Fasting has been something that I have done regularly on a monthly basis where we take the money saved on food and give it to charity to help those who are struggling. Occasionally, we are asked as part of our church to fast for additional purposes. Our former pastor and neighbor was recently diagnosed with aggressive leukemia and we were asked to join in a ward fast if we would like to. I was happy to do so. I've also heard through educational sources that fasting is good for the body on occasion as well.
We were asked to begin our fast at 4pm and close it the following day after church at 4pm. About 2pm the following day, I began to have symptoms that scared me. I experienced splotchy vision and a feeling that I might pass out. I decided I needed to do something for my own well-being and drank some juice and had a few chips. Following this, my left arm went numb and I had a headache that throbbed, especially if I lowered my head. After joining the congregation at the church to end the fast, I then ate a normal meal.
The following day, after a regular breakfast of raisin bran, I went to a clinic to participate in a University Study comparing women who had given birth to healthy babies with those who had had babies with cleft-palates. I was part of the norm group, having had 5 healthy babies. After drawing my blood for future DNA studies, my blood pressure was taken repetitively for 10 minutes. After which I was told that my blood pressure was low. I told the nurse that my blood pressure was usually at the low end of normal. She said, "This isn't the low end of normal, this is very low!" She mentioned that the lowest reading was 70 over 50 and the other 3 were 80's over 60's. I had a headache at this time as well, and suddenly I connected that maybe all my symptoms over the past months may have been blood pressure related.
I have had numerous headaches lately, been tired, had blurred vision, and coupled with the symptoms during fasting that may have effected my blood pressure, I decided it was time to see my doctor. During surgery to remove the tumor on my thigh last month, the monitors went off repeatedly due to low blood pressure.
My doctor is in the process of running numerous blood tests which included a cortisol study that meant I had to have an IV through which cortisol was administered and blood was drawn 4 times with 30 minutes in between. He said my heart beat is uncommonly slow, my EKG was abnormal (not the first time this has happened), and had 3 vials of blood drawn at the office to check anything that might be related.
I use reading glasses because of my 45 year old eyes, but my far vision has always been excellent. Lately, I've had blurred vision that changes - maybe due to blood pressure. I hope we can get this figured out soon, because I've had to consider that with the vision changes, I may not be a safe driver. If I can't drive, I can't work, get my kids to Jordan Hills, etc. Joy! I can't imagine losing my independence, especially since I've already lived through 16 weeks of not driving while my right foot was in a boot and my doctor would not clear me to drive.
I've never thought I was above the law and figured it would be just my luck to get pulled over or in an accident if I'm not doing the right thing... so I try to follow the law. My ex husband wouldn't hesitate to write me a ticket so I figure I'd better live right!
I hope we'll figure things out soon and that it won't be anything serious!
Our Amazing Journey
Butterfield Canyon Oct 2012
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Girl's Camp Survival Stories
My last two weeks can be summed up in two words: "Girl's Camp." As the Camp Cook, I have been bombarded with thoughts of food, food, food. The challenge is to get as close to running out of food as we can, without actually doing that.
My family and I returned home from Yellowstone on Saturday morning about 1:00 a.m. After traveling to Provo for my niece's baby shower, it was time to get started on preparation for girl's camp. I spent the next days planning shopping lists, shopping and cooking Café Rio pulled pork, black beans, cilantro lime dressing, barbecue pulled pork for sandwiches, and taco meat and more..
My sweetie pie was kind enough to smoke and cook the chicken for our Chicken Alfredo night, and prepare the 10 pounds of potatoes left over from youth conference by baking them and cubing them for an easier prep at camp. Incidentally, my own family lived off of leftovers and frozen meals. They didn't complain, but I have felt a bit guilty about how that all turned out.
I took a couple Youth Camp Leaders (YCL's) with me to get the last minute items. Lindsey H. and Aspen are fun and amazing and a huge help!
The other YCL's: Cassidy and Melissa H. were a huge help at camp. Melissa came home with me after and helped me unpack and pass our leftovers over to the scouts for their campouts afterward. I am so impressed.
Funny Stories:
1) My Zip-line adventure... not! I have always wanted to do a zip-line - at least since it was "invented." The idea of zipping through a remote jungle has somehow appealed to me. So, when I heard that part of the new ropes course was a zip line, I was anxious to be a part of it.
I was even more excited when I realized our group of 8 girls was the first of the morning to do it. Imagine my dismay as I looked up and realized that the only way to get to the zip line was to tight rope 25 feet across a cable about 20 feet up in the air. That almost changed my mind.
Pulling the safety harness up over my incision in my upper thigh from a tumor removal 4 weeks ago, almost caused me to back out, but the pain was almost non-existant, so I arranged it hoping it wouldn't touch that area.
Bro. Burt asked me to assist Bro. Cutler in holding the girls who were harnessed in to keep them safe. I was his right-hand assistant. I had to stay to his right, pick up the rope slack and keep an eye on the girl's as they moved across the cable. They all did. By the time it was my turn to go last, my neck, from my car accident injury, was aching and again, I was contemplating not making the attempt.
Bro. Cutler then told me that after doing this job for 6 hours the day before, he was already feeling fatigued. He asked me to go find Anthony, a 21 year old RM, to come spell him. This was yet another straw on my pile of reasons not to make the attempt.
The whistle blew, indicating that it was time to change stations and the next group came. It was at that time, that I was told it was my turn to go. I made the climb up pretty quickly, took my first step out on the cable and my leg shook so bad from the weight of my body that I wasn't sure how I could possibly make it across the cable. I grabbed hold of the rope and attempted to turn my body around on the cable to be in a better position to grab the ropes to go across. In doing so, I got out of balance and to save myself from falling, I sat down on the cable. Then I tried to pull my body back up. My neck fatigue and lack of enough upper body strength to pull my body back up was too much. After only a step out on the line, I was told to lean forward and they gently and slowly lowered me down to the ground.
It wasn't too much later that Bro. Burt came to tell me that my 12 year old daughter, McKenzi has bragging rights in our house because she made it all the way across, as did most everyone else!
That's okay, because I'm going to go find myself a zip line that doesn't require any extra effort to get to it and enjoy the ride that this 45 year old body has earned after the surgeries and car accidents!
2) Memories come alive again: Okay - maybe this one isn't funny, but it was worth the whole trip!
I had to make an ice run during the first night's devotional, but on day two, I was able to attend. This event made all my sacrifices as camp cook, well worth it. The woman who wrote a song that kept me going through my youth spoke about how the song came to be.
My family and I returned home from Yellowstone on Saturday morning about 1:00 a.m. After traveling to Provo for my niece's baby shower, it was time to get started on preparation for girl's camp. I spent the next days planning shopping lists, shopping and cooking Café Rio pulled pork, black beans, cilantro lime dressing, barbecue pulled pork for sandwiches, and taco meat and more..
My sweetie pie was kind enough to smoke and cook the chicken for our Chicken Alfredo night, and prepare the 10 pounds of potatoes left over from youth conference by baking them and cubing them for an easier prep at camp. Incidentally, my own family lived off of leftovers and frozen meals. They didn't complain, but I have felt a bit guilty about how that all turned out.
I took a couple Youth Camp Leaders (YCL's) with me to get the last minute items. Lindsey H. and Aspen are fun and amazing and a huge help!
The other YCL's: Cassidy and Melissa H. were a huge help at camp. Melissa came home with me after and helped me unpack and pass our leftovers over to the scouts for their campouts afterward. I am so impressed.
Funny Stories:
1) My Zip-line adventure... not! I have always wanted to do a zip-line - at least since it was "invented." The idea of zipping through a remote jungle has somehow appealed to me. So, when I heard that part of the new ropes course was a zip line, I was anxious to be a part of it.
I was even more excited when I realized our group of 8 girls was the first of the morning to do it. Imagine my dismay as I looked up and realized that the only way to get to the zip line was to tight rope 25 feet across a cable about 20 feet up in the air. That almost changed my mind.
Pulling the safety harness up over my incision in my upper thigh from a tumor removal 4 weeks ago, almost caused me to back out, but the pain was almost non-existant, so I arranged it hoping it wouldn't touch that area.
Bro. Burt asked me to assist Bro. Cutler in holding the girls who were harnessed in to keep them safe. I was his right-hand assistant. I had to stay to his right, pick up the rope slack and keep an eye on the girl's as they moved across the cable. They all did. By the time it was my turn to go last, my neck, from my car accident injury, was aching and again, I was contemplating not making the attempt.
Bro. Cutler then told me that after doing this job for 6 hours the day before, he was already feeling fatigued. He asked me to go find Anthony, a 21 year old RM, to come spell him. This was yet another straw on my pile of reasons not to make the attempt.
The whistle blew, indicating that it was time to change stations and the next group came. It was at that time, that I was told it was my turn to go. I made the climb up pretty quickly, took my first step out on the cable and my leg shook so bad from the weight of my body that I wasn't sure how I could possibly make it across the cable. I grabbed hold of the rope and attempted to turn my body around on the cable to be in a better position to grab the ropes to go across. In doing so, I got out of balance and to save myself from falling, I sat down on the cable. Then I tried to pull my body back up. My neck fatigue and lack of enough upper body strength to pull my body back up was too much. After only a step out on the line, I was told to lean forward and they gently and slowly lowered me down to the ground.
It wasn't too much later that Bro. Burt came to tell me that my 12 year old daughter, McKenzi has bragging rights in our house because she made it all the way across, as did most everyone else!
That's okay, because I'm going to go find myself a zip line that doesn't require any extra effort to get to it and enjoy the ride that this 45 year old body has earned after the surgeries and car accidents!
2) Memories come alive again: Okay - maybe this one isn't funny, but it was worth the whole trip!
I had to make an ice run during the first night's devotional, but on day two, I was able to attend. This event made all my sacrifices as camp cook, well worth it. The woman who wrote a song that kept me going through my youth spoke about how the song came to be.
Walk Tall, You’re a Daughter of God
1. Right now I have a prayer deep within my heart,
A prayer for each of you there is a special part.
That you remember who you are and Him who lives above.
Please seek for Him and live His way; you’ll feel His love.
Chorus:
Walk tall, you’re a daughter, a child of God.
Be strong—please remember who you are.
Try to understand, You’re part of His great plan.
He’s closer than you know—reach up, He’ll take your hand.
2. Long before the time you can remember,
Our Father held you in His arms so tender.
Those loving arms released you as He sent you down to earth.
He said, “My child, I love you. Don’t forget your great worth.”
3. This life on earth we knew would not be easy.
At times we lose our way—His plan we may not see.
But please remember always—please—that you are not alone.
He’ll take your hand. He loves you! He will guide you home.
Copyright © 1995, 1984 by Jackman Music Corporation, Orem Utah. Used by permission. All rights reserved. These pages may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church and home use. Arrangements in simplified, solo, and trio available from Jackman Music Corp. (Original version printed April 1979.)
I sang this song on the bus ride home from camp as a young girl, crying, knowing that I had never felt the Spirit so strongly before in my life, and wouldn't be feeling it back at home like that.
I sang it through my younger sister's terminal illness from an inoperable brain-stem tumor when I was 15 and 16. She died a week before her 10th birthday and 3 weeks after I turned 16.
I sang my babies to sleep by this song. I love it! It was amazing to have the woman who wrote it tell us about how, even though she is not a musician, the words came to her as she was to teach a lesson to her group of Young Women.
3. Rock Hard Ground to sleep on.
I didn't get much sleep before camp and even though I hoped that would change once I was no longer losing sleep worrying about forgetting something I needed to bring with us, it didn't.
I didn't get much sleep before camp and even though I hoped that would change once I was no longer losing sleep worrying about forgetting something I needed to bring with us, it didn't.
I was going to bring the sleeping mat I had bought for myself, but my sweet husband, got out the newer mat telling me it was better. It was so hard, it was like sleeping on the ground. It was also so hot the first two nights, that I took my extra blanket and folded it in half and lay on it as well. It helped some, but not quite enough. It wasn't until I was rolling up my mat to put it away the last day of camp, that I saw the cap I had neglected to take off to allow air to fill my "air mattress" and realized that the whole trip was over and I had been sleeping on a piece of canvas and a blanket! Go figure!
It was an amazing time and I am thrilled to have experienced it with my 12 year old daughter who makes me so proud and even publicly declared that she was glad I was there with her and that I was the person she admired!!! McKenzi, I admire you so much! You amaze me with your sweet heart and numerous talents! And how cool, that you found the bench that Chalyse painted and added her name to with the other Young Women who completed the service project at camp that many years ago.
It's great to be home with my husband and other children I missed!
Now I'd better get ready for my next adventure!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Post op and Father's Day weekend
I survived surgery to have a presumed benign tumor removed from my thigh yesterday. As I was being checked in, the registrar said, "Well, hopefully, everything will go okay for you today." I thought to myself, "Isn't there a better word than 'hopefully' to use at a time like this." Talk about a non-committal, less than enthusiastic statement!
Not that I was overly worried that I would have complications, but any time you are asked for your living will to give directions for what to do if you end up in some kind of vegetative state, well, you can't help but think about the "what ifs."
The tumor was sent to the pathologist and we will hear confirmation that it is benign. It was probably the anesthesia talking when I told the nurse through a few escaping tears that my sister had died from a benign tumor that chose the wrong location - her brain-stem - to grow where they couldn't get at it. I can't help but wonder - having had 3 cysts and now a tumor removed in the past 6 years, if this is just the beginning. I was told these things weren't hereditary after my sister died... but I'm beginning to wonder.
Add to this, Lexi coming to me last night crying saying she was afraid I was going to die. I calmed and reassured her that I was taking care of things so they wouldn't grow or spread and I would be just fine - and I know I will be one way or the other... but it breaks my heart to have my 9 year old wondering.
Anyway, on to the more entertaining events of the past weekend --
Pre-Fathers Day weekend Friday, I begin the morning in the kitchen loading the dishes that my kids didn't quite get to the dishwasher when I hear "drip, drip, drip" at a pretty good rate. I look under the sink and can see where someone has put a towel, that is wet, a candy bowl is almost full of water and water is missing both the rag and dish and dripping on the base of the cabinet. I clear out the items under the sink and find a flashlight to see where it is coming from - looks like the actual faucet itself vs. the hoses. I call Trent and ask if he knows anything about the kitchen sink leaking and he says no. I ask the kids the same question - after all, someone put a rag and dish there. No one knows anything. I propped Big Gulp cup in place. Trent eventually decides to look at it before we decide to call a plumber and says he has to get back to work so we can leave on our trip.
Next, I go put up the tent trailer so I can get it cleaned and loaded. I noticed the previous week when I put it's registration sticker on that we hadn't registered or used it since before it expired in 2011. Even though it was folded up for all that time, it still had a pretty good coating of dust. After using 409 on everything, sans cleaning gloves (big mistake) I hooked up the electricity to make sure the fridge was still working, and then the water. I turned it on, and went back in the trailer. Water was running on the floor from underneath. I ran outside to turn off the water at the faucet and it was running along the hoses underneath it. When we bought it used, we were told it was a 2001. Trent discovered a year or so ago, when looking for parts, that it was actually made in the 90's. Looks pretty good for being that old-- the point is, it wasn't fresh out of the factory, hadn't been winterized in all the time we had it - other than maybe the first year, and when I hooked it up to the hose, I wasn't thinking that our water pressure had been increased since we last tested it. So - it could be one of several or a combination as to why it sprung a leak. End result - we packed out own water in and did the dishes at the spigot at the Green River KOA.
Our weekend get away was meant to be a try out for the trailer before we take it for 8 days to Yellowstone this coming weekend. Steven can't go with us, so he will be holding down the fort here at home.
We pulled out of town 6 hours later than planned with the trailer lights not working. After a stop at autozone and cleaning off the plug, the lights worked fine and we made it to our destination just after 9pm. My brother's advice worked... he says he always spits on the plug before putting it together. That worked for us on the way home so maybe there is something to a little saliva!
We saw Goblin Valley and went to Arches with our 3 little girls and Trent in an early Fathers Day gift - a shirt that said: "DADD - Dad's against Daughters Dating." He got lots of smiles, compliments and men wanting to join the club.
We had a great time once we got there - even made it to the KOA pool.
Made it back in time for a Father's Day BBQ at my sister and the father of their baby, Mikul. He did 3 selections of barbecued meat. This was really nice - we've gotten into bring your own meat and a pot-luck dish because for awhile there, we were doing most of the hosting. Only hard thing after my dad arrived, was Pam saying that since our family and my mom like to pray for our meals and they don't, that she was wondering how to handle it. I had just said my own private prayer to bless the food and express my sadness over the prayer issues before she came over. I asked if she wanted us to go to a corner of the yard and have a private prayer. She said no, that we could say it. I said we didn't want to offend anyone by praying if they didn't want to. Just about that time, Mikul's female cousin stood up, said they were ready to get started and she would pray. I thanked her after and told her how much I appreciated it. Maybe we weren't as alone as I thought!
Trent had a wonderful Fathers' Day other than not hearing from one child. She was taking care of her bio dad who had surgery to have his gall bladder removed and said she honestly didn't think about it. I feel for my sweety. He opened his heart to her the moment they met and she asked him if he would be her daddy. He has never treated our two oldest any different than the 3 we had together. Never complained about the thousands of dollars in extracurricular activities they participated in. We're not perfect parents, but we have always tried to be there for our children and do what's best for them with lots of thought and prayer in our decisions. My personal experience has been that you don't really get it until you've had kids of your own.
I used to resent my dad for not taking the family on vacations other than 2 weekend family reunions with his brothers each year. It wasn't until I had my own baby, that I was able to focus on the fact that he never took a vacation or sick day from work, because he was worried about not having enough money to support us if he was unemployed from his construction job in the winter. Now his body is worn out with arthritis after years of hard manual labor. He may not be the most genteel, proper, compassionate man there is, but he was faithful to my mom, and wanted us to be responsible adults. I think I have been just that.
Anyway, to all our wonderful dads! To my quick recovery from my surgery - as well as a speedy recovery to my ex-husband. Thanks to my beautiful children who have been there for me to help me with foot rubs, food and help with swim - oh and the hugs and kisses too! Thank you to my neighbors who brought dinner last night - sorry about the kitchen covered in dishes, items from under the faucetless kitchen sink!!!
And life goes on!
Not that I was overly worried that I would have complications, but any time you are asked for your living will to give directions for what to do if you end up in some kind of vegetative state, well, you can't help but think about the "what ifs."
The tumor was sent to the pathologist and we will hear confirmation that it is benign. It was probably the anesthesia talking when I told the nurse through a few escaping tears that my sister had died from a benign tumor that chose the wrong location - her brain-stem - to grow where they couldn't get at it. I can't help but wonder - having had 3 cysts and now a tumor removed in the past 6 years, if this is just the beginning. I was told these things weren't hereditary after my sister died... but I'm beginning to wonder.
Add to this, Lexi coming to me last night crying saying she was afraid I was going to die. I calmed and reassured her that I was taking care of things so they wouldn't grow or spread and I would be just fine - and I know I will be one way or the other... but it breaks my heart to have my 9 year old wondering.
Anyway, on to the more entertaining events of the past weekend --
Pre-Fathers Day weekend Friday, I begin the morning in the kitchen loading the dishes that my kids didn't quite get to the dishwasher when I hear "drip, drip, drip" at a pretty good rate. I look under the sink and can see where someone has put a towel, that is wet, a candy bowl is almost full of water and water is missing both the rag and dish and dripping on the base of the cabinet. I clear out the items under the sink and find a flashlight to see where it is coming from - looks like the actual faucet itself vs. the hoses. I call Trent and ask if he knows anything about the kitchen sink leaking and he says no. I ask the kids the same question - after all, someone put a rag and dish there. No one knows anything. I propped Big Gulp cup in place. Trent eventually decides to look at it before we decide to call a plumber and says he has to get back to work so we can leave on our trip.
Next, I go put up the tent trailer so I can get it cleaned and loaded. I noticed the previous week when I put it's registration sticker on that we hadn't registered or used it since before it expired in 2011. Even though it was folded up for all that time, it still had a pretty good coating of dust. After using 409 on everything, sans cleaning gloves (big mistake) I hooked up the electricity to make sure the fridge was still working, and then the water. I turned it on, and went back in the trailer. Water was running on the floor from underneath. I ran outside to turn off the water at the faucet and it was running along the hoses underneath it. When we bought it used, we were told it was a 2001. Trent discovered a year or so ago, when looking for parts, that it was actually made in the 90's. Looks pretty good for being that old-- the point is, it wasn't fresh out of the factory, hadn't been winterized in all the time we had it - other than maybe the first year, and when I hooked it up to the hose, I wasn't thinking that our water pressure had been increased since we last tested it. So - it could be one of several or a combination as to why it sprung a leak. End result - we packed out own water in and did the dishes at the spigot at the Green River KOA.
Our weekend get away was meant to be a try out for the trailer before we take it for 8 days to Yellowstone this coming weekend. Steven can't go with us, so he will be holding down the fort here at home.
We pulled out of town 6 hours later than planned with the trailer lights not working. After a stop at autozone and cleaning off the plug, the lights worked fine and we made it to our destination just after 9pm. My brother's advice worked... he says he always spits on the plug before putting it together. That worked for us on the way home so maybe there is something to a little saliva!
We saw Goblin Valley and went to Arches with our 3 little girls and Trent in an early Fathers Day gift - a shirt that said: "DADD - Dad's against Daughters Dating." He got lots of smiles, compliments and men wanting to join the club.
We had a great time once we got there - even made it to the KOA pool.
Made it back in time for a Father's Day BBQ at my sister and the father of their baby, Mikul. He did 3 selections of barbecued meat. This was really nice - we've gotten into bring your own meat and a pot-luck dish because for awhile there, we were doing most of the hosting. Only hard thing after my dad arrived, was Pam saying that since our family and my mom like to pray for our meals and they don't, that she was wondering how to handle it. I had just said my own private prayer to bless the food and express my sadness over the prayer issues before she came over. I asked if she wanted us to go to a corner of the yard and have a private prayer. She said no, that we could say it. I said we didn't want to offend anyone by praying if they didn't want to. Just about that time, Mikul's female cousin stood up, said they were ready to get started and she would pray. I thanked her after and told her how much I appreciated it. Maybe we weren't as alone as I thought!
Trent had a wonderful Fathers' Day other than not hearing from one child. She was taking care of her bio dad who had surgery to have his gall bladder removed and said she honestly didn't think about it. I feel for my sweety. He opened his heart to her the moment they met and she asked him if he would be her daddy. He has never treated our two oldest any different than the 3 we had together. Never complained about the thousands of dollars in extracurricular activities they participated in. We're not perfect parents, but we have always tried to be there for our children and do what's best for them with lots of thought and prayer in our decisions. My personal experience has been that you don't really get it until you've had kids of your own.
I used to resent my dad for not taking the family on vacations other than 2 weekend family reunions with his brothers each year. It wasn't until I had my own baby, that I was able to focus on the fact that he never took a vacation or sick day from work, because he was worried about not having enough money to support us if he was unemployed from his construction job in the winter. Now his body is worn out with arthritis after years of hard manual labor. He may not be the most genteel, proper, compassionate man there is, but he was faithful to my mom, and wanted us to be responsible adults. I think I have been just that.
Anyway, to all our wonderful dads! To my quick recovery from my surgery - as well as a speedy recovery to my ex-husband. Thanks to my beautiful children who have been there for me to help me with foot rubs, food and help with swim - oh and the hugs and kisses too! Thank you to my neighbors who brought dinner last night - sorry about the kitchen covered in dishes, items from under the faucetless kitchen sink!!!
And life goes on!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Cranky Cuss Cuz?
Looking back on the past week, it really has been an amazing one. I finished my last full day of the school year 4 school days before my kiddos. Friday was the end of year party at my school. After bbq hamburgers at 2:00 in the afternoon it was announced that the Sunshine Committee wanted to play a game. Amazing how fast a bunch of teachers can flee. At first, I wasn't too keen on the idea myself. I helped clean up a little and then decided to take a peek in the gym to see who was in on the big event.
Not a whole lot of takers other than the principal, secretaries, those with the game idea, and a handful of others. My desire to support those with the idea was greater than that to preserve my comfort level, so I decided to join in. I really had a great time getting to know the group a lot better. The Special Education teachers were among those who fled the scene the moment the word "game" was mentioned.
We played "Werewolves of Miller Hollow." I was the hunter, which meant that if the powers that be decided to take me out, I could take someone out with me. It wasn't until the end that I became the target and either despite my protestations and efforts to move suspicions from me or because of it - I was targeted with 2 werewolves and 1 villager left in the game. I took out the one werewolf that wasn't linked by Cupid to the remaining villager. That is, if I had chosen either of the other two people, I would have unwittingly killed both the werewolf and the villager and the only remaining werewolf would have won the game. As it was, we had a tie between a werewolf and villager. If all this sounds like nonsense to you - let's chalk it up to ignorance of the game and not my writing! ;D
I had to order the game from Amazon for nine dollars and some odd cents for Kenzi to play at her 6th grade graduation party next Saturday. We decided to make it a day of parties with Kylee's birthday party followed by Lexi's birthday party and then Kenzi's graduation party. And, no, we don't really have 3 kids with birthdays in June. Steven's really turning 22 on June 10th, but Lexi and Kylee have August birthdays. Problem is, with the move to my school, all their friends will probably long have forgotten them by August since they don't live by us, and getting invitations to them when they aren't in school becomes a bigger expense and challenge
So then, why am I so cranky, you ask? Fear of the unknown is plaguing me. A few months ago I found a lump in my thigh. I had a cyst removed by my general practitioner about a year before between my neck and shoulder and it has grown back now. I didn't know who to see for a lump and after talking to my doctor's assistant and having them offer to cut it out for me, I wasn't sure what to do. Sure, it would save us money to have him do it, but I almost passed out from the cyst and this is quite a bit bigger. So, I did nothing. The lump has now gone from something I could feel, to something that is clearly visible and looks to be about the size of an egg. Last Sunday after Trent getting mad at me and saying he didn't want to lose me and that I needed to get this taken care of (I had also considered the possibility that it could lead to something serious (probably not, but...) so to have him thinking the same thing didn't help. Or maybe it did. I contacted IMC Cancer Center and they emailed me back with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sarcomas. Got my appointment for Thursday. That's all been moving around in my brain just below the surface at all times. And sadly, it's effecting my reliability. I completely forgot that I had offered to usher at Pioneer Theatre Company for Memorial Weekend with my mom. She completely forgot too. Maybe she has to chalk her faux pas to age.
I find myself impatient and short-tempered with Trent when he doesn't remember what I said to him 2 seconds before or isn't listening to me, but deciding how to handle my problems without my input.
We went to the temple yesterday. I had male names that needed initiatory and just female names needing endowment before we have the group ready for sealings. When given the choice, Trent said he wanted to do initiatory and that he would pick me up in front of the temple when I was finished. I just missed the session so I was 20 minutes later than he expected me. When I finally got to the car waiting for me, not only did he not seem put out, he had gone to Great Harvest and gotten my favorite "orange craisin scones."
Then, after a graduation party, a trip to Jordan Landing for the girls and arriving back home, we again remembered our desperate need for 9 volt batteries. He didn't want to go alone, but I still had a newsletter to finish. I should also mention that I had gone to Sam's earlier in the day and forgot to get them myself earlier. We had gotten to the point yesterday that 10+ smoke detectors that have begun beeping at us all at once. To be fair about 4 were going off throughout the house the past couple months, but this weekend, it seemed like they all joined in until I finally couldn't stand the idea of us all dying in our sleep as the house burned down around us. Unfortunately, out of hearing range, out of mind, because instead of the batteries, I ended up with a whole slough of yard and swim items and no batteries. So, even though Trent wasn't thrilled to do it, he showed up with a drink for me when he arrived home. And then proceeded to replace the batteries. The house hasn't been this beep-free for months!
That's not to mention the dozen roses he brought me to work last Tuesday saying he knew I needed a pick-me-up, I am so proud of him when I see him teach swim lessons and have fun with the kids.
He has been such a support to me. I can't imagine what my life would be without him. Everyone deserves to have that special someone to make them feel cherished and loved. To all those who have experienced the opposite, I say be patient and don't settle for less!
Not a whole lot of takers other than the principal, secretaries, those with the game idea, and a handful of others. My desire to support those with the idea was greater than that to preserve my comfort level, so I decided to join in. I really had a great time getting to know the group a lot better. The Special Education teachers were among those who fled the scene the moment the word "game" was mentioned.
We played "Werewolves of Miller Hollow." I was the hunter, which meant that if the powers that be decided to take me out, I could take someone out with me. It wasn't until the end that I became the target and either despite my protestations and efforts to move suspicions from me or because of it - I was targeted with 2 werewolves and 1 villager left in the game. I took out the one werewolf that wasn't linked by Cupid to the remaining villager. That is, if I had chosen either of the other two people, I would have unwittingly killed both the werewolf and the villager and the only remaining werewolf would have won the game. As it was, we had a tie between a werewolf and villager. If all this sounds like nonsense to you - let's chalk it up to ignorance of the game and not my writing! ;D
I had to order the game from Amazon for nine dollars and some odd cents for Kenzi to play at her 6th grade graduation party next Saturday. We decided to make it a day of parties with Kylee's birthday party followed by Lexi's birthday party and then Kenzi's graduation party. And, no, we don't really have 3 kids with birthdays in June. Steven's really turning 22 on June 10th, but Lexi and Kylee have August birthdays. Problem is, with the move to my school, all their friends will probably long have forgotten them by August since they don't live by us, and getting invitations to them when they aren't in school becomes a bigger expense and challenge
So then, why am I so cranky, you ask? Fear of the unknown is plaguing me. A few months ago I found a lump in my thigh. I had a cyst removed by my general practitioner about a year before between my neck and shoulder and it has grown back now. I didn't know who to see for a lump and after talking to my doctor's assistant and having them offer to cut it out for me, I wasn't sure what to do. Sure, it would save us money to have him do it, but I almost passed out from the cyst and this is quite a bit bigger. So, I did nothing. The lump has now gone from something I could feel, to something that is clearly visible and looks to be about the size of an egg. Last Sunday after Trent getting mad at me and saying he didn't want to lose me and that I needed to get this taken care of (I had also considered the possibility that it could lead to something serious (probably not, but...) so to have him thinking the same thing didn't help. Or maybe it did. I contacted IMC Cancer Center and they emailed me back with an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sarcomas. Got my appointment for Thursday. That's all been moving around in my brain just below the surface at all times. And sadly, it's effecting my reliability. I completely forgot that I had offered to usher at Pioneer Theatre Company for Memorial Weekend with my mom. She completely forgot too. Maybe she has to chalk her faux pas to age.
I find myself impatient and short-tempered with Trent when he doesn't remember what I said to him 2 seconds before or isn't listening to me, but deciding how to handle my problems without my input.
We went to the temple yesterday. I had male names that needed initiatory and just female names needing endowment before we have the group ready for sealings. When given the choice, Trent said he wanted to do initiatory and that he would pick me up in front of the temple when I was finished. I just missed the session so I was 20 minutes later than he expected me. When I finally got to the car waiting for me, not only did he not seem put out, he had gone to Great Harvest and gotten my favorite "orange craisin scones."
Then, after a graduation party, a trip to Jordan Landing for the girls and arriving back home, we again remembered our desperate need for 9 volt batteries. He didn't want to go alone, but I still had a newsletter to finish. I should also mention that I had gone to Sam's earlier in the day and forgot to get them myself earlier. We had gotten to the point yesterday that 10+ smoke detectors that have begun beeping at us all at once. To be fair about 4 were going off throughout the house the past couple months, but this weekend, it seemed like they all joined in until I finally couldn't stand the idea of us all dying in our sleep as the house burned down around us. Unfortunately, out of hearing range, out of mind, because instead of the batteries, I ended up with a whole slough of yard and swim items and no batteries. So, even though Trent wasn't thrilled to do it, he showed up with a drink for me when he arrived home. And then proceeded to replace the batteries. The house hasn't been this beep-free for months!
That's not to mention the dozen roses he brought me to work last Tuesday saying he knew I needed a pick-me-up, I am so proud of him when I see him teach swim lessons and have fun with the kids.
He has been such a support to me. I can't imagine what my life would be without him. Everyone deserves to have that special someone to make them feel cherished and loved. To all those who have experienced the opposite, I say be patient and don't settle for less!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Memorial Weekend Reflections
Saturday of Memorial weekend, Trent and I were running errands as
we drove past the cemetery where my sister and grandparents have been laid to
rest. Can I just say I hate the cemetery. I hate that 29 years
after my sister passed, I still can't help but cry when I think of all that we
missed. I know I will see her again. I know that she is free of the
pain and difficulty that would have been hers had she lived. This mortal
life is not an easy thing to experience. To me she was perfect and
consequently, what 9 year old wouldn't receive all that heaven has to offer.
I have concluded
over the years, that it is me I feel sorry for. I can't seem to forgive
myself for not holding her hand the last day she was alive. I didn't know
how close she was to dying. She spent the day moaning as she lay in the
rented hospital bed that had been in our living room for months.
I hated the continual reminder of what was to come. I just wanted to remember her as she was, a
beautiful girl with her long, strawberry blond hair and blue eyes that sparkled. Not the girl who was now blind, deaf and
unable to talk due to paralysis.
Early on, when we first learned her prognosis was terminal, she
had told me she was afraid to die. I still
cling to my faith that what I told her at the young age of 15 is as true today
as it was then. That she would be free
of the pain and that grandpa would be there to meet her, to welcome her
home. That she would not be afraid, but
happy and at peace.
Maybe that was one of my better moments. The one that haunts me still is that her last
day, I focused more on myself and trying to avoid the pain, than embrace it and
her head-on. I talked to my mom
about the moaning and crying. My mom said, "She just wants to be
close to you." Rather than hold her hand and spend time with her, I
stayed in my room with my adolescent interests, trying to drowned out what I
referred to at the time, as the constant noise. By the end of what seemed
a day that would never end, I begged my mom to take her to the hospital where
she could get something for the pain. My parents, I think, had wanted to
have her pass at home, but decided to take her.
The next morning,
we went to school as usual. When I came home, I noticed my dad's work
truck in the garage. My dad never took a sick or vacation day from work--ever.
I immediately knew that something was up. I called my aunt who was
watching my baby brother to see what she knew. Rather than answer my
question, she told me to hold on. My mom came to the phone. I tried
to wrap my brain around my mom being at my aunt's and not at the hospital with
Becky. That is when my mom told me that Becky had died in the hospital
earlier that day. While I was home in bed that night, my parents tried to
load her in the car. When she stopped
breathing, they had called an ambulance. She had stopped breathing 3
times on the way to the hospital, but started on her own each time, finally
taking her last breath later that morning with my mom at her side.
Even though I knew
she was terminal, because of the location of a benign tumor growing in her
brain-stem, I still didn't recognize the end. I didn't take the
opportunity to hold her hand or say good bye. I would like to think that
I have learned something from this. That perhaps this experience has
helped me appreciate the fragility of life and increased the number of times I
have said something I otherwise would have left unsaid. Still, I take
things and people for granted at times and there is definitely more room for
improvement.
Here's to my dear,
sweet baby sister, Rebecca Helen Mills. I named my baby after you.
You are always in my thoughts. If you had lived, I know we would
have been there for each other. Mom always said you and I were most alike
spiritually. I like to think we would have been there for each other
through thick and thin and would have understood each other, shared the same
values and goals and been best friends.
You are one of the biggest reasons I try to be the best person I can
be. I want to be worthy to be with you
some day. To me you are perfect and each
day I strive to be worthy to dwell with you in God's presence.
I do not like to
think of your body in a grave, but I will put aside those feelings, to take my
children there each Memorial Day, so they can feel the sacredness and solemnity
and know that I have not nor ever will, forget you.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Colds and Callouses
I am spending my day in bed, nursing a cold. Trent told me I should read and relax and "stay off the computer", he said. "Why?" I had to ask. "It stresses you out to be on the computer. Don't do it. No Computer." "Nonsense." I said (well, maybe not those exact words) - and here I am, hours later, typing away.
I began writing my 3rd chapter of my book - Day 3 of my count down before I moved out in the dead of night to hide out until after my now ex was served with the protective order I had taken out on him. That got me questioning the order of things and so I pulled out my journals and began reading... that, of course, brings back all sorts of memories. The problem is, I poured out my heart in my journals during the worst of times. I know there were good times. I alluded to them and even mentioned that my entries made everything sound so bad with my marriage - but there were good times too. Unfortunately, they only lasted for a few hours or days. I mentioned how my first husband would blame me for our problems, and tell me I was weird, that all his previous girlfriends had liked doing this perverse act or that. Wish I'd known about those girlfriends before I married him.
In just the year of time I covered in my reading, he had locked me out of the house twice, kicked a hole in the wall, thrown a sack of flour at me while I sat at our new computer, torn the latch off the wall,because I locked the screen door so I could leave the main door open for the breeze and didn't get to the door to let him in in time. He didn't feel that he should have to ring the door bell or knock to be let in his own house. He didn't like it when I retorted that he had locked me out two days earlier and I lived here too. There was a reference to his girlfriend, Samantha,, that at the time he had denied having an affair with (only to admit to it 6 years later after I left him), and threats to go meet up with his other girlfriends if I didn't get my act together (he said it in not so nice words though). That's not the worst of it, but I'll spare you the details.
When I re-read my journal entries, it is hard not to want to beat myself up emotionally for staying through such emotional abuse. I am so grateful for my sweet husband who builds me up continually. This morning, as I looked in the mirror, first thing out of bed, I commented on the leftover mascara under my eyes, and my funky hair in the words, "Man, I look hashed this morning." Trent told me not to say that about myself. That I was so incredibly beautiful and I should never forget it.
What a stark contrast from the name calling I received daily with my first husband.
My ex does deserve some points. He did say, repeatedly in a letter I saved, that it was probably his fault that things were bad between us and that he wasn't blaming me. He said that some day I would realize it and leave him. I was a glutton for punishment I guess, because it took me 7 years to do it.
I marvel how things change given the amount of experience one has. My realm of experience was so limited then, I couldn't imagine life without Horace (I do believe that is how I've referred to him in the past). I loved him so much it hurt to think of life without him, even minus his drinking and smoking, swearing, and cheating, and damage to our belongings, including me. Now, I find it hard to remember why I stayed. If I hadn't stayed as long as I did, I wouldn't be with my sweety pie now. I wouldn't have had my two oldest kids. I wouldn't appreciate what I now have in my current marriage, and I wouldn't be the strong, independent, successful, self-assured woman I am today - even if I do think I look a bit hashed in the mornings! So - maybe my heart is a bit calloused because of my first relationship and I'm having a hard time getting to the sweet, juicy tidbits of reasons for loving my first husband, but I'm better for it.
PS - That doesn't mean I would wish my experiences on anyone else to teach them what I learned the hard way. Learn from my mistakes! Don't repeat them!
I began writing my 3rd chapter of my book - Day 3 of my count down before I moved out in the dead of night to hide out until after my now ex was served with the protective order I had taken out on him. That got me questioning the order of things and so I pulled out my journals and began reading... that, of course, brings back all sorts of memories. The problem is, I poured out my heart in my journals during the worst of times. I know there were good times. I alluded to them and even mentioned that my entries made everything sound so bad with my marriage - but there were good times too. Unfortunately, they only lasted for a few hours or days. I mentioned how my first husband would blame me for our problems, and tell me I was weird, that all his previous girlfriends had liked doing this perverse act or that. Wish I'd known about those girlfriends before I married him.
In just the year of time I covered in my reading, he had locked me out of the house twice, kicked a hole in the wall, thrown a sack of flour at me while I sat at our new computer, torn the latch off the wall,because I locked the screen door so I could leave the main door open for the breeze and didn't get to the door to let him in in time. He didn't feel that he should have to ring the door bell or knock to be let in his own house. He didn't like it when I retorted that he had locked me out two days earlier and I lived here too. There was a reference to his girlfriend, Samantha,, that at the time he had denied having an affair with (only to admit to it 6 years later after I left him), and threats to go meet up with his other girlfriends if I didn't get my act together (he said it in not so nice words though). That's not the worst of it, but I'll spare you the details.
When I re-read my journal entries, it is hard not to want to beat myself up emotionally for staying through such emotional abuse. I am so grateful for my sweet husband who builds me up continually. This morning, as I looked in the mirror, first thing out of bed, I commented on the leftover mascara under my eyes, and my funky hair in the words, "Man, I look hashed this morning." Trent told me not to say that about myself. That I was so incredibly beautiful and I should never forget it.
What a stark contrast from the name calling I received daily with my first husband.
My ex does deserve some points. He did say, repeatedly in a letter I saved, that it was probably his fault that things were bad between us and that he wasn't blaming me. He said that some day I would realize it and leave him. I was a glutton for punishment I guess, because it took me 7 years to do it.
I marvel how things change given the amount of experience one has. My realm of experience was so limited then, I couldn't imagine life without Horace (I do believe that is how I've referred to him in the past). I loved him so much it hurt to think of life without him, even minus his drinking and smoking, swearing, and cheating, and damage to our belongings, including me. Now, I find it hard to remember why I stayed. If I hadn't stayed as long as I did, I wouldn't be with my sweety pie now. I wouldn't have had my two oldest kids. I wouldn't appreciate what I now have in my current marriage, and I wouldn't be the strong, independent, successful, self-assured woman I am today - even if I do think I look a bit hashed in the mornings! So - maybe my heart is a bit calloused because of my first relationship and I'm having a hard time getting to the sweet, juicy tidbits of reasons for loving my first husband, but I'm better for it.
PS - That doesn't mean I would wish my experiences on anyone else to teach them what I learned the hard way. Learn from my mistakes! Don't repeat them!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Surviving Boot Camp, unwelcome zits and More
Boot Camp:
I attended my first Boot Camp at the 2013 Storymakers Conference in Provo, Utah this past Thursday. It was a bit intimidating to meet with Abel Keogh and 3 other writers. We each had about an hour to read our 15 selected pages and then get feedback from the others. I sat to Abel's right. He began with the woman to his left. They knew each other, having both served in the same mission at the same time; Romania, I believe. Her story was amazing. She was helping her mother write her memoir about escaping from the oppression beginning just prior to Stalin's death. It was very well written and gripping. Abel began with his critique and then we went around the table from his left. That meant that I got the last turn every time. The first time around, we had only 3 minutes for me to get my 2 cents in. Not that I minded. It's just that everything I had to say had already been said and I didn't feel I had much to add. Not sure that I added much to our group. I certainly gained a lot for myself.
The 2nd story was a fantasy taking place in the Garden of Eden with an Arch Angel that gave up immortality to save the day. We started on chapters 3 and 4. It was an original idea that I wouldn't have thought of and well written. I wished I had read the first two chapters because I felt myself lost and trying to make sense of who was who. I shared these comments in a positive way.
I went 3rd because the man who would have gone third had not copied his pages yet and needed to do this during the break.
I became emotional a few times as I read through the 15 pages. I got it back together each time, but how embarrassing! Then I had to wait until after the 30 minute break to hear what people had to say for the most part. That was difficult. I started second guessing myself. I was most shocked to hear the men say they would definitely read it. I figured women might find it interesting or gripping. Everyone was hooked and wanted more. I have a few things I want to change to clarify some questions, but I'm thinking posting the first chapter and asking for feedback would be helpful.
It was suggested that I swap the sub title and title of my book to: "Recognizing the Signs of an Abusive Relationship: Lessons learned in love and loss."
What do you think?
The final critique was of the first two chapters of a murder mystery. I'm a bit squeamish when it comes to swearing and talk of female gender body parts and pubic hair, so that took me by surprise. He said he was most interested in hearing my perspective having been in an abusive marriage. That surprised me. I do wish that the book could be written without the swearing because after growing up in a home with plenty of it and then my first husband using a swear word or two every sentence, I prefer to avoid profanity.
I love working at an elementary school where I don't hear foul language and to be married to a man, who with his Methodist background and upbringing refrains from swearing. For me, staying away from profanity is what I need to do to feel the influence of the spirit in my life. I never want to be without that guidance in my life again.
Conference Highlights:
I have to say that my favorite instructor was John D. Brown. I found his information applicable and something I could use immediately to help in my writing. Hannah Bowman, an agent from back east, also gave great information which enabled me to get my whole book mapped out in 15 minutes.
I can now say I have definitely met my 100 licensure points for my teaching license. I am now ready to upgrade to a level 2/3 license thanks to my first two years out of college working for Jordan School District. That means I am completing my 3rd year of working as a teacher. Yippee!
The other items that stand out to me had nothing to do with the conference, however. My face breaking out was a huge inconvenience for me. I'm 45 years old. Shouldn't my face start to cooperate by now. I don't know if it was due to the stress of Boot Camp and needing to be observed a couple more times by my principle last week, or what, but I have to say I'm dreading being seen by anyone today - and I'm usually not that vain!
Finally, spending time with my best friend of over 30 years, Kelli, was amazing. We giggled hysterically as usual. We stayed up until the wee hours talking about things I don't think I ever knew about her growing up. I realize that I may have lost the sister that was most like me to a brain tumor, but Heavenly Father gave me Kelli to be able to be close to.
Mothers' Day:
Mothers' Day has been amazing so far. It began with breakfast in bed - scrambled eggs, Greek strawberry yogurt and enormous strawberries and watermelon.
Chalyse had dropped a present by a couple hours before I returned home from the conference. I waited to open it up this morning. "Beautiful Day" body spray, lotion and shower gel. She knows what I like.
Then I had two treasure hunts to find my other gifts. First - my favorite candybars: Twix and Snickers and second: Each clue led to a piece of a charm bracelet - with each charm representing a member of my family with their birth stone. There was also a picture on the computer - my last stop - of the concrete rounded benches I want for our gazebo where climbing roses wend their way through the metal framework to the top. Some day, I hope to have electricity to the fountain that sits in the center of the gazebo. I think it will be a beautiful place to sit and ponder in the summer evenings when things have slowed down and cooled off.
I attended my first Boot Camp at the 2013 Storymakers Conference in Provo, Utah this past Thursday. It was a bit intimidating to meet with Abel Keogh and 3 other writers. We each had about an hour to read our 15 selected pages and then get feedback from the others. I sat to Abel's right. He began with the woman to his left. They knew each other, having both served in the same mission at the same time; Romania, I believe. Her story was amazing. She was helping her mother write her memoir about escaping from the oppression beginning just prior to Stalin's death. It was very well written and gripping. Abel began with his critique and then we went around the table from his left. That meant that I got the last turn every time. The first time around, we had only 3 minutes for me to get my 2 cents in. Not that I minded. It's just that everything I had to say had already been said and I didn't feel I had much to add. Not sure that I added much to our group. I certainly gained a lot for myself.
The 2nd story was a fantasy taking place in the Garden of Eden with an Arch Angel that gave up immortality to save the day. We started on chapters 3 and 4. It was an original idea that I wouldn't have thought of and well written. I wished I had read the first two chapters because I felt myself lost and trying to make sense of who was who. I shared these comments in a positive way.
I went 3rd because the man who would have gone third had not copied his pages yet and needed to do this during the break.
I became emotional a few times as I read through the 15 pages. I got it back together each time, but how embarrassing! Then I had to wait until after the 30 minute break to hear what people had to say for the most part. That was difficult. I started second guessing myself. I was most shocked to hear the men say they would definitely read it. I figured women might find it interesting or gripping. Everyone was hooked and wanted more. I have a few things I want to change to clarify some questions, but I'm thinking posting the first chapter and asking for feedback would be helpful.
It was suggested that I swap the sub title and title of my book to: "Recognizing the Signs of an Abusive Relationship: Lessons learned in love and loss."
What do you think?
The final critique was of the first two chapters of a murder mystery. I'm a bit squeamish when it comes to swearing and talk of female gender body parts and pubic hair, so that took me by surprise. He said he was most interested in hearing my perspective having been in an abusive marriage. That surprised me. I do wish that the book could be written without the swearing because after growing up in a home with plenty of it and then my first husband using a swear word or two every sentence, I prefer to avoid profanity.
I love working at an elementary school where I don't hear foul language and to be married to a man, who with his Methodist background and upbringing refrains from swearing. For me, staying away from profanity is what I need to do to feel the influence of the spirit in my life. I never want to be without that guidance in my life again.
Conference Highlights:
I have to say that my favorite instructor was John D. Brown. I found his information applicable and something I could use immediately to help in my writing. Hannah Bowman, an agent from back east, also gave great information which enabled me to get my whole book mapped out in 15 minutes.
I can now say I have definitely met my 100 licensure points for my teaching license. I am now ready to upgrade to a level 2/3 license thanks to my first two years out of college working for Jordan School District. That means I am completing my 3rd year of working as a teacher. Yippee!
The other items that stand out to me had nothing to do with the conference, however. My face breaking out was a huge inconvenience for me. I'm 45 years old. Shouldn't my face start to cooperate by now. I don't know if it was due to the stress of Boot Camp and needing to be observed a couple more times by my principle last week, or what, but I have to say I'm dreading being seen by anyone today - and I'm usually not that vain!
Finally, spending time with my best friend of over 30 years, Kelli, was amazing. We giggled hysterically as usual. We stayed up until the wee hours talking about things I don't think I ever knew about her growing up. I realize that I may have lost the sister that was most like me to a brain tumor, but Heavenly Father gave me Kelli to be able to be close to.
Mothers' Day:
Mothers' Day has been amazing so far. It began with breakfast in bed - scrambled eggs, Greek strawberry yogurt and enormous strawberries and watermelon.
Chalyse had dropped a present by a couple hours before I returned home from the conference. I waited to open it up this morning. "Beautiful Day" body spray, lotion and shower gel. She knows what I like.
Then I had two treasure hunts to find my other gifts. First - my favorite candybars: Twix and Snickers and second: Each clue led to a piece of a charm bracelet - with each charm representing a member of my family with their birth stone. There was also a picture on the computer - my last stop - of the concrete rounded benches I want for our gazebo where climbing roses wend their way through the metal framework to the top. Some day, I hope to have electricity to the fountain that sits in the center of the gazebo. I think it will be a beautiful place to sit and ponder in the summer evenings when things have slowed down and cooled off.
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