Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Birthday Wishes

It was my birthday on Monday and I celebrated with lots of birthday wishes from 83 friends on Facebook. I didn't know I had so many people that cared. I got some phone calls from a few of my dearest friends which made the day all the better. My visiting teacher brought me a birthday cake which was really yummy.
Clare was sent on the errand to pick up pizza for dinner. It was just nice not to have to cook anything. I spent a few hours officiating volleyball in Gresham where I received a birthday treat from another woman celebrating her special day as well.
My husband, as usual, brought home some new outfits (actually dress suits) which I probably won't wear until Stake Conference weekend. He has very good taste and buys much of my clothing. I guess the stuff I buy consists of socks, under things and whatever I find at a thrift shop.
My dad called and wished me a happy day and that was all I needed from him. Birthdays used to be a big deal, but as I get older, they just aren't as important as they used to be. Heck, I can barely remember how old I am.
I had a really good day with no people ambushing me by singing Happy Birthday. I really don't like that at all. If I want to be the center of attention, I'll put myself there.
So, to whomever is reading this, I hope your birthday (whenever it is) is as good as mine was.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Time to Build that Ark

"The rains came down and the floods came up." Good thing my house isn't built upon the sand. Yes, this is my yard. I've lived here the greatest majority of my life and never remember seeing this much water on the lower lawn...and it's still raining.I went out and looked at the rain gauge this morning and this is what I found. Rain is predicted on and off all day with storms coming through this evening. I think I'll have to dump this when it reaches 5 inches.
Yep, I'm ready to start on that ark.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A tender moment

I have a tender-hearted son who has donated to his sister's mission fund during the summer while he earned some money. He told me he wanted to help pay for her mission. I finally wrote and told her about it and she said it brought her to tears. The good kind of tears. What a tender moment! As I shared her letter with him last night, he absolutely beamed. He understood that his sacrifice was accepted and appreciated. Makes me get a little misty too.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Two Weddings and a Soccer Game

This morning my sweetie and I rode our new "Wing" to Antigo to Andrew's soccer game. Was I cold? Only my legs and the back of my neck occasionally. We both got new leather jackets on Craig's list yesterday for quite a deal so I my top half was warm. We got to see the boys play for the first game and half of the second. We had to leave to attend a wedding.

Two of my good friends had children getting married today. Thankfully we were only invited to one of them. It was a beautiful day for a wedding with the sun shining and the view of the lake in the background. Still, it was no temple ceremony. Typically I think that weddings are generally beautiful as two people are joining together to create a new family. What could be better than a new family?

Was it a productive day? As far as cleaning my house? No. But, as far as spending some time with my husband and celebrating life? Totally. And hopefully someday, these two couples will find their way to the temple.

Monday, September 13, 2010

My Thoughts on Being...

A missionary mom
I love that my daughter is serving a mission. I'm not a worrier and so I don't stress out about her being away or telling me about the experiences that would otherwise make me nuts. I know that our Heavenly Father will protect her as she's doing His work.

A volleyball official

I love the sport of volleyball. I'd rather play it than watch, coach or officiate. Officiating pays the best though. Coaching was fun but it took so much time. Officiating gets me watching the game and I get to be the one to be in charge and make the calls. Yes, it can be intimidating. I just follow my husband's advice. When you make the call, do it with authority, even if it's the wrong call.

A Nana

I love being a grandma. Part of it is because I get to watch my daughter be a mom. She's great at it by the way. I know I have responsibility to teach, but I get to hug and play and just love those wonderful little people.

A wife

I am so blessed to have a husband who respects, loves, cares for and adores me. The longer I am married to this incredible man, the more in love with him I become. I am constantly amazed that even after all these years, I discover new things about him that I love. I'm also amazed by the feelings of falling in love with him over and over again.

A seminary teacher
This is a no-brainer if you've read my previous posts. I love having the scriptures open up to me. I love the "aha" moments when I see the lightbulb come on for one of my students. I adore these youth.

The mother of a child with special needs

What did I ever do to have this priveledge? I look forward to the next world when he has all the disability removed and we can talk. He's a pretty amazing man.

A friend
I am blessed beyond measure when I think about my dear friends. There are many of you and I hope you recognize who you are. We share joy, laughter and tears. We celebrate life together. The most incredible thing about being a friend is being able to pick up just where we left off last week, last month or last year.

A sister
I have some incredible brothers and sisters. It's fun to share stories of when we were young. I love to watch the changes that we all go through and see how much we've grown through the trials placed before us. Yes, incredible siblings.

A daughter

I was blessed to have the parents I do. My dad has always been my hero. I never realized what a strength my mom was in Dad's life. I hope people will say that about me one day. I miss my mom tremendously.

A coach
I said earlier that I love the youth. Some more than others. I love track and field and look forward to the upcoming season when I have the opportunity to coach my own son. Yes, I do have my favorites but I try to give them all the attention they deserve. The pay is never enough, but truth be told, I'd probably do it for free as I love it. The money is helpful in lots of ways so I am glad there is pay involved.

A stay-at-home mom
Even though my children are either gone or don't need me like they used to, I still enjoy being at home. I love that I can lounge around and do nothing or I can plant, harvest, clean or cook. All of which do get done.

There are so many other things I could post, but for now I just had the feeling that I needed to share a few thoughts. How about my other blogging friends. Any thoughts????

Friday, September 10, 2010

One Week In

I've finished my first week of seminary for the year. We studied the plan of salvation as well as an overview of the Doctrine & Covenants and the Great Apostacy. A little more prep work and we'll dive headfirst into the Doctrine & Covenants.

I'm really excited with the youth that are attending the class this year. The first day was filled with answers to questions by only one young man. Trev doesn't realize what a gem he is and how much I appreciate him. By the end of today, most everyone was involved and talking, well at least engaged.

This opportunity has been one of the greatest in my life. I love the scriptures! I love the youth! What a better fit than this? Yes, it can be time consuming and sometimes I feel very sleep deprived, especially at the end of a week. But, it is ALL so worth the effort. I am having FUN!!!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

A New Year of Seminary

These are the 11 beautiful faces that I have the opportunity to meet with each day in seminary class. I cannot express enough how much I love these youth.

Monday, September 6, 2010

A Ride Up

Today my sweetie had some work to do on our roof. He borrowed my dad's bucket truck to get on the roof. When he was finished, he gave rides to the kids. Cami was first.
Adam was actually last and complained when he had to get out.
Maddy actually did go up in the truck unlike this photo shows. She stood back while Cami went for a ride and she looked a bit envious. She was very happy to find out she got a ride as well.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

1st Day of School

My baby boy is off to school this morning as a freshman in high school. Where did the time go? I recall taking a first day of school picture of just Clare and eventually of all five of my children. Now, there are only 3 more of these pictures to take. Life is about to get busy again with school in session. Seminary will start next week, soccer is already going and the homework is about to begin. Life is good!