What a wonderful time of year for a break!
The NFCP weekend joy was partially marred by the failure of my dryer.
No really big deal, things like that just happen. Too bad Mary's clothes were being washed at the time and she had to deal with two loads of wet clothes and a few more clothes not even washed yet.
The story of her washer troubles can be found on her blog--maybe. So I called the appliance repair man early this morning. Of course, I removed the vent hose and checked to be sure it wasn't just a clogged line and thermostat auto turn off. He will be here tomorrow, we pray. Oh did I mention, I have been putting off repairing the washer for months, It too has some significant problems. A "gyro-scope" balance type thing has gone out and the thing rocks to the point that it has lost two legs. But it still worked.
The oven on the other hand has burned everything put in for the last month or so. it's really been on the fritz for three or four months now. I was going to call and get it repaired before the Christmas celebration but, it didin't even make the list of things to do. See previous blogs.
So what the heck, I gave all the info to the repair people and I'll have them all looked at at the same time. Ok
Following my much needed nap Pat and I went to investigate the non-functioning television in the family room, as reported by the kids this weekend. We talked to Comcast and then to Sony but to no avail, it's an internal problem. We called the certified repair people as we were referred by Sony. Yep, you guessed it, they will need to order the part and it will take 7-10 days. "That's nice" Just to make the afternoon complete the tv will into fit in either of our cars. Who would have guessed that while calling Granny to see if she would be willing to get in her van and drive over here in the snow so we could transport the vicitm--the repair store closed--promptly at 5 p.m..
Ther television downstairs in the living room has a pretty good picture, it just has some problems with the connections in the back. I cannot play DVDs on it. Now what? We have all five kids and six grandkids coming, for a "4 day vacation", and no entertainment means for them. Even if they bring the Wii there isn't a tv that will accomodate them.
What do you know, four repair requests in one day, the 22nd of December, 2008.
What is up with all this "stuff?" We do the right thing and give to others so they can have a nice Christmas just to get this? It's a real good thing I know one thing has nothing to do with the other. I surely just wish . . .you can guess what I am wishing for.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Have a heart, your life depends on it
The following is a copy of a letter I sent to my children the 22nd of December. When two people fall in love and marry and have children they never know what will come In faith we go forward, in faith we follow the plan and in faith we accept what we are given. Then we do our best, praying as if everything depends on the Lord and working like everything depends on us. the two together makes us who we are. the alternatives, faith without works and works without faith are both dismal and depressing. thanks be to God and our Savior Jesus Christ for life and love and family forever. Renee
True to his nature Dad did not tell us everything about the passing of his brother. Let me fill you in--thus preventing any unnecessary faux-pax.
On the day he died, Grandmother went into his room several times to give him his medications. He didn"t want to get up and was hadr to arouse. but this was not all that unusual. When it she got no responce and his breathing had become very fast, she called the Paramedics--he was still alive att hat time. They took a little longer to get there than they had in the past and by the time they walked in he was gone. She could not find the"Do Not Revive" paper he signed and by law they had to try to revive him. Which they did, but not for too long. He was gone. The coroner eventually said he had an ischemic heart problem--often the only sign of which is death. It's a strange diagnosis, but no worse than "we don't know" Which is, as you know what we got on John. They did draw a lot of blood and there was no evidence, spoken of in the final report, of unusual drugs or overdose. All of which is a real blessed relief for the family, I guess. Really, an overdose would be easier to understand. An undetermined heart problem gives no comfort or reassurance to those left behind who may inherit the same thing. We can only pray as time goes on, as it will, that the frontiers of medicine expand to include the prevention of such things.
Meanwhile, Aunt Kathleen evidently had a racing heart episode that did not pass in a few minutes and needed to be transported to the hospital (she was at some kind fo a luncheon at the time--I think Grandmother said) She was not able to get into a Cardiologist until January--so much for managed--HMO health care. We will have to wait and see what comes of that.
Anyway, neither Dad nor I knew when we got married that BOTH sides of your family would have life threatening heart problems. Not that it would have made a real difference in our choices. We only regret that we have saddled you with a health inheritance that you did not ask for. Frankly, neither did we. But we love you all, with all our (not so perfect) hearts. and we pray you will pay attention to you health and that of your children, that future generations will be healthier and live longer, happier lives.
I love you all!!!! Mom
True to his nature Dad did not tell us everything about the passing of his brother. Let me fill you in--thus preventing any unnecessary faux-pax.
On the day he died, Grandmother went into his room several times to give him his medications. He didn"t want to get up and was hadr to arouse. but this was not all that unusual. When it she got no responce and his breathing had become very fast, she called the Paramedics--he was still alive att hat time. They took a little longer to get there than they had in the past and by the time they walked in he was gone. She could not find the"Do Not Revive" paper he signed and by law they had to try to revive him. Which they did, but not for too long. He was gone. The coroner eventually said he had an ischemic heart problem--often the only sign of which is death. It's a strange diagnosis, but no worse than "we don't know" Which is, as you know what we got on John. They did draw a lot of blood and there was no evidence, spoken of in the final report, of unusual drugs or overdose. All of which is a real blessed relief for the family, I guess. Really, an overdose would be easier to understand. An undetermined heart problem gives no comfort or reassurance to those left behind who may inherit the same thing. We can only pray as time goes on, as it will, that the frontiers of medicine expand to include the prevention of such things.
Meanwhile, Aunt Kathleen evidently had a racing heart episode that did not pass in a few minutes and needed to be transported to the hospital (she was at some kind fo a luncheon at the time--I think Grandmother said) She was not able to get into a Cardiologist until January--so much for managed--HMO health care. We will have to wait and see what comes of that.
Anyway, neither Dad nor I knew when we got married that BOTH sides of your family would have life threatening heart problems. Not that it would have made a real difference in our choices. We only regret that we have saddled you with a health inheritance that you did not ask for. Frankly, neither did we. But we love you all, with all our (not so perfect) hearts. and we pray you will pay attention to you health and that of your children, that future generations will be healthier and live longer, happier lives.
I love you all!!!! Mom
Thursday, December 18, 2008
And the List grows on
So I cleaned all the stinky stuff out of the fridge,
20-1=19 (to go)
Except
21.Wash old curtains-the lace is still good for somethings, if it is clean
22. clean out Dad's corner-people need to be able to get around the table
23. Take out the garbage-especially the fridge stuff but it's only 15 degrees out there
24. clean out my bathroom-at least my piles can go
25. Put drills and tools away! If it need fixing-it will need to wait!
20-1=19 (to go)
Except
21.Wash old curtains-the lace is still good for somethings, if it is clean
22. clean out Dad's corner-people need to be able to get around the table
23. Take out the garbage-especially the fridge stuff but it's only 15 degrees out there
24. clean out my bathroom-at least my piles can go
25. Put drills and tools away! If it need fixing-it will need to wait!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
You call this time off?
Well, it's been a while since I wrote anything. It's not like I haven't had anything to do. but I always take time to read my kid's blogs. They are great to keep me feeling like I know what is going on in their lives. Thanks!
When Dad left for SLC this week I had a list of 20 or so things to do. No matter how many items I mark off the list, the list continues to grow and the time is growing shorter. You see, on Friday he will return, with his Mother in tow. Now I have a great Mother-in-Law. she gets up early and gets in and out of the bath before any of my kids even dream of arising. And she always brings puzzle books to entertain herself when the rest of us are running around. She is 88 years old and doesn't even complain about sleeping upstairs.
So why am I dreading this? Because I am not ready. How does that go? "If ye are prepared ye will not fear?" It applies all to well.
So far this wek I have washed the sheets, made the beds (thanks Pat for the help!), had presidency meeting, hung all the curtains (a very very big job), sewed a few things for Beck, tended Mia for a few hours, purchased 2 food baskets, fixed (decorated. . .)and delivered them.
I did not go to meet with the Bishop. The executive secretary told me ther was not a minute to be had before 9:30pm. So I called his wife, we had a nice visit, and talked to him on the phine today. I also got my flu shot (with Mia in tow), found her some shoes that actually fit, and she doesn't cry when you try to put them on, and purchased a piece for my drill so I could hang the drapes. I bought two additional poinsettas for the chapel-it looked so boring in there last week, I couldn't take it anymore. Don't tell Dad. I will get them out of the house befroe the NFCP. Granny and I have been to Sams and Walmart, Albertsons and Home Depot sp far this week. I am sure ther is more to come!
After a pause for phonecalls the food baskets, fruit baskets, shopping and deliveries for tomorrow are at least planned. Maybe they will wait until next week. At least some of them. no probably most of them. There is just too much to do.
1. I still have to put the furniture back in the living room. There is lots of moving of furniture when replacing drapes. And I should vacuum, I've uncovered a multitude of dust and crushed leaves.
2 Clean off the table--that alonde could take a while!
3. Copy Grandfather's picture and getit in the frame. I got Grandmothers done today-yea! She will no longer feel left out.
4. Move the bunk bedsd-Lance is going to come over and help me do that tomorrow. I also ned to get the twin matteress from Betsy so it will be comfy for her.
5. Re-decorate the tree-for the LAST time. After that it will be just maintainence of the top two thirds. Little people think bright shiney round things are for throwing.
6. Finish the cards and mail them--this ought to get moved to the top of the list.
7. Clean out the fridge-it really needs it.
8. Wrap and Deliver over-due baby gifts--oh forget the wrapping
9. Call the Opthomologist
10. go to Michaels for a round brush (see below)
11. Paint three chairs (one really needs he round brush. . .)
12. Make 4 books
13. Gather 4 "family boxes" for organization purposes, while families are visiting
14. Finish sub-for santa shopping-only two little gifts left, actually this may get bumped from the list entirely as I just made them a food basket today. Hummmmm????
15. Make menus for next week-so I can shop on Saturday without using what is left of my brain. Is htere anything left up ther. If there really was I wouldn't be in this mess.
16. Be sure thers is a plan and stuff for dinner on Friday when Grandmother arrives. (this may have to move closer to the top as well.)
17. Finish sewing Ella's christmas gifts. then put the sewing machine away!
18. Get all the adult gifts out of the living room before the NFCP
19. Sleep?
20. Friday I get my nails done.
Do you think I can do it? Thank goodness it doesn't really have to be all done by Friday! Why I have a few days next week, sort of, with Pat and Grandmother here.
I was actually feeling pretty good about being ready for Christmas, until I made this list.
Heck no, I am not going to check it twice. I have too much to do for that.
Merry Christmas World
Oh yea, then there is all those emails to answer and transportation arrangements to make.
Any volunteers out there?
Gotta' love it.
When Dad left for SLC this week I had a list of 20 or so things to do. No matter how many items I mark off the list, the list continues to grow and the time is growing shorter. You see, on Friday he will return, with his Mother in tow. Now I have a great Mother-in-Law. she gets up early and gets in and out of the bath before any of my kids even dream of arising. And she always brings puzzle books to entertain herself when the rest of us are running around. She is 88 years old and doesn't even complain about sleeping upstairs.
So why am I dreading this? Because I am not ready. How does that go? "If ye are prepared ye will not fear?" It applies all to well.
So far this wek I have washed the sheets, made the beds (thanks Pat for the help!), had presidency meeting, hung all the curtains (a very very big job), sewed a few things for Beck, tended Mia for a few hours, purchased 2 food baskets, fixed (decorated. . .)and delivered them.
I did not go to meet with the Bishop. The executive secretary told me ther was not a minute to be had before 9:30pm. So I called his wife, we had a nice visit, and talked to him on the phine today. I also got my flu shot (with Mia in tow), found her some shoes that actually fit, and she doesn't cry when you try to put them on, and purchased a piece for my drill so I could hang the drapes. I bought two additional poinsettas for the chapel-it looked so boring in there last week, I couldn't take it anymore. Don't tell Dad. I will get them out of the house befroe the NFCP. Granny and I have been to Sams and Walmart, Albertsons and Home Depot sp far this week. I am sure ther is more to come!
After a pause for phonecalls the food baskets, fruit baskets, shopping and deliveries for tomorrow are at least planned. Maybe they will wait until next week. At least some of them. no probably most of them. There is just too much to do.
1. I still have to put the furniture back in the living room. There is lots of moving of furniture when replacing drapes. And I should vacuum, I've uncovered a multitude of dust and crushed leaves.
2 Clean off the table--that alonde could take a while!
3. Copy Grandfather's picture and getit in the frame. I got Grandmothers done today-yea! She will no longer feel left out.
4. Move the bunk bedsd-Lance is going to come over and help me do that tomorrow. I also ned to get the twin matteress from Betsy so it will be comfy for her.
5. Re-decorate the tree-for the LAST time. After that it will be just maintainence of the top two thirds. Little people think bright shiney round things are for throwing.
6. Finish the cards and mail them--this ought to get moved to the top of the list.
7. Clean out the fridge-it really needs it.
8. Wrap and Deliver over-due baby gifts--oh forget the wrapping
9. Call the Opthomologist
10. go to Michaels for a round brush (see below)
11. Paint three chairs (one really needs he round brush. . .)
12. Make 4 books
13. Gather 4 "family boxes" for organization purposes, while families are visiting
14. Finish sub-for santa shopping-only two little gifts left, actually this may get bumped from the list entirely as I just made them a food basket today. Hummmmm????
15. Make menus for next week-so I can shop on Saturday without using what is left of my brain. Is htere anything left up ther. If there really was I wouldn't be in this mess.
16. Be sure thers is a plan and stuff for dinner on Friday when Grandmother arrives. (this may have to move closer to the top as well.)
17. Finish sewing Ella's christmas gifts. then put the sewing machine away!
18. Get all the adult gifts out of the living room before the NFCP
19. Sleep?
20. Friday I get my nails done.
Do you think I can do it? Thank goodness it doesn't really have to be all done by Friday! Why I have a few days next week, sort of, with Pat and Grandmother here.
I was actually feeling pretty good about being ready for Christmas, until I made this list.
Heck no, I am not going to check it twice. I have too much to do for that.
Merry Christmas World
Oh yea, then there is all those emails to answer and transportation arrangements to make.
Any volunteers out there?
Gotta' love it.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
So scary, thanks Lord
Tonight we had a terrible scare. I was sitting here writing blog entries to keep my mind and hands busy while I waited to hear from Mach. She was here yesterday and had a sore shoulder, not so bad except for all the other weird things going on with her-7 week postpartum body. But mid afternoon her rib started to hurt and she couldn't breath. She took ibuprofen and things calmed down but later returned. She got a blessing and went home.
Today was not so good and eventually she went to the hospital. Seuao stayed home with the kids but we were all so worried! It could have been gall bladder--we would have been ok with that. But when the doctors mentioned blood clot we all panicked! It wasn't until at least 8:30 that the doctors got the results of a CAT scan and decided it was just plurasy. Now that is really painful but at least it is not often life threatening.
Just the few hours of waining was tough. What in the world we ever do without Rachael? After loosing John I just don't think we could have survived a blow like that. All of my children are important to me and our family. I sincerely try to let them know how valuable each of them are to me. I know the Lord has answered another prayer. And I am so very grateful. I need my children. They mean the world to me. Rachael as the oldest hold a special place in my heart and. . .I am just so very very grateful that everything will be ok. thank you Lord.
Today was not so good and eventually she went to the hospital. Seuao stayed home with the kids but we were all so worried! It could have been gall bladder--we would have been ok with that. But when the doctors mentioned blood clot we all panicked! It wasn't until at least 8:30 that the doctors got the results of a CAT scan and decided it was just plurasy. Now that is really painful but at least it is not often life threatening.
Just the few hours of waining was tough. What in the world we ever do without Rachael? After loosing John I just don't think we could have survived a blow like that. All of my children are important to me and our family. I sincerely try to let them know how valuable each of them are to me. I know the Lord has answered another prayer. And I am so very grateful. I need my children. They mean the world to me. Rachael as the oldest hold a special place in my heart and. . .I am just so very very grateful that everything will be ok. thank you Lord.
The sew-sew madness
For some unknown reason I thought I might be able to sew Christmas nightgowns, sleep-shirts, for my babies in a reasonable amount of time and for a reasonable amount of money. Needless to say, neither of my assumptions were correct. It's been over a week and I have only finished one nightgown and mostly finished another set. This week is already so full I can only wonder how much I can actually get done . However, since I have already invested the greater portion of the money necessary, I believe I had better keep going. Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away and I really want them finished by then so we can have a group picture taken. Me and Dad and our six angels in white flannel.
Halloween and more
I have never really liked Halloween, neither has Pat, but this year wal a little different. First my daughter, Mach, loves homemade costumes and invited me to participate in the creation process. We had lots of fun shopping for materials with two little passengers in tow, And then I really got into the sewing and creating . . . Lily was a flower and Tessa a bee. Even though Lily would not keep the flower hat on her head she was just so adorable, and I am not exagerating!!! the pictures I saw of Noah as a lion and Benji as a ??? OOPS, My brain is failing me. anyway, they were so very cute! Ella was the darn cutest Pirate you've ever seen and Mia was just beautiful as a lady bug, when she was awake. (You'll have to see their individual blogs for pictures) but it was all much more fun than in years gone by!
I went to the Trunk-or-Treat at the church. Where there were many. many kids I couldn't recognize--and who's parents had no idea who I was either. . . I ran out of candy in the first 15 minutes or so and left the fun for the truely prepared.
Seizing on the opportunity to get some of my "missing" sisters to answer the door--I went visiting and actually got into a couple--not a bad treat for me!
I am glad it's over but feel I was foolishly misled, by my own wee brain, into the sewing world again. this may not be good!
I went to the Trunk-or-Treat at the church. Where there were many. many kids I couldn't recognize--and who's parents had no idea who I was either. . . I ran out of candy in the first 15 minutes or so and left the fun for the truely prepared.
Seizing on the opportunity to get some of my "missing" sisters to answer the door--I went visiting and actually got into a couple--not a bad treat for me!
I am glad it's over but feel I was foolishly misled, by my own wee brain, into the sewing world again. this may not be good!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Of creativity, family and work
Last weekend I was expecting Rachael and family to visit and together we would make a homemade Halloween costume, two actually. Lily would be a flower and Tessa a bee. Neither appeared to be too difficult, on the surface. Probably needless to say, they were not exceptionally easy. However, other than the bee's wings both are finished now. (See Beck's blog for a pic of the flower)
The weekend held much more than a visit from the Niusulu's and costumes. There were the D. Nolan's who had to come up anyway for a birthday, and the Coxes who came--just to visit I think-- and just to make the family complete, Sarah made the trip north as well. If we had planned the thing for weeks it would not have come off as well. It was such fun to have everybody here. I had lots of help in the kitchen and with all the little ones. In the end I got to do what I may do best, create!
I also got to do another one of my favorite things, listen to the kids laugh and play games around the table...well at least the ones that were not holding children or changing diapers. And there was certainly a lot of both of those activities going on! I think Great Granny was on the right track when she commented about the noise level in the house, "you could see the roof pulsating as you approached the house," or something like that anyway.
As each group left the noise subsided, a relief and a sigh, when would it come again? I wouldn't trade weekends like this for anything in the world!
Back to the Create part. I am excited, yes, actually excited to get on with the making of Christmas gifts for the Grandchildren. I am glad they are still young enough to not groan (like I did at times I am sorry to say) at the thought of homemade gifts from Granny. Each will recieve at least one thing I made myself. If I get on the stick and carry through on the plans!
This week I have been teaching the Carreer Workshop again. I had the night class this week. it feels do good to have such great information to share with what I call the "cream of the corp." Each of these people is somewhere in the process of securing employment which can be very trying and depressing. But each of them are also taking full advantage of the help the Lord has sent them. Each of them is anxiously engaged in a good cause, temporally caring for themselves and their respective families. They are not just sitting around expecting the government or the church or even their families to take care of them. They are such a contrast to so many I meet of the latter persuasion. (Now I will get off my soap box.) How very grateful I am for my children and my husband who have incredible work ethics! They each inspire me to try harder and work more diligently to achieve my goals, even if they are just homemade Christmas gifts.
How very blessed I am! Thanks guys for the reminder and opportunity I have had to be inspired by my family.
The weekend held much more than a visit from the Niusulu's and costumes. There were the D. Nolan's who had to come up anyway for a birthday, and the Coxes who came--just to visit I think-- and just to make the family complete, Sarah made the trip north as well. If we had planned the thing for weeks it would not have come off as well. It was such fun to have everybody here. I had lots of help in the kitchen and with all the little ones. In the end I got to do what I may do best, create!
I also got to do another one of my favorite things, listen to the kids laugh and play games around the table...well at least the ones that were not holding children or changing diapers. And there was certainly a lot of both of those activities going on! I think Great Granny was on the right track when she commented about the noise level in the house, "you could see the roof pulsating as you approached the house," or something like that anyway.
As each group left the noise subsided, a relief and a sigh, when would it come again? I wouldn't trade weekends like this for anything in the world!
Back to the Create part. I am excited, yes, actually excited to get on with the making of Christmas gifts for the Grandchildren. I am glad they are still young enough to not groan (like I did at times I am sorry to say) at the thought of homemade gifts from Granny. Each will recieve at least one thing I made myself. If I get on the stick and carry through on the plans!
This week I have been teaching the Carreer Workshop again. I had the night class this week. it feels do good to have such great information to share with what I call the "cream of the corp." Each of these people is somewhere in the process of securing employment which can be very trying and depressing. But each of them are also taking full advantage of the help the Lord has sent them. Each of them is anxiously engaged in a good cause, temporally caring for themselves and their respective families. They are not just sitting around expecting the government or the church or even their families to take care of them. They are such a contrast to so many I meet of the latter persuasion. (Now I will get off my soap box.) How very grateful I am for my children and my husband who have incredible work ethics! They each inspire me to try harder and work more diligently to achieve my goals, even if they are just homemade Christmas gifts.
How very blessed I am! Thanks guys for the reminder and opportunity I have had to be inspired by my family.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Black eye
Gee I wish i could keep up with this thing like my daughters do' I include Lexy as a daughter. It has been a week since Conference and the most lasting impression, I am sad to say, has been the black eye. Lily gave me a good bonk with her head and I have proof. She never even cried.
I've been telling people that Pat hit me but no one believes me. Which is the way it should be. After all it wasn't him. Just and enthusiastic 15 month old bookworm. I can't count the times we read and sang her favorite books that evening. She just wanted more and knew just where her head should be. It seems I get some odd injury to the face about once a year. What can I say?
We were supposed to get snow today, and we did. But nothing like the west side of the mountain or Salt Lake. We only have a skiff on the ground. Everything melted as it hit the ground. But it is sure cold!!!
It was another marathon Sunday. A full 8 hours of religion. But it was a day well spent! I attended Welfare meeting, got 70+ Visit Teaching slips and letters prepared and mostly given out. Of course, I attended my meetings but after Dad helped me pass out leftover potatoes and then we went home teaching. I am glad there were potatoes left over to go with our steaks adn fresh garden tomatoes, nummy! Too bad the garden relly bit the dust. We were loving the fresh stuff.
This week I get to teach again. I have so much enjoyed the time off. I do not know if I will sign up for additional duty or not yet.
I helped Dad and the High Priest have a successful Satke group dinner on Friday night. Actually they seriously lacked the ability to plan such a big dinner. we were asked to prepare for 300 and we did as we were asked. Too bad only 147 showed up. Bad timing I think as there were no meetings last week to remind the "silver and grays" there were little flyers passed out, I should know I made them, along with posters in each buildong, I made those too. Oh well, it was fun to see so many old friends, eat good food and be entertained by our old friends Kent and Lanae Ricks. It was exceptionally nice to see the High Priest Group members of our ward pull together and do so much of the work, setting up tables and chairs and setting all the tables, serving, and cleaning up...without complaint! they do so much for the Relief Society. Every Enrichment activity they help with setup . . .and four times a year do our nursery. Of course, we feed them but still they always come through. THANKS GUYS! Ther RS sisters also cooked 10 really large pans of Funneral Potatoes, 60 pounds of frozen hashbrowns. We had 5 pans left which we are saving for the Ward part on Saturday of this week.
Life is busy, life is good, days well spent are counted in the plus column. this week looks to be more of the same.
Life with children in the house is a real change for me and Pat. I forgot how much work they can be. Mia is a sweetheart and only asks for food (bottles with nipples that actually work are a necessity) and sleep. Ella at four years old is just a sponge-soaking in everything adn always onthe prowl for new and exciting adventures, most of which have beentaking place at the kitchen table. We've mad books and cards and cut up paper untill vacuuming has become nearly a daily activity. Thanks to Beck the kitchen, and I must say the rest of the house as well, is holding up rather well! Considering the messes Ella and I can make, that is saying a lot. thanks Becca!
As you can tell I have yet to locate the spell check on this blog thing. Sorry, just laugh and remember, no one is perfect, least of all me, mommy nolan aka Granny PhD.
I've been telling people that Pat hit me but no one believes me. Which is the way it should be. After all it wasn't him. Just and enthusiastic 15 month old bookworm. I can't count the times we read and sang her favorite books that evening. She just wanted more and knew just where her head should be. It seems I get some odd injury to the face about once a year. What can I say?
We were supposed to get snow today, and we did. But nothing like the west side of the mountain or Salt Lake. We only have a skiff on the ground. Everything melted as it hit the ground. But it is sure cold!!!
It was another marathon Sunday. A full 8 hours of religion. But it was a day well spent! I attended Welfare meeting, got 70+ Visit Teaching slips and letters prepared and mostly given out. Of course, I attended my meetings but after Dad helped me pass out leftover potatoes and then we went home teaching. I am glad there were potatoes left over to go with our steaks adn fresh garden tomatoes, nummy! Too bad the garden relly bit the dust. We were loving the fresh stuff.
This week I get to teach again. I have so much enjoyed the time off. I do not know if I will sign up for additional duty or not yet.
I helped Dad and the High Priest have a successful Satke group dinner on Friday night. Actually they seriously lacked the ability to plan such a big dinner. we were asked to prepare for 300 and we did as we were asked. Too bad only 147 showed up. Bad timing I think as there were no meetings last week to remind the "silver and grays" there were little flyers passed out, I should know I made them, along with posters in each buildong, I made those too. Oh well, it was fun to see so many old friends, eat good food and be entertained by our old friends Kent and Lanae Ricks. It was exceptionally nice to see the High Priest Group members of our ward pull together and do so much of the work, setting up tables and chairs and setting all the tables, serving, and cleaning up...without complaint! they do so much for the Relief Society. Every Enrichment activity they help with setup . . .and four times a year do our nursery. Of course, we feed them but still they always come through. THANKS GUYS! Ther RS sisters also cooked 10 really large pans of Funneral Potatoes, 60 pounds of frozen hashbrowns. We had 5 pans left which we are saving for the Ward part on Saturday of this week.
Life is busy, life is good, days well spent are counted in the plus column. this week looks to be more of the same.
Life with children in the house is a real change for me and Pat. I forgot how much work they can be. Mia is a sweetheart and only asks for food (bottles with nipples that actually work are a necessity) and sleep. Ella at four years old is just a sponge-soaking in everything adn always onthe prowl for new and exciting adventures, most of which have beentaking place at the kitchen table. We've mad books and cards and cut up paper untill vacuuming has become nearly a daily activity. Thanks to Beck the kitchen, and I must say the rest of the house as well, is holding up rather well! Considering the messes Ella and I can make, that is saying a lot. thanks Becca!
As you can tell I have yet to locate the spell check on this blog thing. Sorry, just laugh and remember, no one is perfect, least of all me, mommy nolan aka Granny PhD.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tessa makes Two
It's been a most wonderful week as I have had the privledge of spending it with Rachael, Seuao and two of the most beautiful girls on the world, Lily and Tessa. Don't you agree?
I'm not too good at the picture thing yet--or I'd get rid of the Doctor pic--but at least you can see the family.
I will say it can be exhausting just caring for a one year old. I do not know how I ever did it. My hat is offf to all young mothers! Lily is an active little girl in the midst of change and actually doing very well with it. If we could gt Tessa to sleep at night, we'd all be better off. All in good time, I know.
I got to take Lily to church today. She was very good, no melt downs at all really. She paniced more or less when she thought I was going to leave her in the nursery. Needless to say, she came to Relief Society with me and with a little help from the surrounding grandmothers we were just fine. during Sunday School I went with her to the nursery and we both enjoyed it. It was expecially nice to see Nursery leaders who enjoyed their jobs and did them well. Thank You!
I am not sure I am really looking forward to going home to the Relief Society but I talked to the Bishop today and I guess there are those who need me there. It is nice to be needed. And I do love serving the sisters and the Lord.
I have actually missed seeing Ella and Mia everyday as they are currently living with us. It is amazing how fast I get attached to these precious little spirits. I don't believe I ever got over Noah leaving. But, parents have to move on with life. I am just grateful for all the chances I gt to be part of their lives!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
It's Time for Tessa
"We plan and God laughs" or so the saying goes. It certainly is true today.
A phone call at 7 a.m. from Seuao announced Rachael is in the hospital and already dilated to 5 1/2. Wow, that is great for a woman that never got to 1 on her own with her first baby, Lily. Everyone is excited and unexpectedly on the move this morning.
Rachael had planned to be induced next Monday, 5 days after her due date. this was to allow her to go to the consignment pre-sale on Wednesday and volunteer on Friday (so she could get into the pre-sale). She passed up the Doctor's offer to start her last Monday for the sale. I have never known of a woman that at 39 weeks passed up the offer of induction. For anyone else the misery and pain of pregnancy far surpasses any promise of a sale. Heavenly Father obviously thought otherwise.
I am blessed with the opportunity to spend a few days with Lily while her mom is in the hospital, Thus, I will be on my way to SLC, as soon as life and responsibilities allow. Afterall, I am a Relief Society President that is not quite prepared, yet.
Our prayers are with you Mach, Wow, Lily and Tessa. See you soon!
A phone call at 7 a.m. from Seuao announced Rachael is in the hospital and already dilated to 5 1/2. Wow, that is great for a woman that never got to 1 on her own with her first baby, Lily. Everyone is excited and unexpectedly on the move this morning.
Rachael had planned to be induced next Monday, 5 days after her due date. this was to allow her to go to the consignment pre-sale on Wednesday and volunteer on Friday (so she could get into the pre-sale). She passed up the Doctor's offer to start her last Monday for the sale. I have never known of a woman that at 39 weeks passed up the offer of induction. For anyone else the misery and pain of pregnancy far surpasses any promise of a sale. Heavenly Father obviously thought otherwise.
I am blessed with the opportunity to spend a few days with Lily while her mom is in the hospital, Thus, I will be on my way to SLC, as soon as life and responsibilities allow. Afterall, I am a Relief Society President that is not quite prepared, yet.
Our prayers are with you Mach, Wow, Lily and Tessa. See you soon!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
New Couches
Yep, after at least 3 years of waiting we have finally obtained new couches for the living room.
The couches needed replacement far longer than that but three years ago I determined that I would not get new couches until the dog, Elvis, died. I was really tired of the dog hair--vacuums just don't do the job! Besides, my oldest daughter is allergic to dogs and I did not want to support the source of the red eyes, sneezing, and perpetual runny nose that accompanied her visits forever. That is what began the countdown.
It took the dog two years to die. It's not that I didn't love Elvis he was just very very barky, and excitable. Elvis knew better than to get up on the couches, but he did it anyway. especially at night and when no one was home. He shreaded my front curtains, broke the antique library table. blured every window within reach, tore up the patio door screens, and continued to dig up the back yard until a week before he died. He also chased the light of a flash light--which was very cute--all his life as well. We were all sad to loose Elvis, he died on September 10. 2007 after 12+ years of friendship and unconditional love but he had a liver problem and was in pain at the last so we knew it was time. But now back to the couches.
I think everyone expected me to pick out and purchase the couches a year ago. And I would have, gladly! However, My husband, Pat, and I agreed to be on a "debt diet" of sorts two and a half years ago and I knew there wasn't money in the budget to spend on couches. My hesitation was compounded by the most unfortunate internal dialoge I developed from the diet. "i don't need that, Pat would be dissapointed in me if I bought that, it's just 'stuff" and I don't need any more stuff. Which on turn would lead to stomach and head aches. Even Christmas shopping has been miserable for hte last two years! How could I purchase couches? Besides, I am out of the design loop and realizing if the past was any indication of the future, these were going to have to last the resst of my mortal life! How coul"ld I find something that would be stylish, that I would like, and would last for 20 years? Just the thought of such a decision made me feel queezy.
Needless to say after a weekend of listening to my daughters complain about how uncomfortable the old couches were, and my "dreams" about redecorating the whole house--you know how when you've been on a food diet for too long you start dreaming about food? well it was like that--the offer by the kids to start a fund where they could contribute to the purchase, and discussions about thebest sale of year happening this week (it uaually occures in May but this year was put off until September), he caved.
On Tuesday Pat sent me and e-mail stating I could go ahead and make the purchase. It was a shock. So much so that I didn't dare tell anybody for fear it was just another dream. Actually on Wednesday I went to almost every furniture store and clearance outlet in town looking for the best price that met the other qualifications as well. I thasd to pass the style test of the kids, be durable (warrenteed for life), and sitable (not too low or deep or soft back with no support). I found three possibilities that I kept in mind when on Thursday I went to the U&I thieves sale.
It's always a good sale and the prices were ok--like everything else higher than years gone by. First I determined I sould buy a Broyhill as they had the best warrentee. I tried out many a "sit" and narrowed the possibilities to three. A couple of the ones I really likes were purchased out from under me by this time. But I just could not determine which one would actually look good in my house and pass the style test. So, I called Rebecca, my only daughter that lives less than 100 miles from me, and asked her to take a break from work and run down to the sale and consult with me. My Mom, aka Grenny, was shopping with me but had long since passed her limit and had headed for the car. Beck had no problem picking one of the three, the other two well weren't even seriously considered. I bought the pair she liked
The couches are brown-a good neutral-with a nice cordroy likt texture. They sit up nice and high, at least for now. And I believe will last a good long time. I know they are stylish, as stylish as I am going to get. I am really grateful to all those who have endure the years with me and most importantly for Pat who, for whatever reasons finally gave in! I love you! Unfortunately, now, the draperies just look worse than ever and I wonder how I will ever draw together the peach colored carpet, the brown couches, and tan walls.
The couches needed replacement far longer than that but three years ago I determined that I would not get new couches until the dog, Elvis, died. I was really tired of the dog hair--vacuums just don't do the job! Besides, my oldest daughter is allergic to dogs and I did not want to support the source of the red eyes, sneezing, and perpetual runny nose that accompanied her visits forever. That is what began the countdown.
It took the dog two years to die. It's not that I didn't love Elvis he was just very very barky, and excitable. Elvis knew better than to get up on the couches, but he did it anyway. especially at night and when no one was home. He shreaded my front curtains, broke the antique library table. blured every window within reach, tore up the patio door screens, and continued to dig up the back yard until a week before he died. He also chased the light of a flash light--which was very cute--all his life as well. We were all sad to loose Elvis, he died on September 10. 2007 after 12+ years of friendship and unconditional love but he had a liver problem and was in pain at the last so we knew it was time. But now back to the couches.
I think everyone expected me to pick out and purchase the couches a year ago. And I would have, gladly! However, My husband, Pat, and I agreed to be on a "debt diet" of sorts two and a half years ago and I knew there wasn't money in the budget to spend on couches. My hesitation was compounded by the most unfortunate internal dialoge I developed from the diet. "i don't need that, Pat would be dissapointed in me if I bought that, it's just 'stuff" and I don't need any more stuff. Which on turn would lead to stomach and head aches. Even Christmas shopping has been miserable for hte last two years! How could I purchase couches? Besides, I am out of the design loop and realizing if the past was any indication of the future, these were going to have to last the resst of my mortal life! How coul"ld I find something that would be stylish, that I would like, and would last for 20 years? Just the thought of such a decision made me feel queezy.
Needless to say after a weekend of listening to my daughters complain about how uncomfortable the old couches were, and my "dreams" about redecorating the whole house--you know how when you've been on a food diet for too long you start dreaming about food? well it was like that--the offer by the kids to start a fund where they could contribute to the purchase, and discussions about thebest sale of year happening this week (it uaually occures in May but this year was put off until September), he caved.
On Tuesday Pat sent me and e-mail stating I could go ahead and make the purchase. It was a shock. So much so that I didn't dare tell anybody for fear it was just another dream. Actually on Wednesday I went to almost every furniture store and clearance outlet in town looking for the best price that met the other qualifications as well. I thasd to pass the style test of the kids, be durable (warrenteed for life), and sitable (not too low or deep or soft back with no support). I found three possibilities that I kept in mind when on Thursday I went to the U&I thieves sale.
It's always a good sale and the prices were ok--like everything else higher than years gone by. First I determined I sould buy a Broyhill as they had the best warrentee. I tried out many a "sit" and narrowed the possibilities to three. A couple of the ones I really likes were purchased out from under me by this time. But I just could not determine which one would actually look good in my house and pass the style test. So, I called Rebecca, my only daughter that lives less than 100 miles from me, and asked her to take a break from work and run down to the sale and consult with me. My Mom, aka Grenny, was shopping with me but had long since passed her limit and had headed for the car. Beck had no problem picking one of the three, the other two well weren't even seriously considered. I bought the pair she liked
The couches are brown-a good neutral-with a nice cordroy likt texture. They sit up nice and high, at least for now. And I believe will last a good long time. I know they are stylish, as stylish as I am going to get. I am really grateful to all those who have endure the years with me and most importantly for Pat who, for whatever reasons finally gave in! I love you! Unfortunately, now, the draperies just look worse than ever and I wonder how I will ever draw together the peach colored carpet, the brown couches, and tan walls.
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