How Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Taking care of three grandchildren for four days is easy. Just get up, fix breakfast, get everyone ready for the day--brush teeth, pack backpacks, get reading assignment done, fix lunches, have scripture story and prayer, off to school, take little one to pre-school, take a deep breathe, and get ready for after school. Then its pick up little one, get after school snack ready, get homework done, practice for music lessons--piano and guitar. Prepare dinner and get oldest off to Roadshow performance. Then its bedtime stories, get ready for bed, have prayers, and tuck everyone in. Repeat for the next three days. Now I know why I had my own kids when I was young. However, the special hugs and kisses are well worth it. It was also fun watching the three-year old and the two-year old that lives with me playing. They would chase each other around the table and play stop and go and laugh like crazy. There's my reward!

The Joy of Youth

I decided that I need to remember how to look at life through the eyes of a child. My little granddaughter danced and grabbed my hand and wanted me to follow her so that she could show me something in her room. I'm going to be tending her and her siblings for a few days. She was so excited and her face lit up with her beautiful smile. I thoroughly enjoyed her enthusiasm. Later my little grandson started running around our dinner table again and again. His little 9-month old brother started to laugh every time he ran past him. Both of them grinned from ear to ear every time he ran around. He did this for ten minutes and we all enjoyed his playfulness. Then he got a little train car and rolled it across the table to me. I rolled it back and he decided to climb up on the chair across from me. We kept rolling it back and forth. He loved the little game and so did I. I realized it was an opportunity to enjoy each other and there was nothing more important than that at the moment. Then he watched "Little Bear" and began laughing so hard we were surprised. He has watched it a dozen times, but today it struck him funny. He kept begging to have it played over and over again. I think I need to look for joy like my grandchildren do. I have a fairly positive attitude, but it was so much fun to look at simple things with a fresh outlook. I truly enjoyed the excitement and laughter these darling children brought to my morning. I'm going to look at simple things with a little more fun and excitement this afternoon. Hope you find joy and laughter in your day too.

Eat Dessert

We attended a funeral in Cedar City for a dear aunt. She almost single-handedly developed the Home Economics department at SUU and was Dean of Women. Her creed in life was "Life is uncertain...eat dessert first!" All the good things in life are to be enjoyed so count the star-filled evenings, the many friendships, warm embraces, and the times God has smiled upon your traveled way. That was the main message and a good time was had by all. There were so many laughs at this funeral that you had leave with a smile on your face. A day well spent. Hope your day was well spent too. I'm ready for dessert! (Really!!!)

I hope you have had the chance to see the YouTube performance by Susan Boyle on Britian's Got Talent. I am drawn to it every day and still get a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat. This frumpy, unemployed lady took the courage to try for her dream at the age of 47. Millions have seen her performance that brought the skeptical audience to their feet after singing only four notes. When you watch it, you grin at the faces of the audience and judges as they see this talented lady win over everyone instantly. We, too, can choose to be courageous and set out to make our goals. It's another take on "eating a frog" to get the worst chore of the day done. One saying is: Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying, "I will try again tomorrow." Some days seem as though we take ten steps backward instead of forward. But we need to stop and remember that we too can have success if we work for it. So, even though this week has had its challenges, I have made some progress and I will take courage and continue on until I see surprised faces of those who might not think I will succeed, especially ME! Oh, yes. I sometimes don't think I will make it, but I am learning things that will help me, so look out--here I come! Its always nice to feel like you can get back on track and finally get to the goal. Onward!

Golden Rule

I was reminded by a sweet friend the importance of treating others as you would like to be treated. You never know what heartache, pain, or suffering is hidden in someone's life. One saying that teaches this is: "Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak...because in your life you will have been all of these." If you live the Golden Rule everything in life will work itself out. If you don't live the Golden Rule, life will not have much happiness or meaning. Today I resolve that I will look for those who need a hug, a smile, and a listening ear. I know that in itself will make my day better. Thanks for the reminder!

Feel Good Day and Earth Day

Today I needed a "feel good" day. Sometimes we have to make our own joy and laughter. I've heard the saying that laughter is to the soul what soap is to the body. So today I will smile and laugh. Having lunch with dear friends gave a supportive, warm, happy feeling. Walking around the block brought smiles with blossoms, flowers, and birds singing. My youngest granchild filled our house with laughing over the smallest little things. One article I read suggested busting out with a silly laugh when you are in the dumps. You would have to go somewhere where you are alone, then people don't label you as crazy. Once you start laughing over doing something so silly, the endorphins in your brain will have kicked in and you have a whole new attitude. I haven't done that yet, but I think I will before the day is over just to have some fun! The choice to be happy can make or break your day. When shopping have you ever been waited on by someone with a smile and cheery greeting? It can make the whole day better. In contrast have you ever been waited on by someone who makes you wish you weren't there? They are grouchy and frowning. I decided I would rather be remembered as the smiling, happy one. No matter what your challenges are today, I hope you have a feel good day with smiles.

Better organized?

What a gorgeous day! My walk was such a delight in this beautiful weather. I'm working on some of my projects and enjoying my grandchildren. Next week I get three other grandchildren for a few days while their Mom and Dad take a much-needed break. I am trying to get a little better organized (as usual) and be better prepared for events that are coming up this week. I'm also trying to concentrate on some things that will enrich family life. I am so thankful for the opportunities that are mine. I know I can make better use of my time some days so that I can reach my goals. I am also identifying some new "frogs" to eat. Have to keep pressing forward, don't we? I'm also beginning my life story (Again!) and hope to write some every day. That might help me stay out of trouble. Hope your day is fantastic! You deserve it!

Monday

Beautiful day! Its been grocery shopping, get some medication, go to Costco, tend, and cook dinner for Frank's home teaching families. I have some projects to work on this week, but that will come later. Had fun watching "Bedtime Stories" with my daughter too. Monday is the day we get ready for Tuesday I guess. I have enjoyed my day and look forward to keep progressing this week. I have been getting in my walking and lost weight again last week. WAHOO!!! Hope your day is wonderful too.

I am Loved

Today I have to thank my Heavenly Father for the abundance of love in my life. It has been shown to me so repeatedly in the past few days. I have had some challenges with my health (glucose reading of 46; pain in my foot) and have been told again and again of our Saviour's love. This was given as a message in our women's conference multiple times today. I decided that I NEED to really believe this. So often we here it and think "Yes, that's true", but dismiss it and don't REALLY accept it. It doesn't seem possible that He could really love ME with all my weaknesses. But I realized that General Conference gave this meassage multiple times too. If we truly learn to believe this as He wants us to, we will be able to face what He knows is coming. We have to strengthen our faith NOW. We know that He is in charge and is trying to help us find the path He wants us on. We have the tools to help us make that journey--scriptures, prayer, prophets, and personal revelation. What great love and compassion we have. I am thankful for the abundance of love in my life! I am thankful for my family and friends and the love and support that we can give each other. Together we will make it through on a successful journey.

Potential

Wow! Friday again! Where do the days go? Went on a good walk again today and the pain is all gone. I am enjoying my day and am eager to keep going on my challenges. I received a cool youtube e-mail from a friend. If you haven't seen the Susan Boyle performance from Britain's Got Talent, please check it out. A magnificent example of not judging a book from its cover! I've seen it about eight times and it still brings a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. I bought a small book yesterday about Jim Henson of the Muppets. There's a poem I love that gives me another example. If just one person believes in you and they believe hard and strong, then another realizes "If he can do it, so can I" and two believe in you. Maybe you can believe in yourself too. We each have some unlocked potential that will come forth if we believe in ourselves. I need to look at each day as an opportunity to enrich life by being a little more thoughtful, a little more observant, and a little more energetic in finding the potential in others as well as myself. My daily calendar will now include a little time devoted to enriching my potential. Yes, I can do that.

Special people

Not much time today, but just a note to say thank you to the loved ones in my life. I started the day down in the dumps, but it didn't take long for special people to rejuvenate my spirit and get the day back on track. I even got my walk in even though my foot has been in pain. I'm doing much better and am so thankful that I have two feet to walk on and beautiful things to see as I go. Hope your day is full of joy and miracles.

Heavenly day

Such a beautiful spring rain today--my favorite kind of rain. On my walk this morning, I enjoyed the tulips, daffodils, chirping birds, blossoming trees, and the soft pitter-patter of rain drops on my umbrella. A delightful, dance in the rain day that raised my spirits. My walk was a little shorter, a little slower, and a little more difficult that last week, but so enjoyable. I'm so glad I got out to relish the peaceful silence and the beauty of nature. The fresh air was a delight too and I found myself taking deep breaths and loving the beneficial feel of it. I can see that I need to take morning walks more often. The day has few "have to" moments, so I just may make it a day of "want to" today. I also am going to the Temple today and that is always a special privilege. It looks like today might be one of those heavenly days we always wish for. I guess my big goal for today is to MAKE it a heavenly day. I hope your day is one of those too.

Rambling thoughts

I'm feeling better today and slowly working back into doing a little more. We are having company for dinner tonight and working on the house and food. I'm doing the salad and dessert and my son-in law is doing the rest. I have also figured out what I can eat and have my plan in place. At the same time I need to recognize which things I can't do right now. I need to look at my priorities and do the best I can. Sometimes that means I have to say "No" politely but firmly. My dance card is full right now. I read a review of Marie Osmond's new book, "Might as Well Laugh About it Now", and I loved the idea that sometimes we just have to laugh now. Life can throw us some curves--all of us get them. Laughter helps us cope with the stresses and see life in a better perspective. So much for my rambling thoughts. Back to work. Hope your day is full of love, laughter, and progress.

Lifestyle

I had written my day's post and tried to publish it and got a blank. Oh well, here we go again. Maybe there's something I need to think more about before I publish. Anyway, I went to the dietician this morning and she said I was doing everything right. Yea! I had lost weight and had excellent blood sugar levels for the last week. My insulin seems to be doing well. I have had some lightheadedness and a dizzy spell. They think that may be related to some blood pressure problems, so we are going to check that out. I feel like I'm getting a handle on some of my eating challenges and working on some others to help make this a more permanent lifestyle for the future. I certainly don't want to give in to complications without a battle. I also think these changes are do-able. I've heard that slow and steady wins the race, and I'll enjoy the journey while I'm at it. I might not be perfect in my choices, but I will keep on trying until I win. How's that for positive thinking! Hope your Monday is a great one.

Happy Easter

Beautiful sunshine! Sunshine lifts the spirit and gives hope for a brighter day. We all need that light in our lives to keep us going. I have done well today, but I am pacing a little slower and pressing forward steadily. At least I'm going forward. I love this season of the year with everything growing and brightening us after the long, dreary winter. I also have time to reflect on how I can grow and brighten my life and others around me. Our own burdens are lightened when we help others. Easter brings spiritual renewal and gives us a sweeter, hopeful attitude that will carry us onward. It is truly beginning to feel like the long winter is over and we are ready for this beautiful time of the year to burst forth. Enjoy the peace and love of this special day and keep it in your hearts as I will.

Slow Down

I had a scary morning and I don't know why. I got up to fix breakfast and almost passed out. I quickly went in to lie down until it passed. I checked my blood sugar and it was 107--a good reading. I had breakfast, but have been kind of borderline=not much energy. I think that is a signal that I need to learn a little more about listening to my body. Our body can tell us many things if we learn to listen. Sometimes we have to learn to hang on until the storms blow out. I have been drinking fluids and taking it easy with my family. It would be nice to always have all the energy I want, but I think it simply means to take a deep breath and move forward a little more slowly. I had thought I would go for a walk because I enjoyed yesterday's walk so much, but Monday will bring another opportunity. I found a saying that tells a little of how I feel. "Sometimes I get the feeling that the whole world is against me, but deep down I know that is not true. Some of the smaller countries are neutral." (Robert Orben) If I enjoy life and a little bit of humor to spice it up, things will improve. Patience and time will help me get through adversity. I hope your day is beautiful, peaceful, and a lot of fun!

Easter Reflections

How blessed we are to have this yearly reminder of Repentance and Hope. Easter brings new life and growth to us all, just as the season of Spring does. We have such great blessings that I sometimes take for granted. I appreciate this opportunity to make some changes in my life and know that I have a cheering committee to do so. My Heavenly Father has such patience and love that I see exhibited in so many ways. "Change comes bearing gifts." (Price Pritchett) As I think about this thought I realize that I must be willing to make some changes. It is NOT easy, but we will always have change, so we need to make a choice about how we react to change. Either we manage change or it manages us. I am reminded of the saying "To get what you've never had, you must do what you've never done." I guess as I realize these blessings I need to just lace up my running shoes and discover what I can uncover on a new trail. I'm sure there are some new facets in my life that I can use to make this journey a rewarding one. I also recognize that I will make mistakes along the way, but we can change those failures into rewards. Henry Ford said, "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." Oh how thankful I am that I can still move forward when I make Mistakes. The Atonement is the greatest blessing we have and I am reminded of this each Easter season. May your Good Friday be peaceful and rewarding.

Dancing in the Rain

I had the opportunity to spend time out in the rain today. The world was fresh and beautiful. It is something I am going to try to do more often. Some of my challenges seem a little easier to deal with now that I have had some practice. I also know that I can share some of my struggles with others and encourage them with their challenges. We all are in a race of life and sometimes we need to realize that our goal is an eternal finish-line. But in this race we just take one day at a time and do the best we can. We are all winners even if we aren't the first over the line. We just get there the best we can. It is an even better journey if we stop and smell the roses along the way. There's my thought for today. Have you smelled the roses today?

Good morning

It's a good morning. My son-in-law made breakfast wraps this morning--delicious! I have a dentist appointment today, but I'm kind of excited because I will get in my walk since it's only a few blocks away. It's already Wednesday! So far this week I have succeeded in exercising and checking off all of my to do list. I am counting carbs and learning a lot. I know that something is going to louse up my good record because this is LIFE. But I know that I'm developing some better habits (slowly) and that I can still push forward when I face new challenges. I think I am learning more than ever to enjoy the journey. I certainly need to be reminded of that fact. I love seeing our gorgeous mountains, hearing my little grandson recite the alphabet, music, family pictures, scriptures, cartoons, kind words from family and friends, encouraging e-mails, and knowledge of my Heavenly Father's love. Today is a great day! Hope it is perfect for you too.

Self-report

Gorgeous day! I had the best blood sugar level this morning that I've had in years. I have put some tools in place to help me with my quest, so I'm ready for the day. In the book I'm reading it talks about listening to our bodies to recognize the dynamic rhythm of activity and rest. It says that it is essential in our stress filled world to identify what our body needs. Many of the medical maladies that afflicts our generation are related to our inablity to rest and restore energy before moving on. I believe this is true for our spiritual needs too. It says, "Remember, you want your life to be a marathon not a hundred-yard-dash, so pace yourself." If your body is a temple, begin treating it like one. I know I need to do that. I need to take a daily survey of how I'm feeling each day and recognize when I can step up and when to back off. If I keep progressing forward then that is enough. May you each have a day of peace and plenty and treat yourself as the royalty you are.

Daily Writing

I am really enjoying writing every day. It helps me process my thoughts and clarify what should be my focus. This morning I was reading a book on how to make our life more productive and be aware of happiness in our lives. She recommends that you write every day for 15-20 minutes. If you only get rid of "garbage" that is bugging you, it is worth the time. She said that you will begin to write things that will help you focus on the priorities. Wow! I could have written that book! I had trouble finding things to write about at first, but now I have a whole list of ideas. I have some new challenges to address with my health after visiting the Diabetes educator. I am increasing insulin by 2mm, beginning thyroid medication, and learning how to count carbs. Next week I meet with the dietician and get more specific instructions. I'm excited to press forward and gain control of this disease instead of letting it control me. Anyone for a walk?

Peaceful Silence

It is SO quiet in my home right now. Most of the family are asleep between Conference sessions. I am enjoying this because too often we don't get very much quiet in this busy world. I have an opportunity to review my blessings and ponder what I need to do to meet the priorities in my life. I know I have physical and health challenges, but I also need to be strengthened spiritually. Sometimes I feel extremely weak in that area. Then the Lord blesses me with something that I never expected. I know he hears and answers my prayers. That brings great comfort. So I'm quietly reviewing my goals and challenges for the coming week, and putting the priorities in my schedule. I have a few "frogs" to eat and a few joys to anticipate. That sounds like a good balance. Conference is a good time to renew the spirit and move forward to make our priorities become realities. Onward with good cheer as the Prophet counseled.

Gratitude Day

Today I'm looking for the things I have instead of the things I "wish" I had. There is no sense in wishing away our life waiting until something happens to come along. No more "things will be better when summer comes"; I'll be happy when.....; When I lose weight; When I am on vacation; or someday..... to make me happy. I am going to enjoy what I have now. I have a sweet hubby, six wonderful children, six special children by marriage, eight fantastic grandchildren, four granddogs, and marvelous extended family. I have a warm, comfortable home, and a car that runs. I have special, dear friends that brighten my day and excellent neighbors. I know that my Redeemer lives and I love the callings I have to serve Him and others. I have good, caring doctors that are helping me make some much needed changes. I have beautiful mountains that are always magnificent. I have lotions, water, TV, scrapbooking, newspapers, libraries, sudoku, the Wii, popcorn, fresh fruit, places to go, restaurants to go with loved ones, and the scriptures. I can walk, see, hear most things, use my hands, brain, and heart and serve others. I can keep busy and yet take a nap when I want to. Life is GOOD! Hope yours is too.

The 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 Rule states that 20% percent of the tasks set before us are vitally important; the other 80% are negotiable. Each of the ten tasks we have may take the same amount of time to accomplish. But one or two of those tasks will contribute five or ten times the value of any of the others. If we work on the priorites, we will reach our goal. Rich DeVos said, "The only things that stand between a person and what they want in life are the will to try it and the faith to believe it's possible." Iam actually looking forward to eating my Frog today. I can't remember when I've actually exercised five days in a row. But this week it has become something I look forward to. Soon it won't be my "Frog" anymore and I can choose a new one to work on. Now my challenge is to do as well next week. If I do it one day at a time, I can make it. I had my diabetic eye exam this morning and things looked pretty good. However, he could see signs of beginning diabetic eye hemorrhaging, so I need to go in six months to see if it is progressing or not. I hope my choices will help prevent further damage. That knowledge makes my choices even more important to my future happiness. More motivation!

Commitment 100%

It has been said that there is a remarkable difference between a commitment of 99% and 100% (Vic Conant) and I am going to try to find that difference. As we set our goals we have to figure out what needs to be done to accomplish them. If we build on this plan every day, we will be moving us forward to accomplish our goal. That means we need to have 100% commitment. With this decision we will find that all sorts of things occur that would never otherwise have occured. Commitment brings action. Goethe said, "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Sometimes your action might be a phone call, or creating a game plan. I have had FUN moving forward this week. The week has gone so fast and I'm looking forward to enlarge on my plan. I had been going to "take a day off" today, but as I write I have developed a desire to "eat my frog" and push forward with greater commitment. Wow! This writing has power to! Go for it!

Eat That Frog!

Today I will Eat That Frog. That's the title of my other new book. I talks about procrastination. Mark Twain once said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog, you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that it is probably the worst thing that will happen to you all day long. I have so many ideas in my head that I decided I would do my writing first and then "eat my frog". Because of our fears (see March 31 entry) we often postpone things we don't want to do for some reason or another. If we get busy and face that challenge, we gain control. So that is my decision for today--eat the frog.
It is April 1st--April Fool!!!! When I changed my calendar and then looked outside I could swear that it is January. OHH Well!! Onward. Today I slept in--but I really didn't want to. However, my son-in-law had cooked breakfast and they were ready to leave to take their two-year old son to his play and learn group that he attends twice a week. They took both boys and left me and the dog home alone.. So I have some quiet time all my own to choose what to do. That's why I decided to write first to figure out what my frog was today. I'm being pampered by my s-i-l as he has taken over the cooking and shopping for me this week. He has worked as a chef and is an excellent cook. They decided to do the grocery shopping while they waited for their son to finish his class. So I'm off to eat my frog....do my exercising for the third day in a row. I hope I can do it with enthusiasm---just like the dog when she goes out in the snow to do her thing. She jumps into the snow and runs all over the yard. She loves it. So...Here I go!!! YES!!!!