Readjusting

There are times in our lives when it becomes necessary to readjust.

• As I get older and I look in the mirror, I know it is time to readjust the wardrobe. There has never been a time in my life when I would wear the fashions shown on the runways of Paris--not only could I not afford them, but I have never had a body that would allow me to wear them--frankly most of them are a little too immodest for me anyway; ) As I get older, I know there is no way I could pull off some of the cute fashion trends out there--they look GREAT on others, but not me--and that is OK. I just wonder--how old is too old for jeans?

• I also know that each and every year that goes by our family dynamics change. It feels like geographically we are further and further away from the kids/grandkids, so I need to work harder at trying to stay in contact. E-mail, family websites, facebook, blogging, texting all make it easier, but I miss seeing them and talking to them . Some I get to talk to often, some not so often. I love to hear what's going on in their lives. I'm struggling at not having as much time with them as I'd like. (I had a great idea for my 60th birthday year--I'll never run a marathon or a half-marathon, but maybe I'll run a half-marathon of 5K's and go visit them all. Doesn't that sound like fun 13 5K's all over the States, throughout the year 2011--better really save those miles ; )


• In spite of all the running I have not lost any weight. I think the problem is I keep thinking, "Oh, I ran this morning so I can have that cookie" or lets be hones, I usually say and eat "THOSE COOKIES". So I guess it's time I readjust my eating. Long gone are the days when the weight came off easily.

• I'm not the same girl I was when the Beatles gained popularity in the 60's, so as I think about going to see New Moon, and as much as I would like to go to the midnight showing, I know I will not be screaming "Edward, Edward" throughout the movie ; ) I was one of the girls many, many years ago screaming "Paul, Paul". Frankly, when I go to see New Moon I would like to hear the dialogue, so I'll probably go the next day. Goodness I sound like an old lady, but I guess, as they say, if the shoe fits...


• I love to go Christmas shopping, but it just wasn't as much fun yesterday when I went out. We send checks to the kids and grandkids, with the exception of those who are not married--they come home and so I shop for them. But when I was out today and went by Toys R Us, I missed it so much. I used to LOVE going in there and do a lot of shopping.


• Now, to get a little serious. When Allan begins his new job, we will have some readjusting to do. Now, if you are ready for a good laugh, you have to know that right after he signed the papers, I turned to him and said, "What am I going to do now that you are not going to be home all day." He laughed saying I have been waiting and waiting for him to get a job. This job will be different than anything he has had in many years. He has always travelled, and I have never had a problem with it, but I've never been HOME ALONE night after night. I do know it will be okay. There are some other changes this job will bring, but we will adjust because it is GREAT that he has a job.

And I do know that readjusting is part of life.

SIDENOTE: Connie is hosting several giveaways on her blog. Go here to check it out. There is some great stuff so go look.

What Do I Know Wednesday: We Need to Express Gratitude

I love November--part of why I love it is because we talk and hear a great deal about gratitude. Last year, I participated in a month-long gratitude challenge. In one way it was very easy, I have a great deal for which I am grateful. On the other hand, it was difficult to post every day. I loved focusing on these things each and every day.

I was going to list the things for which I am grateful, but I realized I did this a couple of months ago on a "What Do I Know Wednesday" post. The list hasn't changed--except that I can now add Allan's job. (Hey, you might be tired of me saying it, but I certainly am grateful and I never want to be accused of not expressing gratitude ; ) I'm also grateful because one of Allan's daughters just was released from the hospital after having a minor stroke. I'm grateful it wasn't more serious.

A blogger I just started reading, Cherie, shared a great FHE idea. Go read about it here.

When I read her idea, I was reminded of Elder Bednar's Conference talk from Oct. 2008. He was talking about when he was President of BYU Idaho and he and his wife would host General Authorities in their home. He shared the following experience:

"Earlier in the day Sister Bednar and I had been informed about the unexpected death of a dear friend, and our immediate desire was to pray for the surviving spouse and children. As I invited my wife to offer the prayer, the member of the Twelve, unaware of the tragedy, graciously suggested that in the prayer Sister Bednar express only appreciation for blessings received and ask for nothing. His counsel was similar to Alma’s instruction to the members of the ancient Church “to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things” (Mosiah 26:39). Given the unexpected tragedy, requesting blessings for our friends initially seemed to us more urgent than expressing thanks.

Sister Bednar responded in faith to the direction she received. She thanked Heavenly Father for meaningful and memorable experiences with this dear friend. She communicated sincere gratitude for the Holy Ghost as the Comforter and for the gifts of the Spirit that enable us to face adversity and to serve others. Most importantly, she expressed appreciation for the plan of salvation, for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for His Resurrection, and for the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel which make it possible for families to be together forever.

Our family learned from that experience a great lesson about the power of thankfulness in meaningful prayer. Because of and through that prayer, our family was blessed with inspiration about a number of issues that were pressing upon our minds and stirring in our hearts. We learned that our gratefulness for the plan of happiness and for the Savior’s mission of salvation provided needed reassurance and strengthened our confidence that all would be well with our dear friends. We also received insights concerning the things about which we should pray and appropriately ask in faith."

I remember years ago one of my children saying that when one of his little guys prayed it was like he was ordering at a drive thru restaurant, "how about..." So through this month I will try even harder to make sure i spend more time expressing gratitude for everything and limit that "gimme list" I know it will help me to see more clearly the hand of the Lord in my life.

So What Do I Know This Wednesday: I am truly blessed and need to be sure I always remember to express the gratitude that I feel.

November Celebrations

I'm sitting here in shock because it is November--HOW DID THAT HAPPEN???

We have great things to celebrate in November:

November 4th is Wendy's birthday. I love this picture of her with her dad and two of her brothers.

November 16th Allan starts his new job. He is going to be working for the company that has the guys that run around in the brown shirts and brown shorts. The kids are very disappointed that their dad doesn't have to wear that uniform. You have to know there could have been blackmailing involved ; )

November 20th New Moon. I just don't think I can wait until the following week to go and see it with Heidi.

November 21st is the birthday of Joshua, one of my handsome grandsons--in this picture with his nephew, Xander.

November 26th Thanksgiving--sandwiched right in-between the birthdays of 3 of my sisters. (Actually Thanksgiving day would have been my mom's 92nd birthday--WOW.

I will be in sunny California visiting family. It's going to be GREAT. I'm very excited that Thanksgiving morning I will be able to run in a 5K race with Stephen and maybe one of my grandkids--that would make it a 3 generation event.

Of course, November means Christmas is just around the corner and I have barely started shopping. Daph and I will definitely be hitting the stores the day after Thanksgiving.

So, now I ask what will YOU be celebrating this November????

Sidenote: I did go last week to see "This Is It"--I LOVED IT.

Halloween's Past

This is a pic of carvings a few years ago--just plain old pumpkins this year ; ( I think this is the first Halloween I didn't put up my decorations--well, maybe Halloween 1990 when I was pregnant with Kyle--I got out of the hospital that weekend and I don't think I put up anything (notice I didn't say "threw up" anything)

After our news on Thursday, which you can read about here, we considered dressing up for Halloween as happy people, but changed our minds. I guess I was missing seeing the kids getting all dressed up, and it made me feel a little nostalgic so I decided to put up a few pics. Kids, if you look ENJOY:

Stephen and I many, many Halloweens ago. (I still have that costume ; )
















Talk about many moons ago--how about 23 years ago.






















Heidi's costume in Kindergarten was one of my favorites.

























The next year she went as a Fairy Princess--I loved the costume.


























I loved the year Brent went as a Robot--favorite story when someone asked if he was a refrigerator. Kyle was a little miffed and answered, "Does a refrigerator have arms?

























Kyle as Mario--actually I just saw a pic of him on Facebook--looks a little bit more like Luigi in that one.























One year when I was in Young Women we had a Halloween party and we all dressed up.






















Still one of the cutest costumes I've ever seen--the year Drew was an octopus.

























I don't know though because you also have this one when Garrett was an elephant.





















Maybe I'll do another Halloween post when I see pics of them all this Halloween. I'm sitting here just wondering what my little great-grandson was dressed as for his first Halloween. Goodness only knows ; )

Sidenote: I'm so looking forward to my extra hour sleep tonight.

I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE

After 500 days (but who was counting???), I am pleased to report that we have GREAT CAUSE FOR CELEBRATING:



We want you to know how much we have appreciated your concern and your prayers. It has meant so much to us. Hugs. The e-mails and the comments, and obviously the prayers, have meant the world to me. I know many have experienced loss of employment, but when you are 66 years old it can be a very scary thing.

I would love to tell you that I have never worried through the whole experience but like George Washington, I CANNOT TELL A LIE. I have cried buckets, screamed, and at times had a very tough time, but through it all I really did know God was mindful of us and that eventually it would work out--it was just the "WHEN" that was so hard.

We're not sure exactly what will be involved in this new job, but the biggest question is: What am I going to do now that Allan will not be home EVERY DAY!!!!

And for those of you who have wondered--the best part of all WE DON'T HAVE TO MOVE. (Yes, I was torn because I would have loved to move closer to the kids, but as many of you know I have kids on the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest, and then those cute guys in UTAH. Thank goodness for phones, computers, and airplanes ; )

I really wanted to do this yesterday as a "What I Know Wednesday" post, but unfortunately it was not good to go, so no post yesterday--but then again judging by the blog traffic lately, it really doesn't matter ; )


Sidenote #1: We had a wonderful Stake Conference weekend. We had a great group over for dinner on Sunday including our Temple President and his wife--they have been in their calling for three years, so this was their last Conference with us (we will sure miss them), our new Mission President and his wife, and Allan's two counselors and their wives. We also had two of Pres. B's 3 children. It was our first Stake Conference without Kyle ; (

Sidenote #2: These are for sheri. I looked out the window on Sunday and saw a couple of deer in the yard and went and grabbed my camera. I had to laugh when I looked at this picture--IS THAT DEER JUST MIMICKING ME??? It sure looks like he has his eyes closed!!!

And then his friend decides to stick her tongue out at me--OF ALL THE NERVE!!!!

Sidenote #3: Now I can get started making reservations for a little trip. For our anniversary Allan is sending me to California to have Thanksgiving with Stephen and Daphne and their children. Heidi, Brent, and Kyle will drive in from Utah and hopefully Wendy and Tony will drive over the mountain. IT WILL BE SO FUN. I think Stephen and I are going to run a 5K together on Thanksgiving--how fun will that be!!!!

Favorite Memories--Kids Edition

I had so much fun doing that post for our anniversary, that I thought I would do one favorite memory for each of our children--maybe one day I'll do one for the grandkids.

1) Neal--I have tons of favorite memories with Neal--Neal was home for one year after his dad and I got married. He was a delight to have around. Throughout my pregnancy, whenever he would come home he would check on me and help with whatever I needed. I sure missed him when he went off to BYU. It was always fun when we would have a chance to meet up. Heidi, Brent, and Chris and Amanda are still so close today because of all the times they spent together.

I was going to say my favorite memory would have to be when he brought Macy to Winnipeg to introduce us to her the Christmas before they got married.
It was so wonderful to see him so happy. Then 5 months later they were sealed in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.

But, I think my favorite memory will be something that hasn't happened yet--when Allan and I get to go to China and Japan with him. He will be the PERFECT tour guide ; )

2) Nancy--Nancy is a fun girl. She was such a fun big sister for Heidi--when Heidi was little they were inseparable. As I think of my favorite memory with her, I am reminded of watching her when she became a mother. She has always had that motherly instinct. Of course, watching her last February interact with her first grandchild was tons of fun. Then, although we didn't plan on seeing them again--we saw them in April at my MIL's funeral and we took this picture at that time.

You wouldn't believe the pictures she sends via her cell phone--Xander with a beard at Christmas, as a street thug, they just keep coming. I'm sad that we don't get a chance to see them very often.

3) Stephen--Well, Stephen and I have been together since he was born in 1970 and I have tons of memories. I remember when he threw my surprise birthday party when he was 10--so fun. I remember one day when he was home for lunch with one of his buddies and my TV commercial came on the air and he said to his friend, "Oh, there's my mom"--the look on his friend's face is a great memory. I took some of the money from the commercial and he and I flew to Disneyland. I was so amazed as we stood and line and I heard him sharing the Gospel with people in line.

Obviously, my favorite moment would have to be in 2006 when he and Daphne and their 5 children were sealed in the Hawaii temple.

4. Wendy--She is a wonderful woman. After our first year of marriage she spent the majority of time with her mother.

After she and Tony got married, they left Indiana and moved to Reno and lived with us for a few months. It was so fun. The kids loved having them there. I loved having a hairdresser in the house--I HATE DOING MY HAIR and she has always done a good job with my mop.

I guess I'd have to say one of my favorite memories would have to be attending her baptism when I was her CTR teacher--long before her dad and I got married. But another favorite memory would be when she and Tony came to Winnipeg one Christmas and we went to Lights of the Wild on Christmas Eve. I highly doubt they had ever been that cold in their lives, but they are such troopers they didn't complain at all they just smiled and their teeth chattered like the rest of us ; )

5. Heidi--I have so many wonderful memories of Heidi. She was such a delightful little girl--I'll always remember her and Chris playing ponies. I loved watching her all through school. Heidi loves to dance and we haven't been able to see her in all her performances, but to watch her dance is so great. I'll never forget Kyle carrying her during the dance at Amanda and Darren's wedding. I can't find my 5 x 7 copy of this pic to scan, sorry.

But one of my favorite moments would have to be going into her classroom and watching her teach the very first time. I love hearing her stories--she just makes me laugh ALL THE TIME. Sorry, I can't post a picture because I can't put a pic of the kids in her class, but here she is with her brothers who helped her decorate her classroom.
The pic reminds me of a video where she is holding a little wand like that which she referred to as "my maaaggggggggic" ; )

6. Brent--It has been a real privilege to be Brent's mother. He is an amazing young man--probably my most positive child. He is such a great help whenever he's home. (I miss that so much) I have had great memories with him--it's been wonderful to watch him grow up and accomplish so much. It was always so fun to watch him play video games--he loved them and always surprised us with his hand and eye coordination.

Taking him to the MTC was a great memory--during those two years it was great to read about his experiences. I would have to say my favorite memory with him was when we went to Arizona so he could take us to all the places he loved when he served there on his mission.

7. Kyle--We have had some great memories with Kyle. He is our little Canadian. He is probably our biggest worrier--I really don't know why. Because he was the only child at home since 2005, he has had a lot of attention. I think he kind of enjoyed it, but at the same time would have loved having the other kids around.

Of course, one of my favorite stories has to be when Kyle broke his leg. The interns/residents were all coming to look at the break (it was pretty ugly) They had given Kyle a fair amount of morphine and he was pretty out of it. His eyes were shut and we assumed he was asleep. We were waiting for him to have an x-ray and talking about when he would go in and Allan commented that it would probably be awhile since his injury was not "life threatening". Kyle IMMEDIATELY sat up and with great emotion said, "It's life threatening????"

But a favorite memory would have to be when he won the Provincial Championship in the Long Jump.


Sidenote #1: Go here and look at some cute pictures of my little grandson, Garrett, and then go vote for him. I know I'm his grandma and everything BUT YOU HAVE TO ADMIT HE IS A CUTIE ; )

SIDENOTE #2: In my last post on our wedding anniversary, Connie asked where my MIL was in the family picture--I put the one of just us and our kids/grandkids. So here are a couple from her 90th birthday postFirst is the one of my sweet MIL and all of her children, spouses and grandchildren along with the one of her parasailing.


































You might have trouble seeing her in those, so here's one of her when we were in Alaska on our cruise to China last year.

HAS IT BEEN 27 YEARS???

August 17th I did an anniversary post, but today is our 27th Wedding Anniversary. Last year I posted 26 reasons why I love this guy. All of those reasons still apply. But today in honor of our 27 years, I present 27 of my favorite moments:

1. This has to be #1--being sealed in the temple. I still remember that day like it was yesterday--we were a FOREVER FAMILY. When all of the kids came into the temple and Stephen was sealed to us, it was a moment I will NEVER forget. Family dynamics are not always easy, but they are definitely worth the effort.

2. Our honeymoon--ever since we started dating, we didn't have much time alone. When you are dating and have 4 children it is tough to find those moments, so when we headed off to Hawaii and we were alone, it was such a treat. One of his memories of our honeymoon (not a favorite memory ; ) is when I got sick and he was so attentive, but I wasn't used to that so I sent him away. Off he went to Pizza Hut where he had to fight off a GIGANTIC cockroach ; )

3. Each time he would hold one of our newborn babies--he is so big and to see the tenderness and love in his eyes just melts my heart. Of course, having him in the delivery room was always so comforting. (No picture because SERIOUSLY which one do you use ; )

4. Watching him with his mom and dad through the years. He has always referred to his mom as his "Angel Mother". I love the advice to young people while they are dating to watch how their love interest treats his/her parents and their siblings. Allan was always so concerned for his parents and still shows that kind of love and concern for his sisters.

5. The day he was issued the call to be SP. He came home after he had been interviewed by the GA, and we were talking about the experience when he got a call from the SP asking us to come to the Stake Center. We sat there crying. We assumed he was being called as a Counselor. Allan said, "When we get there, look for the man who is white in the face--he will be the new SP". Little did we know...

It has been a great experience for him, and I have loved watching and supporting him while he has served.

6. In December 2000 when he and his sisters were sealed to his mom (and dad) at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Oh, what a precious moment.

7. Another favorite moment when our first grandchild, Chris, was born. We were in Hawaii and we were so excited to come home and meet him. It was exciting to be Grandparents.

8. When Brent got his mission call to Tempe Arizona. Well, actually the whole mission experience was such a wonderful time for us. I know for Allan it was so great to share with Brent many of his own mission experiences. He's looking forward to doing the same thing when Kyle goes on his mission.

9. Our trip to Disneyworld with all the kids/grandkids Christmas 1992. What a blast. A trip I will never forget. Family means everything to him and to see all of us so happy just made him beam.

10. In 2002 we had another family reunion--this was one was in Park City, Utah. We had such a great time being at the condos together. He is such a fun dad and grandpa--the kids always have such a great time with him.

11. Although this wasn't a fun moment--I learned so much about the kind of man he is. In 1989, he was offered a job to run a trucking company in Charlotte, NC. We put our house in So. California up for sale and made the big move across the U.S. (My first experience living outside of California) HIs first day at work he was told by the CFO that the company owed millions of dollars in back taxes to the IRS--which meant more than likely it wouldn't survive--and it didn't. When he came home and told me I wanted to just stop packing and move back to California. Nope we made the most of it--he didn't get discouraged he just worked as hard as he could and smiled through it all. It ended up being a great move--we got great help for Brent and it led to better opportunities for him.

12. The first time we visited New York was such a treat. We were visiting a cousin of his--for me going to Yankee Stadium was so exciting. We saw all the touristy things and it was so fun to share those great moments TOGETHER.

13. In July 1983 we visited Europe for the first time. His good friend, Doc C. was serving as MP in Paris, and we decided to go see them. We started dating after they left to go to France, so to be together and spend time with them was such a treat. One of my favorite moments of that trip was when we were in Zermatt--near the base of the Matterhorn. Early one morning we heard all this noise and Allan went running out onto the deck of our hotel room and there were all these goats running through the town. He was so excited--the look on his face was PRICELESS.

14. When Allan was Bishop of our YSA Ward we all took a trip to Nauvoo. It was amazing. These are some great Young Adults and many of them still live in our Stake and it's always fun to see them. We went down in several vans and spent a few days there--certainly a great memory. The highlight was going to the Nauvoo Temple.

15. His 60th surprise birthday, when he came home from work and all the kids and grandkids came out of our room yelling SURPRISE. What a moment ; ) I still can't believe I pulled it all together without him knowing a thing. Making all those reservations and paying for it without him figuring it out was a real challenge.

16. In May he had the opportunity to perform the marriage of our Grandson, Chris to Heather. I loved listening him as he gave them marriage advice during the ceremony. I loved that I knew he was talking from experience--he doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk.

17. Our excitement when we went on our first cruise. I think both of us kept looking at each other thinking ARE WE REALLY HERE????

18. This is another one that's hard to explain. For a number of years Allan would go walking. Anyone who has ever walked with him can verify he walks VERY FAST. In 2007 after his heart problem and his surgery to have the stent, he and I took the trip to Utah. The first morning after we arrived he wanted to go out walking. I told him I had to go with him and we headed over to the track at the school. I was very nervous and didn't want him to get very far ahead of me, so I jogged to stay near. He started walking even faster and I had to pour it on and finally was really panting to keep up. Come to find out because I was staying right up with him he figured he had really slowed down so just kept going faster and faster. Luckily both of us SURVIVED.

19. When Kyle won the Provincial Track Championship for the long jump It was so exciting--Allan had worked hard coaching him and they were both so excited.

20. Now, this one was before we were married or even ever dated--it was the first time I heard him speak about an experience when he was a Deacon and was on an outing with the AP in his ward. Even though his dad had not been active since he was a teenager, he let the ward use one of his busses on the outing. The Ward used a bus driver (not one of his dad's), and the driver wasn't familiar with the bus and did something wrong and the bus broke down. When these Deacons got bored waiting for another bus to come and pick them up, they took out pocketknives and began cutting the seats on the bus. Allan was so mad and wanted the Bishop to do something to these boys. I think their punishment was THEY HAD TO APOLOGIZE. When Allan talk about his dad and his forgiving nature, the love and respect Allan has for him was so evdient.

21. Every time I watch him as we struggle with a challenge in our lives--no, the struggles are not a favorite moment, but the way he handles them is such a lesson to me. He has such faith. When you see him, you'd never know he has a care in the world--he is the most positive person I know. One of the many things I love about him.

22. General Conference--Whenever we have the chance to be at General Conference is a favorite for me, but the first year I went with him holds a special place. I was baptized the day Pres. Kimball was sustained in General Conference--April 6, 1974, so he has always been "my Prophet". I was thrilled to be in the tabernacle in Oct. 1982 Conference and will never forget when Pres. Kimball walked in and we all stood and sang "We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet".

23. A few years ago our Ward was assigned to be the cast in our Nativity Pageant. I was serving in YW at the time and we needed some extra Shepherds--thanks to some great make-up artists, I was transformed into a shepherd. (The weekend of our first performance, Allan had scheduled a trip to the temple for 3 of the YSA who were leaving three weeks later for missions so he missed the first night's performance. When he returned home and came to The Forks (no, not that Forks ; ) he came looking for me. I will never forget the look on his face when he looked over at what he thought was an "awfully friendly shepherd ; ) Here is a shot of Kyle and me.

24. Going to the NCAA March Madness tournament last year. We are huge college BB fans and driving to Minneapolis last year and attending a couple of the games was A BLAST. Some day we will go to a Championship game.

25. The first time he took me to Herrington's (a place we love to go)--it's a place at the base of the Sierra's. It has great memories for his family and now ours. We went with Stephen (and a friend) and Neal, and Allan's parents and one of his sisters. One evening Allan had taken me for a drive, and when we got back and he went into the room with the boy, he was surprised to find Stephen and his friend had left Allan the cot and they were in the "big" bed. It was late and Allan being the nice guy decided to climb onto the cot which proceeded to collapse. He could hear the boys laughing in bed ; )

26. Last year being on the Great Wall was incredible. Our whole China trip was AMAZING. And then when we were on the Great Wall, we were stopped by this sweet couple who wanted a picture with him.

I smile every time I think of visiting with these sweet children on the ferry in Japan. They loved trying their English and were so helpful and sweet as we tried speaking Japanese.



















And then when we were on the Great Wall, we were stopped by this sweet couple who wanted a picture with him.


















27. Our trip to Hawaii to celebrate his mom's 90th birthday. What a great moment for all of us. He worked so hard to plan the whole thing and for all of us it is a trip we will never forget. Little did we know it would be her last birthday.

I HAVE AN AMAZING HUSBAND and a great family.

Happy Anniversary, honey. Can't wait to celebrate when you get home. I love you.

I'm reminded of Pres. Eyring's talk at General Conference where he suggest we "Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion. Pray for the love that makes the weaknesses and mistakes seem small. Pray for the love to make your companion's joys your own. Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion." SUCH FABULOUS COUNSEL.