A Tear In My Eye

Monday night when we had Family Home Evening, those years of parenting nightmares went right out the window when Kyle shared a little "parable" about driving and getting "off the path". It was a great parable. We were going over Lesson #1 in Preach My Gospel. As much as I still think of Kyle as my little boy, I realize he's not. He has grown leaps and bounds.

And each night as we have been reading scriptures and Allan always asks, "What do you think?" or "What did you learn", unlike in the past when the answer was, "I don't know", he always has something to add. (I have to laugh whenever we read the phrase "exceedingly sore" which was one Kyle loved when he was little.)

I feel like our time together is going too fast. I find it harder and harder to get on the computer. There just seems to be so much to do with him here--lots of shopping, visiting, etc. (Now keep in mind it's not that he's sitting at home all the time, but I don't want to miss anything.) It is such a treat to hear him playing the piano. I didn't realize how much I have missed it. He also rented another guitar and is having fun with that. Sometime ago I talked about missing all the dishes--well, there are certainly lots more dishes to do now--yesterday he and a couple of his friends made lunch and made quite a mess. (I won't complain because in a few weeks it will just be two of us again)

Last night we had the missionaries over for dinner. It seemed funny as I listened to them and realized in a little over a month that will be Kyle. He asked all kinds of questions and the missionaries were great. In fact Elder E came with a spiritual thought from Preach My Gospel for Kyle. They both shared their experiences about what it's like to be a missionary. They were so sweet. I love the missionaries.

I'm feeling a little nostalgic and because I am, I have to post a few pictures of this cute kid.

With his niece, Kiah, who is 6 months older.













































I love this picture of these two little guys. They had such a good time when they were little--it will be so fun to have them share their mission stories.





















I know he's going to miss me, but he's REALLY going to miss his TANK.
























Every time I see this picture it makes me laugh--this was the day Brent left for the MTC.
























The trampoline has been at one of Kyle's friends, but they brought it back the other day and set up and we'll see if he can avoid getting hurt.


























At Amanda's wedding last year, Kyle and Heidi decided to "dance". I love this picture that Macy took. Heidi and Kyle get along so well and Macy captured their love for one another.






















His birthday a couple of weeks ago Heidi had this "cake" for him. I know she will miss him.


















Sidenote #1: The other day when I went out I wondered if the trees were ever going to have leaves--Monday night I NOTICED SOME. SPRING IS TRULY HERE.

Sidenote #2: I made a huge mistake on the blanket and had to rip out 10 rows. I was so mad at myself--I really need to count my stitches at the end of every couple of rows. Don't want to have to rip out again.

Disappointment/Joy

I am so grateful for the comfort we can receive as we kneel down and pray.

Disappointment: Recently, a couple of my children have faced some disappointments in their lives. (I know disappointment is something we all experience, and I do much better when I'm the one who is facing the disappointment instead of my children.) It is those moments that I really hate living so far away. It's so much harder to comfort them on the phone as opposed to being able to give them a big hug and remind them that you love them and that they will get through it. I appreciate so much the peace that comes when I kneel down and pour out my heart to my Heavenly Father who I know loves me and loves them (and loves them even more than I do) and is mindful of all of us. I think one of my favorite references to Jesus in the scriptures is when Nephi is quoting Isaiah and writes, "and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." I'm so grateful for Him.

Recently, Cherie did a post regarding Sister Julie Beck's conference talk. In the post, Cherie emphasized a quote from Sister Beck that I used the other night when I went Visiting Teaching and the next night when I went and taught a new member discussion--"The ability to qualify for, receive and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life." I love that quote--I'm so grateful for personal revelation.

Joy: The opposite of disappointment. I am feeling that joy now that Kyle is home. It is so great to have him here. It was so nice to have 3 of us at the dinner table again. The big question is: Whose hair is longer--mine or Kyle's. I had to laugh when his buddies came over last night and when they first saw him and one of them said, "Wow, Kyle. I've never seen you with a shag" Saturday can't come soon enough--HAIRCUT TIME FOR KYLE ; )

Sidenote #1: There is something so therapeutic about creating. I finally found a crochet pattern that I really like and have been working on a blanket for my new granddaughter. It's very different because the colors they want are chocolate brown and pink. I can't wait to finish it. Here's how it's looking.


Sidenote #2: I think Kyle is going to run the 10K with me. It's on Mother's Day weekend and it will be so fun to do it together.

Sidenote #3: Movie Recommendation: If you haven't seen "How To Train Your Dragon", go see it--very cute movie.


I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND FILLED WITH MUCH JOY.

I May Be Desperate, but....

I love DQ, but seriously NOT this much ; ) Every time I see this commercial I just die laughing.

Speaking of dying laughing, this morning I did my Wii "Just Dance". I could hardly stop laughing. I was grateful the blinds were down so I spared the neighbors ; )

But I wasn't laughing when I went out this afternoon to do my hills again. Last week I ran up and down 3 times--today I did 4.

Can hardly wait for Thursday--KYLE WILL BE HOME!!!!

Things That Confuse Me

Before I start this post, I want to make reference to my previous post about Terry Fox. I wish I had posted it before the Olympics because I know they made reference to him--in fact, his mom was one of the people who carried the flag into the stadium--along with Donald Sutherland and others.

And this post "Things That Confuse Me". I've decided this may be a regular post--because frankly quite often I'm confused. But these are some things I've seen/read lately that I just don't get:

• I saw this commercial for a thing called a "buuty pop" and I'm thinkin--WHAT????? I work very hard to try and keep my booty from poppin. (I misspelled it purposely; ) Of course they talk about how it's the same concept as the padded bra--now the padded bra I get but padding my booty--NO THANKS.
• And then there is the report I read "Grandparents make kids fat"--Well, I guess it's a good thing that I don't live close to my grandkids because they could mean that the M&M's that I smuggle to little G-man or the chocolate mini donuts I buy for Drew are causing a problem????
• And can we say "FALSE ADVERTISING": How can someone promise "Walk off 22 pounds in 8 weeks"? I have been running longer than that and haven't taken off 22 pounds!!!!

This last one is a "Things That Anger Me"--but I really don't want to do a whole post about it: Bullying. It disturbs me so much. When I was young you may have gotten called a name at school (and no, it was not fun, and it isn't right) but it was nothing like it is today. Nowadays you have to go home and see things on facebook, get texts about it, or whatever. I think the School Districts need to get harsh. And so do parents.

Sidenote #1: The running is going well. Today was the first day I have run with my heart rate monitor. My heart was pumping pretty hard, but I just can't seem to get going fast enough. I guess it will just take time. When Kyle comes home I may have to try and get him to run with me a couple of times--he's a sprinter so maybe he can help me.

Sidenote #2: Poor Brent hit a deer the other night. Do you guys know that if you hit a deer, you are not supposed to wash your car--and this is exactly why. Do you see the fur? If you wash the car, you could have hit anything, but there's no way they would doubt Brent hit a deer. And, I'm very happy to tell you he was not hurt at all--Brent, not the deer. Considering he went up over the hood of his car and over the top of the car should tell you what happened to the deer.

I think Brent's pretty happy he gets Kyle's car in a little less than a week ; )

Need Some Inspiration

It was 30 years ago today that Terry Fox started his Marathon of Hope. When I go out and run and feel a little tired, or sore, or whatever, I just think of him. How can I possibly complain. What an inspiration this young man was. A marathon every single day just seems impossible. I remember when we first moved to Canada and my kids participated in the Terry Fox run.

April Celebrations

April is always a crazy month for us--lots to celebrate. Today is the anniversary of my joining the Church 36 years ago.

April 13: Kyle will turn 19. Hard to believe. Of course, he won't be home. We decided since he is leaving for his mission in a little over a month after he gets home, he will fly home when he's done with finals, and then we will drive him down a week before he is to report. I am a little disappointed--I was so looking forward to the 23 hour drive with him and having that one-on-time with him, but it just didn't make sense.

April 16: This 'little" guy somewhere under those blankets turns 26. Now that just seems totally impossible. Chris is such a wonderful young man. When he was young we spent a lot of time with him and his sister. I sure miss seeing him and spending time with him. We were in Hawaii when he was born--I think we should go to Hawaii to celebrate his birthday. (What do you think, Chris???)





















With his grandpa.





















With his beautiful wife, Heather. They were married last May in Texas. Here they are when his sister was married in July.


As well, Heidi's young man who is currently serving his mission in Georgia will be celebrating his birthday. I know she is so excited that he will be home in a few months.




April 18:This boy will turn 3--that seems impossible. I wish we got to be around him more often--I don't think he knows me very well and that makes me sad. I'm sure glad his mom takes lots of pictures of him. You can go here and see all kinds of pictures.
















We were together last summer after his sister got married, and were able to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Open house and stopped by to see the Draper Temple as well.
















April 21: This little guy is going to turn 5. I have been doing some scrapbooking lately and was putting pictures of when he was first born into my album. Such a sweet boy. He is a real character. He loves those little mini chocolate donuts and can't help but think of him whenever I see them. I'm looking forward to seeing him in July when his new sister is born.





































And here is a picture of me with two of the April birthday boys.



SIDENOTE #1: NCAA Championship Party last night was fun--best game in a long time. I actually sat and watched most of the game--in spite of being very nervous for Butler. Sure would have loved to have seen them win.

Here's our wall with all the sheets. My sheet is somewhere in the middle ; )

Here's the old die-hard gang. So different with the kids gone and so many of our usual attendees have grown up or moved away. Had Spinach Dip, Veggies, Meatballs, Ribs, Chocolate Caramel Brownies, bought Cream Puffs and Chocolate Eclairs. Figured I'd wait to make the Death By Chocolate for Kyle's party later next month.

SIDENOTE #2: Allan's recent trip to Utah. On Saturday he and the kids went to the Saturday session of Conference. Frankly, I am shocked that Allan didn't run that young man to the nearest barber shop!!!!

Allan played Easter bunny and even hid the baskets.

Happy children with their baskets.

Conference

First of all, can I just say how ABSOLUTELY amazing I found Conference. I felt like so many of the talks were just for me. I'm going to just mention a few. So many talks about qualifying for the companionship of the Spirit.

I loved Sister Beck's talk and put a little star by her quote from Eliza R. Snow. So I had to quote it here: "We want to be ladies in very deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but companions of the gods and holy ones. In an organized capacity we can assist each other in not only doing good but in refining ourselves and whether few or many come forward and help prosecute this great work, they will be those that fill honorable positions in the kingdom of God. Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. I know we like to be appreciated, but if we do not get all the appreciation that we think if our due, what matters. We know the Lord has laid high responsibility on us and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord hasn't planted in our hearts in rightesousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and enobling and qualify for those responsibilities."

Elder Ballard's talk was wonderful. I loved when he told the daughters not to look to contemporary culture for their role models and mentors but to look to their faithful mothers. He added they should "learn from her strengths, her courage and her faithfulness, listen to her--she may not be a wiz at texting or she may not even have a facebook page." (I loved that Kyle turned to Heidi and said, "Mom's got that covered.")

Didn't you love when Elder Carlson quoted the Prophet Joseph, "I made this my rule, when the Lord commands, do it."

And I can't wait to listen to Elder Holland's talk again--WOW.

I loved Elder Uchtdorf's comment about the woman who learnedd that she is like a crumpled $20 bill, even though it is crumpled it is still worth the full $20. And I LOVED the Jewish legend about the two brothers who had the spirit of compassion.

The story President Monson told was so incredible.

I need to go back and count how many of the talks mentioned hope. We were told several times to hang on and have hope. I loved when Elder Hallstrom said: "No matter the size of the issue, how we respond can re-set the course of our life." And then he said, "Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually." WOW.

Great quote by Elder Martino, "..It is how we react to those difficulties that will determine our success and happiness. Each of us will face adversity...The question is not when we will face them but how we face them."

I thoroughly enjoyed Elder Hales talk. "We lead by understanding their hearts and walking alongside them on the Gospel path. To truly understand their hearts we must do more than just be in the same room or attending the same family and Church activities. We must plan and take advantage of teaching moments that make a deep and lasting impression upon their minds and hearts." "It is impossible to overestimate the influence of parents who understand the hearts of their children." "It is not the food but family interaction that nourishes the soul." "Be willing to listen and listen some more." The "Grandpa, are you there" part was so sweet.

Ponder and apply over the next six months.

Sidenote #1: NCAA Championship Monday Party tonight. Poor Allan missed his flight home this morning, so he will not be getting in until this afternoon. Small group tonight, but it will still be fun. (I will not stay up and watch 24 after the game, but I do have to admit a Monday without Jack will seem odd. Very disappointed to hear that Fox has cancelled 24.)

Sidenote #2: Started a new challenge with a new group today. Already blew the one treat--but then again, figured with the party tonight, I wasn't going to earn that point today.

Sidenote #3: Easter dinner last night was Taquitos. I think that was a first. Can I add, it was very lonely. Realizing now that we are flying Kyle home from Utah, rather than me flying down and driving back with him, I wish I had gone with Allan. It would have been so fun to spend Easter with the kids. Had to laugh when Allan called yesterday to ask the birth weight of all the kids--Kyle was thrilled to know he was my biggest at 9 pounds 2 ounces.

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

It's Autism Awareness Day.

When Brent was first diagnosed there were not as many services as there are today. In fact, it was difficult back then to even get a diagnosis. He was diagnosed in 1987. Next thing we knew, we were told it wasn't autism, and then finally in 1990 we were told it was atypical pervasive developmental disorder. But even back then, I remember thinking how grateful I was that it wasn't my oldest, Stephen, who was born with autism because the services in 1970 would have been even worse. We've come a long way, but we still have a very long way to go. Let's do all we can to raise the awareness. If you want to know more, go here.

Things That Have Me Concerned

• This whole U.S. Census thing has me worried. Allan and I will not be counted. In the 2000 Census we were in living in Canada and not counted. (Fortunately for us, in 1990 we didn't move to Canada until August, so we were still living in the U.S. and counted for that census.) I keep imagining that in 100 years when someone is researching us for their genealogy and don't find us on the 2000 or 2010 Census they will just assume WE WERE DEAD in 2000. You see I cannot find my dad or my grandfather on the 1920 Census and now I'm beginning to wonder if they were living in a foreign country??? I am glad to know my children will be counted.
• A week ago on 24 I laughed when Hastings was getting ready to compliment Chloe and she stopped him and said, "I'm not very good with praise", and I had to chuckle thinking that will never be said by me because although it usually makes me uncomfortable, deep down "I LOVE praise". I'm a little concerned because knowing that praise makes me feel good, makes me wonder if I'm a little narcissistic???
• Did anyone see the article about the New Jersey woman, who I think is living in the UK, who wants to weigh 1000 pounds. Why would anyone want to do that to their body???
• When I see commercials that talk about reducing the signs of aging they mention they can take 5 years off of your life--BIG DEAL. But the kicker is they preface their commercial by saying, "If you are in your 40's or 50's"--WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF US. Do they think it's too late for us????

And not part of the "THINGS THAT CONCERN ME": I found this quote the other morning, and I love it and wanted to share it. This should be in a post--"things I'm striving for". It's from a talk Pres. Monson gave in General Conference back in 1974 and was quoted in the book "21 Days Closer to Christ" as the author was talking about our need to discover something that will bring us closer to Christ: "We need not visit the Holy Land to feel Him close to us. We need not walk by the shores of Gaililee or among the Judean hills to walk where Jesus walked. In a very real sense, all can walk where Jesus walked when, with His words on our lips, His spirit in our hearts, and His teachings in our lives, we journey through mortality."

Sidenote #1:This is the last week of the challenge I have been participating in since January. Our question yesterday was "What is your secret dream?" I thought it was a great question. I decided to focus on two. (I actually have many. I mean I would LOVE to be able to sing. Not in front of anyone, but just be able to really carry a tune. I'd love to ski down a mountain--heck, I'd like to be able to ride in a chair lift without being scared to death. But the two I decided to share with my group were these. I shared a "good" one and a "bad" one. My good one: To stand on the podium at the Olympics. The bad one I decided to share: My dream to rob a bank. Now, all of you who know me, know I would NEVER do that. I have just always thought it would be a real challenge to figure out how to do it. I loved the Italian Job--I just think it would be fun to pull off a heist. But then again, you all know from my previous post, how well I respond in an emergency or the thought of someone coming after me with a gun ; )

Sidenote #2:Last night, Allan set apart Sister S., young lady who is going to serve in the St. Louis Mission. She was given such a beautiful blessing. She is an amazing young lady and will make a fabulous missionary.