Merry Christmas

I am now VERY ready for a Merry Christmas.  The presents are purchased and wrapped.  The office gifts delivered, the neighbors gifts delivered.  The Christmas ham and turkey are purchased and the winter picnic is ready to prepare on Monday.  I have listened to tons of Christmas music and watched dozens of holiday movies.  I am also preparing for my birthday dinner Sunday.  I am ready to concentrate on the people in my life who make this season so special--hubby and the kids and grandkids.  I am also devoting more time to my Savior because HE is the reason for the season.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Fun

We put Christmas decorations up right after Thanksgiving and love the holiday spirit in our home.  I have addressed and prepared Christmas cards for mailing, have the neighbor gifts ready to deliver, and have done some of the family shopping.  We did mail the Maryland gifts!  I have new stockings for Hudson and Jett.  I hope to have most of my shopping done by December 15th.  I had a chance to see the decorated candy windows at Macy's at City Creek Center and some of the beautiful decorations there.  We are going to a nativity display tonight.  Today my dear friends and I had a delightful day: got our hair done, went out for breakfast, and went shopping at Tai Pan Trading.  That's a cool place to shop!  We also exchanged gifts, laughed and relaxed.  Great break from the holiday bustle!  Now I'm ready to enjoy the rest of the Christmas season--more movies and music, more family parties and get-to-gethers, more of the Christmas Spirit!

Happy, Busy November

This month is speeding by so quickly!  I saw my neurologist, went to the Temple, gave a dinner for the Singles in our Ward, had an echocardiogram and was fit with a heart monitor, went to the baptism of one of the boys at the Academy, gave the Relief Society lesson, attended Quilt club, hosted an ice cream party, went Visiting Teaching, attended a Mary Kay demo given by my daughter-in-law, had an MRI, started music practice for the Academy Christmas program, took dinner to our son and his wife and held our new grandson, attended a great devotional at the Academy,  hosted a dinner for my husband's brothers and wives, had a test by my opthamalogist, and now it's time to get ready for Thanksgiving.  Right now it looks like we will have 18 for dinner.  That should be FUN!  This is all a good practice run for December!  Can't wait to start putting up Christmas decorations!

Hudson Noah Mills

On November 5, 2012 we welcomed our ninth grandchild, Hudson Noah Mills, 5 lbs. 9 oz, 19.75 inches.  We are all so excited for this special miracle in our family.  Alan and Kari are in their mid-thirties and have waited for YEARS to have a child.  Hudson is a cute little red-head like his Mom.  He is so tiny that he has to wear preemie diapers.  I love seeing the sparkle in my son's eyes!  Kari looks great for having delivered a baby so recently.  They both have huge smiles.  I also noticed how Grandpa just wanted to hold him again and again.  We are so blessed!

Gratitude

It's November...the month of gratitude!  I know that we are thankful all year long, but this month seems to be the month that it is expressed the most.  Hopefully I will be a little more willing to post about the things I am truly grateful for.  I am so thankful for my special husband.  He is one of the greatest examples of loving kindness that I know.  He leaves a glass of water in the mailbox for the mailman.  He gives a dollar to any of those that are begging by the street--he keeps dollar bills on the dashboard to give away.  He does all of the laundry--I would struggle to know how to work the machine any more.
I am so thankful for my special children and their companions.  They are so supportive and loving.  I marvel at how much fun we all have when we get together.  My children are loving, thoughtful, and fun people!  They are my pride and joy!
I am so thankful for my precious grandchildren!  They are such a delight to us!  I love their hugs, jokes, smiles, phone calls, and time together.  We enjoy camping trips, games, movie nights, dinners, and fun little side trips together.  I love to watch them play together.  We seldom have any problems of some one being left out.  They really enjoy being together.  Family is what it is all about!

The Sparkle of Life

Mixed in with the challenges of life are the times that make Life worthwhile.  Those moments that give a delightful sparkle to your day and put a smile on your face,  My sparkly days lately have been: a picnic with neighbors, a gathering for a retirement of a good friend, a Bradford family reunion, a family dinner with hubby's brothers and wives, a get-together of our quilting group, a sleepover of some of the grandkids, a facial and massage, a temple dedication, a luncheon with my favorite ladies, dinner out with friends, a reunion of Ward friends from 55 years ago ( Oh, the memories!), a Relief Society Super Saturday, and a birthday gathering for our grandson.  Each occasion had special stories and gave me a lift from the daily grind.  The best part is that fact that the coming days will bring more sparkle into my life.  I can look forward to more family birthdays this week, two baby showers and time with family, General Conference, more dinners and gatherings with family and friends, the Scarecrow Festival at West Ridge Academy, and Time Out for Women at the end of the month.  AND my decorations are up for Halloween AND I have started playing Christmas music when I travel in my car.  Life is SO good!

Blessings

I am amazed at the many blessings I have.  My precious, loving husband puts up with so many things for me. He is so patient and caring--that makes life worth while.  I have a doctor's appointment for next week--FINALLY!  I have been feeling better, but still don't have much energy.  I have so many dear friends who support me and help me.  I have precious children and grandchildren who are the joy of my life.  I have the Gospel to bring hope and love into my life.  I am thankful that I can attend Sacrament meetings again.  Best part of Sunday.  I have enjoyed the gorgeous weather--now moving into Fall.  Life is Good!

Surprises

I guess my biggest surprise was ending up in the ER with a mini stroke.  My left side went numb and they worried about a stroke.  Fortunately it wasn't as serious, but I still don't have much energy.  The neurologist needed to review my tests before setting an appointment, but I still haven't heard from his office.  I guess I need to be a squeaky wheel.  I enjoyed going to breakfast with my retired Bennion friends on the first day of school.  It's become a fun tradition.  I also enjoyed celebrating our 44th Anniversary.  It's hard to believe that much time has passed.  We went to GMC to visit one of Frank's customers who does quilting.  She has done some amazing things.  She showed me how to do machine quilting and I can't wait to try it,  Then we went to Golden Corral for lunch.  My blood sugars looked good in the late afternoon, so I must have made some good choices.  It was yummy!  I rested in the afternoon.  For dinner I cooked up some Salisbury steaks that we had in the freezer.  Tasty and easy.  We watched "Home Alone 2" and loved it.  Haven't seen it in years.  I chatted with my son this morning and it is looking like our grandson will join us near the end of October.  So exciting!  Now I'm on to more adventures!

Enthusiasm???

I love reading blogs.  But I hate writing my blogs.  Life is good and I just don't record things that would be a fun reminder in the future.  I found some old diaries and loved reading the entries.  I wish I had built-in enthusiasm.  August started very busy.  We cooked breakfast for Relay for Life--early!  We were serving by 7 am.  Later in the day I attended my 50th  High School reunion.  It was FUN!  We had our Mills Family Reunion the following week and it was so good to spend time with family.  The week went way to fast.  We are still keeping busy and enjoying the end of the summer.  I'm not ready for Fall yet.  Hopefull the next few weeks will help me find some writing enthusiasm.

July

Wow!  Where did this month go to?  We have enjoyed time with our children (dinner, games, going to lunch,   family party, and hanging out together), time with friends ( lunch, games, and good visits), and time at West Ridge ( seven new Eagle Scouts, a baptism, ice cream night, getting a new Branch Presidency, and surviving a bomb threat).  I have also had a cousin pass away, as well as a dear friend who lost a valiant battle to cancer.  They leave loving memories.  I enjoyed Quilt Club, the Temple, fireworks, and reading some fun books.  It's been a great month.

God Bless America

I am so thankful to live in this great land!  We have so many opportunities and blessings.  I am thankful that our daughter and her family were spared in one of our state's wildfires last week.  We also had a nephew and my uncle who were evacuated because of fire.  I am thankful that we can worship as we please.  I am thankful that we have the opportunity to serve at West Ridge Academy and also in our home Ward.  I am thankful for dear family and friends who love and support us.  I love to see the flag!  We have three at our house today.  My husband repaired our flagpole, so we have one there.  We also have one that flies on the front of our house, as well as one that the youth in our Ward put up in front of our house.  I am amazed at the sacrifice our leaders and military have given to keep our country free.  God Bless America!!!

Summer Time Fun

This month is racing by and I need to stop and recognize the fun times we are having this summer.  We loved the Ward Campout at Hobble Creek above Springville. There was grass to play on and lots of activities. We enjoyed playing games with some of the Ward friends.  It was also fun to watch some of the groups with their games too.  We had good food and good company.  The next weekend we took our grandchildren camping at the Spruces.  They were well behaved and lots of fun.  We cooked over the campfire, played games took long walks, and enjoyed the beautiful weather.  We also enjoyed a Mills family party at Riverside Park.  It is amazing to get along so well with everyone.  I also enjoyed lunch with my daughters one noontime.  Love to laugh and chat!  I also enjoyed lunch with my lady friends.  It is SUMMER! and I love it!

June is Busting out all over

The weather has been so weird!  One day its 100 degrees and the next day its 60 degrees.  Wind Wind Wind---  we are busy getting our motor home ready for summer.  We leave Thursday afternoon for our Ward Camp Out in Hobble Creek above Springville.  Can't wait!  Tomorrow I am going to my Aunt Grace's funeral.  She is the last of that generation.  Hubby is Scouting lots.  He has three young men who had their Board of Review on Sunday and today is helping two young men with their Eagle projects.  There will be two more get them by July 15 for the Eagle Court of Honor.  Summer is moving right along!  I love summer activities!

Finally!

I have had a lot of trouble trying to make a new post, so hopefully this time will bring success.  Mother's Day was miraculous.  All of my children either came or called and it was heart warming to spend time with each of them in some way.  The children were so generous and thoughtful.  Our biggest surprise was the announcement of our son and wife who are expecting a baby after over 15 years.  That is a miracle!  Our whole family joined in excitement and well-wishes for the new addition to our family.
I have been having progress in my own health and have been enjoying my new treadmill from my sweet hubby. It is so exciting to begin the summer activities too.  We had the opportunity of taking a young man from Zambia to see his first snow.  We went to the Spruces and Brighton an he was amazed at the little snow we saw.  He was also surprised at how cold it was.  He was a delightful young man.  He is here to study at LDS Business college.  We enjoyed our monthly family dinner with my husband's brothers and spouses.  It is always something we look forward to.  I am also enjoying working on quilts!  I am eager to finish one and start another!  Summer!  Bring it on!!!

The Good and the Wonderful

For a few days I wanted to title my blog the good, the BAD, and the UGLY. Our water heater went out, and the water leak disintegrated the bottom of the sink cupboard in the master bathroom. My dear hubby purchased and installed the new water heater and made a new bottom for the sink. Our water was off most of the day, but we had a supply to carry us through. I went to the doctor again because of so many rashes. I do have shingles again, but she is perplexed by the other rashes. She believes it is allergy related, and so I have to wait until I can see my allergist. Endure! I have had fun sewing, reading, and cleaning this week. So much to clean in this house! I have loved the green, colorful, fresh springtime. I love the yoga DVD that I got this week, and I have enjoyed time with friends and family. I know that life is good and wonderful! We had the chance to go downtown to see the new City Creek Mall. Gorgeous! and peaceful. We also went through Temple Square and enjoyed the beautiful flowers. We had dinner with hubby's brothers and spouses. Such a lovely evening! I have appreciated the busy week, because it helps me work through the pain. Now I am working on decreasing pain at night, so life is still good.

Easter blessings

It was a wonderful Easter weekend! I went to a jewelry making class Friday evening, enjoyed the baptism of a young man in our Ward, spent time with children and grandchildren, and were uplifted by Easter music and talks. I have so many blessings, and I am so thankful for the gospel in my life. I know that my trials, troubles, and challenges will help me return to my Heavenly Father. I have been discouraged with health problems the past few months, and added two more to the list last week. However, I know that I can push forward and enjoy my life and live it to the fullest. That is such a great blessing! My savior has shown such love and patience to me and I know that he lives. I know that I will one day meet him in person, and I hope that I will be worthy to live with Him forever--and my special family too! Beautiful Easter blessiings!

Down in the Dumps

Snow??? I was being cheered so by the beautiful sings of Spring popping out. I also was a little discouraged by my visit with the doctor this morning. I have had issues with high blood pressure and we met to decide on treatment. While she was checking my blood pressure she said, "Hmm, this isn't good news." She spotted shingles on my arm. So now I'm on more meds. Since January I have been diagnosed with eczema, varicose veins, high blood pressure, and shingles. I guess this was a good day to be down in the dumps for a little while. Spring is returning this weekend and its' Easter, and tomorrow is always better. I am truly blessed, because I have dear friends facing cancer, MS, and leukemia. I will gladly take my infirmities and move onward. When I look at the whole picture, my aches, pains, and challenges aren't very much!

Spring Break

My grandchildren are enjoying Spring Break this week. I realized that even though I'm retired I can enjoy Spring Break too! I enjoy my Religion class every Monday, but it had new meanings revealed to me as we began studying about the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane. Can you imagine how the Savior felt as ALL of Satan's hosts joined him in this great battle against the completion of the Atonement? An angel was sent to strengthen Him, but what a battle it must have been. That was a highlight to me to be reminded of this just as we celebrate Easter this week.

I have also enjoyed shopping, lunch with a daughter, watching Hallmark movies, short walks in this beautiful season (allergies notwithstanding), planning hubby's birthday celebration, sending Easter to my grandsons in Maryland, and also sending a surprise to my daughter there. Today I will have lunch with a long-time friend and do a little more shopping. I am looking forward to taking a beginning jewelry making class on Friday. Life is good! I truly love this time of year when we can reawaken to the beauty of the earth and enjoy the blessings we have.

Joy

I am feeling joy in the Spring season. I love the flowers, the budding trees(despite my allergies), the green grass, the blue skies, and the fresh feeling the season brings. I read a quote today that really helped me focus on what is important. "When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present...we experience heaven on earth." Sarah Breathnach

I have enjoyed doing small things, having lunch with a beautiful daughter, sewing, watching a Hallmark movie, reading the scriptures, and then I realized I feel like I'm on Spring Break. It's a great feeling! When I'm busy and doing my aches and pains go away. Now if I could bottle that for the evenings I'd be in great shape. Whoops! I guess I'd better remember what's important again. Maybe in the evenings I need to just recall all of the wonderful things I have experienced during the day. Sounds like a good plan!

Gratitude

I was reminded in Conference of the need to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for our blessings. I have tried to do that more this year, but sometimes my rebellious streak hits and I listen. Today I am so thankful for my dear hubby. He is so thoughtful, helpful, loving, and patient. He has had a really bad cold for about five days. He only gets sick every three or four years and so it hurts to see him suffer. We were so thankful for General Conference so that we could both kick back and just relax and gain spiritual strength.

I am thankful for all of our family. They are so loving towards each other! I am thankful for the many opportunities we enjoy. I am thankful for my health. So often I complain about the little pains and struggles, but I recognized that so many are facing worse struggles than I am and they face it with grace and courage. What wonderful examples! I am planning on better organizing my time so that I can spend more time reading the scriptures and the Ensign. I plan on spending more time in meditation and prayer. I am planning on finding more ways that I can give service instead of complaining about my self. There are some lofty goals, but I'm sure more joy as I strive to improve. I love Conference weekend!

Miracles

I was rather discouraged yesterday when my expectations weren't met at the allergy testing. However, I followed the doctor's directions for my new bedtime routine--a long shower and new cream all over. Amazing! This morning about half of my eczema rashes were gone! The bigger, redder ones are still there, but are showing signs of improvement. After only one treatment, I am now a believer! It has certainly cheered me up and given me courage to continue the battle.

I'm also thrilled because my daughter is now a homeowner. It was a short sale and has been a looooong process. They will be so excited to get it ready to move into. And IT'S SPRING!!! I have loved the flowers and green lawns and trees as I go about. Lots of special miracles to be thankful for today!

March Madness

I have been struggling with a few minor health issues, and I keep thinking I will hit on the right solutions. Today I had my allergy testing done and was surprised with only six trees that trigger my allergies. Everything else was negative. So I'm faced with some more questions. However, I received some instructions on care of my skin, and I will follow my doctor's suggestions. I purchased some creams he recommended, and I am using Flonase to help with allergies too. I also got new pedometers for hubby and I to use. They are very easy to use, so I hope this time it will help. I guess I'll just move forward and try to endure it well. I am enjoying some of the Spring flowers and trees beginning to bud and turn green. I do love this time of year! Just don't get scared when I start sneezing!

The good news is.....

This has been a week of new things for me. The bad news is that I have varicose veins. The good news is I bought compression stockings about three and a half years ago. They have been sitting in my drawer waiting for this day. I actually find that they are not as uncomfortable as I feared. The bad news is I'm having blood pressure issues. The good news is that I bought a monitor that has a five-star rating--and I didn't know it at the time. I bought it because it was the cheapest! The bad news is its going to take me nine days to get off my medication that needs to be eliminated before allergy testing. The good news is that I can have my testing done before the end of the month. The bad news is that my meds are giving me headaches as I'm being weaned off. The good news is that they aren't too bad. I'm surviving! The good news always is better than the bad! I'm so thankful for the love of my Heavenly Father that I feel daily. I'm so blessed!

Where has the time gone?

It's already March??? I have been behind the times again. I need to express my great love and appreciation for the miracles we have been blessed with lately. They are the things that help us get through our challenges and desire to get out of bed in the morning. I have had a few health challenges lately, but they are nothing compared to some of my friends and family. My special hubby and I have seen some special things happen recently that we didn't think would ever happen. We are enjoying our time serving and know that our blessings are so much more than we are worthy of. We are committed to do whatever the Lord wants us to do. What wonderful blessings!

Rich blessings

Today I am filled with the love of my Heavenly Father. I am so blessed with a devoted husband, loving children, darling grandchildren, and special friends. My husband is so patient, thoughtful, loving, and fun. He buys me flowers regularly, takes me out to eat, takes me for rides (the Spruces is beautiful this time of year), and does laundry. Today I decided to go for a walk around the block. The first thing I saw was my cute grandchildren heading out for school and holding hands. So special! The outdoors is beautiful even in the bleak days of winter. My children are such special adults and I admit some pride at all they have accomplished. My dear friends bring sunshine to my life by just being there and listening to each other. Today we go to lunch for our monthly social--laugh and talk! It's perfect therapy! We are also going to the Temple tonight. It has been so strengthening to go as often as we do. We have evidence of our Heavenly Father's love in so many ways. Who could ask for anything more.

February, the month of Love

There are so many things I love--not just because of Valentine's Day. I love the smiles of my family, the giggles of grandchildren, the hugs of friends, the squeeze of hubby's hand, the smell of yummy food, the beauty of a sunset, the time with extended family, the hope for camping trips soon, a gentle rain, a funny story, a lovely hairdo, good news, a good book, a card in the mail, a new sewing project, finding a missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle, music, the beauty of time in the Temple, the blessings of the gospel, and the miracles of life.

Random Thoughts

I have so many things to be grateful for. Today I'm listing random things that I can think of that I am thankful for--they make me happy! I am thankful for: holidays that add a little bit of fun and spice to life; technology--even though I have been reluctant to use some of it; medical advances that help me feel better; mail that brightens/frustrates my day; clean sheets; bouquets of flowers my hubby often buys me; seasonal decorations to brighten up the drab; frozen veggies; laughter; family pictures; lotions to soften my rough skin; scriptures!; and communication with loved ones. Maybe I'll make a new list tomorrow!

life is good....

Life is good because: We are getting into our new calling; We had a delightful Sabbath day; I am working on quilts; we are enjoying picture puzzles and Wii games (especially Toy Story Mania); I am reading fun books on my Kindle; we have almost made it through the long month of January; we are enjoying time together and both of us can't wait to get out in the motorhome; We are enjoying family when possible; we both have a good attitude; and therefore, LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Hobbies

Yes, I am thankful for hobbies. I'm thankful my husband has a few to help fill the empty times too. I love to read and I'm thankful for my Kindle that has half a dozen books I can read. I enjoyed "A Christmas Carol", "The Scarlet Pimpernel", and a few Christmas stories. I loved "Pollyanna Grows Up" and didn't even know there was a sequel to "Pollyanna". I have two Church books I'm working on, and I've been reading a biography of Abraham Lincoln for a month. I'm finally half way through it. I have Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography and The Scarlet Letter waiting for me.
I have also started sewing quilts and I have six waiting for me in various stages. I'm eager to go to Quilt Club Monday and get more information to help in my quest. By the end of the year, or hopefully sooner, I will have made a quilt for each of my children.
I enjoy picture puzzles too. I received a set of ten for Christmas. So far I have completed three. I am eager to start another one with the Disney princesses. I love to do Sudoku puzzles and play games with my family. We have lots of fun playing Pinochle to Scene It games. I'm glad we're a game playing family!

It's Time for.....

I am thankful for snow...but I personally don't enjoy it. I always worry about falling on ice. But I am thankful for hot chocolate, gloves, warm hats and coats, pretty views of snow (I don't have to go out in it!), furnaces, rice and corn bags heated in the microwave, warm blankets, fireplaces, a pot of stew or chili, soups and muffins, and cuddling with my hubby. I guess winter is worth it!

Rebellious

Yes! I am sometimes rebellious. I am not always into the right mood to list my blessings on my blog. I recite my blessings to myself every night as I prepare to sleep, but I have had a hard time putting them on paper. Sometimes we have to stand back and look at things a little differently, I guess. I have so many blessings each day, and I love recalling some of the Lord's tender mercies in my life. Therefore, I must persevere and catch up to date. I am so thankful for my special family--their kindnesses, their laughter, their sharing and their love. We are enjoying our new family picture for the first time in nine years. I have so many special friends who listen to my ramblings and love me still. I love the games, the visits, the laughter, and the wonderful hugs. I love our Ward family, who also love and supports us. The smiles and hugs make a great start to each week. That's my new start for this week. I hope you enjoy your week too.

January 5th

Things I'm grateful for: hair dressers, crockpots, a husband that does dishes after you cook a couple of meals at one time, people that still have Christmas trees and lights up, a chance to kick back and relax after a busy day, and studying the scriptures with hubby. Things that make me happy: pictures of my family, beautiful music, laughter, smiles, and good news.

January 4, 2012

Housework has been a priority lately because I tend to let a lot of it go during the holidays. Today was cleaning my kitchen. It felt good to see the improvement. I also put out my January decorations--Snowmen. It always helps to have things still decorated after Christmas to help eliminate the after-holiday blues. I had other plans for the afternoon, but hubby suggested we go to the Temple. It was a perfect afternoon as we were on a small session. The parking lot was not very full. Hopefully the evening hours brought more people to enjoy the spirit of the Temple. We also received a new calling, and I am thankful for this opportunity. All of these experiences are things I am thankful for. It also made me happy to see the fruits of my labors. It has been a lovely day!

January 3rd

Today I am thankful for the ability to work. We put all of our Christmas decorations away today. It takes about three days to put it all up, but it comes down quickly. I also cleaned the stove and the microwave, which were major disasters after the holidays. I am also thankful for the scriptures. I am thankful for the reminders that we all go through challenges, and Heavenly Father will help us through it. I am thankful for wonderful, uplifting reading material that enriches my life in so many ways.
The things that made me happy today were forgiveness, laughter, delightful holiday memories, Christmas music for one last time this season, and hugs from hubby. Its been a pretty good day.

Reflection

This time of year is a reflection period as we face the challenges of a New Year and set goals for the coming year. I just have to reflect on the month of December. We were so fortunate to have our daughter and her family come for Christmas. We hadn't seen them for 2 1/2 years! The little boys were such a joy to have in our home and brought a renewed love of the Christmas holiday. We had all of our family here for my birthday and celebrated by getting family pictures for the first time in almost 9 years. It was GREAT!!! Christmas also brought all of the family and it was a time to treasure. I am so blessed!!!
During the coming year I'm going to do a happiness and gratitude journal. I am so thankful for the opportunity of living at this time and having the gospel in my life. Our New Year was spent with special people. Our grandson was a joy to have here for the weekend. He helped with projects and house cleaning too. I feel so complete with love in my life.
January 2nd: I have enjoyed organizing a few projects. The new 2012 calendars are now in place. I exercised this morning. I am preparing our course of study for family home evening. I am also planning what we need to read to prepare for our classes on Sunday. I attended a BYU Religion class on the Life of Christ. I gained a new appreciation for Joseph Smith's translation of Matthew 24. I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend that class. This enthusiasm will keep me going through out the coming year. I am trying to act on the priorities of life this year. That makes me HAPPY!!!