Memories and inventions

I well remember when I first came to being around a VCR. It was amazing. My dad, an attorney, had done some work for a client that owned a video store. Back in those days you couldn't actually purchase a VCR unless you owned a store. It was amazing, simply AMAZING, to be able to watch movies at home, that weren't televised! I fell in love immediately, and longed for the day our family would be able to own one as well. First movies watched on the VCR? "Annie", and "Popeye". (there weren't a lot available back then, but then, who cared?)

Fast forward several years, and Rachel would soon be born. I knew it'd be a time when I'd need some 'assistance' in recovering from yet another c-section, and taking care of 3 children plus an infant. So, we splurged and bought our first VCR. I think it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $200. Believe it, it's true, yes, indeed. It was worth every penny.

When Rach was an infant, and we had our new, and much-loved VCR, we had learned the joy of recording television shows. We love/d anything Disney, so we happily recorded "Winnie the Pooh", and the kids loved it! In fact, Amy loved it so much, that one night about 8:30, she climbed out of bed, came to us and said, "mo pooh?" We had no idea what she was talking about, so she walked over to the VCR, got a tape in hand, and repeated herself. AHA! Puzzle solved. With cuteness like that how could we turn her down? Of course she was able to watch one episode of her then favorite show! Then she climbed happily back in bed.

As I mentioned yesterday I am organizing, moving things around, readying things... in doing so I found a bunch of favorite movies on VHS. Titles like, "To Catch a Thief", "Arsenic and Old Lace", "White Christmas", to name a few. Rach and I discussed these oldies last night and it brought me to my next question, what to do with our B of M videos? She said to give them away, but who in the world owns a VCR? Wait, we do. Yet, I will be getting rid of them...sadly enough, and the VCR.

I am grateful for all the hours of entertainment the VCR brought us. When I was growing up I'd never have dreamt that it was possible to show movies in our home, yet alone record TV shows! I am also grateful for DVD's (and BlueRays - which we don't own), they sure cut down on storage space!

Preparing

Most of you may think that 'preparing' means emergency preparedness, but not this time! :)

We are going to be having changes in our home in the near future. As a result I am busy preparing our home, moving things around, packing up some things, in order to get ready. Since I can only work for a certain amount of time I am beginning in advance so that I am not completely worn out by the time this change takes place. (I will let you know what it is, in a month or so; it's not exciting so don't get excited about it!)

Rach has officially moved out. :( That means her room, closet, everything, are fair game. :( I really am happy for her, just sad for me. (I know, she's been gone for nearly ten months, so? She really has moved out officially, into her own place, where she needs her own things. I am supportive, just sad!)

So, today as I packed up her books, cleared out half of her closet, put one of her bookcases in one half of the closet and filled it up with family history material/info from another closet. I was grateful...not for her being gone (in case you hadn't figured that one out). No, I am grateful for the fact that I can prepare in advance, and become organized in the process...and that's about it.

Rainy Day!

It is uncommon in the Central Valley to get rain in September. Imagine my delight last night as I watched the news and they predicted rain, and then this morning to wake up to thunder! Thunder! In September! I LOVE it!

While I went shopping this morning it rained. When I got home and was chatting with Amy on the phone, it rained. Then, as I ate my lunch, it down-poured rain!

I am so grateful for the rain! The only drawback - it makes me miss my kids - they love rain-dancing! :)

All better, we think

Pat finally saw the specialist today...hooray! and finally! This has been an interesting two weeks, that will hopefully never be repeated! The Dr prescribed medication for him that should help, in time we will know. If that doesn't work, surgery will be required.

For now I am grateful to have our normal back. It's just nice.

AND - I am grateful for all the prayers; they sure made a difference.

Mixed blessings

Rach left for home today, and is still on the road. Do you know how tired I am of saying "good-bye" to our family members?? On the flip side, how much do I have to be grateful for? a) I get to see our family from time to time, b) we have a strong attachment to each other, and c) we really enjoy being together. The only thing I don't like is the sadness it brings me as I, or they, drive away.

Defining moment

Today in Sacrament meeting, as I watched the Aaronic Priesthood holders, prepare, bless, and pass the Sacrament, my thoughts turned to my husband. I thought of him at that age. Of course he wasn't perfect, who is...especially at that age? Then I thought of how Pat has chosen to live his life. I realized that he chose, and continues to choose, to have the Priesthood define him. I am sure somewhere inside of me I knew that, but to have it come with such clarity was amazing. I am so grateful that somewhere, during the course of his life, he had that defining moment, and has lived up to it.

Shopping ...me?

You can always tell when Rach is home because sure enough we will spend time shopping! By now you know that I am not a huge fan of shopping! But, when I get to spend that time with one of our kids, it makes it enjoyable! I'm grateful to have spent time shopping with Rach today, because that means she is here! (And I miss my shopping partner) ;)