I just returned from spending 4 days with my cute "semi-samoans"
It was very tiring, in other words I am more out of shape, mentally and physically, than I ever imagined possible.
Seuao was recovering from his ACL repair and fairly immobile for the first two days. He was more help than I ever thought an immobile man could have been. By Thursday, he discovered he couldl drive and reacted, as anyone would, by getting out of the house. It wasn't until then that I think I really began to remember what it took to be a mom to a 20 month old very spirited little girl and a sick 5 month old. I am sure I have passed this way before but I must have been younger and stronger and . . . .
Oh, my sweet young friends, you mothers of children and babies, I don't know how you do it! I don't know how I did it so please take with a grain of salt any advice I may ever offer. time dims the mind and memory of the hard times. Like labor, no that analogy doesn't work anymore. With those modern labor assisting drugs, it's just not the same. Anyway, go forth in faith and in the strength of your youth. if youo are very blessed you too will someday be oldER and have grandchildren of your own. I pray you will be in bettre shape than I am!
It was throughly enjoyable to get to know these precious little girls on an individual level. by the time I left the baby was well on her way to health and the older one had Granny wrapped around her finger. Yes, I give sips, read stories, sing songs and watch Sesamie street (that has changed a bit). I shared my bluebarries and chocolate and changed loads of diapers! Now if only I could have sslept in until say 10 am and gone shopping with Sarah everyday and had lunch with friends two or three times a week, it would have been perfect. No, then I wouldn't have had time to be number one in their world for those few precious hours each day.
Thanksw guys, and God for giving me the experiences that really build a life of joy!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Ahh, time to breath
The day after, the day after, the day, Dad came home. Wash. groceries and a movie didn't seem like too much.
While we are on the subject of movies, Dad has taken up counting and keeping score. He counts ma ahead by two. Last week we saw Last Chance Harvey, predictable but really cute. This week we saw New in town. Who cares that is was also so predictible, it was Harry Connick Jr and Renee Z.
On the way home I got it, there must be a lot of 3Ms (Manly Men Movies) coming out soon. I got a little smile out of him. I followed up with the observation, "I suspect that you started counting now is not a coincidence." I would be behind by hundreds, if not thousands by now if he's started counting sooner--like back when he started keeping track of the cereal in the cupboard. Oh well, better now than never!
So what is up for next week? Into you? I suggested the men go to one move and women go to a different one, each taking their turns with childcare. I guess neither is a good suggestion for Valentines day. How should we celebrate Valentines day. so no one feels bad or neglected? any ideas out there?
While we are on the subject of movies, Dad has taken up counting and keeping score. He counts ma ahead by two. Last week we saw Last Chance Harvey, predictable but really cute. This week we saw New in town. Who cares that is was also so predictible, it was Harry Connick Jr and Renee Z.
On the way home I got it, there must be a lot of 3Ms (Manly Men Movies) coming out soon. I got a little smile out of him. I followed up with the observation, "I suspect that you started counting now is not a coincidence." I would be behind by hundreds, if not thousands by now if he's started counting sooner--like back when he started keeping track of the cereal in the cupboard. Oh well, better now than never!
So what is up for next week? Into you? I suggested the men go to one move and women go to a different one, each taking their turns with childcare. I guess neither is a good suggestion for Valentines day. How should we celebrate Valentines day. so no one feels bad or neglected? any ideas out there?
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Postlude to the Ant's Visiting Teaching Conference
It's 8 pm and I am home at last. It has been a very long day.
I do not have a broken arm, just a bad bruise that has put pressurre on the nerve--thus the pain. Tomorrow the radiologist will check it X-ray again and then I will get the final word.
A lot of peopel showed up, overr half of all the visiting teachers, We ran out of seats so some actually picniced on front and others ate after others finished. It was kind of fun--and maybe worth while to have the young women there. Now they do not have the idea that RS is boreing and just for old ladies.
The program went well. all the little ants were just into their parts and hammed it up perfectly. The Satk RS presidency loved it. I only took a few minutes really to give them a pep talk and explain the gathering of contact information. Singing the ants go marching (the reviised for Vistit teaching versiion) for a closing song was great. we got everybody going and singing gaily.
The food was good we had enough and to spare. Too bad I forgot to put out the two nice relish trays. they remained in the fredge the whole time. Even now they are nice and safe, waiting in the fridge. They only drank one gallon of milk but only left one big glass of suger-free lemonade. I ended up giving away some chips, and a few sandwiches. I saved some of the left over cup cakes to take to some of the Sisters who couldn't make it tomorrow, along with their packets of information.
Thanks to the Lord for sending us helpful Elders, who set up chairs and tables, took care of the little people adn put the tables and chairs away. Of course, they had RS help but they did most of the heavy work. Thanks men!
I was actuallly thinking of sleeping in tomorrow but no. I have an appointment at 9:30--maybe they can get my brain meds figured out. and then there are all these people to contact. Oh well, the worst is over. And I will sleep well tonight.
I do not have a broken arm, just a bad bruise that has put pressurre on the nerve--thus the pain. Tomorrow the radiologist will check it X-ray again and then I will get the final word.
A lot of peopel showed up, overr half of all the visiting teachers, We ran out of seats so some actually picniced on front and others ate after others finished. It was kind of fun--and maybe worth while to have the young women there. Now they do not have the idea that RS is boreing and just for old ladies.
The program went well. all the little ants were just into their parts and hammed it up perfectly. The Satk RS presidency loved it. I only took a few minutes really to give them a pep talk and explain the gathering of contact information. Singing the ants go marching (the reviised for Vistit teaching versiion) for a closing song was great. we got everybody going and singing gaily.
The food was good we had enough and to spare. Too bad I forgot to put out the two nice relish trays. they remained in the fredge the whole time. Even now they are nice and safe, waiting in the fridge. They only drank one gallon of milk but only left one big glass of suger-free lemonade. I ended up giving away some chips, and a few sandwiches. I saved some of the left over cup cakes to take to some of the Sisters who couldn't make it tomorrow, along with their packets of information.
Thanks to the Lord for sending us helpful Elders, who set up chairs and tables, took care of the little people adn put the tables and chairs away. Of course, they had RS help but they did most of the heavy work. Thanks men!
I was actuallly thinking of sleeping in tomorrow but no. I have an appointment at 9:30--maybe they can get my brain meds figured out. and then there are all these people to contact. Oh well, the worst is over. And I will sleep well tonight.
Prelude to a Visiting Teaching Conference
Today is the day
The theme is built around a Mid-winter Picnic, complete with ants (the program)
I have been purchasing food for the last two weeks as things were on sale Cost Meat $12, Cheese $5, Mayo-$3--good sales
I have already been to the store and purchased the remainder of the foods needed. Cost, less than $30--good.
I bought the paper for decorations yesterday from the elementary school! Cost, $4--OK
We have all the paper goods we need. Cost--$0 the best price yet!
Pat decided we had Milk he wanted used (as opposed to going bad in the fridge) Again, cost-$0 Wahoo!
But how much food do I really need?
Only last week when I was making the invitations--very cute--that I realized I had 75 visiting teachers and not the 48 I thought I had. The food assignment were already made. Sunday we thought we needed more.
Darn it, I hit my are on the post sticking out of the wall at Church. Sure I was reading while walking (The Bishop had just informed me he had chosen a theme he wanted presented in the first Sunday lessons--and I was on my way back to RS room while reading the article, yes, while I was fast walking. . . the same arm I broke 18 months ago, ouch!
Monday
My Vt Coordinator and I spent two hours getting the data into the computer at the Church and rearranging the routes Again. We had another episode of people moving in and out, it was the end of another semester at the university. UGH!
The invitations personally extended to less active Sisters to participate on our little "show" program got mixed reactions. Actually we were having a hard time finding participANTS :)
Monday at Presidency meeting I was nformed my counselor was having a hard time just getting sisters to commit to giving the prayers. and the RS pianist had another commitment that night. She would look for a substitute and wait until the night of the activity to get the prayers.
Monday, maybe we will have enough food. Call my Coordinator and tell her we probably will be ok, expect less of a turn out.
But my arm hurts and has a pretty good bump on it.
Tuesday
I had to put together all the packets for the Vt companionships. Match the partners, match and add (previously labled) information collection cards to their appropriate teachers, and add the presidency/ time of meetings/greeting cards to the rest. I finally got that done about (p.m. after the Ward missionaries stopped by . . .and left. (I am not making this up!)
I was visiting with a sister Tuesday evening when I was informed that the Young Women would be joining us. I carefully clarified that they were not asked to babysit, no. The young Woman clarified, they were not going to serve either, they were coming to eat. the mother was not a Visiting teacher, "she is too busy." Now she was coming also.
What? No one invited the girls, why would they want to come anyway? I left 4 invitations, complete with the names of the leaders plainly written on each one, in the YW room on Sunday. But that is not an invitation for all the girls. 14 more (girls and leaders) to feeds, (who knows how many previously uninvited mothers) Tuesday, maybe we need more food. Too bad it is too late to call my coordinator and ask her what I should do now.
Only a subtle green bruise on my arm but it still hurts, even more now. Last time I endured, thinking I was being a cry baby, for 5 weeks before going to see the orthopedic doctor. I had been told in the emergency room it was not broken the day of the fall.
Wednesday,
Solution 1-- shopping. Bring extra meat, buy extra bread and chips, call my Coordinator and tell her what is going on. OR
Solution 2 --Pretend I didn't know they were coming.
I went for the first, but may claim the second if people look really hungry.
"My arm, "you ask. I called the Doctor (they are closed on Thursday and very full on friiday, don't you want to go to insta-care or the emergency room? NO) and they cannot get me in until 5 p.m., I can get the X-ray at 4:30. That's is not good I pleaded, just let me get an X-ray and call me and tell me it is not broken so I can go on with my life and not worry about doing more damage, PLEASE :( "No." "I will even come in now and pay the co-pay for a visit." "No"
OK, I was supposed to do the food at 4 and decorate at 5pm as the room is being used by Cub Scouts from 3:30-5. Now that isn't going to work. So I called everyone and they can meet at 2:30. We will do the food and decor then. We will leave a note for the Cub leader, maybe they can use a different room OR carefully guard my decorations, I am making large paper trees, putting green paper on the ceiling for the canopy of leaves and a hugh yellow sun on the wall. But Cubs and really ants they are everywhere and very fast, attracted to bright colors. . . Will it work? I am trying to do the Lord's work, help! Call my coordinator so she knows what is going on.
No kidding, The doctor's off ice called back, they can get me in at 3:30. Oh, golly! I need to write this down, nobody will ever believe what it took to get this thing together. So, we will do what we can 2:30-3 something. Then I leave the rest to them.
Oops, I forgot to call the Elder;s quorum president. His wife just told me they were not planning on helping to set up tables at five (but she gave me his cell number and told me to call him,) The High Priest leader and his wife are working, so I cannot ask them if they were planning on helping. Never mind we will just do it ourselves. Oh, I may not be there and my one counselor is 80 years old, very active but tables? Who knows what time I can get there. and my arm still hurts.
Tomorrow, the results!
The theme is built around a Mid-winter Picnic, complete with ants (the program)
I have been purchasing food for the last two weeks as things were on sale Cost Meat $12, Cheese $5, Mayo-$3--good sales
I have already been to the store and purchased the remainder of the foods needed. Cost, less than $30--good.
I bought the paper for decorations yesterday from the elementary school! Cost, $4--OK
We have all the paper goods we need. Cost--$0 the best price yet!
Pat decided we had Milk he wanted used (as opposed to going bad in the fridge) Again, cost-$0 Wahoo!
But how much food do I really need?
Only last week when I was making the invitations--very cute--that I realized I had 75 visiting teachers and not the 48 I thought I had. The food assignment were already made. Sunday we thought we needed more.
Darn it, I hit my are on the post sticking out of the wall at Church. Sure I was reading while walking (The Bishop had just informed me he had chosen a theme he wanted presented in the first Sunday lessons--and I was on my way back to RS room while reading the article, yes, while I was fast walking. . . the same arm I broke 18 months ago, ouch!
Monday
My Vt Coordinator and I spent two hours getting the data into the computer at the Church and rearranging the routes Again. We had another episode of people moving in and out, it was the end of another semester at the university. UGH!
The invitations personally extended to less active Sisters to participate on our little "show" program got mixed reactions. Actually we were having a hard time finding participANTS :)
Monday at Presidency meeting I was nformed my counselor was having a hard time just getting sisters to commit to giving the prayers. and the RS pianist had another commitment that night. She would look for a substitute and wait until the night of the activity to get the prayers.
Monday, maybe we will have enough food. Call my Coordinator and tell her we probably will be ok, expect less of a turn out.
But my arm hurts and has a pretty good bump on it.
Tuesday
I had to put together all the packets for the Vt companionships. Match the partners, match and add (previously labled) information collection cards to their appropriate teachers, and add the presidency/ time of meetings/greeting cards to the rest. I finally got that done about (p.m. after the Ward missionaries stopped by . . .and left. (I am not making this up!)
I was visiting with a sister Tuesday evening when I was informed that the Young Women would be joining us. I carefully clarified that they were not asked to babysit, no. The young Woman clarified, they were not going to serve either, they were coming to eat. the mother was not a Visiting teacher, "she is too busy." Now she was coming also.
What? No one invited the girls, why would they want to come anyway? I left 4 invitations, complete with the names of the leaders plainly written on each one, in the YW room on Sunday. But that is not an invitation for all the girls. 14 more (girls and leaders) to feeds, (who knows how many previously uninvited mothers) Tuesday, maybe we need more food. Too bad it is too late to call my coordinator and ask her what I should do now.
Only a subtle green bruise on my arm but it still hurts, even more now. Last time I endured, thinking I was being a cry baby, for 5 weeks before going to see the orthopedic doctor. I had been told in the emergency room it was not broken the day of the fall.
Wednesday,
Solution 1-- shopping. Bring extra meat, buy extra bread and chips, call my Coordinator and tell her what is going on. OR
Solution 2 --Pretend I didn't know they were coming.
I went for the first, but may claim the second if people look really hungry.
"My arm, "you ask. I called the Doctor (they are closed on Thursday and very full on friiday, don't you want to go to insta-care or the emergency room? NO) and they cannot get me in until 5 p.m., I can get the X-ray at 4:30. That's is not good I pleaded, just let me get an X-ray and call me and tell me it is not broken so I can go on with my life and not worry about doing more damage, PLEASE :( "No." "I will even come in now and pay the co-pay for a visit." "No"
OK, I was supposed to do the food at 4 and decorate at 5pm as the room is being used by Cub Scouts from 3:30-5. Now that isn't going to work. So I called everyone and they can meet at 2:30. We will do the food and decor then. We will leave a note for the Cub leader, maybe they can use a different room OR carefully guard my decorations, I am making large paper trees, putting green paper on the ceiling for the canopy of leaves and a hugh yellow sun on the wall. But Cubs and really ants they are everywhere and very fast, attracted to bright colors. . . Will it work? I am trying to do the Lord's work, help! Call my coordinator so she knows what is going on.
No kidding, The doctor's off ice called back, they can get me in at 3:30. Oh, golly! I need to write this down, nobody will ever believe what it took to get this thing together. So, we will do what we can 2:30-3 something. Then I leave the rest to them.
Oops, I forgot to call the Elder;s quorum president. His wife just told me they were not planning on helping to set up tables at five (but she gave me his cell number and told me to call him,) The High Priest leader and his wife are working, so I cannot ask them if they were planning on helping. Never mind we will just do it ourselves. Oh, I may not be there and my one counselor is 80 years old, very active but tables? Who knows what time I can get there. and my arm still hurts.
Tomorrow, the results!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Mary Cherry
I somehow slip right over Mary's birthday. Her sisters wrote beautiful tributes to her and posted cute pictures as well. (Something I have not yet conquered, but I will.) I just drove to 100 miles with Granny and Beck and girls to her party, picked up the chair, helped decorate, and cook . . .All of which are good things but. I feel bad I didn't post anything about my sweet Mary on my blog.
Mary is our third daughter. She seems to love science like I did more than any of our other children. She is creative, thoughtful and musical. I love to hear her voice and see her face as she sings. She plays the piano beautifully! She is tall and has beautiful long legs. She is smart and loves to read, although her choice of reading material is absolutely foreign to me. I could go on and on and on. I am so glad she is my daughter. She has blessed my life abundantly. I love you, Happy Birthday!
Mary is our third daughter. She seems to love science like I did more than any of our other children. She is creative, thoughtful and musical. I love to hear her voice and see her face as she sings. She plays the piano beautifully! She is tall and has beautiful long legs. She is smart and loves to read, although her choice of reading material is absolutely foreign to me. I could go on and on and on. I am so glad she is my daughter. She has blessed my life abundantly. I love you, Happy Birthday!
February Fun
February is shaping up as another busy month. At least it is short.
The Visiting Teaching Conference is almost upon me. In fact it is tomorrow and I still have many things to accomplish. Today I will organize the handouts new assignment sheets, information gathering cards and presidency info cards by teacher and companionship. Tomorrow I have to finish the shopping, cooking, and decorating before we even get to the church. Thank the Lord there are good women and men that will help me. I am not in this alone.
Let me get through this...there is more to come.
The Visiting Teaching Conference is almost upon me. In fact it is tomorrow and I still have many things to accomplish. Today I will organize the handouts new assignment sheets, information gathering cards and presidency info cards by teacher and companionship. Tomorrow I have to finish the shopping, cooking, and decorating before we even get to the church. Thank the Lord there are good women and men that will help me. I am not in this alone.
Let me get through this...there is more to come.
January's worst
Of all the things that have taken place this past month I want to designate two as the very worst.
1. Freezing rain! We don't get freezing rain very often , in fact this may have only been the second time I remember ever being caught in freezing rain. You can drive in snow, you can drive in hurricane wind and rain--sometimes--but you cannot drive in freezing rain without risking your life. I heard there were 6 ambulances at the emergency room at one time. that was a first for our smaller size city. There were untold numbers of accidents. I walked out of the Employment Resource Center and feared for my....bones. I made it to the car but had to scrape the windows. that is really hard to do when one's feet slip easier than ice scraper! I did make it into the car and very slowly home but resolved not to go out again for the whole day. I didn't even venture out the next day. I do not like freezing rain!!!
2 The passing of our friends' fathers. Two of our friends in the Ward had their fathers pass away. Even though they had both been fading for sometime it is still hard to see the loss of a faithful family patriarch. January is already cold and dreary without death's grip. I try not to thinking about such life changing and challenging experiences. We have already lost our fathers--long ago. i will leave it at that.
1. Freezing rain! We don't get freezing rain very often , in fact this may have only been the second time I remember ever being caught in freezing rain. You can drive in snow, you can drive in hurricane wind and rain--sometimes--but you cannot drive in freezing rain without risking your life. I heard there were 6 ambulances at the emergency room at one time. that was a first for our smaller size city. There were untold numbers of accidents. I walked out of the Employment Resource Center and feared for my....bones. I made it to the car but had to scrape the windows. that is really hard to do when one's feet slip easier than ice scraper! I did make it into the car and very slowly home but resolved not to go out again for the whole day. I didn't even venture out the next day. I do not like freezing rain!!!
2 The passing of our friends' fathers. Two of our friends in the Ward had their fathers pass away. Even though they had both been fading for sometime it is still hard to see the loss of a faithful family patriarch. January is already cold and dreary without death's grip. I try not to thinking about such life changing and challenging experiences. We have already lost our fathers--long ago. i will leave it at that.
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