Money Money Money

It’s been awhile since my last post and I have actually done a few things but I just haven’t been in the blogging mood. Kim and I went to St. George for a get-a-way/anniversary /to find warmer weather trip last week. We have gone to the Parade of Homes there before and it’s a fun activity. We get to see how some of the “unknown other half”, live. The homes were fantastic with all the newest of everything, and decorated for kings and such, but seriously Who are these “other people” that need that much space, that many family rooms, bathrooms, private balconies, hidden and secret passages, bowling lanes, 3 TV’s, on one wall, and that was actually in a few homes, showers that you and a few of your closest 20 friends and family could share, at once! Many of you have probably seen the e-mail going around about the home Keith Barton, the lawyer, lost and had to have auctioned off. http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=152928 I am sure it has been hard on his family to have to sell their home, and maybe I have a very tiny amount of jealousy but I am unable to understand the need to build something like these homes. I know if you have the money you should spend it and put in back into the economy, but the words moderation, modesty and gluttony come to mind and I would hope that I would want to give back and help others if my income was that great.

I heard an interview with Richard Paul Evans once and he said that he and his wife were truly worried about the sudden money and fame they were coming into after the hit books he had written. They had some serious conversations about what that money could do for them both good and bad, and they didn’t want it to change them or their values, so they started the Christmas Box house and have also started other charity type things so that they would be more grounded and stay focused on other people and others needs.

Our communities need the rich, don’t get me wrong. And I would love a new and updated kitchen, along with a few other newer home changes, but Kim and I both said more than once after seeing some of the homes in St. George, that we might be a little embarrassed to have one of them. But not to worry we didn’t even qualify for the one that the builder was willing to pay the entire 1st yr.s monthly payment of $10,000 (per month) and that include a New Hummer.

I pray that no matter what my financial situation ever becomes that I will find ways to help those who need help and be smart about what the Lord has given us.

29 years and still counting. It’s our anniversary, our 29th year of marriage. Kim and I have been married 29 years. 29 is one year shy of 30. 29 is a long long time. We have been together longer than we were ever single.

Kim and I meet at the old Mckay Dee Hosp. He was an OR transporter and I was an LPN in the float-pool. He had been home from his mission a few months and was actually dating one of my sorority sisters. I had seen him around a lot coming and going with pt.s. I had also dated the other 2 transporters in the recovery room, but not Kim. Then my friend, the girl he was dating, was to leave for her mission and my room-mate and I went to her farewell and Kim sat by us. I remember he had a very nice singing voice. I was attracted to him right away. He was tall with dark hair was a return missionary who was going to college, that is really all I knew about him. It was great if I got to see him when I was working. I remember he sat by a friend and I in the cafeteria one day for lunch and another day we talked while looking at the babies through the viewing window.

Then I needed a hernia surgery. I had asked the surgeon if I could have the surgery under a local anesthetic because I didn’t want to be put to sleep. But the real reason was I had dated 2 of the OR transportor as I memtioned and there was no way I was going to be naked anywhere near them. The Dr. agreed and I had the surgery. Kim was the one who took me to surgery. Before I went down I had actually pointed him out to my mom and said isn’t he cute?

Well everything went well and after 2 weeks I returned to work and was on the Peds. unit. There was Kim. He started following me around after lunch as I did some kids vital signs. I had a cute little boy who asked me to please not take his temperature in his bottom so I got the oral probe and made him promise to hold his lips closed, after I took the temp. he leaned up said thanks and kissed my cheek. Kim was sitting in a chair in the room and said something like “I want one of those” so I leaned down and kissed him, half lip, half face. I am not sure what I was thinking or what made me do it. I had never done anything like that before. I couldn’t believe how brave and crazy I was. He followed me for a few more rooms and I was really feeling stupid for the Kiss thing, and then he finally asked me out. To a wedding reception of a friend. I told him I couldn’t go because my singles ward was going to our Bishops cabin and having a retreat on Fri. night. He just said OK. I then had a brave moment again and invited him to come along.

Who does that? Takes a first date on an overnighter, someone she doesn’t even know yet? To spend 12 hrs or more with, wake up with, morning breath and morning hair on a first date! I must have been nuts. So we went to the reception and then to my activity. When I went to introduce him to my Bishop I didn’t even know his last name. I actually was introducing him and said “what’s you last name”? I am sure my bishop thought I was crazy.

Well we seemed to enjoy each others company very much and he was a good kisser, but never did like PDA (public display of affection). I learned very quickly that he had a strong testimony and loved the Lord, he had plans for his future and was a hard worker. We were together everyday after that, and after a few short weeks, yes, a few short weeks he asked me to marry him. I said yes.

Most people, including Mom were very surprised and a little upset and many never thought it would last due to the short courtship. I remember feeling so disappointed after telling mom, on the phone, that I was engaged, because she didn’t get as excited as I was. I didn’t take into account at the time that she had never meet Kim, knew nothing about him, I was no where near home and what could I be thinking? That very next Sunday I took him home to meet the family and the home ward and I believe everyone liked him right away and I know they love him now.

We married 5 months later in the Salt Lake Temple.

We have had some rocky times and struggled with most of the normal trials of life, but we have, so far, stuck together and have grown closer together. We have 4 great kids, 2 with good spouses. We love each other and would do anything for the other person. I am so blessed to have such a great man as my husband and often as he teaches on Sunday I look at him and know I am truly blessed to be his wife, of 29 years.

Good old Norman

Norman the Super Bowl Snowman update. He was built strong and tall last Sunday by his maker, Justin. He was the protector and friendly greeter to all who passed by. He gave a cheerful wave to everyone who looked his way. He was able to withstand wind and snow the first few days, but then the dreaded Goble Warming came our way.
At first we just thought he was on a diet and trying to slim down for any female snow-women who might look his way. But it just kept getting worse. He first lost his friendly, bright smile, and then his wave wasn’t as positive. He started getting tied and he was leaning to the back looking for support, none was found, and we knew then he wasn’t his happy self. Suddenly he became skin and wood. His arm was literally a skeleton form and he had no use for his hands anymore. He lost interest in his good looks and let his buttons fall off. Then the dreaded lost of sight took place sometime in the night along with his nose and eyebrows. He had some vision left but I knew it was only the matter of time before the elements would even take that. He now longer feared the cold and gave his hat way, hopefully to someone who needed it worse. Then Sunday arrived and he was truly in despair. He was looking to the sky for snow and support, after looking that direction for 24 hrs. or so, he finally gave up and lost his head. So as dust to dust or snow to snow he lives to be rebuilt by another great and dedicated snow builder on another day.

I stand all amazed

Well really I was sitting and very comfortably I might add. As we walked into Sunday school class, Jodi, Kim and I we were ready to be taught. Kim had said last night that it was nice that this Sunday we were both just spectators and not teachers. Well all that changed after about 10 min. of no teacher. Kim and two other members share the gospel doctrine class and one other teacher was there and they both talked and she and Kim both knew it wasn’t either one of their turns. They went out into the hall and rather they played rock, paper, scissors or what Kim came in and was to teach. Later, Sis. Cook said she turned it over to the priesthood.

So for the amazing part. Kim did a great job. I don’t know if it’s the old missionary training, the fact that he is a great teacher, or the fact that he always has something to say. I do know it’s in part because he has a love and great knowledge of the scriptures and he studies them often. He has a strong testimony and he does know and understand the Book of Mormon. But the fact that he always has something to say does help.

I am grateful for Kim and I am happy he is my husband and that he is a very loving a caring man who honors his priesthood and loves his family and the Lord.
He was also set apart Sunday as the 1st assist to the High Priest group leader.

Help, It's a White out!

Let it snow Let it snow Let it snow. Someone said in Relief Society today they were so grateful for the snow, 2 months ago that is. I honestly wondered if we would get a phone call this morning that our meetings had been cancelled, no such luck. If you’ve ever gotten that phone call it’s the greatest feeling. Mine have come related to work, when you’re not need, because the amt. of pt’s is low. We keep tract of that and my last one was on 1/1/07.

I am glad we didn’t cancel, the Whites wouldn’t have gotten their baby blessed with all their family around and some drove long distances, we wouldn’t have heard the testimonies of such great strength and faithful people both young and old alike. One sister is 84 and has more energy and pep than her 8 yr. old primary class. I wouldn’t have gotten to hear Kim’s great Sunday school lesson on doing what the Lord asks us to do, not saying “I’ll try, or I’ll see”, but “yes I will do”. I would not have gotten to give my lesson on the Value and Worth of women, and present the program “Becoming an 8 Cow Women”. It’s were you pick out different goals for yourself and ear a total of 8 cows. Example: Go to the temple 7 times in 7 months, earn 3 cows, save one months worth of income in 7 months and put it away, earn 2 cows, go 7 days with no TV, earn 1 cow, (not worth it to me), say your prayers day and night, become a full tithe payer, read the Book Of Mormon in 7 months, and so one and so one. I was worried that the sisters would think this was just another thing to do or a Burdon in their lives and would not be too excited. But by the reaction of the sisters and comments afterwards they seem excited, and many said they needed some new goals and a way to develop some personal growth, in becoming closer to our Father in Heaven.

So even though we got clobbered by snow and wind I am grateful we still had the opportunity to attend our meetings and share the gospel with one another.

What a Blessing

Last night after we came home from grandma and grandpas, Melanie called and said that Pres. Hinckley had died. I am so grateful she called, because we probably never would have turned the TV on. I got on to KSL.com and watched the broadcast they did imm. after the announcement came. I am sure my feelings have been the same as millions of others, but they are still my feelings. I got a small tear so many times last night and today. It’s so strange, because there is a little empty feeling in my chest, I think I am a little surprised by that, but it’s also one of such gratitude and gratefulness for all the Love and Sacrifice he gave to all of us. Also for the sacrifice of his family. They have had to share him their entire lives and now in their personal time they will share him again. I am grateful that we were able to attend Conference last fall and see him wave his cane and almost look embarrassed by the out-pouring of attention from everyone in attendance. I truly knew I was in the presence of someone great and marvelous.

We are told that at our passing we will be greeted by family and loved ones, and we will then be in the presence of our Father in Heaven. Pres. Hinckley was not only greeted by his dear sweet wife but I am sure he was welcomed back with arms outstretched by Christ himself and our Father in Heaven. And he knew them as well as he knew his wife and family.

I know that we will continue to be lead and directed by Men of God and their words will be words inspired by the Lord. We are in good Hands.
My personal love and appreciation for Pres. Hinckley is a warm and comforting feeling.

The really good stuff

I hate it when I miss the good stuff. Today was a working Sunday. I haven’t worked one in 2 months so I guess it’s about time. So tonight after work we went out to Grandpa & Grandma Hardcastles to celebrate Don’s Birthday. Jodi made cake and most everyone was there. It was a really nice visit.

But during the visit Jodi and Kim said that is Church today they announced Temple night this coming Friday and that we were having treats after at the Hardcastle’s home. I guess Jodi and Kim looked at each other and couldn’t believe I hadn’t told them. Well no one told ME! Last month there were only 3 couples who went and I joking said to the Bishop “We'll have to bribe them next month with Ice Cream.” End of conversation. Then suddenly I hear they are announcing it in Church, Relief Society and Priesthood. I would have thought the Bishop would have asked, but OK we can handle that. When we get home I had a message to the call the RS Pres. And she tells me that she is so sorry for what happened. She had the assignment from the Bishop to ask me. She totally forgot and when she heard it in Sacrament meeting she was just sick and she was so glad I wasn’t there. Because I guess Kim and Jodi looked a little surprised and I would have been even more surprised. I actually think is pretty funny, but I am so grateful that I am off Friday and I already had it on the calendar to attend the temple.

I had set a goal to go each month this year, not just because I should, and I need to, and it is asked of us to go regularly ,and not just because we receive blessings by going and we are doing important work for those who have passed. Not just because we feel good when we go and I learn something new each time and I am reminded of things I’d forgotten. Not just because I feel close to my husband when we attend together and I get a good feeling knowing I am away from all the earthly worries for 90 min. I also feel closer to my Father in Heaven in that very Holy place. All of these are great blessings and so very important, but this year I get the added advantage of receiving 3 cows for going monthly for 8 months and I need to earn 8. I want to become an 8 cow women by Aug. 9th. I’ll write more about that later.

I am grateful for Temples and Ice Cream.