Little things

I love this quote...

Like a dear friend, honesty, family, seasons, creating, health, love and trust!
Those are truly the most important things!

It's the little things!

I love this quote...

Because I really believe it!  Like these beautiful flowers, given to me by a dear friend!

A package dropped off by the UPS truck, exciting!

 New knit fabric from Riley Blake...even more exciting!

Face Timing with my handsome boy!

Spending the whole day today with these cute girls! Jenny and Angie are staying for a 2 Day Sleep Over! Look at their hair, Red, Strawberry Blonde and Blonde!:)
Yes, it's truly about those wonderful, amazing Little Things!

Good Night dear friends!

It's the Little Things

After 40 years, Utah man seeks forgiveness from Texas town

    I have always liked the saying "SOME TIMES IT IS THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER THE MOST"

    I think this is what this article by Jason Wright was all about.

Dr. Kim Roberts of Salt Lake City and Robert Hanna of Denison, Texas, have never met. They’ve never chatted on the phone nor exchanged an email.

Instead, they’re linked by two letters and bonded by a brick.

In 1973, Roberts was serving as a missionary in Texas when his travels took him to Denison, a small city 75 miles north of Dallas.

Roberts remembers one afternoon strolling along and noticing something unusual about the red bricks in the sidewalk near the house they temporarily called home. Some of the standard-sized bricks were stamped with the words, “Don’t Spit on Sidewalk.”

Roberts eyed a few unstamped bricks loose on the edge of the road and decided it was time to take a souvenir. He carefully pried a couple of bricks loose from the sidewalk and replaced them with plain ones. He later learned that the unusual bricks had been laid at the turn of the century as a reminder to citizens of the tumbleweed town that they could reduce the spread of tuberculosis by not spitting on the ground.

Roberts wrapped up his brick and placed it in his suitcase. It then traveled with him over his remaining days in Texas, and eventually, on a plane to his family’s home in Seattle.

He was proud of his unique souvenir and took care of it. He painted the stamped letters white to help them stand out and coated the brick in lacquer. It was a fantastic conversation starter and a sweet memory of his service in Texas.

But as the years passed, the brick became heavier and heavier. In a recent interview, Roberts described his change of heart.

“As time went on, it hit me (that) I’d stolen something. But I didn’t steal an object. I’d stolen a part of history from this town.”

The feelings became stronger during the 80’s and 90’s and for the last eight years he whispered these words every time he saw the brick. “I should really send that back.”

One Sunday in church, during a lesson on honesty, he knew he couldn’t wait any longer. Like all of us, Roberts confides there are several things in his life he cannot completely correct.

“So, I guess I finally realized I should rectify what I can,” he said. “We all do things, and at the time, we think they’re humorous or not harmful to anyone. But as we mature, we grow in understanding and see that some of our past actions haven’t been that noble. So we repent, make it right, do all we can and the Atonement takes over.”

With those words on his mind, Roberts finally wrapped the brick back up and with the help of the Internet, found an address for the city offices of Denison, Texas. But sending a 110-year-old bubble-wrapped brick by itself wasn’t enough. Roberts needed to write a letter, and the letter needed to ask for forgiveness.

To Whom It May Concern:

This may seem like an odd letter accompanying an old package. Let me explain. Forty years ago I had the privilege of serving in the state of Texas as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I spent a few days in Denison and was fascinated with the many neatly paved sidewalks featuring the “Don’t Spit on Sidewalk” logo. I determined that I needed one as a souvenir and helped myself to one, not thinking that my actions were a complete contradiction of who and what I represented. Over the years I have had occasional pangs of guilt, but while sitting in church this past Sunday and listening to a lesson on honesty I determined that now is the time to return the brick to its rightful owners. I do so with my full apologies for showing disrespect to the good people of Denison. I ask your forgiveness. I realize that the brick most likely cannot be returned to the previous place in the sidewalk in front of the house where I was staying at the time in 1973 (I don’t recall the address), but perhaps by placing it in a conspicuous place in your offices it will be a reminder that, in the end, honesty is the best policy. Thank you.

Kim G. Roberts

Some 1,200 miles away in Denison, city manager Robert Hanna was toiling away at another day. Not only was Hanna not in Texas in 1973 when the brick was stolen, he wasn’t even in his parents’ plans yet. Plus, the remaining “Don’t Spit on Sidewalk” bricks were long gone from Denison’s sidewalks and streets.

He’ll never forget the day the heavy box arrived.

“Mr. Hanna,” Cheryl Green called from her desk outside his office. “You need to come see this.” The brick was so well wrapped and packaged, Hanna said it wouldn’t have just survived a drop from a mail truck; one could have run it over.

The brick and letter stunned him. “In my world, this never happens,” Hanna explained. “This is a one in a million thing. We have street signs, stop signs, you name it, stolen all the time. Nothing comes back.”

Hanna could not stop thinking about the gesture from the former LDS missionary. “I think God uses people like this. And it speaks to this man’s character. It was such a trivial thing. But to carry that around,” Hanna hesitated a moment before adding a simple and subtle, “Wow.”

Though not a member of the same church, Hanna has great respect for the faith and is familiar with its teachings. “God uses people to send messages,” he said, and he knew the message Roberts needed to hear.

Ten days later, he sat at his desk and penned a letter on Denison letterhead.

Dear Dr. Roberts,

Is it not written in 2 Nephi 25:26, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins?”

Be at peace with yourself and your actions. By taking what wasn’t yours, you preserved a piece of Denison history that the city did not see fit to preserve many years ago. Thanks to you and your actions, we can hold a piece of our community’s history once again and display it with pride. Behold! God “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11).

May the Lord bless you in all things and grant you peace.

Sincerely,

Robert Hanna

Back in Utah, Roberts was touched by the kind letter and filled with the peace he’d longed for. To him, it wasn’t just about a brick. It was about the pure principle of forgiveness.

When both humble men were asked what they hope people will remember about their inspiring story, their answers were nearly identical. It’s never too late to give up the bricks in our lives. And our loads become so much lighter when the bricks are back where they belong.

Even if it’s on a shelf in a small Texas town called Denison.

I found the article HERE:

It's the little things!

Got up this morning and got ready to be at my CT Scan by 9:00. I had been fasting and so I brought some water and a protein bar in the car for afterwards. As soon as I checked in they gave me to containers of the CT Smooties, you know the one with the contrast in them. They asked if I would like Banana, Vanilla, Mocha or Berry, then she quickly told me that Berry was the worst. I still almost laugh out loud. Do you really think those girls sit back there on their breaks, and drink that stuff... just to tell us which one is the best or the worst? I think not but...who knows maybe that is in their job description. Either way they are disgusting and I just keep chugging it until it was gone, and then quickly put some gum in my mouth. My stomach still feels a bit yucky.
I thought as I was laying there getting the scan, how nervous going back into this medical arena makes me feel. I think those feelings are pretty normal once you have had cancer or any medical issues that are big. I wondered what they saw? Is there anything there that is keeping me from getting better? Is it cancer again? Well, all those crazy questions went racing through my head and the feelings that were racing through my heart were ..." can I do this again if it is cancer?" Is there something really bad wrong with me, that is keeping me from getting better and if so, can I handle what it is?"
As I went back in the dressing room, I heard another nurse talking to a lady about her mass that they found previously, and what this scan would show her doctor this time. I remember those conversations when I was first diagnosed with cancer. It is an unreal feeling, when they are just talking to you about something like that, as if it is just an every day conversation. Well, I know it is for them but not for the one who is receiving the news. I wanted to just hug the lady and tell her that she will be ok...but first of all I didn't know her, or her situation; but I just hated the fact that she was there all alone.
My results may be in tomorrow or Friday, we pray and hope for the best. I will go in tomorrow and get more of the vitamin IVs, since after the last one, I started to noticeably get better. For tonight, I will just look at this picture and smile. This is what my granddaughter Jenny does when she is eating or I should say playing with her food.
Life is good, I have much to be happy about. And I am grateful!
Good night dear friends!

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!

November the month to of Gratitude

   I love November, actually I love every part of Fall. But after all the candy apples are made and the ghost, bats and jack-o-laterns are put away… it is November! It is the month of  Gratitude. I love the whole spirit that comes with the season. I think it is perfect to get us ready for the Christmas holiday, another self less month. I hope we all Think to Thank this month. Life during the holidays are busier than ever, yet this is the time  that we need to slow down, count our many blessings and Think to Thank those who mean so much to us.

   So tonight I will close with a few things that I am Thankful for…

1. Thankful for my health, just 3 years ago I was diagnosed with Cancer for the second time. I am thankful to have my surgery, treatments and illnesses behind me. I never take my health for granted. How blessed I feel to be healthy once again.

2. Thankful for my family, in the last few years it has grown and with it… has the love we have for one another. Watching the kids grow up and have their own lives and own families, has been exciting for us . And of course another benefit of having your kids be parents themselves, is those sweet little grandchildren. I really believe that they are here to remind us what life is really about.

3. Thankful for my home. Thankful that it is big enough for our family and friends. Thankful to have heat, clothing and food to eat, I realize so many don’t have even that.

4. Thankful to live in this free country. It truly is beautiful and a blessing to live here.

5.Thankful for my friends and neighbors. Life is better because of them!

6. Thankful for my talents and the ability and opportunity to share them with others.  Also, thankful to have others share their talents with me.

7. Thankful to know that I am a child of God and that we have the chance to communicate with Him through prayer. Thankful the guidance He gives me.

8. Thankful for the internet  and the good things it brings… like the ability to share my blog with others. We are truly blessed to have the lines of communication that we do.

9. Thankful for all the little things in life, that make life sooooooooooo worth it!

Good night dear friends!  

 

“This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless.  While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.

We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.  If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. “   ~ Thomas S. Monson

“Think to thank.  In these three words you have the finest capsule course for a happy marriage, the formula for enduring friendships, and a pattern for personal happiness.”   ~ Thomas S. Monson

Life's little accomplishments

Today was a good day, I was able to go back to Physical Therapy, and although some of things she did aren't very comfortable, I know in the long run it will be better for me. So even though I am hurting and feeling pretty worn out today, the sun was shining and I was able to be out and about for a while...and I am thankful for that!

I was also able to see my granddaughters for a little bit, drop off some new projects at the Quilt shop for my class this Friday, mailed some Valentine packages out, and got to teach a class for church, with some darling girls. I also made a new friend today, plus got to visit a dear friend who just came home from the hospital so....even though I didn't really accomplish anything big, it did seem like a lot of little things, were accomplishments today.

So I would give my day today... a thumbs up!  Now I am going to try and head to bed early.

I hope dear friends, you had a wonderful day too!

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."   ~Helen Keller

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."  ~ Vincent Van Gogh