Thanksgiving Extended Weekend re-cap

My patients- Outpatient and O- (still need a name- hum?) arrived safely before the "blizzard that wasn't" on Tuesday- my  baby sis and her family arrived safely on Wednesday and we went to HP 7 part 1 (would gladly pay to see it again!!!).  My mom and dad arrived safely on Thursday morning, and my SIL, her kids and parents arrived safely on Thursday afternoon.

We had a yummy turkey dinner, and delayed pie eating (and ice cream eating).  We stayed up playing cards and the kids got along great.  It was a small group, but that is okay.

Friday- we DID NOT black Friday- well- except for a little online. I headed down to my in-laws to get my family off to their respective homes and to clean and straighten. The DR, Outpatient and O went up on the mountain with the snowmobiles to check out the snow level for our Annual Tree Hunt.  We had family pictures.  NOTE TO SELF:  DO NOT SCHEDULE OUTSIDE PICTURES IN WINTER MONTHS.

We were cold- very, very cold.  Thank you S- for taking them.  And might I say I am glad for photoshop- because between my freezing, Oldest not cooperating, and youngest, oh, and Sophie-  not to mention the DR sticking his head in when it was not wanted, we will have to piece together a picture. Although- this one isn't too bad.

Saturday, we left rather earlier than usual for our tree hunt- the snow was deeper than it has been in quite a few years- so the hiking was hard work- but we were successful.   Now I just need to get it in my house.  We hurried home to watch what we could of the BYU- Utah game- and then the DR, Oldest, and Middle went to do baptisms. We just visited the rest of the night, and Outpatient and O made Brazillian Cake- (heaven help my d-word). Sophie started acting really sick- and had us all quite concerned.

Sunday, we woke to find that the roads home looked rather yuck- so Outpatient and O went to church with us, then gathered up their stuff.  Miss Sophie had started acting better. We had Thanksgiving Dinner part II, and got them on their way.  They arrived safe and sound, while a friend we found out had slid badly in Provo Canyon- so grateful they were okay. We went to tithing settlement, and then choir practice.  Afterwards, we started decorating our gingerbread houses. 

It was a busy but fun and even relaxing weekend.  Love my patients and family.  Even when they don't act all that loveable.

Gratitude is a gift.....

In a recent conversation, a friend mentioned how someone she knows really doesn't know how to show gratitude and appreciation.

I know someone like that too (me- for one; it is hard for me, why is it so hard to say thank you and I am sorry?).  It is that part of each of us that sometimes gets confused and forgets how much we are blessed and how we should not take anything for granted.  Sometimes we are given too much and we start expecting things.

I am grateful for the wonderful family I married into.  The more members who join, the more I realize how blessed I am.  We do not always get along perfectly, but for how many of us there are, we do amazingly well.

We accept each others differences and quirks- even though some may drive us a little crazy at times. We enjoy getting together.  Granted, this one is harder for me because I have such a hard time in large groups.  The DR will whisper to me "you are doing your crowd thing" and it helps remind me to relax and maybe seek out a quiet spot for a minute or two.

I force myself to do things that are hard for me because I know that family relationships are worth it. 

My siblings and I have history, and common personality traits, so naturally, I have to work harder to cultivate  the common bonds with my inlaw family.  Sometimes it is harder than others but it is worth the effort.

As for my family I grew up in.  They can drive me nuts because we are so alike.  They can make me mad because I feel their comments harder and more personally than those of a friend or stranger. But I love them more than life. 

Every good thing in my life comes back to FAMILY.  And since Heavenly Father gave me my family.  I am so grateful to Him for them.  All of them.  Those linked through genetics.  Those linked through the bonds of marriage.  And most especially, those who come from me- my body or my heart.

HP 7- part 1

For those of you who know me in real life- this will come as a bit of a surprise.

I really liked the movie.

A lot.

We went tonight with my sis, Smash, her hubby, Outpatient, O, Oldest, and Middle- leaving Youngest home to help "babysit" my niece and nephew.  I think she would be okay watching it- but I wasn't sure, and I didn't want to find out the hard way.  Plus, I wasn't too sure how  the littles would handle being with a stranger (Middle's best friend)

I am not a huge fan of the Books - to Movies- in general- and HP in particular.  I dislike when there are dumb or major changes to the story line- especially when I know they are pertinent in the future.  I don't know how they are going to finish off the rest of the book, but they did a really good job this time. Maybe it was in part because I don't have the 7th book committed to memory yet :)

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Today was/ is the DR's 47th birthday.  If that date and number sounds familiar- it is.  He was born the exact day that President Kennedy was killed.

He had a rather interesting day, I think.  First, I woke him up all night because I wasn't sleeping well ( he told me this at dinner).  Then I woke him up for real to give him an alarm to wake up Youngest for school in 20 minutes because I was leaving for hockey practice and I informed him he needed to redecorate the carport because I am tired of the back of my van sticking out and freezing shut.  (I forgot it was his DAY- okay?)

I did realize it was his birthday at about 7:20 AM- as I was almost 25 minutes into my workout on the elliptical.  I called and told Oldest to break out the birthday spankings.

Then- because his day hadn't been special enough already- I told him he had to miss hockey practice and help me deal with the 500,000,000 leaves at his parents house since we are supposed to have major snow tomorrow.  Three hours and 26 gargantuan bags of leaves later- we are almost done- but Oldest and I  were out of light and severely out of warm  tolerable temperature-  (He had gone back to the office for an appointment at 4:30)- so then, he got to provide dinner- Chinese Buffet.

Wow- we are having a banner year for birthday celebrations around the Looney Bin this year.

Please remember, I just let him go to Hawaii for pete's sake- what more does he want.

(p.s.- We will have a fabulous dinner party just for you on Thursday, because everyone can get the day off of work and school, how does that sound?)

Four Games- Four Wins- (three were hockey)

Wild and crazy Saturday.  Day started with hockey game for Oldest at 7:30- then another at 10:00 and because we are crazy!!!  we had another game set up with a travel team for 1:00.  So- by 2:30- (7 hours) our boys had played three games.  Very few of you can truly appreciate what that means-  but lets say it was a safe bet it was a VERY quiet ride home for the parents :)  All three games were wins- the boys played great!!!! O and Outpatient made it to the first two- then O stayed with me for the third while Outpatient pouted because he had work to do- and she got a little more introduction to the world of hockey.  There were a few oooohh's from hits and the like- I dare say that I think she just  might be starting to understand the attraction of the sport.  

Then- the DR and Middle headed to CougarTown to watch the Cougs win against NM and the rest of us went for food (Oldest had O and I laughing with his random and plentiful if not always well thought out conversation- he likes Metropolitan Ice cream, in case you wondered ).  The weather was kind enough to not start raining or snowing during the game and that is about all that can be said for that.  It wasn't so nice for our drive home.  But we are home, safe and sound.  And tired.  I will add pics later-

I apologize.....

I am sorry.  I want to get my trip posted, but first I didn't have the pictures- the DR did.  And now, I have no time.

I also want to say I am thankful for a lot of things-  but again with the no time.

I am thankful for my mom. She is a source of entertainment. ( a co-worker helped her come up with an "explanation" as to why the identical necklaces- um, sorry, won't fly-  She just really, really, really liked it and forgot she already gave me one)  And she is the reason I exist.  And my siblings exist.  And an Awesome Grandma!!!!!

The Way My Mind Works...

I am a list maker. If the occasion is big enough (like an upcoming wedding perhaps)- I will end up making lists of my lists.



I have come to know that I come by the trait naturally- compliments of Grandma A. I am not just talking your run of the mill grocery list , mine is done in excel and covers just about every possible thing I could need to pick up, plus I have a separate one for Costco.


I have had total strangers and more than a few friends stop me and ask me to email them my lists for groceries and my trailer list. It is not a disease- it is very helpful and I hate life when I do not use my list making capabilities.

Today, I was talking to my mom, and having a minor laugh at her expense, because- A) she gave me the exact same necklace for Mother's Day last May and my birthday. I find this hilarious- because she told me the same story and reason for its purchase both time (It reminds her of her mother- Grandma F) And, B) for many, many years, she gave me a pink top of some sort for my birthday and Christmas (my sis says at least I got some variety- hers were all cream sweaters with flowers).


Love my mom- but I did not get my memory skills from her.

Anyway- she said she needs to make a list of who she gives what to- I agree. And I already do that- my current notebook goes back to 1998. I have birthdays and Christmas lists- who and what. I read a few years to her. She laughed and didn't want me to continue to the current year-

What can I say- its genetic.

TWENTY FOUR.

Dear DR.

As we entered into this day over the Pacific Ocean, returning from a wonderful break in our reality, I didn't remember.  As we landed at the Airport in SLC, I didn't remember.  As we visited with your parents and you drifted off into a catnap, which example I soon followed, I didn't remember.

As we were gathering up our stuff to get on the road and start collecting our various offspring,  I remembered.

I was first this year.  But- since you had it announced early when we dined at Roy's,  I guess you can still have the honor of always, always - remembering.

Happy Anniversary.

Tender Mercies Tuesday.......

On Friday- we drove out to my sister's to drop off Miss Sophie, after dropping off all other patients' belongings at their various homes for the week.

Things got a little interesting because we were running a bit late, The DR had a money transfer that he needed to take care of online.  And, as we were getting our luggage checked in, we (I) realized that my license was expired the day before.  Seriously.

Now- in April of 2009- I had reason to get a replacement license.  So- I didn't realize that my newer license would expire this year.  I don't recall getting a notice from the DMV like in years past.  Anyway- there I am, trying to get on my flight to Hawaii with an expired ID.

In April of 2009, I paid extra money to get an additional ID card.  It expires in 2013.

How many of you have an ID card as well as a driver's license?

I was blessed to not only have that ID card, but to remember that I had the ID card and thus get on my flight to Hawaii. 

Oh, and although the DR couldn't get the internet at the airport to work, he was able to get the transfer taken care of right as the zone before us was called to board.

Coincidences?  I think not.

P. S. I am in Hawaii

I have to say-  I am in love with Kauai.  The sunset tonight was gorgeous.

Think About It- For The Strength of Youth

Did you know that there have been  booklets for the Youth for decades?  Somehow, I didn't know that- I know I didn't have one in my possession during my YW years-  I did have the Personal Progress book, and I earned my YW medallion (it was a bit easier then- but I have re- earned it while serving as a YW leader).

I am grateful for the guidance given to us and our youth from the prophets.  The prophets have never- never been wrong in their counsel. It boggles my mind how many people are disregarding the counsel given in the "For The Strength of Youth".  It is incredibly difficult to raise kids as it is, without having to deal with -" well, so and so lets their daughter/son do or wear that"  Compound that by it being people you love and care about and who have influence over your children- it makes it harder than it should be.

I have been very blessed so far to have daughters who have a very strong personal drive towards modesty.  I can only hope that it continues to not be a issue.  I have sons who also don't have a big issue- other than the occasional saggy butt jeans.  They have other weaknesses- but modesty hasn't been one so far.  I hope that part of the reason for that is DR and my example, and not compromising the standards.  No one goes shirtless around here.  The girls do not wear cami's as anything but underwear- not even pajamas. I don't make my boys wear undershirts- but they both do/did by choice. Middle had a very hard time with some of the costumes she had to wear for dance- part of the reason she dropped it, I think.

The world is increasing in wickedness at an alarming rate. The members of the church are already being separated - the grains from the chaff- only most of us don't recognize it.  I noticed several women who I have known for a while have all had their bodies tattooed. This was after the Prophet, President Hinckley specifically said no tattoos.  I have also seen where those choices have led many of them.  Broken families, broken covenants.

How do our YW and YM expect to attract the type of person whom they want to be sealed with when they dress and act in a way that would not be worthy of those blessings?  When they go against the teachings of our leaders and date before they are 16? When they choose friends whose standards should be high but are not?

Sorry- getting my rant on this morning.

I am grateful for the guidance given by our prophets.  If we love them and sustain them, we would do what they counsel us to do.  There are things that are not hard to follow. It is not hard to NOT get a tattoo. They cost money, are very painful.  Getting one is a very deliberate choice.  It is a little harder to dress modestly- but not that much.  I have learned to buy my girls summer clothes in the spring (well- really February) because that is when the shirts with sleeves and longer shorts and capris are available.

When we can't manage to obey the smaller guidelines, how can we hope to have the strength to follow the really tough ones- like crossing picket lines to go to church on Sunday- or attend the temple.

Some people would say that I am being judgemental.  I am.  I am judging the influence others have on my children and I make no excuse or apology for that.  I will be more than willing to stand before the judgement seat for saying that I don't want my children to follow someone else's example if that example is against the principles taught by the prophets. I do try to point out my flaws as well-  I am not perfect.  I am far from it.  My Patients are far from perfect too, but we are trying.

Think About It- Treating Others

Found this somewhere-  I have seen it in emails, and then I saw it posted somewhere yesterday-  it is a great thing to think about-


Original Source UNKNOWN-


Five lessons about the way we treat people


1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady


During my second month of college, our professor Gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:


"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"


Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the Cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely, " said the professor.. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant.. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello.."I've never forgotten that lesson.. I also learned her name was Dorothy.


2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain


One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.


A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.


She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A Special note was attached.


It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's' bedside just before he passed away... God Bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.


3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve


In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.


By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient..


"Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins."I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away.


The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the Table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.


4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path


In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the King's' wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.


Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded.


After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!


Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.


5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts


Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.


The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded.


He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away". Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.


remember how we treat those around us....

Happy Celebrations!!!!!

Bo

Talia

Chelsea

Kate  "8"  woo hoo!

Dad L

Marianne

Us-  24 years
Cedric

Michelle

Lori

DR
Tiffany
Adam and Liz

Sam

Christopher M