Wednesday, March 31, 2010

#78 Not Panicing


I spent some time in Driggs with the kids this past week helping Seth & Jessica move into their first home.  Friday, Wind got a call from Teton Taxi to deliver luggage from Jackson Hole Airport. He has been doing this during the winter months. I asked if I could come along and see what he does. A snow storm had come in that day and so the pass was icy with poor visibility. We were driving over during rush hour, lots of traffic going west. We were going East.Wind said that often cars will not be able to maintain their traction going up the incline, causing traffic pile ups. Wind was driving slow and steady when we came upon a car horizontally across both lanes, preparing to turn around to head back down the pass, under the direction of an officer. The car is backing up almost blocking our entire lane. Wind taps his brakes and begins sliding. Wind honks, making the car aware of him and that he has lost the ability to stop. The car stopped, but only leaving a narrow space between the the back end of the car and guard rail to pass through. There is snow built up along the guard rail and on the other side a drop off.  I was gripping the strap of my seat belt, as I prepared for impact with the car. When he missed the car, the snow pulled him toward the rail however, Wind maneuvered his truck smoothly between the car and guard rail, missing both. The officer was ignorant enough to tell Wind, "Why don't you slow down". Wind couldn't have gone any slower. That officer should have prepared traffic up the road to slow down and stop while he had this car turn around, blocking both lanes.  I was so grateful for Wind's calm, confident driving skills. On the way back that evening the pass was worse. I starting panicking until Wind said, "Would you stop it and let me concentrate on driving ". I shut right up and didn't say a peep till we were off the mountain.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

#77 Breaks


My daughter, Sundi has been at her new job for 2 weeks now.  She is enjoying learning something new and having a physical job vs. desk job. However, those first 2 weeks she sure complained about her new aches a pains, my feet, back, wrist, head...   I would love to see her dressed in her white cloths, steel toe shoes and hard hat!  The best part of this new job for me is the breaks she gets twice a day.  During these breaks she calls ME.  I love it. I get to chat with her for 10-15 min, sometimes twice a day. 

Thank you Sundi for sharing your break with me.

#76 Going to Work With My Son

I had the opportunity of going with Wind, my son, on his part-time winter job.  He delivers lost luggage to the owners. I enjoyed watching Wind organize the pieces of luggage according to where they were to be delivered. I was impressed with his phone skills as he would call each customer to let them know that he had their luggage and was on his way to deliver it after getting directions. I sat in the truck secretly watching as he communicated with the customers, watching as they laughed and smiled with Wind. Wind puts people right at ease. 
While my children were growing up I went to everything they did. I enjoyed watching and being involved. Since they have moved away from home, I miss that. Every activity they do, every job they do, I wish I was there to watch them and be involved. 

Thank you Wind for letting me come along.

Monday, March 29, 2010

#75 Children Growing Up


This past month I have seen my children, that have left home, begin to mature and show signs of growing up.  It is rewarding and very pleasing to see them make decisions that show they are inching their way towards adulthood. It isn't an easy step, moving out of mom and dad's home and care. The first year was challenging and full of trial and error. I know that at times it seems overwhelming and daunting to be on their own, providing for themselves, and making some very big, important decisions,  but they manage to continue to overcome and move forward.  I have watched our children change jobs or take on second jobs to meet their financial responsibilities, purchase a home, help one another, turn to the Lord and the principles of truth they were taught.

Monday, March 22, 2010

#74 Puppy Kennels


I am carrying for my niece's two Poodle/Shih Tzu mix puppies for a couple of months. The female, Zoe is almost a year and the male, Zeus is about 6 mths old. I thought I was just bring Zoe home when I offered, but when I found out Zeus had nowhere to go I hesitantly volunteered to take him as well.  I had never cared for two dogs at once. They are so full of energy and they make me nervous. I am so grateful that they are Kennel Trained. After taking them out to go potty and letting them run around a bit I just pop them in their kennel. and they settle right down. It keeps them contained and quiet. They are really good about being in there.  I do that several times a day.  They sure are cute and love exploring the outdoors. I brought them home because I have been craving a little dog, but I think I am cured and it's only been two days, that was fast.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

#73 Buyer's Remorse


I don't know what is wrong with me lately, but I am completely AWOL with shopping. I know my husband is going to read this and my secret will be out. I don't usually let him know what I have been buying, mostly because I feel guilty.  Husbands never understand why their wives need to shop for so much "stuff". I did a little shopping a week ago, that wasn't so bad, I could live with it.  However, I was in Logan, Utah visiting my daughter today, she wasn't feeling well and very tired , said she was going to take a bath and nap. "Ok, I am going to get some puppy food and will be back to pick up the puppies". Sorry, Sweatheart, another secret, I brought the puppies home to watch till August. I told you I wanted a dog, so now I have two! Back to my "AWOL shopping". Hours later Sundi texts me, "Where are you? Did you forget the puppies?"  She finally called, found out I was shopping, "If I had know you were going shopping I would have come".  (She took Sudafed and felt much better) I am feeling selfish and buy her something. By now I am feeling sick with anxiety, not enjoying myself anymore. 

I am home now, going through all of the things I bought and that feeling of, "I want that or I have to have that" was gone. I began thinking of all the money I could put BACK in my pocket if I returned things. I bagged things up, gathered up receipts and have it all ready for my next trip out of town. I am feeling better already. 
I am grateful for Buyer's Remorse.

Photo from her

Saturday, March 20, 2010

#72 Forgiviness

 
“I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” 

 It feels wonderful knowing someone has forgiven me, 
but what is better is when I have done the forgiving. 
Forgiving someone brings such peace, joy and an increase of love.
It is such a burden to be angry and unforgiving of others.
We all need love and to love and
it isn't our place to judge.
I am the first to admit that it is very easy to judge
and be critical of others.
Something that I have to work harder at, not judging others.

Matthew 6:14, 15
 For if ye aforgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 
But if ye aforgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

#71 Balance


I am not sure if I am grateful for "balance" or "imbalance".  I t is because of imbalance that prompts me to put order back into my life. Having balance in my life is important, I don't function very well without it. I have to be careful however, what may seem as balance can turn into habit, systematic, routine.....boredom!  At that point I need to self-evaluate my life and apply change where necessary.  Life is in a constant state of change.  This is a healthy process; balance, change, imbalance, evaluation, improvement, balance.  This cycle makes us a better person, builds character and helps us to become like our Savior, Jesus Christ.
3 Nephi 12:48 
Therefore I would that ye should be aperfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

Photo from here

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

#70 Scouting Pow Wow



Blue, my son, is three merit badges from qualifying to receive a Eagle rank in Boy Scouts and 6 months from the dead line. Towards the end of last year I had decided to get him going on these last merit badges. Twenty-one are required and he only need three more. I tried getting with leaders of our church, that are over Scouting, but getting no one to respond to me.  I had basically given up, telling myself, "I don't care, it doesn't matter to me whether he gets his Eagle or not". Do you know what it's like to get a 17 1/2 year old boy to do merit badges at home? NOT EASY, ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE.  One of the youth leaders says, "We have plenty of time". NO WE DID NOT.  Before moving on to Eagle a Scout has to be at a Life rank for 6 months serving in a leadership position. Right at the end of February there was a sudden "hype" among the leaders about Blue and getting him ready to receive his Eagle. I had learned that no one had realized how soon his birthday was, August 16. They had figured that it was towards the end of the year along with most of the boys his age. Once they realized that, things began to move. They had a Board of Review with in 3 days of the dead line, advancing him to Life. I was so grateful to learn that a Pow Wow was THIS month. This is where they can earn merit badges. They were offering all three that he is needing. Yeah! They will do most of the work there, with just a few assignments to do at home on his own. How wonderful! Once that is completed then we can move onto his Eagle project, which he already has an idea for, just need it approved. I am so excited!

Photo from here

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

#69 Spring Coming


Spring is coming!

The snow is receding into small patches. 
Exposing the rich, moisture soaked ground.
There are small patches of fresh, rich greens.
Pets shed their winter coats.

There is a renewed, awakening, 
and a hopeful feeling coming forth.

Photo from here

#68 Agency

"Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee"
(Moses 3:17)

We may choose liberty and eternal life by following Jesus Christ.
We are also free to choose captivity and death by following Satan.
The right to choose between good and evil and to act for ourselves is called agency.
An eternal principle

"We will prove (test) them herewith, to see if they will do all things 
whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them"
(Abraham 3:25)

We are responsible for our choices.
There must be "an opposition in all things. If not so....righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad"
(2 Nephi 2:11)

As we make good choices we grow in wisdom, strength and faith and draw closer to our Father in Heaven.
When we follow the temptations of Satan, we limit our choices.

Watch and pray always, 
asking God to help us withstand the temptations of Satan.
I am grateful for the gift of agency.

Read more here to here
Photo from here

Saturday, March 13, 2010

#67 My Laptop


"You don't want a laptop,
they just break down,
their dump!"
My husband's words.
But I did want a laptop! I did, I did!
I wanted access to a computer at any given moment I choose.
I didn't like waiting "my turn".
My husband's computer is on the desk in the living room right next to the TV.
I didn't enjoy sitting at the desk, my feet got cold and the TV was a distraction.
Now that I have my laptop I can sit in my bed (my Happy Place, Troy calls it) 
where it is quiet and warm.
I can get on the computer anytime I want for as long as I want 
(I do admit, I sometimes have a problem with getting off and going to bed, I'm working on that).
I LOVE MY LAPTOP!
and recommend anyone wanting one, not to let anyone talk you out of it.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

#65 Neck Massage


On my return to town after work, I stopped to visit a friend in Stone, Idaho. While sitting on the sofa with my head turned towards her while we talked aggravated a pinch in my neck giving me a raging headache by the time I got home. This evening I went to a activity with the women in our church. After learning that I had a horrible headache, one of the ladies told me to sit down and started to massage my neck, shoulders and head. It felt wonderful, so relaxing. She applied the right  amount of pressure. I instantly could feel the tension leaving and my shoulders drop down out of my neck.  I had that sensation of goose bumps and tingling. She then had me do some neck stretches. Neck massages are the best, I wish I could have one every evening before going to bed.

Photo from here

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

#64 A Patient Boss

(photo from Flickr.com)

I have a new boss!
She was my friend first so it is even harder when I have to call
 her about my screw ups on the job.
I don't want to disappoint her.
I didn't sleep well because of the anticipation of having to call her in the morning to inform her of my recent mistake.
When she returned my call and I hesitantly told her what I had done,
she says, "That's ok!" followed with a little giggle.
I asked if anyone has done what I had done, "Nope, you are the first" followed with a little giggle.
She has a way of talking on the phone that you know she is smiling.
She often will say before getting off the phone, "Have fun!"
Today she added, "Don't beat yourself up, have fun".
Thanks Pam


#63 Luggage with Wheels

As I walked to my hotel room with my heavy work bag slung over my left shoulder,
my purse hanging off my left arm and
while pulling my luggage behind me by the extended handle 
I thought of the days when luggage didn't have wheels.

How did we manage?
It is amazing that luggage didn't originally start with wheels, it seems so logical.
Why did we have to carry large awkward pieces of luggage in the first place.
I love wheels on luggage.
Now if they would not tip over when you stand them upright.

Photo from here

Monday, March 8, 2010

#62 Cats

 (my son and his wife's cat, Butters)

I have always loved cats. 
I remember bring a few home when I was little and begging mom if I could keep it
and trying to make them sleep beside me at night.
The harder I tried the more desperate they became to get away.


Sunday, March 7, 2010

#61 The Family: A Proclamation to the World


I am grateful for A Proclamation declared by a living Prophet of God,
The Family: A Proclamation to the World 
that defines our relationship to God
the relationship between man and women, husband and wife, marriage,
our divine responsibility of procreation,  family,
our role and accountability as parents to children.
What a blessing to have these truths before us, 
to guide us during a time when the family is under attack,
when the world is trying to redefine the family and
saying wrong is right and right is wrong.
This proclamation is RIGHT!
The family is where our strength is, we must do everything in our power to protect
the sacred unit of the family.

Print your own copy here

Photo from here

Saturday, March 6, 2010

#60 Saturdays


Aw! How nice it is to sleep in till the morning sun shines into my room, grabbing a book to read while still in bed, going back to sleep, having waffles and strawberries at 10 a.m., going walking, to the library, painting my toe nails, eating Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies, watching a movie, cleaning the bathroom, showering, putting on new make-up, visiting a friend, eating Dove chocolates, making sandwiches for dinner, having a bowl of Moose Tracks ice cream with strawberries, watching another movie and now going to bed.  I love having Saturdays again!

Friday, March 5, 2010

#59 A Little Book

When Troy and I started dating he had given me a tiny little book titled "Juniper".  But in "Troy" fashion it was  a message to me. A message that I missed at first. I was digging around in my hope chest and found the little book that was given to me so many years ago by a boy who wanted to spend eternity with me.

Juniper
by Robert Kraus

(click on photo for a larger view
read from left to right starting in top left corner)
 
Our life has been full of happiness, joy and sweet contentment.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

#58 Rubber Gloves


Rubber gloves are best all purpose work gloves.
We all know they are good for washing dishes in hot scalding water, but I love them for outdoor use as well.
They are great for the garden and any outdoor cleaning. I love that they keep my hands dry and clean, as long as I don't have a hole in them. It is easier to pull weeds in the garden after the plants have been watered, but cloth gloves become heavily caked with mud and slippery, making it hard to grip the weeds.. Rubber gloves protect my hands from chemicals and unsanitary debris. It was time to clean the chicken coop and I was grateful for my gloves. It is a small coop and it's just easier to get in there with my hands. With rubber gloves I could get right in there and dig out the defecated soaked straw bedding. 

I remember my mother always wearing rubber gloves when she would clean. 
Rubber gloves were essential to her cleaning materials.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

#57 Pay Day


It is always a good feeling and pretty exciting when pay day comes around. That feeling that you are back on top again. However, it would be better if it came more often than every two weeks, AND EVEN BETTER, if it was so much money you had some left over after paying bills, and it was there if I wanted to spend it.  I just went through a job change and I didn't miss a pay day which is great. I didn't want any down time between paydays. I am grateful though, because right now a pay day is nonexistent for many people out there. Knowing this motivates me to budget and spend my money more wisely and find ways to contribute to the needy and be less frivolous. 

Photo from here

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

#56 My Children


I love my children!
Each one their own person.
Seth never hesitates, with no thought to can or cannot.
Wind, the one that pulls family together.
Sundi, stubborn and strong willed.
Blue, diamond in the rough.
Jessica brings laughter to our somber family.

I am grateful for each one.
Thank you for making me a mother.