This year Velo’s oldest sister had a wonderful idea for parent gifts.
Each child gave some presents that were sentimental. It sounded nice, but buying the people that brought you into this world and sacrificed nearly everything to rear you a gift that shows the gratitude you’ve developed for them is actually a rather daunting task.
Appearances are important to me, so each gift HAD to be wrapped. I knew this was the kind of thing a parent would treasure forever, so I also HAD to type up the explanations for keepsake. On each wrapped gift we put the “memory” or reason for the gift with the final explanation inside.
Here’s how it turned out...
Velo being the oldest went first. He recapped what we’d written for the outside, then let Mom and/or Dad read them out loud and open the present with the “punchline” inside.
We got them a c.d. of Cars music and a Willow Tree ornament to represent all the Lake Powell family trips.
Then there were cookie mixes. Sentimental of Mom’s goodness she often serves up. Chocolate covered sunflower seeds for all the lessons Dad “planted” in his son (like not falling asleep while driving).
Finally there were tie tack/pins shaped like sport balls that said CTR on them. These were for the lessons taught to Velo by these wonderful parents. Some, like the sports, didn’t stick, but some, like Choosing the Right, did.
We followed with oldest to youngest. Our next sister gave, an itunes gift card for all the music brought into the home, a plush fish for all the fishing trips and bonding times, a unpicker for her mothers help in doing things -especially sewing- right. Finally she gave a sack of apples to resemble all the learning they had given and supported their children in. That one made me tear up. They do have two with Masters, one with a Bachelors, and one with enough credits at 20 to get an Associates.
Next sister gave them Smoothy mix for when they lived there and spilt it all over (and all the good food Mom makes). There was an itunes gift card for how much Dad loves his music. And the big tear jerker, her medal for one of her races. See, she is an amazing runner and has had great support from her “number one fan”-Dad.
Finally littlest sister got to go. She told about the family’s traditions of food and how she loved to eat Lobster on Valentines. So they got a Red Lobster gift card. So clever.
It was amazing. It was super fun to hear the memories, see what had impressed people and how creative everyone had been able to be. It was especially fun to find that everyone thought of itunes gift cards for Dad. Too bad, and yet good thing we didn’t all follow through on that one. Music was another big one. People remember the music around the home. Support was the other theme.
It’s no wonder these two amazing people were able to attend the sealings of all their children and that everyone still loves to come home.
Can you think of anything you’d give your parents?
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Company Party
Quick update, went to the “new” jobs par-tee.
They had an open bar. My favorite kind. All the seltzer and lemon I wanted! There were hourdurvours. (How do you spell that any way?) Fancy! And many gals in dresses nicer than church dress. I was in jeans.
Lovely.
That is why I had begged for five days for Velo to check with his new coworker about what he and his wife were wearing. Oh well. Lucky they let us sit most of the time and we had the excuse of being the new guys.
We mingled, well, at least the best we could not knowing anyone.
We sat and filled out a survey scoring a whopping 5 hundred some points. (Seriously that was a lot!)
We were the first table to eat. So I grabbed a roll, salad, potatoes, put the brown stuff on my taters, put meaty main courses on my plate. Grabbed the yummy dessert. As I was heading back I noticed I didn’t get dressing for my salad. I passed by the salad bowl again to see and with a sinking feeling realized the gravy I had put on my potatoes wasn’t gravy at all. It was balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Yeah, not good on garlic potatoes.
The rest of the night went well. There was an auction for unknown prizes. We won a 50 dollar Visa gift card. One of the very best prizes.
I made friends with some of the coworkers wives.
And the boss told me I had come up several times during Velo’s hiring process because "my happiness was very important to him" (my husband).
Over all and VERY wonderful night.
They had an open bar. My favorite kind. All the seltzer and lemon I wanted! There were hourdurvours. (How do you spell that any way?) Fancy! And many gals in dresses nicer than church dress. I was in jeans.
Lovely.
That is why I had begged for five days for Velo to check with his new coworker about what he and his wife were wearing. Oh well. Lucky they let us sit most of the time and we had the excuse of being the new guys.
We mingled, well, at least the best we could not knowing anyone.
We sat and filled out a survey scoring a whopping 5 hundred some points. (Seriously that was a lot!)
We were the first table to eat. So I grabbed a roll, salad, potatoes, put the brown stuff on my taters, put meaty main courses on my plate. Grabbed the yummy dessert. As I was heading back I noticed I didn’t get dressing for my salad. I passed by the salad bowl again to see and with a sinking feeling realized the gravy I had put on my potatoes wasn’t gravy at all. It was balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Yeah, not good on garlic potatoes.
The rest of the night went well. There was an auction for unknown prizes. We won a 50 dollar Visa gift card. One of the very best prizes.
I made friends with some of the coworkers wives.
And the boss told me I had come up several times during Velo’s hiring process because "my happiness was very important to him" (my husband).
Over all and VERY wonderful night.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
New Job
My wonderful husband and provider went out and got several offers for different jobs. After pitting them against each other...We took the one with the most pay, of course. It’s almost enough of a raise to bring me home, if you include insurance benefits and my car loan getting paid off soon.
Almost.
So close, yet, not quite there.
But I am so proud of him for being willing to get out there and sell himself.
He’s going to be leaving Jordan School District after 4 1/2 years of service. And trust me, it was that, service, cuz’ he did not get paid what he should have for all the demands of his job. The new job is a company called Edustructures. (hope I am spelling it right.) He is going to be doing help desk type stuff. There will be less gas consumed because it is in South Jordan and one building, vs. traveling to a bunch of different schools and then over to the east side. We are very psyched.
Going to meet the co-workers Wednesday at the company Christmas party. Feeling kind of nervous. I’ll have to come back and document my first impressions.
Congrats Velo! I’ll miss you at school, but I know you’ll do awesome!
Almost.
So close, yet, not quite there.
But I am so proud of him for being willing to get out there and sell himself.
He’s going to be leaving Jordan School District after 4 1/2 years of service. And trust me, it was that, service, cuz’ he did not get paid what he should have for all the demands of his job. The new job is a company called Edustructures. (hope I am spelling it right.) He is going to be doing help desk type stuff. There will be less gas consumed because it is in South Jordan and one building, vs. traveling to a bunch of different schools and then over to the east side. We are very psyched.
Going to meet the co-workers Wednesday at the company Christmas party. Feeling kind of nervous. I’ll have to come back and document my first impressions.
Congrats Velo! I’ll miss you at school, but I know you’ll do awesome!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Grandma now
Just sitting here watching Grandma tonight. This is my mothers mother. She’s kinda’ cookoo now, but really she’s just gettin old. Oh how I don’t anticipate that. She helped raise me while my mom was off working and being a young single woman. I have always been very close to my grandma.
This poor lady has health issues most people can’t imagine. And she’ll let you know it. She’s been sick her whole life. I’m talking, her school teacher mother kept her at home for three years of elementary, kind of sick. Poor thing, she’s just deteriorating, but keeps living.
I know that sounds cruel and harsh, but it’s what she wants. To die that is. The family is starting to wish it for her too. Terrible, huh?! But when you see someone you love in horrific pain and struggling with life, not to mention whom desires death to befall her, you just want to see her peaceful again. Plus she is starting to ruin relationships with family members, and no one wants that.
See, grandma has had a stroke that deadened the “happy” receptors in her brain. She literally doesn’t feel pleasure. EVER. Can you even imagine if all you felt was pain and fear, but nothing to balance that out? For example, each time I’ve gotten pregnant, she hasn’t seemed to give a hoot. But when I loose the baby, she is all up in arms and teary. It’ s a kinda sick, sad way to show affection. But she can’t help it.
Like I said, Poor lady!
So Aunt Mole lives with her. Noble lady. She quit her job, left the life she knew and loved and moved up here to take care of her disabled mother. This has been a huge blessing to me, but has been very strenuous on her. I use to take care of grandma before Aunt Mole came, but now, I just have to take an evening here and there, and so I get a break from my home. More importantly Aunt Mole gets a break from hers. The side bonus is that grandma can have a little bit of variety in her life with someone new to talk to, or rather, complain to.
These are always good days though. I get the warm fuzzies for doing service. I feel like an important, helpful part of the family. I learn new lessons on patience each time. I also get to mix it up a bit by taking care of someone old, instead of someone young. I really believe, that when I am helpful, my mother beams with pride and gratitude up in heaven.
Do you do anything selfishly, under the guise of being helpful? Or am I just twisted?
This poor lady has health issues most people can’t imagine. And she’ll let you know it. She’s been sick her whole life. I’m talking, her school teacher mother kept her at home for three years of elementary, kind of sick. Poor thing, she’s just deteriorating, but keeps living.
I know that sounds cruel and harsh, but it’s what she wants. To die that is. The family is starting to wish it for her too. Terrible, huh?! But when you see someone you love in horrific pain and struggling with life, not to mention whom desires death to befall her, you just want to see her peaceful again. Plus she is starting to ruin relationships with family members, and no one wants that.
See, grandma has had a stroke that deadened the “happy” receptors in her brain. She literally doesn’t feel pleasure. EVER. Can you even imagine if all you felt was pain and fear, but nothing to balance that out? For example, each time I’ve gotten pregnant, she hasn’t seemed to give a hoot. But when I loose the baby, she is all up in arms and teary. It’ s a kinda sick, sad way to show affection. But she can’t help it.
Like I said, Poor lady!
So Aunt Mole lives with her. Noble lady. She quit her job, left the life she knew and loved and moved up here to take care of her disabled mother. This has been a huge blessing to me, but has been very strenuous on her. I use to take care of grandma before Aunt Mole came, but now, I just have to take an evening here and there, and so I get a break from my home. More importantly Aunt Mole gets a break from hers. The side bonus is that grandma can have a little bit of variety in her life with someone new to talk to, or rather, complain to.
These are always good days though. I get the warm fuzzies for doing service. I feel like an important, helpful part of the family. I learn new lessons on patience each time. I also get to mix it up a bit by taking care of someone old, instead of someone young. I really believe, that when I am helpful, my mother beams with pride and gratitude up in heaven.
Do you do anything selfishly, under the guise of being helpful? Or am I just twisted?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Vacation in Nebraska
This week we vacationed in Nebraska. We left on Monday night (like 10 o’clock). CRAZY! Then drove all the way.
We arrived in Eagle, where Hope lives, around noon. We had lunch, slept, then I woke and went to the temple with them. It was nice. I haven’t been to do a session since before Carson was even a thought. We went back to their home, ate dinner and slept. In the morning we ate breakfast, I played with Serhen, got packed up and left for my daddy’s.
We got there and after Velo and my dad brought in everything, We just sat around and talked. That was what we did the entire time we were there except Thanksgiving day. We sat and talked, watched Transformers, ate, ate pie (my father bought 6 pies for 4 people!), played Wii, played apples to apples and pop 5, ate more pie, went to the store, The last day we went to Chili’s to see my Sissy working. She was at the ‘”bar top”. It was fun. I love her and love to watch her in action. She really did seem very good, and very much like our mother when she was waitressing.
For Thanksgiving we went to Cass’s house. That’s my dad’s girlfriend. She seemed great. I liked that she is somewhat religious. She says she prays for us each night to have a baby. She talked about my mom with me. I liked that she was willing to acknowledge that there had been my mother and my dad had loved her very much. You know, like it wasn’t a threat to her that he had loved this other lady. Cuz’ it isn’t a threat. But most women would see it as one I think. She was kind and warm. Most importantly she makes my dad happy. I like to see him happy again. She is a health guru. That’s good cuz’ my dad is working on being healthier because of her. Maybe I’ll have to fold into Velo, his mother’’s, my dad’s and Cass’s pressure of eating healthier. We met her sons. The all seemed nice. Her dad was there, but unfortunately her sister was not. Her best friend Marty was there with his daughter Emily. It was a nice dinner.
I miss my family deeply. I never really remember how much until I go and visit them. Then I bawl like a baby as we drive away. I know Velo always feels cruel taking me away from them. Poor guy. It really was wonderful to go, relax and visit with my family and the important people to them.
We arrived in Eagle, where Hope lives, around noon. We had lunch, slept, then I woke and went to the temple with them. It was nice. I haven’t been to do a session since before Carson was even a thought. We went back to their home, ate dinner and slept. In the morning we ate breakfast, I played with Serhen, got packed up and left for my daddy’s.
We got there and after Velo and my dad brought in everything, We just sat around and talked. That was what we did the entire time we were there except Thanksgiving day. We sat and talked, watched Transformers, ate, ate pie (my father bought 6 pies for 4 people!), played Wii, played apples to apples and pop 5, ate more pie, went to the store, The last day we went to Chili’s to see my Sissy working. She was at the ‘”bar top”. It was fun. I love her and love to watch her in action. She really did seem very good, and very much like our mother when she was waitressing.
For Thanksgiving we went to Cass’s house. That’s my dad’s girlfriend. She seemed great. I liked that she is somewhat religious. She says she prays for us each night to have a baby. She talked about my mom with me. I liked that she was willing to acknowledge that there had been my mother and my dad had loved her very much. You know, like it wasn’t a threat to her that he had loved this other lady. Cuz’ it isn’t a threat. But most women would see it as one I think. She was kind and warm. Most importantly she makes my dad happy. I like to see him happy again. She is a health guru. That’s good cuz’ my dad is working on being healthier because of her. Maybe I’ll have to fold into Velo, his mother’’s, my dad’s and Cass’s pressure of eating healthier. We met her sons. The all seemed nice. Her dad was there, but unfortunately her sister was not. Her best friend Marty was there with his daughter Emily. It was a nice dinner.
I miss my family deeply. I never really remember how much until I go and visit them. Then I bawl like a baby as we drive away. I know Velo always feels cruel taking me away from them. Poor guy. It really was wonderful to go, relax and visit with my family and the important people to them.
Thanksgiving 2007
Here are somethings I am thankful for this year. They are not listed in any particular order.
My family. Velo, Carson, etc. All of them. I am here in Nebraska to celebrate with my dad and sister this year. I love them both so much and miss them when I’m not with them. I also love my family members who I live by and with me. As well as Velo’s family and my wonderful family in Arizona and Minneapolis. I’m glad we keep met and can keep in some contact.
My home and all that’s in it. I have always dreamed of owning my own home . Now that I do I simply love it.
Soda pop. Yummy bubbles. I’’m addicted.
My entire time with Carson. Pregnancy and after, I treasure those memories and those moments I was able to have him with me.
Modern medicine. Yeah for insulin, antibiotics, antidepressants and vaccines.
My car almost being paid off. Two more months! I thought it’d never come.
That voucher’s didn’t pass. This year we had an amazing turn out for local voting. Vouchers were on the ballot and everyone had an opinion. Thankfully the communities showed support for public schools and didn’t vote for the voucher program. Chalk one up for all Utahns, teachers and public schools.
Good friends. Kimmy, BFF, J, Chelsey, Hope, Raimee, Meg, Nicole, Jode, Wendy, Cathy, Patty, Clouses, Neenee, Jared, Heywood’s, Howe’s, Thorley’s. (Hope I didn’t miss anyone.)
This MacBook laptop. Provided by my great job as a 1/2 time Kindergarten teacher.
My family. Velo, Carson, etc. All of them. I am here in Nebraska to celebrate with my dad and sister this year. I love them both so much and miss them when I’m not with them. I also love my family members who I live by and with me. As well as Velo’s family and my wonderful family in Arizona and Minneapolis. I’m glad we keep met and can keep in some contact.
My home and all that’s in it. I have always dreamed of owning my own home . Now that I do I simply love it.
Soda pop. Yummy bubbles. I’’m addicted.
My entire time with Carson. Pregnancy and after, I treasure those memories and those moments I was able to have him with me.
Modern medicine. Yeah for insulin, antibiotics, antidepressants and vaccines.
My car almost being paid off. Two more months! I thought it’d never come.
That voucher’s didn’t pass. This year we had an amazing turn out for local voting. Vouchers were on the ballot and everyone had an opinion. Thankfully the communities showed support for public schools and didn’t vote for the voucher program. Chalk one up for all Utahns, teachers and public schools.
Good friends. Kimmy, BFF, J, Chelsey, Hope, Raimee, Meg, Nicole, Jode, Wendy, Cathy, Patty, Clouses, Neenee, Jared, Heywood’s, Howe’s, Thorley’s. (Hope I didn’t miss anyone.)
This MacBook laptop. Provided by my great job as a 1/2 time Kindergarten teacher.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Adolecent Rights of Passage
It was Sunday. That didn’t mean anything particularly special in my family, but I decided I wanted to go to church, alone again, on this particular one. Good thing too. It opened up the gates for one of the adulthood rights of passage...
My First Boyfriend.
I had said I was “going out” with this boy, Calvin, the year before. in middle school, but that only lasted 24 hours Then I broke up with him. It was the only thing I said to him while we were “together”. So I don’t really count him.
Fast forward to year 14 of my life on this fine Sunday. Kenny and I kept making eyes at each other during the lesson. Poor Sunday school teacher, I mean - Really! Finally after a few weeks of this. We got each others phone numbers and he started visiting my house. We’d hang out downstairs. He ate dinner with us a few times. We would go on bike rides. All this lead to more passage of innocence...
The First Kiss.
I don’t remember much more than standing at my front porch. It was evening and we’d been hanging out or doing what ever it was we did. Probably another bike ride. I remember those being common. Then, he did it. Just kinda’ went in for the kill.
It wasn’t a nice peck or anything, it was the full blown, open mouth, adult kiss. Luckily it wasn’t too wet or sloppy. (We were probably dehydrated from all that biking.) It was kinda’ minty. From gum or whatever.
That’s all.
Soon I got rid of Kenny for Josh. Kenny’s was fine. We went our separate ways, we weren’t really in the same “click”. No hard feelings.
Josh made me smile. That is for about 3 months, then he made me cry. It wasn’t a good break up. But then again, it wasn’t a good relationship either.
I guess we were all just helping each other grow up a little.
My First Boyfriend.
I had said I was “going out” with this boy, Calvin, the year before. in middle school, but that only lasted 24 hours Then I broke up with him. It was the only thing I said to him while we were “together”. So I don’t really count him.
Fast forward to year 14 of my life on this fine Sunday. Kenny and I kept making eyes at each other during the lesson. Poor Sunday school teacher, I mean - Really! Finally after a few weeks of this. We got each others phone numbers and he started visiting my house. We’d hang out downstairs. He ate dinner with us a few times. We would go on bike rides. All this lead to more passage of innocence...
The First Kiss.
I don’t remember much more than standing at my front porch. It was evening and we’d been hanging out or doing what ever it was we did. Probably another bike ride. I remember those being common. Then, he did it. Just kinda’ went in for the kill.
It wasn’t a nice peck or anything, it was the full blown, open mouth, adult kiss. Luckily it wasn’t too wet or sloppy. (We were probably dehydrated from all that biking.) It was kinda’ minty. From gum or whatever.
That’s all.
Soon I got rid of Kenny for Josh. Kenny’s was fine. We went our separate ways, we weren’t really in the same “click”. No hard feelings.
Josh made me smile. That is for about 3 months, then he made me cry. It wasn’t a good break up. But then again, it wasn’t a good relationship either.
I guess we were all just helping each other grow up a little.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
GUILT
So there’s been A LOT going on lately in my life and I don’t believe I have it worse than others, stay tuned for one of my upcoming blogs. But comparing aside, my own personal life has been hard for me lately.
The worst part.
The Guilt!
It’s kinda just part of my culture and life style. But I do it really badly and it only spirals into more guilt. For example. I’ve been stressed about how I am constantly taking care of others lately. I go to work- I’m taking care of others. I go home- I’m taking care of others. I go to church- I’m talking care of others. I leave my house- it’s to do something for someone else. Off-track? - I’m taking care of others. Are you getting my pattern?
Now, I like to take care of others. Really, I do. I just get so darn exhausted and eventually I’m running on empty and wonder the deadly question...
Who takes care of me?
Now this is the deadly question, because when I’m run down is NOT the best time to start questioning others love for me. Because that is what caring for one is right? Showing your love and care for that person.
So I start getting resentful. Resentful of all the people I usually voluntary take care of. The same people that usually bring me joy. They now bring me anger, and with the anger I dish up my heaping side of guilt.
The guilt comes because of all the resentment I harbor towards people who I love and don’t deserve my attitude or those unfortunate people who are in the crazy destructive path I lay for myself, when I get in these modes.
I am angry cuz’ I’m always taking care of Foosa. - Real feeling. Then the guilt comes. I shouldn’t be angry at Foosa, Sister, or her mom. I have set up the pattern for taking responsibility for her. Of course they expect it. Duh! It's my own fault - Guilty feelings ensue because I don’t like to be angry. I get angry at my husband for not doing each and every thought I have. Note that that was thought, not actual requests, those those get me all rilled up too. Then guilt, for he is a good husband and doesn’t deserve to have a C R A Z Y wife after him.
So in the end I am angry at a bunch of people, but then feel guilty for being upset and only then become angry at myself and loath me more.
Ahhhh! It’s exhausting just being me! Let alone the taking care of everyone. Taking care of me is a full time job. I swear!
In the end, I take comfort in knowing I’m crazy, cuz’ REALLY crazy people don’t know they’re crazy right?!
My solution...
Hi ho the merry-o
back on the antidepressants I go.
(I’m also starting to work out too, experts say that it helps to stay physically and mentally fit. Let's hope these "experts" are right.)
The worst part.
The Guilt!
It’s kinda just part of my culture and life style. But I do it really badly and it only spirals into more guilt. For example. I’ve been stressed about how I am constantly taking care of others lately. I go to work- I’m taking care of others. I go home- I’m taking care of others. I go to church- I’m talking care of others. I leave my house- it’s to do something for someone else. Off-track? - I’m taking care of others. Are you getting my pattern?
Now, I like to take care of others. Really, I do. I just get so darn exhausted and eventually I’m running on empty and wonder the deadly question...
Who takes care of me?
Now this is the deadly question, because when I’m run down is NOT the best time to start questioning others love for me. Because that is what caring for one is right? Showing your love and care for that person.
So I start getting resentful. Resentful of all the people I usually voluntary take care of. The same people that usually bring me joy. They now bring me anger, and with the anger I dish up my heaping side of guilt.
The guilt comes because of all the resentment I harbor towards people who I love and don’t deserve my attitude or those unfortunate people who are in the crazy destructive path I lay for myself, when I get in these modes.
I am angry cuz’ I’m always taking care of Foosa. - Real feeling. Then the guilt comes. I shouldn’t be angry at Foosa, Sister, or her mom. I have set up the pattern for taking responsibility for her. Of course they expect it. Duh! It's my own fault - Guilty feelings ensue because I don’t like to be angry. I get angry at my husband for not doing each and every thought I have. Note that that was thought, not actual requests, those those get me all rilled up too. Then guilt, for he is a good husband and doesn’t deserve to have a C R A Z Y wife after him.
So in the end I am angry at a bunch of people, but then feel guilty for being upset and only then become angry at myself and loath me more.
Ahhhh! It’s exhausting just being me! Let alone the taking care of everyone. Taking care of me is a full time job. I swear!
In the end, I take comfort in knowing I’m crazy, cuz’ REALLY crazy people don’t know they’re crazy right?!
My solution...
Hi ho the merry-o
back on the antidepressants I go.
(I’m also starting to work out too, experts say that it helps to stay physically and mentally fit. Let's hope these "experts" are right.)
Saturday, November 3, 2007
A Good Day
Just wanted to post about how good today has been. I feel like I have been rather negative as of late. Perhaps that has been due to lack of rest or sickness. Whatever the reason, it hasn't been pleasant for anyone. Yesterday I went to the doctor. I also took the last two days off work. So, I have slept and sat on my bottom watchin' t.v. It has been great.
I am now reaching that point where my body has rested all it needed to and I feel mentally and emotionally recharged. My doc gave me meds to help my bod recoup from it's sickness and my hubby has been making efforts to keep me comfy.
Today I was able to sleep in until I naturally woke up. (A splendid rarity) Then I played some Guild Wars with my hub. It's something we can do that makes him feel like I care and am making an effort to do something with him that he enjoys. Then we went downstairs and ate breakfast, watched some t.v. we were behind on and came back upstairs several hours later to nap.
I got up when Foosa's mom went to work and watched her eat. That's when it hit me... I am happy. Not just surviving the day. Not just content. There wasn't any anxiety about anything. I didn't feel stressed to accomplish yet another task. I was just glad to be sitting in my kitchen taking care of this silly, wonderful, beautiful toddling girl. And grateful that I was able to cuddle with my sweetie. I found myself realizing that it was so nice to just be. I happily came upstairs when Foosa was done with her ranch chicken mess and we woke up Velo. We all sat on the bed and played. It was one of those ordinary, but simply amazing moments.
I am so glad for easy going today. I feel a lot more like the me I like to be; someone grateful for the basic joys of life.
I am now reaching that point where my body has rested all it needed to and I feel mentally and emotionally recharged. My doc gave me meds to help my bod recoup from it's sickness and my hubby has been making efforts to keep me comfy.
Today I was able to sleep in until I naturally woke up. (A splendid rarity) Then I played some Guild Wars with my hub. It's something we can do that makes him feel like I care and am making an effort to do something with him that he enjoys. Then we went downstairs and ate breakfast, watched some t.v. we were behind on and came back upstairs several hours later to nap.
I got up when Foosa's mom went to work and watched her eat. That's when it hit me... I am happy. Not just surviving the day. Not just content. There wasn't any anxiety about anything. I didn't feel stressed to accomplish yet another task. I was just glad to be sitting in my kitchen taking care of this silly, wonderful, beautiful toddling girl. And grateful that I was able to cuddle with my sweetie. I found myself realizing that it was so nice to just be. I happily came upstairs when Foosa was done with her ranch chicken mess and we woke up Velo. We all sat on the bed and played. It was one of those ordinary, but simply amazing moments.
I am so glad for easy going today. I feel a lot more like the me I like to be; someone grateful for the basic joys of life.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
All HallOLD's Eve
So today is the first day I have ever woken up NOT excited for a holiday.
I believe this officially marks the time when a persons little kid inside dies. Sad for me. I love to be a kid. I love holidays, almost to a fault.
However this morning, I woke up dreading that it was Halloween and I had to go to school and be pleasant. I hated that the kids would be so wild and excited. I loathed having to get dressed-up.
Then it was time to go hand out candy. I couldn't stay at home because Velo wanted to and someone needed to hand out at Grandma's. I wanted Mole to take Foosa trick-or-treating. Mole loves this kind of thing and could really use some happiness in her life.
None of it was bad. It just wanted good either. That's the disappointing part. It used to be good just because it was a holiday. And now....it's just something else to do. Something that I have to take care of. Something that I need to spend time and money on. One more to do.
There were, in hind sight, a few highlights.
The children were darling.
I saw one of my students from last year trick-or-treating in my neighborhood.
We went to the graves today.
There, no one can say I didn't try to look for the silver linings.
What kind of things make you feel old?
Do you like the holidays? What's your favorite part? What do you dread?
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Extra, Extra
So I actually have all these different ideas and dealing I am writing about now. They are all just in draft mode because sometimes I feel like I should be posting perfect articles. Things that would make my journalism teacher Ms. Baird proud. I'll try to remember I'm not going to win any awards for these and that they are really just to get my thoughts out. Let's see if I can remember that long enough to get something published soon.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Your Mother Doesn't Live Here
So these last two weeks Velo and I have been locking up the church. That's his calling. We just love it. It is relaxing, peaceful, one is able to do it on your own schedule and it is surprisingly necessary.
Most nights there have been things for us to fix. Now, I'm not sure about you, but I was taught to leave things in a better state than they were in before I had them/used them/etc.
One night we drove by and there was a van out front. Turns out someone was tuning the organ at 11:30 at night. Strange we thought, but they scurried off when they heard us, so we never saw them or had to kick them out. Strange, but not too bad.
Another night, there was a light on in the clerks office. Again this was abnormally late at night. (We usually lock up right before we turn in to bed.) Velo was going to leave it, but I thought he should at least tell them to double check that they closed the outside door behind them. So he knocked on the door. No answer, he knocked again and said hello. No answer, Velo wanted to leave, I was outraged someone wouldn't even answer. Rude! So we knocked louder and tried rattling the door. You know, to really let them know someone wanted to talk to them. Still no answer. Velo decided to try his key. This would surely make the culprit open the door. The key worked! It actually opened the door to the clerks office. We were super surprised. However, no one was in the office. They had just neglected to turn off the light. Wow, they must have been in a rush to get out of there if they couldn't even have flipped the switch.
My saddest events since we've been locking up have been; finding parked cars in the lot (with people in the backseats.) I mean, who goes to a church parking lot to make out-or worse? Velo found paint balled windows once on a outside check. And, once we found a rock and shards of glass on the floor of the R.S. room. The window had been duct-taped by someone that day using the room for an activity, but the blatent vandalism made my heart sink into my stomach.
How horrible to be so willing to just destroy property.
These, amongst the very common; a/c left on, windows open, lights on and doors not locked up, show an irresponsibility baffling to me.
Clean up your own mess. That doesn't just mean trash and garbage, that means putting things back, closing windows you opened, flipping a switch when you leave, and making sure the building you're using is kept clean and safe by simply locking it back up. Is this such a difficult concept? Do we have so much to do we can't leave things in a better or at least similar state as we found them? Or is it just simply someone elses job to clean up after us?
Seriously, be responsible enough to take care of things that aren't even yours, but that you are taking the luxury of using.
Most nights there have been things for us to fix. Now, I'm not sure about you, but I was taught to leave things in a better state than they were in before I had them/used them/etc.
One night we drove by and there was a van out front. Turns out someone was tuning the organ at 11:30 at night. Strange we thought, but they scurried off when they heard us, so we never saw them or had to kick them out. Strange, but not too bad.
Another night, there was a light on in the clerks office. Again this was abnormally late at night. (We usually lock up right before we turn in to bed.) Velo was going to leave it, but I thought he should at least tell them to double check that they closed the outside door behind them. So he knocked on the door. No answer, he knocked again and said hello. No answer, Velo wanted to leave, I was outraged someone wouldn't even answer. Rude! So we knocked louder and tried rattling the door. You know, to really let them know someone wanted to talk to them. Still no answer. Velo decided to try his key. This would surely make the culprit open the door. The key worked! It actually opened the door to the clerks office. We were super surprised. However, no one was in the office. They had just neglected to turn off the light. Wow, they must have been in a rush to get out of there if they couldn't even have flipped the switch.
My saddest events since we've been locking up have been; finding parked cars in the lot (with people in the backseats.) I mean, who goes to a church parking lot to make out-or worse? Velo found paint balled windows once on a outside check. And, once we found a rock and shards of glass on the floor of the R.S. room. The window had been duct-taped by someone that day using the room for an activity, but the blatent vandalism made my heart sink into my stomach.
How horrible to be so willing to just destroy property.
These, amongst the very common; a/c left on, windows open, lights on and doors not locked up, show an irresponsibility baffling to me.
Clean up your own mess. That doesn't just mean trash and garbage, that means putting things back, closing windows you opened, flipping a switch when you leave, and making sure the building you're using is kept clean and safe by simply locking it back up. Is this such a difficult concept? Do we have so much to do we can't leave things in a better or at least similar state as we found them? Or is it just simply someone elses job to clean up after us?
Seriously, be responsible enough to take care of things that aren't even yours, but that you are taking the luxury of using.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Heavenly Husband
I don't want to forget what just happened and how much it meant to me, so I'm blogging about it.
A little background information...
We have church at 1:00.
Early this morning I was up feeling sick. Velo, my husband, was up taking care of me.
We slept until 11:00 when our 2 yr. old cousin who lives with us, we call her Foosa, started screaming and bawling. So we both sat up in our bed and beckoned her to come into our room. She would have none of that. Just wanted to scream I guess. Eventually I got up and we went downstairs to see if she'd been feed yet. She had, the evidence was there on the table, old eggs. We played with the birds we have as pets for a few minutes, then I ate some breakfast. This didn't sit very well with me. Feed the lizards and We went back upstairs around 12:15. Not enough time for me to get ready to go to church and get the baby ready.
Velo got up and got ready while I talked to Foosa's sister about going to church, how we could since we had no car seat (mom had taken it w/ her to work).
Foosa loves church. It's the only time she gets to play with other children. She simply thinks nursery is the best. Now I really believe in our church. So I feel terrible keeping her away from a place she is so happy, because I think it will make a subconscious difference when she is older. But I just wasn't feeling up to it, and Sister wasn't going to be going.
Additional background info.
Velo tries hard, but is still learning to deal with children. Especially in large doses, like having an instant 2 yr. old living with us. He also has a hard time making himself get ready and leave the house. Even for church, although he to does believe in it.
So to the point of this blog...
Velo gets himself ready and tells me to get Foosa ready for church and he will stroll her there. So I and Sister can rest up for a few hours, Foosa can go to nursery and he will do as he knows is right.
Wow. I may not seem like such a big deal down in words, but here in reality, it was a BIG deal. I am so grateful for a husband whom honors his priesthood duties, is willing to be the example and still go to church with the Foosa even when it isn't convenient.
Breaking it down again,
Velo took Foosa. Big deal because he tries, but is still working on the kid thing.
Velo strolled Foosa. Big deal because that is much more work than driving or staying at home.
Velo strolled Foosa to church. Major deal because church is important, but even though I say that, he acted, and he did it.
He took the active role and he is helping her see it is important.
I love that man. I am so glad I have him in my life and I am so glad he will stand up and do what is right. Even when it isn't easy. I am so proud of him. Today he inspires me to be better and do more.
A little background information...
We have church at 1:00.
Early this morning I was up feeling sick. Velo, my husband, was up taking care of me.
We slept until 11:00 when our 2 yr. old cousin who lives with us, we call her Foosa, started screaming and bawling. So we both sat up in our bed and beckoned her to come into our room. She would have none of that. Just wanted to scream I guess. Eventually I got up and we went downstairs to see if she'd been feed yet. She had, the evidence was there on the table, old eggs. We played with the birds we have as pets for a few minutes, then I ate some breakfast. This didn't sit very well with me. Feed the lizards and We went back upstairs around 12:15. Not enough time for me to get ready to go to church and get the baby ready.
Velo got up and got ready while I talked to Foosa's sister about going to church, how we could since we had no car seat (mom had taken it w/ her to work).
Foosa loves church. It's the only time she gets to play with other children. She simply thinks nursery is the best. Now I really believe in our church. So I feel terrible keeping her away from a place she is so happy, because I think it will make a subconscious difference when she is older. But I just wasn't feeling up to it, and Sister wasn't going to be going.
Additional background info.
Velo tries hard, but is still learning to deal with children. Especially in large doses, like having an instant 2 yr. old living with us. He also has a hard time making himself get ready and leave the house. Even for church, although he to does believe in it.
So to the point of this blog...
Velo gets himself ready and tells me to get Foosa ready for church and he will stroll her there. So I and Sister can rest up for a few hours, Foosa can go to nursery and he will do as he knows is right.
Wow. I may not seem like such a big deal down in words, but here in reality, it was a BIG deal. I am so grateful for a husband whom honors his priesthood duties, is willing to be the example and still go to church with the Foosa even when it isn't convenient.
Breaking it down again,
Velo took Foosa. Big deal because he tries, but is still working on the kid thing.
Velo strolled Foosa. Big deal because that is much more work than driving or staying at home.
Velo strolled Foosa to church. Major deal because church is important, but even though I say that, he acted, and he did it.
He took the active role and he is helping her see it is important.
I love that man. I am so glad I have him in my life and I am so glad he will stand up and do what is right. Even when it isn't easy. I am so proud of him. Today he inspires me to be better and do more.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
In the Begining
So here it is, the breaking down of my insistence that I don't need to blog because I just comment on others blogs. Lately, I have been really enjoying reading my friends & families blogs. So when talking with a good buddy, dishesandlaundrey.blogspot.com, we discussed how great it is that people are finally doing the journaling and history we've always been told to be working on. Ever since, I've been playing around with the idea and finally gave in by starting a blog for my school stories. I have not started that blog yet though because I keep thinking about things I could blog about and reasons to take the time to actually DO it that weren't work related, at all. In the end, I decided to make a "personal" blog too. But lets be honest, how personal can a publicly viewable diary be? Well, we'll see I suppose. I may have a large following, or I may just be putting stuff down that may be read by offspring some day. I must admit, I do hope someone, somewhere along the way will read this. If I'm really lucky maybe I can inspire, uplift, bring joy or just be closer, to someone, anyone. Who knows, I may just surprise myself and the person I might help the most will be...me!
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