

Red Beans & Rice

2008-02-06T05:41:00.000-08:00

It's 5:30 AM and I should be getting dressed for work, and will be in just a minute, but I got up 20 minutes early this morning to put on a pot of Red Beans. I'm teaching a class at our monthly cooking Enrichment meeting on Real Cajun Red Beans & Rice. This year, we're having members of the group demonstrate making a "Family Heritage" dish each month. Yesterday I went to the store and bought double the amount I need for the stuff because I'm having one done ahead (hello cooking channel) and one to work on there, because it takes too long to make the whole thing in one sitting for the class tonight. Another lady is also teaching how to make Hush Puppies and also some Mustard Greens. Yummy! Anyway, last night I chopped veggies till I was stinky with them (onions, parsley, bell pepper, onion, garlic) and sliced sausage and bagged them all up so I can throw it all together this morning in my crock pot as I head off to work.

I really LOVE my calling in the R.S. in our ward as Enrichment Counsellor. It's great to get to know all the women and have time to visit with them at activities.

Gotta run. Work awaits. Wish I was staying home today. Every day.

Mushy thoughts

2008-02-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching onTV the funeral of the president of our church, Gordan B. Hinckley. He was such an amazing man and has been the leader of our church for so long, he will be sorely missed. But, this I know. The man that takes his place will be the man the Lord wants to lead His church, be it for a day, a month, a year or a decade or two.

I think that in most peoples lives, there are some significant choices they make that alters the course of that life. That certainly has been the case in my life. In May, 1975, I made the decision to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.(If you want to know what our church teaches, go to www.Mormon.org). I was baptized on June 5 when I was 19. That choice and the subsequent one to move to Idaho, 6 months later, brought me to a place where I met the man I married and had a family with. I have often pondered how different my life would have turned out had I not joined this church and moved to Idaho. I can't even imagine. Who's to say what my life would have been like and who I would have married (and what my children would look like. And, would they still be the same kids?!). All I can say is that I know the choice I made was divinely inspired. I felt it at the time. I couldn't grasp the consequence if it, but at the time I just simply felt led by the Lord down this path. In just over 12 months, I was baptized, moved to Idaho and married. Then, less than 12 months after that, I was a mother. That's a lot of change in 24 months. And, 13 months later, a mother again.

I feel very blessed in my life. My early years were fraught with discord and insecurity, growing up in a pretty dysfunctional family. However, while those years have, without a doubt, influenced and shaped me in someways, I feel they do not define me. I feel in many ways that my life began anew when I was 19. And, this new life has been one full of great blessings. A good husband, 5 wonderful kids and 10, almost 11 grandkids. A extended family that's about the BEST EVER. Health has been a blessing to Howard and me and our kids and grandkids. I live in the greatest country in the world and live at an amazing time. I often wonder about all I'm going to have to account to the Lord for. One thing I dread is the thought of facing Him and realizing that I have been ungrateful for the blessings he gave me. So, I try really hard to recognize those blessings and be appropriately grateful for them. I probably fail at that a fair amount.

I'm mindful that the Lord knows me, knows my needs and loves me. That is true for everyone, too. So, that brings me great comfort when I consider the loved ones in my life. I know He watches over them in just as personal a way as he does me, loves them perfectly and will bless them with what they need when they are ready to receive that blessing.

Oops, this has turned into a church talk and that wasn't my intent. You can blame Pres. Hinckley when you see him! Anyway, I'm very happy today as consider my life and the blessings I have received. I told you it was Mushy Thoughts!

Glass half empty or full?

2008-01-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

Doctors. Can't live with em', can't live without em. Well, maybe you can. But, I don't. I am firm beliver in regular tune ups, believe it or not. Yearly mamograms and Pap smears (don't you just HATE the name of that one)? I might be a bit of a wuss, but I believe I was sent to the earth in 1955 for several reasons and not taking advantage of modern medicine seems silly to me. Like someone saying, "hey, here's a million dollars" and me saying, "no, thanks". So, I go to the doctor, probably more than anyone in my family. And, thanks to Sarah, I have a really good,nice, pleasant family practice doctor I love.

So, about a year ago, in my annual tuneup/checkup, when she ordered some very routine blood tests, I asked her to test me for this one thing I had read about in Time magazine, that the article said was an important thing to test for, but often gets overlooked. I can't remember what it was called now, but it is supposed to be a possible indicator of heart trouble. And, considering the issue I have with my weight, I really do want to be on top of my heart health. So, the test came back with an elevated level of this stuff. Not a big red flag in itself, but worth a little follow up, she said. So she referred me to Dr. Shah. First impression, I was not so impressed, but that has changed a lot. He's a frickin' walking textbook about all things medical, I swear. But, here's the deal. It's test after test after test. All good ones, no doubt, and thus far, no pain, which I LOVE, but kind of an ongoing thing. He's got my blood pressure under control (116/77 today) and I'm loving that. My cholesterol is like155. And, all of the tests, thus far have shown no serious cardiac problems. Thank goodness.

Well, in November, I saw him and he said one of the previous tests left a little doubt about something and the only way he could know for sure is to have an angiogram. He said it was really up to me. That's when they put you in the cath lab at the hospital and thread a thing up your femoral artery and into your heart and look for a blockage. Now, he doesn't necessarily think I HAVE a blockage, but wants to make sure, since, well, lets face it, I'm fat. I've had a cardiac ablation before, so I've had the whole thread a thing up your femoral artery thing. While it's not AWFUL, it's not what I'd prefer to do on any day, so I'm thinking a CT one would be GREAT. So, he ordered a virtual one, one that you just have to have a CT scan to tell you what you want. He also ordered a couple of other things, including a body scan of the abdomen, which, it turns out is really from the neck to your butt. The insurance approved the Body Scan, but denied the CTA (angiogram). Bummer.

So, today, I go back to see him and get the results of the test. He tells me that the body scan indicated some interesting stuff. Evidently, I have nodules on my thyroid. There's some scarring on my adrenal glands and one of my lungs and a cyst in my liver that's probably no big deal. But, since all these things COULD mean something, he wants me to get with Dr. Wahab and have her refer me to different specialists; Endocrinologist for the thyroid and adrenal gland thing (although he said the adrenal glands are pretty benign organs and it's no big deal). A pulmonologist to make sure the lung thing isn't anything. He said the lung and the adrenal thing COULD mean tuberculosis at sometime, but since I work for the CCSD, I have had several TB tests and they all have come back negative, so I'm pretty sure I'm good about not having TB. Or, he says, maybe I've had pneumonia sometime and just have a little scarring. How does one have pneumonia and not know it?! And someone to check the liver. Really, he said this was just like a baseline thing and I just need to follow up with these things in a few months to make sure they aren't growing/spreading/getting worse, etc. And, since all this stuff showed up on the scan, he now says he definitely wants me to have the full on, in the cath lab angiogram. Goo, as Julina says.

So, here I am looking at who knows how long for all this stuff to happen. I'm not loving the thought. Especially the thyroid thing. Sarah had a biopsy I was present for and I'm pretty sure I'll be avoiding that at all costs if I can. I'm a huge proponant of the no pain thing. So, is the cup half empty or full? I'm really grateful that I have insurance that pays for most of this stuff,and that I live in a time/place that even allows for it to be checked/discovered/treated/prevented. But, really, I'm not loving the thought of all these doctor visits and filling out all the forms and getting into who knows what. Maybe ignorance is bliss.

Now, having said all this, don't think I've got one foot in the grave. I really feel fine, other than my aches from arthritic knees and foot aches and needing the basic bladder suspension that 5 kids & 52 years caused. A hair transplant would prove to be beneficial. I've got more wrinkles every day. And, ifI sleep on my back, I snore. But, all of the cardiac tests I've had indicate good things; no blockages that they can see, or serious plaque or high cholesterol. I've joined a gym close to home. I'm going to give working out a shot when it opens in a couple of weeks. Try to build up some physical stamina and flexibility and see if I can feel better when I move. But, really, I FEEL FINE. I'm not sick and I don't have any diseases.

Which, I think, makes my cup DEFINITELY half full! Maybe more than half full.

My Husband, the Principal!

2008-01-22T16:16:00.000-08:00

Sarah already posted this bit of news, but I just want to put it out there that MY husband, is the newest principal of Helen Herr ES in Las Vegas, NV! Go Howard! I'm super "well pleased" with him and know he'll do a great job and will soon have a staff of people who wouldn't want to work anywhere else because they'll love working for him so much! I can see snowmen aplenty for next year, already! It's been a journey for him to get here, from when he first started working on his Master's in Administration to receiving his first Assistant Princial appointment, to today, but he's done it with typical Howard doggedness. He just never complains (well, seldom) and just puts his head down and does what needs to get done. Our entire family is really SO proud of him and know he'll do a super job!

Smash-o-gram

2008-01-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

Today, on my day off work, I got to do two of my most favorite things. I got to 1) have a mammogram and 2) grocery shop! Woohoo! Am I lucky or what!?

Seriously, I am glad that mammography is available to me. I'm pretty diligent about getting them on a regular basis. And those of you who know me, which is pretty much most of you, will find this hard to believe, but the technician drove me CRAZY with her incessant chatter! I know, I know, pot calling the kettle and all that. But, seriously, when a woman is having her breast pulled off her chest wall, that's REALLY not the time to ask "what did you do for Christmas?"! She barely gets the question out of her mouth and I'm trying to be CIVIL and answer in decent tone, when she cuts me off in her sing-songy-I've-said-this-a-million-times-voice "take a deep breath and HOOOOOLLLLLLDDDDD". Followed by "Breathe" just as I am about to pass out. And, I got to do that FOUR times. But, luckily, she saw nothing abnormal and didn't have to do a follow up "just to make sure" as sometimes happens.

I have a cold. At least I hope that' all it is but I think it's more like a sinus infection and it's headed south (into my chest and lungs). I'm thinking I'd better get into my doctor so I don't get really sick and have to miss Scrapfest this weekend. It seems like I go through this every year. I usually get a cough that just lasts forever. Last time I wondered if I had TB, I coughed so much! I had a horrible night's sleep night before last and so last night, knowing I didn't have to get up early today, took TWO Simply Sleep OTC sleep aids that usually work like a charm. I don't know if it's the decongestant I'm also taking, but really, no luck in the sleep department last night, either. I woke up @ 3:15 feeling like I had slept 8 hours when it ad only been 5. From then until 7:00 it was a constant wake up/doze. So, here it is at 7:30 and I am ready for bed. But, if I go to bed now, I'll be awake again @ 2:00. I'm not taking the decongestant today and will try again tonight to see if I can get a decent night's sleep. But, I can't breathe, either. I'm pretty sure my nose is about to fall off from all the blowing I've done.

Oh, if any of you wrote down Mike's new address, we got a correction email today. The zip code is different. It's really 25801. I hope he gets the letter I sent him on Thursday. I'm thinking wrong Zip Code or not, there's only 1 Beckley, West Virginia.

Finally, I want to send a shout out to my friend Marsha. She had her first round of chemo-therapy last week. One down 5 more to go! She gets them every 3 weeks. I wish I was there. Not sure what I would do, but I wish I was there. I love you, Marsha.

Fun Night

2008-01-19T23:58:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, I gave Howard two tickets to see Blue Man Group and two tickets to see Mystere. Last Friday, he took David to see BMG. Said it was ok. Tonight we went to see Mystere @ Treasure Island. Amazing show! I really loved the trapeze acts, but there was lots I liked. I recommend it. The comedy act mixed into the show was very amusing and clever and cute, as well.

We got there @ 8:45 and there was a big line already. We got in line to pick up our tickets and then walked back to get in the end of the HUGE line, now, and waited about 25 minutes for the doors to open. There had to be several hundred, if not a couple of thousand people passing by us, going and coming in both directions. I said to Howard, "it just amazes me how many people there are in the world and not ONE of them looks exactly alike". And then I thought, "and God knows everyone of us"! I'm really glad I know that one truth. I can't imagine feeling like that's not the case like I know some people do. How in the world do they cope if they don't believe in a loving God who knows them and cares about them?

I chose not to caucus today. Partly becuse I'm still not zeroed in on one candidate, but like I told Howard today, I think I'm a little bugged by the whole not-secret-ballot thing. Not that I'd be ashamed for people to know, but I want to be the one to tell people if I choose, not have the world able to know. It rubs me wrong. I'm sorry for those people who didn't get to participate, however, when they wanted to.

And, I came to the realization today that I have an addiction. To flannel. To make baby blankets with. Or, grown up people ones. I know there are other fabrics (Erin), but I just love flannel. Erin told me today that she likes the cotton/poly fabric. The kind that gets "cold". I went to the store and bought some. I already have some and don't even have burning needs for it to be made, but I bought more. I'm stopping for a while. I think I'll make some and take to Mexico when I go in March. I still have 4 blankets our Relief Society made that need to go, too. Or, maybe I'll donate some to the Humanitarian Center in SLC for our church.

Later...

Michael has transferred

2008-01-17T16:51:00.000-08:00

We got our weekly email from Michael today. In case anyone is interested, he's transferred. New address:

Elder Michael Garrard
106 Quarry St.
Beckley, W.VA. 26081

He is happy to be transferred. He's covering two areas, again. Interesting...there used to be two Elders in Beckley and 2 in Oak Hill. Two got sent home, so two are covering both areas. There are two apartments, though. Evidently they pack up a few things and head to the other apartmen for a few days a week. Strange.

Don't know much else other than we have an ADORABLE new grandson! There' just something SO great about a new baby. Probably the posibilities they represent. And, life just kind of slows down and all the attention focuses on them for a little bit and things seem... sweeter.

Gus is here!

2008-01-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

Well, Gus is here! He was born at 3:23 on 1-14-08 after a really loooooonnnggg labor (18+hours). He is 20.5" long. He has a full head of dark, curly hair! He is adorable!
Sunday night, Stacy and Nathan got to the hospital around 7:30. Erin, Sarah and I came up around 10:00. David a little later. Here, the siblings interpreting the monitor while Nathan is feeding Stacy ice chips.

Girls giving moral support!

Here he is! The general concensus is that he bears strong Layton family likeness!

Here's the hair! Can you believe it? Stacy's mom said she had hair like this.

Grandma & Gus.

Grandpa & Gus.

Aunt Erin & Gus.

Erin, Sarah & Erin. Morally supporting...again!

Proud Dad & Grandpa!

Stacy and Nate are doing well. Tired. Stacy's mom is here from Huntsville helping with Zoee. We're all really thrilled!

If I'm so busy why don't I have more to post about?!

2008-01-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

Here I am on Sunday morning (thank you 11:00 church!) checking my family's blogs. Realizing it's been 8 days since I posted. I've been busily engaged everyday this week, but nothing big stands out. But here are a few random thoughts.

Today is an exciting day. It's the day Stacy goes to the hospital to be induced to have their baby boy, Gus. I'm stoked. I love getting new babies in the family. He's a lucky boy to be coming to a mom, dad and sister who love him so much, already, and so many other people who love him, too. And, Stacy's shower yesterday was really fun.

I've thought about my kids a lot this week. I love them all. They make me "well pleased". (We talked about the word "proud" in Sunday School last week and learned that scripturally speaking, "proud" is NEVER a good thing). But, you know what I mean. EVERY one of my kids makes me so "well pleased" to be their mother that sometimes I have so much joy from them that I wish I had 50 kids, just for the 10x joy I would have. I really think that's what God feels like. But, the real part of me is good with the 5! They all have such strengths and talents and compassion. And, they all love each other. That, to me, really is the BEST! And, I'm toally bawling as I write this.

I learned how to bind a quilt this week. I've made quilts and blankets for nearly 3o years, but I finally learned how to make a for-real binding. It was really easy and I'm sorry I didn't learn earlier.

I finished reading the Ensign that came last week. Every article. Some of them twice.

I've thought about resolutions. Most are really personal, so I'm not posting them. But, I sure do hope to be a better person at the end of 2008 than I started out.

Michael's mission has transfers this week and I'm really curious to find out if he gets transferrred to a new area or not. I'm thinking not. But, we'll see. It's time to send him a package, but I'm waiting to see what happens.

My aunt who generally won' speak to me called two days after Christmas. She's still mad at me, I could tell, but I would bet you she couldn't really tell you why she's mad at me. She just got mad at me two years ago and now all she knows is... she's mad. I think she doesn't know why. But, I can't let that define my feelings about her. She's ,without a doubt, one of the most difficult persons I've ever known. But, she's a child of God and he loves her. NOT what she does (like all of us) but HER. So, I try to love HER (not what she does). And, I think I do. I REALLY hope when she dies she'll find the peace and love that has escaped her all her mortal life. Family ties are so good/bad. Genetics define us in so many ways. Sometimes, as much as we don't want to have certain traits, we're stuck with them, thanks to genetics. Or at least the tendencies to have them. Predispositions and all that. Makes life a real bummer sometimes! What's that I've read about trials, tests, proving ground, weaknesses, etc? But, there are good things to that whole thing too. Focus on the positive and build on those, I say! Work on the others at the same time.

I went to a movie yesterday with Terry. Bucket List. Good movie. Sad in parts. Makes you think. It's all about "what do I want to do before I die?". Of course, it helps that money was no object in the movie. But, it makes you think. What would YOU do if you knew you only had 6 months to a year to live? Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Its worth seeing if all they did was read the phone book.

The Packers won, yesterday. Yay, for Mike.

That's it for now.

Memories 2

2008-01-05T16:49:00.001-08:00

I meant to add these to the next post, but forgot. New dolls, clothes, Christmas 1981.

Kris sent this picture. It was taken in March 1982. I think I wasn't there. I was home waiting to have Nathan. I thought for a long ime they were trying to not smile, but I think maybe they had some candy they were sucking on. Either way, it's a cute picture. Hmm. I just noticed. Sarah is wearing the same shirt and Erin is wearing the same overalls. I think they were favorites, whatcha think? And Tyler, you and Dustin are NOT dressed EXACTLY alike. You're stripes are different colors.

Memories

2008-01-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

I was looking through my photo albums for something today and I ran across these photos. I thought they might be a fun blast from the past for a few of you. This first one is about the same as what Sarah posted the other day, but with Grandma Garrard. (1985)

I love this one. There aren't too many like this one, with Grandma and all her kids. And, they are all smiling. And NOT flaring their nostrils! (1985)

This is all of Grandma's kids, minus Julie (not there) and Michael (not born)--1985.

Also, 1985, Doris, Larry, Jodie & Larry Jr.

I can't rememember the reason forthe trip to California, but this was taken in Aug 1989 in the park by Chuck & Clo's.

Nope, I haven't aged a bit! (Aug. 1989)

All you have to do is look at some old photos and realize how FAST time passes. Most of the time, anyway! 1989---the year of BIG glasses!

Things I love about Sunday

2007-12-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

I was laying in bed this morning about 6:30 which is usually about the time I wake up on Sunday mornings, give or take 15 or 20 minutes, thinking, "It's Sunday. I love Sunday". Then, I started thinking why I love Sundays. Here are some of the reasons, though not necessarily in order.

1. Church. I love church. The hymns, USUALLY pretty decent talks and lessons, interacting and mingling with good people. I mingle with good people at work, too, but church is different. I think it's the Spirit.

2. CBS Sunday Morning news show. I love that show. I've watched it for 15 years or so. I love the format.

3. Football during the season. I miss it when it's over.

4. Dinner. I usually can be counted on to make SOMETHING for Sunday dinner/lunch that's a little more involved than what ususally gets taken care of (if it gets taken care of at all) during the week. Although, there's no guarantee or promises about this one.

5. With a good church schedule and a little luck, I sometimes manage a Sunday nap. Glorious.

6. The Amazing Race on Sunday nights. I miss it when it's not on.

7. Not going anywhere or having to be anywhere. The whole day of rest thing. I can put on my jammies if I want at 12:30 and be good. I usually don't do that, in case someone stops by, but I CAN if I want.

8. Baths. Now that our church schedule is changing and we won't have to be at church until 11:00, I can resume my Sunday morning bath routine. I love to take a bath and being in this house we have a nice, big tub. It's a little bit longer, more luxurious proposition to body cleaning than my usual 4 minute shower. So, Sunday morning is the one day of the week I have time to enjoy one.

9. Treats. I don't do it so often anymore, but if I'm going to make treats, it's usually going to be on Sunday. Especially when I think some of my kids and grandkids will come over.

10. It's not Monday.

That's my list. I might think of other reasons, but I think that pretty much covers it.

Christmas Past

2007-12-28T12:57:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm working on getting this whole picture posting down. I can't seem to manage to get things in the right order. This first picture should be last and the last should be first...hmm, that sounds rather familiar! Anyway, I hope you can figure this all out.

Nate & Stacy & their gifts.

Christmas is past...'07 is history. It was a good one, I felt. I thought it might be a little sad for me with Michael gone, but it really wasn't. I thought Christmas this year was good. I think it was due to my effort to "scale down" a bit and not be so caught up with all the hoopla. It seemed to work. We missed Nate and Stacy, but know they had a great time in Huntsville. Here are a few pics of the Big Day and the day after.

Brevin & his red light saber.

Austin being neat!

Seth & Brock admiring Seth's Disney Clubhouse.

Erin opening her Bass Pro Shops hoodie from Nate.

Sarah trying to figure out what she's opening.

Caylee with her Cheetah Girls doll. Rawk ON!

Brooklyn..."oooooh".

New clothes for Mackenzie.

Stylin new duds for Sydney.

Dave got the Ipod out when I wasn't looking! Surprise!

Howard reading and me crying trying to read the book Erin & Kevin gave us with our gift from them...a month of service to others. Pictures and stories documented it. GREAT!!!

This should have been at the top. Everyone passing out the goods.

No new news

2007-12-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

OK, it's Christmas Eve, 10:23 AM. Turkey is in the oven, jello in the fridge, pumpkin pies I made @ 7:30 this AM cooling, dishes caught up, eggs boiled, veggies cut up. Things are rolling along. And, I checked the UPS site and Mikes Christmas package we sent him via UPS that was attempted to be delivered last Friday was delivered this AM in Roanoke. The website indicates he signed for it, so I'm guessing the boy is having a happy day, today. We still don't know what time he'll call tomorrow, so for Erin, Sarah and Nate...what can I say? We'll know when he calls.

David is out doing his last minute, Christmas Eve-all-in-one-day-shopping ("this is the way I like to do it!"). I think I'm done. I'll have some panic-y moments wondering if I forgot anyone/thing and worry that all things are more or less "equal". I got behind and some gifts that were going to be for Christmas didn't make it, but in the end, 30 years from now, or even next week, it won't matter. What matters is love and being with those we do love and talking to the ones we love and can't be with. Gosh, I love Christmas. I love the Christmas music--- non stop on the radio, cheesy Christmasy-feel good movies on Lifetime Movie Network and Hallmark Channel (Timepiece is on right now!), and all the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Music and the Spoken Word Christmas broadcasts from previous years. I just love it all. And, I love my family, both immediate and extended. I'm privileged to be in it!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Early Christmas Gift from Heaven!

2007-12-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

This was the view from my patio this morning. Unfortunately, the picture really doesn't do the scene justice. It was beautiful. As sunrise should be since they're so stinkin' early every day!

It's beginning to look a lot like...Snowmen!!

2007-12-18T21:07:00.001-08:00

Several years ago, Howard received a wooden snowman for a Christmas gift. After that, he thought they would make good Christmas gifts. So,the snowman making saga began. He has made them and given them as gifts to family and friends and teachers he knows. Last year, he made one for all the teachers athis school. Well, this year, he's at a new school and decided to make one for the entire staff. 80 of them!!! Yes, you read that right, 80. But, as often happens, things sneak up and it's always a marathon snowman making foot/fluff fest at our house the week before school is out. This year is no exception. Last night, he went to bed around, maybe 11:00 and was up at 3:00. Exhaustion sets in eventually and tonight he hit the wall. So, this post is for you, Howard. I'm sure the recepients will NEVER know what you put into their gift.

This is Howard @ 6:30 this morning...being up since 3:00...working on the snowmen before going to work.Here the snowmen are lined up in the hallway...

And in the kitchen...

And in the family room...

And in the family room, again!