My husband and I went to Salt Lake tonight to hear a mission friend play in a jazz band. It was part of an Art Expo thing going on, so we walked around and saw some interesting pieces of art before the band performed. I'd sure like to get inside the head of some of these artists and know what they know; feel what they feel, which causes them to paint what they do. Some pieces were stunning, making me look deeper and longer at the piece, and some made me uncomfortable. Interesting though. I do appreciate the arts.
The band's space to play was in an old building, almost like a garage, definitely a work space with half the ceiling still unfinished, shelving everywhere, dirty, no heat, only about 20 chairs set up, some shady people (one of which I actually witnessed stealing the "tip" jar, which was located up by the band, right in the middle of a song), and yet once the music started, I was transported to a whole other place.
As the music filled me, I felt it a shame that only a handful of people were there listening to this great music. A few more would wander in, some would wander out, not fully appreciating the talent right before them. But soon, with my toe tapping, my head boppin, and a smile on my face; the snow falling outside (indicative of a worrisome ride home), and all other cares of the world, didn't matter.
Jazz! Yah!!!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Best Sleep
When I was young, I remember visiting my Aunt and Uncle one day and they were anxious to show our family their separate, newly painted bedrooms. I was disturbed that they were happy to be in separate rooms. I feared their marriage was in trouble. It wasn't, nor is it.
Now, many years later, I understand. I have discovered that when my husband is out of town, and I have the bed all to myself, I sleep SO much better. Usually, I am up at least 3 times a night. I get so used to it that it just seems normal. Then when he's gone, I sometimes sleep the entire night without waking up, and the other nights, I'm up just once (to visit the restroom). I have been amazed at how good I feel the next day after sleep like that.
I don't feel bad for saying I like having my bed to myself. It's not about my relationship with my husband at all. It's only about sleep.
Will we be painting another room anytime soon? Most likely not. Earplugs may be all I need.
Now, many years later, I understand. I have discovered that when my husband is out of town, and I have the bed all to myself, I sleep SO much better. Usually, I am up at least 3 times a night. I get so used to it that it just seems normal. Then when he's gone, I sometimes sleep the entire night without waking up, and the other nights, I'm up just once (to visit the restroom). I have been amazed at how good I feel the next day after sleep like that.
I don't feel bad for saying I like having my bed to myself. It's not about my relationship with my husband at all. It's only about sleep.
Will we be painting another room anytime soon? Most likely not. Earplugs may be all I need.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Little ones at play
We had a birthday celebration for 2 yr. old granddaughter tonight as part of our Fast Sunday family dinner get-together. Our little grandson and granddaughter have not really had a lot to do with each other until recently. They've been curious about the other, but jealous of time on Gma or Gpa's lap, competing for our attention. Tonight they made the transition to actually playing.
It started off with grandson eyeing a toy granddaughter was playing with. He'd look for his chance to snatch a toy away, dive in and grab it, and RUN!!! She'd run after him and when she got close enough that he realized she would overtake him, he'd turn around and offer the toy (or drink or whatever) to her and say "dank do" (thank you). Then he'd watch her return to her solitary play, and he'd move in and do the grab-n-run again. It was so hilarious that I laughed so hard my jaw was hurting.
After the battle for the toys, they found that chasing each other was great fun. They ended up in my bathroom, exploring a drawer with curlers and trial-sized lotions etc. They were talking to each other and sharing, and having such a fun time. I do believe they are becoming great friends.
Gotta love little children.
It started off with grandson eyeing a toy granddaughter was playing with. He'd look for his chance to snatch a toy away, dive in and grab it, and RUN!!! She'd run after him and when she got close enough that he realized she would overtake him, he'd turn around and offer the toy (or drink or whatever) to her and say "dank do" (thank you). Then he'd watch her return to her solitary play, and he'd move in and do the grab-n-run again. It was so hilarious that I laughed so hard my jaw was hurting.
After the battle for the toys, they found that chasing each other was great fun. They ended up in my bathroom, exploring a drawer with curlers and trial-sized lotions etc. They were talking to each other and sharing, and having such a fun time. I do believe they are becoming great friends.
Gotta love little children.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Frito withdrawal
My sister and I have now completed one full month of no sugar. We have 11 months to go. It has been really hard for me, harder for me than for my sister. She likes sweets, but has never HAD to have them very often. I, on the other hand, have always craved sweets and can not finish a meal without wanting to top it off with dessert, or a piece of chocolate at the least.
Now yes, I've been on a healthy eating kick, and doing well, but I have still had my cheats. I was getting out of control with my chocolate and other sweets though so I had the bright idea of doing this contest with my sister and going a whole year without sweets. How dumb is that? Once I make up my mind though, I can be strong. But it is still hard. My taste buds want the sweet.
As if no sugar isn't challenge enough, I decided we should spice it up even more and add a new food each month that we can't have (healthy foods off limits of course), because as I mentioned before, even with healthy eating, we still have our cheats, so I'm trying to force us to get rid of those cheats, slowly but surely. So...today we chose for each other, a food (or drink) that the other can not have, under no circumstances, for the remainder of our year's challenge. I chose for her, no soda; no carbonated beverages at all. She loves diet coke, but doesn't drink it on a regular basis, so since this won't be torture for her, I attached to it that by eliminating other drinks of choice, she has to replace it with water and get 96-120 oz. of water each day. That's not as easy as it sounds, but with time, it does become a part of you. I ALWAYS have a water bottle with me now, everywhere I go. Water is SO good for you in so many ways, AND it helps the liver do its' job, by flushing out fat. So, can't go wrong there.
For ME, my sister chose my favorite salty treat of all time; Fritos. I yelled into the phone "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Without Fritos AND sweets, I am gonna die. This is the toughest thing I've done (or one of them anyway). BUT, I am NOT gonna lose to her.
The game is on!
Now yes, I've been on a healthy eating kick, and doing well, but I have still had my cheats. I was getting out of control with my chocolate and other sweets though so I had the bright idea of doing this contest with my sister and going a whole year without sweets. How dumb is that? Once I make up my mind though, I can be strong. But it is still hard. My taste buds want the sweet.
As if no sugar isn't challenge enough, I decided we should spice it up even more and add a new food each month that we can't have (healthy foods off limits of course), because as I mentioned before, even with healthy eating, we still have our cheats, so I'm trying to force us to get rid of those cheats, slowly but surely. So...today we chose for each other, a food (or drink) that the other can not have, under no circumstances, for the remainder of our year's challenge. I chose for her, no soda; no carbonated beverages at all. She loves diet coke, but doesn't drink it on a regular basis, so since this won't be torture for her, I attached to it that by eliminating other drinks of choice, she has to replace it with water and get 96-120 oz. of water each day. That's not as easy as it sounds, but with time, it does become a part of you. I ALWAYS have a water bottle with me now, everywhere I go. Water is SO good for you in so many ways, AND it helps the liver do its' job, by flushing out fat. So, can't go wrong there.
For ME, my sister chose my favorite salty treat of all time; Fritos. I yelled into the phone "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Without Fritos AND sweets, I am gonna die. This is the toughest thing I've done (or one of them anyway). BUT, I am NOT gonna lose to her.
The game is on!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Halloween fun
I got to experience Halloween with grandchildren for the first time (they were too young last year), which is better than ever because I didn't have to be the one to stress over costumes or anything.
Our little grandson was dressed as Superman. He has discovered my treadmill and wanted to walk on it. We turned it on its' lowest setting and he walked and walked and walked, with his cape flowing out behind him. Cutest thing ever. Unfortunately, he didn't get to trick-or-treat because of the weather and a sick Daddy. He's too young to know what he's missing, and he's such a happy little boy with anything and everything. What a delight!
We went to our oldest son's house to go trick-or-treating with our granddaughter, who is almost 2 years old. She was dressed as a bunny. She was so tickled with her own costume that THAT could've entertained all of us all night long. When the weather cleared enough for us to venture outside and start the door approaches, she hopped down the sidewalk, just thrilled as could be. At her first house, when that first piece of candy landed in her bucket, her eyes got huge and she stared at it with a look on her face that registered pure joy and awe. It was the cutest thing ever. She jabbered and talked all night long, from house to house, enjoying seeing other kids dressed up, and seeing the fun and creative decorations on porches and windows and trees. She was enthralled. At one house, she was given a dumb-dumb sucker. As she was walking down the stairs, she pulled it out of her bucket and said "I don't want it". The very next house gave big suckers and she took that one and said "THAT'S a GOOD sucker!" So funny.
My daughter-in-law's parents were with us tonight too, so here were two sets of grandparents, and the parents of this one little girl, parading down the street, acting as though this little girl was the cutest, the smartest, the best little girl out there. (And she was.)
I love the constant reminders these little ones give us, of the simple joys in life. It doesn't take much to make them smile and laugh and be happy. Oh the lessons we learn from them.
I love my family!!!
Our little grandson was dressed as Superman. He has discovered my treadmill and wanted to walk on it. We turned it on its' lowest setting and he walked and walked and walked, with his cape flowing out behind him. Cutest thing ever. Unfortunately, he didn't get to trick-or-treat because of the weather and a sick Daddy. He's too young to know what he's missing, and he's such a happy little boy with anything and everything. What a delight!
We went to our oldest son's house to go trick-or-treating with our granddaughter, who is almost 2 years old. She was dressed as a bunny. She was so tickled with her own costume that THAT could've entertained all of us all night long. When the weather cleared enough for us to venture outside and start the door approaches, she hopped down the sidewalk, just thrilled as could be. At her first house, when that first piece of candy landed in her bucket, her eyes got huge and she stared at it with a look on her face that registered pure joy and awe. It was the cutest thing ever. She jabbered and talked all night long, from house to house, enjoying seeing other kids dressed up, and seeing the fun and creative decorations on porches and windows and trees. She was enthralled. At one house, she was given a dumb-dumb sucker. As she was walking down the stairs, she pulled it out of her bucket and said "I don't want it". The very next house gave big suckers and she took that one and said "THAT'S a GOOD sucker!" So funny.
My daughter-in-law's parents were with us tonight too, so here were two sets of grandparents, and the parents of this one little girl, parading down the street, acting as though this little girl was the cutest, the smartest, the best little girl out there. (And she was.)
I love the constant reminders these little ones give us, of the simple joys in life. It doesn't take much to make them smile and laugh and be happy. Oh the lessons we learn from them.
I love my family!!!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Call
The mission call has come. Our 3rd missionary to serve, is going to the Mexico Veracruz mission. He will enter the MTC in Feb.
It's interesting to reflect on each son's mission-call-opening. I really had no idea where any of them would be called to serve, except that with the two older boys, I had a feeling it would be in the states, and for this son, I had a feeling it would be OUTSIDE the states. Regardless of where they serve, the focus must be on what a mission is all about. It's not about where you get to go, or what sites you get to see, or if your destination is "cooler" than another's. It's about serving the Lord, and bringing the gospel to those who are waiting for those blessings in their lives. It requires faith in the Prophet and the Twelve, who are inspired as to where each boy needs to serve.
As each of my sons, in turn, read their letter telling them where they would serve, their expressions were all different, yet priceless. Son #1 got a big smile on his face and he had a glow about him. He couldn't stop smiling. I cried. Georgia would be where he would serve. It felt right, and SO good. Son #2 broke down in tears. He was overcome with the fact that the letter was signed by the Prophet, stating that he was worthy to serve a mission. It didn't matter where, although he too, felt Florida was right for him. And I cried. Son # 3, broke out into exclamations of joy and excitement, with his blue eyes expressing all he felt. And I cried. I, along with each boy, received a confirmation that THAT was where he truly needed to go. What an incredible, great feeling that is.
There are many great adventures and experiences in store for my son, but what I look forward to the most, is seeing that light that is in his eyes now, get even brighter, as it surely will, as he discovers his love for the people and a deeper love for the gospel and the Savior, than what he already feels now.
This will be a great time in his life. I love it!
It's interesting to reflect on each son's mission-call-opening. I really had no idea where any of them would be called to serve, except that with the two older boys, I had a feeling it would be in the states, and for this son, I had a feeling it would be OUTSIDE the states. Regardless of where they serve, the focus must be on what a mission is all about. It's not about where you get to go, or what sites you get to see, or if your destination is "cooler" than another's. It's about serving the Lord, and bringing the gospel to those who are waiting for those blessings in their lives. It requires faith in the Prophet and the Twelve, who are inspired as to where each boy needs to serve.
As each of my sons, in turn, read their letter telling them where they would serve, their expressions were all different, yet priceless. Son #1 got a big smile on his face and he had a glow about him. He couldn't stop smiling. I cried. Georgia would be where he would serve. It felt right, and SO good. Son #2 broke down in tears. He was overcome with the fact that the letter was signed by the Prophet, stating that he was worthy to serve a mission. It didn't matter where, although he too, felt Florida was right for him. And I cried. Son # 3, broke out into exclamations of joy and excitement, with his blue eyes expressing all he felt. And I cried. I, along with each boy, received a confirmation that THAT was where he truly needed to go. What an incredible, great feeling that is.
There are many great adventures and experiences in store for my son, but what I look forward to the most, is seeing that light that is in his eyes now, get even brighter, as it surely will, as he discovers his love for the people and a deeper love for the gospel and the Savior, than what he already feels now.
This will be a great time in his life. I love it!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Another missionary
My son's mission papers are on their way to Salt Lake. We should find out by the end of the month where he will be called to serve.
We have been looking forward to this day for a little over 19 years now; teaching him, leading him, loving him, started making preparations last December, working on the paperwork since the beginning of summer, and now all we have to do is wait for the call.
When he told me about this last step being completed, and that everything is on its' way, I couldn't stop the tears from forming. What is my problem? This is a GOOD thing; something we've always hoped he would want to do. We have two other sons who have served missions and we know the blessings that come from serving in this way and how much this experience builds character and makes a man out of boys. There's so much good that comes from this, and yet...life changes from here on out. Changes are good, but change is change. I lose a piece of my little boy.
I'm not ready to say goodbye, yet this is what a mother must do. We can only nurture and protect for so long. I love this son of mine, and love the one who gave me this son, so...I will send him on his way with faith and love in my heart.
We have been looking forward to this day for a little over 19 years now; teaching him, leading him, loving him, started making preparations last December, working on the paperwork since the beginning of summer, and now all we have to do is wait for the call.
When he told me about this last step being completed, and that everything is on its' way, I couldn't stop the tears from forming. What is my problem? This is a GOOD thing; something we've always hoped he would want to do. We have two other sons who have served missions and we know the blessings that come from serving in this way and how much this experience builds character and makes a man out of boys. There's so much good that comes from this, and yet...life changes from here on out. Changes are good, but change is change. I lose a piece of my little boy.
I'm not ready to say goodbye, yet this is what a mother must do. We can only nurture and protect for so long. I love this son of mine, and love the one who gave me this son, so...I will send him on his way with faith and love in my heart.
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