Grandmother's Journal

I thank you

2011-09-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Wow is a good word.

Big Wow's abound.

Marriages. Travel/Trips.

Babies. Here and Arriving!

All the fun and the rest that goes with it!!!!

Empty house filling up again. Family visits are more priceless.

Right now.

Less traffic in the domain, means get more done??

Maybe, maybe not.......

Gratitude for all I have.... and don't have.

A warm wonderful companion.

Lots of kids, and new female members.

A missionary soon back.

A home.

Food and fuel to cook it.

Phones, internet and Scriptures.

Reverse the order above.

Hair and teeth? Bones.

Hey this is getting funny...

Humor.

I'm here and can endure well.

For Blessings are everywhere.

Thank You God.

Missing or Lost?

2011-05-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

I am Lost, but she is found.

Today in what was less than flash Sadie was gone. We relaxed and knew she hadn't gone far. We had all just seen her, wasn't it just minutes ago I sent her to find the other Mickey? Amanda knew she had been right there. How did she disappear?

We searched. We hit the street, I checked from the Balcony, we re-checked everywhere we Had checked.

Gone. Nowhere. Time was passing by, we were all out and frantic on the street now except Jim.

Jake left in his car. We were running.

Jim called and said a neighbor had found her, was bringing her back.

Turns out she was pretty far off, barefooted, and hadn't ever gone that direction before when being chased. We were amazed she had gotten that far off!

A miracle.... someone who knew her drove past and saw her. There she was oblivious, very near the border of our ward and neighborhood. Had she gone any farther she would not have been recognized.

She was holding a fistful of broken-off tulip blossoms, and looked as if to say, What's the big deal... and why aren't you paying attention to these flowers? She looked confused and a bit sad.

Not contrite one bit though!

Life lately echo's this pattern. We're lost, don't have a real plan or direction, it's tempting to go where we've never gone before. Escape. Get unrecognizable.

Turns out we're pretty unprepared too. Racing barefoot in the cold weather ahead.

We've gone so far and so much time has passed by. We have had our rescues, someone reaching, and recognizing us.

And here we stand holding fast to our fistful of broken-off tulips with determination. And not wanting to let go and hear or learn what is there that could save us.

And we are old enough, so now no one here will put us on the bench for a time out, and make us think about it!

I think God laughs, like Sadie's mom did, and thinks to himself, "not one bit contrite" either.

Silly Ack Celiac

2011-05-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is where I hope to post an Ode or Sonnet to forbidden foods.

Fullness of Joy.

2010-08-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

Pure Joy is how I describe it, that is really the short answer to"How did you enjoy Ed week?"

I truly felt Joy in the process of attending Mon-Fri classes. they started at 8:3o am and finished at 9:30 pm. With only an average break of 45 minutes per day it is amazing that I could even keep up the pace. Often heading to bed after midnight.

What is it like to be drenched in the spirit? Hour after hour, and feel it even walking around and crescendo-ing from time to time in class, and at times quiet whisperings calling me to greater works in my life and with those I love.

I am moved with appreciation to God and for appreciation to my husband that has 'supported' me in going and often encouraging me. He needs the rest from me as well. My attendance has inspired me over many years, going the first time in 1984, pregnant with Joel. Valerie L. and I stayed with her sister-in -law Judy and I tried to make it a firm committment to myself ever since. That's 26 years about. Before that we attended local ones in Blackfoot and Ammon Idaho.

Meaning in all things?

2010-08-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

I do not know the meaning of all things. I guess that is one more gratitude to add to my list of wonders.

'How is it done Lord' remains in my heart daily as I see the hand of God in things that I wonder about, and all The wonderful things as well.

Small and simple things need to have our notice; for in these things exist Joy and Gladness, not to mention Wonder.

One may wonder at my reference to Wonder here. But it is in those small things that miracles happen, are born, and can with proper attention flourish.

Meeting someone, making a phone call, following a prompting, seeing meaning in our thoughts, circumstances, and events can help produce miracles, as we bow our heads before God and confess HIS Hand in all things. After all He calls himself the "Author and Finisher of our Faith". Hello.

Fall into it, and float but with Gusto. Pay attention, & see the Arm of the Lord revealed.

Lastly give thanks, and Thanks and Praise, to Him from whom all blessings flow.

Wonder of wonders, miracle of Miracles, it is all going according to plan.

Let's just not be 'too busy' for noticing it all, and may we find "our meanings" and be so glad to see His Hand in our small and simple things.

2010-07-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Summer Wonder

At least that's what we used to call it, calling early to get the kids up and read from the scriptures and make goals, written down, for each day, to complete.

Nowadays we are using less formality and Chris and I are 'cooking up' projects each day to conquer the house and yard which is immense for our style of accomplishing. We aren't good for each other.

During breaks I read and keep coming up with new projects, he disappears back to his room. Like today I was reading a 'get organized blog' and it had listed; "Clean Garage Doors". Boy I added that quick to my master list for Chris, things like that aren't even on my radar 'blips'.

Then it had itemized other projects like; West Garage Wall. Dang. I have one of those too. It said to put large objects there. I haven't room for anything else to go there! And someone already spilled about 20 lbs. of the Duck Feed there, all over the ground, and I really don't want to move all those boxes and containers to clean it up, but.. I guess that's why I have Chris.

Now, how, can I reach and touch his Motivational DNA to want to do that? ( I'm not paying him!) The reason I'm 'project-ing' him to death is so he will want to get a Real Job that will pay!!

Summer it is a Wonder; filled with happy memories of heat and work projects.

The Savior Was Never Rude

2010-04-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have been examining my life lately. Seeing my weakness has been a goal for over a year.
I haven't taken it seriously enough though, and have just started to think about where my life needs to improve. Several things have come to light even today as I have pondered and asked for help from above.

In our fast-paced world we tend to leave it all on the floor and get all we can out of a day. We are each tired and pushed to our limits. We are ill or just don't feel well. We're hungry, have headaches, feel disappointment and hurt. It happens. It's really life. Very, very, few days go as we plan. Frustration mounts. Then we reach "a breaking point", end of 'our rope', "wits end", or whatever we choose to call it! I've heard some people actually see the color red. We hurt someone, slight them; showing disrespect and rudeness.

I've been asking myself about those times, Times when I've been challenged by my circumstance and said wrong things. Sadly, at my age you'd think I'd get a grip on my tongue Especially when I'm unable to keep my emotions in check. Words fly and we are unable to call them back. And so it goes. Damage. Damnage.

I 'profess' to be" trying to be like Jesus and following in His Way".. in all that I do and say. AND I fall short, and excuse myself with one or several of the aforementioned excuses. I don't like excuses. They bug me. So today in taking it to The Top I have realized, 'the Son of Man hath descended below all these'.

HE didn't allow Himself to dishonor His Father with a get-back thought. He didn't let anyone 'have it'. And He was tested way beyond our tests. He held true to his beliefs.

' He suffered' takes on even greater and new meaning today. He was so valiant and constant. He could have called down legions and struck down despots but he didn't. He yielded His will to His Father. He kept his tongue, and in His life he shows us how.

Maybe this is a good place in my weakness list to begin again. I marvel, and stand all amazed at ' The Grace Jesus offers me!'

I would do well to proffer that 'Grace' so fully to my associates and family. Did the Savior have ocassions to lash out? Yes.

HE did NOT do it, except as he felt it dishonored His Father.

I have enough work to do ere the Earth turns, and the Sun goes down.

Join me won't you? It doesn't have to be an impossible dream.

Tender Mercies/ How is it Done Lord?

2010-04-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

From time to time I marvel at the Lord's ability to bless and sustain us when we need a 'little kiss' from above to remind us, no not remind, but reinforce His Presence, and "the helps" we are getting from the unseen world above.
How does He Do It? We are in awe at His mercies, and are only able to acknowledge His Hand and Give Him Gratitude.

Our Two Testifyers:

Cecily left the MTC for Spain, earlier than her 'leave date' suggested she would, 42 days earlier! No chance to email her or even tell her to ask if she could call from the Airport like they still did last year!

I hoped, we hung around here and manned the phones,... no call, did she really leave, was her email a joke? Did she leave?

The next day found us still wondering... the phone rang, it was my darling Draper cousin, Nance. (The one that is always good to be there, even popping in for Pete's and Bekah's Baby blessing, and barely invited, and NOT invited for Cecily's Farewell). She'd be "too busy I think, and it would put that added stress in her life on Sundays' that she doen't need with her calling." (Stake R.S.Pres.)

I greet her, and she recounts the story of her husband yesterday hearing his name called out in the S.L. Airport, "John, John, John." He ultimately sees and greets Cecily. And flies her to New York! Finds her after the flight, reminding her at their parting, "I got you this far Sister Ackerman, now it's up to the Lord to get you to Madrid."

My heart soared at this news, truly, this Mother's heart was comforted.
And now, 1 day later, the skies over Europe are darkened with volcanic ash and many airports are closed.

What a Blessing to KNOW she is there!!

Mercy two; is really number one, as these happened.

Sunday April 11th, we had the BEST DAY! Our Draper kids blessed their 1st child, a daughter, Adaliah Joy, who came especially here on Feb. 18th.

I was lucky and got to have and host the dinner here! For her lovely family of Armstrong's, and ours and some loved friends.

Earlier that week, as I had expected the Cache Valley arrivals, I picked up some extra things that turned out to be 'just right'.

When arriving at the church P&B discovered they had left the key inside their new apt. along with most of their family's food assignments!

Telling us their very humble confession after we arrived at home, suddenly, with not much trouble, Son's-in-law, daughter's, Son's, and Daughter's-in-law jumped to the tasks, and from the 'inspired' purchases, ALL was WELL.
A salad, drinks, and dessert appeared, and the cruse never failed, there was enough and to spare!

It was a Miracle!

Even the ensuing 'Sleep-over', made us think; this should be a traditional event! "The new couple stays over the night of the blessing"! Get's lots of down time to relax, share hearts, and hold baby, after everyone else has gone!

This unplanned circumstance topped off the day better for me than any event of record I remember. And confirmed to me was; 'these miracles were for them', not me, but I got to help-- and was it ever filled with Joy!

"She's Gone, Oh Yeh, I'll Pay the Devil...."

2010-04-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

No, Noone can replace Our girl, the miracle gift from God for my Old Age! Yes she is gone but still manifesting herself in expected and unexpected ways.
I'll enumerate a few:
*Email from the MTC!
*Shame for not writing more...I've sent 2 packages and 2 emails and A postcard, but am being out-done by others.
*Lists of requests: much of which I take satisfaction in. (I will not say the dreaded I.T.Y.S).

The house is quieter, more empty than ever, her reminders abound. We never got enough done in a day to please me. And now she's getting so much done in her day I'm jealous.

Just A Year and a Half........
It will be Spiritual. Tearful. And full of growing experiences for us both. We, Jim and I, are now attached to email like an invisible ambilical cord still exists. She holds our hearts in a strange and not so healthy way, or so several boy's told her.

Are all our eggs in her basket? Most definitely NOT. We have done this casting forth before. But we are feeling rather like expectant parents, hanging on every pain, sigh, complaint, or elation, and doing our share of reading between the lines.

We wait, and take joy in this process we have come to know. It has a pattern of wonder that evolves in God's good time, and teaches us to 'wait upon the Lord' and do our best to do Our part. And check our mailboxes.

2010-03-15T00:12:00.001-07:00

Are We A Quart Low?

2010-03-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday and we have had an Incredible Sabbath so far. The Holy Ghost has touched us and Testified. I have returned home rejoicing about God's mysterious ways, AND the wonders He performs. But lest I get off track let me just share a few of the lessons from the week. These, recorded, may serve to condemn me but as we were taught today they bare posting.

Our experiences with the Spirit are what I will refer to in this post today.... The missionary homecoming referenced these:
* Listen listen, to the still small voice,
* opportunities missed or taken will likely have long term results as well,
* you will not be asked by the Spirit to do anything that isn't important!
Getting this all down will allow me to refer, remember, repent again, and" follow, follow follow, follow", as the song goes.

My Example: Why do we as young Mom's not do as we are directed? WHY? Well we say, WE have EXCUSES and they are GOOD One's!!
R.S. : Explain to another sister what not using the Spirit has cost you and tell about the results.
With a tender heart we shared what we had learned. I was tearful explaining, my continued ignoring the promptings to get out of bed and visit my children's bedsides to tell them how much they meant to me and how much I loved them. Thinking Jim's nightly ritual of sweet dreams took so long and seemed adequate considering how tired I was and sometimes I had just had enough day already. Choosing to tell them less, rather than more in my exhaustion. Also didn't it seem rather redundant, hadn't they just been told? We had prayers, FHE, read scriptures and it would further remind me of what we hadn't done, were missing doing, and of the weaknesses we possessed seeing them in those cluttered rooms...etc.

Big Note to Self: The relationships we develop here we keep!
Work at them! play at them!
Cherish this work, for it is being handed down!
Warning: Whatever you are you teach!
These precious years cannot be returned!
The lessons from today help me realize we have been foolishly too human; thinking ourselves unequal to the tasks, thinking we're able to stall, do it later, offer alternatives, and even negotiate, with The Spirit??? HELLO! WHAT WAS I THINKING?

What a Blessed Breakthrough day, it begs detailed recording in my journal.

Additionally as I thought this through.... similarly the Prophet's and Brethren's counsel we receive are a lot like "prompting's"; ...so easily put aside for a better or more convenient time.(sic).. Or ignored.
I'm thinking specifically "Preparedness/Provident Living' here.

Recently our ward had a chance to use our 72 hour kits/go boxes to make an evening meal. Participation was wholly
optional, still coming as a Stake request, we had under 12% 'do'-ing it. There were no deductions, the gtrading scale was only participate: yes/no, "Do /Not Do", And we even counted try as Yes.

With the Ten Virgins, 50% had oil in their lamps, 50% did not. I was not pleased with my preparations. I have had my personal warnings. And foolishly I still struggled, lacked, shrank, and was disappointed in myself. I found my self a quart low even with all the warnings and 'prompts' I've received." If it had been more than a test...", I'd have been shut out of 'the wedding'!

RESOLVE: I am going to learn to obey and to act! Be obedient to the Holy Ghost. Listen Now- to the still small voice, and follow, follow follow, follow follow!

2010-02-25T15:08:00.000-08:00

More Joy

2010-02-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

Who could guess that we could get so lucky to get another grandaughter!

Adaliah Joy is the Ninth grandchild but the Seventh GRANDAUGHTER! That's as many girls as I had boys.

Someone up there is doing good work on our behalf, and trust me, intelligence is involved here from the other side. My lucky number was always seven, and it's well-loved in our family. But joy of Joys, Adaliah came just in time and seems to have just enough of her dad in her to recognize the genetic connections.

Congratulations to everyone that will know this special girl. Who recognized us immediately as I introduced her to us and welcomed her into the world and our family. Can't wait for the times ahead with her and her cute parents!

A Look Back: At Special Valentine's

2010-02-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

Weeks ahead I warned and alerted. Valentine's Day is coming. After spending close to six fairly uncelebrated years, at last I recognized and slyly proclaimed my disappointment." I want something, don't care what it is, don't even spend any money, just don't forget".

I'd planned a gathering for our family on that Sunday, but when Cecily protested she would yet miss another family event, I switched weekends. I had purchased some small treats for everyone and they could still be given on that Sunday.

Preceding 'The Day' I did favor my boyfriend with several happy early "valentines" of all varieties reminding him of my love and care for him. He did not disappoint. He had Jake procure and deliver Tulips, and as I woke up that Sunday there they were on my nightstand! Beautiful red and white wonders, the most gorgeous flowers I'd ever been given. With our budget I'm sure he overspent, I think the cost can be amortized for past years. I had no guilt, but immense gratitude for a husband that didn't forget.

On Being An In-Law

2010-02-19T05:39:00.000-08:00

Adaliah meets Grams- Beverly Armstrong

Yesterday was one of the best days I've had in forever! It was a day worth recording and learning from. And the greatest knowledge comes often with a price. Because of that the lessons are extra special and memorable etch our characters.

Our dear Father, Clifford celebrated the anniversary of his earthly birth yesterday, Feb. 18 th. He is the rightful Patriarch of my family of Ackerman's and has been a busy fellow, I submit arranging things in the spirit world to go just so for his celebration. I want to publish my commendation of his talent, albeit with the great forces that exist in Heaven to help as well, for conducting a Birthday Bash worth recognizing.

To our earthly registering of events, Adaliah Joy came, special delivery no doubt. Nine days early yet right on schedule to begin the festivities. She was the perfect weight 7 lbs. 9 ozs. 20 and 1/2 inches long. Announcing her own entry with bluster and fists waving. Arriving at 1:24 a.m. We were notified of the arrival and told to get a good night's sleep. The party had began.

Our meeting time was assigned, and with cheerful hearts we waited to greet our special new family member at noon. I was worried. With Jim preoccupied with a busy day would we be late and miss our time? Yes, almost, but I got to work to busy my hands, sewing and snipping away the hours as gracious other in-laws have taught me. Finally even after meeting her Aunts, an Uncle, and her Maternal grandparents, Adaliah greeted us warmly and with a sparkle in her eyes. She was Our Gift from above, sent to satisfy our longing and envy that we could not attend the Party we'd be missing!

Meanwhile in Bradenton Florida our dear ailing brother and uncle Kip, who had a day or so earlier had returned home from the hospital finally after disappointingly small progress, arrived completely unresponsive to those all around him saying only to his caregiver and sweet wife Shari, "oh I'm home". Quietly he'd began his plan to join the Event, the Bash on the other side. He got his wish and joined them as soon as he could... to the arm's of his Mother Barbara, Father (the birthday boy), and brother David. This along with all the other Grandmother's and Pop's, and a special uncle John whom he loved and introduced him to all the other John's and Jasper's worth knowing. Not to mention the Arthur's, Henrietta's, Edna's and et al.

As I said, the lesson's were and continue to be tremendous for this humble in-law, who is reminded by still unfolding events to get in line and wait for my assignments and do my best to figure out my role and not offend by too much, or too little. Like Goldilocks of old, my quest is for "just right" and trying to not let my zeal, or whatever you choose to call it, get in the way of waiting. One thing aging has taught me, is not only does no one care what you think, you better not say much or you'll be in trouble, somehow.

So to this blogspot I go, thanking my inner child-self, for loving learning and still being teachable at my age. And knowing after all the parties I've given and events we've sponsored here, wiser wonders than I can imagine are being carried out and will come off without a snag with or without me.

Happy New Year

2010-01-05T12:09:00.000-08:00

Well the following is a short list of what it is I want to accomplish in the new year, whoops you don't deserve to see this list. It's rather personal.... what's on your list??

Kip and Brotherhood

2010-01-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

We love Kip. You'd never know it by our actions.

He is my husband's 49 year old brother that lives in Florida that we never see and seldom speak with but nevertheless love and pray for.

What good is that? We have not sent letters or packages and even he does that. He has a wonderful wife whom he loves, as do we, but since their marriage, which is that last time I saw him and met her we have hardly kept in touch with her, let alone formed any kind of relationship.

We are sorry, and have found ourselves extremely so since he has developed a hard to treat cancer and it appears to be taking him over.

Our lack of participating isn't new, we've all watched this happen before. Perhaps we didn't learn the lessons and we are repeating them from Dad and Mom.

So sending Jim to Florida seems very little... though we've never been apart this long since our marriage 35 years this March. I believe it's high time to enjoy and know his brother and Shari every minute he can, we here all just wish there were more time for knowing and we wish we could all magically appear there and Know Now all we missed through the years that have passed.

May all of us take stock of what it is we are here for and spend our time on the Eternal matters of consequence. Call someone you love today and everyday. Do better, be better.

December Dreams

2010-01-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

December started out rough, not enough me to go around and few and futile helpers to do a gargantuan task of presenting parties, performances, and events- to please people and percolate pride.

I decided to confess. My heart and health were waning and panic and exhaustion had set in earlier than planned. I found myself in an ever crescendo-ing malaise, (translated: a Funk that wouldn't quit) and ultimately after a small tantrum/walkout I confessed it to my 2 fellow party people and pleasers. Joel and Dave.

I felt support, darkness lifted and with one small and important date with my boyfriend Christmas came. It had it's joy and glee, and for me... it truly was a Christmas Miracle.

I want to thank my Heavenly Father for knowing me. And my children and hubby for loving me. I hope I remember.We had good sports all around, laughter like crazy and helpers all. We loved the Spirit of it and the lessons learned, but those are for another day/post.

New and Last Dispensation

2009-11-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Well I got lucky and was asked to substitute in my ward Relief Society, Lesson # 44. It was thrilling to read Joseph Smith's animated vocabulary as he spoke of his and our day. The verbage is still resonating in me and called me up short as to my attitude and energies. I felt blessed to get to recommit to "The Kingdom of God or nothing!"

I can't wait to meet him for I am absolutely amazed at what young Joseph did with such gladness in his countenance considering his circumstances. Being hated and mocked everywhere you are, and having friends betray and hate you, I have some limited experience with. However I have only my imagination to rely on when thinking of hot tar and feathering. Added routinely having my home invaded, risking lives of my loved ones, and being threatened, chased, imprisoned, starved, tortured, whipped and poisoned are all things that would send me over the "edge".
And still he kept on shining his light to the world and loving and forgiving. Let me share the words I felt challenged to achieve and be motivated by.

untiring zeal

joyful anticipation

peculiar delight

worthy of archangels

welding together

unite our energies

not idle spectators

magnitude and grandeur

having endured

passed through privations

fired the souls

mighty operations

great, glorious and sublime

etc.

I hope to better live with my trials and circumstances. To enjoy less murmuring and grumbling with this attitude adjustment and again receive all things with gladness. I WILL Follow the Prophet!

Cecily

2009-11-03T10:44:00.001-08:00

At the moment she was born life was never to be the same again!! Such a Blessing! Just in time to not be a Halloween baby Cecily came to us as a 'Miracle' (she was a trick and a treat), which we had not understood until the whole ward confessed their prayer vigil that this one would be 'A Girl'.

Things changed quickly; Jim got in touch with his kinder and gentler voice and actions. The boys became more aware of those differences causing Pete as a 6th grader to note, 'Girls get special treatment'. The word he used was 'favored'.

Sweet cheeks Cecily was anything but favored at home, but she became a tough girl that whined less than most, and sang enough to bring swarms of complaints from her brothers.

In her 21st year we will miss the joy, gladness, peace-making of her here, as she rushes off to share her engaging personality with the Spainards. She is going to learn more than she is ready for, but her lifelong toughness and male-heavy environment will bless her to 'go the distance'.

As her testimony of 'hard' continues to develop into a splendid preparatory lesson her homelife produced, she will be sorely missed. And the estrogen levels here will be compensated for by her little nieces. No one can get enough 'female energy' in their life, you go girl! Bless on!!!

Halloween Haunts

2009-10-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Is there a harder day for mom's to step up and create miracles than this Dubious holiday we call Halloween? Entire industries thrive because of this day and they want, no, mandate that we participate. Escaping town is an option if you're a grinch.

We are free not to celebrate, you may say, but that is a scar on your children if you're not careful. (I won't bring up those goulish scars and tooth decay right now). I did know a family that refused carving pumpkins, seeing that as degenerate. I have never been that ruthless.

Are we free,... to avoid the 'Brash' Halloween things? Yes, if it's not what you want; don't do it. But childhood warrants some pretend and make-believe and when, if not in childhood?
So my original premise is this: you must save, plan, organize months in advance, shop wisely and well. You may escape without buying those spendy Disney suits, nice name-brand candy, fanciful decorations. But unavoidibly you need to participate.

My hat is off to those having 6 or more kids to get ready, making it respectable, (cool enough that the kids are happy), with a budget that doesn't seem like early Christmas. Then calmly face the face paint, hair color additions or hot masks, and accessories, and finally creative bundling, when it's freezing cold outdoors. (This part particularly was very depressing as a child for me, I can still remember ruining my 'look' with boots, leggings, and hat and gloves).

But in the end most scars fade and perhaps this may explain my warning and end of my rant. Someone once said, "all you need is to get dry ice in a caldron and you'll not have to worry", doubting the simplicity of that, get a black and orange feather boa, and get by... at least your husband will be impressed!

Finding Happiness

2009-10-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Well tonight Chris taught a great FHE on 'Finding Happiness'. He posed a question," how do you make yourself happy, what do you do to make happy come into your life?

I want you to think about that too. What do we do when we are low, to feel better? Other than Chocolate and sweets it was an interesting question. He said I gave the best answer. I hope you give the best answer too!

His text was from Bro. Scott's Ed Week address August 1997. I hope you have a happy week! And go ahead find happiness...

Good news

2009-10-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

Good news for the economy?! My family tells me the Yankee win means things are looking up. I guess they have the thing figured out! All I know is every night there's a playoff game I need to make and give out more food, and stay up longer, and get up earlier, and get to bed later, spend more money on my budget and wear out finally to get a good nights sleep before it starts again.
It's a rat race around here, everyone has the family manners down, (or lack thereof) reminiscent of "Dogs and Cats living together.....' whew!
In the end it's good work and though I often feel invisible here, seldom feel heard or listened to by my own, they have all married fabulous folks and families.
I also often feel like; "I'm a stranger here" and "have wandered from a more exalted sphere".
Many years from this night we will cherish the results of the games far less than the company we kept and fun memories of these nights.
With the exhaustion behind me and the bad moods gone with enough sleep, I hope we'll remember the new snack mix was a hit, 'the pooled "Celebration Sundaes on Sunday". The pumpkin carving amid the cheers and gasps of the viewers, the lap visits of little Sadie and Izze, the special guest Bubba, and lots of people all talking at once. Our trademark.

I Am A Dinosaur

2009-10-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well last night I wrote the greatest entry yet. When I asked Jim to proof read he said, "It sounds pretty victimy to me." So I was sad, and then he told me to take out my comic "even." And when I tried to edit that out as per his instruction, my worst fear was realized... It blew out of the system. Just as my first ever attempt at blogging blew out. Wasted brilliance. Bummer.

This is my attempt to re-write that entry because Cecily discovered my blog and thought I was funny. AND became my first follower. Thanks Cecily for all you do. Including being scribe for this. Not to mention helping me the day I came home from my appendix operation.

My sweet Cecily found the origional I AM A DINOSAUR.

So in the end "even" as no one appears to be looking for my skills. I followed the Brethren, and am afraid I'm feeling almost extinct. Here's hoping somewhere, sometime, someone will exume this deceased spirit and use it as fuel for the future, you go mothers!

The even is for you Jim, and Dave!

Am I A Dinosaur?

2009-10-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

I have followed counsel, I have stayed at home to raise, nurture, and nourish my family. I have experimented with inborn skill and attempted to add talent and knowledge at least yearly. I have admitted my wrongs to most of you and have repented (probably not often enough). Now I find myself with minimal hours earned in the social security system. And my talents are not that marketable since I left the workplace in 1975. Typing is a newly acquired skill? (I actually typed tuped and tyoed). I have learned to use the mouse and cursor, to underline and make BOLD print, admittedly I have a lot yet to learn and these skills are second nature to children who seem born to compute!
Now my dilemma is this; where are all the employers who want a middle aged mom who can react to crisis in an instant, and want someone with the master skills of distraction and pattern interuption? Not to even mention adaptability accumen that can create something from nothing (surprizing the most fussy diners), all the while brainstormimg brilliant campaign slogans while nursing an infant, monitoring a tantrum, and folding and stacking laundry. I HAVE skills but where is the market for these?

Or am I just a dinosaur, unneeded now, but perhaps my fodder will help make fuel for the future? I guess that's a contribution that will be meaningful a few generations from where I exist. And I hope someone will remember the Suzisaur.

Eloise is born!

2009-09-06T20:53:00.001-07:00

August 31st Eloise is born in Logan. Twelve hours later we took these pictures. You can truly see the joy in these faces. Eight pounds two ounces, twenty inches long, and dark hair. Priceless.

Kids!!! To keep us young at heart!!!

2009-04-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

Nothing's quite so great as being a grandmother to "practically perfect" Grandchildren!

Happy Birthday Mother

2009-04-26T08:32:00.001-07:00

Today would have been my Mother's 80th Birthday! She's been gone 20 years. The time has flown by and my,... have we ever missed her in so many ways! We often feel her presence though, most especially in Thunder and Lightening. Thanks for all you taught me Mother, you did the Very Best you knew how to do in everything. And history will show that it was pretty amazing too all you were able to accomplish feeling the way you did! We love and miss you, Happy Birthday and Have another peice of white coconut cake wherever you are!

Feeling Fine

2009-04-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

When you get to 50 a lot more reference is given to health in coversations. Then at 55 it seems to take another leap in references made. Most of those get more personal and I'm tired of that. I making a goal to give the reply, "fine" when asked no matter what the Truth is. This will open up new vista's for me and will keep me much quieter generally.

Clueless in South Jordan

2009-01-03T17:59:00.001-08:00

I just keep hitting keys on this thing and teaching myself how to use it. One of these days Pete and his wife will show me how and then I'll have pictures too.
Forgive the "typo's", I'm lucky to just have a computer available now.!@?!

The Holidays are behind us now...??

2009-01-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

Well 'tis a small thing that I do to be a Sister-in-Zion to all of my family, but that small thing started about when Pete and Bekah moved in in August and ended when Mark left for school in Hawaii, Jan. 1st. It was a long run and a good time. Sometimes funner than others, "the poor in-law children" had to put up with my lack of structure, but random rules like not walking around eating, and then letting 160+ people eat all through the house and not ask them to "please wash after eating" caused some questions. We had some 1-nighters, and some almost-strangers, and even Grandpa Leonard stayed over for the 1st time in this house! It was a great holiday that seemed to go on forever and if anyone will help undecorate in January we really will stop celebrating! Until then come by, everyone is welcome to whatever we have, and it's always a party! Right now were serving soup, bread and cookies, sorry the turkey and prime-rib went fast.Please Hurry, can't wait to see you too!! Oh happy new year!

I Feel Funky

2008-10-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

Hip hip hooray... It's almost my birthday and I feel funky, I don't want to go anywhere or see anyone. It doesn't sound like me, so I think It's an illness called giteenoldur.

The End of Boyishness

2008-10-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

This was the reason I started my blog,... but not knowing how to do it, I lost this "very eloquent posting" about my last fervent and impassioned plea to my sons to get serious about manners and propriety. Sadly it was lost and never posted, but I started this Blog/Journal to let the record show that to my dying breath I had tried to raise civilized, kind and compassionate people... ( but it wasn't meant to be), but I remember I said in words much stronger than they are used to from me, something about that the rough-housing would stop and not be repeated! or either I would not have them here, and welcome, or I would fight with them in Jim's place to preserve his life and my sanity!