It is busy around these here parts

It has been extremely busy and will be for the next few weeks- I also haven't been feeling like blogging.

That happens when there is a lot I want to say but can't or shouldn't so when I feel like I have to censure myself-  I don't feel like writing much of anything.

We have played A LOT of hockey, I have done A LOT of work with the concessions.  We have been doing A LOT of wedding stuff.  I have worked quite a bit. We have had A LOT of sickness (now it is the DR's turn-  hopefully Youngest and I can escape unscathed).  AND it is February-  the time of BLAH.  


Sunset pic s.o.c. from my back yard- in January-

Food For Thought

"...one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

...

Atticus Finch (To Kill A Mockingbird)

25 years ago-

A blind date changed everything.

Happy First Date Anniversary to my hubby!

Dear Winter...

I was just starting to see some peaks of grass in a few places.

Dear LOL-

I want to tell you a story. 

Once upon a time, there was a young wife who wanted to become a mother.  It was not going well, and there were other medical issues going on, and she was discouraged.  She had to get her blood tested so she could start some medication.  When she didn't hear back from the lab, she paced a lot, stressed a lot.  Finally, she got fed up and called them-  hearing the words, "well, we won't have the final results until in the morning, but it looks like you are pregnant" sent her over the moon with happiness.

Thanks to the medical issues, there wasn't a way to know when the baby was due- so she went to have an ultrasound.  Not a common practice like today, she had to sign lots of legal documents releasing the hospital from any liability because they didn't know what effect - if any- it would have on the fetus.  The ultrasound began.  The doctor was a very well known Neo-Natalogist- which would come into play later. Almost immediately, the doctor asked if she wanted to know what the gender was which should have been a clue-  she did but her husband didn't.  However, he couldn't stand the idea that the doctor knew and he didn't, so he caved ( they were pretty poor college students so she wanted to be able to plan- she didn't like surprises)


It was a Boy.

(which she "knew", but that is another story for another day)

Those words rocked her world in ways she never could have imagined.  She began getting weepy at FTD commercials.  Every single Mission Farewell or homecoming no matter whose it was- was emotional.  She borrowed all sorts of future tears from that day on.

But- she never thought past that farewell day.  Never pictured the day when he would call and say, "Mom, I found someone."  Not sure why because she was a pro at over thinking things and preparing for whatever.

As her baby finally came into the world, following a very stressful and dangerous pregnancy, she tried hard not to over protect him.  To teach him to be a good person. And eventually, as he began to date, to realize that someday in the not too distant future, that phone call was going to come.

And it did.  In September of 2010.

All that mom had ever wanted for her son was for him to be a great person (he is) and for him to find someone totally worthy of his heart (he has),  because there was no way she wanted turn him over to someone who didn't love him like he deserved to be loved.


Thank you from the bottom of his mother's heart for being that person.

Happy Alive Day, Smash!

4 years and counting.

On Feb 15, 2007, my baby sister was hit by a car while riding her motor scooter to work.

She shouldn't have lived through it.

She did. 

Tender Mercies Tuesday- meeting our needs

This week, I want to focus on/ share some thoughts on my job situation.

Over a year ago, the DR and I took a "family inventory" and decided that it was not in our family's best interest for me to continue working as much as I had been.  I went to sort of an on-call status.  That lasted from December until last August when the "call" part of that went into effect.  It was only supposed to be for a couple of months, a few hours here and there.  It was more like three plus hours most days of the week.  And it didn't get less, it has gradually become more.

In August, the Outpatient was pretty sure he had found his eternal queen.  So far, my job has been paying cash for all things wedding.

Two weeks ago- I had a very heavy work week.  I added about 20 hours over three days.  I didn't enjoy that too much, because as you are aware, the rest of my life didn't just go on hold- as a matter of fact, I had two super sick patients at that time.  But that too, was a blessing in the sense that it took the hockey part out for a few days. Which allowed for those extra hours to fit in a bit better.

Anyway- this past weekend, it was discovered that Fergie- our car that Outpatient drives, is in dire need of new tires (I swear it seems like we just put some on it but it has been at least a couple of years and it did drive all over Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho).

Well- those extra hours will pretty much pay for new tires.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

We were able to be home in our own house for Valentine's day for the first time in several years.  Oldest was more than a little excited to have our traditional Fresh Fruit Crepe Dinner.

Even the crepes got into the spirit of the holiday!

A few days ago, Oldest came home with a Valentine from 4 girls - they like his hair, and want to know what conditioner he uses because it is so soft (they have been feeling his hair?)  It was so funny- and made even funnier by letting a couple of the parents read it-  ha! (Casey, Jamie, Catelyn, and Kristin)

We had a fun night together and were so happy to have a minute to sit down together and celebrate our love for each other and the happy news that my niece is now officially engaged.

Middle had a fun day- she had made many handmade valentines for her friends, dressed up for the occasion and came home with a rose, singing valentine card, and a ring of her own.  So-  Lac and LOL-  Middle says....

BEAT THAT!

Well- that's a First-

Today started out rather interestingly.

We slept through the first half of Oldest's hockey game.

Yep.

I was up late last night driving home and talking to my oldest sister (we have simultaneous wedding plannings going on, and family drama moments-- we talked for at least 4 hours :)  ) 

I set my alarm on my cell phone for 5:00 so that the DR and Oldest could be at the rink by 5:45.  AM.  I awoke at 6:38 and it took about 1.2 seconds to realize the enormity of the situation.  I went into the bedroom and woke the DR with "IT IS 6:40 and we are missing the game!!!!!!).  Well- there was nothing to be done as far as Oldest was concerned.  If you are not on the bench at the start of the game-  you can't play unless the coach wants to take a 2 min penalty.  The DR flew up and began to dress frantically. I told him there wasn't much point but he said that Oldest wasn't the only one which I took to mean he was reminding me that Middle was supposed to be at the rink in 15 min.  I got her up and the DR headed out the door to start the car (or so I thought)- I told her to grab her bag and stuff- when I saw the DR pull out of the driveway.  HE LEFT HER!!!!

So-  I quickly threw clothes on myself and hurried her to the van and she had to dress as we drove down to the rink.  I went into the rink and the Pee Wee team mom says good morning and did you remember you have team treat today.  No,  No I didn't.  I didn't even bring my purse :(

So-  I head over to the bench where the DR is coaching, and grab his wallet-  mention-  "oh, by the way- why did you take off without Middle?"  - to which he replied- OH- I did!!!

He had not even COMBED his hair- or even grabbed a hat!

Anyway-  the off-course ship righted itself eventually-  but wow.  In fourteen years-  that is most definitely a first.

My cell alarm went off at 5:00 PM--Not that I needed it to.

I really need glasses!

Dear Birthday Girl...

Wow!  You are no longer in single digits.  This makes me a little sad- but I am so happy that you are my special February gift.  The biggest of my babies, and the only one (besides Oldest who I can't take the credit for) to be early.

You have been such a joy- (sometimes a stinker- let's be honest here)- and soooo entertaining.  You have been especially excited for this birthday and have been counting down for weeks (actually- that helps me to keep it in my thoughts as well).  Yesterday, you were bouncing off the walls as if it was already THE day, and we have had a few "eve of the eve of the eve of my birthday eve"-  so cute!

Today you woke up early, had requested waffles, bacon, and eggs for breakfast (actually toast too but you didn't remember that) and you ate one 1/4 of a waffle  and some eggs- gave your bacon to your bacon snarfing sister, and were completely ready for school before you usually finish eating breakfast.

You headed off to school and just an hour later we found out that one of your birthday wishes had come true- Sister Packard had her baby early this morning- just like you hoped.  I can't wait to tell you when I bring you lunch-  a meatball sandwich. 

You requested Meatloaf for dinner, much to Middle's chagrin- but it isn't her day- it is yours. And a "chocolate cake with white frosting and a big 1 and 0 in green" So have a great day in your new sweater, your necklace from Grandma Bunnie, and I have a surprise trip out to see Grandma for just you and me. (Shh... you get to sluff school- we are calling it a mental break day) *we ate lunch at Noodles &Co with your brother, Aunt Smash, Xman and Panda as well as Grandma- you had Mac and Cheese

I love you - you are definitely an original!

You were happily surprised with fun stuff for your Kaya doll, and didn't seem too sad that you didn't get a real horse.

We drug your Special Day out clear until Sunday when we shared Cake and Ice Cream with our neighbor-friends/family

Tender Mercies Tuesday- not forgotten

I wouldn't want anyone to think I have quit being grateful for the Lord's hand in my life-  I just have had a hard time blogging in general lately and I have had severe memory loss too-  but I want to take note of a few that have been in conjunction with my new calling.

Our Stake and Wards were re-aligned 3 years ago last month.  I have looked around on Sundays and felt like there are still so many strangers to me.  I have been serving in primary or sort of on permanent substitute status for all three years and I seldom can get to the other activity meetings because of our schedule.  So, going into RS one exceptionally rare Sunday, I listened as a woman whom I had no idea who she was gave her lesson, and the Spirit whispered that I would be teaching in her stead very soon.  In a way, the Lord was letting me know he had heard my heart say there were too many unfamiliar faces in the ward and He was giving me the opportunity to look at a bunch of them.  Before the next time that sister was to teach, I had been given that calling.

I had also, in my heart, been struggling with my other calling as Activity Day leader, because I was feeling a little burned out, but even more so, I was feeling the time crunch of trying to squish it in on the one semi-free afternoon I had, but I was often coming home to girls already arrived.  I was persevering, though.

The next little blessing is that when I was called, they asked me to teach that very next Sunday- no problem.  I began to prepare the lesson, which was on Fasting.  I had some close to my heart experiences to share with the sisters, but- the other sister already had prepared and so she taught.  I thought about what I had considered sharing, and still feel that they should be shared, but that Sister S- needed to give that lesson- either for herself or for others.

I then began preparing my next lesson (work and responsibilities), and have been called this last week- in the midst of lots of extra work and sick patients- and informed that the Stake President will be taking all the class time that day for Ward conference. 

I might get to teach in April :)-  then in May- we have THE WEDDING that weekend. 

So- by June, I will have the calling 6 months and maybe have taught twice.

I am not worried about actually teaching, so I feel that the Lord is mindful of my time struggles and the many plates I am trying to balance right now, wants to make sure I am willing to serve without over-stressing me and is allowing that to take place. And after all- that is what Tender Mercies are all about-  the very personal blessings.

End of set of Milestone Moments

I have written before how great our neighborhood is.  The reality is that many in here are great, close, and social neighbors, but there are a few who aren't too.

Anyway- in particular- there are three families who have raised our families almost entirely in this neighborhood. Yesterday- was our eighth baptismal service for one of "our" kids. He is also the last one. We have been together for 9 kids reaching that grand age of 8- two of them are both January babies and the same age- so they shared their special day.

Outpatient and K were both baptized before we moved into the neighborhood.

  H was baptized before my digital pictures began.

C, Oldest and J.   C was baptized a few months earlier, and Oldest and J shared their wonderful day.

(I need to get a recent pic of these three all together)

 M, and Middle were baptized a few months apart in 2006

(ha- missing quite a few teeth here)

M2 was baptized in 2007

( whose patient is that on the far right???)

Youngest in 2009

And ( Insert picture here when I get it from his mom- alas, in our over scheduled evening, I left my camera at home)

M3- was baptized last night.

We have begun a few other milestones in the meantime- we have had a couple of graduations ( another on the horizon), a missionary ( possibly soon to add another of those), and now- a wedding. 

I am so grateful to have been able to be apart of all these moments in life.  We have had our trials, but these kids are pretty tightly bound and it is a pleasure to watch them all grow up together, and help each other along life's path.

We have other families whose milestones we have also celebrated- but these three have been walking hand in hand since 1998 (we moved into our house in 1997- but the M family moved in the next spring and the S family was already here)

Oh The Irony

I have 4 patients.  Two Males and two females.

My male patients take 15 minutes long shower-  if I am lucky and bang on the door to hurry them along.  One even takes an absurd amount of time for the rest of his preparation. Especially his hair.

Middle-  3-5 minutes- tops.

Youngest - well - she is a distracted being- no matter the activity



(Middle was ungeared, showered, dressed in church clothes, hair done, and ready to head back to a dinner in under 30 minutes-  beat that Bros!)

Signs of a Great Dad

A great dad will drop everything and go to the wrong school to find a locker that isn't there because it is at the other school- then he will go to the correct school to find the locker that his child can't remember the number of nor the last digit of the combination because "you don't really need it", then stand in the hall and try several of the lockers nearby just to make sure he is at the right one, and then try the combo about 10 times to get the locker open and bring home the science book.

A great dad will brave the beyond bitter temperatures and windchill to bring  some lemonade for another child, because they are craving it.

A great dad will sleep on the couch so that the sickies can sleep in their beds alone, which displaces one child who gets to sleep in the big bed with mom.

A great dad will wash and blow dry his daughter's hair so she doesn't look completely unloved when she goes to church alone because mom and sis are out of town and brother is sick and dad has to sit on the stand.

A great dad will dedicate himself to the sports his kids love and spend years doing everything he can to make it a positive experience.

A great dad is willing to serve his children at the drop of a hat- with blessings, cuddles, and carrying the hockey bag.

A great dad is what my patients were blessed with.



(and a great husband will not freak out when he comes home to complete disaster because his wife has spent two entire days at the computer working while the house falls apart- then he will feed himself because she already short-order cooked for the patients, and he will start clearing off the counter.)

.

It is coming along-

The location (and backup) are reserved. The decor details are filling in. The girls and my dresses are in hand- so are shoes - except the girls are too big :(-  so I will have to keep my eyes open for something else- the ones we picked are out in Youngest's size-  Need to get the menfolks stuff ordered.

A few orders are on the way, and a few things purchased.  Still a lot to do - but so far- so good.  I am pretty excited about a few things we are going to do- but I can't divulge them right now-

Middle made the comment that if it was this much work to marry off the Outpatient- just think how much more it will be when she gets married.  Um- Hopefully have a few years before I have to contemplate that, (and crossing my fingers my girls don't do what my sister and I did or worse) but I don't know that it will be that much more- since we are doing a reception in Small Town as well.

Every time I look at LOL and Outpatient's pictures, I am so happy for them.