Beautiful morning. I loved the smell of the air after the rain yesterday. We kept busy yesterday. After playing games with my daughters, we went shopping. We haven't done that for quite awhile. It was fun, and I bought a few fun things too. Hubby and I had a quiet evening to ourselves and watched "Apple Dumpling Gang". It has been so many years since we saw it and we really enjoyed the "G" rating. Kind of nice to see some of the oldies. Today is my son-in-law's birthday and we are having a little family celebration. I'm also looking forward to our Church meetings today. It is always uplifting and refreshing to begin the new week with some spiritual insights. Then I can plan the new month of June and press forward. I hope your coming week is prosperous and delightful.

We tended our grandsons last night and had a lot of fun. I didn't sleep well, but I did get to sleep in. After breakfast my daughter and grandson went with me on our walk. It really is interesting to watch things from the view point of a two year-old. We saw the sheep at the end of the street and I realized they really do say "baaa". We saw dogs and petted them through the fence, saw lots of airplanes--he loves airplanes, and ran through the sprinklers shooting their watery drops on the sidewalk. As we reached our street we could see Grandpa waiting for us. Cute little guy started running as fast as he could to his special friend. We had fun exploring the motorhome and then were ready for the rest of a beautiful day. I know we have family coming today, but the realm of possibilites is great as to what we will choose to do together. It is always a delight to be together. So I will go on taking the day as it comes and enjoy every moment. Hope you can do that too.

Enjoy Life

Ah!!! Life is the best alternative!!! I have been exercising with my Wii Fit the last few days because I haven't been able to get out. Today I thoroughly enjoyed a walk outdoors. Birds, sunshine, and even seeing my grandchildren on their way to school. I crave that walk outside! I'm enjoying my grandsons today too. My daughter is giving a birthday party for both boys in a few weeks and she is out shopping for things. She's using the Sesame Street theme and it is sooo cute. Since both boys love the show it is a great way to celebrate their birthdays. It is also fun to have family celebrate with them because they will be so far away again next year. (Well probably) All of the other birthdays have been in Hawaii and the future ones in Maryland.
I am also excited because today I'm going back to the school I taught at for twenty years in honor of a friend who is retiring. It will be fun to see many that I taught with for many years. My dear friend is going too--she also taught there. So it should be a fun and bring back some good memories.
I can't believe that May is almost over. The summer does bring many special opportunities to enjoy life and I love this time of year. Picnics, the Zoo, and many other places in our beautiful state are available for family fun. I'm eager to try it all!!!! Hope your coming summer is the best ever!!!

I love Thursdays because I get my hair done and visit with dear friends. I also did some grocery shopping so we have a little variety in the house. I tended the little one while big brother had his DDI class. Then I rested and read. Ah sweet relaxation. We went to our Ward FHE and had cobbler made by the Bishop. THen we went to an excellent Ward/Stake Council meeting. We were challenged to rescue those around us by introducing the Gospel to them. When we got home we had some excellent bread made by my special son-in law. Awesome! Hope your day was wonderful too.

Hangin" in there

I have had a quiet day today. I tended our 10-month old grandson while my daughter took the two-year old to a play group. The little one went to sleep and I did some computer stuff and exercised. I later brought up a box from the basement that had quilt blocks that were made by my great-grandmother. It was interesting to also find items made by both of my grandmothers and my mother. The most nostalgic piece was my mother's wedding dress--66 years old. There was a note explaining that it had cost her $5 and she had added lace at the neckline. It is in pretty good shape except for the lace on one shoulder. I'm going to have to consider some options to figure out what to do with it.
I made some vegetable chowder and it was fun to do some cooking again. I've been kind of lazy lately. Last night we went to dinner at Frank's brother's home in Kaysville. They have been doing a lot of yard work--they have an acre. It has a swimming pool, fire pit, gazebo, and a train that runs along the back of the yard. They have their own private stream too. It is a heavily wooded area in the middle of a subdivision. Their son and some friends came to prepare our dinner. Wow! I think they out did LaCaille. They had a written menu at each place setting. Appetizer--Red Thai Curry Crab Cakes. mmmm I would like to have had two or three servings of that. Salad was Baby Green Salad with fresh herbs, goat cheese and beets with a roasted shallot and garlic vinaigrette. The Entree was Seared Polenta with Roast Beef and Wild Mushroom Ragu. It consisted of sundried tomato and garlic polenta with cambozola cheese, prime rib filet, mushroom ragu on top of beet greens. The entree was about the size of a stack of ten fifty-cent pieces. Extremely good! Dessert was summer peach pie with vanilla bean ice cream. MMMMM. They made it right there. It was kind of fun to get pampered, but my son-in-law can cook just as well! I have enjoyed his cooking while they are living here. I have also been eager to get into some quilting. My new sewing machine looks pretty cool, but its going to take awhile to use it effectively. Until then I'll just keep hanging in there!

Wahoo!!

Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to enrich our lives. I realized my new medication is making some positive changes. I am sleeping better and waking up refreshed and eager to start the day. It makes a huge difference in my attitude too. What a blessing! I am thankful for these improvements. I also am taking the plunge and learning to quilt. New ventures can give us a spurt of energy and brighten our daily activities. Life is GOOD!!!

We had such a delightful trip. The mountains we green and beautiful. There were still patches of dirty snow, but we loved being up there. I saw four deer and a moose. We visited with the camp directors and truly relaxed. Slept beautifully too. Sure do love the luxury of our motorhome---especially in the cool evenings. I also enjoyed some great walks. We came home Saturday afternoon and enjoyed our family. Sunday was also a beautiful day. I loved the rain and the wonderful,fresh smell of the air. Enjoyed family again last night, and many will be here today for our BBQ. I'm also happy because I have started to wake up earlier and I love getting that early start every day. Hope Your coming week will be spectacular!

Beautiful day! I went for an early walk and then came home to make breakfast. I was fun to get things done early. I got my haircut and enjoyed my special visit with dear friends. THen I met my hubby and we got our shopping done for our CAMPING TRIP! Yes!!! We are heading for the mountains tomorrow! My day will be spent packing and preparing food. Hope your Memorial Day weekend is wonderful too.

Wonderful

We had a sweet young lady from Columbia join us for dinner last night. She commented how important it is to follow the promptings we receive. She followed a prompting and it totally changed her sister's life for the better. She was amazed at how quickly the change occurred. Now her sister is celebrating a happy marriage and a new baby daughter. I read a comment by Mary Kay Ash, the cosmetic queen. She said that she imagined people wearing an invisible sign around their necks that read, "Make Me feel important." I am so thankful for the wonderful people in my life that make me feel important. I also see the need to follow the promptings that I get in order to make others aware at how important they are to me. At the same time I hope I can meet their needs when they need a little help. Maybe today I can create a moment of encouragement, a kind word, or a sincere compliment that will make someone else's day. I love the story of the little boy who said, "Dad, let's play darts. I'll throw and you say "Wonderful". I hope your day is wonderful too.

Ahhh! Tuesday! I unbelievably slept eight hours and woke up early. I went for a lovely walk before breakfast and got quite a bit done this morning. Also enjoyed my granddaughter's orchestra concert at Truman Elementary. I'm so blessed. These lovely days are slipping by too rapidly. The house will soon have that heavenly smell of freshly baked bread===thanks to my son-in-law. We had a delightful dinner last night for home teaching and tonight we are having our visiting teaching sisters. A fun way to fulfill the calling this month. Hope your day is lovely too.

Off to another busy week and its gorgeous outside. I had eight hours sleep and was awake early--love that! I did grocery shopping and then had breakfast. Today I will probably tend the little one for awhile. I will get my walk, clean house, and prepare to go to the endochrologist this afternoon. I hope there has been some improvement in my health--at least I'm feeling better most of the time. This evening we are having all of hubby's home teaching people to dinner. It should be a lot of fun because some of them like to play games after dinner. I am also praying for my son who is probably having more surgery today. He had surgery last Friday and we thought things had gone well. I'm not sure what's going on now, but he texted his brother saying he would possibly have surgery again today. Hopefully this will take care of things for him. However, I am excited about the prospects of a great week and hope you are too.

Wow! Where did Saturday go! I actually enjoyed the day very much. It was a day of grocery shopping, planning, cleaning, and fun. I attended the bridal shower of a Ward member that was lots of fun. Then we went to a Ward BBQ. There was a great turnout, good food, and fun activities. Some played croquet, others volleyball, and some interesting frisbee activity. It was fun visiting and relaxing on a beautiful, warm evening. It really made it feel like summer is here. On Facebook I took a little quiz "What season are you?" and it came out I am a summer person. Right on! I'm getting eager to go camping, picnicking, and enjoy activities with the family. I truly love spring, but it just blends into summer and more fun. Hope your day was lovely too.

Third time's the charm! This is the third time today that I have attempted to blog. Life keeps us so busy sometimes, but I'm enjoying it. The house is quiet and two little ones are asleep--all other adults are gone. I have had time to play games, watch TV, read and nibble. Almost like a mini vacation. Another week is quickly coming to a close. I have learned alot and am eager to continue on. My walking has been delightful and I have actually spent time visiting with ladies along my walking route that I haven't seen for a long time. I think winter has finally disappeared and warm weather is blessing our days. Hope you are enjoying your day too.

Pondering

I truly enjoyed my trip to the Temple. I needed that and appreciate the opportunity to feel of the special spirit there. I have learned that The Saviour doesn't say "Go get your act together and come back when you get it right." He says "Let's start right where you are and go from there." He doesn't wait until we are perfect. Brother Brad Wilcox states, "Christ doesn't wait to offer blessings until our families all look like the happy groups whose pictures appear in the ENSIGN magazine or in TV commercials." I'm so thankful for this truth. I know he loves me and will keep blessing me even when I don't deserve it. I feel of His love today and hope that you have that blessing also. I pray that we will all continue this journey by uplifting one another just as Jesus does until we meet with Him again.

A Day of Blessings

My ten-month old grandson made my day. He laughs at all my silly faces and loves me just as I am. His sweet, innocent smile is priceless! The scale was my friend today too. I made my first goal in improving my health. Celebrate! My special friends also made my day by their love and thoughtfulness as we shared heartaches and boosted each other up. It is so special to have people you can talk to without worrying about hurt feelings or wondering if they think you are weird. We accept each other as we are. We gain peace and strength from one another. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water." Through all of our trials, we are strengthened by working through them with the help of our Heavenly Father and each other. I am also thankful for the opportunity to go to the Temple tonight. Hopefully I can find a new direction the Lord would like me to go in facing troubles. Actually, I am so blessed that I hesitate to say I have troubles--I know that so many are facing more tribulations than I have ever known. However, my challenges are my own, so I will accept them and go forward with gratefulness. I hope your day is full of blessings!

A Great Day

I'm ready for a great day! I have been stressed over others trials lately. My son-in-law has struggled with a bad sprained ankle. My daughter-in-law has been stressed and depressed because they haven't had children. My grandson spent about 7 hours with doctors yesterday. They ruled out strep and pneumonia and then sent him to Primary Childen's Hospital. They found a massive inner ear infection and gave him a shot of penicillin and prescribed amoxicillin. He is also dehydrated and has to have Pedialyte. My granddaughter is at the doctor's right now because of illness. My son might not have a job by the end of this week. My son-in-law has still not heard about his job in Maryland. It is worrisome to not be able to help more with their trials. I read an article this morning that gave me a better perspective of all these worries. It told about the butterfuly struggling to escape its cocoon. A helpful observer, watching its struggle, decided to gently cut the creature's cocoon open and free it. When the wet butterfly emerged, it was unable to fly because what was intended to be helpful had actually prevented the butterfly from strengthening its wings to prepare it for flight. Perhaps the stress we experience strengthens us to be able to blossom or fly in unexpected ways. I'm not saying all stress is good, but the right amount of stress can help us blossom. So I guess I will let them work out their problems and just be part of their cheering squad. Then I can deal with my own challenges in a more productive way. Ask yourself what you most need to learn from your experiences and break through your barrier to become the extraordinary creature you are meant to be...Yes! It is a great day!

Monday

I hesitate to write because of those around me having difficult or negative challenges. I am thankful for the Temple prayer roll. At least that's is something you can do to help. I did have a lovely mother's day and am ready to press forward this week. There are some good things to look forward to and I am so thankful for that. The sun is shining and I enjoyed my walk. Monday is a fresh start and I appreciate that. Hope your day is sunshiny and productive--good combination for a good day.

Busy Saturday

Woke up early to get all my Primary assignments done in time for our Mom and Me Party. We had a great activty--all using M&M's. It was fun to use M&M's in our games and decorating cupcakes. Everything worked out very well and clean up went quickly. At home we had a house full and enjoyed visting and playing games. Hopefully I'll get my potato casserole made before bedtime so I'm ready for everyone tomorrow. I had fun shopping with daughters yesterday after going to lunch. I bought a mystery book that I started reading after dinner. Last night I couldn't lay it down, so I finished it last night by flashlight. FUN! I received alot of wonderful blessings of time and company this weekend. I wish you all a delightful Mother's Day.

Service

I am reminded of the saying that you forget your own troubles in the service of others. Last night we had the opportunity for service to our brothers and sisters in Mexico. One of the counselors in our Bishopric works for the Church Humanitarian department. He called with an emergency request for help preparing Isolation kits that were requested by the Mexican government. They asked for 7 million kits from the many organizations willing to help. The Church has volunteered 100,000 kits at the present time. They were supposed to receive the supplies Tuesday, but the two semis didn't arrive until late Wednesday. We put together kits for doctors, nurses, and care-givers which consisted of cap, gown, face mask, gloves, and shoe covers, They are disposable and they need to use a new one with each patient. Quite a task, but it was fun to prepare them as we chatted and laughed. It is a real challenge to cope with illness that is spreading so quickly around the world. They have a lot of kits left to prepare, but we gave it a good start. I was reminded that we all have challenges to face and that we are not alone. I am so thankful that I know my heavenly father loves me and is in charge of the whole scheme of things. I just have to find my place in his plan. I am thankful that I am still capable of helping others. Onward!

Win the Battle

The past few days I have really not wanted to write. I have exercised every day and kept up on my duties, but blogging was not on my agenda. I guess I need to put it on my daily plans and check it off daily. The reason I feel this is important is because I find that I'm more likely to have a better attitude and accomplish more If I write about things daily. So I looked up some sayings to push my motivation. Thomas Edison said, "If I find 10,000 ways something won't work, I haven't failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is often a step forward." Okay--I'm making progress but I'm still not motivated. That means I need to write down ideas and keep up my motivation by writing them down and clarifying my goals. I need to realize that I have support all around me. Walt Disney, one of my favorite people, said, "The difference in winning or losing is most often...not quitting." So today I am going to get back on track. I think Margaret Thatcher, the first woman prime minister of Great Britain, said it best. "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." I'm off to win the battle---again!

Smile! You're on Candid Camera!

Today started with loud knocking at our bedroom door. I called "come in", but nothing happened. I went and opened the door to our beaming two-year old grandson. "Hi Pampa!". He went over to Grandpa(also called Pampa). Another "Hi Pampa" and he was off down the hall. One minute later he came bouncing in again. "Hi Pampa!" to each of us and back down the hall. He continued running up and down the hall and greeting us with his cheery "Hi Pampa!" over and over. It reminded me of the saying, "Happiness is like jam, you can't spread it around without getting a little on yourself." His cheerful greeting really gave us all a great beginning to our day. Now I think it is my turn to brighten a day for someone. I hope I'll recognize the opportunity when it comes. It makes me feel so good to spread sunshine--OH. Spread sunshine all over the place, just put on a happy face. That song just popped into my head. I love playing a little game when I am out in public places. I give a big smile and see how many smile back. Some times someone will beat me to it with their smile. It is a fun game because even if they don't smile back, you have given one to them--maybe they need it. So I'm off to get my day's work done and hope you meet some special smiles during your day. :)

Sunshiny Day

Another glorious week is here! I think I might be able to get back on schedule with my goals. I have enjoyed the brilliant sunshine this morning. That always brightens the day with a better attitude. I came across a saying that I really enjoyed. "The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind." William James This is SO true. On days that I work on a good attitude, I seem to be able to accomplish more and enjoy it more too. On cloudy days I find that a little more difficult. Then I need to look for the beauty of the day and count my blessings. That helps to brighten my day and my attitude. What are the ways you gain a more positive attitude? We can always use more ideas to keep us going on the right path. Hope your days are always bright and sunshiny.

Celebrate Life!

I'm almost at the end of my grandchildren tending for now. The kids have been wonderful! It really wasn't too hard--just had to keep us all on schedule. Today I get to kick back a little and go to lunch with my daughters at Olive Garden. My oldest daughter is having a birthday this weekend and it will be fun to celebrate. I have certainly been blessed with a special family. I also get to go to a party tonight with my hubby so that will be even more celebration. He forgot to tell me about it until the other day, but I am looking forward to it. Hope you have some fun things to celebrate this weekend too,