Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween 2012!

Happy Halloween from the Woodard's in Salem, Mass
After the Hurricane and the side effects, today finally turned out to be a pretty nice day after all.
Krystal wanted us to watch the Movie Hocus Pocus by Disney, it was filmed in Salem, Mass which is where all the history is about witches and Halloween. It was fun to be there today and see where the movie was filmed.
We all dressed up ( it was mandatory said Krystal :) Our little Kai was the cutest little Monster in Salem. Brad and Krystal were Mr and Mrs. Sugar Skulls ( Day of the Dead Couple ) I thought we were really dressed up, until we saw all the other people dressed up. There was a ton of people there and some really elaborate costumes. We had asked about going to Salem last week and we had heard you need to go early in the day before people get drunk and out of hand. I guess it really gets wild near the evening. There were tons of police officers so I am assuming what they said was true. So we left around 5:30 or so.
Jeff and I were whatever we could find in their Halloween decorations box. Jeff ended up being Jethro a cute Truck Driver which I couldn't resist hanging out with. Of course I guess that is common with Cow Girls like me! :)

Well, tonight is our last night here in Boston with the kids. I have missed home and all the other kids for Halloween though. Still how grateful we are for the chance to connect with our little Kai monster.
I hope all of you had a wonderful Halloween dear friends. Good night!

The witches fly
Across the sky,
The owls go, "Who? Who? Who?"
The black cats yowl
And green ghosts howl,
"Scary Halloween to you!"
- Nina Willis Walter



Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Stormy and Spooky!

We survived Hurricane Sandy, safe in the apartment with as gas stove and candlelight. It gave the house a spooky eerie feeling!
Kai even let Nana give him some hugs and kisses!

It was the perfect evening for games and snacks!

Even the candlelight seemed spooky and fun!

How glad we were to be together on this Halloween season with our little Kai and Brad and Krystal. And grateful to be prepared and safe from the storm. I am so glad that we were able to come visit our kids and Boston!

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, It's about learning to dance in the rain!"



Monday, October 29, 2012

Family is what counts!

I am so thankful for my family, funny how you can be with some of your family and still wish that you had all of your family together. I always feel that way during any time there is a disaster or crisis. I always want to have us all together, for some reason I feel like we can handle anything if we are all together, too bad life doesn't work like that.
Still when something does happen to one of us it is nice to know that no matter where we are we all keep in touch and check and pray for each other. That's what family is for and we feel blessed. Actually,  that is exactly what our friends do too! Thanks for all your concern and support. So far the electricity was out only 6 or so hours and now it is on. We are trying to get everything washed and cleaned just in case the storm gets any worse.

"The family.  We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. " ~Erma Bombeck

"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

The storm is getting closer!

Well the storm is getting closer and so we went through everything in the Emergency Packpacks and storage. Found out that we didnt't have any batteries or not that much non perishable food so... Jeff and Brad went to the store and got a few more things. We have areas right around us that are getting evacuated so we are trying to make sure that things are ready and that we are keeping the news on. Until then we are going to just sit still and hope that the electricity stays on.
Hurricane Sandy photos from NJ.com users 10-29-12
Krystal was saying that she loves the weather channel and that she and her Dad used to go out on the porch and watch the storms come in. I asked if she by some chance liked the movie Wizard of Oz, she said Yes, just like I knew she would. I on the other hand had terrible fears as a child of storms, floods and high winds. I actually would stay awake at night wondering if our house was going to flood or blow away. I actually hated the movie Wizard of Oz and tried not to even show it to my kids. :)
But I am getting better and braver as I get older...thank goodness. So for now we are going to just do alot of bonding as a family! :) So at least we are together and safe and we are grateful!

"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship."  ~ Louisa May Alcott
"Storms make the oak grow deeper roots."  ~ George Herbert

 

Sunday, October 28, 2012

It's the little things!

While eatting dinner tonight Kai started laughing with his Mom. He would bite on the straw and then let go of it fast and spray his Mom, it was so fun to see him laugh so hard. Those are the things that we miss living so far away. It is all those little things that make Parenthood and Grandparenthood so worth it!

At church today they talked about the storm and asked if everyone was prepared to survive 72 hours on their own...if the electricity goes out. Then everyone was encouraged to watch over others that might need special help during that time because of illness or handicaps. Also like those who are widows and single. It did my heart good that we have been taught for years to always be prepared, not only to take care of yourself and for those around you. Here is what was adviced by FEMA...FEMA suggested yesterday:

"If you or someone you know may be impacted by Hurricane Sandy, here are a few things to do today:
 - Get some extra cash out at the ATM today. If the power goes out, banks/ATMs may be offline for some time.
- Make a plan for how you’ll keep your cell phone charged if you lose power for several days. Picking up a solar or hand-crank charger for your phone is a good idea.
- High winds are expected across a wide area. Protect your home/business – cover windows, clean gutters, trim trees.
- Get to the store today for emergency supplies – water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlight, etc.
- Visit
www.Ready.gov/hurricanes or m.fema.gov on your phone for more hurricane safety tips."

I am not sure if I will be able to write the next couple of days depending if this Hurrican Sandy, they have already canceled all the transportaion systems in Boston for tomorrow. We are hoping that it won't be too bad. And we pray for all those families who have already been effected by it.  It truly is the little things in life that make all the difference. Good night dear friends!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Somewhere under the RAINBOWS!!!

Today we headed to the north shore, to see the beach. The beauty here during the fall season is like walking into a calendar. The colors are so vivid ...and on top of that today while we were at Pumpkin Patch, we saw 5 rainbows. None of us have ever seen that before. Brad video taped it HERE:
We got to pick pumpkins with Kai and everyone got to try fresh Apple Cider Donuts. I tried one bite, but no more because it was a little too good.
Getting prepared, the warnings are starting to come in from the after effects from the Hurrican Sandy. Not sure how hard this area will be hit, but it has already done quite a bit of damage where it started. Still we went out tonight and got some things just in case. " The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining." ~John F. Kennedy Kai is still his Poppa's boy, he likes Nana ( me ) but only at a distance still.

But this chance to be together with Brad, Krystal and Kai in this beautiful area has been the best (not to mention having a 7 day vacation with my best friend )!
Good night dear friends!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Boston is beautiful!

Didn't get into Boston till 1:00 something this morning, we were wiped out but with the time difference, I think we got up at 11:30 this morning too! What a beautiful place, need to put on some pictures but they are on Jeff's phone right now. I forgot what wet leaves smell like, not that we don't have wet leaves in Seattle; but the there are so many more trees here, the street where Brad and Krystal live of lined with them. It looks like a Post Card around here. Jeff or I neither one have ever been here and it is amazing. We went downtown and got to see Brad's office, his view of the whole city is amazing.
 We took a bus and the subway to get to downtown. I have never been on a Subway before...felt like I was in the movies! :) Kai was quite the little trooper and travel today and tonight, guess that is probably because Mom and Dad love to travel so much.
What a blessing it is to be here and get to know Kai a little better. Of course he has really taken to his Poppa, but not quite so sure about Nana! How can that be? :) We are going to try and do some sight seeing tomorrow because bad weather is suppose to hit by Sunday from the Hurricane.
As we walked and walked the streets of Boston tonight, I felt blessed that I am healthy enough to travel here and strong enough to walk around and see this beautiful city with my family.
So many people have helped me get to where I am today, and I especially am thankful for my Heavenly Father. It was almost 4 years ago that I was diagnosed with Cancer for the 2nd time. It was a time of fear, doubt,pain, sadness and for a long time I couldn't quite look to the future. I didn't plan for things... all I did was worry if I could make it through the next day. I didn't look forward, just stuck on the here and now. I never thought that bad feeling and worry ever would go away. Some times I still worry that it might come back, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am still here for a reason. I am here to continue to share my story, and I am here because I have a lot more to do. I just pray that I will always be willing to do whatever it is Heavenly Father wants me to do. I pray that I will spend real time with my family and that I will always tell them how much I love them. I am blessed and I am still here maybe... so that I can spend time with the kids here and to see how beautiful Boston is in the Fall!

Good night dear friends!
"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."  ~ Elizabeth Lawrence
  

"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses." ~Joyce Brothers


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Fainting Goats

This was a funny but true story. We are leaving for Boston tomorrow so I have to keep packing! Just wanted to share something that would make you smile tonight! :)

Lewisburg, Tennessee: Goats, Music, and More (Fainting Goat Festival)



Goats, Music, and More (Fainting Goat Festival)
Now called "Goats, Music, and More!" It is in it's 7th year and attracts thousands of visitors every year. With world class goat competition, famous and local musicians and performers, and of course the world famous fainting goats. [tom, 07/23/2009] [RA: Yep, because calling it the "Fainting Goat Festival" just wasn't enough to draw people out of the hills. But "Music" and "More" -- now there's something special!]

A Little History...

The Goats, Music and More Festival aims to honor goats, particularly Marshall County's famous native "Fainting" goat and the Boer goat. Fainting goat and Boer goat shows are the core of the festival; but visitors will also find a full slate of planned fun including and arts & crafts show, food vendors, children's activites and acoustic, bluegrass, country and rock and roll music.

Fainting Goats...

The first recorded mention of "fainting" or "nervous" goats was from Marshall County, TN, during the 1880s, according to festival officials. A man named Tinsley moved into the northern part of the county bringing with him four "bulgy-eyed" goats and a "sacred" cow. The goats a strange tendency to become temporarily rigid, even to the point of losing balance and falling over when startled.
Tinsley stayed long enough to marry and harvest a corn crop. He then left unexpectedly, leaving his wife but taking his cow. Before departing, he sold his goats to a local doctor; and the odd but otherwise healthy goats went on to reproduce and continue living in the area. Fainting goats were almost extinct by the 1980s, but today the quirky breed is thriving throughout the world thanks to its novelty appeal. Their “stiff-legged” appearance and apparent “fainting” is caused by a neuromuscular condition called Myotonia. This condition does not harm the goat.


http://www.goatsmusicandmore.com/index.php/about-the-festival

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Perspective...end from the beginning!

So glad that I didn't see the car until after I knew that Lee was OK. It made my stomach sick to see it. I can't even imagine what it would have looked like or what would have happened if he had been going faster than 40 miles an hour. He was getting on the on ramp at the time.
It made me think of a story that Lauren sent to me, I will share part of it hoping... that all of us can remember that our Heavenly Father is in charge, He is always watching over us. I know that is true! Below is part of the story!
"Allow me to share with you an experience from my own boyhood. When I was 11 years old, my family had to leave East Germany and begin a new life in West Germany overnight. Until my father could get back into his original profession as a government employee, my parents operated a small laundry business in our little town. I became the laundry delivery boy. To be able to do that effectively, I needed a bicycle to pull the heavy laundry cart. I had always dreamed of owning a nice, sleek, shiny, sporty red bicycle. But there had never been enough money to fulfill this dream. What I got instead was a heavy, ugly, black, sturdy workhorse of a bicycle. I delivered laundry on that bike before and after school for quite a few years. Most of the time, I was not overly excited about the bike, the cart, or my job. Sometimes the cart seemed so heavy and the work so tiring that I thought my lungs would burst, and I often had to stop to catch my breath. Nevertheless, I did my part because I knew we desperately needed the income as a family, and it was my way to contribute.
If I had only known back then what I learned many years later—if I had only been able to see the end from the beginning—I would have had a better appreciation of these experiences, and it would have made my job so much easier.
Many years later, when I was about to be drafted into the military, I decided to volunteer instead and join the Air Force to become a pilot. I loved flying and thought being a pilot would be my thing.
To be accepted for the program I had to pass a number of tests, including a strict physical exam. The doctors were slightly concerned by the results and did some additional medical tests. Then they announced, “You have scars on your lung which are an indication of a lung disease in your early teenage years, but obviously you are fine now.” The doctors wondered what kind of treatment I had gone through to heal the disease. Until the day of that examination I had never known that I had any kind of lung disease. Then it became clear to me that my regular exercise in fresh air as a laundry boy had been a key factor in my healing from this illness. Without the extra effort of pedaling that heavy bicycle day in and day out, pulling the laundry cart up and down the streets of our town, I might never have become a jet fighter pilot and later a 747 airline captain.
We don’t always know the details of our future. We do not know what lies ahead. We live in a time of uncertainty. We are surrounded by challenges on all sides. Occasionally discouragement may sneak into our day; frustration may invite itself into our thinking; doubt might enter about the value of our work."

I loved this talk, I love the reminder it is to all of us to remember that God is in charge and sees our lives from the end to the beginning. How thankful we are that Lee is OK. Faith and courage = HOPE !
Good night dear friends!
You can read the whole story HERE:

"If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. " ~Abraham Maslow

"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning."  ~Ivy Baker Priest

Monday, October 22, 2012

Hard times!

This morning our son Lee had to drive his Dad to work, because our other car has been broken down and we are going to have it towed over to get it in the shop. So we knew today would be crazy with the 3 of us sharing one car but what else do you do? On his way home early this morning, he got into an accident and our car was totalled. Lee got whiplash but if you saw the car that he came out of, you would realize what a blessing that was that he only got whiplash. Now personally I know that isn't a little thing, but what I meant was we realized right away that things could have been much worse. Poor Lee, he has been trying so hard to work hard and get money saved up for school, and now he will have to miss a couple of days because of the pain.
So today without any car, we were stuck and I had to call and change and cancel quite a few things. But as stressful as today was, I realized that we have sooooooooooo many good friends who came immediately to our aide. It did our hearts good to remember how blessed we are. Friends let us borrow their car to take Lee to the Doctor today, and other friends brought over their extra car for us to use for this week.
Yes, life is hard but there is always a silver lining some where that makes it  so worth it. I just need to go to bed and start over tomorrow.
Thanks for always being there dear friends, good night!

Home again!

Well, what a great day it was today. Got to go to church with my friend, came home got a bite to eat, and then headed off to the airport to go home. The flight was packed full, but I was privileged to sit with a sweet Mother and her daughter. We had such a fun time and talking and doing some things with the little girl...made me miss my granddaughters. We aren't used to being away from each other very long
The Mother was sweet and reminded me of my sweet Amy, she was young, kind and cute. I think when I look at my daughter and daughter in laws, and all these other sweet young Mothers around... that the world is in good hands, well at least the next generation has some incredible Mom's to show them the way.
Then there was a 8 month old little girl in front of me that I kept playing with and making her laugh...that made me really miss my grandson. Can't believe we get to see him and hold him in just 4 days!
I just thought tonight for my blog that I would write a challenge to each of you. A challenge to make a new friend, take the time out to get to know someone, learn a bit about their lives and see if it doesn't make you feel better.  Enlarging our circle of friends I think is important.  I love making a new friend, one can never have too many!
So my heart goes out tonight to all the new friends that I got to make on my trip this past week, and for all of  you dear friends that have been with me through the years. You truly make life worth living! Thank you and good night!
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Sunday, October 21, 2012

A great opportunity!

I am still in California. Our dears friends that we were visiting, asked if I would extend my visit and speak at a church Women's Conference today? Of course I said YES! I love the opportunity to speak and hopefully share not only my heart, but the experiences that I have gone through...in hopes that it might help another.
I love the quote...
"WHAT DO WE LIVE FOR IF NOT TO MAKE  LIFE LESS DIFFICULT FOR EACH OTHER?"

I love the quote also that says " Each generation should help the next"
Isn't that the truth? And when we share and help another, it seems to bless our lives... 100 fold!
The same thing happened, as always today. I was a bit nervous about speaking on such a short notice, still when I prayed if I should stay and do it, the answer was a definite YES!  So I tried to prepare as much as I could and finally when I got up to speak,  I was able to deliver the message that I had hoped to deliver. Of course the energy of so many incredible ladies helped, and I am sure all those prayers that I have sent upward so fast and furious the last couple of days helped too! You could tell that theses women were attentive, and relating to many of the same experiences that I had had. I guess that is one of the main reasons that I love doing my Motivational Speaking. I love the connection I get to make with so many of the women afterwards, some of them will probably even become dear friends of mine... and you know how I love to make new friends. But it is neat to meet these ladies personally, hear some of their stories and struggles and because of these life's experiences...we make a connection.
One lady who I met today gave me the most incredible compliment. She had lost her husband 6 months ago today ( I was amazed at her strength, you could feel it ) and she said that today there had been a lot of emotions because today was their Wedding Anniversary. Now I don't know myself, but have heard that the first year is so terribly hard because of all the 1sts that you miss. Your 1st Christmas apart, 1st Birthday without them and so on, so after hearing this, I couldn't believe that she even felt like coming to my class. But she explained that when I stood to speak that there were many things that she had either felt or needed to hear. She then hugged me and said " YOU WERE MY ANNIVERSARY GIFT"! What an honor, here was a women who had so much to be heartbroken, discouraged and even sad about ... and yet she got up this morning, got dressed and decided to come to this Sister's Conference. I am amazed that she did that and wondered if I could have had such strength? Or would I have stayed in bed in my pajamas and cried and cried about all that I was missing? What a great example she was to me to keep going, keep moving forward, if only one step at a time. Keep living life, even if at times you really don't want to. Don't give up... instead keep going, trying, doing and blessings will follow. She was the perfect example of that to me. It made me realize not to take my relationship with my husband for granted either. Time is fragile, and we simply never know what time we will have left here on earth, but not matter what we need to make the most of that which we have been given.
So even though I put a ton of energy, prayers,and preparation into my talk... honestly I get soooooooooo much more in return, when I personally get to meet and connect with these ladies. They were beautiful inside and out. How glad I am that everything fell in place for me, to be able to have this great opportunity! I won't share my talk with you tonight but will at a later date. It's late and I am beat...happy ...but beat! Good night dear friends and especially my NEW friends!
   I Like this quote I dislike this quoteThe difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.



    
I think we all wish we could erase some dark times in our lives. But all of life's experiences, bad and good, make you who you are. Erasing any of life's experiences would be a great mistake.

Friday, October 19, 2012

True friends!

Jeff and I were able to meet with dear friends of ours that we have not seen in 20 years. We were able to have dinner with them and I even went and spent the whole day with her today, it was as if we had never been apart. I don't think we stopped talking the whole day?
Their daughter was asking how we met and when I explained it to her, she just shook her head and smiled and then said...."Oh that is why you and my Mom can talk so long on the phone". Cute girl, smart girl!
I loved this quote about true friendship. Now the picture below is not of us...however I think neither of us would complain if we did look like these two best friends! How grateful I am for the incredible dear BESTS FRIENDS I have in my life. They truly have made it sweeter! Good night to all of my Best Friends out there!
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"It's been said that everlasting friends go long periods of time without speaking and never question their friendship. These friends pick up phones like they just spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how far away they live, and they don't hold grudges. They understand that life is buy and you will always love them."

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Imagine that!

Today while Jeff has been in his business conference I decided that I would work on my blog, do some things for work and then go to the pool to swim. We aren't really in an area where there is anything to walk to, so I went down to the pool for a swim. I almost died when the elevator door opened by the pool and there were about 200 people there sitting at tables all around the pool, having lunch. Can you imagine what it would have been if I would have come out there with my swimming cap, googles and new swim prothetic and just did a few laps? I am still laughing!
So I am back in the room, decided to just go to the work out room and maybe do the tread mill...no one was in there ...that is more my type of audience. It just makes me laugh, I am getting more confident about myself after having reached my goal in Weight Watchers but....give me a break, I still have a ton of insecurities when it comes 200 people watching you swim. :) Anyway, can you imagine it? Are you laughing too?
Maybe we will swim tonight, when there are less people there!
Some things are just too hard to imagine! Why do I feel like you are still laughing?
Good night dear friends!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

It's not just about words!

Will people remember my words or my faith?

That is what Jason Wright talked about in his article today. It was exactly how I feel ( in some small way ), when  people remember my motivational speeches or read this ... my motivational blog. By reading and hearing me speak and better yet, by watching my actions... do you know what I believe? That is important to me and even though I fall short of the mark many times, I hope you know what I believe, and that each day I am trying to live up to that principle better!
I actually haven't gotten Jason's new book  The 13th Day of Christmas yet, but I hope to soon! He is one of my favorite authors and Christmas is of course my favorite ... all year long. That's a winning combination!
Day 2 for Jeff and I on our trip, can't wait to get out and see more of the city!
So have a good night dear friends!

Wright Words: It's not just the words, it's about faith

Last week I released my 10th book: “The 13th Day of Christmas.” It’s hard to believe a crazy dream that began in the third grade has turned into a life's work of writing books and telling stories.
A new book means promotional appearances, signings, speaking engagements and question and answer sessions in some of my favorite cities. The events remind me why I write, and it certainly isn't because I enjoy long hours alone with my laptop. It’s never been about the words on a page; it’s always been about the people who read them.
At one of these events a reader asked me which of my books I’m most proud of and how I’d like to be remembered when my career or life have come to an end. I rambled on about how books are like children and it’s tough to pick a favorite. I added that all the books are meaningful to me for different reasons.
But later, as I reflected on the exchange, I realized how wrong I’d been.
If my career ended today, if I never wrote again and my professional life were judged on the work I’ve already produced, how would I want to be remembered?
My instincts suggest that my first national release, “Christmas Jars,” has had the greatest impact. Not because of the black and white words on a thin piece of paper, but because the words have grown into action for so many people. I am staggered by the number of you who’ve done more than simply read the novella, but who’ve dedicated themselves to the Christmas Jars movement.
But is that what I want to be most remembered for? Not really.
My latest is also a Christmas book and the quirky truth it reveals — you’ve been singing the “12 Days of Christmas” all wrong —is sewn into my soul. Though the plot is fiction, the tradition behind it is buried in a decades-deep foundation poured during my childhood.
I am proud of the book. But do I want it to define me? Not quite.
If I could chat with that reader again, I’d say that I don’t want to be remembered for any specific title, plot twist or commercial success, but for the threads that run through the books. I care less about whether people remember characters, jokes, or scenes than I do what the stories fundamentally say about my beliefs.
Like any writer, I started with a dream of people seeing my book in a bookstore. Today I just hope someone picks up a book with my name on the front and knows exactly what they’ll find inside. The stories may differ and the drama and conflict may change from character to character and from scene to scene. But I hope they see the common colors that hint at how I was raised and what I hope to become.So, how would I like to be remembered when my career or life have come to an end?
    I hope to be remembered not as someone who sold a few novels, but as someone who shared my faith in every line, every character arc and every closing chapter.
    I want to be remembered as someone who knew that God lives.
    I want friends, family and readers to know through the lines of my books that I know God has a plan for us to return home. Just like parents send their children out into the world and desperately hope they will make good choices and someday return, I know that God wants the same for us.
    I want to be remembered as someone who knew that God loves each of us. He loves us on the good days, the bad days and all the days in the middle. Plus, I know that he never gives up on us, even when we sometimes give up on ourselves.
    If it all ended today, I would want to be remembered for believing that God knows us individually. Why wouldn’t he? God is our literal creator, our perfect father. Of course, he knows us by name.
    I think if I had a chance to rewrite that scene and take a second shot at answering that reader’s question, I’d finish by saying that if in 10, 20 or 200 years my books have been forgotten, I hope that my faith has not.
    I look forward to my upcoming schedule and the next opportunity I have to answer questions. And if someone asks how I want to be remembered, I won’t make the same mistake again.
    I'm not sure writing books and telling stories should be my life's work, after all.
    I'd rather tell his.

30 years and counting!

Jeff and I are in California finally celebrating our 30th anniversary. I wonder how we could have been married for 30 years, how could we have been together that long?  It really doesn't seem that long ago since we were newly weds, just trying to figure our lives and our future.
 Now 30 years later,  here we are still together and  I love him more than I ever thought possible. Now our kids are grown and we even have grandchildren...how did that happen? Where did the time go? Day by day it didn't seem that things changed that much...but now....it has and we are on a totally different journey and path. How grateful I am that we are still on the same road together. I feel blessed and very very lucky to still be beside my best friend.
Good night dear friends!

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Monday, October 15, 2012

Hope



I have always felt like choosing HOPE, is like deciding to open the blinds and let the day in! Staying alone, in the dark ( so to speak ) is devasting. It is important to choose hope!!! It is a choice and it can only be made by you!
May life never get so hard...that we forget that!
Good night dear friends!


"The sources of hope are the sources of life itself. That's why hope persists, even when experience, reason, and knowledge all say this is no reason to hope. Hope does not calculate odds.... It is prepared for either sunny or stormy weather. To choose hope is to choose life. To choose hope is to choose love." -Chieko N. Okazaki

Sunday, October 14, 2012

It's all BIG stuff!


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This quote is soooooooooooooooooo true!
All the fun things that the girls had to tell me this weekend were important! It was Big Stuff, like the time they went to the Reptile Zoo with Aunt Lauren and saw the Giant Turtle and they even got to pet him!
Good night dear friend, and remember to keep your listening ears on! :)

Friday, October 12, 2012

Halloween Carnival

Ever since my granddaughters realized that we will be celebrating Halloween with Kai, they have been worried that we wouldn't get to share it together. The same is true with my friend's children ( who also think Aunt Lynn needs to celebrate the holidays with them too). Of course I couldn't let them down....so we decided to have a Halloween Carnival at my house today!

So with the help of their Momma's...
we three pulled off the cutest Halloween Carnival for these 6 cute kids. We had all kinds of games, and projects for them to do.



And special Halloween treats like Witches Brew ( hot chocolate ), homemade Pumpkin cookies, veggies and lots more. We read some spooky Halloween stories and then played more games. When I get the photos back, I will share them with you. This cute boy above... just kept walking through the streamers we had over the door way, that was really all he needed to celebrate today..too cute!
It made me happy to have all these sweet kids around me! I love them a ton, and only wish my little Kai boy could have been with us...his day will come!
The girls were excited that tonight was also their Sleep Over at Nana and Poppa's house!
So I am just going to leave with you some happy thoughts.... because I am too tired to write much more!

"You don't really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around - and why his parents will always wave back."  ~William D. Tammeus

"Your children need your presence more than your presents."  ~Jesse Jackson


Thursday, October 11, 2012

Memories

I recieved in the mail the other day, a card from an ole friend. She sent me photos of Jeff an I, that was taken YEARS ago. I didn't really even remember that Halloween until I saw the photos. Even after I saw the photo, I couldn't remember what year it was, or what we were doing. That is a hard thing for me to accept as I have gotten older. I have always heard OLDER people ( that means anyone over 40 at the time, and of course I was only in my 20's ) say that your memory gets worse as you get older. Back then, I just couldn't imagine forgetting some of the really neat things in my life, after all I could still remember some things when I was a child. Still they were right ( like they usually are because they are so wise ), these photos proved it.
It made me sad, because some times I hear the kids talk about something that happened when they were little, and I don't remember it at all. I am trying on my blog to remember as much as I can and try to express what those experiences have meant to me, I hope that helps the next generation to know Nana, or Aunt Lynn better.
Then I thought the same is probably true for other situations. There were probably things that I did or said years ago that might have offended someone, and they completely remember every detail ...and I probably don't remember it at all. I guess that is why we hold grudges for years, because even though it happened many years ago...the pain and wound is still open and hurting to us. Actually I totally understand that when it someone who had hurt me badly. The point I guess is... we should let it go, especially if the other person has completely forgotten about it, or didn't even realize they did it. We are the one who are carrying around the baggage... not them!
I hope it is also true for the good things you have done. Even if you don't remember them, I hope that others do, and will always remembered that you cared. I think that is why we like photos so much, they help jog our memories. Still there are some special days that I have never forgotten, the day Jeff and got engaged. Our wedding, the kid's births and on and on. I pray those memories won't be taken away from me, but I will at least write down as much as I can so... if I do, my great great grandkids will know of my love for them and for my family.
For now, I wake up every day...grateful to be here, and pray that I will be able to make some more memories! Good night dear friends!

"Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others."  ~Rosa Parks
"Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them."   ~Bob Dylan

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Life's struggles!

So true! Just got home from work, it was a long ...but good day. I just love these ladies that come to my class. Each one adds something special to my class and for that I am grateful. Today was the first time in A LONG TIME that we didn't have the sunshine. It actually felt like Fall. I love it either way!
I found this quote and thought I would share it tonight with you.
Good night dear friends!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Lessons from a miscarriage

Here is another incredible article by Jason Wright!
 Can a miscarriage teach divine lessons? 

The date wasn't circled on our calendar, but recently my wife and I noted that 10 years have passed since she experienced a miscarriage. Her medical files would record it as her third pregnancy, but we would remember him or her as our third child.
My wife was moving into her second trimester and the pregnancy was progressing just like the first two. But on a peaceful, windless Thursday afternoon, she suddenly saw warning flags.
Kodi called the doctor and an appointment was set for the next morning. That evening we stayed up late talking about what she was feeling physically and emotionally and preparing for whatever might come the next day.
We prayed together and I remember feeling as if the words weren’t mine. I had the undeniable impression I was merely repeating whispers in my worried ears.
The thoughts broke my heart, but I knew I must share what I’d felt. With my hands in hers, I told her that I knew that all would be well and good the next day, but that God's definition of “well and good” would probably not be ours.
In other words, we were to prepare for the worst and accept that our Father in Heaven would care for us and ensure all would be well.
The next morning, we drove to the doctor and awaited his examination and report. With professional but sympathetic eyes, he informed us that the pregnancy was no longer viable.
In the time it took the words to tumble from his mouth into the air around us, our baby transformed from a living, breathing child to a sterile medical term.
If you or someone you love has experienced a miscarriage, you know the script. In those seconds immediately after, expectant mothers and fathers feel as if they’re the very first parents in history to hear those words and feel that pain. You watch as a doctor in a white coat with his hands shoved into the pockets looks at you and delivers news he has delivered many times to other women before and will yet deliver to many others.
But you don't care that there have been others. You only know that in that scene, you are the lead actors.
A D&C — a dilation and curettage — was scheduled for the next day and my wife spent most of the 24 hours in-between appointments on her knees praying for strength and understanding.
The procedure was a success and it was no surprise to me that despite the natural anxiety and fear, my wife persevered with courage and left the hospital with the assurance that the spirit had tenderly prepared us for this very outcome.
In the days that followed, we learned that several of our friends and even a few family members had also experienced miscarriages, some of them more than once. We were grateful for so many ears to hear and eyes to see the sadness that hung around our home like an unwelcome houseguest.
In due time and with a clean bill of health from the doctors, we decided that our season as new parents had not yet passed and that other children remained with a boarding pass for our family journey. Still, the question lingered: would it happen again?
Eighteen months later, after a tense and anxious pregnancy, my wife gave birth to our first son. He was happy, healthy and we smiled as his sisters smothered him in love, kisses and pink dress-up clothes. After three more years we had another son and he became the caboose to our family train.
Indeed, all was well and good.
A decade has passed and I’d never suggest we’d choose to experience that trial again. It was difficult and we asked all the typical questions that mortals ask when heaven tries us beyond what we perceive as our limits.
But while I might trade the salty pain, I would never swap the sweet lesson we experienced in a quiet living room late one evening. Just like loving parents comfort their children, sometimes even in advance of pain, we learned that heaven is willing to do the same.
A decade later, the lesson remains written on our hearts. We know that heaven is organized by eternal truths, but our earthly vision is limited by the here and now.
No one knows what hurdles remain on the map of our lives. But we do know that whatever trials may come, God’s definition of “well and good” is the only one that matters.
I read the article HERE:

I have to agree, I do think the hardest lessons...have taught us the most!
Good night dear friends!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Turning her life around!

I loved this story. I think it is amazing when someone who had a tough life not only turns their life around, but helped others along the way. Here is part of the story...
Grandmother helping Chicago kids 'off the block'
Chicago (CNN) -- In Roseland, one of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods, many residents stay off the streets to protect themselves from rampant gang violence.
But one grandmother opened her door and invited gang members to come inside.
"They say I'm a nut because I let kids into my home who I didn't even know," said Diane Latiker, 54. "But I know (the kids) now. And I'll know the new generation."
Since 2003, Latiker has gotten to know more than 1,500 young people through her nonprofit community program, Kids Off the Block. And she hopes that by providing them with support and a place to go, she is also bringing hope to a community in crisis.
"We are losing a generation to violence," said Latiker, who started the program in her living room.
Latiker, a mother of eight and grandmother to 13, has lived in Roseland for 22 years. She said she was once "young and dumb," dropping out of high school and having seven children by age 25. But she said that by 36, she had turned her life around: She got remarried and earned her GED. She had also given birth to her eighth child, Aisha.
This time, she said, she was determined to do things right.
Diane Latiker, 54, has become a mentor for local youth in her Chicago neighborhood.
Diane Latiker, 54, has become a mentor for local youth in her Chicago neighborhood.
But when Aisha became a teenager in 2003, Latiker worried that Aisha and her friends would fall in with a gang. After all, gang members lived next door, and there weren't many safe things for teenagers to do.
"I started taking (Aisha and her friends) to swimming and movies and whatever," Latiker said. "My mother saw that, and she said: 'Diane, why don't you do something with the kids? They like you and respect you.' "
Latiker was hesitant at first. She wanted to focus on being a grandmother and rebuilding her relationships with her older children. But after thinking and praying about it, she decided to make use of the natural rapport she had with young people.
You can read the rest HERE:

 “Every day you have the opportunity to learn and experience some-thing and some-one new. Seize the opportunity. Learn and experience everything you can, and use it to change the world.”  ~Rodney Williams

“We can never get a re-creation of community and heal our society without giving our citizens a sense of belonging.”   ~Hunter Campbell "Patch" Adams

Grateful!

   Every day I open up my computer and talk to my boy ( my grandson Kai ). I have his photo on my screensaver and each day I talk to him and tell him how much I love him. I tell him all the things that I hope we get to do together as he grows up. I tell him that there are wonderful things waiting for him in his little life and how I hope as his Nana, to be part of them. I can't tell him those things personally every day because we live so far apart but some how I hope that good energy and love of family can travel through the miles.
   Today we got to skype with them. It was so fun to see him and have him see me. He has two teeth now and sits up by himself. We are watching him grow and still there are days that I can't believe he is already here, seems like we waited sooooooooooo long to get him here.
   We are so grateful that we will get to go seem him and his Mommy and Daddy for Halloween, we can hardly wait! How grateful I am for my family, for my extended family and now for our grandchildren. They really are the icing on the cake!
    So tonight I just want to say thank you to my son Bradley, for being such a wonderful husband and Dad. For supporting his sweet wife to be able to stay home and raise their son. That is a huge thing in today's society, Stay Home Moms are rare to find. I am grateful that they have made that decision and feel blessed to know that every day Kai is home with a Mom who loves and cherishes every minute with him. Yes, as I look at my sweet family so far away, I feel blessed to be so close to them.
Good night dear friends!

Photo: Date night. (Someday we will find a babysitter for him)

Friday, October 5, 2012

Life's lessons!

Tonight is Date Night, so I will just leave you with this quote today!
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I have been struggling with this exact topic for  a couple of weeks. I love d this quote, sooooooooooooo
true! Good night dear friends!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Best Friends!

   From the time I was a little girl, my Mom said that I love to color, draw or create anything. I remember one of my favorite gifts being a little table and chairs ( just my size ), so I could sit and create for hours before and after my nap. (Actually, that is about the same schedule I keep now...sew...create...nap...sew...create ). Funny how that works?
   Anyway, one of the ways that I made money while I was a stay home Mom with 4 kids was selling my crafts at many of the local fairs. I would even have Open Houses at our home ( apartment or whatever ) and people could come through, have some cider and pumpkin bread as they shopped. Then when the kids were at school or in bed, I would make most of it. In those days I painted. I Tole painted just about anything and everything. As the kids got bigger, they even began to help...any wonder why they all are such talented artists? :)
   After we moved from West Virginia (where I had my name and business established ) I had to start over at the beginning, which was School Craft Fairs. Typically School Craft Fairs aren't very profitable but it was a way to get my name out and to support the kids school. So after moving to Washington on Sept 24th,1987 I was in the first School Craft Fair by the end of October.
I will never forget, my booth was way down a very cold hallway. I wondered how in the world I would get any kind of traffic with my booth so far away. I also wondered if I would die of exposure first, because it was soooooooo cold.
   I quickly made friends with the other poor Artist sitting the booth next to me. As we talked for the next few hours ( because no one was coming down the hallway shopping ), I began to look at her stuff ( which was sewn items ). I quickly realized how talented she was and nice.
Ok, long story short....we didn't die that day but I think we both caught a bad cold. We ended up trading some stuff, which was really fun, and then I got her number and told her that I would probably end up having an Open House at my home in the next few weeks and offered her to bring her stuff. That was the beginning of a wonderful relationship ( as they say ). We did well at our Open House and we have been together ever since, that was almost 25 years ago!
   We worked together for many years, then my back gave out, and  I had to quit  the shows and just sell my patterns to magazines and then teach classes out of my home. Chris continued to do the shows and continues to amaze me with her sewing skills. Even though I have been out of the selling loop for years, we still try to get together each week and create something. What a neat time that is for me. I use many of the ideas we create for my Quilting Classes now, and she uses some for her shows and she now has a shop on ETSY.COM 
   Wow, ETSY would have been a much easier way to go to get out things seen by so many people. Technology has truly been a blessing for that. With just a click of your computer, you can view 1000's of handmade items from artists world wide.
You can find her shop Here:
Check it out, she has the best quality stuff ever! ( I know I am a little biased, but it's because I know it ).
    So make sure the next time you are somewhere that is boring and you wonder how you ever got stuck there for hours, talk to the person next to you...it just may end up being your new Best Friend! Mine was!
( Here is a photo of us Oct 12th 1991 at yet another craft show! )

So true!

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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Child Abuse: A Community Matter

Today I read  an article about Child Abuse, I can't post all of it but will give you the link which I really hope you will take the time to read and watch, here it is...   http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865563397/Child-abuse-A-community-matter.html?pg=1

I will share just a couple of powerful points that they make. I know this isn't the most motivational post but...being a child of incest myself, and now a Survivor! I know that it is everyone's business to watch out for and protect children. If we are aware and listen to our gut feelings, and then have the courage to ACT upon that...then there would be less and less children abused each day. Oh how I wish someone would have done that for me! "Remember Knowledge is Power", so get educated on it such as reading this article and then be ready to act.

"The community can play a huge role in being eyes and ears and protectors of children if they know what to look for and if they're then willing to make the call," Tracey Tabet, the Children's Justice Center Program Director for the state of Utah, told the Deseret News. "It's not enough just to know what to look for, you have to be willing to act."
"Child abuse is happening at epidemic proportions,"  "It is associated with adverse health and mental health outcomes in children and families, with impacts that can last a lifetime. We must position ourselves to prevent it."
Signs
"People need to pull their heads out of the sand, wake up and realize that everybody is impacted by child abuse"
"The first step in stopping abuse and neglect is recognizing early signs. "A closer look at the situation may be warranted when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination."
Sudden changes in behavior or school performance, difficulty concentrating and arriving early to school or other activities or staying late, with a reluctance to go home, can be signs of abuse

Unexplained burns, bites, bruises or broken bones can be indications of physical abuse. Frequent absence from school, insufficient clothing for the weather, abuse of alcohol or other drugs or a lack of needed medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses can be signs of neglect. Difficulty walking or sitting, a refusal to change for gym or participate in physical activities or a demonstration of bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior can be signs of sexual abuse.

Responding
The first line of defense is to contact your local child protective services agency or police department, Hmurovich told the Deseret News. "It can be difficult to make that call for fear of getting a relative in trouble, but the interest of the child should always take precedence."
These reports can be anonymous but require specific information, such as the who, what happened and when.
Hmurovich suggests notifying another responsible adult, such as a minister, a school teacher, a close relative, even a next door neighbor.

Community awareness
"We cannot put the responsibility on children to protect themselves, for that's not their burden to bear"
"The community can play a huge role in being the eyes and ears and protectors of children if they know what to look for and if they're willing to make the call,"