Sunday, February 28, 2010

First Impressions

Since I was a little girl, I was told "You Never Get A Chance To Make Another First Impression". I remember my Mom and Dad trying to teach us to watch what we did and said, because others would always be watching us. I too have tried to pass that on to my kids.

But with that said, I have to admit one of my favorite friends now, is a person that I judged quite harshly. We had a mutual friend who had heard us both talk about each other. She laughed because she said that we were so much alike. So after a rather embarrassing confrontation about it, we were able to realize that we had judged each other wrongfully and laughed at how we first met and our impressions with each other. We were amazed at how in some areas, we were a lot alike. I have become close to this dear friend and his family. What a blessing they have been in my life. This poem reminded me of that experience and how I might have missed the opportunity to know them, had not a friend intervened. Yes, this poem was a great reminder that our first impressions of someone might not always be accurate. It has made me try to reserve my judgements until I have looked a bit further and when needed give them another chance. Life... is full of lessons isn't it?

First Impressions

It is not right to judge a man

By hasty glance or passing whim,

Or think that first impressions can

Tell all there is to know of him.

Who knows what weight of weariness

The man we rashly judge may bear,

The burden of his loneliness,

His blighted hopes, his secret care.

A pompous guise or air of pride

May only be an outward screen,

A compensation meant to hide

A baffled will, a grief unseen.

However odd a person seems,

However strange his ways may be,

Within each human spirit gleams

A spark of true divinity.

So what can first impressions tell?

Unthinking judgments will not do,

Who really knows a person well

May also come to like him too! ~ Alfred Grant Walton

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." ~ Mother Teresa

" Judgements prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances." ~ Wayne Dyer

The Perfect Day

How grateful I feel that Jeff and I could have this time away together. We chose to come to a Bed and Breakfast here on the coast. The owners have been so kind and we have really enjoyed their home that they designed and had built. Last night was stormy but still the sound of the rain on the sky light and the roaring of the ocean out side our window, was peaceful. This morning was another cloudy day but made brighter, when we shared an incredible breakfast with the other couple that was staying here and with the owners. It is always a perfect day to me when you make a new friend. Well today, we made a few of them. The other couple that was staying here...were young and waiting for the arrival of their first baby in May. This was their last big get away before the baby was born. How neat it was to sit across the table from them and listen to the excitement in their voice as they talked about their baby. I can't believe it was over 27 years ago that Jeff and I were in that exact place...excited and waiting for our Amy! We had fun sharing stories about our kids and grand kids. Don't worry, we tried to tell all the good stories not any of the bad ones that everyone usually insists on sharing. The owners told of their experiences too and so it was fun.

After breakfast we headed back for town and did a little window shopping. While we were having lunch, we saw on the news, all about the Tsunami warnings that were to hit Hawaii and that the whole Pacific Coast was on alert. So we decided that today wasn't probably the best day to collect sea shells! It was hard to watch on the news all the devastation that came to the people in Chile in yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers went out to them and their families, it sure seems like there has been a lot of disasters lately and it makes you realize how blessed you are...just to be safe. Life can certainly change in a moment.

The rest of the day we just went sight seeing and just enjoyed doing absolutely nothing. As we were walking down the street, I mentioned to Jeff how nice it was not to have any agendas or schedules. We didn't have to be any where and it felt nice for a change.

Tonight the skies cleared up and the moon and stars came out. What a beautiful place this is. So I am grateful for this  perfect day and realize we don't always have a lot of them but ... but we should appreciate the ones that we have. I am grateful for time away, grateful that we have made new friends and most important, I am grateful to be here and married to my BEST FRIEND!

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose."  ~Robert Byrne

 

"It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

Friday, February 26, 2010

We're running away!

As you know from reading my blog, these past few weeks have been extremely stressful. Jeff and I were talking, and decided we just need to run away for awhile and regroup and reconnect and refocus... and that is exactly what we did. This summer will be our 28th wedding anniversary, we missed the past few anniversaries because of my cancer and other illnesses. We realized by June, other challenges might come in our way to prevent our yearly Anniversary trip so... we ran away!

We are by the ocean, I really do believe that there is something very healing about the ocean and just from being away from everything and everyone, and spending one on one time together. Jeff and I dated and knew each other for 4 years before we were married. I remember on our wedding day, thinking I could never love him more than I did at that moment. Today as we drove in the car and I looked over at him and I realized, that even after 28 years together, I love him more now than I did then...how can that be?

Before and After Marriage

We used to talk of so many things.

Roses and summer and golden rings,

Music and dances and books  and plays,

Venice and moonlight and future days.

Now our chief subjects are food and bills,

Genevieve's measles and Johnny's ills;

New shoes for Betty, a hat for Jane,

Taxes, insurance, the mail and the rain!

We used to say that Romance would stay.

We'd walk together a magic way!

Though we don't talk as in days of yore,

Strange, is it not, that I love you more?  ~ Annie Campbell

 

"Our wedding was many years ago.  The celebration continues to this day."  ~Gene Perret

 

"Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day." ~ Barbara De Angelis

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Our infinite worth!

I have always loved this story of the old violin and how it reminds us of our infinite worth. Lauren at school sent this photo that she took yesterday and I knew this was the perfect story to put with it. Thank you to the lovely musician that shared her talent. I hope after reading this story that each of us will remember to hold our head up a little higher and be proud of who we are!

The Touch of the Master's Hand

"Twas battered and scared, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar - now who"ll make it two _
Two dollars, and who"ll make it three?

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice,
Going for three". . . but no!
From the room far back a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody,pure and sweet,
As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said: "What am I bidden for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow;
"A thousand dollars - and who'll make it two?
Two thousand - and who'll make it three?
Three thousand once, three thousand twice
And going - and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand -
What changed its worth?" The man replied:
"The touch of the masters hand."
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and torn with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd.
Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on,
He's going once, and going twice -
He's going - and almost gone!
But the MASTER comes, and the foolish crowd,
Never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul, and the change that's wrought
By the touch of the MASTER'S hand.

~Myra B. Welch

"It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere."  ~Agnes Repplier

"What we do flows from who we are."  ~Paul Vitale

there is only one you

I was reading an article the other day, and a certain part of the article stood out to me. Probably because I struggle with my self worth, time to time. I forget that it is important not to let the everyday challenges and  problems get me down. I forget at times that I cannot help others until I help myself. I am in a REFILL mode. I am trying to refill the bucket of which I serve and give from. I need to take time out to help myself heal and build up my hope and courage. It seems that my bucket has been a bit empty lately. I will leave with you a small part of this article and some quotes. Good night dear friends and hopefully you too will remember to never let anything put out the incredible light that is in you, and from time to time to... REFILL YOUR BUCKET!

"Always remember the outside of a person doesn't usually tell the whole story.

People are like stained glass windows.  They glow and sparkle when it's sunny and bright, but when the sun goes down their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

No woman was ever quite like you.  The Lord made only one, without carbons.  You are not repeated and not repeatable.  No one else can do what the Lord sent you to do.  The value of what you have to contribute will come through the expression of your own personality, that particular spark of the divine that make you unique, setting you off from every other living creature.  The mark you leave on the world, on the hearts and minds of others is as distinct as your thumb print.  ~  Barbara B. Smith

"Like the caterpillars who will one day become butterflies, you have the magnificent potential to develop the powers within you and become greater than most of you dare to dream...

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Flash from the past!

When I was young, my best friend lived across the street and a few doors down. Although I am getting older and and my memory doesn't serve me as well, I can still remember the excitement I felt... when she and I got to be together each day. I loved her family and enjoyed being in her home. We were best friends until my family moved when I was ten. Like I said, if my memory is accurate, we were together for quite a few years and I didn't have a friend that I loved more than her! Those were often tough times for me, that is when the most severe part of my abuse happened, and so going places and playing with her, was a real break from the stress and tension of my home. I never told her about my abuse, because I was threatened if I told anyone that they would be hurt. As a young child, and even older...most of the time you believe them. Now as an adult, I realize you shouldn't believe the threats, and it is vital for you to tell someone that you love and trust... so you can get help.  Abuse is never ok, it is wrong and know one has the right to hurt you! But hind sight is always better.

Almost 10 years ago when I was back home for my mother's funeral, my dad mentioned to me that he saw in the paper that my dear friend's father had passed away, and that both his and mom's funeral were going to be on the same day. I was sorry to hear that, but wondered if my dear childhood friend would be home like me and I wondered how to get a hold of her. Long story short.... we did get to reconnect after all those years and have been in touch ever since.  What a treat that has been!

So yesterday, she sent me this photo of us in 2nd grade. Most of my childhood photos have been lost or thrown away, so when I got this photo on the email...I was so excited. A flood of memories came back. Of course not the memories that would have told me everyone's names,  but memories of my years with some of these kids and with my best friend. She is on the left of me, I was so excited to see this photo and only wish I could have remember more about each kid.  I am guessing that you can pick me out in the crowd?  Hint ...I am on the top row!

Anyway, I just thought how important friends are in our lives. Not that I haven't always known that, but it just reminded me how great it feels to have a Best Friend by  your side. How blessed I am to have so MANY of you!

 

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."    ~ Anonymous

 

"Who finds a faithful friend, finds a treasure."    ~Jewish SayingJo_-_2nd_Grade

Monday, February 22, 2010

Fear Verses Faith ....once again!

Up until this point, even though last week was a tough week...I have felt peaceful and confident in our ability to handle whatever happens to us. After ,we have been through a lot, but still we have come through it with more strength and a knowledge that God does live and does take care of us. However, when I woke up this morning...my heart was racing and I was overcome with FEAR! It felt like someone had turned on a timer or set a stop watch on us and the thought...."YOU ONLY HAVE 60 DAYS TO FIND ANOTHER JOB" was the only thought I could hear, then right after that, quite a few other crazy thoughts came racing through my head at such a speed I felt like I couldn't even control them.  Now, I have studied much about Fear and faith, and a lot about controlling our thoughts, so I know for a surety that I could have control... but I would have to work hard to get it. I sat back down on my bed after Jeff left for work and just cried. I entertained the WHAT IF thoughts... for way too long!  What if we don't find a job before the 60 days are over? What if my cancer returns and we don't have medical insurance? What if I can't get all our Dental and Doctor appointments in before April 23rd?  What if we have to move from the area in order to get a good job?  And on and on I went, for over an hour. I finally prayed, talked to some of my loved ones and pulled myself together.

Once again, I have had to remember to have FAITH, to trust my Heavenly Father (who has never let me down) and to be patient with the trials and challenges that lie before us. I am tired, I even said to someone today that "I have had better years" and her response was "but Lynn, it's only February". She is right, it is only February, so there are 10 more months for things to get better. Faith verses Fear.....not as easy as it looks! Thanks so much for all the calls and prayers (once again) going out in our behalf! We love you and are grateful to have you in our lives. Good night!

                          GOOD TIMBER

                The tree that never had to fight
                For sun and sky and air and light,
                That stood out in the open plain
                And always got its share of rain,
                Never became a forest king
                But lived and died a scrubby thing.

                The man who never had to toil
                To rise above  the common soil,
                Who never had to win his share
                Of sun and sky and light and air,
                Never became a manly man,
                But lived and died as he began.

                Good timber does not grow in ease;
                The stronger wind, the tougher trees;
                The farther sky, the greater length;
                The more the storm, the more the strength;

                By sun and cold, by rain and snows,
                In tree or man, good timber grows.
                Where thickest stands the forest growth
                We find the patriarchs of both;

                And they hold converse with the stars
                Whose broken branches show the scars
                Of many winds and much of strife---
                This is the common law of life.

                --Douglas Malloch-

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Shoes

 

shoes

I had a hard time deciding this morning what shoes I could wear to church today. As you know my knee surgery was a few weeks ago and even though I am walking pretty good, the type of shoes that I wear...make a real difference if I am going to hurt or not.  Yes, I am 50 years old and I obviously know that it really doesn't matter what shoes I wear to go to church, but I have always tried to look my best when getting ready to worship on the Sabbath. We have always taught the kids, that the reason we wear our best is so that we show respect to the Lord; but also we tend to act differently when dressed appropriately. I try to remind them to never become casual with their relationship with the Lord, or casual in their clothing that they wear to church.

So I had to realize that my thoughts about my ugly comfortable shoes today was wrong. I know better and when I see others who have to come to church in a comfortable clothes or shoes, I don't think bad and judge them. I actually wonder if it is because of their back pain or from something else. So I wasted time and energy on something that was no of importance. I was just feeling sorry for myself, sorry that I can't wear regular shoes because of my back and now my knees. How shallow I have been. My oldest brother lost both of his legs in the Vietnam war, I won't even tell you what he would have said to me, if he would have heard me complaining this morning? Yes, I need to try harder. When I read this story (which I will try to share part of with you) it reminded me to once again...to put things in perspective. I need to be more than grateful that I am able to attend church, that I can even walk, that I have feet and I can afford shoes. Yes, once again...even at the ripe old age of 50...I am still learning!

The Ugly Old Hat

I've always felt fiercely loyal to people that others tend to look down on, and I noticed a lonely old widow at church who didn't seem to me to get much attention. So I adopted her as my grandma. I was 14. She lived close by my Jr. high school, and I would drag my group of friends over there and make her day by having lunch with her and introducing my friends, and looking at her pictures and listening to her stories. In church, I always took care to sit her with my family and make a huge fuss over her. Well, one Easter, I showed up in a pretty pastel dress my mom had sewn for me, and this sister was so excited to show me what she had brought me. She said I just COULDN'T go to church without an Easter bonnet. I think she was from Denmark and bonnets were the thing there. She gave me this terribly old hat that was black and had white lace on it.

It really didn't go at all with my dress and was obviously old and out of style to boot, but when my friends told me I looked ugly in it, I held my head high and jutted out my chin (sign of stubbornness) and said I was NOT going to hurt an old woman's feelings just for the sake of fashion. I wore that ugly old hat all day long to each meeting and stared back at everyone who stared with a gutsy "so what about it?" look in the eye. Nobody said a word. This little adopted grandma was so terribly thrilled that I wore her old hat and gave it to me as a present.

Would you doubt me for a moment if I told you that I still have that old hat and that it is one of my very most precious, prized possessions? ~ Linda Cherry 1997 The Idea Door

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." ~ Winston Churchill

"When you look at yourself from a universal standpoint, something inside always reminds or informs you that there are bigger and better things to worry about." ~ Albert Einstein

Food for thought!

Today was a beautiful day and we just got up and decided to go out and enjoy it and not try to think of what was going on in our lives right now. It was a great decision, we just took a long drive and enjoyed the wonderful scenery and the great weather. We feel blessed to have our family and to live in such a wonderful place. I found these comments about life and thought it would be a nice thing to share tonight! Good night dear friends.

Life is A Gift.

Today before you think of saying an unkind word – Think of someone who can’t speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food – Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife – Think of someone who’s crying out for a companion.

Before you complain about your children – Think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep – Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive – Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job – Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down – Put a smile on your face and thank — you’re alive and still around

Life is a gift – Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, And Fulfill it.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Good news and Bad news

Well the Good news is......................this week is finally over!

The Bad news is................. Jeff did get laid off from his job! ( but we will be fine)

So with that (non life threatening) information, I will go to bed and leave you with this neat story about... how our lives and the decisions we make, can effect those around us for good or bad. I want to thank each of you for the good influence you have been in our lives. It has made such a wonderful difference, thank you again for that!

"Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does."  ~William James

Growing Good Corn

There was a Nebraska farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon...
One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.
"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.
"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn."
He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves.
So it is in other dimensions. Those who choose to be at peace must help their neighbors to be at peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.
The lesson for each of us is this: if we are to grow good corn, we must help our neighbors grow good corn.
Unknown Author.~ inspireme.net

 

"He who gives when he is asked has waited too long."  ~Sunshine Magazine

"In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy."  ~Karl Reiland

Thursday, February 18, 2010

"Finishers Wanted"

I am still struggling a bit today and so I guess that is why this story caught my eye, in my reading. I know life is hard and there will be days that seem much BIGGER THAN ME, but I also realize, that it is important for me to be a finisher. To keep trying, to keep the faith and to keep trying (even when I feel I can't do any more). So tonight ...instead of telling you all my aches, pains and worries, I will share this beautiful story, that is full of wisdom with you. I hope you enjoy it! Good night dear friends, and thanks for always encouraging me to be a FINISHER!

"One Wednesday I paused before the elegant show window of a prestigious furniture store. That which caught and held my attention was not the beautifully designed sofa nor the comfortable-appearing chair that stood by its side. Neither was it the beautiful chandelier positioned overhead. Rather, my eyes rested upon the small sign that had been placed at the bottom right-hand corner of the window. Its message was brief: 'Finishers Wanted.'

The store had need of those persons who possessed the talent and the skill to make ready for final sale the expensive furniture that the firm manufactured and sold. 'Finishers Wanted.' The words remained with me as I returned to the pressing activities of the day.

"In life, as in business, there has always been a need for those persons who could be called finishers. Their ranks are few, their opportunities many, their contributions great.

"From the very beginning to the present time, a fundamental question remains to be answered by each who run the race of life. Shall I falter or shall I finish? ~ Thomas S. Monson

 

"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."  ~Frank A. Clark

"Pain is inevitable.  Suffering is optional."  ~M. Kathleen Casey

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

How quick are you going to get up?

I am watching the Winter Olympics with the family tonight and in one of the commercials that they keep showing  has this question How quick are you going to get up? that they keep singing in one of the songs. While the song is going on, they show the gold medalist's that have struggled and then they show them come back and win the gold. I admire these incredible athletes and their determination and discipline.

Some times I wonder how people get to places like that in their lives? I just would like to just do normal things, much less something big and amazing like this.

Today was my dental visit and it was pretty tough, so I have done nothing but lay around all day. Oh well, I just need to head to bed and start a new day tomorrow. Some times I wonder if I will ever get the chance to just plan out a normal day without some type of doctor appointment?  I guess for sure I need to head to bed because I am feeling bad and very sorry for myself right now. I need to keep things in perspective.

Good night dear friends, thanks for always being there!

"FAILURE WILL NEVER OVERTAKE ME IF MY DETERMINATION IS SUCCEED IS STRONG ENOUGH."                 ~ Og Mandino

 

“ WHEN YOU GET INTO A TIGHT PLACE AND EVERYTHING GOES AGAINST YOU, TILL IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOU COULD NOT HOLD ON A MINUTE LONGER, NEVER GIVE UP THEN, FOR THAT IS JUST THE PLACE AND TIME THAT THE TIDE WILL TURN." ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Pain and healing!

Ok, Day 1 is done...the gel injections in my knees. It was painful like I had heard, but not too painful. I usually have a high pain tolerance... so my score on that procedure was a 4 out of 10 on the pain level. The only thing is the doctor just kept talking to me the whole time he put in the shot and gel. Now I don't like shots or needles that much, but I can handle them. I handle them much better though when I go to my HAPPY PLACE, when he was talking to me at the same time.... it made it harder to handle, because I wasn't in my ZONE! :)

I asked before they put the gel in exactly what the gel was made of...just to see if the chicken rumors were right?The nurse said she had no idea and that no one has ever asked her that. So while she was preparing the needles, gel and things for the doctor, I asked her if I could see the paper that came with the gel box. It took me awhile to find it but...the gel is made out of Rooster's combs! Then I asked her if these chickens and roosters were healthy, range free and happy? I didn't want the chickens and roosters that were pumped full of hormones and all crammed into one small and crowed chicken coup? She once again just smiled and looked at me funny and said she didn't know. I mean I didn't think it was that odd of a question. They are getting ready to inject something into my body, just wanted to know what it was?  So hopefully it was from the healthy ones! I know you are probably laughing too but....I think of these types of things.

In case you are just wondering....the gel is not red it is clear! :)

Ok Day 2 is tomorrow...the dentist. I hope it goes very uneventful!

Found these quotes and thought they would go great with this whiny post. Sorry, after tomorrow hopefully I will have a more upbeat post. I need to remember though, my blog is called LEARNING FROM LIFE! And I  am learning! Good night dear friends.

 

"A lot of people say they want to get out of pain, and I'm sure that's true, but they aren't willing to make healing a high priority. They aren't willing to look inside to see the source of their pain in order to deal with it. " ~ Lindsay Wagner

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. " ~ Helen Keller

Faith

I won't write much tonight, for some reason the arthritis in my hands is worse than normal and they are aching to type. I sorta didn't want this week to start,  because each day there is a new challenge to face and so... if I could I would have chosen to skip this whole week. ( How is that for a cop out? )

The day started out taking Lee to the Dr. He has not been feeling good for a while. He is very run down and seems to be trying to catch something. The Doctor did a Strep test on him and said that he has an ear infection and swollen glands and his throat is red and swollen, so we will see? I am telling you, I always tell the Lord that I would rather be sick, than have to watch my kids be sick. Actually, they aren't sick very often and I am ...so maybe He has taken me up on that request? :)

Tomorrow I am starting the gel injections behind both knee caps. Because of arthritis in my knees ( yes more arthritis ), there is just bone on bone. So for 5 weeks (just once a week) they will slowly start to inject the gel in there and hopefully help with the pain. I am doing pretty well. I still cannot squat, kneel or walk too far but it is suppose to get better. I have heard the injections are both painful and then others have said it isn't that bad, I will let you know tomorrow night for sure. ( Just in case any of you are wondering)

Wednesday I have to go into the dentist to redo a crown and take care of an infection/bacteria that has happened with a root canal I had. I haven't met too many people who enjoy going to the dentist, but at least I love the people that work there and soooo I know I am in good hands. I am still scared to death, I don't like dental pain but if it takes the pain I am having now... away, I know that will be good.

Then on Friday we find out if Jeff gets laid of from his job or not. The cuts come Friday, we are hopeful that we will make it through them, but we are still trying to get resumes out and think positive.

Now do you understand why I just wanted to skip this week?  This is nothing... to what many of my family and friends are going through, so I need to keep it in perspective and also keep saying these quotes to myself...

“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: either there will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught to fly.”

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all." ~ Dale Carnegie

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."                       ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Good night dear friends and thank you as always for your thoughts, prayers and support! We just all need to hang in there together!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lauren sent me this photo that she took yesterday at the flower shop. She thought that I could use it for my Valentine's Day post. It is perfect for story that I had to share. Thank you Lauren, for once again sharing your talent with me and so many others. I just LOVE the way you capture the simple beauties of the world through the lens of your camera!

roses[1]

Red Roses

Red roses were her favorites, her name was also Rose. And every year her husband sent them, tied with pretty bows. The year he died, the roses were delivered to her door. The card said, "Be my Valentine," like all the years before.

Each year he sent her roses, and the note would always say, "I love you even more this year, than last year on this day." "My love for you will always grow, with every passing year." She knew this was the last time that the roses would appear.

She thought, he ordered roses in advance before this day. Her loving husband did not know, that he would pass away. He always liked to do things early, way before the time. Then, if he got too busy, everything would work out fine.She trimmed the stems, and placed them in a very special vase. Then, sat the vase beside the portrait of his smiling face. She would sit for hours, in her husband's favorite chair. While staring at his picture, and the roses sitting there.

A year went by, and it was hard to live without her mate. With loneliness and solitude, that had become her fate. Then, the very hour, as on Valentines before, The doorbell rang, and there were roses, sitting by her door.

She brought the roses in, and then just looked at them in shock. Then, went to get the telephone, to call the florist shop. The owner answered, and she asked him, if he would explain. Why would someone do this to her, causing her such pain?"I know your husband passed away, more than a year ago," The owner said, "I knew you'd call, and you would want to know.""The flowers you received today, were paid for in advance." "Your husband always planned ahead, he left nothing to chance."

"There is a standing order, that I have on file down here, And he has paid, well in advance, you'll get them every year.

There also is another thing, that I think you should know, He wrote a special little card...he did this years ago." "Then, should ever, I find out that he's no longer here, That's the card...that should be sent, to you the following year."She thanked him and hung up the phone, her tears now flowing hard. Her fingers shaking, as she slowly reached to get the card. Inside the card, she saw that he had written her a note. Then, as she stared in total silence, this is what he wrote..."Hello my love, I know it's been a year since I've been gone, I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to overcome."

"I know it must be lonely, and the pain is very real. For if it was the other way, I know how I would feel.

The love we shared made everything so beautiful in life. I loved you more than words can say, you were the perfect wife." "You were my friend and everything, you fulfilled my every need. I know it's only been a year, but please try not to grieve.

I want you to be happy, even when you shed your tears. That is why the roses will be sent to you for years.""When you get these roses, think of all the happiness, That we had together, and how both of us were blessed.I have always loved you and I know I always will. But, my love, you must go on, you have some living still."

"Please...try to find happiness, while living out your days. I know it is not easy, but I hope you find some ways.

The roses will come every year, and they will only stop, when your door's not answered, when the florist stops to knock."
"He will come five times that day, in case you have gone out. But after his last visit, he will know without a doubt,

To take the roses to the place, where I've instructed him, And place the roses where we are, together once again."  ~Lady J's Blog by Lightworkers

   "You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love." ~ Henry Drummond

Motherhood

I read this quotes on Motherhood today and I loved them!

Motherhood is the toughest job in the world but like this quote reminds us....it is definitely worth it.

"A group of ancient Roman women were, with vanity, showing their jewels one to another. Among them was Cornelia, the mother of two boys. One of the women said to her, " And where are your jewels?" to which Cornelia responded, pointing to her sons, "These are my jewels?" Under her tutelage, and walking after the virtues of her life, the grew to become...two of the most persuasive and effective reformers in Roman history. For as long as they are remembered and spoken of ...their mother will be remembered and spoken of with praise also." ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

"When God wants a great work done in the world or a great wrong righted, he goes about it in a very unusual way. He doesn't stir up his earthquakes or send forth his thunderbolts. Instead, he has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home and of some obscure mother. And then  God puts the idea in the mother's heart, and she puts in into the baby's mind. And then God waits." ~ E. T. Sullivan

Saturday, February 13, 2010

LISTEN

It is late and we just got home from watching the Olympics at the neighbor's house. It was neat to see athletes from all over the world all come together. The sad part was there was one of the Olympic athletes that was killed during one of the practices. I just wondered how his family handled the whole Opening Ceremony? I was glad to see that during part of the Opening Ceremony they honored him, and everyone had a moment of silence and prayers for him and his family. It was a bittersweet program.

My daughter sent me this tip today and I thought I would share it with you tonight.

Interesting tip for the day, is if you rearrange the word "silent" you get the word "listen".

 

How true it is... that listening is more than just being quiet.  So many times when I take the time out, to not only be quiet, but to tune in to what I need to be thinking about and feeling, those have been some of the most profound moments of my life. I really need to do that more often, with all the noises and things in the world screaming for our attention. It is vital that we take time out to not only be QUIET but time to LISTEN.

"THE FIRST DUTY OF LOVE IS TO LISTEN."  ~ Paul Tillich


"Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force...When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand. Ideas actually begin to grow within us and come to life...When we listen to people there is an alternating current, and this recharges us so that we never get tired of each other...and it is this little creative fountain inside us that begins to spring and cast up new thoughts and unexpected laughter and wisdom. ...Well, it is when people really listen to us, with quiet fascinated attention, that the little fountain begins to work again, to accelerate in the most surprising way." ~ Brenda Ueland

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Untouched Heart

For years I have had my heart experience a lot of different emotions, because I tend to LOVE so hard. I complain sometimes but for the most part, even though my heart gets broken and hurt sometimes...I feel blessed to have LOVED so much! It is almost Valentine's Day, when I read this story, it reminded me that we all need to check our lives and see how we are doing? Are we too busy to share our heart with others? Are we too tired and caught up in ourselves to care? Do we really love ourselves? It is hard to love others when we don't love ourselves! I know there is always a danger to sharing your heart with someone but.... it truly is worth it in the long run.

The Perfect Heart
Author: Unknown

One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it. Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.

Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said “Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine.” The crowd and the young man looked at the old man’s heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in, but they didn’t fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing.

The people stared - how can he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought? The young man looked at the old man’s heart and saw its state and laughed. “You must be joking,” he said. “Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears.”

“Yes,” said the old man, “Yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love - I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared. Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn’t returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges - - giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?”

The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man’s heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges. The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man’s heart flowed into his. They embraced and walked away side by side. How sad it must be to go through life with a whole untouched heart.

"I WOULD RATHER HAVE EYES THAT CANNOT SEE; EARS THAT CANNOT HEAR; LIPS THAT CANNOT SPEAK, THAN A HEART THAT CANNOT LOVE"  ~Robert Tizon

 

The Question?

A lot of my friends have been asking me lately..."Is Jeff is going to lose his job?" It has been all over the news about the cut backs. He was told that a 1/3 of their division is going to be laid off and so, that is all we know for now. The date to announce the lay offs is on the 19th of this month. The next question we are asked is..."are you nervous and what will you do?" The answer is "No, not yet" and " we will some how make it and be fine". I have to rely on evidence of what has happened to us in the past when we have been laid off, which has been more than once! It has been tough, scary at times, and hard, but somehow we have always had enough to take care of our family and each time we got a new job it was an upgrade from the last! So...... I know even though it will be hard and frightening at times, that we will weather the storm once again and be alright.

I read  the other day an article by Kathy Wright, it was about a couple who went through unemployment. They compared it to being in a sail boat in smooth waters to dead in the water. In this article she mentioned that sometimes we may not always have a wind blowing our sailboat... but when the wind stops, we need to be willing to row until the wind returns. I really like that analogy and I liked the points that she brought up about how to handle it. I will share them with you in case anyone else is having this challenge or may have it soon.

1. Start Rowing...Even if the pay is not what you are accustomed to, working at temporary jobs will  bring in some income and help keep your spirits up.

2. Be Cautiously Optimistic...We found it wise to hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. In a time of uncertainty, it's best to be cautious. Ask yourself, "What do we need to do to survive if this lasts very long?" Identifying essential needs--like food and shelter--helps you avoid putting them at risk.

3. Money Isn't the Only Essential...In the midst of your hard work and concern, it can be easy to overlook  your family's spiritual and emotional needs. We suggest talking to your children frequently about their lives. How are they doing? What are their concerns? What needs of theirs are not being met?

4. Blessings from the Trial...Although I could never imagine it at the time, I now look back at this period of unemployment as one of the greatest times in my life--not because of the hardships, but because of the spiritual growth I felt. We relearned that God is real and He does hear and answer our prayers.

"How often do we not do more because we pray for wind and none comes? We pray for good things and they don't seem to happen, so we sit and wait and do no more. We should always pray for help, but we should always listen for inspiration and impressions to proceed in ways different from those we may have thought of." ~ John H. Groberg

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Each life makes a difference

On Monday when the kids and I were going to Costco, the teased me when I got into the store. The reason was, as I was getting the electric chair ( I am sure there is a better word for it ? ) the lady who was letting everyone in, remembered who I was. She began asking me questions about my knee surgery and asking also about my back and cancer stuff. She was genuinely happy that I was up and healing well from my surgery.  My daughter-in-law just laughed when we started in the store, because she said "You know everyone!" I have to admit that I was impressed that after the hundreds of people that probably go through there on a daily basis that she still remembered me and my situation. And you could tell when she was asking me questions that she really was concerned and wanted to know...now that is a very Christ-like attribute I think.

She rates right up there in my book as my friend at the bank. She is the teller for the drive through window. She is always happy and so helpful and takes time to talk and visit with each person. Throughout the past few years, she has noticed if I haven't been in for awhile, and always asked me how I am doing. She always asks if there is anything that she can do for me. Even after my knee surgery a couple of weeks ago, she called our home and asked Jeff if there was anything that she could do for me. Wow, isn't it amazing when we take time out to connect with others in our pathway of life? I know I certainly try to, because I feel like I have a million friends, true friends! They just happen to be the Costco lady, ladies at my dental office, people that work in the hospital, bank tellers, the post office people, those who work at the grocery story, the fabric stores and on and on. Yes, I am grateful to have so many friends. So many people who have made a true difference in my life, because they went out of their way to connect with me. It is the BEST FEELING when that happens and even though it does take time and energy, I do believe it makes all the difference in the world.

So enjoy this short story that emphasizes this very point! Good night dear friends!

Important Question

During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: 'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. Absolutely, said the professor. "In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello". I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Inspiring!

Tonight for Family Home Evening, Brad and Krystal had the lesson. It was a short film that was produced for a film festival and the main character was Nick Vujicic . I had seen a clip about him on Youtube awhile ago. Nick was born without arms or legs and yet his spirit is inspiring and unbelievable. It was about 25 minutes long, but something that everyone should see and FEEL!  The story is about a circus, but not just any circus, one that not only entertaining but inspiring! I am always amazed at the Human Spirit! It makes me want to try harder to live my life to the fullest and never sell myself short. Good night dear friends and really try to watch this movie, it will touch your heart forever!

Here is the link...
Butterfly Circus

This film reminded me of the parable in Luke 15 where it talks about the lost sheep and how vital each soul is. A good reminder that no matter what happens to your life, that it is of great worth to God and others!

"Diseases of the soul are more dangerous and more numerous than those of the body."  ~Cicero

"Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard."  ~Anne Sexton

Monday, February 8, 2010

Stress

Again I am reading in the book YOU CAN BE HAPPY NO MATTER WHAT  by Richard Carlson, Ph. D. ,the chapter I read today was about STRESS. I am feeling a lot of stress and so I am trying to figure out ONCE AGAIN how to control my thoughts. Here is is the what I RELEARNED tonight.

Stress is seen as a necessary part of achievement, relationships, careers, and life. The word has become a catch-all to describe, validate, and explain almost everything that is wrong in our lives. "If I weren't under so much stress, my life would be better" is a very common belief indeed.

Stress is a major cause of unrest in our lives, but we don't have to surrender our lives to it. If we understand where stress originates ( in our own minds ), and its relationship to our thinking, we can begin to eliminate it, regardless of our circumstances. Stress is not something that "happens to us," but rather something that develops from within our own thinking. From the inside out, we decide what is and is not going to be stressful. Gambling my be a thrill for one person, and for someone else the cause of a nervous breakdown. For one person, having children is the purpose of life, and for another is seems like too much responsibility. Each of these examples, as well as every other situation in life, is actually neutral, not inherently stressful.

The moment we define stress as coming from anywhere other than from within ourselves, we set ourselves up to experience it---and are too late to prevent it. Each time we describe stress as "out there", we validate it's existence. We then need to find ways to cope with, manage, or manipulate whatever it is that we believe is causing the stress.

You cannot effectively deal with something that, in reality, does not exist. Stress does not exit--other than in your own thinking. Your stressful thoughts are no more real than your non-stressful thoughts; they're still just thoughts. To rid yourself of the stress in your life, first understand that stress is your perception of the situation, not something inherent in it. There is not a "cause and effect" relationship between the events in your life and the feeling of stress.

Once you see there is no such thing as stress, only stressful thinking, you are on the road to immediate change and can take up responsibility for your own life. When you redefine stress as something you can control, it's  possible to maintain a positive feeling, even when circumstances are a great deal less than perfect.

"Second thoughts are ever wiser." ~ Euripides

"All that you achieve and all that you fail to achieve is the direct result of your own thoughts"  ~ James Allen

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Growing up so fast!

I remember when my kids were young, I wondered if I would ever get to a place in my life where they all slept through the night, when they all were potty trained, could feed themselves, and on and on. It is weird to be at the other end of motherhood now. I look back and now wonder not only how did I make it, but where did the time go? I miss many of those days, I miss the knowledge that I have now. I wish I would have taken more time to play and not have worried about all the things that really weren't important! Hind sight is twenty twenty they say and yes...that is true!

That is what is so sweet about being a grandmother...you get another chance to do it right!

'A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance."  ~Author Unknown

Though You Are Grown

©  Cynthia A. Sieving

I remember years ago,
you were so little then.
Sometimes,
I can't help but wish,
that you were small again.
I've cried when you've faced heartaches,
and saw, that as you grew,
nothing broke your Spirit,
instead it strengthened you.
I'm filled with mixed emotions,
as I hold back all the tears
and, with much pride remember,
back so many years.
When I first held you in my arms,
if only I'd have known,
the years would feel like moments,
after you had grown.
You aren't a child,
though in my eyes,
I guess you'll always be,
that baby boy who changed my life,
and means the world to me.

“I looked on child rearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that demanded the best I could bring to it.” ~ Rose Kennedy

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.  ~Rajneesh

Friday, February 5, 2010

Believe

I read this quote the other day and thought ...how profound!

“For those who believe, no proof is necessary.

For those who don't believe, no proof is possible.” ~ Stuart Chase

Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night wondering how you could teach or help one of your kids or loved one to believe in something? To Believe in themselves, to Believe in God, to Believe in their potential, or to Believe that things will work out?  Maybe you haven't but I certainly have as a MOM. I feel like my whole life as a mom, has been trying to teach and help my kids understand who they are and what their potential is? You hope that little by little that all those moments will sink in and give them an unbelievable strength and courage to face all the world will throw at them.

On more than one occasion, I have been asked by a younger moms this question " how do I do it all? " My answer to them is a constant reminder to myself, "You can't do it all, you just do the best you can with the Lord's help" The greatest thing you can do for yourself and your family is to stay close enough to the Spirit to be guided on what to say and do." I know that sounds simple, but it's not, especially in today's world.

I read this quote this morning by Kathleen H. Hughes... "AS WE MATURE AND GROW PHYSICALLY , WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE DIVINE WITHIN US IS BEING NURTURED. OUR ACTIONS SHOULD INVITE THE SPIRIT TO BE THE PREDOMINENT FORCE IN OUR LIVES."

That is what I want for each of my children, for each of my dear friends who are struggling with problems in life and for MYSELF. Too often I get burdened down with things and forget that I have the potential to change them. Too often I get so busy doing THINGS, that I forget to slow down and get back to the BASICS in my life. When I am too busy in life to say my prayers, read my scriptures, spend time with my family, to tell my friends how much they mean to me, serve others or to take care of myself....then I know that I am on the wrong path and that I have stopped GROWING. I like how Kathleen H. Hughes put it...we need to ensure the divine within us is being nurtured. I looked up the word nurture and here is what it means...

Definition:
cherish means to be fond of, be attached to, while nurture means to bring up, help develop, help grow, or provide with nourishment

So I will try to remember that I am a daughter of God, with limitless potential! I will try to remember to take time out for the things which will nurture me. I will try to remember not to have to PROVE anything to anyone, but to just live my life in a way that hopefully what I believe, will be evident in the way I live my life. And most important ...to pray that my children have all they need to believe in themselves and to live close to the Spirit. To pray that the Spirit will be the predominant force in their lives. That is all that a mother can ask, not proof that everything will work out, but faith that it can... if we make the right choices in life.

 

“The whole process of raising a family is one of perfecting our own lives. That which we transmit consciously and unconsciously to our children in their rearing in the home and in the community must be the best within us.”  ~Henry D. Moyle

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Do I want to be "happy" or "right"?

In the many years that I have been counseling or been counseled, I have read many self help books. One that a counselor encouraged me to read is called...YOU CAN BE HAPPY NO MATTER WHAT  by Richard Carlson, Ph.D. I purchased it and then purchased another one because I thought it had so many wonderful things in it, that I wanted to have an extra one to loan out. I was reading it again today and came upon a part that I had underlined, this is what it said..."DO I WANT TO BE "HAPPY" OR "RIGHT"? 

If the most important element in our personal relationships is the feeling that exists between us and our partner, then being right isn't relevant, not if it diminishes the love we feel toward another person. When we understand the way in which our belief systems encourage us to validate our own rough interpretations of life, we learn that the same is true for everyone else. If we already know this we won't have to argue or to be upset over our differences.

As happy feeling between people increase, the issue of right or wrong seems less significant. We still can maintain our opinions or preferences, but know that these opinions stem from our thoughts, not from eternal truth. Our positive feeling becomes more important than our opinions. As our appreciation of happiness in relationship increases, we take the notice of the things that tend to take us away from this feeling. One major catalyst taking us away is the need to be right.

The need to be right stems from an unhealthy relationship to your own thoughts. Do you believe that your thoughts are representative of reality and need to be defended, or do you realize that realities are different as seen through different eyes?  Your answer to this question will determine, to a large extent, your ability to remain in a positive feeling state.

Everyone I know who has put positive feeling above being right on their priority list, has come to see that differences in opinion will take care of themselves. A more positive feeling state allows  us to see other positions, to listen with a finer ear, and to express our own beliefs in a more compassionate and caring way. (We might even learn something!") It allows us the luxury of not caring so much if it turns out that we can't agree.

To sum it up is, we all  see through different glasses, through the experiences that we have had throughout out whole life, that is how we see the world. Is it a good pair of glasses to look through or do we need to go get another prescription?  I guess, it is a good reminder to me, that I need to watch my  thoughts and how often I feel the need to be right?  I need to pay attention to my willingness to change and to let others have their opinions and views without being offended. Just some food for thought!

Good night dear friends!

"Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend." ~ Albert Camus

 

Sleep Over

My girls came over tonight to have a sleep over at Nana's, how exciting. They are going to sleep in the green room and Angie is sleeping in the SECRET BED!  As I laid beside her and sang songs with her, I realized how blessed I am to be near enough to have her come over and have a sleep over. Many of my friends that are Grandmas and Nanas, don't have their grand kids near them, so tonight as I kissed her good night...I was counting my blessings.

It is late and I have to get to bed, but I just wanted to leave you with this thought, maybe we forget at times how our choices effect the children around us. This quote was a great reminder to remember the children in our lives and what a profound effect we can have on them and the generations to come... just by loving them.

Good night dear friends.


"FIFTY YEARS FROM NOW IT WILL NOT MATTER WHAT KIND OF CAR YOU DROVE, WHAT KIND OF HOUSE YOU LIVED IN, HOW MUCH YOU HAD IN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT, OR WHAT YOUR CLOTHES LOOKED LIKE. BUT THE WORLD MAY BE A LITTLE BETTER BECAUSE  YOU WERE IMPORTANT IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD" ~ Anonymous

"Just about the time a woman thinks her work is done, she becomes a grandmother."  ~Edward H. Dreschnack

"A mother becomes a true grandmother the day she stops noticing the terrible things her children do because she is so enchanted with the wonderful things her grandchildren do."  ~Lois Wyse

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Good news, but tough day!

Yesterday morning started out early when Jeff woke me up at 6:00 and told me Amy was on the phone, she had been up all night with the flu. I woke up so fast that it did a number on my stomach. I was trying to help with suggestions on what to do and then we were seeing if her husband could take the day off to help with the kids or if they were going to come here? By 8:00 we had everything figured out and by then it was time to get ready for my appointment. My legs were throbbing after trying to get bathed, hair washed in the sink and dressed, but we made it there on time.

I heard the doctor and the nurse say something to me that I haven't ever heard in my life when they said " wow, Mrs.Woodard, you certainly heal fast!" My incision had healed up enough to have my stitches out already and they were surprised and pleased. They then took off all the bandages and said that for the next two weeks I could slowly get back into my routine and being up and walking. The Dr. said that I couldn't run for at least a few weeks. I just smiled and said "well, it has been 11 years since I have gone running, you would have had to have done surgery on more than my knees to get me to that point again!" :) Most people don't realize how bad my back is, he just smiled with a confused look.

In two weeks we will then start the gel injections behind the knee cap and that will go on for 5 weeks, during that time he would like for me to start Physical Therapy and they will try to get my knee caps to go back to the middle and work on my walk (gate).

The reason that I missed writing last night, was because I was so worn out from the doctor appointment and then we did a few errands, (post office and store to get crackers and vitamin water for Amy) that I came home and went to bed until 6:00. We had dinner, then Family Night and by the time I usually write my blog...Amy called and she was still pretty sick. So after 11:00 last night, Brad and Krystal went and picked up Jenny. John had to head to bed, so he wouldn't miss any work,but Amy was still too weak to hold Jenny. I was worried that Jenny would be crying a lot since she was away from her mom, but she did great. She didn't go to sleep till almost 1:30am but she was a real sweetheart...she did great for a nursing baby without her mom. (thank goodness for pumps) So from 10:00 p.m. on we were busy trying to make up beds and get out the porta-crib and everything else to have a baby for the night. I was more than hurting when I finally got to bed, but grateful that we were close enough to help.

So it was a good day with good news about my knees, but tough emotionally and physically. It really doesn't matter how old your kids are...it is still hard to see them be sick or hurt! After having a tough day emotionally Sunday, I am glad that I had a day where I had to get up and get moving. A great reminder that it isn't always about me and that a mother's job is never done. Thanks for your calls and emails, I haven't been able to get back to all the calls, usually I am asleep or not near the phone. I am doing well and will continue to stay positive and grateful for all that I have and all that I am learning. Need to go, think it is my turn to hold Miss Jenny!

"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action." ~ Mother Teresa

"Healing take courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it." ~ Tori Amos