May 31 2007

Thanks again for the wonderful responses! I had to go back and read what I had written after I read all the responses - because they all touched my heart in one way or another. I can see Grandpa living that life - making history come to life! I'll be in the front row of that class whether on this side or the other!

Last day of the month. How it's flown by! And yes, that's a good thing. Fun stuff this morning. I got a call from the RS pres - checking to see if I'd done my VTing - and I had (and already reported it to the secretary). I was still in my jammies, though. We had a nice little visit and she mentioned that she was moving slow this morning - but really needed to clean a certain bathroom. Well, we finished our call - and I went through my morning routine. I kept thinking about her.....she's always serving others. I decided to stop thinking and just head over to her house. So - I told the girls to get dressed and we loaded up in the rig and went. She was surprised to see me - and even though it had been a couple of hours - she hadn't got that bathroom cleaned yet. I informed her we were there to help. Why is it that we always have a tough time accepting help - especially when we need it (but don't want to admit it)? She got out a couple of hand -vacs and the girls vacumed her stairs for her (something difficult for her to do). Then we chatted a bit, she showed us her backyard which was beautiful, and then we came back inside - and she sat down to read my girls a story. I snuck away and cleaned that bathroom. Not perfectly - but good enough.

I only share this to show how we shouldn't talk ourselves out of a good opportunity for service. I know if I had thought it through further, I would have said - She really doesn't need my help!" or something like that and ended up not going. Because I went, I had more energy today to do things here at home than I otherwise would, and I really feel good for helping someone else. Service is wonderful stuff! Blessings await us in doing what's right.

I saw something somewhere that reminded me that the Lord relies on us to serve each other. We each have our part to do - and if everyone did their part it would all get done. Somehow it's OK even though not everyone does their part. This motivated me to think of how many times I have been served and blessed by others - and how much I CAN do! I want to be open to opportunities to serve others - I need the extra strength and energy that are waiting in those opportunities.

Question/Comment for today: How many times can a man turn his head, and pretend that he just doesn't see? --Bob Dylan "Blowing in the Wind"

Ok - that's a line from the song Blowing in the Wind. I've heard that song - not for a long while though.....Probably some who read this blog have never heard it. Well - that's not the point of the question/comment, is it. I think this ties into my experience today. How often do we hear about someone else's problems or challenges, be they large or small, and we just say or think to ourselves - that's too bad- and do nothing more! I think this is one of the biggest problems with gossip. We spread the bad news instead of trying to be part of the solution. I'm not saying people don't need to work out their own problems, but we can have compassion and do something! Sometimes we might feel like we don't have anything to offer. I don't buy into that - there is always something we can do. I don't think gossip would be bad if we shared with those who would help and did our part as well. We probably would be too busy helping to have much time to talk - or worry about things that weren't important.

I especially liked a comment Sarah made on Julie's blog the other day - asking if meals and help were arranged - and then taking it a step further to say that she could order some take-out for them! That's the spirit! Just doing something. I'm thinking I could put together some activities for the other kids to do - to keep their minds and hands busy. So - I have the thought. Now's the test - Will I actually do it? That's where the real power comes to us - and the blessings. In the doing! Now you all know I had the thought - so I can't just pretend I didn't!

Now get out there and do some good today!

May 30 2007

I think that's the date - Yep! I was right. Long day - not over yet. I sure enjoyed the discussion from yesterday! I think it's great that these questions and comments generate interaction. Also, I have to say that after all the doctor's exams etc over the years I'm not as embarrased about things as I would have been in past years. I did consider the question carefully and thought through both sides of it. I don't always do that in my answers - sometimes I just write the first thing that comes to mind and then after reading your responses - I think - MAN! That would have been a much better answer!

Well, onto today's question/comment: Doesn't anybody stay in one place anymore?--Carole King

That seems to be the exception rather than the rule - staying put. We long for novelty, and change. Sometimes the hardest thing can be staying in one place, I think. It's a great day and age - that of travel and opportunity. Somehow I find that I value the quiet moments, the stillness even more because of the pace of everyday life. I know I probably won't get to stay in this house forever - life has a way of forcing change - but I would really like to be able to stay put. I find comfort in the familiar - and eventually you find your home is not where you came from but where you are now.

Have a nice evening everyone!

May 29 2007

Very observant, Grandma Jo! Yes, Hinckley was inside laying down because she got some dirt in her eyes after she threw it in the air. Poor little girl. They had such a great day yesterday, though. Kimball said it was better than the circus!

This morning I've been busy getting dinner going in the crock pot - making some bread (it's rising now) and just enjoying the morning. Even though I cook almost every day in my kitchen, I really don't spend much "cooking" time in it - so today is kind of a first in the new setup. Don't know if that makes sense or not - but I've really enjoyed the morning and feeling like it's a fun place to be. Jared and Cory are comming by this afternoon - I'm watching their kids so they can go to the temple. It will be a lot of fun for the girls - having cousins to play with. They really play so well together that it's easy to have them over. What a blessing!

Yesterday we had some time in the car waiting for DJ - so I finished reading my Getting past the Labels book I referred to before - and there was some really good stuff at the end to share today:

on Love:
"Love has greater power to effect change in others than force or intimidation. Love is a power in and of itself--especially if it is charity, the pure love of Christ. When other people feel our uncondiitonal love, most gain a greater desire to please us. Love, kindness, and forgiveness are even the ultimate weapons we can wield against our enemies. If they are beyond our influence, we are at least freed from hate and fear and all other negative emotions that make us feel powerless. Any woman can manifest this kind of love.

The love of a wife for her husband can be a powerful sustaining influence in his life. Even when he may not be all that she would wish him to be, or all that he should be, faith, prayer, inspiration, example, and love will eventually bring about desired changes in almost every case. "You need not be teazing [nagging] your husbands [fathers, brothers, priesthood leaders, and others] because of their deeds," President Joseph Smith taught the Relief Society sisters, "but let the weight of your innocence, kindness and affection be felt, which is more mighty than a millstone hung about the neck; not war, not jangle, not contradiction, or dispute, but meekness, love, purity -- these are the things that should magnify you in the eyes of all good men"

Isn't that great stuff?!? Anyway - it stood out to me and I wanted to share it with you today. On to the question/comment:
An eccentric millionaire offers to donate a large sum to charity if you will walk down a busy street - completely naked - for four blocks. There is no danger of being arrested or physical abuse, would you do it?

I'm tempted to just let that question hang in the air to get your responses...But as for myself I would have to decline. Not just out of a sense of modesty - but also because I think people should do things because they want to - not because of expectations or anticipated results. I would be offering the millionaire a greater personal satisfaction from donating because he genuinely wants to (not just wanting to humiliate or expose someone else) - and I truly believe he would feel more pleased with the outcome.

There are things that are worth humiliating yourself for and things that are not. We each make choices each day as to what we value and how highly we value it. I can't help but think of the Jews in the concentration camps - in the worst of circumstances who still retained their sense of self worth. That is value.

Have a great day!

May 28 2007

It's a bit chilly here today - but it will warm up later this week so I'm trying to enjoy the chilly. DJ is hard at work in the yard - edging and just making everything look great in general - Here - see for yourself!

I probably could have zoomed in a bit more - but I wanted you to see the tomato plants - and the beautiful edge as well. It's progress at any rate!

Well, we have a great story today - it came to me just after I read the question for today. Oh yes - the question:

Who ever loved that loved not at first sight? - Christopher Marlowe "Hero and Leander"

I don't know who Christopher Marlowe is - so the story isn't about that. I don't have a lot of experience with love at first sight - but I do have my story. Back in the day (as we like to say) I remember being at college - and in particular in the music building early in the school year because several of my roomates were music majors. We had just picked up their instruments (not sure where we were going) - and headed out into the hall. I looked down the hall - and at the other end was a handsome man carrying a huge instrument case. I remember asking my roomate Laura - Who is that? She replied that it was Eric's (one of their music friends) roomate DJ. Now I don't know if I'm typical or not - but I think we each have a sense of how good-looking we are (sometimes it is warped). I remember thinking - He's too good looking for me! I've talked to him about this because eye contact was made in the hallway that day - and while I don't think he genuinely remembers seeing me - I remember him turning around for a second look. He's heard my memory enough I think it's become an acquired memory for him.

We didn't start dating anytime soon after that - we met a few times here and there over several months - up to the day after Valentines day when we had our first date - and then we saw each other almost every day since then.

So as to the answer about love at first sight....I don't know if I would call that love, but there was an attraction - a connection. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

May 26 2007

We're doing some incentive work this morning - cleaning in exchange for art projects. The girls did a great job on the cleaning - so I went to this web site and printed out some fun things for them to work on: http://www.thetoymaker.com/
If I've already referenced this site, forgive me. It is really a neat one! I need to get back to the Disney Fairy site again and let them play on that for a while too!

DJ is out mowing the grass. I continue to be surprised by the satisfaction he finds in maintaining the lawn! He is also going to plant the garden today - this is HIS garden year. He gets really excited about the garden - about Christmas time and by the time it gets to planting time - he's too busy. So - I'm letting him have the full experience this year. I'm even going to try to restrain myself from weeding! We'll see how that goes....

I'm glad you enjoyed the quotes from yesterday - they give me a lot to think about too - but invariably my heart is lifted and I'm encouraged. I know I'm feeling the spirit when I feel like that - because the Lord doesn't want us to feel overwhelmed - just encouraged and optimisitic.

Question/Comment for today: What other dungeon is so dark as one's own heart. What jailer so inexorable as one's self? --Nathaniel Hawthorne

Isn't it true - we can be our own best friend, or our worst enemy! I vote for our own best friend. Who wants to be around someone always tearing you down? Make it a best friend to yourself day!

May 25 2007

A very productive morning! It's not quite 10 am and I've cleaned the stove! I need to bake some bread today (part of the new regime) - so I thought it would be nice to have a clean oven to bake in. My oven is self-cleaning but it didn't seem dirty enough to use that feature - so I just cleaned it the old-fashioned way. I also took the microwave vent filters out and will put them in the next load of the dishwasher. Aren't you glad you're reading the minuate of my life? It's important to me..... I've just realized those were the jobs I was supposed to do (according to my little schedule) for yesterday. Today's jobs are dusting the cupboards and cleaning the fridge. So - back to work after the blog :) I love it when it's all clean!

We're anxiously awaiting news of the births of a niece and nephew. It could be any day - and we know it's harder for the parents to wait than us - so we're not bugging them by calling and checking in - but we are thinking of them often!

We're gearing up for a summer of learning and fun here. I have a new favorites folder called Kimball school that I've put links in for keeping her busy all summer. Cory has even graciously offered to teach Kimball some sewing skills. It's going to be fun! Last night Kimball made dinner - a pattern that we will be continuing to one degree or another. I could feel like a bad mom for not being able to do everything - but instead I'm choosing to feel like a good mother for providing my girls training oportunities. They really seem to enjoy it - so we'll keep it going as long as possible!

I haven't started editing the Dan/Kaye pictures yet - that will be an enormous task - but well worth it in the end. I'm especially looking forward to having my sis-in-laws over to help compile the memory DVD with music. It will be a real party!

Last night I sat down and read a bit in a great book - "Getting Past the Labels, How the Truth makes Women Free" by Wendy C. Top. It has some real gems in it - a couple I have to share:

"Somehow I and all the women of the Church have got to find the courage to forget about everyone else's choices and pursue our own paths and fulfill our own missions. We have got to get past the labels married, single, mother, childless, professional, homemaker, and any other pigeon-holing definition and see ourselves first and foremost as daughters of God, each with her own equally important mission and unique powers and abilities."

In talking about feminists...."And in order to gain this equal treatment, they have supposed that they must become just like men, betraying their own feminine gifts and power. In so doing, they have unwittingly admitted that being a woman is not good enough. This message subtly but persistently chips away at our vision of ourselves as women."

Talking about physical perfection..."Before we came to earth, we were anxious to have a body of any kind. We understood what a transcendent gift it would be to have a body, even if it were not perfect. Now that we are here, many of us hate and berate our bodies when they deserve and need to be loved, respected, and cared for just as our spirits do, no matter what their condition......This battle with the body is symbolic and symptomatic of the battle with the myth of the woman who can do it all....Besides the terrible physical and emotional damage this does to women's lives, I believe it does great spiritual damage as well. We are so absorbed in ourselves - how we look and what we need and whether or not other people like us or think we are attractive or capable - that we have little time and energy to think about and serve others or to seek God's will instead of our own....Lasting self-security comes not in what we make of ourselves but in what God makes of us. Only he can give us the true gifts of self-love (the pure love of Christ) and inner peace."

There is much more to be found in this book. I am really enjoying re-reading it. Especially the reminder that we all have different missions in life - and none are identical! This is a huge reason I enjoy these blogs - an opportunity to encourage each other in fulfilling our unique missions here. ....Just a couple more thoughts:

Sis. Holland is quoted in the book: Because of [this diversity] we seem even more uncertain and less secure with each other. We are getting not closer but further away from that sense of community and sisterhood that has sustained us and given us unique strength for generations. There seems to be an increase in our competitiveness and a decrease in our generosity with one another....We must not feel so frightened; we must not be so threatened and insecure; we must not need to find exact replicas of ourselves in order to feel validated as women of worth."

Pres. Kimball said in 1978: "Finally, my dear sisters, may I suggest to you something that has not been said before or at least in quite this way. Much of the major growth that is comming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different - in happy ways - from the women of the world."

What a great place we have with this technology to create that sense of community in our family! Thanks for letting me share today.

The question/comment for today seems rather thin: If you could replace reality with the world as it is on any current TV show, which would you choose? What character would you be?

I guess I don't watch enough shows to be able to come up with one to substitute for reality. My hope is that I may be my character to my very best - and not resist the change that the Lord has in mind for me. Love all you! Thanks for being the great mothers and women you are!

May 24 2007

I'm up and going - it seems like a week from the movie Groundhog Day - sort of. Routine is a good thing - in small doses :)

Question/Comment: For what do we live, but to make sport of our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn? - Jane Austen

I'll have to read more about her someday. For myself - I'm just a bit too busy too be looking for things to laugh at the neighbors for. She must not have had kids - or she would have been too busy too. Seriously, I was remembering the other day - back when I just had Kimball and she was small. I remember wondering what the other moms did all day. After the house was clean, and she was sleeping or playing - I ran out of things to do. I thought about calling someone up and asking if I could just come over and see what she did all day. I no longer think this way - there's always more work in the day than time. My best days are when I feel like I've been a good mom.

Make it a good-mom day!

May 23 2007

Short today. Heavenly vision dreams would be nice - but I they can't be bought (and don't result from taking sleeping medication in my experience ;)) I like life on a need to know basis.

Question/Comment: Would you like to know the precise date of your death?

In short, no. It takes too much focus off today - and makes it harder to focus on living in the present (and feeling the spirit).

Have a nice day, everyone!

May 22 2007

I hope this medicine ends up working - I had a really itchy evening and morning - itched to distraction I would say! I'm just trying to remind myself that this is temporary and will increase my understanding of the trials of others.

SO - based on the landslide of responses yesterday - it is not OK to talk about what is not OK. I should have known!

For today: If there were dreams to sell, What would you buy? Thomas Lovell Beddoes "Dream-Peddlar"

Two thoughts - not really answering the question but entertaining nevertheless. I have a neighbor who has a great old sign on her house - "No Peddlers" - Just vintage! Had to share that! It would be nice to have a sign like that.....Just to deter those I don't want from even ringing the bell. My other thought has to do with my dream last night - or one of them that I remember - I had bugs on me - and woke up enough to sit up and have DJ turn on the light. No bugs after all! I hate dreams like that. I had a similar dream while on vacation with my parents just a few years back - all of us sharing a hotel room (Mom, Dad, Me, Kimball, Amanda?) and I got up and turned on the light in the middle of the night. I guess my dreams are too vivid or I still have too much bodily control (being able to get up and do things). Oh well. I don't know what dreams I would buy - half the fun is finding out what's comming each night. I would try and sell my practiced skill of being able to move in my dream (not just be an observer). I found that to be an effective stress reliever when having various trials - at least I can control or change what happens to me in my dreams. Bugs have always bothered me though - so I always have to make sure they're just in the dream.

Well, enough rambling for today. Have a great one!

May 21 2007

Good Monday Morning. We're off to a good start here - and maybe even a bit of a drive later! The sleepover went well. As the girls were upstairs, I'm not sure exactly how they got to sleep but the last ones dropped off about 1 am. I think some are still recovering.....
The parade went well as I heard. I went to the doctor to check on my itchies - some of which are still itching. Got some medicine - 2 weeks worth! Hopefully everything clears up soon. Not sure what it was - just a case of major itchies.

Question/Comment for today: What things are too personal to discuss with others?

I'm opening this one up to all. What do you think? What things are too personal to blog? Just wondering your thoughts not trying to start a controversay or anything :)

Have a great day!

May 19 2007

The sleepover went pretty well and we're busy rounding up the girls to go to a parade! This is pretty exciting stuff for the girls. Also doing the Saturday morning cleaning - not that you can tell by Sunday night! Oh well!

Question/Comment for today: The question is this: Is man an ape or an angel? I am on the side of the angels. --Benjamin Disraeli

Now that I've googled Benjamin - I feel like I've learned something today. He lived in the 1800's and according to one web site was "Known as a dandy, a novelist, a brilliant debator and England's first and only Jewish prime minister". Now you know something too. You might have already known it, but I didn't. I'm always curious about the people I quote.

Something I'm grateful for today: I remember last May - I stopped taking some medicine and had a doozey of a month. I'm so grateful that I feel better this May than last!

Have a great weekend!

May 18 2007

Happy Friday! Hope you have wonderful weekend plans ahead. We have a parade and a sleepover (girl cousins at our house) so everyone is pretty excited here.

Question/Comment: If a little knowledge is dangerous, where is the man who has so much as to be out of danger? --Thomas Henry Huxley

I'll just let you think about that - no thoughts today.

Have a nice day!

May 17 2007

Short post today - having a major flare probably because I've been running too hard and especially from a lack of sleep last night. I was busy keeping Taylor quiet - didn't want to disturb our guests' sleep (and I suceeded!) but that meant she was in our room - and I didn't sleep much. So - little aches in my joints and a bit of what looks like an allergic reaction on the joints as well (inflamed, red spots that itch). It will pass...But even typing is itching as my wrists rest against the desk. Crazy life!

I so enjoyed reading how old everyone felt! It is eye opening - getting to our definition of who we are. Since I don't know what the older ages feel like it's hard to know what age you feel. My friends have always been older than me (for the most part - I do know Julie is younger than me ) I was especially intrigued by Regan's response - that she's caught up with her age. I don't think I have yet - but I'll keep you all posted! I'm glad most everyone still feels young. That's a blessing!

Question/Comment today: What good are friends if they don't do you any good? --Anton La Vey

I would have to say that Anton should examine his definition of a friend. I think he might be confusing a friend with an aquaintance.

Love you all! BTW- Isaac felt pretty good about the MCAT - I think it went well for him. It sure was nice to have time to just visit - no expectations of activities or entertainment.

May 16 2007

Busy, Busy, Busy....That seems to be my mantra lately. Sometimes it seems that things have to be done at a certain time - that I really don't have any control over them. This is silly - I control the pace of my race. Today I hope to slow up a bit - still get things done but reasonably! And I must have a nap today!

Today's Question/Comment: How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?--Satchel Paige

SO, DJ - what's the answer? I ask DJ because he generally doesn't know how old he is. He has sort of an idea - but can never remember the detail. Interesting thought, though. I've always felt pretty old - maybe that's why I enjoyed Mimi so much - but then maybe she was young at heart! Another thought - I love this line - I'm old enough to know better! What about you? How would you answer this one?

Have a great day - especially good luck to Issac taking the MCAT today! We'll see you later this afternoon!

May 15 2007

Here we are mid-month already! Today is a busy one - Kimball is in a play at her school - and I've not finished scanning. So we'll be busy today. Cory and I are swapping sitting back and forth this week - because they have a busy week too. What a blessing to have a sister in law so close! Even more of a blessing that our kids get along like peas and carrots!

Today's question/comment is especially for Aaron: Even if you do learn to speak correct English, whom areyou going to speak it to? --Clarence Darrow

I'm just teasing that it's for Aaron. I think the essence of this statement is the comfort we find in associating with like-minded individuals. Correct English speakers would probably really enjoy talking with each other - without the little errors that might otherwise irritate them in those that don't speak English correctly. I know how refreshing it is to find friends that think like me (in some ways - not all). The trouble with this, though, is that you don't get any other perspective than your own. It's helpful for us as humans to see different perspectives, learn to appreciate those and even sometimes let them influence our own. The more we can do this - celebrate similarities and value differences - the easier we will be to get along with.

Just my take on it :) Have a great day!

May 14 2007

Happy Belated Mother's Day. We had a wonderful day here - and I didn't even think of being on the computer! Thanks for the encouragement on the finances. I'm sure we'll learn a lot.

Question/Comment for the day: If you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, where would you most want to be?

Very good question. Inital reaction - is anywhere with my family. Second thought is a bit of a joke that we have in our family - after learning about passover (Jewish faith) - and their custom of saying - Next year in Jersualem - We've modified it a bit - Next year in New Jerusalem. I'm sure as the years go by and trouble in the world increases it will get to be less and less of a joke.

Have a nice Monday everyone! I found a few more pics so I'll be scanning those in today. Should be quick, though. I've already done my load of laundry for the day - so it's downhill from here!

May 12 2007

Good Saturday Morning! I have to congratulate Regan on reading the Total Money Makeover! We have been fans of Dave's for a few years - but fell off the boat last winter.....and ironically just had a budet meeting last night in which we decided we needed to beans and rice it (this means metaphorically - or literally eating beans and rice, rice and beans - cutting back on expenses, etc)! We've made some financial goals and really have to cut back in order to reach them. We had several fun things planned for this summer - trips etc... but have cancelled those in order to reach our goals. The next trip I anticipate us taking will be the family reunion at Thanksgiving. It seems so far off and we are sad that we will miss a lot of things we were looking forward to - but our peace of mind is worth more! We hope everyone will understand and support us as we attend to our financial obligations with "gazelle intensity" to quote Dave Ramsey.

This also means less shopping, etc. - I had a dream about shopping at a scrapbooking store last night :)

The question/comment for today: Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? - Thomas Jefferson

Good government question - but also pertains to self-control. I guess it really applies to my post today. It takes a lot of discipline to change your patterns - of spending money, time, eating, etc. I'm not planning on changing all of these - I just am reflecting on how much I admire those who have seen the need for change - and carried through. I think self-government is an admirable thing!

Well, have a great day everyone! We love you so!

May 11 2007

Had a meeting this morning with Kimball's principal. Very nice guy - seemed to be understanding of my concern about her not being challenged enough. This time of year is a good one to address this because we're about to find out who her teacher for next year will be and make plans for the summer. We're looking forward to reading, cooking lessons, and possibly learning a bit of Spanish! It will be interesting to see what comes from my meeting today - changes, etc.

Question/Comment of today: What's the dumbest purchase you've every made?

Easy! Door to Door cleaning products. I'm not sure what the saleslady sprayed on my shower that cleaned it but it wasn't the product I was sold! This was many years ago - and I've been wary ever since! There are many other stories I could tell - but this one stands out because it was MY decision. DJ would say - Dave Ramsey calls that the Stupid Tax. Stupid things we spend money on just because we don't know better - or dumb mistakes we make. We all pay Stupid Tax at one point or another. This is one time it REALLY is good to learn from the experience of others!

May 10 2007

After a bit of bee trouble last night - this morning is looking a lot better! I've got some paper dolls to cut out (by request) this morning. I'm also hoping to wash the inside of the windows on the van - every little bit helps!

Question/Comment: If you were a migrating bird, where would you fly for the winter?

I'm afraid my travel experience is insufficient to answer this question as to the best place to go in the winter. Probably somewhere tropical - warm at least! I'd have to try out several places before I found just the right one!

Have a good day!

May 9 2007

The shower is fixed! I fixed it all by myself - with the help of the local hardware store. One of the keys to fixing plumbing things is to use that special white tape stuff that prevents leaks. It really does the trick! It goes between the joints (put it on before you thread the parts together). That was my big accomplishment yesterday. Today we're off to the car wash. We are selling the van - so we need to get it cleaned up!

Thanks for the comments yesterday. I guess it's just the change that bothers me - when I first started blogging I could just rattle off a blog with no errors - and now I can't. If I knew it was temporary - it would be easier to cope with. I just don't know that. I think this is probably mostly normal aging things - just a bit too accelerated for my mind to handle. I'm glad all that I've learned is in there - somewhere...

Question/comment for today: You've won $25 million in the lottery. Would you keep your present job? Would you work at all?

I never play the lottery so I'm not sure how I would have won. Since I don't really "work" now - I would probably do the same things I do now...I'd probably have DJ come home and help me do all the non-work I do now. :) I plan on keeping my current job of "mom" as long as I can.

Have a good day!

May 8 2007

Happy Tuesday. I've missed posting the last 2 days, but with all the excitement here, I just didn't get to it. OK - I've had to make one correction all ready - no more corrections today! My finers forget how to type sometimes...part of the fibro fog they say - so I thought I'd let this post tstand as it is so you can see how it really goes for me.

We had a great time with everyone here over the weekend. Unforgtunaltely Kimball was sick on Sunday then Khinckley got sick Sunday night. DJ's back was hurting and he wasn't sure if he was getting sick or not - so everyone was home yesterday - pajama day for all! No more sickies today (or last night) so Eveything is back to normal.

I'm a plummer today. I broke the shower extension off the faucet the other day (aover a week ago) and so I decided to stop waiting for DJ to get around to it and I'm fixing it myself. So far, I've got the faucet off - it doesn't look like I tcan take it apart further - so I'm off to the plumming supply store with it! I've a sneaky dread that I'll have to get new stuff (it's irrepareable). And I suspect I mispselled plumming. Oh well, I'm not fixing it today. This is harded that I thought - just leaving things as they come - I guess I'm a compulsive fixer of things.

Question/Comment for today: What can you say about a society that says God is deal and Elvis ais alive? - Irv Kupcinet.

Good question. This reminds me of a old testatment class I took in institute. The teacher took time to explain to us that idolatry is making sacred things common and common things sacred. I think this comment above described that quite well. We see this is in so many areas of life nowadays. Most people would say that valueds depend on the person - and that all people's fvalues are to be respected. I believe that their are absolutes in this world - even if I may not know what all the ablsolutes are. I think that thoe seooner we learn those aboslutes and bring our lives into line with those being our values, the happier (more peace we will feel) we will be.

Sorry about the mistakes and errors - I imagine it bothers me more than you. It seems when I'm talking I have simiar problems with my words. I used to be a smart person, rally! - really!~
Have a good day everyone!

May 5 2007

Well, we survived the big talk. Kimball's a fourth grader - the talk is usually done in the 5th grade, however there was reason to do it this year - so they did. According to another mom (out of 3 of us there for 2 classes worth of girls) who had been to these before - the questions went a lot further than they had in years past. Based on the comments of the girls - several have "different" role models. Several girls insisted that their moms had had babies without having sex. The nurse handled these things well - didn't give that talk - but explained about growing up - and suggested that as their bodies changed they could have further talks with their moms. I was SO glad I was there! It really took me back in time - remembering a talk of this sort that I went to with my mom. There were a lot more moms there then, and I remember a feeling of general unease at the topic. A lot of the girls were really giggly and saying things like - "gross!" I'm glad they plan it to be on a Friday at the end of the day - limiting discussion on the topic between the girls somewhat. I took Kimball home afterward. Went well, all in all. It's good to know what our kids are facing.

Since it's National Scrapbooking Day - straight to the question/comment: To be or not to be that is the question. - William Shakespeare - Hamelt Act 3 Scene1

I think this question comes straight to the heart of our ability to choose. We do have choices and the power to be who or what we want to be. What an awesome responsibility. I think about this also in conjunction with marraige - we each have to decide every day that we want to keep the committments we have made, and be the person we need to be, whether we feel like it or not. A lifetime is built on these daily choices.

Happy Scrapping Everyone!

May 4 2007

Another day of errands. Today is a bit of a special day - Kimball's school is doing a growing up talk that I will attend with her. We've already discussed many things so hopefully no surprises! Still, it does make one feel like another rite of passage is happening....She's getting older so I must be too.

We're excited for our family who is comming from out-of-town. It will be a lot of fun to be together, visit, enjoy, etc. My girls can hardly wait!

I was a bit late reading the paper yesterday - and chuckled when I saw that the gal who was the source of my question/comment yesterday was in the news. I had never even heard of her before.

Question/Comment for today: Why was I born with such contemporaries? - Oscar Wilde

In seeing that it was Oscar Wilde making the comment, I am not sure what he was thinking. If I was a contemporary of his I would probably be saying the same of him! I'm going to go with the idea that we're born in a certain time (and place) for a reason. I don't believe this life is random - I think we're here to help each other and learn. One of the things to figure out is what we have to contribute. That may change over a lifetime, but as long as we see that we (and everyone else) has something to contribute, it makes it a lot easier to get along.

Have a great day everyone - and for those traveling - be safe!

May 3 2007

Still recovering from the big shop. I've got to slow down one of these days! The big shop is good though, in that I only have to do it every month or 6 weeks. I would have taken DJ - it's just that this week is too busy for him to help me. Alas!

Thanks for the comments! It's nice to get other's perspectives - it gives me more to think about!

Question/Comment for today: If it's nautral to kill why do men have to go into training to learn how? - Joan Baez

I think I'm going to let that one stand on it's own. Have a good day!

May 2 2007

We're getting geared up for what I call ' The Big Shop' - it will be a fun but tiring time. My girls have been sleepy this morning - so we'll have to hurry so everyone gets a nap today.

Question/Statement for today: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I ...And if not now - when? --Rabbi Hillel

I have felt this way before - If I don't take care of me, who will? However, when I'm feeling the spirit, I am more concerned about others than myself. There is only so much I can do - but I can do more when I'm helping others than when I'm helping myself. If left to my own devices - I would stay in bed resting all day - most days. However, I have responsibilies and duties that call me from my rest. When I rest all day, I don't necessarily feel better - and I'm losing muscle rather than gaining. When I'm up and doing the things I need to do, it builds muscle and doesn't make me any more tired that I would be otherwise. And, I'm stronger for tomorrow. It doesn't mean I never get to rest - I just rest when DJ is home and able to meet the needs of the girls.

Anyone else have thoughts on this? Have a great day!

May 1 2007

Happy May everyone! A busy morning - and now hopefully a quite nap afternoon!

Question for today: What item that you don't currently possess would you most like to have in your home?

This is not even in the top 10 of things to get/do - so many needs ahead of wants, you know - but I'd really like a wrap-around sofa/couch in my living room. We currently have an old love seat that we got from DJ's parents - and a freebie couch that we got from someone DJ did cabinets for years ago - and my comfy recliner. I wish all the seats were as comfy as my recliner is - and that DJ had room to sit next to me in a comfy chair. That said - it will probably be a couple of years before we get these - what we have is fine - functionality wise. I was just answering the question for today. What would you answer?