Christmas 2007, What a great and grateful day.

The un-rhyming night before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house the music was loudly playing you’d never hear a mouse.
The neighbor gifts are all out and delivered, and the family gifts are wrapped and under the trees.
The scone dough has risen and once punched down now in its place in the crowed fridge, next to the hams, cooling Jell-O, honey butter and cheese balls.
The very last minute vinyl project for a frantic friend is now done, put on and picked up.
The clam chowder is starting to cook, the movie tickets have been purchased for tonight.
The house is clean and vacuumed one last time, in preparation for Santa and Family to arrive.
I love the feeling of Christmas, the smells, the traditions, the music, the family, the gifts, the shopping, the treats, the snow, the lights, the nativity sets, the surprise and the excitement.
PJ’s will be opened tonight, and worn if they fit, and games will be played after dinner and treats.
All the kid’s will be home and that alone makes me smile, even if tomorrow they have to scatter and be shared with others.
The men are out making last minute purchases as the snow starts to fall.
There may be too much commercialism is Christmas, I just don’t care. It’s what we feel and who we love that matters the most.
So Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Tearful Sunday

I think I’ve mentioned before having days when tears are just a thought away, any thought. Well to day was another one of those days. It started out that I painted a shelve with what turned out to be bad and too old of paint and it pretty much ruined the shelve or at least has caused me tons more work before it can be hung. And I got mad at the wrong person over it. And I did apologize and someday I’ll fix the shelve.

Then I forgot that I was going to buy our choir director and the pianist a corsage. No one asked me to or put me in charge, actually I think the choir president should do it, but she doesn’t. I did it on my own last year and just felt I should do the same this year. Well it’s Sunday and shopping isn’t something I do on Sunday, plus no floral shops are open. For some reason I was prompted to call Albertsons in another city and their florist said she’d make me two right a way. I cried all the way to the store. Needless to say I didn’t turn in the receipt to the ward budget.

I also kept feeling bad and sad about Melanie and Justin’s disappointing news. It is true that having a baby doesn’t just happen to the one person, it affects every family member.

Then I find out I am not a very good person because I like people to say Merry Christmas. I won’t apologize because what season is it? It’s The Christmas Season. I also won’t push my thinking on anyone who thinks differently, but please don’t try and make me change my mind because you don’t agree with me, and I won’t try and change yours.

Finally I am a little scared about having knee surgery this week. Mostly just because I really don’t know what to expect. I am sure everything will go just fine, and I keep saying it’s no big deal, so I’m sure it will be fine.

Anyway it’s been a very tearful day to say the lest. Then I went to a gal at works mom’s viewing who died this week, and that didn’t make me cry. I am so messed up. And I can’t even blame it on hormones.

I really am excited for Christmas and all the family gatherings. It is getting more and more complicated as our families grow, but if we are willing to make a few adjustments it can all still be a great time. I am grateful for Christmas

Christmas time is almost here.

I have been out and about today, only having to do a little grocery shopping and gift delivering. But Jodi tells me I am not being Christian when I don't give to all the Bell-Ringers. My system is if they say Merry Christmas, then when I come out they get a hand full of change. But if they say Season greetings or happy holiday or aren't really greeting the people or are standing there smoking, then I opt do not donate. Trust me I have given more than not. Also when ever someone says season greetings or have a nice holiday I always reply with Merry Christmas. So shot me if I'm wrong or non christian in my attitude. I am not offended by others views I just want Christmas to be mentioned in the Season of Christmas. We don't say happy holiday at Valentines or Easter, and mothers and fathers day isn't greeted with happy parent day for those who have one or same sex parents. ( Different topic all together). So at Christmas I will celebrate CHRISTmas, and I will con't to be tolerant of those who see it differently and then give freely to those who are tolerant of me.

I am grateful for Christmas and family and the great feelings that come from this wonderful time of year. It is a feeling that we should try and keep all year long and then that way it would be easier to keep Christ in Christmas. Merry Christmas to all.

It's A Wonderful Life Ending

This is just the ending, but you need to watch the whole thing.

Head Cold

I can't remember the last time I stayed at home for 3 solid days, didn't leave my home, never put on makeup, wore sweat shirts and PJ bottoms and only did my hair 1 day. I did shower every day thank goodness. Today I think I'll live. I tyred the Zicam pills, maybe I started too late, but NyQuil is great at night. Having that many days off, at home and getting nothing accomplished is really a drag.

I think I am finally ready for Christmas, but I am just waiting for a few more special delivery orders to come, and to make a few treats. I guess I still have all the neighbor gifts to do and the little things I'm doing for work people, so maybe I'm not really ready, but it did sound good.

But one thing I haven't done yet this year is watch "It's a wonderful Life" something I do, almost always alone, every year for as long as I can remember. There is just something about that movie that makes me tear up and feel emotional and thankful every time I watch it. So for me is just isn't Christmas with out seeing it at least once, so maybe tomorrow.

I am grateful for having a Wonderful Life and that friends and family and God really are what it's all about, not just Christmas but Life.

Front row groupies

Sat. night was so much fun. Kim and I went to the Gleen Beck Christmas show. He is such a great story teller,and that is pretty much what her did. It had no political stuff, just trying to find the true meaning of Christmas and the fun and crazy stories of families and traditions that every family have. I had no idea he was so funny. Our seats were great. We were center front row, and we didn't even have sore necks watching. There were however cameras everywhere, not just for the jumbo-trons but they were filming it also. The whole show lasted just under 4 hours.
The last hour or so was an extra. Desert Book had wanted him to tape his conversion story, so SLC was the place to do that. Then there were even more film cameras everywhere. He had a great story about how bad his life had been, the unbelievable amts. of money he was making and that he snorted it all and drank it all away. But he was never happy, and he kept thinking the next job, the next pay increase the next city, the next thing would make him happy, and after he hit rock bottom and I guess his wife left him and he had thought about suicide he meet a girl who wouldn't have anything to do with him unless he had some faith, or religion. So the two of them went on a religion hunt and eventually found the strange and true church. Any way you had to be there to truly appreciate how fun and the show was, and at times how spiritual it was. Something I am sure non LDS people maybe didn't enjoy or expect.
The weekend was busy as usual but well worth it. But today I had a much to do list a of all the things I needed to get done, and I woke up with a painful head cold, so part of the day was spent back in bed and the rest just dragging butt.
I did manage to get some presents wrapped, most of my vinyl projects done, only one load of wash done, there is a lot more waiting,(it's not going anywhere) no errands ran, my phone never seemed to stop ringing. But all is well and I took a sick day tomorrow, so I'll try and finish it up then and hopefully feel better.
I am grateful that head colds are temporary and that I understand that happiness doesn't come from stuff but from doing what our Father in Heaven asks us to do.

We need a little christmas NOW

So when we think about favorites this is one of mine. The movie Mame is actually where I heard it first. Whenever I hear the song I get a warm and fuzzy feeling and a big silly smile and people would probably wonder what my problem was. I can remember the show and the dancing and the feeling. I have one other favorite, but the video isn't as fun, so maybe I'll share it later. Enjoy.
After my Day from ---- at work this is exactly what I needed and I do feel better.
I am so grateful there are things in life that can make us smile and remember a better day.

#3 happened

On Sunday I mentioned that we had had 2 funerals in 2 weeks, well #3 happened. We had a still birth Mon. and they are having a grave side service,and a lunch after on Sat. So maybe we are done now for a few months. These kind of things are so difficult. Since I've been in the the RS presidency we have had 2 baby deaths. These kinds of things are hard to understand. Especially when you see mom's who really don't want and can't care for the ones they have.

Tonight after work the other counselor and I meet the Bishop at the DI for the bishops DI shopping night. We had 3 sisters who needed help for Christmas and so the Bishop gave them a dollar amt. and they can shop. There are a lot of totally new things, blankets, toys, bedding, coats, and odds and ends and then the normal DI stuff. They are so organized and ready for the shoppers. It is very very crowded, not just with the shoppers, but all the RS leaders and all the Bishops. Mostly we just stand around and wonder around looking at stuff, and telling each other "I could use this", and "I wish I could shop".
What amazed me the most is what they choose to buy. One women was totally practical. New coat, bedding, towels, game, a few VHS movies, pillows. Just stuff that seemed necessary, but not really fun. The other women did get her young son new boots, coat and snow pants, but the rest was just junk, really, junk. I'm not even sure what she planned to do with these things. They didn't seem to be gifts for anyone, just random stuff. I guess everyone has different needs.
So what would you buy at the DI, assuming most of you have been there before, if you were given $150.00? It really is a nice program and it lets the Welfare system shine and be put to good use.

I am so grateful that we have programs like this in the church that can help those who need help, and hopefully they are humbled and grateful for the blessings. I am of course grateful that I can contribute to the cause and that I do not have to take. Our family has been blessed through and through.

I think I'm back

When people say they are so busy, we all roll our eyes and say, silently of-course, "ya right, let me tell you about busy". Well I've been sooo busy.

Thanksgiving was great and it was even spent in a log cabin of sorts. Greg and Sally hosted the dinner and did a great job. It was her first time to cook, and everything turned out nice. We were only missing the youngest Hardcastle and family, Brooke was having a lot of labour pains and so she stayed home in bed, the baby is now due in 1 week.

I've gotten a good start on Christmas, not to compare with the younger girls who claim to have it all done, but I'm making some headway.

Our ward has had 2 funerals in the past 2 weeks so we're waiting for #3, it really does seem to happen that way. Lucky or unlucky for me they seem to fall on my days off, so I get to help for hours and hours in the kitchen and clean up.

I've cleaned and rearranged and got all the Christmas decorating done and so now I can enjoy the season a little bit more. We have had one sad Nativity incident so far this year. Last year I got the Boyds Bear set and Jodi wanted it displayed with honor, so I guess it was, and Simon, with honor, ate the Camel. It was cold outside so we let him in and I guess he was hungry. Jodi thinks "we" or in other words ME can save him. You decide.

My lesson is tomorrow in RS, and the only reason I'm writing tonight is because I finally got my notes together and I think I'm ready. My topic was picked months and months ago, and it really helped that Pres. Ewing gave a talk on the same subject in General conference, Remember, Remember and write it down. I really do try and think of things each day that I am thankful for and write them when I blog. 2 weeks ago I gave the sisters a card that said; I Am Thankful for: and 10 lines, with the hope that they will have written something or at least thought of things and will be able to share in my lesson. I learned from a wise instructor once that if you want your class to care and participate ,then make them part of the lesson and make them care. So that was my goal. I'll let you know how it went. But I took my own challenge and these are my 14 days worth of being grateful.

Sun. Sundays when I get to feed 8, and Sundays when I only feed 4

Mon. E-mail with friends, the amazing world of computers.

Tues. Old friends that still let you come visit, and seem to care about you. (VT in my old ward)

Wed. Being dependable and on time for work, and my children following that example.

Thurs. That my children are learning to be adults and had to bring a side dish to Thanksgiving dinner. And I didn't.

Fri. That at this point in my life I can shop for Christmas and other simple things without having panic attacks about money every step of the way.

Sat. Hot Hot Long Long showers and no one cares and we won't run out of hot water.

Sun. Slow relaxing Sundays as work when you can talk and make a few new friendships.

Mon. My collections of Nativity sets and being able to share with Jodi our love for them.

Tues. Internet shopping and the ease and gas saving, and time saving results.

Wed. Coming home to my family after one of the worst days ever at work.

Thurs. Having a hobby I enjoy and that can make a little money, and being so busy I can honestly say "I am behind on orders" but I'll get them done.

Fri. Finding a note from Matt that said, "Mom the house looks nice, Thanks"

Sat. Being busy from early till late, shopping, funeral, Kim's work party, family wedding reception in Sandy, working on lesson and blogging. But being able to do it all.

At the party a women whom we have know for years came as a newly retired employee, and she has end stage Cancer, she isn't much older than me, and I am grateful for everything I am and have, and for the things I don't have to endure.

The sweetest thing

Thursday at work we had the cutest little women, 92 yrs. old in a room close to the desk. Her husband looked to be the same age if not a little older. Both so cute and tiny and bent over, but at least still able to walk and get around. They live in an assisted living together, and I am sure they spend almost every waking moment together. He was with her most of the day and would go walking with her during her exercises, right by her side. Just that was a great sight, but 2 or 3 times during the day while she was up in the chair or in bed I would suddenly hear someone singing, and it was him. Just a sweet, soft, crackly voice. I couldn't really hear all the words or recognize the tunes, but he was singing, maybe to her, maybe to himself, but singing. We so often see very sad things, but this almost made me cry. Now my husband is great, but I can honestly say he has never sang to me, I'm not sure what I'd do or how I'd act, but I am sure I would laugh, and he even has a great voice

Depending on the events of your life, growing old may not be such a great blessing, in it's self, but what a blessing to have someone to grow old with. To still hold hands with and talk to and share the events of the day, or just hear a song or two.

Every couple have their own path to make. I am grateful for someone in my life that I can keep on the path with and hold hands.

It's up to you

That is what I kept hearing at the Dr.'s office. He explained what had happened to my knee and showed me on the tiny knee model, and then we talked and talked. Basically it doesn't heal it's self, but you do get used to the problem, and learn to live with the inconvenience of pain and popping, but if it is affecting my normal life, then it needs to be fixed, but it's up to me. I finally asked,"When would I stat to see some improvement?" "Well ,by now, so it's up to me what I what to do?" The scope and repair or just wait and see. He is so far booked out that it wouldn't be until Dec. 21st. Ya right I thought, so I'll schedule it after Christmas and if it's getting better then I'll cancel. That was easy, right?. So I guess I can make up my own mind. Does that sound right, what does everyone else think? (Just kidding).

Last night we had our recipe exchange for one of our little groups in RS, and we really had some great food. The theme was crock-pot cooking. It reminded me of a story many years back in the old ward. I was on the committee for the RS birthday and we all brought different soups for the food. At the end of the evening, we were cleaning up , and I realized my crock-pot insides were missing. My lid and electrical part were in the kitchen, but none of us could find the crock-pot. It never showed up, we announced it for 2 weeks in RS and still it never showed up. So either someone really needed it and it fit theirs or it went home by mistake and they were too embarrassed to bring it back, or they accidental broke it and never told any of us. But if you have a new and clever idea please share it. The best idea will win some great recipe ideas.

Today's thankful moment took some thought, but I and grateful for not having socialized medicine and truly being able to make my own decision, on my time frame.

Tis the season

It's not really winter yet, or Christmas, but on Monday two reminders of those things came to me.
1st. I leave for work at 4:30 a.m., and it was the first really hard frost at our house. All the outside cars had thick, frozen rain/frost on their windshields and my warm truck was cozy in the garage, and no scraping had to take place. I lived,(driving years) since I left home, but even there the garage wasn't mine, for 29 years without a garage. I am so grateful that I have a safe, weather proof garage and that even though it is a 2 car garage, and only one car can fit, that I am the one. Thank you family.

2nd. A number of years ago Kim and I were trying to come up with something different to help with the Christmas spirit. We decide to visit and to thank a few couples in our ward for the great example they were to us and our children. As a family we pick 4 couples. We bought a loaf of Great Harvest bread and honey for each and went out on our visits. I think we were all a little nervous to just knock, unannounced, and say why we were there, especially the kids, but they all went. Those were some of the nicest visits I can ever remember. The couples of-course were so sweet and invited us all in and we just visited. We really should have made that a yearly event but we didn't.

So many people come and go in our lives, many make an impact for the good and others do not. Somehow we need to thank those who do, not necessarily with gifts but at least with words.

This past week at work I had the opportunity to care for one of those men who we visited that season. He is now a widower and was very sick, but he has healed great. But I was grateful that once again I could visit with him and be reminded why he is so special.We are all blessed to have great influences in our lives and we need to let them know how we feel about them.

Motherhood

I was reading bloggs and after I read Annie's I was reminded of earlier days with younger children. I can't remember the ages of all the kids but I had all 4 home so it must of been summer, and I can only remember being at the "end of my motherhood rope". The exact situations with the kids does not even matter, but what I did I will never forget. I called Kim, who sometimes could come home in the middle of the day, and I said "If you ever want to see your kids alive again, you have to come home". Now no horrible act was in my mind, I am 110% sure I would have never harmed them or tried to drown them, but I also didn't have voices in my head telling me what to do. I only had 4 and possibly more voices all wanting and needing something from me and I couldn't give any more. With in 30 - 45 min. Kim came home, as happy as ever and gave me $100.00. Which then would be like $1,000 now and said " go do something nice for yourself. Get a good book, take your swim suit and go to a hotel for a couple of days, go shopping, or just go do something you want and I'll stay home with the kids today and tomorrow. Just let me know where you are.

Well after I picked myself up off the floor and tried to convince him I couldn't just leave. I did just that. I didn't go to a hotel, I would have been scared to do that alone, but I did go to Mom's for 2 days, I went to a movie, out to dinner, visited a friend and most important I had a much needed brake.

I have never believed in the "Super Mom" syndrome, but I am often haunted by the fact that I have never been one. Kim has said that women have a quilt gene that men do not have. But if you need a brake try and take one and when you come back things always look better and you are better.

I am so grateful for my kids, for the Lord blessing me with 4 wonderful and many times challenging kids. But despite my shortcomings they have done pretty good for themselves.

HIGH on the Lords Work

And I mean HIGH. The other RS councilor and I went and did some visiting tonight to new sisters. Our 1st visit was with a sweet widow women new to Utah after serving a mission here a few years ago and wanted to come back and live, She is a convert and so sweet and active with such a strong testimony. After we left I said I don’t think our next visit will be quite the same.

We knocked and shouted we were from the RS and had come to visit. We entered a smoke filled room and were told right off that the guy there was smoking marijuana, just so we knew. But this was her apartment. We were then told that the room over there, as she pointed, was the one she needed help cleaning, because it was full of fruit flies. Confused yet, well we were. We tried to just ask nice friendly questions and she said this wasn’t her husband but she was getting a divorce. We just asked if we could get her full legal name and birthday so we could get her records sent to the ward and then maybe the bishop could help her. She doesn’t know her real name. because I think her mom is dead or gone and that her grandma just put some random name on her birth certificate, but did I want her DNA? When she finally gave us a name and date we had forgotten a pencil and she asked the boy to get one and he said no because he didn’t have any pants on, so I told him to stay put and we’d remember the info. I thought that maybe they were both HI. I then noticed a highchair and asked if she had a child, NO but I am 8 months preg. Now this whole thing isn’t so funny. And my eyes are staring to itch and we really need to get out of there. A few more very strange things are said and we finally leave. This young women had called our bishop earlier in the week asking for $$$ help. She wouldn’t or couldn’t give him any personal information and didn’t want any one to visit, so guess who gets the job, the RS presidency.

How do people get so messed up? She is only 24 yrs. old. What happens in their lives that this is how they want to live? Why are others so blessed with the desire and will to be the best they can, and want to improve their lives? I may not be the smartest person, or the wealthiest, but I am so grateful and blessed to have the love of good parents, a wonderful husband, loving and supportive children, and most of all the gospel in my life. Life is hard for a lot of people, but as we all know from personal and observation of others, that you can still be a good person with good values if you keep the Lord in your life.

Risks

I found this poem in a sketch book of Bevan’s, in his own hand writing, with a few changes and fixed words. I don’t know if he wrote it or not but I thought it was good.

Risks
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep it to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exploring your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd it to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying’
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.

But risk must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing and is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love or live.
Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave, he has fortified freedom.
Only a person who risks is free.

Slow to blogg

I'm note just slow to blogg, but I am slow a everything else too.
Wed. the MRI results showed I have torn my meniscus in at least 4 places. They gave me a hinged brace which is SOOOOO much better than the immoblizer brace. I can get around better and in and out of the car. I am working what they call "modified", but I think my regular job is easier on the knee. I just won't be running to any CODEs. I have discovered a few things about the medical feild. If you don't know even little and have a say,or a brain of your own, no one will tell you anything. I had to leave messages and messages for our empolyee health nurse to finially get back with me last week. And at work med. the MD and NP just said, after I got the results, so be careful and try and stay off it. The End. I had to ask for the new brace, the Ortho. MD appt. ask the questions about poss. surgery or rehab. I was just very frustrated because we give our pt's, probaby too much information, and they gave none. So if any of you need a voice give me a call.

Other life. I really like good music, going to the symphony is usually a fun thing to do. Kim and I were given tickets because Mel and Justin couldn't use theirs Fri. night. But I sware my attention span was that of a 5 yr. old. I couldn't sit still, I was constanly looking around, I couldn't get comfortable, my mind was everywhere but on the music. I thought I might have to fake a seizure when the last number wouldn't end. Kim was so into it, I felt bad I was a bad date. I am not ruling out ever going again, but not anytime too soon.

Friday and Sat. Sally and I participated in the Washington Height Babtist Church craft fair again. I don't think we did very well, but it's kind of fun and keeps my creative juices flowing. I'm not sure I'll do it again, but I said that last yr.

I am grateful I have a bit of a creative side. Maybe it's a small talent but it keeps me dusting at least monthly when I change out the decorations.

Balderdash: Which is the real story?

I was skiing down the moguls at Powder Mountain and the sun was in my face and the snow was like satin ribbon, and suddenly a very cute boarder came by and took my breath away and I fell right on my left knee and the rest is history.

I was wakeboarding at Pine View trying out a toe side tantrum and I got hit by a huge wake from the other boat, I was suddenly air born and landed on my left knee.

I was running, like a good code team RN, to a CODE blue (full arrest) and my left ankle felt funny and as I took my next step I heard and felt a Pop, Pop, Pop, and then felt my knee turn and twist. That was the end of any running. I did not fall.

I was vacuuming my carpet and my foot got wrapped up in the cord and I fell backwards and in trying to catch myself twisted my left knee.

Hint: Jodi was right “Running is only for Criminals”.

But the truth is I have either torn my meniscus or torn my ACL. That is the Dr.’s best guess, but my MRI is Tuesdays night. When I got back up to my floor the other team leaders said they don’t ever run to codes. I thought we had too. Besides doing my little Curves stationary jogging & running to CODES was my best exercise.

So right now I have to wear a knee immobilizer and just be real careful. I don’t know yet when I can go back to work. So if any one has any knee advice I am listening and a little scared, because so far the shared Horror stories aren’t so good.

I am grateful that I didn’t fall and that I still have one good leg and knee that I can get around with and that today, Sat., the pain has eased up tons. Just a not so funny side note. It wasn’t even a real CODE. A little old gentleman just got tired and weak from walking so far to get to his Dr.’s office and felt faint. So anyone having to go to the new IHC IMC building, take a Moped to get around on.

All In A Days Work!

Thought this was so true!

Shhh it's over

The secret is out, the lid is off, the plans have been exposed,the cat’s out of the bag, ect. Kim knows his big Christmas surprise. He and I have front row seats to Glen Beck’s Christmas show at the E-Center
.
I, with the help of Justin, got tickets to his show for Dec. 8th. Who is Glen Beck you ask. Well besides being a very serious news and information guy, he has strong political views, and shows all the sides. He talks about all the world news and pressing events. He’s sort of like a Rush Limbaugh, but not so arrogant and self righteous. He is out of New-York and happens to be a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and you see his values in his show.

I wasn’t going to tell Kim, but he called me the other day and asked if I’d be interested in going, the only tickets left were $35.00 seat in the upper bowl. I hesitated for a min. and said “would you rather have front row seats?” and of course he said yes. It’s not Hanna Montana which I guess is the beg concert this week-end and it’s not a great guitar player. Matt said when he saw the ticket price, said “this Glen Beck guy better play a great guitar. But I think we’ll have fun. Merry Christmas to Kim.

I grateful I love surprise for myself and giving them.

Gifts and more Gifts

I heard about a book or actually a movie by a speaker we invited to our super craft day, "The Ultimate Gift", she said don't rent the movie just buy it and save yourself $5.00. So without knowing what it was about I bought the movie. Then my friend told me she had the book. I always like to read the books first so today I finished it and hopefully tonight I can watch the Movie.

Anyway the book is great. If you haven't already read it, it is a MUST read for everyone. It gives great insight into who we are and how we need to be sharing everything we have and show gratitude for what we have. There are 12 simple gifts and each has such meaning. It is a very quick read, ( I got the book last night about 7pm) but so worth the time. Enjoy. I am grateful for being taught at a young age to read and enjoy learning.

Mandatory behavior

Today after coming back up to Ogden from taking mom to a Dr. appt. I had to attend a Mandatory meeting. I have nothing against Mandatory meetings, I know we all have to hear and be taught certain things, but this one just made me so angry, and a few others in the class also.

I left my actual handout in my now gone truck, but it had to do with re-connecting with patients, making a healing connection, through touch, eye contact, sitting down at the bedside and really listening, removing our stethoscope and not appearing too threatening or busy, trying to find a common interest between the pt. and ourselves, proper greetings and farewells, it goes on and on. My co-worker leaned over and asked "what do you think this is costing". Between the cost of the program, training our trainers,12 trainers, o and they aren't called trainers they are "champions", they had about 8 hrs. each of training and now educating all 60 of us for 2 hrs. I am sure it is more than what it would cost to hire a couple of full time Rn's for a year. Rn's that could help with the load so we could actually do this better.

I don't mean to sound hateful, but we know all this information, we do all this stuff every day, to the best of our ability and to the best of our time constraints. It might not have had a name before, but if you aren't doing these things then you shouldn't be in this profession.

After about 90 min. someone was brave enough to ask the question that we had all been thinking. Why are we really here. Well, SURVEYS say, we are not making a Healing connection with our patients. Please, Who are they asking, and what are they being asked? And if they answered the questions at all, they must have lived through the hospital experience.

I know we all expect more of everything and from everyone. We want faster check out lines at the store, we want to not wait at appts., we want to call for information about something and not have someone with such a thick accent help us, we want fast food to be faster, and waitresses to not get my order wrong. We want service with a smile and the sun to come out tomorrow! We all want and deserve the very best. And we are DEMANDING it or else!

I believe everyone should always receive the very best care and attention we can give. And if they were sincerely offended or hurt in someway then "yes" please tell someone and we will try and make it right. But also the public needs to remember that no nurse, that I know, sets out at the beginning of their shift and thinks, I am only going to give 10% today and damn with the rest. If my Pt's. aren't satisfied then to Hell with them. Really this isn't how it goes. Instead we set out to organize and prioritize everything that is to be done and hope that all the surprises and emergencies that come up can be handled too. We are a team and sometimes the only way we make it through a day is with team work and maybe one potty break.

I know many of the readers of this blog are in professions that are also underpaid, over worked and under-staffed and very unappreciated. Our hands are often tied because of laws and red tape and HIPPA. And those who aren't in those professions are saying then get out, do something else, and stop complaining. It just doesn't always work that way. Someone has to be here, we just want the public to help and understand, that maybe your pain pill will be 15 min. late, and you may have to wait 2 hrs for that xray, and you haven't seen your nurse for 30 min. and you want to get back to bed. But also know that if you start having chest pain, or bleeding or problems breathing, you will have everyone you need and then some, you will have the smartest and best informed there to help. And then try and remember if you are the one getting all the attention that your neighbor in the next room may be waiting for their pain pill.

As usual I spoke up too much and voiced my opinion to loudly, but most in the room were agreeing, even the champions. We have become a very selfish and ME oriented society. What we deserve and what we want is our main goal, no matter how we get it. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and understanding and we in return need to give the same.

Please be grateful with me for those people out there who will help us when we are sick, educate our children, but out fires, protect our streets, work hard at leading our nation and especially those who are protecting our freedoms and our safety. We have been given much and we too must give. Even if only to give back understanding.

first comes the mess

Early in the spring we had a pipe brake in our ceiling down stairs, in the office/Mels room. It really was a terrific flood. The water was just pouring from the light fixture and flooded half the ceiling, two full walls, all the baseboards & the carpet. What a mess we had and still do. We actually had to call our home owners insurance, and I am so glad we did. They set out a disaster crew and the place was torn apart in 1 day and staring to dry. They took out all the wet stuff and made sure we had no mildew or damp areas. We then took the settlement for the repairs to do ourselves, and thus the long repair process.

Now to the new mess. We have decide to rearrange all the rooms, and to clean all the carpets as we go. Deep cleaning is a lot of hard work but very refreshing when your done. But you have to make a mess as you clean a mess. Last night I got my frontroom carpet cleaned and things rearranged just how I wanted it, and tonight it is full of the old quest bedroom, R.S. and craft stuff( I'm getting ready to be in the fall craft fair again) so now it's a mess again. These are the times when being Samantha on Bewitched would come in handy. Wiggle wiggle of the nose and your done.

I am grateful for my families help and the ability to still do this stuff.

Reward Offered

Help! I have misplaced a very large item from my home, or wait maybe it was stolen, because the very unkempt mess left behind like furniture moved and food containers laying about were obvious signs it wasn't a professional or maybe it was just taken by the in-laws. If you could help me find our missing ebony and ivory I would really appreciate it. I now have this very large empty spot in my front room. Name that object.

Sat. Justin his dad and brother came and took the piano that we have had forever. It has been dusted a least bi-weekly, has held many pictures and holiday decorations. Treated with tender loving care and a must for any respectable Mormon home. Granted I didn't play it, nor did anyone left at home, also did I mention the piano was actually Melanie's. Well none of that matters, it is gone.

I have truly had a hard time with this. Probably due to the fact that no one else played it.(and where will all the decorations and pictures go). I tryed to force all the other kids to play and practice, just as my mom tryed with me. Again I have no pictures of the piano, I seem to only think of pictures with it's too late. Anyway I wish it well in it's new home. I am sure it will be played often and loved dearly by the new owners, but probably not dusted as often. I am grateful for the wonderful talent and love for the piano that Melanie has always had and the joy and proud feelings I have had watching her play at so many events.

Gordon has also taken his guitar and amp. No I am not sad. Why? because I didn't use it to decorate with.

Staying young

We had our R.S. Fall social and dinner on Tuesday night. It was more work than most, only because we had to move all our tables and chairs across the parking lot to our Gym building. We needed a wood floor for our great entertainment. First the entertainment.

I wish I would have remembered to take pictures, everyone would have loved them. I had a group of Tap dancers. They were a group of sisters from the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers from Ogden. They were great and sooo cute. The ages were from 58-84 yrs. old. And their sizes varied from size 2 to 24. 12 sisters came and did about 8 numbers with little custom change between each and they took turns telling jokes during their changes. I guess you are never too old to do young activities. Granted some of them didn't move their legs much, and their arms did most of the dancing, but they were so cute and fun to watch. Everyone just smiled and really seemed to enjoy themselves. Now I need a great idea for the Birthday Social in March. It never ends!!!!

Kim was a great help in moving all the tables and chairs so I guess his back is officially better. He had been to the Dr. in the morning and was told he was doing great and to just go on about his life as normal. I'm not sure he will ever be completely straight, but he even mowed the lawn this week and he isn't broken. It's great to have him BACK, no pun intended.

This weekend was special, but very tiring. I am 50 yrs. old have never been to a live General conference. I asked the Right people and was able to get tickets to both the Sat. and Sun AM sessions. I felt a little bad about getting both, but it was worth it. I'm not sure if Kim and Matt thought is was, having to get up so early, and drive down, but I did. It was a great feeling there and not being distracted by the things at home, like falling asleep, but to feel the spirit and really hear what they were saying. It's an awesome place with great messages and I am grateful I was there.

I need to up-date more often so I don't have so much to say at each blogging. I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended conference and be with a living prophet and to have heard the many inspired messages, and to know the Lord is giving us instructions to live happier lives.

Just another week

It's been a week or so since I've written, and it truly has been really busy, plus probably really boring. So to just wrap it up in a nut shell, which is what I felt like Sat. night. We went through Bevan's home 2 more times this week and I guess we're done until it sells. So hopefully it sells fast. I am sure Paul is so tired of it all and the one being in charge gets to be tough. He has done a great job at keeping everything flowing and in order. So if any one knows someone who wants a high end, great area, large condo. Let him know.

Our Fun Filled Friday graft night went well. Only a few sisters who had ordered didn't show, and most everyone got their projects done. That is something I am always happy about. I feel bad when sisters take their projects home not finished or even started. You know they will never finish them. There have been years past where I've actually finished some at home for the sisters.

We had a great quest speaker. I want someone else to have her come to speak so I can bring my girls to hear her again. She spoke about having more of Christ in Christmas. She had such a strong testimony and Love of the Savior that she was just bursting with joy and enthusiasm, and it spread to everyone, or at lest it seemed to spread.

She talked about how she makes her gifts have something to do with being grateful for Christ. Gifts that make us remember him and his life and sacrifice. She encouraged each of us to try and not get caught up in the amount of gifts and instead try for the meaning of gifts. It really sounds hard, especially after doing the same things for years and years. She admitted that it isn't easy. Her way of making it easier was to immerse herself in the scriptures and service all year long, and then when the holiday season comes we are ready to share and show what we feel and what we have learned throughout the year. There is one thing she shared that I am going to try. But I am going to wait to spring to on my family until it's closer to Christmas. Most of my kids just role their eyes at many of my suggestions anyway, so I'll wait a bit to share it.

One more random thought. I really admire young parents for bringing their children to sacrament meeting. It is not an easy task, it's very hard work to keep their little bodies so confined for 70 min. We did it and I hope starting our children young taught them early the importance of attending our meetings. I had a high school girl friend who was marring a non-member and I have never forgotten a conversation we had. But part of it was that it didn't matter what you did with your children when they were young, so when hers were old enough to know how it go to church, then they would decide what they would teach them. Her logic has never made any sense to me on so many levels.

I am thankful or grateful that I can still learn new and helpful things that can not only improve my life but the lives of my family.

What's life worth?

How do you measure the worth of a life? It has to be different for everyone. We are lead to believe it's by the good works that you've done and the service you have given. Or could it be by the accomplishments in your life like education or degrees, collections, talents, money, your job? Your possessions and property. Or is it how we are remembered when we are gone? I want mine to be how my family remembers me!

I still think of and remember Grandma Chipman. I can still remember her LOVE and how it felt. She was such a great part of our lives. Going to her home after school, or if we missed the bus. Knowing you could call her at any time, and she'd come. Sleeping over when I had early morning stuff at the high school, going grocery shopping with her and she would buy you something special. Her many gifts of sewing, cooking, going to church with her, knowing her friends and neighbors. Her pride in her flower garden. Getting to sleepover with no other siblings as a kid and loving it. She had no formal education or noteworthy job. No great valuable collections, or fine home with posh decorations. Not much money to just give away. But I want my children and grandchildren to remember me with that same fondness. For being a kind, loving and giving person, who loved the Lord and her family. And to remember me often, even after I've been gone 32 years.

In raising my kids I was a frustrated and an anxious mom. I worried about what other people would think of me, my home, our surroundings, my education, my homemaking skills or lack of. The amount of money we had or again the lack of. The type and size of our home. What my kid's hair looked like and their clothes. Seriously why wasn't someone there telling me to relax? Enjoy every moment and Blog about it at the end of the day. Would I have listened if they had? I WILL TELL MY KIDS TO RELAX! I will tell them to enjoy the day-to-day crap. Because that's what a lot of it is.

I used to love the old Erma Bombeck books. She could look at any life situation and make it a comical and lighthearted event. An old falling apart car, kids failing grades, or minor arrests, a messy house or flooded basement. I couldn't or didn't do that. I hope it's not too late to change. Not just to make a rough and challenging situation funny, but to put it in the right light. Not get mad and frustrated so easy, and always think the worse, or that the world is falling apart.

Now to the events of a rough week and one that isn't really over yet. Going through Bevans home. We got off to a really rocky start Tuesday night. I cried all the way home and hoped our family would come out of this in tacked. But as rough as Tuesday was Saturday was much better. Certainly a lot more work, and more to come, but better feelings at the end of the day. It is very hard to make things 100% fair and equal, but I think it went pretty good. As Kim reminded me, we didn't have it before and we were just fine.

Bevan has some beautiful things and a lot of them, so I hope everyone received those things that are important to them and will mean something for a very long time. I really don't think "things" can be divided completely evenly, because everyones needs and ideas are different. My one regret is that I had wanted to take some pictures of his home and I got there Sat. and things were in such a mess, because we had left them that way Tues. so I didn't take any. I should have taken some the last time the girls & I had gone to visit, but I didn't think about it then. I'll try and not regret yet another missed opportunity.

I almost forgot, being thankful. 2 things. I am thankful for memories, (and being able to remember) and second, my great MOM, who grandma Chipman raised.

Alone with your thoughts

Alone with your thoughts is never a good thing, especially the day after a funeral. Bevan's burial and memorial service went very nice, at least that's what I think.

I am very grateful for the nice turnout to American Fork, the cousins and even people from Magna. I just wish I had gotten a picture of Mom and Bevan's cousins. I really loved seeing them. Karl did a great job and his remarks were perfect,and I hope the few things I said were appropriate.

The memorial service was informative, interesting, and I personally felt really good during it and after. I thought Our Paul did a good job and so did Kindra. I really enjoyed Paul Salisbury and Sallee's remarks. They were very sincere and real. The Sudanese ladies did a nice job and I could feel of their love and fondness towards Bevan. Melanie made the comment later that both speakers said that Bevan was Bevan, who he was was who you got, very open honest and sincere. Well we never got to see that in our family circle, so she felt is wasn't true, but in that circle of people and his other life, he was real and honest. So that's how they knew him. Many of us have stated that is never occurred to us how he must have felt never finding a life long companion to be with. That had to be a hard thing for him.I am so grateful we could all be there.

Now being alone with your thoughts. I drove to Granger early in the morning to help at Haley's Super Sat. The freeway was wide open, I had a CD of Josh Corban in and I just kept thinking of things,some random, some about yest. and some about family and then the tears would come. Do men do this. Can they just cry because of their thoughts and music. I felt a little silly, but it felt good. I won't go into all the thoughts, but even when I saw the huge Gus Poulos Chevrolet flag blowing so perfect in the wind I cryed.

I'm grateful I can cry for no apparent reason and not feel necessarily sad.

Pears and a missing romote

The two have nothing to do with each other, but my day has been crazy. I slept in. I usually go to Curves at 6am, but didn't go until 7:30. Because last night I was up until 1am getting stuff done after work. I don't know anyone there at that time.

I came home and started pears. I actually started last night with getting all the bottles in the dishwasher. I am trying to finish up some vinyl projects for 2 different RS craft days for this weekend. So that was being done in between bottling pears. Then a gal from the enrichment board, who is trying to finish up a recipe book project, we've been working on for months, was having some issues. So I made a few phone calls for her, went over to her house and pick up some cards that sisters didn't do the right way. Even though the instructions were written right on the cards and we had told them for 3 months how to do them.

Back home for more pears. By the way when pears need to be bottled you have to do them right away or they go bad. I visited with the neighbors for a few minutes while I was outside. Back inside I couldn't find the remote and soon it would be noon and I would need to watch a rerun of Law and Order. While peeling more pears I kept looking for the remote. I'd been down stairs doing computer stuff, not there. I'd gotten ice water, not in the freezer, I'd started rewriting recipes, not on the table. More pear peeling, I'm getting nervous now because it's about 11:30. Kim came home for lunch he doesn't see it either. More pear peeling and bottling. I check the front room, bathroom, I go while I'm there. No remote. Back to peeling, after washing of-course. Now I am really worried. Do you know how long you would have to hold the up button to get to channel 138, a long time. I checked the junk drawer, boy that needs to be cleaned out, the silverware drawer. Not there. I am about ready to give in and actually turn it on manually and I finally see it on the table chair, it must have fallen off the table, I'm saved I can catch the first minute of the show, because other wise you don't know how they died, and believe it or not I'd never seen this one before, or at least I don't remember. But I never do, remember.

3 batches of pears are done, the recipes are rewritten and given back, the vinyl projects are done, I've written 2 mini talks for Bevan's graveside,Jodi has called twice today with her safe arrival and flight numbers of her next two fights. I've read all the obituary comments on Bevan, they are very nice. I've been on the phone about 25 times today. Kim brought home dinner, what a great guy. Matt has hugged me twice and is gone for a shake with Jennifer. I've figured out what to wear tomorrow and guess what, it's purple. Justin called, I can't remember what for. I've had a lengthy discussion with Paul about tomorrows funeral plans or non plans I'm still not sure and I've cryed about 3 times today. I've eaten too many Hersey Kisses, and tons of ice water.I am really really tired and tomorrow is another long and emotional day.

I want our family to always get along no matter what, and if that means stepping on toes to get things done then step away and still come up an intact family. I am grateful, I didn't forget, for all the bumps and bruises that come along in my life and make me stronger person. Remember "He didn't say it would be easy, He just said it would be worth it". (I should make a vinyl saying with that.

Birthday at the Cabin

Sunday was grandma

Hardcastle's 72 birthday. Now you may think that is old, but she isn't old at all. She is one of the youngest 72 yr. olds I know, and trust me I know a lot of 72 yr. olds.
Most of the family was there. Ryan was sick so his family couldn't come. Melanie had to pick Justin up at the air port. He had been in Cal. for business. Jen also had to pick up Ramon, he had been home in Mexico for a family wedding. But the rest of us were there.

The cabin has always been a fun place to go for family activities. The kids have always liked to walk to the many bodies of water and usually get wet, and Sunday was no exception, but they dried off fast. This time we even took Simon. We've never done that before and he really seemed to like the ride up in the truck bed and playing with the kids and their little hikes.

When Matt got baptised he and his friend Tom Barfuss had their barbarism at the cabin, in the river, the very cold river. Both families were there and it was such a special experience. I'm sure it is one Matt will never forget, probably Kim too. It was very cold.

We always have good food and everyone brings something. It seems to be getting harder and harder for everyone to get together anymore, especially with our family, because our kids are all grown with stuff to do on their own, but I love it when they can come and even put forth the extra effort to be a part of the activities. Matt even brought his girlfriend Jennie and she seems comfortable with the family and is very friendly with everyone. Family events are the greatest pleasures in life, rather big or small, rather everyone can come or not. I have always liked planning them and even hosting them. I love the holiday parties at our home. I know they are a lot of work for those who live here, but everyone has always chipped in and did their part. FAMILY means more to me than anything and I love you ALL.

Ending of a Busy Life

We had such a busy day today. In fact we didn't get to everything we were supposed to. Kim had an outdoor work party at the office and people played and did the COPE Course. It was nice to visit with some friends there. Then we went to our old ward, the 13Th ward, reunion. It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Melanie went with us and we just talked and talked for over an hour with old friends and many that I still see a lot. They were excited to hear about the weddings and the kids. Everyone asked about grand kids. We all know that answer! I was glad to see that so many people really cared about us, and I in them. We really didn't move that far away, but wards really do create boundaries. Then we went to a wedding reception of a family friend and friend of Gordon's. Steven Russell, We were happy for them, and it was fun to talk to the rest of his family and see how good they are all doing and their little kids. It sure makes me feel old, but grateful to be old. We didn't make it to the Hight Prist dinner, maybe next year.

We came home and had a phone message from Karen that Bevan had died. We had just talked about it at dinner with the girls that he didn't want any more visitors and that it would probably be soon. Bevan wanted it that way. Soon. Maybe we all will.

What must it feel like to die. We hear stories about going to the light, being warm, seeing loved ones. But really is it scary, is it dark and cold, is it lonely, can we see and talk immediately and feel whole again? Is our family there and eagerly waiting to be with us? I am sure grandma and grandpa were there. Just as they had been their at his birth. They welcomed him with open and loving arms. There was no need to scold or show a path not taken, for those things will be made known upon our eyes being opened, and the Vail removed. We have a loving father in Heaven and only he can judge and will do so with love and understanding.

One of my first memories of Bevan was at Dads death. He had come from California to be with mom and grandma. The 4 older kids were sitting in the bedroom with him and he was telling us how good we were being but that we had to keep being good for mom. He had us play the Quaker game. It was where we just had to sit and be quit. The first one to talk lost. We soon learned it was a dumb game, but every now and then he'd remind us to play the Quaker game. I remember him and grandma taking the kids to the Grand canyon one summer. Mom was sick or something and we needed to be gone from the house. Bevan took me to my daughter-daddy dates. One of the parties we had an Indian dancer that had brought some snakes and I was one of the only girls who stayed in the circle with their dad/uncle because the other girls had all ran away. But as I turned around from looking at something the dancer had the snake right in my face and I screamed and fell off my chair and I remember Bevan being very kind and reassuring to me, but we then went home, because I was crying and I guess had had enough.

Bevan may have had his faults and short comings when it came to family and the gospel, but he was moms only brother, grandma's only son and my only Uncle. He gave to our children at Christmas and birthdays when he didn't have to. Our children all have many savings bonds that were given as gifts, along with paintings and memories. He came home from California, where he might have had the life he more envisioned for himself, to be with his Mom and Sister when the men in their lives had died. He tryed to be a male figure in the boys lives, but that wasn't to be.
I wish he had written 101 things about himself so that I might know him better, but he didn't want us to know him better. We are grateful for what he did give and pray for the the understanding of what he choose to keep to himself. Bevan may you find love and peacefulness in your next journey.

Thinking ahead

So many times we say "I wonder how I'll act in that situation". In my nursing career we sometimes get callas and think families or a pt. do not really understand the grave situation they are in or that their family members are in, and we think they should just give in and let nature take it course. I have learned there is no such thing. Nature doesn't have a course, just like a sudden rain storm makes new paths down a hill, so does every personal crisis follow its own path.

Bevan has always had two or more lives. The limited one with family that he would only let some of us in when it was convenient to him and his other life, that of art, friends, social needs, social appearance, acceptance of others, not family, and that of being very self absorbed and the last, that of making sure nothing of the church got mixed in, for others to see, at least. Well those two worlds are colliding and he has no control over it.

When we visited with him for a few min. on Monday he was very tired and couldn’t talk much, we were just leaving as a friend and her husband came to visit, he wanted them to stay and us to leave, (which we were already doing), but he didn’t want the two groups together. He also couldn’t tell us enough about the California Paul who would come at any time and stay for any length of time, with just a phone call, but we all know that the real Paul in his life is our Paul who has more than done for Bevan, and I only hope at some point he will thank him, as Paul should be thanked.

I am grateful for my one life, which includes God, Family, Friends, and Responsibilities for others, Compassion, Service and Love of those around me. That all those things can come together and make me who I am. I just always hope that I can show love and gratitude to those who touch my life

Labor Day weekend

This past Friday and Saturday Melaine, Jodi, Jessica and I had a girls weekend out. We first went to Swiss-Days up in Midway, then to Park City to stay the night and shop, shop, shop. I and hopefully the girls had a great time.

But I have to start at the beginning, because my grateful moment is not just the great time I had with the girls but for really good brakes.

We were driving to SLC to pick up Melanie and we had just come around the bend past the Beck Street Exit, and I am sure I was driving over the speed limit, sometime I do that, but suddenly the van in front had hit their brakes and I was coming up fast. Thank goodness I wasn't tailgating. But I hit the brakes, hard and fast, and I am amazed at all the things that went through my mind in those few sec. I thought about how the air bags would feel,the ruined weekend and money lost on the hotel, the phone calls to Melanie and Kim and maybe Karl because he would be the closest if he was at work, to come and get us. I worried about the car behind, because it was a small car and they wouldn't do so good hitting my back end. I felt like we would win with the least damage because our truck was the biggest. I hoped Jessica in the back set wouldn't fly around with no air bag. Jodi and I had a hold of each others arms,(why do we do that),but the smell of brakes and rubber were in the air and we stopped just a few inches from the white van in front, and out hearts were bounding and my nerves were shaken, but I was truly grateful for good brakes, good reflexes and the Lords watchful protection. I am still amazed that so many clear thoughts can go through your mind at the same time in less than one minute.

Back to Swiss-Days. It was very hot and very crowded, I had warned the girls, but I think they didn't expect quit the crowd. They were very good sports and we walked through everything and only bought a few things. We saw lots of cute ideas and stole a few for me to make, but we had a good time. Park city was fun and the shopping was good for the girls. All in all I had a great time and would love to do it again.

Grateful moment

This trying to remember to find something everyday to be grateful for, that is different and or at least means something, is not as easy as I thought it would be. So here goes. I am grateful that Kim makes our bed. Not just on the days I leave for work and he is still in it, but even on the days I am home and just haven't gotten to it yet.

Special things have happened to each of the kids this week, so I am grateful for that.
Melanie had a follow up appt. with a arthritis Dr. and he said all her tests and xrays look good and nothing is saying she has Rhumatoid arthrits or any of the horrible things that go with it. She was very excited about that.
Jodi got a new and better paying job and seem excited for that. Her trip to Spain is nearing and has been expanded to a bunch of other counteries so that will be great.
Gordon and Jessica were able to buy a much needed, more reliable car that they have been looking at and so now they need to sell Jessicas.
Matt got a new job that will work out great with his schoolschudle and so far, 4 days into it,he likes Weber.
Kim is getting better and is almost stright. He will cont. with the antibiotics for 1 more week and his lab work looks good.
So everyone is great and I can't wait to see what My "Good news minute" will be this week.

Not much to say

Today was Monday, another day at work trying to stay organized and keep things running and nurses from going crazy with the rapid turnover of Pt's.

My thankful moment today is that I have a good paying job. I never looked at it as a career, because I didn't want a career, I wanted to make home, and family my full time job, but other things played into that. So I'm grateful that I have a job with some meaning, that I can be proud of, that does help other people and that I can make some money at.

Yesterday, Sunday I had many things to be grateful for, and of course family was part of that. I love when the married kids come for Sunday dinner. We have a good time and laugh and joke and find out all kinds of secrets about each of them. Melanie says the untold truths from everyones high school days are not to come out until everyone is out if the house, but we learned that Gordon had a run in with a dead cat, thanks to Jessica. She has an inside look now, and that helps.

My my other grateful thing is that I know how to sew. I had a dress that I had bought for the temple of Gordon and Jessica's wedding and the day before I burned a hole right through the collar and ruined the dress. I almost tossed the jacket and was just going to keep the sleeveless dress and ware it with a sweater, but I took off the collar and sewed the neckline together and it looks like it was meant to be that way.

Just a quick memory. I took 2 summers of sewing classes with all the girls from our ward at the Jr. High between 6Th and 7Th grades and I have been grateful for that ever sense. Thanks mom. My girls didn't get that same learning experience, so I'll try and make up for that by making Halloween Costumes until I die.

Being Thankful

Saturday is a special day it's the day we get ready for Sunday! So when is our DAY of REST. Today's being grateful thought was easy becasue I'm doing house work. I once was asked in conversation what I thought the greatest invention ever invented was and without much thought I said the Washing Machine.

Now stop and think about it. You may come up with something much more profound, but really, it's the washing machine. Can you even imagine out washing everything you wear every time you wear it,going outside in some big basin or stream near by and scrubbing until the clothes are clean. Doing it by hand, usually in freezing water, or boiling the clothes on the stove if you really wanted them clean.

I would bet if we asked our ancestors which they would rather have, now I am talking the women folk or single, windowed men, which they would rather have, a lap top computer, blackberry, telephone, or even the automobile, what do you really think they would say.

Now I can and have lived without a dryer, even when the girls were in diapers (yes clothe diapers), I have lived without a computer, cell phone, DVD player, I have even been in a one car family before and road a bike to work. But I cannot and will not be without a Washing Machine. If ours breaks I will call a repair man imm. and have even been know to cry when he said he wouldn't have the part for 3 days. He ridged something up for me until the part came in. I almost kissed him. I did call his employer and tell them what a great job he did.

So give it some thought and see if you agree with me that the WASHING MACHINE is the greatest invention known to man and mostly women.

Things to be grateful for.

When we stop and think how grateful we are for things, and how blessed we are, family comes very first then my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Later day Saints,and the love of the Lord, my testimony and then all the other wonderful and special things in our lives. We have warm homes, food enough to share, jobs to support our own livelihood, health issues that can be managed, a country where we are free and safe, and have rights that others only dream of and want for themselves.

We and I mean Me have so much to be grateful for, but there are days when I find myself wanting more, or feeling sorry for myself when things aren't going just right, more or less a pity party for one.

After talking to a good friend about this I was told her sister was feeling the same way one day and decided that at the end of everyday she was going to come up with at least one new thing she was grateful for, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem. So my goal with each blog and each nightly prayer that I might do the same.

The great pictures at the beginning are just a few of my many blessings. Those are the obvious ones.(Plus I learned to do a slide show).

Today I am grateful I visited a sick Uncle and spent time with my daughters and husband. Yesterday as I left the hospital from work I was grateful I was parked in the shade, and that my truck always starts, and that Matt landed safe in California.

Fun filled Friday(crafts night)

Our RS is getting ready for our Craft night. This will be the 4Th one I've planned. Our ward had never had a "Super Sat." before so we started doing one when I was put in the Pres. It seems to always be a big hit, but coming up with the ideas is getting harder and harder.

These are a few of the ideas that we are doing if anyone is interested. I won't put a picture of each because I don't know how to so a slide show yet.

The few I won't show are the sandblasted Pyrex dishes $3.00 each you bring your own new dish, baby bracelets, crochet dish rags, free, you bring your yarn and hook. The others are lite glass snowman $7.00, gift card book, $7.00, this is binder that you can list each months birthdays and special events and then also have the card with each month. Over the door decoration , 8 different choices $10.00, 17 alphabet blocks that can spell out 50 or more sayings, $20.00 set, 3x3 wood blocks with either your own pictures or just decorate with scrape book paper & any word or family name, $1.00 each block, large door pumpkin $3.50 and 2 small pumpkins $4.00 set. If any one has questions or wants to do any of these things just let me know.

Family stuff; Kim is doing better each day, except one of the antibiotics is making it very difficult for him to concentrate on work and reading and remembering,(or at least that is his excuse), but when he told the infectious Dr. he imm. changed him to a new one, so we hope it will help and that he doesn't have any permanent brain damage (just kidding).

Matt is getting ready to head off to Cali. tomorrow with his friends and try surf boarding and beach bumming. I'm sure he'll have a great time and then when he gets home, Monday, school starts Tues. so we wish him well and success. Enough for now.