Papa's Birthday Lunch

The last birthday that my dad had prior to his passing, he asked me to provide lunch to the guys at the mill.  I made Indian Tacos and it was a hit.  He came over to my home a day or two later and expressed his gratitude for my contribution to his special day.  He said he loved it and the guys loved it and it was so delicious.  I was glad to have a part of making him happy.

I've continued that tradition in the years since he's gone.  Yesterday would've been his 79th birthday. I made a mountain of fry bread as well as German chocolate cake (his favorite).  The guys appreciate my efforts as well and it makes me feel good that I'm continuing something small that he was so grateful for.  I don't do much as an owner of that company, but I can boost morale.

I miss my daddy at times.  As a little girl I didn't think there was anyone more wonderful than he. Even as a teenager, I didn't think there would ever be any guy who I would love more than my dad. Amazingly I found a man just as kind, gentle and genuine as my dad.

I was sad to let him go from this life but knew that he wasn't happy in the body he was left with. Who would ever choose to have constant headaches and a body that you couldn't control?  That wasn't him.  I'm ever grateful for the time I had him and even more grateful that eternally he will still be my daddy.  I smile when I think of him.  Just a twinge of sadness that I can't see his smile and feel his touch, but so much gratefulness that he's free of the burdens of this life and can be with his eternal sweetheart, my mom.

I'm a Temple Ordinance Worker

Back in October my husband and I were set apart as temple ordinance workers in the St. Paul temple. I wasn't sure I could ever memorize and learn all that needed to be done.  After being there two months in a row, I felt that I could learn everything necessary.  I was looking forward to being back in December and then we had a blizzard come through that kept us home.  I was disappointed.

We were back this past Friday night and Saturday morning.  I love the women that I work with on my shifts.  I still feel like the newbie but not like I did in the first two months.  My coordinators have such faith in me and believe I can do whatever they assign me to do.

I had a very tender moment while working in an endowment session.  As I was performing my duties, I felt that my hands were indeed the Savior's hands.  I was doing what He would do.  It was so tender. I loved having that feeling.  I cannot express wholely just what I felt.  I just know it was amazing.

I am blessed once again to be able to do what the Lord asks me to do.  I will forever be grateful to be His hands in this work.

Another year makes 34

On January 11th we were able to celebrate 34 years of marriage.  It was a rather uneventful day as I had to work and Pat was just getting over a bout with the flu so he spent part of his day working from home.  We did, however, go out to dinner at Perkins.  It was perfect!

My parents celebrated 35 years of marriage just a few months prior to my mother's untimely passing.  I always thought they didn't get enough time together.  Thirty-five years seemed like such a long time to be married and yet I'm right here next to that number.  I always wanted a marriage similar to what I saw modeled by my parents.

My dad was such a loving man and they always greeted one another with a kiss when he came home from work.  I'll admit, we don't do that, but I do have a very affectionate husband who likes to hold my hand and sit close to me.  I think I got a guy very much like my dad.  Very tender, compassionate and generous.

There are lots of things I love about this husband of mine and I think I'll list 34 things to show my appreciation for him.
  1.  He tells me he loves me everyday.
  2.  He rubs my back almost every day.
  3.  He brings me flowers randomly.  It doesn't even need to be a special occasion.
  4.  He calls me during the day to hear my voice.
  5.  He randomly gives me a foot massage. 
  6.  He helps others with whatever they need.
  7.  He serves the Lord in any way he is asked and then some.
  8.  He submitted our names to work in the temple.  We both love it!
  9.  He genuinely wants to be with me, work with me, be around me.
10.  He routinely tells me that he's glad I married him.
11.  He LOVES our house/home.  It was mine first, but now it's ours.
12.  He corrects me when I need correcting. I know that isn't easy to do.
13.  He asks the hard questions.
14.  He buys me beautiful clothing and now jewelry.
15.  He loves to go on vacation with me. 
16.  He supports me in all that I do.  Even when I'm crazy.
17.  He provides for us.  We have never gone without the basic needs.
18.  He plans for our future.  Both financially and otherwise.
19.  He likes to take walks with me.
20.  He enjoys the grandchildren and takes an interest in them.
21.  He is a Mr. Fix It for me and our children.
22.  He trusts me to take care of our financial situation. 
23.  He scratches my head.  Some people don't like that but I do!
24.  He refers to Clint and Jeff as his sons.  No in-laws around here.
25.  He guides our children when they need it and gives the best council he has.
26.  He is worthy to exercise the priesthood that he's been given.
27.  He loves our Heavenly Father and Christ.
28.  He listens to the Spirit when he feels guided either by thought or feeling.
29.  He is slow to anger.  I think I've seen him angry once or twice in our married life.
30.  He sleeps out in the tent with me when we have our grandchildren camping night.
31.  He keeps the snow removed from our driveway so I don't have to do it.
32.  He treats others with kindness.  Even when officiating.
33.  He lets me have my own interests and encourages me in them.
34.  He takes me to the temple every month.

I think that's enough for this time.  I am very blessed to have this wonderful man in my life.  We have created a family full of love and fun.  We understand that we have been blessed beyond measure.  Our cup truly overflows when we think about our family and our marriage relationship.  We're not perfect but we're doing what we can to remain happy.  Life is an adventure and we're doing it together!