Girl talk

Yesterday I talked on the phone will all the adult girls in our family! It's so much fun to chat with them, and find out all the news, and opinions they have! I love all of our girls! I'm also grateful for my relationship with them. :)

Happy birthday Linzi!!

Today is our daughter-in-law Linzi's birthday. We are so grateful for her! She was the first to brave joining our family through marriage. Believe me, she (and Brad and Angie) got more than she bargained for! When she married Sam she also discovered that his odd parents came in the deal! Linzi is appreciated for - *Her sense of humor. *Loving her family and ours. *Being a wonderful mom to their four daughters. *Her dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ. *Being able to "go with the flow". *Her desire to choose the right, and teach their children to. *Keeping us informed of what's happening in their family. All in all, we love and are grateful for Linzi. Happy birthday!!!

Hope

I'm not one for going to the Chiropractor, but with all I've been going through and Kaiser being our medical coverage, I finally decided to go. Fortunately, our friend, Steve Herrin is a Chiropractor in Ripon. Pat went to him a few years ago for his shoulder and he helped him. While today was just the beginning of the process I appreciated Steve's knowledge, along with the hope he gave me regarding my body being out of alignment. Yes, I am grateful for the hope he gave me. I'm looking forward to feeling better.

Opposition

You know how we take things for granted sometimes? We assume that everything will work, that we are the ones in control. It isn't until something stops working, or barely works, that we stop and think about how we take things for granted. On another note, it could easily be a person; a relationship. Oh, they'll always be there, or so we think.

Today I had a moment during church where this came to my mind. It's a 'warm' day here, somewhere in the mid-90's. But, once you get over a hundred people in a room where the AC is limping by, it suddenly gets HOT. That is what happened today.

It really did make me stop and think of how I take for granted that our building's AC will work, whenever we are there. (even though it didn't last month on one Sunday, obviously something is wrong!) In fact, I usually wear a 3/4 sleeve sweater in the summer because it can get downright cold in there! Not today.

Usually Sunday School is held in the chapel, today I found people filing past me in the hallway on their way to the RS room where the AC was working very well to have Sunday School there! At least it was working in there!

The other thing it made me stop and think was, perhaps this is one of the reasons we do have opposition in all things - to make us appreciate it when things are working the way they are, and be grateful enough to not take relationships, and things we are blessed with for granted. It's not like I didn't know that already, but I'm grateful for those times it's brought to my mind. :)

Stationary bike

There is a good possibility that I've posted about this before...sorry, if that's the case.

I'm grateful for our stationary bike. I ordered it back in November, and didn't get a whole lot of use out of it at the time. Now, I use it several times a day, it's therapy for me. There are time that I simply cannot bend my knee, and the more often I use the bike, the more I can bend my knee. Sounds like a win to me!

Crape Myrtles

Last year when we had our yard landscaped we added several crape myrtle trees. They are in bloom right now! I love looking at them every day, and am grateful for their beauty.

Travel sites

Today I began researching for our trip in September. By 'our' I mean me, Rach, and partly Amy. And by partly Amy, I mean a night and a day. I'm grateful for travel sites, like AAA, Marriott, Expedia, etc. It's so much more convenient than it used to be back in the not so distant day - getting the AAA guide books, poring over them for hours, and then calling each hotel that we were interested in, and asking questions! Makes me feel exhausted just thinking about it! I'm glad those days are over!

Reading time

Usually when I talk with Amy an exuberant Gav or Jack are happy to say "hi!" Not so much today. At one point Jack did say "hi" to me, but it was quick! They had been to the library and he had been patient long enough! As far as he was concerned time with Nana was over! It was time to read! That is definitely worth sacrificing time with them for. I'm grateful for kids and kids-in-law who understand the importance of books.

Sharing

A good friend of mine came over to visit for a bit yesterday. I had told her that we had some peaches for her, and she decided that rather have me bring them over she'd come to my house. She brought a nice surprise with her for us... elk meat! We've actually never had elk meat and are looking forward to eating it! She actually sent some recipes to me as well. Yay!

I'm grateful that we can share our fruits and veggies, and that our friends share their abundance with us as well. Kind of reminds me of the United Order, only more fun! ;)

Doing better

Yesterday as I was getting ready for church I threw my back out. Luckily I could move well enough to finish getting ready and get to church. Pat was speaking so I didn't want to miss that; a friend had texted the night before hoping we could sit together during RS, and we had a new RS presidency that I wanted to sustain. There were many reasons (besides the obvious) that I wanted to be in attendance.

That may have been a mistake. Once I came home from church (Pat had to stay after for a quick meeting) I needed to get our sweet potatoes cooking (sooo yummy!), which required a bit of work on my part. Everything else was pretty much taken care of. (I love my slow cooker!)

Finally dinner was ready, the only problem was that I was unable to move, at least not easily. It took me a minute to get up, another to start walking, and then I would slowly get to my destination. Pat took over and had me rest, for which I am grateful.

After being in pain for hours, with nothing seeming to help relieve said pain, I went to our medicine cabinet to discover that I had left over muscle relaxants from several years ago. Hallelujah! I took half of one, and waited for it to work. It helped, but I was still struggling quite a bit.

When I couldn't get comfortable to sleep I knew I needed to take another half. That I did, and it helped tremendously. I was able to sleep, and today I am feeling so much better. I am still a little stiff, but I can walk, and get up way better. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for that. What a huge blessing.

Speaking of blessings Pat and our Bishop (hometeacher) gave me one during Sunday School yesterday. I am going to chalk up my doing so much better to that. I love having the Priesthood in my life - the literal Priesthood, and the men that worthily hold it.  :)

Ch-ch-changes

Our RS president moved this past weekend, as a result we have a brand spanking new president and counselors! What I love is that it was no surprise to me who our new president is. She is a sweetheart! I'm grateful for our new president, for her amazing spirit, and her dedication to the gospel. I'm also grateful that changes like this are normal in our church. :)

Helper

Early this morning Pat and I went to WinCo to get a 'few' groceries. (Can you ever just get a few things there? I swear it's like going to Costco...though there I have no problem getting a few things!) The thing is, my knee isn't doing well, which affects my leg and my hip. So, by the time I am done going through the store with a tight grip on the shopping cart, I am done. My leg is about to give out. That is why I was so grateful that Pat could go with me to WinCo, and then to Costco, to get our shopping done. He reached for the things that were too high for me, he bagged and loaded up the groceries, he put them in the trunk, he brought them in the house, AND he put most of them away for me! Even though I was in pain, I felt like I was in heaven, just because of all the service he did for me. I am so grateful for him, and his thoughtful ways. I don't know what I'd do without him... oh, yeah, be sad, lonely, and in pain! ;)

Peaches!!!

Last night Pat brought me a bowl of sliced peaches, fresh off the tree! Which means...our peaches are in!! I'm so happy! They are one of my favorite summer fruits! In fact, I froze three ziploc bags of sliced peaches today that we will later use for peach cobbler! Yum!

I did it! or... I made it!

This morning I had planned on finishing up little Miss Maci's car seat canopy. I was up early, got a few things done around the house (you know, like showering!), and then got to work. I had everything cut out and ironed already, but still had a minor decision and measurement, well, and sewing, to finalize it all. Once I had my measurement I was ready to finish! So, by 9ish I was done! Not only did I feel a great sense of accomplishment, since I had never made one before, I was also quite pleased that it turned out so, so cute!

I really love the feeling of finishing a project, especially one that turns out better than you had hoped it would. That is certainly something to be grateful for!

Summer veggies

We have some good veggies growing that are very tasty. Tonight our dinner was an "our best bites" recipe. It was a pasta/fettuccini with zucchini strips, cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic. It was great to have such a fresh tasting meal. It was so summer-y! We loved it, and I am so grateful that we can enjoy our home-grown veggies! :)

Catching up

There are many reasons I love coming home from a vacation. One of them is to sleep  in my own bed, at the top of that list (if he's not with me) is to be with Pat. While coming home is a good thing, even a great thing, I find there is much to do when I return. There is the inevitable laundry, then there is the cleaning, the grocery shopping, the organizing and putting things away. I am grateful that I can do those things, and get our home in order. However, I kind of wish the vacation would continue and I would not have to do all of that at once! I am certain you can relate! ;)

The Beyonders

On my trip to Oregon, and back home I enjoyed the companionship of the audiobook, "The Beyonders". More accurately I guess I should say that I'm grateful for audiobooks on long trips. They really help pass the time! (I really did like "The Beyonders", too! I'm looking forward to reading the other two also. :)

Cousins

We were able to video chat for a bit tonight with Sam's family! Everyone was excited to see each other, but especially to meet baby Maci! I'm grateful that all the cousins love each other, and have a desire to be close friends. Someday they will have that opportunity, we will make sure of that!

Animals, sand, and water!

Life can be full of fun activities some days. Today was one of those memorable fun-filled days, which our grandkids loved! We started today with a trip to Thistledown Farms, where the boys were able to pet goats, and look at bunnies! They love going there, and we love their fresh produce. Later we went to a nearby park that is their favorite park. Not only did they have some great playground equipment, they also had a huge sand area, with a water feature that the boys had so much fun with (mommy, daddy and Sissy did too!). Today was a busy, fun day, and I'm grateful for every moment.

Class-ic

Nothing says "grace" like Grace Kelly herself. Mix that in with some Jimmy Stewart and classy acting becomes a classic. Yes, folks, we watched "Rear Window" tonight and enjoyed every second of it! I have to say the bonus was the girl's commentary regarding that era, and their pure happiness at seeing such a great movie. You can be certain this was not their first viewing! It is a family favorite! I'm so grateful that Pat and I both love those old movies and did our best to raise our family on them.

Movie date

Before coming to visit, Pat told me that he wanted me to take James to see the new "Monster's University" movie. Today was the day. James didn't know that this was going to happen, but he sure was excited to go on a date with Nana! It was pretty cute since he's never been to a theatre before. What fun it was to see it all through his eyes! He loved watching the previews, and the movie short, "the blue umbrella". He sat in the chair next to me during all of that, once the movie began he sat on my lap, occasionally whispering, "I love you, Gramma." His attention span was better than I thought it'd be. The last ten minutes he started getting a little antsy. He wanted to know why there were lights on the floor, because he'd never seen that before!! Once the movie ended he wanted to stay and watch the credits even though everyone else had left. I'm grateful to have gone on a special date with James, it was great!

Creative eye

Maci needs a car seat canopy so I am going to make one for her! Amy and I went shopping for the fabric today. I have to say, it's super cute! I'm grateful for Amy's creative eye that helped me to have confidence in what I'm creating. I'm also grateful (in advance) for the assistance she will give me in making said car seat canopy. :)

Sweet prayers

I am honestly in love with our grandchildren! The time I spend with them is priceless! It's so wonderful to be someone else's thing to be grateful for. It's also humbling when a grandchild expresses their appreciation in a prayer, just because you are there. With us being so far away from all of them it's difficult to know just how important you are to them. And then a sweet little voice humbly and sincerely expresses their gratitude for you. Life doesn't get more precious then that. So, yes, I'm grateful for grandchildren that love, need, and want us. Which means I have much to be grateful for times nine!

First day home

Today I am grateful that Maci was able to spend her first day at home. Mostly, I am grateful that she is doing so well. Many heartfelt prayers were positively answered. :)

Surprise!!

Several weeks ago, well, almost two months ago, Rach mentioned that her roommate would be gone for a month! It happened to coincide with school being out for her also. We thought it would be the perfect time for me to visit (no hotel fees, more time together). I had planned on coming two weeks ago, but then an unexpected trip to Hawaii came up and that won out! Then Pat wanted me to go during July 4th, but I just couldn't leave him and my mom alone during that time. So, today was decided upon. I decided not to tell Amy in order to surprise them, and I didn't want to stress her out. The plan was that I'd drive to Medford after attending church, spend the night there, and finish driving up to Amy's and Rachel's in the morning. When I was nearly to Medford I stopped, got out of the car, and walked around. My knee was holding up pretty well, I wasn't tired, and I'd save about $100! I canceled my reservation and went onward! Three hours later I knocked on Brad and Amy's door (Rach was there already). A very surprised Amy answered the door! She had hoped that Pat had come as well, but he couldn't get away. (His next trip is to meet Miss Maci; mine too!) The boys had just gone to bed, I thought they were sleeping, but they weren't! So they were surprised too! Gavin kept saying, "I'm so excited!" When Brad came downstairs he was shocked, and James said, "Look! Mommy found Nana!" Sooo cute! Yep, I'm grateful the drive went well, I could surprise them, that I get to spend more time than usual with Rach...and, that Maci is doing so well now! Such great news!!

Maci Jane

We were able to meet our granddaughter, Maci, last night, via video chat. She is adorable! She really liked to move her hands and fingers a lot, and she stuck her tongue out just enough to be cute. When she was born she had a bit of a respiratory problem so they put her in NICU. After we saw her last night they checked her again, again she was having minor problems, so off to NICU she went, for the remainder of her time in the hospital. Fortunately her tests came back showing that nothing was seriously wrong. She has a little fluid on her lungs, but that should clear up soon. Prayers for her were definitely answered, and for that I am very, very grateful.

All is well!

There are moments in life where you can pause, sigh, and feel at peace. This morning was such an event as that. Our granddaughter was born at 5:18 AM (MST), she came into this world weighing 9 lbs. 11 oz, and she is 20 inches long. What a little chunk!

We are so grateful our newest little miss is doing well, and that Linzi is also. We were a little worried for a while, so grateful that was for naught!

Congratulations Sam, Linzi, Rylee, Sadie and Chloe! You girls have a new baby sister! Yay!!!!

The United States of America

Today, along with many others, I am counting the blessings of being an American. I am grateful to have been born in this great country. I am so very grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy. I am also very grateful to those who have sacrificed for us to maintain this freedom... whether it be their lives, their time, or a family member's absence. I am grateful to our founding fathers, for the steadfastness they had in creating this great country. I am grateful for the Constitution - for the rights and privileges given to us in that amazing document. I believe it was inspired of God; and that each and every one of those men were put here at that time for that purpose. I am grateful that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the freedoms that I have always enjoyed and appreciated. I am proud to be an American; and very grateful.

Concerned Doctors

Linzi is due next week, on the 10th. My mom, Amy, myself, and the rest of our family have been concerned for her welfare. She has been dilated to a six for a few days, but nothing is happening. Linzi has FAST deliveries... really fast. Scary fast. Gratefully, her Doctor is completely aware of what is going on with her, and she goes in frequently for ultrasounds, and a check up. On another (related) note, thank goodness for prayer and Priesthood blessings. They sure can calm a worried soul.

Help!

Okay, so the past few years I've been able to do less and less around here. My knee is not doing well, and the doc says I will need knee replacement surgery - but not for three to ten years. (Thank you, Kaiser)

Cleanliness is something that makes me happy. I even love to clean, but again, haven't been able to do the deep cleaning that I like to have done. Recently we had a young woman in our ward (eons ago, I was her YW president) returned from her mission to Brazil. She is returning to BYU in the fall (mid-August), and needs to earn some moolah for school. So, I've hired her to come and scrub my kitchen and entry floors; and to clean my blinds (which isn't that difficult, but it's something). I've only hired one person before, ever, to clean my home, and that was when we were getting ready to sell our home in Ripon. Other than that, I did the whole slave labor things with our kids! ;) (not really, they were paid!)

So, I am grateful to Cassandra for coming over today and helping me to get our home just the way I like it...clean!

Janome

Before you think that is a play on words allow me to explain that Janome is the brand of sewing machine I have. Today I have put it to good use, sewing two baby rag quilts for our upcoming grandchild (that should be here soon!) (We don't know the baby's gender so I'm covering my bases!) I love my sewing machine! It is user friendly, and works great! I am grateful for the ease of sewing that it has brought to my life. :)