Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Why can't I catch health instead?

Well, as many of you know... my luck isn't the best and it seemed like it sure hasn't changed lately. I knew when I got up this morning and kept coughing and didn't feel like anything, that I had better get my self to the Doctor. I have tried so hard to stay away from Jeff ( who still isn't feeling that much better) but it happened any way. The Doctor told me that I had an ear infection, bronchitis and pneumonia, I knew that I was hurting, but it made me sad to know that I have it again, just 3 months after the last time I had it. At least I am home, that was terrible being that sick and so far from home. So I guess there is something to be grateful for?  Now I am not going to discourage you tonight, by telling any more about myself, but I will leave you with a few quotes about health. Thanks for always being there my dear family and friends. I might not be the healthiest person in the world...but I am one of the happiest person's, because of my association with so many good people like... YOU!

Thank you!

"The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling."
~Nursery rhyme quoted by Wayne Fields,

"The... patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life.  Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop."  ~Quentin Regestein

"If I had my way I'd make health catching instead of disease."  ~Robert Ingersoll

Sunday, August 29, 2010

What I learned today...

I am always so grateful for the chance to be healthy enough to go to church. Jeff and I only went for part of it ( he is still trying to get better from his pneumonia, and I am still trying to NOT catch it ) but I did learn something during that little bit of time. The theme today was about patience. The speakers gave some great points about it. I will only share a few of them, especially the ones that touched my heart. In a world where we want what we want and we want it now, I think that this topic is something we all could be the better for...if you remember it and work on it!

pa·tience  –noun

1.the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.

2.an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner.

3.quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience.

—Synonyms
1. composure, stability, self-possession; submissiveness, sufferance. Patience, endurance, fortitude, stoicism imply qualities of calmness, stability, and persistent courage in trying circumstances

"A certain amount of impatience may be useful to stimulate and motivate us to action. However, I believe that a lack of patience is a major cause of the difficulties and unhappiness in the world today. Too often, we are impatient with ourselves, with our family members and friends, and even with the Lord. We seem to demand what we want right now, regardless of whether we have earned it, whether it would be good for us, or whether it is right. Some seek immediate gratification or numbing of every impulse by turning to alcohol and drugs, while others seek instant material wealth by questionable investments or by dishonesty, with little or no regard for the consequences. Perhaps the practice of patience is more difficult, yet more necessary, now than at any previous time." ~Joseph B. Wirthlin

"We should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times." ~ Joseph B. Wirthlin

"Patience sometimes needs to be acquired"

"We need to take action in the midst of our patience, not just simply wait for something to happen"

Nightmares verses Dreams

It has been nice, for the last 4 weeks I have finally gotten something in me, to help me sleep. It is not addictive, and I finally think that I can wean off it soon. I was so sleep deprived, I wondered if I would ever get out of that STAYING AT THE CEILING stage? It took quite some time to get the right thing that would work for me. One or two of the things I tried, did nothing and then again, some of them really threw me for a loop and I could hardly function for a whole day. I hated experimenting with them but I was desperate. I just do not like the feeling of having medicine in me. I would rather do anything else first, then has to be a last resort. After not sleeping for days...it became just that.


I have noticed that I still dream, but much of the time, it feels like a really deep sleep. Haven't really had much of that ( DEEP SLEEP ), for most of my life. So I am counting my blessing with each night, I get it.
I didn't like to sleep as a kid, I always felt like I needed to stay awake and alert. I have since learned, that is pretty normal reactions for a survivor of abuse. Going to sleep makes you vulnerable,and that is certainly something that don't want to be any more. I also struggled going to sleep because of my Nightmares, I used to have a lot of them. They were so bad for many years, that it was a real struggle for me to even want to go to bed. But a Nightmare is rare now and usually only happens, after I have done some counseling with a victim or if someone asks me details about my past. So I will take Dreams over Nightmares... any day.

I could have used one of my own ONCE UPON A TIME MONSTERS back then. Each Monster we created... is named and has this story below to go with it. If I am sending them to someone fighting with Cancer, then I send the other story with the monster. We have about 11 different monsters so far, they really grow on  you, you know?  Need to go and get some of the D-E-E-P S-L-E-E-P !!!!!

[Morgantherecnacmonster2.jpg]

Once upon a time there was a monster under my bed.
So I shivered and screamed and pulled the covers over my head.
All of a sudden, that monster came out--and do you know what he said?
"can I be your friend and sleep with you instead?"
Congratulations! You've just adopted a ONCE UPON A TIME MONSTER!
Now you'll always have a friend to help you be brave and you'll never be alone again!

OR...

Cancer can be scary and I know you are afraid.
Just cuddle up with me and try your best to be brave.
If it helps to ease your worry, go ahead and change the name.
Turn cancer into recnac and see if you feel the same.
Make me your recnac monster; look at my silly face.
I hope I make you smile as you take me from place to place.

"Courage can't see around corners, but goes around them anyway."  ~Mignon McLaughlin,

"I have had dreams, and I have had nightmares. I overcame the nightmares because of my dreams"

"An optimist expects his dreams to come true; a pessimist expects his nightmares to"  ~ Dr. Laurence J. Peter

Friday, August 27, 2010

True Friendship!

 

STONE

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING
THROUGH THE DESERT  .
DURING SOME POINT OF THE
JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN
ARGUMENT; AND ONE FRIEND
SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE
IN THE FACE THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED
WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT
SAYING ANYTHING,
WROTE IN THE SAND , ‘TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE’ .

THEY KEPT ON WALKING,
UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,
WHERE THEY DECIDED
TO TAKE A BATH THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN
SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE
MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING,
BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM. AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM
THE NEAR DROWNING,
HE WROTE ON A STONE: 'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND
SAVED MY LIFE'

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED
AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND
ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU,
YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW,
YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?' THE FRIEND REPLIED
'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US
WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN
IN SAND,
WHERE WINDS OF
FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.  BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,
WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE
WHERE NO WIND
CAN EVER ERASE IT'

LEARN TO WRITE
YOUR HURTS IN
THE SAND AND TO
CARVE YOUR
BENEFITS IN STONE.

"A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway."    ~ Jerome Cummings

"A faithful friend is the medicine of life."  ~Apocrypha

Thursday, August 26, 2010

No direction

I have always been impressed with people, who know exactly what they want in their lives. I struggled my Senior year, because everyone kept asking me the old famous question...SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN  YOU GRADUATE? I remember feeling frustrated because I really didn't know what I wanted to do with my life at that point. In my Junior year, I was engaged and after I broke that off, I was only sure of one thing...  that I didn't want to be married right away...especially at 16 years old!  I knew that I needed and wanted to move away from home, but I wasn't sure about college because I struggled so hard in High School. So I really didn't know! So when I would hear other Seniors say..."oh, I am going to ...., I am planning this for the next 4 years or ..whatever.  I envied their ability to make a decision on their future and to have ANY type of direction in their life.

"To the person who does not know where he wants to go, there is no favorable wind."...Seneca

Now that I am a mother for the 4th time of a Senior, how grateful I am that he is better prepared for the REAL WORLD than I was, actually all of my kids have been. I have repeated to them, on more than one occasion (when they say they don't really know that they want to do for their future), that "it isn't vital as a Senior to know exactly what you want to do in the future. What really matters is what DIRECTION you are going." I should have known and focused on that, in those early years. So since this last Senior of mine, is into sports, I found a poem, which is an Attitude Plan by Billy Donavan  (William John "Billy" Donovan, Jr. (born May 30, 1965) is an American college basketball coach and former player. Donovan is currently the head coach of the Florida Gators

Even though I am not a Senior anymore (well that type of Senior anymore :), I still think this is great advice to remember!

[tree.jpg]

BILLY DONOVAN'S ATTITUDE PLAN

Always making today my best day
Taking pride in a job well done
Treating others with respect
Isolating my negative thoughts
Treating tasks as opportunities
Utilizing my talents every day
Doing the job right the first time
Expecting positive outcomes daily
Speaking well of others every day

"The key to motivation is motive. It's the why. It's the deeper "yes!" burning inside that makes it easier to say no to the less important." - Stephen R. Covey

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there”  ~ Will Rogers

What is holding you back?

I read this story and loved the moral of the story, hope you do too!

A number of years ago, I had the rather unique experience of being backstage in Madison Square Garden, in New York, during the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus.  To say the least, it was a fascinating experience.  I was able to walk around looking at the lions, tigers, giraffes and all the other circus animals.  As I was passing the elephants, I suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg.  No chains, no cages.  It was obvious that the elephants could, at any time, break away from their bonds but, for some reason, they did not.  I saw a trainer near by and asked why these beautiful, magnificent animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away.

"Well," he said, "when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it's enough to hold them.  As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away.  They think the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free."  I was amazed.  These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but, because they believed they could not, they were stuck right where they were.
Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because  we failed at it once before?  How many of us are being held back by old, outdated beliefs that no longer serve us?  Have you avoided trying something new because of a limiting belief? Worse, how many of us are being held back by someone else's limiting beliefs?  Do you tell yourself you can't sell because you're not a salesperson?

http://soulnpeace.com/why-elephants-dont-run.html


"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."  ~ Marie Curie

"Success can make you go one of two ways. It can make you a prima donna - or it can smooth the edges, take away the insecurities, let the nice things come out."   ~ Barbara Walters

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Remembering to put your air bag on first!

I believe that one of the hardest things for Mother's to do is to take care of themselves. I remember thinking as a young Mom, that I had to do everything!  I really struggled taking time out to eat well, exercise or sleep in. I actually felt guilty if I did anything fun for myself. How foolish I was back then, some time wisdom comes so slowly and so painfully. I found this great article about putting your self first...in a good way that is! I hope it helps you understand, that taking care of  yourself, isn't a greedy thing, it is just safety first!!!!!A flight attendant demonstrates safety procedures before takeoff. The job was once considered glamorous.

"Even if you have trouble taking time for yourself, remember the safety instructions you get when you board a plane: Put your oxygen mask on first in case of emergency. Then put the mask on children and others who need your help."

  1. Nutrition
    Your body is only as healthy as what you put in it. Here’s how to move quickly to a better path.
  2. Exercise
    The best way to release those endorphins that will improve your mood and give you energy is to accumulate 150 minutes of aerobic exercise throughout the week. Sound daunting? Not if you break it into 15 sessions of 10 minutes each, or five 30-minute sessions.
  3. Checking up
    See your doctor for an annual check-up and make sure you get these tests: blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density, pre-diabetes and thyroid.
  4. Food for soul
    Don’t let these new tips add to your overload as you struggle to balance work and family. One of our most important tips is to relax and find time for yourself.
  5. Food for soul
    Don’t let these new tips add to your overload as you struggle to balance work and family. One of our most important tips is to relax and find time for yourself.

Slow down: Ask for help when work and family are stressing you out.

Rest up: Sleep at least seven to eight hours nightly. (Exercise and a good diet will help.)

Find a hobby:  Dr. Elizabeth Weidmer-Mikhall , director of the women’s psychiatry program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, recommends reading, gardening or taking care of an animal. Can’t resist multitasking even when you’re supposed to be relaxing? Gardening and taking care of an animal can also help with exercise, plus growing herbs and fresh vegetables can improve your diet.

"Women need to do things that are soul-feeding that aren’t aimed at gratifying others,” Weidmer-Mikhail said. "Women need to take care of things, to do things that promote emotional growth. Find a satisfying hobby that doesn’t involve making money or drawing attention to yourself. It will increase your sense of self-worth, which leads to better health all around.”

Read more: http://newsok.com/putting-self-first-is-vital-to-good-health-as-mom-wife/article/3423784#ixzz0xaq3Svwb

 

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."    ~World Health Organization, 1948

"The... patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life.  Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop."    ~Quentin Regestein

"Health is a relationship between you and your body."    ~Terri Guillemets

Once upon a time...

Lauren has done her second Modern and Modest Disney Photo shot , it is of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I love that movie, so I think this one was a great photo that she did! Here's a cute poem that summed up well all those ONCE UPON A TIME BELIEVERS! :)

We’ve been fascinated with them since we were little girls.
Back when we wore our hair in ribbons and curls.
We longed to go to a fancy ball and wear a pretty dress.
Now our lives are full of worry and stress.
All we wanted was to be like the Princess in our favorite story,
A place filled with nothing but glory.
A place where true loves kiss can break the most evil of spells.
A land of happily ever afters and wedding bells.
Where the glass slipper always fits,
And a handsome Prince who finds it easy to commit.
It’s where true love always conquers all,
And where no dream is too small.
A land where magic carpets can fly,
Where love is always in full supply.
An enchanting place where mermaids swim under the sea,
Where chivalry lives on and men get down on one knee.
Deep down we all want the fairy tale,
Where dreams and faith prevail.
We can go there any time we wish to break loose,
The fact that we’re grown now isn’t an excuse.
It’s a place where chasing your dreams is never a crime,
If only we could live once upon a time…

http://www.fanpop.com/spots/disney-prince/articles/57588/title/dreamygals-favorite-prince-list

[the Fairy Godmother appears as Cinderella sobs
Cinderalla: Oh, no. No, it isn't true. It's just no use. No use at all. I can't believe. Not anymore. There's nothing left to believe in. Nothing.
Fairy Godmother : Nothing, my dear? Oh, now you don't really mean that.
Cinderella : Oh, but I do...
Fairy Godmother : Nonsense, child. If you'd lost all your faith, I couldn't be here. And here I am.

" Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today."  ~ James Dean

"Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."  ~ Gail Devers

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Words of Wisdom

"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If  you can trust yourself when all men doubt you but make allowance for their doubting too,

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, or being lied about, don't deal in lies, or being hated, don't give way to hating, and yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master, if you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat those two imposters just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop and build'em  up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings and risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss, and lose, and start again at your beginnings and never breath a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are gone, and so hold on when there is nothing in you except the Will which says to them: Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep  your virtue, or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,

If  neither foes or friends can hurt you; if all men count with you, but none too much,

If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run, yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!"       ~ Rudyard Kipling

[cross+roads.jpg]

"Excellence is not a single act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do."  ~ Shaquille ONeal

"There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And it's only reward is that it's easy."

"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"   ~ Joanne Kathleen Rowling

 

Celebration!

Today I went to my friend's Memorial today. It was called a Celebration of Life and it truly was a celebration of her amazing life! I am so glad that I went, I was worried that I just couldn't handle it. I mean I love this family and to see them be in such pain was hard. My friend was a daughter, sister, wife, Mother and Grandmother. I put myself in her place and wondered how all these loved ones are going to make it without her. This death has hit so close to home that it has been hard on me.
But it was so positive and upbeat that I was grateful that I went. I also made some new commitments when I was there, after hearing so much about her life and all the Moments that she truly lived, I realized that I need to enjoy life more.
Many times, I miss out on things because of the pain that I have. Everything seems to have such a big cost, if I go to church and stay the whole time, then I am hurting so bad the next couple of days. If I go to one of Lee's games and sit on the bleachers ...then that kills my back. So pain does keep me away from many things, but I am determined to try harder to TRULY LIVE EACH MOMENT!  I want my family and friends .
She was one true follow of Christ, just like all of her family!  As a Mother, your greatest joy is knowing that the kids are close to the Lord and live their lives as they believe and were taught. I am sure she is very proud of them and she must have a sense of peace,, knowing that they will go on to make the world a better place.

Good bye my dear friend, I truly hope I can follow in your footsteps, you will be forever remembered and loved!

[Anna+ballons.jpg]

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth"  The Third Epistle of John

"To finish the moment, to find the journey's end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours is wisdom."     - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil."  ~John Taylor

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Why does the grass ALWAYS look greener on the other side?

My grandmother always had a saying about everything, some of them you had probably heard in your life... and others that I am sure she just made up! :) But one that she would always say is "the grass is always greener on the other side". I had heard that one before and I have learned throughout my life that this one really seems to be true, I think everyone feels that way sometime in their life. Why is that? 
(Confession... this is a photo of my yard, Lauren had to do a close up on the grass because most of it is weeds and dandelions so...I needed for this post to at least see SOME grass!  And of course photo shop, helped it look a bit greener.) Ok, back to my point!
It does seem like when we look through or over the fence that ( or on the outside of people's lives ) that things really do look greener (or better).  Why is that?

We know that they have dandelions too, but somehow we only notice how much greener their grass looks than ours ( or how much bigger or better their house is than ours). Is it, that we spend so much time looking at their grass (or LIFE), that we forget to take care of our own? Is it really greener, (or better), or do we have a limited point of view?
For myself, I know that it is how much time I spend focusing on how much more others have, instead of being grateful for what I have. I have to remember too, the old saying "What you see, isn't always what you get!". I think that is a saying, or maybe I just made that one up, but it is true.
How many times have we judged someone of ...having it all, only to look again or closer, and see all the problems they struggle with. Some people are just really good at putting on their Sunday face or Game face, we might NOT always see what is REALLY going on in their lives.
So let's maybe take, less time looking and focusing on the other side, and more time focusing on what we have and taking care of what we have!
Yes, some day I hope that I can show you a beautiful photo of a lush and green landscape in my back yard, that of course would have to be in the future, because it would take a lot more money that we have right now plus a better and stronger back...but I can hope! The good news is...if you were my neighbor, then you would not be coveting my greener yard, but probably feel instantly better about yours! :) See isn't that a positive way to look at life and my yard? :)

[photo+and+buisness+pics+239+2.jpg]

" We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their pain and renunciation. It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path"  ~ Paulo Coelho

"Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment."  ~ The Old Farmer's Almanac

"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself."  ~Wayne Dyer

Fantasy...good and bad?

When the kids were little, I would always say... "now remember some things aren't real, like fairy tales!"  I loved a good fairy tale as much as the next person but... I worried that if they got too into the fantasy world, that they would be disappointed in the real world. I didn't watch soap operas for that reason.
When I was a young girl, my grandmother, mother and I would always watch General Hospital every day after school. I remember one particular time when we were all there watching on TV and my younger brother was playing with his Fisher Price toy right by us. At one point, we found out that someone in the show was pregnant, we were shocked! My mother said " oh my gosh, who could the father be? " To which my LITTLE ( maybe 4  years old ) said, " oh it's Bobby's baby, didn't you know?" I will never forget my Mom's face and how shocked she was, that my brother was even paying attention. That was a great lesson to me...if you don't want your children to see it, listen to it. or do it, then you have to be the one that turns it off or doesn't do it yourself!

I especially drilled into my girl's heads, that life isn't always like a fairy tale or fantasy...some times it is very hard and frustrating. I want them to know that True Love is much, much better than any FANTASY, could be. But since it is hard. I think the danger in all the FANTASY that is all around us (like soap operas, movies, pornography, chat rooms, Internet dating, and on and on) that we will never be satisfied with REAL LIFE! There is a great danger in always pretending to be something you are not. It seems so innocent but it ISN'T! And there have been many, many relationships, marriages and lives ruined because of it. So.. I guess I am a bit cautious!

Now no matter what I said to Lauren as a kid, she still loves the fairy tales. Now as I have mentioned, she is a photographer and like me, some times she gets her best inspiration in the middle of the night. Her latest creative photo shoot that she dreamed up, was doing the four seasons, you can see on her  work on her blog...www.adayinwashington.blogspot.com, it is neat to have her tell us about it, and then a day or two later, actually see how she made it happen. Now she has come up with the idea of making a photo shoot of the Modest Modern Disney Princesses. I was wondering how she is going to pull it off and yet she did! Here is the first one of Ariel.

 

"Fairy Tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."    ~G. K. Chesterton

"He is rich who owns the day. There is no king, rich man, fairy, or demon who possesses such power as that."    ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again."  ~ C. S. Lewis

 

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Two Sisters One Heart

"Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever".  ~ Unknown

Today I got an email from my sister-in-law, telling me about her dear friend who just lost two of  her granddaughters this past week. I am telling you, this has been a tough couple of weeks, for so many of our friends. This grandmother, had conjoined twin granddaughters ...who at the age of 4 died, during complications from surgery.
Our little Angie is four and to be honest with you, I can't imagine anything happening to her or Jenny. Yes, life is really tough. I heard a talk in church by David A. Bednar, his talk was about how we handle a crisis in our life. Do we blame God, or do we go to Him for support and peace? Here is a quote from his talk that I found to be incredibly comforting.

Emma Joan and Taylor Nalani Bailey

September 20, 2006 - August 10, 2010

"We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord’s tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
Elder David A. Bednar

Please take time out to keep this dear family in your thoughts and prayers. Here is their blog address... if you would like to learn more about them and their sweet family. http://emmaandtaylorbailey.blogspot.com/

"

"The family unit is the most important organization in time or in eternity."   ~Bruce R. McConkie

“Our Heavenly Father has organized us into families for the purpose of helping us successfully meet the trials and challenges of life. The home also exists to bless us with the joys and privileges of family associations. Our family is our safety place, our support network, our sanctuary, and our salvation.”  ~Rex D. Pinegar

"To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die."
   ~Thomas Campbell

Monday, August 16, 2010

Another friend has gone on ahead!

In July, I wrote a  post about a dear friend of mine, who's Mother is battling lung cancer ( she too, is my friend ). I have tried to stay close in touch with her, because I well remember what it felt like, to be in the hospital for weeks watching someone you love, hang between life and death. I sensed on Saturday ( after reading the family's update ) that her Mom's time here on earth was getting shorter. My young dear friend called me yesterday to tell me that her Mother was gone. I tried to stay strong for her while on the phone, but I cried a long time that night, and I woke up crying about it this morning. 
  That is two friends who were battling cancer that passed away this week. My heart aches for them only because they will be missed, yet I know that they are well and happy now. I hurt also for the loved ones that are left behind. I remember when I got back from my Mother's funeral, it was Christmas time, and every one around me was busy and happy. I was happy that my Mom wasn't suffering anymore, but I just wanted everyone to stop their busy lives for just one minute, and acknowledge that I was experiencing a profound loss in my life. I am a daughter... and a daughter needs her Mom! I wanted to tell everyone how bad I hurt, I wanted them to comfort me and tell me that everything would be alright. I wanted someone to tell me how to go on in life, without a Mom, yes...it was hard to see so many people just going on with life, when I thought a big part of mine was ending! So I pray that my young dear friend will be able to take all the time she needs to grieve, and that she will remember that her Mom will stay near her. I pray that she will be surrounded by those who love her and that will give her support during this crucial time in her life.
I cried also because when you know anyone who is battling cancer it just... hits way too close to home. Having had cancer twice, we have feared some of the same things, we have wondered and imagined what it would have been like, if I had passed away. I personally again, wasn't worried about me and the actual dying part, but the part where I would have to be separated for a period of time from Jeff, the kids, my granddaughters and my friends. See when you are diagnosed with cancer, you become a member of that cancer survivor team. How long you will be on the team, no one knows. But it still hurts and scares you when one of your team members goes on ahead of you to the Finals. There is a comradery between cancer survivors, and I think that this because each of you have been through a life changing event. That in and of it's self ...is no small thing!

So tonight, I pray that my dear young friend will stay close to God, I know her faith will bring her through this. And not only through it, but He will be with her the whole way and will be a strength to her and provide peace for her, a type of peace that she will not be able to get any where else in the world. I pray that her family and especially her Dad, will be able to find comfort and peace, the death and separation from your wife or husband is a terribly hard thing. I cried last night when Jeff held me. I don't ever want to take that for granted, how blessed I am to have him here, to hold me. I can't even imagine life without him or my kids, or maybe I can ...and that is what hurts so bad. I hope we all will not waste another minute, that we tell our family and friends how much we love them. And keep a prayer in your heart, for those who have to go on with life (for awhile) without the one they love by their side.

I want each of you to know of my love and appreciation for you, I wish I could write or talk to each of you personally and thank you for the great impact you have had in my life!  I DO NOT TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED! Not a prayer leaves my lips, without thanking my Heavenly Father for my association with each of you. Good night dear friends.

"Death ends a life, not a Relationship."  ~ Arbind Modi

"Death is not extinguishing the light, it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."
~ Rabindranath Tagore

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."
--- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Unlimited Potential!

Today is Jenny's first birthday! Jenny is our second granddaughter and another lively, beautiful red-head. We are so grateful for her and the sweet,energetic spirit she has. It seems just like yesterday that we were waiting till the wee hours of the morning for the phone to ring, to let us know that she had safely arrived, and that Amy was ok. Now a year has been here and gone, how I wonder what she will do in her life here on earth? Just like each one of us, our potential is limitless! I can hardly wait to see what she and Angie become when they grow up.
I some times have a hard time explaining my feelings of love for my granddaughters. It has filled a part of my heart, that I didn't even realize was empty. They have taught me so much, is such a short period of time. Once again, I thank my Heavenly Father for letting another beautiful little spirit, come into our family. Happy Birthday dear sweet Jenny! You like all of the girls in the world, are a PRINCESS...don't ever forget that! Love, Nana

"Let her sleep for when she wakes...she will move MOUNTAINS!"

"A baby girl...one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know, and one of the reasons why there is a little extra sunshine, laughter and happiness in your world today."
-- Author Unknown

"A daughter is one of the most beautiful gifts this world has to give."
-- Laurel Atherton

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

We are all different and ...that's ok!

I heard this quote the other day that went like this..."Freedom comes the moment truth is revealed" I believe that is true, and one truth that was revealed this past week is that I am not organized, I am a saver ( of just about everything ). I make messes easily and that I work best in the middle of a mess! Ok, the truth is out there, I said it out loud! The other truth I learned this past week, is that my daughter Amy is very organized, very orderly and does her best when everything is in it's place. ( I actually have known all of this for quite some time! ) This week I asked Amy to come over and help me go through some of my stuff, so that I might be more organized. I can't even tell you how many times, she would hand me a box of my treasures and say " Mom, what is this?" Just because I couldn't explain at that very moment what these treasures were, and why I needed them, she wanted me to throw them away or put them in the give away pile.

We have always said that she was O.C.D. and I was A.D.D. and together we just get MAD! You may be smiling, but we certainly weren't smiling too much when we were working together this week.
So we are different and ....that's ok, right? I am always amazed at how much differently her brain works than mine. What I think is rational and logical, she thinks is not real rational and ...well you get the point. All joking aside, I am always amazed how a child of mine, can be like me in some ways and so different in others?  All four of our kids are different, and yet have some of the same similarities, how can that be, when we raised them all the same? It happens, what one person sees so clearly, the other can't see at all, what about the one that hears exactly what you said and the other who didn't hear a thing? Or the child that would say something one way and the other wouldn't even think of saying anything like that at all. Families, you have got to love them? :)

[the+girls.jpg]

I am so thankful for the diversity of our fun family. If we were all alike, think how boring it would be? Plus, I would never get my house in order! :) I also like the quote that goes like this... "You can't break away from a pattern unless you solve the problem"  I realize that I save too many things, and that I need to let go of some of it, (especially the stuff I haven't used in years ) and I am trying to set new patterns for myself. Old habits are hard to break but... I am learning!

" Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day." 

"Variety is the spice of life"   ~ American Proverb

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."  ~Jane Howard

 

 

Friday, August 13, 2010

How do you say good-bye?

We had a friend of ours pass away just recently. He was a son, husband, father and friend. He was in his early 50's, he had a lot of health issues that he had been battling for quite some time. Recently he got diagnosed with cancer and by the time they found it, it was too far gone. I remember when we first got the news, we knew that they had a daughter getting married soon and wondered if he would even be still here for that? He did, then passed away,soon afterwards. I worried about my friend's wife, how do you prepare and plan for a wedding,when you are trying to prepare to say good-bye to your husband? How do you handle all the emotions that come with learning something like that?  Will there ever be enough time to prepare? Can you ever be ready?

I remember someone saying once " there is no good time, to say good-bye to a loved one. It's hard if they go suddenly and you didn't get to say good-bye, it is hard if they linger in pain and suffering for a long time, and you keep saying good-bye over and over again. I don't think there is ever a good way, or an easy way to say it.

Having had cancer twice in my life, I have definitely thought of saying good-bye to my loved ones, on more than one occasion. I wondered how you could ever help the ones that you leave, the ones that are left here on earth to continue to try to live on without you? The void will always be there , no one will ever be able to take their place. But I loved this poem by Gordon B. Hinckley, which was so hopeful.
I also like the later poem, I believe it is for those who find it hard to go on with life. Grieving is a natural process, no one can tell you how long it will take, it is a very personal thing, but I do think the second  poem was a reminder to us all, that the loved one we lost, would like us to keep going on with out life. To keep living and yet still remember them.  We will be together again someday, that knowledge alone...is a healing salve.
So our prayers go out to our friends and their family. And I will close tonight with this positive and hopeful poems.

What Is This Thing That Men Call Death?

What is this thing that men call death?
This quiet passing in the night?
‘Tis not the end but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light

O God, touch Thou my aching heart
And calm my troubled, haunting fears
Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change
With recompense for vict’ry won
The gift of Him who loved all men
The Son of God, the Holy One.  ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

"YOU CAN SHED TEARS THAT SHE IS GONE,
OR YOU CAN SMILE BECAUSE SHE HAS LIVED.
YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES AND PRAY THAT SHE'LL COME BACK,
OR YOU CAN OPEN YOUR EYES AND SEE ALL SHE'S LEFT.
YOUR HEART CAN BE EMPTY BECAUSE  YOU CAN'T SEE HER,
OR YOU CAN BE FULL OF THE LOVE YOU SHARED.
YOU CAN TURN YOUR BACK ON TOMORROW AND LIVE YESTERDAY,
OR YOU CAN BE HAPPY FOR TOMORROW BECAUSE OF YESTERDAY.
YOU CAN REMEMBER HER ONLY THAT SHE IS GONE,
OR  YOU CAN CHERISH HER MEMORY AND LET IT LIVE ON.
YOU CAN CRY AND CLOSE YOUR MIND,
BE EMPTY AND TURN YOUR BACK.
OR YOU CAN DO WHAT SHE'D WANT:
SMILE, OPEN  YOUR EYES, LOVE AND GO ON."    David Harkins

 

Thursday, August 12, 2010

TRULY BREATH TAKING!

Tonight as we sat on our deck and ate dinner, we all felt grateful to live in such a beautiful place. Jeff and I made the decision over 20 years ago to move to Washington from West Virginia. It was one the BEST decisions we ever made. We love all that it has to offer and when it comes to summers here well, it is just ...TRULY BREATH TAKING! So tonight it was perfect, that a dear friend of mine sent me this cute story about the very same subject!  Thank you!

 

"A man in Topeka , Kansas decided to write a book about Churches around

the country. He started by flying to New York and started working west

from there.

Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making

notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was

intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute."

Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The

pastor answered that this golden phone was, in fact, a direct line to

heaven and if he paid the price he could talk directly to God.

The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued

to visit churches in Chicago , Dallas , St. Louis , Milwaukee , and

around the United States , he found more phones, with the same sign,

and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in Seattle . Upon entering a cathedral he saw the

usual golden telephone but THIS time, the sign read "Calls: .35 cents."

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, but as it happened the

bishop was available. "Bishop Thomas, I have been in cities all across

the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and

have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to

God, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign

reads only 35 cents a call. Why?

The priest, smiling benignly, replied : "Son, you're in Seattle ,

Washington now, home of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound , the Olympic

Peninsula , Starbucks, smoked salmon and the most beautiful nature this

side of heaven. You're in God's Country - It's a local call."

"God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars."  ~Martin Luther

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul."  ~John Muir

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Curiosity

I have always like the quote that "Knowledge is Power", I believe that is so true! When my kids were young, they all went through that stage of asking WHY? about everything. It seemed like no matter what the answer was, the Whys kept coming.
Now even my granddaughter did that too. Some things never change, but do we really want them too? Don't we want them to ask as many questions as they can? Don't we want them to be curious and ever learning? I think we do, so we will just have to be more patient when the next set of WHYS come along, and remember that we should probably be asking more questions ourselves. 

"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 should be curiosity."  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

 

"There is a time to teach and a time to learn, childhood is the time for learning in the home, and it  passes quickly. As mothers, we must learn to make this time effective."   ~ Barbara Smith

"Children should be cherished with the strongest bonds of affection. No sacrifice is too great to protect our families from evil and to rear them in righteousness."   ~ Camilla E. Kimball

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Sisters/Friends/Daughters

"How do people make it through life without a sister?"  ~Sara Corpening
I have thought about this quote/question many times in my life. What would it have been like to have a sister? Someone who I could have confessed my deepest fears too, someone who truly understood what my life was like?
I wondered even what she would have looked like? Then many times. even though I missed having a sister to share everything with, I was grateful that I didn't have one, chances were great that she would have been abused too, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone!
So I have spent the rest of my life finding sisters, in the friends that I have made. I truly think we are as close as sisters and I know that is rare, so I am grateful for those relationships. But also I was blessed to have daughters, who have grown up to be my best friends too.

"A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend."  ~Author Unknown
Now I have granddaughters too, so I have to admit, I have been richly blessed.

Today I woke up and had breakfast with my youngest daughter Lauren who is home from college. I had forgotten how much I missed her smile and sweet compassionate spirit. She was concerned, that I had yet another night of ...not much sleep. Then I got to talk to my sweet daughter-in-law over the phone, oh how much I love that girl, she is truly my daughter and I am grateful that Bradley found her! It always brightens my day to talk to her.

Next, I called a dear friend back East, who had just had surgery to see how she was doing.I wished I lived closer so that I could be with her.
Later in my day, Amy and the girls came over...somehow I always feel better when I see them. Right before my Doctor appointment, I had two dear friends call and check up on me. They both knew I was nervous about doing this nerve test on my hand. They themselves had already had the same test, and told me after all that I had been through, this test should be nothing.

"Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood."  ~Louisa May Alcott

I had what they call a Nerve Conductor Test today at my Spine Specialist office. It was to determine if the pain and weakness in my right hand is from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It was a different test to say the least, they do about 8 needles  up and down your arm to test to see how the nerves react. Each time, he had to move the needle around in there and go pretty deep, to get the results he needed. That hurt, could I stand it?    Yes, but I don't know anyone that likes a needle moved around...while it's is in you! He also did a shock test up and down my arm,( sorta felt like if you have ever been shocked from an electrical outlet) he started out very mild and got stronger, did that hurt? The big ones did, but it was bearable.
I didn't really want to find out that I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but yet I did want to find some answers from this test. The Dr. was shocked ( no pun intended ), because he thought for sure it was Carpal Tunnel ...but as far as he could tell, I didn't have that and he was puzzled at why my hand is having so much trouble. He told me that he could send me to another specialist, or we could wait and see what results I get from my new Physical Therapist. I told him, I will wait and see. She hasn't even evaluated my neck yet, maybe she will have some answers for me.
So that was my day today, not very exciting but I guess the process of elimination is one way to do it? I guess, I was just hoping to be one step closer to helping me get out of some pain, some where, but not today! I am trying YET ANOTHER dosage of my medicine tonight, I pray that I will sleep and yet not be groggy all day tomorrow. Am I asking too much? Sometimes I wonder?
Thank you for being my friends! When I count all the women in my life who have been like Sisters to me...I am feel pretty good about my life, and how lucky I am to have so many SISTERS! So "Good night Sis!" ...I always wanted to say that! :)

"Don't walk in front of me and be my leader, don't walk behind me and be my follower, but walk beside me and be my Sister."

"Sisterhood is not a destination, but a journey."  ~ Unknown

Monday, August 9, 2010

A better day!

I have tried hard today to have a positive attitude, I still didn't get much sleep last night but the drugs were at least out of my system. I was grateful for that, and tried to appreciate all the things that I do have a reason to give a thumbs up for today like...

I was able to drive!

I was able to go to my Physical Therapy appointment!

I was able to spend some time with my granddaughters!

I was able to do some reading!

I was able to go walking tonight!

I actually wanted to create something today, haven't felt like that in a while!

So I am grateful, I realize that I have lots to complain about, but that has never gotten me anywhere so...I am trying hard to remember these days PROBABLY won't last forever, and look forward to better and stronger days, with less pain and more sleep! Thanks for your calls, emails and prayers, they are something that also keep me going!

*"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good." ...Jerry West

 

ALWAYS MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Many years ago, a large American shoe manufacturer sent two sales reps out to different parts of the Australian outback to see if they could drum up some business among the aborigines. Some time later, the company received telegrams from both agents. The first one said, "No business here...natives don't wear shoes." The second one said, "Great opportunity here...natives don't wear shoes!"

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Sleep verses Drugs...

I didn't write last night because I was still sleepy from a medication I had taken 24 hours earlier. It was a long day trying to function and yet feel like at any minute, I could go to sleep. My tongue felt thick, my head felt weird and all my reaction times were very delayed (hence why I didn't drive). I didn't like the feeling at all. I did however sleep that night, 7 solid hours and that felt good but... I never could quite wake up. I did not take any more of the medicine last night, because I thought my dosage was too high and I went to bed, confident that I would sleep through the night. That was wishful thinking...I was awake at 10:30pm,1:00am, 2:00am, 4:00am and then 8:00am.  Yikes, I can't keep going on like this. It has discouraged me to say the least. I do not want to take any medications to sleep, but I just can't go on like this with NO sleep either. It makes me want to scream! I am sooooo tired!!!!!

I found this poem about TIME, I need to remember positive things when I feel like this! Good night dear friends!

Take Time
by Author Unknown

TAKE TIME to think;
it is the source of power.
TAKE TIME to read;
it is the foundation of wisdom.
TAKE TIME to play;
it is the secret of staying young.
TAKE TIME to be quiet;
it is the moment to seek God.
TAKE TIME to be aware;
it is the opportunity to help others.
TAKE TIME to love and be loved;
it is God's greatest gift.
TAKE TIME to laugh;
it is the music of the soul.
TAKE TIME to be friendly;
it is the road to happiness.
TAKE TIME to dream;
it is what the future is made of.
TAKE TIME to pray;
it is the greatest power on earth.

"If a man had as many ideas during the day as he does when he has insomnia, he'd make a fortune."  ~Griff Niblack

Friday, August 6, 2010

Princess and the Pea

Most of us know the story of the Princess and the Pea, I thought it would be fun to have Jenny's one year old photo as the Princess. Well, I won't ruin the photo by telling you all the problems we had trying to get 5 baby mattresses down a hill, into a wooded area with lots of bugs and two tired kids, let's just say the Princess, had all she could take and so she went to sleep. At least someone in our family is able to sleep.

My heart is so grateful to have yet another little granddaughter...another princess in our family. I used to hate to hear someone call their spoiled little girl a princess. A princess in my opinion wouldn't be selfish, mean or spoiled. She would stand up tall because she knew who she was and understood the potential for good that she had. Yes, that's a true princess and that is what we need to teach these beautiful little girls, who they really are... Daughters of God!

"Princesses wear crowns to remind them that they are smart and beautiful because some days it's easy to forget."
-- Author Unknown

"A baby girl...one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know, and one of the reasons why there is a little extra sunshine, laughter and happiness in your world today."
-- Author Unknown

"Our daughters are the most precious of our treasures, the dearest possessions of our homes and the objects of our most watchful love."
-- Margaret E. Sangster

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Friends!

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

I am really tired tonight, still struggling with my sleep, or lack of it. I found this quote and loved it. Friends, what a sweet gift to us in life!

I have so many that have touched my life, I am very RICH in that way! Thank you!

 

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own. "

~ Benjamin Disraeli

 

"Many people will walk in and out of you life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."

~ Unknown

Pay it forward

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might
be the only sunshine he sees all day."

I do believe that if we Pay it Forward the benefits from it can be...amazing and life changing for you and others. I love the a talk that I read about this very subject, by Henry B. Erying.

"If we ask Heavenly Father in our personal morning prayer’s to help us to be observant for opportunities to serve], the answer to our [personal] prayer may be the face of an old friend, one you have not seen in years but whose needs suddenly come into your mind and heart and feel as if they are your own. I’ve had that happen to me. Old friends have reached out to me across the miles and the years to offer encouragement when only God could have told them of my burden.”

I have been the recipient of so many people's kindness and it has been life changing for me. And I will always be grateful for that type kindness!

"No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind
action leads to another. Good example is followed.
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all
directions, and the roots spring up and make new
trees. The greatest work that kindness does to
others is that it makes them kind themselves."

~ Amelia Earhart

"A fellow who does things that count, doesn't usually need
to stop to count them."

~ Albert Einstein

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

We used to be three, and now we are four!

Well, I can't tell you how much fun it is to have Lauren back home! We have been so lonely for her, Brad and Krystal lately. Poor Lee,he was getting pretty bored with just Jeff and I. I think he is the one that is the most excited, since they have always been buddies. It is fun to be able to go to bed and hear those two up still watching a movie and laughing. Yes, 4 is better than 3...any day!

Speaking of counting, I am still trying to count ANYTHING to get some sleep! I took a new prescription last night and it did make me feel more tired, but still I woke up a few times ( Not as many times as usual ) and I still woke up exhausted. Maybe even if I ever do get some sleep, it will take some time to make up for the lost sleep?

Today Amy, the girls and I were able to visit some dear friends that we hadn't seen in awhile. One of the friends, used to be one of our most favorite baby sitter, we had a couple!  It was fun to see her grow up and become a Mom herself. I love getting together with TRUE FRIENDS, you know who they are ...they are ones that even though you haven't seen or talked to each other in a very long time...you just start off where you left before!  So I do believe that family and good friends, can make or break you in life! It can be a whole lot better with them around. I am very blessed to have so MANY of both!

Need to head to bed, going to try even something new tonight... so wish me luck and pray that I get this sleeping thing under control soon, it is taking a very hard toll on me. Thanks for your love and support!

"You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."  ~Desmond Tutu

 

" To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world"  ~ Brandi Synder

 

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."

Monday, August 2, 2010

Married for Better, Not Worse

I am reading a great book about marriage right now. Actually I am rereading it. It is called  MARRIED FOR BETTER, NOT WORSE by Gary and Joy Lundberg  It talks about 14 secrets to a happy marriage. Some of them are just common sense but I think all of us who have been married for quite some time, realize that it is easy to get into ruts and forget to keep doing the little things in our marriage to keep it happy and thriving. Anyway, it is a good reminder for me to keep checking in on Jeff and my relationship, not to take it for granted. He is an amazing man, I have always said that Jeff has been my life saver! I need to remember to always treat him right!

One of the secrets for a happy marriage is ...HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR!  Here is just a bit of their advice and then below is a joke that they had in there.

A wise man once said, " In all of living have...fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." Having a sense of humor can be a saving grace for a marriage. Like all things that are worthwhile, it takes a little effort, but it has a big payoff.

My wife claims that we're so busy, we hardly take time to actually look into each other's eyes, and so we now do that before bed. One night my wife suddenly said, " We forgot to look at each other."  Sleepily, I asked,  " Don't you think I know what you look like by now?"  "Okay," she said, "What do I look like? " "You're gorgeous, beautiful and sexy," I replied. "You looked," she said.   ~ Reader's Digest

" Remember that a successful marriage depends on two things: (1) finding the right person and (2) being the right person"  ~ Unknown

"You don't marry someone you can live with, you marry the person who you cannot live without"  ~ Unknown

Time!

This time last year, I had just finished up from my healing from my radiation, trying to get my energy back and we were anxiously awaiting for the arrival of our 2 granddaughter. It is funny, some time... TIME  passes quickly, and at other times, it seems to go so slow. Usually it depends on what is going on in your life good or bad, that makes TIME ... change speeds ( or at least it seems that way).

  “Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.”  ~ Henry Van Dyke

amys belly

When I drove into the parking lot at church today, I saw a family get out of their car and started walking toward the door and I thought...they sure look familiar. Later in church I recognized who they were. They were dear friends that we had not seen in almost 13 years, I was sooooooooooooooooo excited to see them! They now have two darling little boys. I can't actually put into words how neat that was. I felt so blessed to see them again, and to see how happy they are. Thankful also, that we now can reconnect and hopefully stay in better touch with each other!

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget"

Then tonight as we had dinner out on the deck, I looked around to see almost all my family sitting around having dinner together. There was laughter, the passing of all the food, 2 or 3 conversations going on at once, Angie coloring and putting art work all over the house and Miss Jenny smacking her hands on the table and making loud noises (which translated meant...I want more food!), and I felt so blessed! Yes, life is hard and we have definitely had our share of trials and troubles, but when you look at the whole picture ...we are all still together, we all love each other. We know that family and friends can be eternal, and we have the knowledge that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ! That is a huge blessing and brings a great peace in our lives, peace that the world can't give us.  Then I sat back in my chair and thought.... this is truly a wonderful life!

"Family faces are magic mirrors looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future."           ~ Gail Lumet Buckley

"Forever is composed of nows"  ~ Emily Dickinson

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Sweet little children!

Lauren had the opportunity the other day to photograph our dear friend's new little baby boy! Is he cute or what? I love the baby photos that she does. I am always amazed at how incredible these little spirits are, that come to earth. It is such a huge responsibility to teach and love them, but oh soooooo worth it!

"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future"  ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them." ~ Richard L. Evans

 

 

"The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him."    ~ Pablo Casals 

I love that quote, I believe... that is probably what my grandmother meant, when she used to always say to me  "Lynn, I think God threw away the mold when you were born!"  I actually think Pablo's quote, sounds a bit more positive!  :)

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."

"Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children."  ~ Sitting Bull