Putting my shoulder to the wheel.

Yesterday, well, before I tell you about yesterday, let me tell you what took place before that...

Awhile ago I mentioned that I've been organizing Pat's church stuff. Since I've organized what I could he has decided that he wanted that stuff in the study (actually, now that I think of it I remember that I suggested it). At any rate, we've been discussing how it would work better for him in this room since he makes phone calls privately in here, and would have everything at his disposal instead of running from one side of the house to the other when he's discussing church matters. We had plans to take care of it...someday. Well, someday was not coming soon enough for me. When he's home he is either busy with church, doing yard work, running errands, or relaxing after a hard day of work. So, I decided to take care of it myself, to 'put my shoulder to the wheel', so to speak.

I actually organize better by myself, I can concentrate better and move things where I want them to be. If anyone wants to change it later, that is up to them. I'm okay with that. You would think that a job like that wouldn't take that long, but it does. The problem is it involves papers, pictures, family history, etc. Lots of different categories of things that have been stashed away and needed attention.

So, I got to work. I transferred books from one room to another. I transferred the children's books that are in the house, from my mom's room to the study. (believe me, she won't miss them!) I moved containers that store simple things (like maps, or craft supplies) from one shelf to another. I brought Pat's notebooks and church papers that aren't organized yet to the study where they have their own shelf. And, as mentioned before, I went through all the papers; he has some purging to do!

I am grateful that I was able to organize things for us, yet again. I know that I write on here about being organized frequently, but it makes me happy, which makes me grateful that I can be organized.

The secret is out!

I am really, really, good at keeping secrets. Really. About a month ago Linzi sent me a text with a picture of each of the girls, and a sonogram of a new addition to our family that will be here in July sometime. However, Linzi is having pregnancy problems so they wanted to keep it quiet for awhile. I just didn't realize it was going to be such a long while! ;) I even visited with the girls in Oregon, skyped with Craig and Angie, and still couldn't say anything! Not a word. At one point in time Rach and I were talking and she said something to the effect of, "Do we know anyone who is pregnant right now?" Somehow I steered her away from the topic so that I wouldn't have to lie! It was not easy!

So, today, Linzi saw the doctor, and heard the baby's heartbeat again. Everything looks promising. She has to rest during the coming months, and is carrying the baby very low, so there are some concerns. We are keeping them in our prayers, like always, but even more now. Then she called and told me that she texted everyone and now they know and I can talk about it.

Phew!

I may be good at keeping secrets, but it doesn't mean that I like to keep them! I am grateful that this secret is out, and that we are going to be welcoming grandbaby #9 into our family. I would love it if he/she came on July 7th, my dad's birthday. I think Sam would like that as well. :)

Good people

This morning when I was talking with Linzi on the phone I was also putting gas in my car. While we were talking a man that was getting gas in his car caught my attention to tell me that my front right tire was flat. (I had noticed a few days ago that it looked a little less perky, but forgot to mention anything to Pat.) Since I was talking I thanked him and then continued to talk with Linzi.

My plan was to go to Costco and get gas and then shop. By the time I finished talking I had forgotten to look at my tire. The thought did occur to me to go over and talk to the people at the tire store and see what they could do for me. (we purchased the car used, from our neighbor's mom, and they had the tires put on from Costco, so I wasn't really sure how Costco could help me) But, I figured that I was only going to get a few things (right) so it would be no big deal to ask them afterwards.

At this point in time I had not seen my tire. Oh well.

After shopping ($130 later) I drove over to the tire area and then took a look at my tire. Not good. Definitely FLAT. I had forgotten that their office was inside which meant that I had to walk back to where I had just been.

*sigh*

A man and his wife were in front of me. Apparently they had ordered tires six weeks ago and one of them had not yet arrived. That man was not happy. I don't blame him. The manager got on the phone for him, ordered the new tire, and the man was still not happy, but was hopeful that things would be taken care of.

At any rate, that took over ten minutes. (and all I could think was... if I had just stopped here when I had finished shopping that would have been so much better) My knees were killing me. Finally I stepped over to the counter and leaned against it. (I know, it's ridiculous that I can't stand for that long any longer. See why I need to do my exercises?)

Finally, Bill, the manager, was able to assist me, once he figured out that I was not with the other man (his wife had gone out to shop by then, again, I don't blame her!) I explained the situation and he said he technically couldn't help me, since we hadn't purchased the tires. I kind of expected that. His implication was that I would have to purchase a new tire in order for them to help me. While I understood I felt a bit deflated. I've been sick off and on the past week with either a cold or stomach bug, take your pick. So, I am not yet up to par and get worn out much quicker than usual. I don't know if he could tell I wasn't taking the news well, but he said, "tell me where your car is and I'll go have a look at it."

When he returned he said, "yeah, it's flat alright." Then he proceeded to tell me that even though he's not supposed to help me, he would see what he could do. He had me sign a paper, took my keys and walked out. I put my head down while leaning against the counter because I was beginning to be overcome with emotion - I was so grateful. I cannot even tell you how such a simple act of kindness meant so much to me, but it certainly did.

An hour later when the tire was fixed (had a nail in it), he pulled it out of the garage and said, "it's all yours." I was shocked that he wasn't charging me to fix the flat.

While driving away I said a prayer of gratitude, for the man that pointed out my flat, and for Bill the manager, who took the time to take care of someone he wasn't supposed to take care of. I am so grateful.

Exercise

In case you haven't noticed I am quite imperfect. Shocker ...I know. :) One of my basic struggles is that I fail to exercise as often as I should. Obviously I am not alone. One of the (many) reasons I miss Rach is that she helps to motivate me. I keep thinking and planning to exercise (especially for the sake of my knees and back), and somehow I manage to forget. Why do we forget to take care of ourselves? Today I am grateful that I remembered! Yay!!! Have I mentioned how much I really do love to exercise? I always have, it just makes me feel good. I have hopes that as I become stronger through daily exercise I will be able to do so more and more.

Scheduling

In our family we've always taken time to make sure we knew everyone's schedule. Usually our scheduling sessions would take place at Family Home Evening; a time when we knew everyone would be present! (physically, if not otherwise) Not too long ago Pat suggested we schedule things for the upcoming year, as well as we can. So, today, he took out the Stake calendar and we got busy, scheduling all of his known meetings and talks throughout the year.

On a personal note, there's not much going on. We are looking forward to a visit from Rach at some point in time. Amy, Brad and their little misters will be visiting around Easter for his family reunion. (we get to steal them away for a few days too!) And there is the hope that we will make it out to Utah/Idaho at some point in time. Other than that...nada...well, except for the Engineer of the Year award thing, that's something, right?

Now that I'm 'talking' about our scheduling we seem pretty mundane. Oh well. Regardless, I am grateful we try to know one another's schedule, and that we have a few things to look forward to this year. :)

The best gift ever!

This afternoon Pat and I attended a baptism for one of our friend's granddaughters. Her mom was one of my girls in Primary at age 11, right along with Rachel and 14 other girls! And her mom was one of my favorite friends to visit teach. Ever. Seriously. We are still close, we just don't see each other often enough. This has been a tough year for them since Lisa's other daughter, Jennifer, was killed in a car accident back in March 2012.

Back to the subject...

If you have ever attended an LDS baptism you know that one person speaks on baptism, while another speaks on the Holy Ghost. I have been to many baptisms in my time, given a few of those talks myself. But, today, when Taylor's Primary teacher was speaking to her on how she would be receiving the gift of the  Holy Ghost she mentioned how it is the best gift ever. She said, 'It doesn't require batteries, is there for you when you need it, wherever you are, and never breaks.'

Her teacher also mentioned some of the gifts that come from having the Holy Ghost with you. One of those gifts mentioned was courage. Then she told how she is a shy person, and that it is hard for her to get in front of everyone and give a talk. She related that the Holy Ghost gives you courage to do those things. I can attest to that. Taylor is also shy. She explained that in Primary when she is asked to give a talk, or say a prayer, or read a scripture, that the Holy Ghost will give her the courage to do so.

I thought her Primary teacher did an awesome job. What a great way to explain to a child the amazing gift received when confirmed a member of the church. I am so very grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost in my life...I love him.

Rest

This week I've been semi-battling a cold. As a result I haven't been sleeping well. Finally, last night, I was able to get a good night's sleep. I felt pretty good this morning, got up and did multiple tasks, and then the energy wore off. Completely. Before I knew it I was resting lazily, I didn't actually have much of a choice. So, today I am grateful for rest, which I've always found odd that 'rest' is sorely lacking when I am sick.

I guess that is just one of life's trials.