Humility's Revenge

It seems like everytime I "brag" about something, it tends to turn around immediately and bite me in the "you know where". About a week ago I was pointing out the fact that I haven't had the flu in a long time and guess what? Two days later, I'm out flat!! Sore achy muscles, sneezing uncontrollably, itchy watery eyes, plugged ears, and soooo tired. This all began last Thursday, and here it is Wednesday of the following week, and I'm just starting to feel a titch better. And this isn't the first time I have been laid out flat for bragging and not remaining humble. It happens almost everytime I spout out of my mouth, anything that could even be considered bragging. So, here's to my new plan in life. No more "bragging" and we'll see how far I get with that. Maybe I should attempt reverse psychology with this way of thinking...hmmmm, something to think about there!

Called to Serve

Spencer and I have been called to serve in the Inner City Mission as of September, 2013. This is supposed to be a 12 month calling, but can be extended to whenever if we continue to be needed, or if our home bishop needs us to return. However, since we have been serving for 5 months now, it didn't take us long to realize how blessed and fortunate we are. In fact, I think we figured that out in the first week. The ward we are serving is a welfare ward with many families in need of assistance. The Bishop is so busy with these families, that he hardly has time to tend to the other families, thus the need for service missionaries. We have felt the spirit in this ward on many occasions and realize that this is the work the Savior would be doing if he were upon the earth today, helping the poor, the sick, the needy. Not that the Savior doesn't love and help everyone, He surely does. But He reaches out to those who cannot help themselves as we all know through the scriptures. I will continue to post about this mission, as I'm sure we'll continue to learn and grow as we go along. Hopefully, we can share some of these experiences to help others as well.

Family - The greatest gift of all!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words... and this one takes the cake! I can't even begin to tell how much it means to me to have the mother and sisters that I have. I have been blessed with the choicest of friends and family. And it is even so much better when you can call your family, your friends. There is one sister missing from this picture, and we do miss her terribly and maybe someday we will be able to capture another Kodak moment which will include her. Every time I look at this picture I get homesick. Somewhat for Cape Breton (because after all who wouldn't be homesick for such a beautiful place as that), but mostly for my family. This picture is a treasure to me because it makes me hear things...I can hear my sisters laughing, I can hear Anne Shirley saying "Are you laughing at me?" I can hear Cathy saying, "No Anne Shirley, no not at all (with a wink)!" and I can hear Mom laughing and enjoying her time with her girls. So glad I traveled home for this shot! And who took this picture!!!! Why, one of my other treasures, my Tricia!

"Nana" is the name, spoiling is my game!

One of the greatest joys anyone on this earth can be given is the gift of being a grandparent. I knew what it meant to be a grandma of course in the literal sense, and I've had many many people tell me that it was the greatest thing on earth, but... until I was blessed with my very own grandchildren, I had no idea what pure joy was! These little critters can make the darkest day bright, the gloomiest face smile, the heaviest heart skip a beat, and the boring moments disappear. All I have to do is hear the word "Nana" and I melt. It is true what they say, being a grandparent is THE BEST!!!

Time Quickly Passing

Oh look everyone! I HAVE A BLOG!

Juliet

How awesome is it to be a Grandmother? It's the best. I have been able to spend some quality time with my little granddaughter lately, and can I just say...AWESOME! I thought, well since I'm only tending the baby and she sleeps a lot right now, I can keep my eye on her while cleaning, cooking, crocheting, etc etc. I'm here to say, not so! I can't stop staring at her. She is such a miracle. Even feeding her the bottle is such a joy for me. I love how she trys to grab the bottle with her fists. I love how she anticipates every feeding like she's never been fed before. I love how she focuses on my face and gives me that precious heavenly smile. I love how she gives every effort she has to try and communicate with me, through her coos and ahhhs. And I love how she recognizes her mommy's and daddy's voices.

And yesterday, well that was definitely a payday for our family. Our little Juliet was blessed by her Daddy and how great it was to witness all those in attendance, worthy to hold the priesthood. Her Daddy, both Grandpas, uncles, great-uncles, and a friend or two. What great joy to have the priesthood in our family! I am overcome with emotion at the blessings we have received.

And even though there are trials to face and much work to be done, it is comforting to know that in these precious moments in time, we can come together as families and friends, to share in special moments that bring us closer together and closer to our Father in Heaven.

A very long day!

Starting with early morning, my alarm went off...I think. Well it must have - and I must have turned it off. Maybe that was a dream. Maybe not! Because when I finally pried open my eyes to look at the clock expecting to see 5:45 a.m., I saw 6:39 a.m. Ouch! That's gonna hurt I thought. So I jump out of bed and rush to get ready....literally. As I'm brushing my teeth, my phone rings. It's Charlene and she doesn't sound very good. She's in a lot of pain and needs to go to the hospital. Worrying about her and her baby, I rush to her house. It is now 7:10 a.m. and we head to the hospital. They immediately take her to labor and delivery, where they begin to monitor the baby. The little guy's heartbeat is strong and he's moving a lot, but Charlene is having contractions. Since she is only 7 months, there is a concern as to what exactly is going on. After a few tests, diagnosis is a kidney stone. That's gotta suck to be 7 months pregnant and have to pass a kidney stone. So with a lot of worrying for her and the baby, the morning finally passes into the afternoon. Armed with pain meds and nausea meds, home we go. We stop at the drug store to drop off her prescriptions and head home. After she has settled in, I head to work - finally! I arrive at 2:00 p.m. and yes there is plenty to do.

Digging in I try to catch up on what should have been done this morning, not daring to even glance at the piles from yesterday and the day before. Work - there is so much of it! I think to myself...job security, right? My daughter-in-law calls to tell me that our sweet Juliet had her tongue clipped today and she squealed. Can't say I blame her. But she is doing well...and so is Elisha (her mom). I call my 2nd counselor and reschedule our young women presidency meeting. I decide to stay until about 6:30 p.m. to make up some lost time. As I am leaving the parking lot, my phone rings. Spencer - "Where are you?" I'm just leaving work I reply. I'll be home in about 1/2 hour. As I pull onto West Temple, my phone rings. Andrew - "Mom, where are you?" I'm just leaving work I reply. I'll be home in about 1/2 hour. As I head to I-215, my phone rings. Tricia (sounding upset) - "Mom, I looked everywhere for you and you're not here. I think you're lost. Daddy and Andrew are very worried about you." I'll be home in about 1/2 hour. Well, I guess it's good to be late once in awhile, so that you can find out how much you are needed and appreciated.

Almost home and I remember that I need to pick up Andrew's prescription. I run into the drug store and take care of that, at the cost of $80. Finally home! Then Andrew shows me his phone, which is damaged beyond recognition (don't ask). So off to Verizon we go for his early birthday present. After spending an hour at the store, and satisfied with his new purchase, we head home. But what do you do with a hungry 17 year old? So being as tired as I am, we take off in the direction of Wendy's, where we actually sit inside to eat. I find myself grateful for this because I am able to spend time with Andrew without interruption.

I am finally home and it's 10:00 p.m. Spencer and Tricia are playing their guitars and singing "Rainy Day People"...I love that song. Called to check on Charlene...she's all tucked in and her hubby is home to look after her. Now as I'm updating my blog and trying to type, Andrew and Tricia are taking turns talking, talking, talking. Something about marching band, bugs, favorite teachers, dorky boys, etc. etc. Time to end now and go to bed. Must remember to set my alarm.