Friday, July 30, 2010

Where is the Wisdom ?

Today Lauren got her Wisdom teeth out. Jeff was off work, so both of us went with her and patiently waited. I tell you there is something  hard for Mom's to see your kids have to go into surgery or be in pain... I don't like it!  I would much rather it be me...actually ... it usually has been! :)  She did quite well, she was very quiet and just rested most of the day. When our oldest son had his out, he was quite funny and saying all kinds of crazy things. Interesting to see how the medicine reacts differently with each kid. But they were alike as far as the time went, both were up and feeling better by evening. I was very grateful for that.

I heard it mentioned once..."Why is it that the wisdom teeth wait to come in, long after the tooth fairy has stopped coming by your house to leave change under your pillow? :) I am wondering that myself?

"A man begins cutting his wisdom teeth the first time he bites off more than he can chew."   ~ Herb Caen

So tonight my blog of course, will be about WISDOM, I hope you enjoy it! Night!

The Wise Woman
by Author Unknown

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream.

The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation.

The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.

But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," he said. "I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone."

Sometimes it's not the wealth you have
but
what's inside you that others need.

"Wisdom outweighs any wealth."  ~Sophocles

'Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers."  ~Alfred Lord Tennyson

"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."  ~William James

Sweet and simple things of life.

I have noticed on days that seem Bigger Than Me, that I need to stop and count my blessings. It truly is the sweet and simple things that are the most important. Life is hard but it is...also GOOD!

 

 

"I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."
- Laura Ingalls Wilder

"Don't waste a minute being unhappy.  If one window closes - run
       to the next window - or break down a door."

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
Maya Angelou

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Life isn't fair

I loved this article, that I read about life not being fair. There have been times I have felt like that and just like this article mentions, it isn't a good place to stay mentally. Here is a watered down version of her thoughts and tips on things that helped her, during this tough time. I have included the web site of hers, where you can read more if you like!

I remember so clearly sitting next to my dad as we drove through town. I was discussing some injustice I had suffered and he looked directly at me and said, “no one ever said life was fair.” I was completely devastated. Later on as my marriage crumbled in spite of my ongoing efforts to hold it together, I could still hear those words echo in my heart. Now as I raise two kids alone, attempt to create new  relationships and build a business, I am forced every day to face this inevitable truth. I decided to stop running from the obvious and to accept my dad’s wisdom, albeit with the help of a few sound strategies I’ve learned along the way.

We will all face loss, unexpected change and feeling like the rug has been pulled out from beneath us. Some of us are recovering from harsh realities that will take time to heal. I wanted to share what worked for me. Here are my top ten ways to get over the “it’s not fair syndrome."

Anne Mattos-Leedom is the publisher of www.parentingbookmark.com , a national parenting website for raising caring kids. Anne is also the Founder of www.netconnectpublicity.com, a premier online placement agency for experts and authors. She lives in Northern California with her two teenage daughters.

"Life may not always seem fair, but we can learn to roll with the punches and make new choices along the way."

1.Stop Comparing

We choose for ourselves what seems fair by comparing our lives and circumstances to those of others around us.

2.Take Charge of Your Beliefs

We are often conditioned from a young age to expect certain things in life as we grow up. However, as an adult we need to let go of beliefs and expectations that are not working for us.

3.Grieve and Move on

It is only in coming to terms with our grief and realizing that everyone suffers at one time or another that we can move on.

4.Relinquish Resentment and Set New Goals

However, holding on to that frustration can keep you from moving forward. If whatever you are working on is not working, take a step back, re-assess and set a new goal that has a better chance of success. Use other people’s success as motivation and model to do better yourself. It doesn’t matter if it should have worked. If it isn't working, move on.

5.Redefine the Concept of Fair

Often we look to a divine power to be completely and totally responsible for our lives. We say, it isn’t fair that I didn’t get that job or my marriage didn’t work out, etc. because of how we believe that the universe and/or God should care for us blindly. Our lives are a team effort with the divine. Our part is to do the best we can and then to see past the moment into the bigger picture and knowing that ultimately what happens if part of that plan. Often things are much fairer then we realize at the time. That is where faith comes in.

6.Give Up on Control

Develop a healthy balance between giving things your best effort and then understanding ultimately it is out of your control. Put your efforts into the process but learn to let go of the need to control the outcome.

7.Build a ‘Fairness Support Circle'

When you share your pain and circumstances with others and realize you are not alone, you can turn the sense of “it isn’t fair” into compassion and eventually, action to let go.

8.Reflect on the Truth

Take a hard look at your circumstances that seem so unfair and ask yourself the hard questions about what you did do or not do that might have increased the chances of this happening to you.

9.Get Help When Needed

Getting professional help at this point may be the only way you can look at the real issues that may be plaguing you and to get the tools you need to move forward past your current pain into a place of hope and possibility once again.

10.Accept that Life isn’t Fair

We will see others succeed that don’t seem to deserve it. It is only in truly accepting that we don’t know the whole picture—or why things happen as they do--that we can move on. It is not for any of us to say why things happen as they do. Life may not be fair, but you can be fair—and be the best human being you can be.

 

"To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone."  ~ Reba McEntire

"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts."   ~ Charles Dickens

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Counting Sheep....1...2....3..

I have always heard the old saying..."if you can't sleep, try counting sheep". Believe me, I have tried that and everything else with no success. For the last 5 nights I have been trying different things to help me get some sleep and out of pain. I am not a medicine girl as you know, so this has been a very hard thing for me to take. The first night I took Advil PM and slept for 5 hours straight, that was unbelievable! I never sleep more than 3-4 hours at a time. I tried it again the next night but it didn't work. I was up every few hours, trying to rearrange my 100 pillows ( not quite that many) and my rice bags and ice packs. It is quite an ordeal for me to get in a position where I am out of pain long enough to get comfortable and fall asleep.

The Spine specialist gave me a prescription for a muscle relaxant and hoped that I would be able to sleep better with that. For two nights I tried it and even doubled up on it the second night but with no success. I called back to his office and this time he gave me another prescription it was a muscle relaxer and a pain killer combined. I took it for the first time last night and nothing. I even got so desperate at 3:30 this morning that I took another one...still nothing. I usually can stay positive, happy and still going with very few hours of sleep but I am so tired this morning, I can hardly think. I am not sure where to go from here? I need to sleep, my body needs to sleep. My body needs to completely heal but that requires sleep. I am a bit worried how to get there.

"[S]leep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together."  ~Thomas Dekker

I have been using my hypnosis tapes again when I take my naps. It helps me to teach myself to relax. I was really hoping those would help but nothing so far! Oh well, I will continue to try new things and hopefully sleep is just around the next corner. For those of you who sleep well, remember how lucky you are...it really is a blessing.

"The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to."  ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by
One after one; the sound of rain, and bees
Murmuring; the fall of rivers, winds and seas,
Smooth fields, white sheets of water, and pure sky -
I've thought of all by turns, and still I lie
Sleepless...

~William Wordsworth, "To Sleep"

"A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book."  ~Irish Proverb

Monday, July 26, 2010

I must have a lot of Character!

Today I went to my new Spine Physical Therapist. She was very nice and seemed very knowledgeable. She mostly worked and tested my back and tail bone area. That was the first place to start today, when she read all the notes and asked me about my injuries or surgeries...she just shook her head on what all I have been through. Some days it feels like I have been through a lot and other days it doesn't seem that overwhelming. It is tough though, when you see it written down or when I try to explain all the problem areas or scars that she was asking me about. I read this quote and thought that I must have a lot of character, if that it true! :)

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved."  ~ Helen Keller

I will survive, so don't worry about me. Of course I would like to look like my daughter ( in this survivor photo ), as I survive, but I don't that that is going to happen! She is home now for 5 months, hope she survives our quite and slow life? It is nothing compared to college life ( like bridge jumping, repelling cliffs and such )...she is already looking for a job! :)

"Oh, I'm a survivor. My whole life has been surviving."    ~ Eddie Bracken

"Crises refine life.
In them you discover what you are."
    ~ Allen K. Chalmers

"Never never never give up."   ~ Winston Churchill

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Life

When I was at the specialist's office the other day, one question that he asked me stuck out in my mind. He asked..How is your state of mind ? How do you handle all that you are struggling with, pain and challenges? My answer was simple... because I am a Mother, I can't quit or give up. My family and friends are watching to see how I handle each situation, I can't quit. I need to keep going. Not sure exactly what he was looking for but...it was a sweet reminder to me that LIFE Is important and it is vital that try to learn, grow and truly live each day!

angie looking up

 

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

Mother Teresa

Whatever you are be a good one.
Abraham Lincoln

The Human Touch

I love this story, because I do believe that we all at one time or another... underestimate the power of the human touch!

During the first two decades of this century, a great number of babies under one year of age wasted away in hospitals and children's institutions and died from unknown causes. In some institutions it was customary to enter the condition of all seriously sick infants as "hopeless" on admission cards.
Among the doctors who were confronted with infant mortality daily was Dr. Fritz Talbot of the Children's Clinic in Dusseldorf. Dr. Talbot had uncommon success in dealing with sick children. For many years, as he made his rounds, he would be followed from ward to ward by groups of interns seeking new ways of handling children's diseases.
One such intern was Dr. Joseph Brennermann, who told this story.
"Many times we would come across a child for whom everything had failed. For some reason the child was hopelessly wasting away. When this would happen, Dr. Talbot would take the child's chart and scrawl some indecipherable prescription. In most of the cases, the magic formula took effect and the child began to prosper. My curiosity was aroused and I wondered if the famous doctor had developed some new type of wonder drug.
"One day, after rounds, I returned to the ward and tried to decipher Dr. Talbot's scrawl. I had no luck, and so I turned to the head nurse and asked her what the prescription was.


"'Old Anna,' she said. Then she pointed to a grandmotherly woman seated in a large rocker with a baby on her lap. The nurse continued: 'Whenever we have a baby for whom everything we could do had failed, we turn the child over to Old Anna. She has more success than all the doctors and nurses in this institution combined.'"

http://www.getmotivation.com/stories10.htm

 

"Each Warrior wants to leave the mark of his will, his signature, or important cats he touches. This is not the voice of ego but of the human spirit, rising up and declaring that it has something to contribute to the solution of the hardest problems, no matter how vexing!"  ~Pat Riley

" Analytical software enables you to shift human resources form the rote date collection to value-added customer service and support where the human touch makes a profound difference"   ~ Bill Gates

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Good, Bad and Tired!

Today was one of those days, GOOD... because I was able to go to the new Spine Specialist, and he was very nice and seemed to be very knowledgeable. He was positive about my back and neck and really thinks that with a PT specialist's help, I might be able to get some movement and strength back. The goal is less pain and more mobility. So I begin next Monday with my new PT specialist, I am very hopeful.

The BAD news was... he thinks that I might have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my right hand and arm. We will have to do more testing on my nerves in that arm and hand in a couple of weeks. I just thought it was arthritis, and figured it was something that I had to suffer through. It has been hurting me for quite a few years. It wasn't until  he told me what the symptoms were, for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that I realized that might be what I have. Weakness, numbness, pain and throbbing, yes...that would explain exactly how I have been feeling in my right arm and hand. Of course that makes me nervous, I am right handed and everything I create ( which is alot ), I use my right hand. So by August 10th we will have more answers.

TIRED... that was and has been the hardest thing I am dealing with on a daily basis. I just can't sleep at night, because of the pain all over. This Doctor, plus my Primary Care Doctor are very concern that I don't sleep. So we are working hard trying to find a solution for that. I have to admit, this only sleeping a few hours, day in and day out are very wearing. I pray that we find a solution soon. It is important to sleep, that is when your body truly heals and... that is vital for me.

So today was Good because... I got new hope for the future and a new game plan.

But today was Bad because... the Hard Drive in my laptop died, which means money, loss of everything on my computer and that I will have to write here downstairs on this other computer and that hurts my back and hands.

And tonight I am still TIRED and a bit discouraged about my computer so...I am heading to bed. Tomorrow might be a better day? But I am grateful for the information I did get, and the chance to see a light at the end of the tunnel for me and my health, so I need to remember my blessings, and what a lucky lady I am! Good night dear friends!

" Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you're beyond the need of God's grace"   ~ Unknown

"There are good days and there are bad days, and this is one of them.    ~ Lawrence Welk

" Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired, morning, noon, and night. But the body is never t!"   ~ General George S. Patton

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Brotherly and Sisterly Love!

My friend called the other day, to tell me that they were on their way to visit their family, for their summer vacation. It was to Grandma's house. These friends has a son, and then almost 9 years later... they had a little girl. Her son went to stay at Grandma's house by himself for a couple of weeks, and now they were going to join them. Their little girl (now 3 1/2 years old), could hardly wait to see her big brother. He in turn was missing her too. It always does my heart good to see the love between a brother and sister ( sibblings ). It should be strong and close in my opinion. I love when I hear my own kids talk to each other and go to each other for help. Yes, families really should be that way. I am grateful that my kids feel that way about each other. I was touched and reminded of this important relationship, when I read this story. I hope it makes you think about your brother or sister, and it reminds you to take the opportunity to tell them how much you love and appreciate them. That's what families should be all about!

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes, I’ll do it if it will save her.”

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away?”.

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Written by Stephen on January 29th, 2009   http://academictips.org/blogs/category/inspirational-stories/

 

"To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time."

~Clara Ortega

"I don't believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers.  It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage.  Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at."  ~Maya Angelou

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

HARD TIMES!

A dear friend of mine, Mother is fighting for her life with lung cancer. This young friend of mine, is much more like a daughter to me. It has been hard watching her go through so hard times, at such a young age. Actually any age, is too young to lose a Mother. I was only in my 40's, when my Mom died.

We are still praying that her Mom will be able to make it through this and back to health, but it has taken such a toll on my dear friend and her family. I remember well, staying at the hospital day and day out... and being told, on more than one occasion ...that my Mom probably wouldn't make it through the day or night! I thought my heart had been ripped out. We were exhausted, scared, and sleep deprived, just to mention a few. I could hear in my young friend's voice, those same feelings. How I wish I could go and be with her, hold her like her Mom would, and tell her everything is going to work out right. I try to keep in touch over the phone but I ache to be by her side.

I was reading in the scriptures tonight and came across this in Mark 6:56  AND WHITHERSOEVER HE ENTERD, INTO VILLAGE, OR CITIES, OR COUNTRY, THEY LAID THE SICK IN THE STREETS, AND BESOUGHT HIM THAT THEY MIGHT TOUCH IF IT WERE BUT THE BORDER OF HIS GARMENT; AND AS MANY AS TOUCHED HIM WERE MADE WHOLE.

Then I read this quote from Lloyd Newell and Robert Millet's book JESUS THE VERY THOUGHT OF THEE, about this scripture..."Although many touched the hem of Jesus' garment, the power to be healed was not in the garment. It was not in the clay that the blind man was instructed to put over his eyes and then wash away ( John 9:6 ). The power resided within the Lord himself--and in those who had faith in him. As people looked to the Savior, heard his words, believed his witness, trusted him, and exercised faith and hope in him, miracles took place in their lives. Sometimes their hearts were touched and their souls transformed. Sometimes their broken bodies were mended. Always an encounter with Jesus on the part of a believer is a lifting, liberating, life-changing experience. We are never the same after we come  unto Christ.

I am grateful to know that my dear young friend, has such a strong faith in God. She has mentioned that on more than one occasion, and continues to ask everyone to pray for them and her Mom. Yes, she has great faith and so I know some how, some way...she will make it through this! Prayers are very powerful, and I am glad that I at least can do that, for her and her family!

"There is no obstacle to great, no challenge too difficult, if we have faith."  ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

"Those who walk in faith will feel their lives encompassed with the light and blessings of heaven. They will understand and know things that others cannot." ~ Joseph B. Wirthlin

"At ... moments of crisis and challenge, some choose to abandon faith just at the time when it most needs to be embraced. Prayer is ignored at the very hour when it needs to be intensified. Virtue is carelessly tossed aside when it needs to be cherished. God is forsaken in the all-too-human yet mistaken fear that He has forsaken us." ~David S. Baxter

Monday, July 19, 2010

Honesty

I love the honesty of little kids. If you want to know the truth ...then ask a child.

The Big Sister

"Be Silly. Be honest. Be kind."  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

SAY A PRAYER 
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his grandmother's house.   Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.  When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
'Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.'  said his mother.
'I don't need to,' the boy replied.
'Of course, you do.' his mother insisted. 'We always say a prayer before eating at our house.'
'That's at our house.' Johnny explained.  'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!'

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom"  ~ Thomas Jefferson

"An honest answer is the sign of true friendship"  ~unknown

Loyalty

The other night I watched a great movie ( ok, it was a bit slow but I still liked it). It was titled HACHI . It was based off a true story of a man and his dog. Now my family always teases me about the type of movies that I like. I know that I am odd but I love a good story, a clean story, true stories  and violence... is something I try to avoid at all costs. Actually Jeff and I went to a movie last night and even though many people said it was wonderful... I disagree. It had way too much violence in it for me. I had to close my eyes most of the time and it took me forever to go to sleep last night. Maybe it is because I don't like to anyone suffering or in pain. I think there is way too much violence and suffering in the world already, why should I pay to see more of it?  Anyway, enough about my issues and opinions.

I just wanted to share the true story that this movie was based off of. So read it and let it be a great reminder to us all about the importance of LOYALTY!

 

Life  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hachik%C5%8D

In 1924, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo took in Hachikō as a pet. During his owner's life Hachikō saw him out from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting. Hachikō was loyal and every day for the next nine years he waited sitting there amongst the town's folk.

Hachikō was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for nine years with Hachikō appearing precisely when the train was due at the station.

Professor Ueno's former student returned frequently to visit the dog and over the years published several articles about Hachikō's remarkable loyalty. In 1932 one of these articles, published in Tokyo's largest newspaper, threw the dog into the national spotlight. Hachikō became a national sensation. His faithfulness to his master's memory impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachikō's vigil as an example for children to follow. A well-known Japanese artist rendered a sculpture of the dog, and throughout the country a new awareness of the Akita breed grew.

Eventually, Hachiko's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty.

 

"Lack of loyalty is one of the major causes of failure in every walk of life"   Napoleon Hill

" The scholar does not consider gold and jade to be precious treasures, but loyalty and good faith."  ~ Confucius

Friday, July 16, 2010

How much more do we have to give?

I read this story and was so touched by it, that I wanted to share it with you today.

How Much Music Can You Make?

On Nov. 18, 1995, violinist Itzhak Perlman, performed a concert at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. Stricken with
polio as a child, Perlman painfully walked with the aid of two crutches to a chair in the middle of the stage. He carefully laid the crutches on the floor, loosened the clasps of his leg braces, extended one leg forward and the other underneath his chair, picked up his instrument and nodded to the conductor to begin.
But something went wrong. After only seconds of playing, one of the strings on his violin broke. The snap was a gunfire reverberating in the auditorium. The audience immediately knew what happened and fully expected the concert to be suspended until another string or even another instrument could be found.
But Perlman surprised them. He quietly composed himself, closed his eyes and then signaled the conductor to begin again. The orchestra resumed where they had left off and Perlman played -- on three strings. He played with passion and power. All the time he worked out new fingering in his mind to compensate for the missing string. A work that few people could play well on four strings Perlman accomplished on three.
When he finished, an awesome silence hung in the room. And then as one, the crowd rose to their feet and cheered wildly. Applause burst forth from every corner of the auditorium as fans showed deep appreciation for his talent and his courage.
Perlman smiled and wiped the sweat from this brow. Then he raised his bow to quiet the crowd and said, not boastfully, but in a quiet, pensive, reverent tone, "You know, sometimes it is the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left."
Perlman should know. Polio left him with less stamina than he had before, yet he went on. Playing a concert on three strings is not unlike his philosophy of life -- he persevered with what he had left and still made music.
And isn't that true with us? Our task is to find out how much music we can still make with what we have left. How much good we can still do. How much joy we can still share. For I'm convinced that the world, more than ever, needs the music only you and I can make.
And if it takes extra courage to make the music, many will applaud your effort. For some people have lost more than others, and these brave souls inspire the rest of us to greater heights.
So I want to ask, "How much music can you make with what you have left?"   ~ Steve Goodier

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything."
- Plato -

When the world says, "Give up,"
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."

~Author Unknown

'Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thursday, July 15, 2010

It's the simple things like...

Sunshine, smiley face eggs and creative pancakes, that make you happy first thing in the morning! I have to admit that I am grateful that I have HAPPY KIDS, it may not seem like a big thing, to be thankful for but... it actually is. I am amazed at how many people suffer on a daily basis with depression and thoughts that are self defeating. I have suffered from depression a few times in my life ( pretty minor ) but, it is not a chronic thing at all. I am realizing more and more that this is a huge thing to be grateful for.

I met a kid the other day that was a CUTTER, they cut their selves to just feel ...something. Now, having never had any experience with that, it was hard for me to understand. I do realize that any form of self abuse if a red flag of trouble in someone's life, a real cry for help. And I am realizing there are more and more kids out there that are struggling and may need our help and our understanding. I also met a kid that I had known before, come into a restaurant the other day, they were dressed very, very inappropriate. I felt so sad, sad that they felt like they needed to be that extreme, to be noticed or popular. It was very immodest and I am sure could be very dangerous ( as viewed from the eyes of the opposite sex ). I wanted to go up to them and say, please put some clothes back on, but I didn't . I just said hi and as they greeted me, this person said..."I was wondering if you were going to come speak to me?" I felt sad, sad that I had judged so quickly and sad that they were so unhappy and insecure. Sad that I may not have been as available for this person as I could have been. Both of these kid's family had split up, and as I have heard...that is terribly hard on the kids. I hope we can take time out out of our busy lives to see if there is anyone around us ( kids included ) that need our attention or help. Some times just a hug, a smile, or a phone call...could literally save a life!

So tonight, I am just very grateful for good and happy kids. Grateful to be married to my best friend and grateful that he is such an incredible father to our kids. Grateful that I am happy most of the time and  yes, I am thankful for the simple things!

Lee's pancake

smily face eggs

"If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes."  ~ Andrew Carnegie

flower pancake 

"Depression is the inability to construct a future"  ~Rollo May

"Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better take things as they come along with patience and equanimity."                ~ Carl Jung

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Possibilities!

Since Lauren was a little girl, she seemed to notice things, that others really paid attention to. She would focus in on something and got quite a kick out of seeing the world, just a little bit different than anyone else. She loved being different, mostly in a good way. She definitely went to beat of her own drum. She loved to draw and create and then by her High School years, she got into photography. It seemed to be the very thing she needed. She loved capturing moments in time. You could learn a lot about her, by the things she photographs.  Pretty soon, we had more ideas for her than she had time. When she figured out Photoshop there seemed to be limitless options out there for her. She has continued to us her photography in college and who knows where she will go with it some day?

Possibilities, that is what amazes me, with each of my kids. I love the fact that they do and accomplish so much more than I ever did. I mean, when they were little; we tried to remind them that they could do anything they set their minds to do. And now, years later...they are actually doing it!  Brad is into Graphic Design and simply amazing at it. He is an artist through and through. My daughter-in-law Krystal, is a Journalist, Editor, Sales person and seamstress.  Amy loves to create anything! I can hardly wait to see what she comes up with new each week! I always laugh when I think that I was the one who taught my kids, and yet they all have excelled my abilities by far!. Lee loves sports, and has learned leadership and sportsmanship, he continues to grow and develop and has an incredible heart, which will take him far in life.  How proud I am of each one of them and all the possibilities their lives hold. How blessed I feel to be there Mother and how grateful I am to to still be here and have the opportunity to watch all of their possibilities... come to life!!!

"It is one thing to photograph people. It is another to make others care about them by revealing the core of their humanness."  ~ Paul Strand


"The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation."  ~ Ray L. Wilbur

 
"It takes someone with a vision of the possibilities to attain new levels of experience. Someone with the courage to live his dreams."   ~ Les Brown

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Hurt Feelings

I have wondered many times why people say hurtful things. Don't they know that they are hurting someone's feeling? Do they care? I guess the answers could be many. Maybe they don't care, maybe they just don't think before speaking, maybe they don't realize how harsh their words are or maybe that is the way they were brought up?

No matter what, there will be times in all of our lives they someone says something that really hurts our feelings. I am learning in my OLD AGE, to try to ask some of those questions before I take offense. I still get my feelings hurt; probably more than the average person, but I am trying to learn and grow from the experience. I try to first ask myself if their is any truth in their comment? Sometimes there is... sometimes not. But I do realize that I try to distance myself from people who seem to constantly put me down or make fun of me. No one likes that feeling, and so I need to protect myself. Life is certainly a growing experience isn't it?

I also try more often to think about what I say. Did I say it the way I really meant it? Did I use the right or wrong tone? Do I come across harsh at times? Yes, I continue to learn and try hard, not to get too upset but try and learn and grow from each of these experiences. I used to just run away, cry and never try to be around that person again, while carrying a grudge. Grudges are not good for anyone, and like this quote below says.. there is something good that can come from everything, if we are willing to put forth the effort to learn from it.

 

"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him" ~ David Brinkley

"Strength of character means the ability to overcome resentment against others, to hind hurt feelings, and to forgive quickly."   ~ Unknown

 

"Resentment or grudges do no harm to the person against whom you hold these feelings but every day and every night of your life, they are eating at you."   ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Monday, July 12, 2010

Love

I recently read this article titled... Love, the Center of Everything  Here is my favorite part from the article, and one of my favorite quotes. May we all remember the potential we have to touch the lives of those around us!

"Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf  Nov. 2009

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring. All of which have the potential to turn a life around"   ~ Leo F. Buscaglia

51 years and counting!

Today was my 51st birthday and I was very grateful for it. Yesterday, however was hard for some reason, I kept thinking of all the things I wanted to do and accomplish this past year but didn't. I dwelled on the cup being half empty instead of half full, so yes...yesterday was a bit of a tough day. However today, I realized that I might not accomplish everything I wanted to; but there is nothing to say that I can't accomplish it this coming year. It is a new year with all kinds of possibilities in it, so....I need to make some changes, try a little harder, be more diligent and have more faith, so that anything can be possible!

I am thankful for the chance to have had 51 years here on earth. They have not all been easy or happy years, but each one have taught me incredible lessons for which I am very grateful.

Thanks to all of you for your birthday wishes, calls and cards! I feel loved... and that is no small thing. I do wonder if I have made a difference in the world at all by my being here? Have I helped someone, been kind enough, has my example been good or bad? Yes, these are questions that have passed my mind, but instead of dwelling on that too much, I have decided to set some new goals this year, so that I can hopefully be better, stronger, healthier, happier, wiser, kinder and more obedient. Yes, I have another year to improve and I am so glad that I do! I am glad it's my birthday!!!

"Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him." ~ Aldous Huxley

"Don't regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."   ~ Unknown

"May you live all the days of your life."  ~ Jonathan Swift

"It takes a long time to become young."   ~ Pablo Picasso

"We turn not older with years, but newer every day."  ~ Emily Dickinson

Friday, July 9, 2010

What are you passionate about?

I love this quote and believe that it is true, it is vital to find something that you feel passionate about, something that makes you happy and excited to be alive. I love what we learn through these passions.

"To have passion, to have a dream, to have a purpose in life. And there are three components to that purpose, one is to find out who you really are, to discover God, the second is to serve other human beings, because we are here to do that and the third is to express your unique talents and when you are expressing your unique talents you lose track of time."  ~ Deepak Chopra

 owl quilt[1]

In the last few years, I have learned to quilt. (This is a quilt that I made for Lauren to have her first year of college.)  I have always loved to sew and so quilting, was the natural..next step. I like how it feels to create different pieces of fabric in all shapes, sizes and colors to create a quilt. I love the feeling I get when I give the quilts to a loved one. I hope it is something they will always cherish. I hope that they feel loved, every time that they wrap up in it. Yes, quilting has become one of my passions and has been a very healing art for me, these past few years. I am thankful for my talents, thankful that I have lots left to learn, and thankful for so many loved ones to share my quilts and gifts with.

"One of the things that may get in the way of people being lifelong learners is that they’re not in touch with their passion. If you’re passionate about what it is you do, then you’re going to be looking for everything you can to get better at it."    ~ Jack Canfield

"A successful life is one that is lived through understanding and pursuing one's own path, not chasing after the dreams of others."   ~ Chin-Ning Chu

Making a difference...it's a choice!

I don't know if you have ever read any of Max Lucado's children's books? They are amazing! My favorite one is YOU ARE SPECIAL.  If you ever have the chance to read them, do it! So, you can imagine how excited I was when someone sent me one of his quotes! I hope you enjoy it!

"Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.
I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.
I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble...I will get up. It's OK to fail...I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.
I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.
Today I will make a difference."

Max Lucado

"Always remember to slow down in life; live, breathe, and learn; take a look around you whenever you have time and never forget everything and every person that has the least place within your heart."

"Every man dies- Not every man really lives."   ~William Ross Wallace

"The other day a man asked me what I thought was the best time of life.  "Why," I answered without a thought, "now."  ~David Grayson

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Enjoying Life!

My daughter Lauren called the other day (while in Utah visiting her cousin) and said that she and her cousin and some kids, were all going to go Rock Climbing, she was excited. I asked her to be careful before we hung up. Of course I assumed they were going some place indoors like REI, to do their rock climbing. I smiled when I thought of how much all of my kids, really enjoys life. If some of my friends would have asked me when I was 19 to go Rock Climbing, I would have thought they were crazy! But you can imagine the shock I had, when Lauren called later that night, to tell me that they decided to go Repelling instead up in the mountains of Utah.   (Just a side note, they were never planning to rock climb in doors anyway, silly me! ) I have to admit, I am glad that I didn't know that Lauren was going to go Repelling cliffs that day ( or any day ). I was even more shocked, when she put these pictures up later for us to see. Where did I get this dare devil from? Actually most of my kids, have done or want to do, a million different things that I have not done.

I look at this photo and I am a bit envious that I haven't tried some things in life... that I let worry, doubt and fear get in the way. Maybe that is just not who I am? I do realize however, that I need to remember to try and do things that I have always wanted to do each day ( even if they are not considered exciting or daring ).

I will be turning 51 years old this weekend. I don't really have a list of exciting things I have done in my life but I do try to enjoy each day. After surviving cancer twice, I realize that no one knows how much time they have on this earth.  I feel a real urgency to stop wasting time worrying about things I can not control.  I need to have a little more courage, to do some things. No, not repelling off cliffs, but just doing the things I love to do and being with the ones that I love. That is what enjoying life means to me! So thanks Lauren (and to all of the rest of my kids), for reminding me to not take life so serious ...and to truly enjoy EVERY MOMENT!!!

"No yesterdays are ever wasted for those who give themselves to today."  ~Brendan Francis

"Nothing is worth more than this day."  ~Johann Wolf

"Forever is composed of nows."  ~Emily Dickinson

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Being in the Moment

I loved this article, a good reminder for me!

11 Ways to Focus on the Here and Now

By Gretchen Rubin is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Happiness Project

We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed, of being beset by distractions.

The problem is, too many things are clamoring for your attention. People are trying to reach you, by phone, email, text, Twitter, IM, or old-fashioned yelling up the stairs. There are the interesting subjects you want to learn more about, on the TV or the Internet or the newspaper. Noises in the background occasionally catch your ear. Your kids all talk at the same time. Colleagues interrupt. You need to update, check in, post, or ping. Ads jump at you from the most unlikely places. Devices buzz, ring, chirp, and vibrate.

It’s enough to drive you crazy. You lose your train of thought; you forget what you’re doing; you have trouble re-engaging in a task; you feel besieged.

But there are steps you might consider to quiet the buzz in your brain – even if you don’t want to take up meditation."

1. Tune in and turn off

2. Remind yourself to Quiet your mind

3. Spend some one on one time with your kids ( you may have to split up to do this )

4.Cut down multi-tasking

5. Silence the ringer on your cell phone during this time

6.Curb errand- running

7. Pause the web ( so you won't keep jumping from link to link )

8. Step away from the email

9. So no to - numbers ( just for awhile, stop checking the clock, your scales and anything else with numbers )

10. Exercise

11. Flee temptations ( get away some where, so you are not tempted to take calls or check emails )

These are just a few suggestions to boost your sense of quiet focus, it really does work but is much harder to do than you would think. It takes practice, but is soooooooooo worth it!

http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Healthy-Living/Boost-Your-Sense-of-Quiet-Focus.aspx?+style%3Dcolor%3A%230066ff%3Btext-decoration%3Anone%3F=

"When we are present in each moment, the past gently rolls up
      behind us and the future slowly unravels before us."  ~ Rev Richard Levy

                                                                

"The quieter you become the more you can hear."  ~Unknown

Monday, July 5, 2010

Working full time again!

John and Amy left today to go camping for 3 days. They are going to celebrate their,so we get the opportunity to watch these two cute red heads! It is amazing what a 10 1/2 month old can get into! She isn't walking on her own yet  but walking around things and getting into everything, first she is in the dishwasher(while I am trying to load it) and eating off any food that is left on the silverware...yuck, then she grabs a magnet off the fridge and puts it in her mouth, next she head for the stairs...head first. Well, you get the picture.

Angie is my side kick, she is a great helper and can do almost everything on her own but is always wanting to sew, draw, paint, work in the garden and so on ( not sure where she gets that from? ). So I guess you can say I am working full time again, with Lee and Jeff's help of course. Their other grandma will come over tomorrow and help some too.

So tonight I gotta go and get their baths and ready for bed. How blessed I feel to live close enough to help and enjoy these moments with my granddaughters. Yes, I am a one lucky Nana! Good night!

"I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity."
-- Eleanor Roosevelt

“Grandparents can strengthen and inspire their grandchildren as they share their experiences, testimony, and faith. Their true stories of obedience, learning from mistakes, making sacrifices to reach eternal goals, and cheerfully facing problems can help children as they face similar experiences.  In addition to talking with their grandchildren, grandparents can record their testimonies and experiences in journals, which can uplift and teach family members now and in future generations.“  ~Teaching, No Greater Call

Happy 4th of July!

angie 4th of july walking away

Well, the 4th of July is coming to a close, but I can sill hear a few fireworks going off outside. And although this wonderful holiday is almost over, may we never forget the freedom we enjoy. May we pray daily for the men and women who fight for our freedom, and their dear families that sacrifice too!

 
ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR
It's that time of the year
for the red white and blue
They stand for freedom
in all you say and do
Show off those colors
for all the world to see
Fly them proudly over 
the air the land and sea
We celebrate the birth
of our blessed country
It surely is indeed
the land of the free
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!! 

http://www.funmunch.com/events/4th_july/4th_july_poetry_for_free.shtml

"Our cause is noble; it is the cause of mankind!" ~ George Washington

"Freedom is never free."  ~ Unknown

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Sweet Land of Liberty

How grateful I am to live in this sweet land of liberty. In church last Sunday we were singing this hymn and it made me cry. Why? One is because my oldest brother was severely hurt in the service, he was in the hospital for 18 months, that is when I was 10 years old and he was 19 years old. From the time he signed up to go into the Marines, it was always tough for our family to hear this song and not worry about him. That memory is still fresh in my mind. The second reason is because I feel so grateful to be here and have all the blessings of freedom that we do. I hope this 4th of July, we all take time out to say a prayer of gratitude, for being able to call the United States of America... our home!!!
 angie on the 4th 3[1]
My Country 'Tis of Thee ( America )'
My country tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim's pride!
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring!
My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture fills
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet freedom's song.
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong.
Our father's God to, Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!

(written by Samuel Francis Smith; the tune used for this song is "God Save the Queen", the British National Anthem)

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.  I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."  ~Abraham Lincoln

"The cement of this union is the heart-blood of every American."  ~Thomas Jefferson

Friday, July 2, 2010

Inspiration!

 

"NIGHT NEVER HAD THE LAST WORD. THE DAWN IS ALWAYS INVINCIBLE."  ~ Hugh B. Brown

I have a young friend of mine that has had some real struggles in her life. Understanding to some degree how hard life can be at that age, I searched for a quote that I might put in a card for her and I think I found the perfect one, this one at the top.

I wished that I could have shared a lesson that I heard from a speaker in church which was directed to the Young Women, it was truly inspirational. Here is part of it, just in case she is reading my blog.

"Over the years I have been exposed to many beautiful languages--each of them is fascinating and remarkable; each has its particular charm. But as different  as these languages can be, they often have things in common. For example, in most languages there exists a  phrase as magical and full of promise as perhaps any in the world. That phrase is "Once upon a time."

Aren't those wonderful words to begin a story? "Once upon a time" promises something: a story of adventure and romance, a story of everlasting love. In many of these stories, nice overcomes mean and good overcomes evil. But perhaps most of all, I love it when we turn to the last page and our eyes reach the final lines and we see the enchanting words "And they lived happily ever after."

Isn't that what we all desire: to be the heroes and heroines of our own stories; to triumph over adversity; to experience life in all it's beauty; and, in the end, to live happily ever after?

For a moment, think back about your favorite fairy tale. In that story the main character may be a princess or a peasant; she might be a mermaid or a milkmaid, a ruler or a servant. You will find one thing all have in common: they must overcome adversity. Cinderella had to endure her wicked stepmother and evil stepsisters. She is compelled to suffer long hours of servitude and ridicule. "Beauty and the Beast," Belle becomes a captive to a frightful-looking beast in order to save her father. She sacrifices her home and family, all she holds dear, to spend several months in the beast's castle.

In each of these stories, Cinderella, Belle and the miller's daughter have to experience sadness and trial before they can reach their "happily ever after." Think about it. Has there ever been a person who did not have to go through his or her own dark valley of temptation, trial, and sorrow?

Sandwiched between their "once upon a time" and "happily ever after," they all had to experience great adversity. Why must all experience sadness and tragedy? Why could we not simply live in bliss and peace, each day filled with wonder, joy and love?

The scriptures tell us there must be opposition in all things, for without it we could not discern the sweet from the bitter.

In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father had set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can  learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy."                         ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf May 2010

I read this quote the other day..."IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER"

So I believe that is just exactly what we need to strive for each day and happiness and peace that only comes from truly understanding our worth and our purpose here on earth. Yes, I pray my young friend will come to know this for herself and that I myself will remember it on the tough days!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Prayer

I was reading a story about a prayer and wanted to share part of it with you ...

The story was about a little girl. She was upset with her brother, who built a trap to catch sparrows.

Unable to get help, she said to herself, “Well, I’ll pray about it.”

After her prayer, the little girl told her mother, “I know he is not going to catch any sparrows in his trap because I prayed about it. I’m positive he won’t catch any sparrows!”

Her mother said, “How can you be so sure?”

She said, “After I prayed about it, I went out and kicked that old trap all to pieces!”                                             ~ Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings  November 2009

I guess the moral to this story is to pray with great faith, but then remember to always end our prayers with "THY WILL BE DONE". When we do this, we showing the Lord that no matter what, we will trust in His decisions and timing. But  don't you just love the little girl's attitude and determination? At least she did everything in her power to take care of the problem too! :) Yes, prayer truly is vital in our lives.

"With thoughtless and impatient hands
We tangle up the plans
The Lord hath wrought.
And when we cry in pain He saith,
“Be quiet, man, while I untie the knot.”  ~Unknown

"Prayer is a privilege and the soul’s sincere desire. We can move beyond routine and “checklist” prayers and engage in meaningful prayer as we appropriately ask in faith and act, as we patiently persevere through the trial of our faith, and as we humbly acknowledge and accept “not my will, but Thine, be done." ~ David A. Bednar