So much has happened since I last wrote - I am so inconsistent at times. Others not so bad - oh well! Anyway, in the past while, our second daughter and her family were evacuated from the Monument fire in AZ. They were one of the first to be evacuated and were out for over 2 1/2 weeks. They lived with good people willing to share their homes for all of that time. When they were finally allowed back in the Dad went because our daughter and her two kids took a trip up to St. George to have a respite with her sister's family. The kids really needed a break from not knowing what was happening with their lives for a short while and just be kids again. The medicine worked, they both bloomed back into the lovely young ones they were all along. Our daughter also needed some down time to be allowed to assimilate all that was going on and that her home really was saved. They only took a few clothes and some pictures and their lap top computer. They walked out the door and left everything they had. Oh except they took their dog, fish and lizard. For payment, they were blessed with their home being saved along with one other one and a couple that were only partially damaged and the rest of the homes were burned to the ground. Just saying that makes me want to cry for all of those that have to start over, but they have such a great attitude about how lucky they are to have all of their loved ones out and some for neighbors getting their beloved cars (collection) out and to safety as the family was on vacation out of the state. Thank you Father that no person was lost during this fire. Such devastation over neglect to put out a camp fire.
I was thinking how grateful I am for our family and loved ones and the fact that they are taking on life's many challenges and forging onward. Some challenges are great ones and some are, in others views small, but they are still stumbling blocks for us to overcome and grow.
There is a lady in our ward that is without a doubt one of the kindest, sweetest and most caring (especially for children, she's a great teacher) I know. She has not been blessed with a mate or children and her heart is really taking a beating. How I wish I had the knowledge to help her through this heartache. She has remained stalwart in the Church even though family is such a BIG part of it all. But every once in a while it is just too much for her to bear. Please say a prayer for this lady because she needs us to help her in her times of difficulty. I guess I feel so much more for her because of our oldest daughter who is facing much the same circumstances except she has left the Church and even God because of it. There are times when I feel like it's too much for me to bear the heart ache for our daughter but then I remind myself this is her journey and I am only a bystander but being her mother makes me want to make it all better for her. I can't imagine how our Heavenly Father felt watching His Son go through the awful things HE had to face while in this mortal state. Thank you for the sacrifices and showing us the way.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Rain
Rain, Rain go away and come back another day. Yes, we sang that as children and I find myself singing that again. A couple nights ago, the weather gal said we had just under 12 inches of rain for the months of March, April and May. Doesn't the weather person in the sky know - we live in a desert? The really sad part of all of this is the flooding that is going on all over Northern Utah. Homes that have become flooded and farms that are flooded. These provide for the animals but for humans also. But what about our fresh corn, beans, tomatoes, squash, you know the good things of summer? Everyone loses in this. But we aren't the only ones that are having a difficult spring. The tornadoes that have struck the mid west are so devastating. It seems when the news is on we hear about more and more destruction by Mother Nature. She is truly the "boss" and we are mere humans. Really makes us look at things in a different light. Are we prepared for what is ahead? I hope so! I worry about our children, grandchildren, brothers and their families, my Mom. We have our 72 hours kits ready and try to go through them twice a year but this usually happens only once a year. To change out medications and clothes and such. But we are trying.
On a happier note - the sun was out yesterday morning and it was a glorious sight! And the outside plants are really enjoying all of the cool wet weather. I guess the whole thought here is - we need to look at the good with the bad and realize we wouldn't appreciate the good without the bad.
On a happier note - the sun was out yesterday morning and it was a glorious sight! And the outside plants are really enjoying all of the cool wet weather. I guess the whole thought here is - we need to look at the good with the bad and realize we wouldn't appreciate the good without the bad.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Escape
We just returned last week from a much needed "get away". We were able to take some time and stop our life so to speak here on the home front and go south to visit with another Daughter, Son and their family. We also got to go to our "dentist" who is our Son. He very kindly has offered to do our dental work. We feel so grateful for this "GIFT" from him as this is his living and he helps us which at this time in our life is really appreciated. When we were working we had dental benefits but since retiring that has all gone away. We can't find dental insurance for our time in life (not important enough for us seniors) but even if we could we couldn't afford it. Anyway, thank you Russ we SO appreciate all you do for us.
When we first left, we both were so done in we were shocked at how tired we were. Mostly what we did for a great deal of the time we were gone was just veg. As we started to feel better we took little trips around the area and saw some incredible things. A place called Warm Springs where out in the middle of the desert you find a paradise so to speak of palm trees and warm water. The day we went out we did have one disappointment, there had been a big fire last July which burned an incredible path through the beauty. We were unable to go onto some land the LDS church owns because of reconstruction but it is a trip we will make in the future. The things we saw where the fire had devastated was so sad because there had been homes where people were living and it looks like it took everything they had. That broke my heart to see what they had endured and continue to endure.
Onto a happier note, the road to warm springs is a quiet little two lane road but on the road about 1/2 mile before getting to the LDS property they are building a road side rest stop. It is just lovely, they have brick walk ways and covered picnic areas but as we ventured further we also found hiking trails and some information built around the warm springs. It seems there was a fish that was to distinction. We read the information on this and we very interested in this fish they were bringing back. It is called a Dace. Well, along with the information signs we found on the other side of the walk way was a Plexiglas wall that was one side of the warm springs ditch running through this area. There we could look at the "side" of the ditch and see this fish that was at most two inches long and there was also some snails that lived there. It was very interesting to be able to see down into the ditch from the side and see the way the water was interacting with the plants and such. All and all we really enjoyed venturing into this little area and finding all of this beauty (well it was at one time before the fire and will again, I'm sure). The one thing that really struck me was the peace and quiet of the country life. I have missed this which I grew up knowing and enjoying.
There is so much around us that we really don't stop and enjoy, so I am glad we took the time to see all of this.
When we first left, we both were so done in we were shocked at how tired we were. Mostly what we did for a great deal of the time we were gone was just veg. As we started to feel better we took little trips around the area and saw some incredible things. A place called Warm Springs where out in the middle of the desert you find a paradise so to speak of palm trees and warm water. The day we went out we did have one disappointment, there had been a big fire last July which burned an incredible path through the beauty. We were unable to go onto some land the LDS church owns because of reconstruction but it is a trip we will make in the future. The things we saw where the fire had devastated was so sad because there had been homes where people were living and it looks like it took everything they had. That broke my heart to see what they had endured and continue to endure.
Onto a happier note, the road to warm springs is a quiet little two lane road but on the road about 1/2 mile before getting to the LDS property they are building a road side rest stop. It is just lovely, they have brick walk ways and covered picnic areas but as we ventured further we also found hiking trails and some information built around the warm springs. It seems there was a fish that was to distinction. We read the information on this and we very interested in this fish they were bringing back. It is called a Dace. Well, along with the information signs we found on the other side of the walk way was a Plexiglas wall that was one side of the warm springs ditch running through this area. There we could look at the "side" of the ditch and see this fish that was at most two inches long and there was also some snails that lived there. It was very interesting to be able to see down into the ditch from the side and see the way the water was interacting with the plants and such. All and all we really enjoyed venturing into this little area and finding all of this beauty (well it was at one time before the fire and will again, I'm sure). The one thing that really struck me was the peace and quiet of the country life. I have missed this which I grew up knowing and enjoying.
There is so much around us that we really don't stop and enjoy, so I am glad we took the time to see all of this.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
A Wakeup Call
Friday a very sad thing happened in our family. A beloved nephew was killed in an off road motorcycle accident. This man was so special to our family, he was kind, loving, thoughtful, friendly and all of the adjectives that describe a person everyone would like to know. We are so sadden at his passing and will miss him terribly but we know we'll see him again someday.
But the thing that I wanted to write about was, you never know when someone we love will be taken in a blink of an eye. I find myself many times "wishing" my life away, such as when we can get our kitchen redone, when the kids move out, when we don't have all of the responsibility we know now. With this happening, which seems way to soon for this young man, it dawned on me, we can't wish on tomorrows but need to enjoy and live each day to the fullest. I have shed so many tears over this as we thought so highly of him and I know how I would feel if it were one of my children, our adoptive children (sons) grandchildren, on and on. I do believe we'll see one another again in the here after but it still hurts to let them go now. I guess I'm really selfish as I want "my cake and eat it too" so to speak.
This has made me realize how much I love my husband, my family, our extended family, etc. We are so blessed and I thank my Father in Heaven each and every day for each of them but I guess I don't have enough faith to let them go even for a little while. Of course, I won't or don't have any say in this but I still keep trying.
I guess what I'm saying is we should take the time to "really" enjoy our days, even the bad parts so someday when it's time we can say, I have lived life to the fullest and I'm ready to let go.
But the thing that I wanted to write about was, you never know when someone we love will be taken in a blink of an eye. I find myself many times "wishing" my life away, such as when we can get our kitchen redone, when the kids move out, when we don't have all of the responsibility we know now. With this happening, which seems way to soon for this young man, it dawned on me, we can't wish on tomorrows but need to enjoy and live each day to the fullest. I have shed so many tears over this as we thought so highly of him and I know how I would feel if it were one of my children, our adoptive children (sons) grandchildren, on and on. I do believe we'll see one another again in the here after but it still hurts to let them go now. I guess I'm really selfish as I want "my cake and eat it too" so to speak.
This has made me realize how much I love my husband, my family, our extended family, etc. We are so blessed and I thank my Father in Heaven each and every day for each of them but I guess I don't have enough faith to let them go even for a little while. Of course, I won't or don't have any say in this but I still keep trying.
I guess what I'm saying is we should take the time to "really" enjoy our days, even the bad parts so someday when it's time we can say, I have lived life to the fullest and I'm ready to let go.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Birthday
Saturday, January 22 my Mom was 94 years young. Wow, can't hardly believe she made it this far. Well, I take it back, I can believe it, she has always taken such good care of herself. She eats really well. She is down to where she doesn't eat a lot anymore but what she eats is so well balanced and good for her. I wonder where I went wrong? Hummmm!
On Saturday we took her out to dinner to celebrate her birthday. She was thrilled to be able to go but we had to walk a long distance into the restaurant but she made it both ways but when we got her back to her home, which by the way she is living alone in her own place, she was done in. She stopped at a chair right by the door. Not her usual spot but you could tell she was glad she made it that far. She has had quite a week, on Wednesday we took her shopping to get a new washer machine and coat. Then on Friday we took her grocery shopping and to lunch with her daughter in law, granddaughter and two great granddaughters. She really enjoyed that and then we went to another grocery store, so that was a really BIG day. Then on Saturday we took her out. Usually she only goes on Fridays and if we have a special holiday or she needs to go to the doctor. So this week was really a "killer" week for her and yet it was a good one. I know she really enjoyed it as she is really a social person.
I look at her and realize how long she has lived and the things she has seen come to pass. The changes in our world have been great in my life time but she has lived a good 25 years longer. Wow!
She has had hardships beyond our imagination. In her lifetime she has had three husbands, three children, seen all of her husbands die and one of her sons. That in itself is difficult but she has also seen all of her siblings except her youngest pass on along with her parents and most of her close cousins and so many friends. I know there are times when she wonders why she is still here but if it comes down to it, she will fight to stay. That is the way she is and I think the reason she is still here. She has fought hard all of her life to accomplish many things. To see her children raised and doing well to see 10 grandchildren, many, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren be born and grow up.
Life is not easy but we were willing to take on the opportunity to come here and do all of the things that would come to us. Thank you Father for my Mom and the many things she has taught me. For the sacrifices she has made for me and my brothers. Thank you.
On Saturday we took her out to dinner to celebrate her birthday. She was thrilled to be able to go but we had to walk a long distance into the restaurant but she made it both ways but when we got her back to her home, which by the way she is living alone in her own place, she was done in. She stopped at a chair right by the door. Not her usual spot but you could tell she was glad she made it that far. She has had quite a week, on Wednesday we took her shopping to get a new washer machine and coat. Then on Friday we took her grocery shopping and to lunch with her daughter in law, granddaughter and two great granddaughters. She really enjoyed that and then we went to another grocery store, so that was a really BIG day. Then on Saturday we took her out. Usually she only goes on Fridays and if we have a special holiday or she needs to go to the doctor. So this week was really a "killer" week for her and yet it was a good one. I know she really enjoyed it as she is really a social person.
I look at her and realize how long she has lived and the things she has seen come to pass. The changes in our world have been great in my life time but she has lived a good 25 years longer. Wow!
She has had hardships beyond our imagination. In her lifetime she has had three husbands, three children, seen all of her husbands die and one of her sons. That in itself is difficult but she has also seen all of her siblings except her youngest pass on along with her parents and most of her close cousins and so many friends. I know there are times when she wonders why she is still here but if it comes down to it, she will fight to stay. That is the way she is and I think the reason she is still here. She has fought hard all of her life to accomplish many things. To see her children raised and doing well to see 10 grandchildren, many, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren be born and grow up.
Life is not easy but we were willing to take on the opportunity to come here and do all of the things that would come to us. Thank you Father for my Mom and the many things she has taught me. For the sacrifices she has made for me and my brothers. Thank you.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Happy New Year
A New Year for all of us - what are we going to do this year that is different from last year. Are we going to make the same mistakes, follow the same trail that we've done in the past? Or are we going to stop and take stock of ourselves and how we can change for the better. This can be something that will benefit each of us and our families. It has been proven that we can't stay the same, we either progress and grow and learn or we become stagnant and go down hill (so to speak). WHAT WILL BE YOUR DESIRE AND DECISION - GO FORWARD OR DOWNWARD?
I want to change my life and take control of it back. At this time I am not sure what that means but I certainly hope to find out.
Happy New year to each of you!
I want to change my life and take control of it back. At this time I am not sure what that means but I certainly hope to find out.
Happy New year to each of you!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas
The birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is certainly an important day and one to be celebrated. Then there is Santa, it's in the spirit of giving. Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT.
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