Christmas Day in the morning

It's been such a beautiful day. We had a quiet morning getting food ready for later. Then hubby and I opened gifts to each other. We received a phone call from our daughter-in-law telling us that they were on the way to the emergency room. Our son had given her new kitchen knives for Christmas. She nicked herself trying to open one of the knives. They bandaged it up and he tried his luck at opening them. His was a deeper cut and required stitches. Only these two could have such drama. Last year our son went to a Maverick to get some cough syrup Christmas morning.
They had just had a robbery and he was greeted with cops all over the place as he walked to the front to pay for his purchases.
The rest of the morning was wonderful as we all opened gifts and laughed. It was fun to have our daughter and her son join us too. A wonderful day of family and remembering the first Christmas. A wonderful celebration!

Christmas Eve

Today is a busy, but delightful, day. I have finished shopping for food and am in the process of making potato salad. I have decluttered the house and cleaned up some of the wrapping stuff. I have enjoyed putting away my birthday things. Yesterday was a very satisfying day. My sweet hubby gave me a gorgeous bouquet of daisies and carnations. The grandkids gave hugs and sang "Happy Birthday". I got to go get my hair done and enjoy a visit with dear friends. We made gingerbread houses with the grandkids, and enjoyed visits from my children. It was a wonderful way to spend my birthday.
Today will be finishing preparations for Christmas. I am looking forward to a special time with family tomorrow. We have lots of stockings to stuff and still need to deliver neighborhood gifts. What a delightful time of year! The birth of the Savior is a sacred and loving time. Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas????

All of a sudden it doesn't seem like Christmas. I have done the shopping, wrapped almost everything, I've played Christmas music for weeks, I've enjoyed Christmas movies, and the decorating has been enjoyed for weeks. Yesterday we enjoyed hearing the Christmas recital of two of our grandchildren who are playing piano. We also had the privilege of helping deliver Sub for Santa items to a sweet family. The darling little Mom just sobbed as we brought in load after load of gifts. "There can't be any more," she would exclaim and fresh tears would slide down her cheeks as more was carried in. The two children hugged all of us and thanked us for this special Christmas. The dear Mom couldn't express her gratefulness for our gifts, but we could feel the thankfulness in her speechless hugs. That was one of the best Christmas moments this year.
So I guess I need to drum up some more Christmas spirit and have a party! Yay! The grandkids are coming for a special time with us. We are having pizza for dinner, and baking cookies for dessert. We will make snowflakes, and maybe some stars. We will make gingerbread houses decorated with lots of candy. We will hear the Night Before Christmas told by a cute little bear and mouse. We will probably watch some Disney Christmas cartoons that they love. I hope we will get some sleep too.
Tomorrow morning we will have waffles and ice cream--and celebrate my birthday. Yes! I do think I can work up some more Christmas spirit!!!

Marvelous Monday

We had a lovely time last night with four of our children and their families. We enjoyed dinner and then did white elephants. My son asked his dog, Harley, if he wanted to take a white elephant gift to grandma's. He got in his toy box and picked out a cloth elephant toy. I happened to have it and he came and took it away for a trade. Hilarious! It was a fun evening.
I did get to sleep in a little. (Needed!) After a slow start I visited with my daughter on Facebook, had breakfast, and went shopping for hubby. With all our other shopping, he has been there and I haven't been able to get him anything. I felt like I was sneaking out of the house. LOL I got his gifts wrapped and visited with my other daughter. Now I can start preparing for the grandkids to come Wednesday.
Tonight we are having a nephew and friends for dinner and games. Tomorrow I'm going to lunch with my daughter--an early birthday present! Party! Party! Party!

Sabbath Joys

We had a wonderful evening last night. The lights downtown were gorgeous. After the wedding ceremony we met friends at Sizzler's for dinner. We got home and visited with our son and his family--they had a party at our home tonight.
Today we are having our Stake President and his wife give the sacrament meeting. It has become a tradition for them to come and speak the week before Christmas. It is always inspirational. Tonight we are having family come for dinner. We are going to play games and do white elephant gifts. I also listened to the Tabernacle Choir this morning and enjoyed music we heard at the concert the other night. Wonderful! I am blessed to be able to live at this wonderful time.

Saturday

I've been trying to post every day to get back in the habit. This morning I finally posted for yesterday, so now I'll get today's post done. We spent the morning cleaning and getting things ready for tomorrow. Hubby spends hours doing Church work to get ready for Sunday. I have a little more relaxed schedule. I made a salad for Frank's brother--he always wants me to make it for him. We delivered it and finished cleaning. our son and his wife are using our room for a Christmas party today. Hubby and I are going to the Salt Lake Temple for a wedding. I have dinner tomorrow under control for now. I'm excited for the coming week and finishing preparations. We are certainly blessed!

Busy Day

Got my shopping done for Sunday Dinner with the family. It always feels good to have things prepared ahead. I also finished Christmas shopping for this year! Now is the huge job of wrapping. I'm kind of excited because we bought some new wrapping paper. We got one that is red with white designs that is very Christmasy. We also got one with the same white patterns, but the background is black. You would think that is kind of weird, but it is very Christmasy too. I can't wait to use it. Frank and I both chose that black one as our very favorite design.
Last night we watched Hallmark Christmas movies while we finished up Christmas projects. Frank crocheted some hot pads and I wrapped the neighbor gifts so we can deliver them. I now feel like Christmas is under control. That means I can concentrate on the most important meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas to All!!!

Thursday--Fun Day

I really slept well, but here I am early in the morning getting my day underway. I get my hair done--Yay! Love spending time with those ladies. Then I'm doing some shopping and preparing gifts for neighbors. This evening we are going to our daughter's for dinner and then will attend the Tabernacle Choir Christmas program with David Archuletta as the guest performer. I am looking forward to this special evening. Tickets are hard to come by and I never dreamed I would actually be going. I am also eager to see all the beautiful lights on Temple Square. Merry Thursday!!!

Human again

I'm finally feeling human again and ready to join the race for Christmastime. Today I enjoyed going to lunch with two dear friends and exchanging gifts. These ladies spent so much time sewing and I love the table runners they made. Yes,m great minds think alike! They both did table runners that are so different and beautiful. We had gone shopping at a quilting store a few months ago. We all got the patterns, but I didn't do sewing for Christmas. They inspire me!
I had a fairly quiet day. My visiting teachers also came and we had a great visit.

A Day off

Today is my day off!! No by choice, but probably needed. I got some Christmas shopping done yesterday and prepared a nice dinner for hubby's Home Teaching group. By the time we sat down to eat, I was not feeling wonderful. By the time they left, I was NOT feeling well, so I went to bed. It was a long night, but I got more sleep than hubby. Today I am feeling better, but I'm certainly taking the day off. Tomorrow is another day.

Wonderful Weekend

Time goes too fast! But I really enjoyed my weekend. We had a grandson come to sleep over, and had his cousin come at the last minute to give him some company. I had a quiet evening because they just play together so well. Hubby was working in the concessions at the U during the Gymnastic Meet. I slept so well!!! We had waffles for breakfast and then went to the Mills Kids Party. Our oldest grandson seemed to enjoy his first Christmas party. We had a great time, and I was pleased that those who took charge this year did so well. After 25 years of hubby and I doing it, I know we were ready for a break.
We had a bridal shower for one of the granddaughter's who is getting married at the end of the month. Delightful. I had hubby come and pick me up and we did a little shopping and then went home to check the potatoes that were in the oven.
We packed up gifts, potatoes, and went back for the Adult Party. Again, it was delightful to see everyone and enjoy an evening together.
Sunday was wonderful. We had a gentleman who is a Jew and joined the Church ten years ago. He had some wonderful insights that were inspiring. In the evening we attended the Stake Christmas musical. Very well done! Also enjoyed the refreshments. It was a lovely way to end the Sabbath. Now I'm ready to face the coming week.

Firsts

This morning I was thrilled to get a phone call from my daughter. It was especially nice to have my little 2 1/2 year old grandson say "I love you". He hasn't been a talker and this is a big step.
Hubby and I got Christmas cards mailed, bought gifts for family, stopped at the bank, and got the first group of gifts wrapped.
My grandson decided to come and sleepover. I went and got him and took him Christmas shopping for the first time in his life. We came home and wrapped some of the presents and put them under the tree. He is also going to our Mills Family kids party tomorrow for the first time. It is fun to have him included in our family traditions. It is strange for him, but I think he is excited.

Wahoo!!!

Enjoyed our Quilt Club meeting and yummy lunch today. I got some good ideas too! I especially enjoy spending time with my dear friends.
When I got home I had a list of phone calls to return. Called my cousin, my brother, and my daughter. My cousin let me know about my uncle, who took a bad fall last weekend, is being admitted to VA Hospital in Ogden tomorrow. My brother and I caught up on news and now we're trying to find a time to go to lunch. My daughter had very good news--we have tickets to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and David Archuletta next week!!! WAHOO!!! I guess that's my early Christmas present! I've never been to the Christmas program before, and this was a pleasant surprise.

Success

I worked on the problems from yesterday, and today had no problems. Got all the business done! What made the difference???? Oh well--Success! I finished the Christmas cards and have more presents to wrap. I did a little more sewing, but I'm not sure I want to take them to Quilt Club tomorrow. We'll see....
Our daughter came and borrowed some ornaments to put on her tree. It was so good to see her. She is coming on Christmas--the first time in fifteen years. Wahoo!
It has been a pretty good day! I look forward to tomorrow with Quilt Club and then the Oquirrh Mountain Temple in the evening. More success!

Schedule??????

I had a long list of TO DO items today. But I didn't sleep last night and hubby let me sleep in. With a late start I was way behind, but I decided to do my phone calls. After punching in numbers for the automated calling I was told they couldn't help me and to call back. I did the whole number thing again and they didn't have the options I needed. I tried doing it on line---no such luck. OK! Then I made the next call and waited and waited and waited for them to answer. That didn't work either, so back to the internet to try it. They didn't have what I needed either. Hubby came home just then and suggested we go Christmas shopping. Sounded good to me!! We did accomplish quite a bit this time. Yay! We went home for lunch and then shopping again. It ended up being a fun day. Tomorrow I'll solve the phone problems, and maybe be closer to my regular schedule. It is fun to skip the schedule sometimes. Yay!!!

Satisfying Day

I love the weekends! We even slept in Saturday! I did part of the Christmas cards, started our Christmas buffet shopping list, bought some of the stocking stuffers, and enjoyed a movie with hubby. I have about 20 stockings to fill this year. I love turning on the Christmas tree lights while I work and often have the music playing too. I'm eager to get to the shopping of gifts. I need to get that list made next. On to another week.

I Did IT!!!

I did some sewing!!! Yes, I did! It felt good to sew the seams and produce something special. I also did some planning pages to get ready for 2011. I've got my Christmas card list ready and figured our our expenditures. I think I can get most of my shopping done next week. That would be exciting!!!
Today I went to the podiatrist with my hubby. He has had pain for months. The doctor was young and knowledgeable and gave a few prescriptions to help with pain. He is also having hubby go for physical therapy 2-3 times a week. He says that will help his feet heal quicker. We go back in three weeks to see how treatment is coming. He also had lots of samples of diabetic shoes. I might start going to him too. We'll see.
Tonight we picked up the prescriptions and then got Chinese food. An evening home is a great "Date Night". Hubby is playing Christmas Carols on the piano. I love to hear him play. Hopefully this weekend will be as productive as today has been!

Better Days

Some days are better than others. Yesterday I had a lot of trouble finding motivation to do anything. I forced my self to get the basics done, and then fizzled out. I made myself go into the sewing room to try and get back to something I love. I did thread the machine, but that was about it. Where did my "get it done" attitude go?
In the evening we went to visit friends, have dinner, and play games. It was so nice to just kick back and enjoy. I also enjoyed getting my hair done today. We always solve the world's problems, so I'm hoping that will carry over and help me move on. Today is the first day of the rest of your life---I know I've heard that before, so I'm going to persevere and make today one of accomplishment!

December---Finally!

I love December! I started Christmas music almost two months ago. Now the house is decorated and Christmas is in the air. The snow really helps set the mood. I tended my little granddaughter for awhile after she got out of school. She was so excited because they had started their advent calendar today---chocolate in each window. I let her start our advent calendar too. Now I just need to figure out what expenditures are going to be. That's the hard part! I also need a shot of energy to get me moving more productively. Yay! December!!!

Love is the Reason

Our Church meetings Sunday were so helpful in strengthening and uplifting us for the week. I can really feel the love of the gospel in my life. I also gained strength by attending my Church Education class by President David Christensen. He discussed the Atonement and cleared up a number of concepts for me. I am truly amazed at the love our Savior has for us. He also talked about Elder Bruce R. McConkie's final Conference talk in 1985. It is a beautiful talk to read and very powerful. I remember hearing him speak that day and marveled at his testimony and faith. I have a lot of studying and praying to do to strengthen my own testimony.
I am also thankful for this special time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Love is in the air! People are so much more loving to others around them. That is a good thing because Love is the reason our Savior came to Earth--love for each of us.

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I love getting the house decorated for Christmas!!! We started yesterday and just about finished today. I love the colors, the lights, and that special feeling that says we are celebrating the birth of the Savior. I love the music and that feeling of little secrets to surprise loved ones. I love the giving attitude instead of the "gimme" attitude. I love the traditions and family time together. I'm so glad that its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Thanksgiving delights

Thanksgiving was everything it was suppose to be! Family, friends, and culinary treasures that left lots of yummy leftovers. I am so thankful for the joy we share with our loved ones. We were also blessed to have time with grandchildren. We are truly blessed. Now the fun is in preparing for Christmas---my favorite time of the year. The tree is up and ready to decorate. November decorations are packed away for next year. I love the music and decorations we use to remind us of the joy of the Savior's birth. Happy Holidays everyone!

Temple Blessings

I have been so fortunate to be able to go to the Temple a number of times this month. We went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple for a wedding sealing. Beautiful! We attended out Ward night at the Jordan River Temple and had a wonderful session. We went to the Bountiful Temple as a young lady from our Ward received her endowment. We thoroughly enjoyed it and I loved to see her glowing face. Such Joy!! Then this Friday we went to the Jordan River Temple as one of my friends received her endowment. They took us out to dinner afterwards and it was such fun to visit with her family and our neighbors. I am so thankful for this special opportunity in my life!!!

Random Thoughts

I have so many blessings. Today I ended up missing my BYU study class (which I love!) and we went to BYU to see the Carl Bloch art collection with relatives. What an amazing artist! The details made you feel like you were there. The exhibit was about the life of Christ and was well worth the time. After the exhibit we went to Payson to have dinner at our sister-in-law's home.
I am so blessed to have such a special bond with my in-laws. We laughed and visited and ate, and ate. It made a delightful day!
We had four engagements in our Ward this past week. That is a blessing too, because the Ward is accomplishing its purpose. We had a wedding last week so that is ten people we are losing--in the best way!
I love my special family! The greatest blessing is to have them forever.

Winter?????

I can't believe the short Fall we've had. I hope we get a few more beautiful Fall days, but looking outside doesn't look like it. Tuesday night we went up to Alta to visit friends with a time share. We played games and had dinner and played more games. Then we decided to head home because it was snowing. It was a blizzard!!! We headed down the canyon at about 10 miles an hour and had trouble seeing where the road was. We saw one car that had slid off the road and two cars trying to help, so we kept going. We saw an ambulance and Sheriff's car going up. We made it to the bottom (very thankfully) and made it home safely. The next morning we heard that they closed the canyon, so we were grateful we got down when we did. The leaves up Little Cottonwood were gorgeous! The only good side to the weather is that it brings with it my favorite time of the year. I LOVE the Holiday season! I hope you are able to enjoy your favorite time of the year--whenever that happens to be!

Reflection

I always seem to have some reflection on my life when I listen to Conference. This time was no exception. I thought of my special children, our devoted brothers and their families, my very special Hubby, my goals, and my beliefs. I truly feel refreshed and ready to move forward. There have been some special miracles that strengthen me and encourage me to carry on. Today my Hubby called and wanted to know if I would like to go with him for awhile. It was so much fun, and almost like playing hookey. We hunted for a water plant in the south part of the valley and finally found it. Then we went to the VF Factory Outlet and did some shopping--He got pants and I got dressy blouses. Then we went to Incredible Pizza for lunch. My grandchildren are always wanting to go there. It was a delightful day!

Ups and downs

We have had lots of "UPS" lately. First, we finally were able to get a new fridge that WORKS! No more spoiled milk!! Then we spent a few days in our favorite camping spot at the Spruces. It was SOOO quiet and peaceful. Frank's brothers and wives came up for Friday evening and Dutch Oven stew. We really appreciate that time when we can enjoy each other's company. We also have our basement flooding coinquered (hopefully!) and I can start putting my scrapbook room back together.
The "downs" have been foot pain for both of us. I fear we might have to have surgery. I guess we shouldn't worry until we know. I haven't had any response for employment, but hubby says I don't need to worry about it. I guess we'll see. We have so many blessings that I know that we will be all right. We love all our family and friends and we know that the blessings overcome the "downs" in life. So here's my smile for the day!!! :)

The Red Sea

Rice-Eccles Stadium was a sea of red last night. What a sight! Our Ward worked in one of the concession stands last night. We sold Brats, hotdogs, and BBQ beef sandwiches. We had three, and sometimes four, of us doing the cooking and preparation. We had ten to twelve running the order lines. What an evening! They said that when we had a lull in business, we could eat and take a break. The lull came when there were about 5 minutes left in the game. The attendance was 45,730 with standing room only. There are at least a dozen concession stands and the lines were from half a dozen to two dozen most of the night. We had about eight lines in our stand. I spent the night wrapping hot dogs, making Brats, and keeping the supplies current. We had a power outage that didn't help, but we pretty much kept up with things. THe stadium was NOISY! I think everyone was pleased with the game, except Pittsburgh. We didn't get home until 11:30 pm, but it was a lot of fun. My whole body hurt. I don't think I'm young enough to keep up with that assignment, but I'm glad I had the experience. Go Utes!

September

Wow! Summer has almost disappeared! We got in a short camping trip to celebrate our 42nd Wedding Anniversary. It is always so peaceful and beautiful in the mountains. We are so blessed. I have some new challenges ahead an I'm eager to pursue them. I have applied to be an aide at the school in our neighborhood. If that doesn't work out then I will hope that the hiring freeze will end at the end of the month so that I can substitute. I am also going to have to reassemble my scrapbook room now that we discovered the source of the flooding. My toe is healing well and I am beginning a little bit of walking again. Tomorrow night we are working at the concessions stand at the U of U during their game with Pittsburgh. Yes, its football season again! Let's go get September going!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Life is full of adventure--sometimes not good. We had a water patch in the basement hall just before we left on our camping trip. We couldn't figure out where it came from, but took up the carpet and let it dry while we were gone. Then we found water in my scrapbook room--couldn't tell where it was coming from. Then the other day I went down to get some of my stamps to make invitations. My bottom drawer had six inches of water in it and I had to wash and dry all of the stamps. We couldn't figure out how that one drawer could have water, but none of the other drawers did. Hubby found a broken water sprinkler by the scrapbook room window and was able to fix it. That was the bad.
Last Sunday I broke my little toe. It hasn't been painful, but my foot is sure ugly! Purple and red still hasn't faded.
The good overshadows the bad and I can see that I am blessed. I enjoyed Quilt Club, got my hair cut and had a great visit at the same time, had a pleasant day with our Ward at Pineview, enjoyed two Sacrament meetings, had fun with family, and can, and get to go to lunch with dear friends. Life is still very good!

Vacation Days

I finally feel like its summer---and its almost over! Our camping trip was fantastic! It is so beautiful there and peaceful too. We enjoyed visiting, walking, playing games, and eating terrific meals. We had excitement too--A thunder, lightning, rain and hail storm that woke everybody up. I was thinking how thankful I was that I wasn't in a tent when it intensified! There was hail pounding down like you wouldn't believe! The ground was covered with white hailstones and looked like winter. When we went on our morning walk there were still piles of hailstones. We enjoyed spending time with all of the family. We had 94 at the evening dinner on Friday. We had 71 for breakfast Saturday morning. Delightful!!! I was also pleased because when we got home Saturday I had energy to unpack, do laundry, go grocery shopping, and straighten the house. BUT it seems like just when I start feeling energetic my health faces another challenge. Sunday morning I was getting ready to go to Logan to hear our nephew report on his mission when I stubbed my toe on the bathroom door. It does hurt that much, but it is purple today. I have an appointment with my podiatrist this afternoon--no fun walk today. I am looking forward to our quilt club on Wednesday and also going to the Temple that evening. It will be a great week!

July

We had a wonderful weekend at the Spruces and were greatly refreshed. This week I have been more eager to get things done. That is also due to a dear friend loaning me her extra sewing machine. I have also been pleased because my endocronologist was VERY pleased with my progress the past three months. The housework has been more fun, sewing becoming a renewed passion, the scriptures have given new insights, and time with huibby has been more appreciated. Onward July!!!

Fun and busy

It's hard to believe July is almost half over. We enjoyed our Stake Patriotic program and breakfast on the 3rd. It was one of the best programs I can remember. On the 4th we had Break the Fast with fried chicken, potato salad, more salads, pie, and fun red, white, and blue desserts. We also enjoy a TV patriotic special. On the 5th we had some family come for hamburgers, hot dogs, and the fixins'. It was a great weekend. We had our littlest granddaughter come for a couple of days and one night. It was her birthday and we had fun celebrating that. This week we have two more grandchildren coming for a few days. We are also taking our first camping trip towards the weekend. At least its beginning to feel like summer.

June is....

June is a beautiful month. We have had many blessings: family, employment, friends,and opportunities. We have had grandchildren sleep over, enjoyed the wide outdoors with friends, enjoyed qult club at our home, Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching groups for dinner, Temple work, scripture study, and Mills family park party. I have also apprecitated good health and enery. Especially when I haven't had it. Last week I had flu for three days and did lots of nothing. This week I'm up and at it,m but a little slowly. I'm looking forward to enjoying July, and hoping for some camping trips to brighten the summer.

Weekend fun

We took inventory and started loading the motorhomke for the summer. It looks like the weather might cooperate for awhile. Now we just need to find time to go camping! Last night we went to Camp Tracy up Millcreek Canyon with our Ward. It was so delightful to be in the canyon, ducks on the pond, trees everywhere, a campfire (and marshmellows for those who like them), and stories and laughter. I finally feel that maybe summer is really here.
Today is Father's Day and it has been fun to recall some of the things about my awesome Dad. He has been gone for twelve years, but his memory remains. I'm also thankful for my husband, who is a terrific father to our children. We are blessed.

Commitment

I need to make a commitment to improve in a number of things. I guess its like a mid-year's resolution time. My granddaughter is inspiring me to keep up with my blog a little better. I have also been reading the Fablehaven series, which I am really enjoying. I have done a little better at walking, but need to kick it up a step. I need to prepare meals with more fruit and veggies. I NEED to sew! That ought to keep me busy each day. I hope your day brings fun and accomplishment. Oh, I also get to go on a date with hubby tonight. Ahhhh!!!

Wahoo!

Busy week but it has been fun! Hubby is progressing with his new job. We had a Home Teaching dinner here Tuesday that was lots of fun. I had our quilting club here for lunch and quilting tips. Today I finished the receiving blanket to turn in next month. I also put my unused material in a brown bag and closed it up with ribbon. Two items ready for August. Wednesday evening we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple to do sealings, and then had a social at our home afterwards. I got some shopping done for grandsons birthdays and hope to mail it off tomorrow. I'm getting ready to have a grandson stay for three days. That should keep me busy!

Blessings

Our weekend has been full of blessings so far. Hubby's job ended Friday, and he starts a new job Tuesday. SOOOO blessed!!!! His new boss says he can take off time whenever he wants to.....
We had some of the grandkids for and overnighter and had a lot of fun--blowing bubbles, board games, Pixar movies, and pizza, and McDonald's.
We get to go to Fairview for a baby blessing with extended family tomorrow and then dinner at our son's house. Monday is fun and games and KFC. AHHHH!!!
Hope your weekend is full of blessings too.

Almost June

Busy week! Attended an Eagle Court, watched it snow, had a Visiting Teaching dinner, had three young men for dinner and games, talked a lot with my brother, got my hair done, went to the Temple,"traveled the world" at FHE (Italy, Netherlands, Ireland, Morocco, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Uruguay, Argentina, and Guatemala) and I'm now ready for an over-nighter with some of my grandchildren. My hubby is still in limbo concerning his job, but we are optimistic. My brother sold his house after having it on the market for a year and a half. If they can't find a new home by the end of June, they will move in with us. Change brings new horizons to our lives. We just have to figure out what the Lord has in store for us. Hopefully June will bring some bright horizons into our lives.

Perspective

Sometimes we have to wait a while to get a better perspective of why things happen. I'm sure the Lord has a way for us to move on to better things. Yesterday we found out that my husband's job is ending May 28th. THe boss is meeting with another officed supply Thursday, and is hoping to sell the business to them. If so we have a better chance of being employed. Time will tell. We decided to not panic and wait things out. It may actually be a positive thing and we just have to have faith. Hopefully next week by this time we will have a better perspective.

Second Childhood

The joys of round, rainbow colored bubbles! I really enjoyed doing lots of bubbles with my granddaughter yesterday. We also played pick-up sticks, made a tent out of the card table and a sheet, and watched Tom and Jerry cartoons. Oh, the memories! I need to relax and let the child in me take over once in a while. Let's have some serendipity fun! I promise to watch for fun things to do as the weather (hopefully) gets better. I usually make a list of things I would like to do during the summer, but I think I'll try to see things in the light of a child's eyes. Hmmm.... Bring it ON!!!

Onward

I have been struggling with my thyroid still, but I see some signs of improvement since I started the medication. I had such a delightful weekend. I went to the Temple Saturday morning with one of the girls in our Ward--she attended the Temple preparation class I taught. Wonderful occasion! Sunday we had some of the kids and grandkids come for Dinner. Two of my sons worked 12 hour shifts that day. I got phone calls from those who couldn't come.
I finished reading "The King of Glory" series by Gerald Lund. Excellent story about the ministry of Christ. That has been a good thing to do while I didn't have energy to do much.
I am so thankful for the blessings of life and family. Onward!

The good, the bad, and the Ugly

I'll start with the Ugly--the weather. Yes, I know I need to learn to dance in the rain, but this has been lightning, high winds (as in blowing over semis and trees), snow, and COLD! There were even snow plows out yesterday on I-215. Where are those lovely April showers?
The bad---my health. I had been feeling pretty good and was happy with my endocronologist report, until I got a letter saying my doctor needed to talk to me. Actually this past week I have been tired, listless, and had no energy. I should have known--my thyroid! The doctor is putting me on a new thyroid medication and it will hopefully get me feeling more human. At least that has some good news with it.
The GOOD! I have enjoyed our last class with President Christensen, and I'm looking forward to continuing the class in the fall. We had a delightful evening with Frank's brothers and wives. We went to the Family History Celebration at the Conference Center--fantastic program. The Tabernacle Choir was superb, President Eyring was delightful, and David McCullough has become my "new" author to explore. I'm definitely getting some of his books to read. And it didn't start raining until we got to the car. Tomorrow we are going for our grandson's baptism, so that should make a great weekend. I'm so thankful for the family and friends that make my life such a joy!!! I hope you have a lot more GOOD than bad or ugly. Happy weekend!

Christmas Quilts 1

I found my pictures from Christmas, a little late, but I did want to show off the quilts I made for grandchildren. I really enjoyed doing something a little more personal.

Christmas Quilts

Liquid Sunshine

I saw a cute tee shirt with the saying "Rain is liquid sunshine" and a picture of Eeyore on it. We certainly got lots of liquid sunshine today! I have been busy as usual, but have really enjoyed it. This week I haave prepared dinner for hubby's home teaching group, been to the gym,sewed some quilt blocks, cut out material for jelly rolls for Quilt Club, attended religion class, and been to lunch with my sweet daughter--Yea! Cafe Rio!
During the rest of the week I will go to the dentist, Quilt Club, Jordan River TEmple, Ward Social at our house, get my hair done, volunteer at the school, hearing aid adjustments, FHE, go to the podiatrist, and prepare a surprise party for hubby. I'm feeling pretty good, and hope to keep up. I'm going to enjoy the beautiful weather the weatherman says we are going to have in the next few days. But I'm also going to enjoy any liquid sunshine that comes our way. Have a great week!

Springtime

I just love this beautiful Easter background! The spring colors give me hope--until I look outside. Mother Nature is playing an April Fools joke on us. The snow hasn't stopped today and we should get more during the night and tomorrow morning. Today I decided I'd go to the gym, go to the funeral of a special lady in our home ward, and get my mammogram. I didn't go to the gym because I didn't have any energy. I took a nap and didn't wake up until 12:50 pm, which meant I had missed the funeral. I did get my mammogram though. Then I took another nap and the phone woke me up at 4:30 pm. I guess I'd better listen to my body and take care of myself. I don't feel ill, but I hope I get a shot of energy tomorrow. Our grandson is coming to stay for Spring break. That will be fun.

The Middle of March

I am definately not keeping up very well. I am getting a lot done and enjoying life, so I guess its not all that bad. I've been readiing, cleaning, exercising, attending the BYU adult religion class, got new hearing aids, spent time with kids and grandkids, and enjoyed lunch out with friends. This weekend we will have grandkids sleeping over, a game night for a daughter-in-law's birthday, and Ward Conference. I love the spring-like weather we've been having too. I keep busy and that keeps me happy!

One more week

WQW!!! The weeks go by so fast! This week I enjoyed our adult religion class, went to the gym, sometimes walked the neighborhood, sewed on quilts, had lunch with a daughter, Had a nephew and friends for dinner and games, went to the quilting class, had a delightful time getting my hair done and visiting with dear friends, tied a quilt at the Humanitarian Center, went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple for a sealing, prepared my first lesson for our Temple Preparation class, read two books--Devil's Food Cake (a delightful mystery); and A Child called "It" (an autobiography of an abuse victim), and tended for my son. This coming week looks busy too. Hope your week is wonderful!

March

It's hard to believe that another month has passed. We had a nice weekend---went to the 12th Ward talent show and it was delightful. Then we went to Ogden to visit our son and his sweet wife. On Sunday we had some great meetings and then had another son and his family for dinner. It made an enjoyable weekend.
Today I enjoyed President Christensen's class on the calling of Apostles. Very interesting. Tonight we had our grand-nephew and his friends for dinner and games. It was an enjoyable FHE. Tomorrow I get to take my daughter out to lunch and I'm looking forward to our visit. Wednesday night is our quilting class and I really need to get more motivated and finish the quilts I've started. Later this week I should get my new hearing aids. I'm eager to see if they really work better. The audiologist was amazed at how well I've dealt with my hearing aids now. He was also amazed at the loss I've coped with the past few years. On to better hearing I hope!

TGIF

It's been a good week---enjoyed President Christensen's class, had a delightful Bishopric party at our house, had a couple sessions at the gym, went to a new audiologist (my hearing loss is worse than I thought and I'm getting new hearing aids), volunteered in the second grade, loved getting my hair done, had a very wonderful time at our Stake Relief Society Birthday Party with Janice Kapp Perry, and enjoyed a little time with hubby. Now if I can sleep tonight the week if a winner.

Weekends roll around too fast

The week was over before I was ready. I think that is a good thing. During the week I tended my granddaughter three times. signed up at the gym, had lunch with friends, got my hair done, paid bills, was told I needed new hearing aids, enjoyed a FHE with our Ward--sang favorite hymns, had a session with a trainer at the gym, bought new exercise shoes that are comfortable, had my son and family for breakfast, and began a new book. That isn't too bad for someone that was complaining earlier this week. Tonight I'm going to a dinner presented by the Elders Quorum as a reward for having a higher percentage of sisters completing Visiting Teaching in December. Next week I go to my endocrinologist, go to a new audiologist, and go out to dinner three times. Spring is COMING!!!

Rebellious???

Lately I've been feeling almost rebellious. I don't want to do things I've always loved to do, I don't want to work on projects, I don't feel like reading, I'm always craving chocolate. So I realized there must be something missing that I'm looking for. I don't know what it is yet, but I guess I'll be more observant and try to figure out why I'm not in the game. Sometimes I guess I just need to listen--to me, to others, to the scriptures, and to.......
I also know that I need to get back on some kind of schedule instead of just going with the wind and doing whatever. Hmmmm.... Meditation here I come......

February 11th

Today would have been Grandma Mills' 102nd birthday. She has been gone two years now and its hard to believe.
I am now signed up at 24Hour Fitness and ready to get in better shape. Except I have had so much pain in my right foot--tomorrow I go to the podiatrist to find out what activity level I can be at. The joys of getting old!!!
I have started a new quilt and have a couple others I want to do. It sure brings a new interest to my life! I am also excited to have my two daughters coming this weekend. I'm so glad to have fun things keep my life exciting! I hope you have an exciting weekend too!

Fish Races

I did get some pictures on of the races, but I didn't get the ones I planned on. Oh, well. You can see people gathered around the fish tank where they caught a fish for their race ande gave him a name. I also ended up wiith a picture of our sweet Bishop's wife, Kathy. You can see the rain gutter fish race path. Also one picture showing them trying to get their fish down to the other end. It turned out to be one of the best activities we've had.

Fish Races

TGIF

TGIF--Made it through to another weekend! We've had a busy week and I feel spoiled. We are enjoying a new TV and today got some new chairs too. Our old chairs are just that---OLD. They are falling apart and so uncomfortable to sit in. They have had good use for at least 20 years. So now it is time to start over with some comfort. I like being spoiled. At least once in awhile. I'm also relieved to receive my health insurance card and resolve some other issues. Now I hope to take steps to improve my health again. Have a great weekend!!!

Hmmmmm.....

I have been fighting a cold for a week, and so far I've been winning. However, I'm still looking for all of my get-up-and-go. I haven't had much energy and find myself avoiding sewing, reading, cleaning, and anything truly productive. Maybe its the mid=winter blahs. Or cabin fever. Or laziness. I thought February would help chase that all away, but here I am still spinning my wheels. One good thing today---I've been craving lentil chili and actually made a pot for dinner. It was good to chop onions and measure spices. I even made cornbread muffins from scratch. Maybe there is hope for getting past this no energy phase. Ah! Springtime.....

NEW

The past few weeks our microwave has been making weird sounds and so we finally bought a new one. It is so pretty sitting there on the counter. I hope it works as well as the old one did. We also have a new TV. Hubby has been wanting one for a long time. I wanted new chairs, but I think we will wait a while. There's only so much new stuff I can handle. I also have new health insurance. When I went for my medication, they couldn't find it so the pharmacist called my insurance company. I found out the agent had written down the wrong account number. But now I'm in the system and ready to move forward. Now I need to clean my house so it looks like new!

Wahoo! It's February!

Made it through the long month of JANUARY, and I'm ready for February. Saturday we enjoyed going to lunch with our two daughters and a grandson. It's our first lunch get-together since last June. We enjoyed the Hawaiian flavor of Mo'Bettah Steaks and their Hawaiian platters with teriyaki or kulua pork etc. The best part is the Shave Ice. They have all the flavors we loved in Hawaii and traveled 45 minutes to get. The Ice is HUGE and good even in the winter. We also enjoyed games and LAUGHING. Delightful way to end the month.
Today I am finally insured on health. I have Medicare, but needed the Prescription plan. I will also be starting a gym membership this month and get back on track there. Today I put up the Valentine decorations and love the reds and pinks. THis afternoon I'm going to the class with President Christensen. Love it!!! Tonight we will go hear the recital where our grandson plays the guitar. Looks like a good start to a nice, short month!

Valentine's background

Don't you just love the Valentine things. It's another time of year when love is expressed and good feelings abound. I love the new background my daughter chose and it was so much fun to log on and have it as a surprise. I think I need to plan ahead and express my love to all those special people in my life. Hmmmm.....here goes my brain thinking of ideas.....

Onward....

We had grandchildren come here after school and had a great evening. Our daughter-in-law came home from the hospital later in the evening. Hopefully now she can rest and recuperate properly.
Today I have a sore throat and am taking it easy today.
I actually appreciate a quiet day to catch up on a few things. Hope your day is great!

A quick blogging break

Life's surprises kept up on Friday. My daughter-in-law ended up in the hospital again--tests Friday and surgery Saturday morning. I hope this truly takes care of her health challenges. She will be in the hospital until Monday. I'm getting some extra grandma time and so far it is going well. Last night we had a game night hosted by another daughter-in-law. We had 12 adults and 9 children. Fortunately hubby hooked up a little TV and played cartoons for the little ones. That made it so we could play games and enjoy the evening. Then we cleaned up and put grandkids to bed. I still had a hard time sleeping, but the news has been good today. My son's surgery Monday seems to have gone well and he is recuperating well. My daughter-in-law seems to have had a successful surgery this morning. Now we will pray that she will finally recover successfully. She has really had a difficult month. Hope you have a great weekend. Off to playing Grandma again!

Life is full of surprises

I've decided that most of the time I like surprises. I like the fresh look at life we get when we get those surprises. I've been in a different frame of mind lately, but I realized that I've also had time to readjust a few things in my life for the better. I've been reading some great books and decided I would keep a list so that I can see what I read this year. I've also been cleaning out and hopefully getting a few more things organized in my life. I have also been doing a journal for 2009 and I like going back and reviewing what we did last year.
I love our Church callings and have been blessed with knowing great people in the gospel. Tonight we get to have our Ward here for Goldfish races. That should be interesting, but I have a Stake meeting tonight. I hope hubby takes pictures!
I have also been working on better eating habits. Sometimes I have to be reminded of things I have improved on in order to move forward with more new habits. I am thankful for some of these fun surprises that make January a month to enjoy!

Miracles abound

I had such a special Sabbath day. I went to visit in my home ward sacrament meeting and it was wonderful. I was able to touch base with so many friends and neighbors. Then I went to my ward and had a marvelous meeting there. Such excellent messages and I'm glad I took notes from both meetings. I also have some challenges to work toward this year. I am taking the new Family Search class and we went to the Stake Center to get signed into the program . Then I looked up my info to see what they had. I decided I should work on my mother's family first because that seemed to be the most needful. When I got to her parents and siblings I found out that ALL the work had been completed by someone in San Diego. I was able to get a reference so that I can contact her and see what other info she has--and find out where she fits in the family. Then back to our Church for Relief Society and another great lesson. After our block meetings we visited with one of our Visiting Teaching sisters. Then I headed for the Stake Center to set up for Baptism Preview. We had over 50 people attend and it worked out very well. Then I was able to kick back a little until our 9 pm. Ward prayer meeting. Excellent Sabbath day.
I had finished a quilt top Saturday and look forward to starting the next one this week. I decided I wanted to begin looking through my parents books--have about 20 boxes full. I wanted to see if I could find "The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith" because President Christensen is always quoting it in his lessons. The second box brought forth the treasure. I'm so excited to have one more resource for my studies.
Tonight we meet with Frank's brothers and spouses for dinner and then a sister-in-law is staying over with us. I'm so thankful to have such wonderful blessings in my life. I hope you all have special blessings this week also.
After I posted this I read a new blog by a woman who wrote a remarkable book. In one of her entries she quoted the scripture 1 Nephi 4:6 "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." This is the same scripture we were given as a guide in doing our family history. To me it was a MIRACLE because it reminds me to listen to the Spirit AND follow the promptings. Saturday I was prompted to wash the sheets in our guest room and didn't follow it. Fortunately, I have enough time to wash them today so they can be used tonight. I need to listen and follow promptings more readily. I am thankful to have this lesson brought to my mind--another wonderful miracle.

Wonderful Wednesday

We had our dinner last night and only had F's companion and one of their home teaching people. It was still a great evening. Today I got cleaning done and exercised. I went to volunteer at my old school and the kids were so excited to have me there. Certainly builds up your self-esteem. After lunch I fiinished cleaning and then I got to SEW!!! I finished all of the blocks for the quilt, so hopefully tomorrow I'll get it ready to sew together. Tonight we go to the Temple. Looks like a wonderful Wednesday to me.

Chug-a-chug-a

Just have to keep plugging through each day. I gt frustrated when I don't have time to sew, but at least I'm keeping busy. Yesterday was a fun busy day. Did some shopping at COSTCO and then attended the class with President Christensen. That really starts your week out right. When I got home from class I noticed my son had called so I called him. They were in Salt Lake and wanted to stop by. I invited them to dinner. We had a fun time and enjoyed some games together too.
Today I prepared for our HOme Teaching dinner tonight. Also did some more research on Health insurance. Decisions, decisions. I also typed up my notes from class yesterday. THe day is almost coming to an end and I feel like I haven't even started yet. Chug-a-chug-a---keep going LaVon!

Miracles

I read somewhere that we should keep a Miracle Journal. I guess that is in addition to our personal journal and our gratitude journal. I think I'll just combine all three into one because I have such a hard time keeping up. I did have a miracle today. I got up and fixed breakfast so that my hubby would have some nurishment to start the day. He is usually at Church about eight hours every week. Then I got distracted and forgot that I needed to put dinner in the crockpot. It was such a blessing to have that hit me suddenly so that I could get it going before it got too late. Dinner turned out great. My son and his family came. It was my daughter-in-law's first time out of the house since she got home from her surgery. We had a lovely evening. I felt so relieved that the Spirit had pushed my memory into the right mode. Our Church meetings were excellent and I have enjoyed the spirit it brought. Tonight we go back for Ward prayer and I am looking forward to that.
Now onward to a new week!

Zip...another week coming to an end

I have been enjoying quite a bit of Grandma time this week and I love it. My daughter-in-law is home and slowly recuperating. We're just glad the surgery is over. I have also been spending a lot of time trying to regroup on insurance. I will be SO glad to get that decision made.
We had an unexpected pleasure of attending a baptism this afternoon. There was a special spirit there. One of my husband's former Scouts was baptizing his 14 year-old son. He asked my hubby to be a witness. The talks were given by young men and they were AWESOME. It was also special to visit with the family--many of the women in our quilting club. I even got a hug from the newly baptized boy. It brightened our day! Have a special Sabbath Day!

New Year progress

This week has really been moving fast--I guess because I'm keeping busy. I have been exercising and trying to get my food plan a little healthier. I loved getting back to President Christensen's class, doing volunteer work at my former elementary school, cleaning cupboards, packing away Christmas, and tending grandchildren. I even found a new Church outfit while shopping. We also went to dinner with our daughter and grandson. Not bad for the first three days of the week. Also, a BIG thank you to my daughter for changing my blog background. Great choice, honey! I hope you all have a fantastic week!

Happy New Year 2010

Where did 2009 go? It certainly went fast. We even stayed up to see the New Year in--haven't done that for quite a while. Today was very pleasant and I got my sewing room finished. I will hopefully start a new quilt tomorrow--at least it is already cut out. We watched movies and played games. I hope your New Year is the best one yet!