GE Happenings

Roller coaster ride

2010-06-20T19:31:00.002-07:00

Life is just a roller coaster ride with it ups and downs. I have work at our hospital since 1991 and I call it a roller coaster ride I have worked under eight CEO’s they all have a different agenda. Work is on a ride now not sure how it is going to end. Then there is life with death, sickness; closing of business were all downs but then being blessed that you are able to spend time with family, money to pay your bills are ups.

In Brad Wilcox book “The Continuous Atonement” he said this “I remember as a young school teacher (with a large and active class) asking my wife Debi, “When does life even out? Why does it always feel like a roller coaster with so many highs and lows all in the same day? I wish life would just level out.”

Being a nurse, Debi replied, “Brad, when you get hooked up to the heart monitor, you don’t want to see a straight line. That’s bad news. It’s the up and down lines that let you know you are alive.

The highs and lows let us know we are participating and not just observing, learning and just not existing. President Gordon B Hinckley, said, “I know it isn’t easy, it’s discouraging at times, sure. Aren’t you glad it isn’t just fun all the time? Those valleys of discouragement make more beautiful the peaks of achievement”

So I am going to try and enjoy the ride and make the best of life set goals to be more positive and forgiving. I have been reading the Book of Mormon when I started this time I started looking for the word forgive or forgiveness it isn’t there very often but the word repent is almost on every page. Doing this will make the ride more bearable

Spring Break

2010-03-27T19:17:00.003-07:00

We went to CA with Gretchen and family and Erika. We have a time share that we have never used. They (Gretchen & Erika) said they would pay for every thing else if we could use the time share. With every thing going on with our life we took them up on it. We drove to the valley on Tues. and left on wed, Devin had a volley ball thing he had to go to that morning. Thursday went to Disney Land Gretchen & Erika had put together humanity back pack for the Gilbert fire department so we got complimentary tickets. We spent the days there Gary and I were beat by the time we left, but it was a good day.

Gary, Erika got hats and Dylan got his mickey ears.

Fri Erika got tickets for us to go whale watching. Gary and I had done this on our Alaskan cruise. It is quite amazing like Erika said it is like looking for a needle in a hay stack. The ocean is so big but we found three. We stayed with two for quite a while.

Sat we went to the beach. Steve’s sister lives in Ca so she came and spent the day with us.
Came home Sunday back to work Wednesday. We won’t talk about work.

There has been so much death in our valley, it is sad. We loss another one of our class mates George Proctor, he lived with Gary and his family our senior year.
I saw a robin the other day and got excited that we might be having spring soon!!!

Nature

2010-03-12T19:56:00.001-07:00

I just finish reading “The Diary of a Young Girl Anne Frank” it is hard to imagine being in hiding for two years. She had written something that really made me think “Nature is the one thing for which there is no substitute. They were not able to go out side and how she longed for fresh air. As cold as it is or with wind or snow we have the freedom to go or stay inside. There are so many things of nature that we get to enjoy every day. So let’s smile and enjoy!!!!

Happenings

2010-01-31T19:54:00.004-07:00

Another month has come and gone. Life isn’t easy but I have to remember that we aren’t given more than we can handle. We had a good snow storm. Alpine and Luna was with out electric for 3 to 4 days, it was good run for my sisters to find out what they need.
The kids had a snow day so was out of school. One of my co worker neighbors made this snow dragon she told me about so Gary and I went too see it then it made it into the paper.

Wally’s is closed almost clean out. We have had someone come and break down the sample racks. Now you realized how big it is. We are hoping to sell the building. We went for a two hour interview to sign Gary up for social security / disability.

We have been blessed in many ways. We have a wood burning stove and wood to keep us warm; have food to eat, family that cares, I have a job, and so much more. The one thing I wish we were debit free and things wouldn’t be so hard when you go down to just my income.

Hope

2010-01-03T19:41:00.003-07:00

January Message from “Time out for women”
We're putting away the notion of New Year's Resolutions this year.Instead, we're bringing out HOPE.Or, rather, New Year's Hopes.Some of us have hope for a mended broken heart.Some of us have hope for more capacity in the one we have.Some of us have hope for the life growing inside us to be born healthy.+Some of us hope for the chance to mother in any way possible.
Some of us hope for the man of our dreams to come along.Some of us hope for the strength to support the man of our dreams.Some of us hope for the will to finally get our bodies in shape.Some of us hope for one more year with our bodies.Whatever we hope FOR, those hopes are only possible because of what we hope IN. As women of God, we hope IN
• the power of the Savior's atonement to change our hearts
• the sanctity of eternal families
• the strength of our covenants
• the reality of eternal life
So, this year, we invite you to write down your HOPES...what you hope FOR.Then write how that hope can be a reality because of what you hope IN.Happy New Year to your HOPES!

I am hoping for a year with more stability in our finances a s I look back on last year there were some good times but it didn’t end well. Gary & I finally made the decision to close Wallys. We are going in debit trying to pay the bills for the store. It is going to be a big change in our lives more so for Gary. I live with hope that that we will be guided in our decisions. I just have to have hope and faith.

Dec came and went we were so busy Chris married Lisa Hathcock Dec 12 in the AZ temple. The following weekend we had an open house for them here in Eagar. Erika come home and help it was a lot of work but turn out beautiful.

We had been making snowflakes since thanksgiving when the lights were turn out it was like a winter wounder land.

The next weekend was Christmas so we had a house full. Devin stayed with us for two weeks I am glad at 16 he still wants to spend time at grandmas.

Trying to save money we have started heating with wood it is a different kind of heat bur nice

Answered prayer

2009-11-22T18:01:00.001-07:00

It is a little late but I need to share. On Veterans Day Erika watched Dylan. He came out of her bedroom and said ha ha I locked your door. Sure enough it was locked and needed a key to unlock it. Since prior renters had put the lock on there was no key. The hinges were on the inside. Erika’s car keys, phone purse were all in her room. What do you do she tried credit card, pushing on the door every thing that she could think of. The next step was pray. Soon her room mate walk in and said I don’t know why I am here. I was out running errands and found my car turning home. She was able to call her dad he came over and had to cut the lock out. I told Erika she was lucky her room mate was in tune. On a funny note Erika is always even temper but she must have raised her voice at Dylan, when Gretchen picked up Dylan he said Tata (which he calls her) is scary!

Catch Up

2009-11-08T19:49:00.003-07:00

Sat a tree was cut to be taken to the national capital for the Christmas tree. This is the first time a tree has come from AZ. The tree was off the Apache Sitgreaves national forest up by the Big Lake road. I didn't get up and watch but took the picture off of a friend's album.

We already had our first snow Oct 28 here are pictures. The leaves are still green and on the trees.

I talked today in church about preparing for the temple. Since Gary and I teach the temple prep class. I worked on it all week it was quite nerve racking. Here is a quote I would like to share that I used in my talk.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said that “temple work is not an escape from the world but a reinforcing of our need to better the world while preparing ourselves for another and far better world. Thus, being in the Lord’s house can help us to be different from the world in order to make more difference in the world.

Exciting News!!!! Chris my nephew is getting married Dec 12. When he found her it didn’t take long.

Anniversary

2009-10-25T19:27:00.003-07:00

Gary and I celebrated our fifteen wedding anniversary the 21. We didn’t do anything special but go out to dinner that night. I jokily said we signed our will which we did the next day. I took thur afternoon off work since I had worked Saturday for a while. We signed our will and went and visited Carla, she is looking good and able to get around her home in her wheel chair quite well. My girls give me a bad time and say Gary had some color in his hair when we got married but things can’t stay the same.

Last night Gary and I had comp tickets to see the “Legends of Country Music”. We only stayed for half of it Gary’s back started hurting so came home. They sang some songs of Marty Robbins I had seened him in Vegas I started thinking of all the stars I was able to see while living there. The first one I saw was Ella Fitzgerald I didn’t want to go but Brenda talked me into it. Elvis twice, Wayne Newton three or four time. Glen Campbell, Bobby Vinton, Andy Williams, Barbara Streisand these are the ones I can remember. I am really dating my self. This back in the day when you dressed up and were dinner shows.

??????

2009-10-11T19:00:00.003-07:00

What to blog about? Do you every wonder what would be interesting enough to write about. There is one good thing Gary and I have been married almost fifteen years, and this is the first time we have had both of our vehicles paid for. It is a good feeling! I always thought when we got close to retirement we would buy a vehicle and get it paid for; not knowing the economy would force us into this. Just wish we were close to getting our home paid for.

Fun stuff:

When you get a letter from your granddaughter.

Watching your grandson play in the water.

The Smell of Manure

2009-09-13T20:53:00.004-07:00

One Sunday morning I was listening to BYU and a story was given in talk that I liked so much I found it and would like to share it. This is by Harold W Wood.

On my way to visit the Jameses the other evening, I saw a wheat field that appeared to be greener and talker than the others. Thinking about it for a while, I concluded that occasionally some loving farmer drives over the field with his tractor and pumps manure all over it. I thought, ‘My, it’s just like life. Here we are minding our business, growing our little hearts out. We’re really quite green, somewhat productive, and very sincere. When out of the blue, life deals us a dirty one, and we’re up to our eyebrows in manure.’

We, of course, conclude that life as we know it has just ended and will never be the same again. But one day, when the smell and the shock are gone, we find ourselves greener and more productive than we have ever been. Unfortunately, we are never able to appreciate the sound of the tractor or the smell of the manure.

This week Cory wrecked his truck. He said he blacked out and hit a tree. I can look at that he wasn’t hurt serious, that he didn’t hit anyone. But the truck was total.

Thursday I came home from work and Gary had let the Kirby salesman in the house he came at three and was still here at five when I got home. He told Gary they would clean one room what he did clean was a small area in the living room so I had to finish cleaning the carpets Saturday which wiped me out.

Kaleen had worked with us in the rehab department for five years got a chance to try something new so Friday was her last day; we had a little lunch for her on Friday.

This is just a little of last week.

Rain

2009-09-07T11:21:00.004-07:00

We have had some good rain the pass week. I love the smell of rain more so out in the forest. The crisp fresh smell. It washes every thing and gives it a new feeling. I worked with a guy that was in an accident and lost his sense of smell, it is a sense that we take for granted. Sat was a dark and dreary day I told Gary it was a day to make bread and eat beans. I only made bread.

Friday night we went to the RV and St Johns game we held our own most of the game and even got one point ahead, then with 2 minutes left St Johns got the ball and was doing good with driving the ball so Gary and I left then we heard with 60 sec left we made a touch down and won the game. Yea Round Valley!!! Then Sat Gary was watching the BYU and Oklahoma game and BYU won it so it was a good weekend for football.

The leaves are turning on the mountains so that means cold weather is coming, not looking forward to winter.

Random stuff

2009-08-25T20:04:00.003-07:00

Here are a few pictures of what we have been doing the last few weeks.
Gretchen had a surprise birthday party for her mother-in-law Pat on Aug 15. She has cancer and going through chemo right now.

The next weekend we stayed home and cleaned. I had bought this saying and put it on our mirror.

Last weekend Aug 23 we went to a pre session Cardinals game. It was fun being in the new stadium.

The Struggle

2009-08-13T20:38:00.002-07:00

The Struggle

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly and he kept it. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further. So to help the poor little butterfly, the man took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.

The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man, however, continued to watch the butterfly. He was certain that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to support the body and thus allow it to contract.

Unfortunately, that never happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never became able to to fly.

The man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand one important point. The restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening are all part of a higher plan. As the butterfly struggles through the tiny opening, fluid is forced from its body into its wings. Once the fluid is in the wings, the butterfly is ready for fight. It is the struggle that enables the butterfly to not only gain its freedom……but also to take flight.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If we were to go through our lives without any difficulties, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as we could have been We would never be able to fly!!

Take this story and apply it where you thing it might help. I have seen the results of not letting your children struggle and growing up still asking your 89 year old mother for financial help. There is nothing wrong with your children working, even if it isn’t the glamour job he wants.

New Sign

2009-08-06T19:20:00.003-07:00

During one of our spring winds our sign at the store got beaten up. So now we have a new sign as of this week. Smaller but nice and insurance covered it!

Cherry Tree

2009-07-30T20:03:00.005-07:00

We planted this cherry tree about 10 years ago. We have only had cherries on it one other time. This year there were enough to make a pie and freeze some. From tree to CHERRY pie!!!

Erika made the pie when she was home for the 4th

Before the pie was baked

Gary after he had enjoyed pie and ice cream!

Visit

2009-07-24T20:30:00.003-07:00

Keanu our grandson was here visiting family. We hadn’t seen him for 2 years, since Gary’s 60th birthday. He has grown up a lot and is being a typical eleven year old. We took him with Donella’s family to Buzz’s for dinner and had a good visit. Here are pictures with Gary and him.

He called this one his cheesy smile

Sad/New

2009-07-12T20:13:00.002-07:00

Sat 7-11-09 I attended two funerals. One, for a young mother with five children. Tracy Pulsipher she was 40 years old. Not sick but collapsed at work and died a few days later. The next funeral was Darwin Slade he was 85 it was a large service with Elder W Douglas Shumway giving the spiritual thought. They had served together in the bishopric

Around 3:00pm Gary and I went to Show Low. It was time that we could up grade our phones. I told Gary I wanted texting added so now to learn this new function. We started with a small amount to see how it goes. It was funny I texted Cory this evening and he texted back and said he had a new phone and wanted to know who this was when I finally told him he said “you know how to text?” I told him to text his dad which he did and was surprised to hear back from him. Now we are part of the 21 century! From this phone

to this!!

While in show Low we stopped and saw Carla. Her coloring looked a lot better. It is hard visiting her in a care center. I hope she gets to go home soon!

4th

2009-07-08T20:46:00.002-07:00

What a busy 4th of July. Gretchen, Erika, Steve, Devin, Dylan and Pat came up Fri. afternoon. We were going camping but changed our plans. Fri evening we went to Idonna’s at Luna NM rode 4 wheelers, visited, barbecue, set off fire works. T.J. and family was there, Joy husband John and Shawn were home from Virginia. We had a great time.

Sat morning watched the parade had a lot of family come to Wally’s and watch the parade. Afterwards we went to the house and barbecued again just hung out then watched the fireworks from our deck. Sunday visited, and then family had to go home. Weekends go by way to fast! We did not get rained on the whole weekend. Monsoons are suppose to start on the 4th.

Roby

2009-07-03T11:25:00.006-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about my brother Roby this week. He passed away June 29, 2004 and was burried July 5. I was eleven years old when he was born. I wanted to do every thing for him. I talked mom into letting me tend him one night and get up with him for his feeding, I had to be twelve then I am sure mom checked on me. I did his landry, washed bottles anything mom would let me. I was seventeen when I graduated high school and left home. So wasn’t home during his gowning up years. He was only eleven when our mom has a mass stroke and then three years later she passed away. My dad and he were best friends. They worked together cleaning the school, getting wood, looking after Lamar’s cows, any thing that had to be done. He was also helping us girls after we moved home with our kids. He was the one that baptized our children, and was like a father figure. I remember I had run out of wood one winter so he and I were out in the snow getting me some wood. I could go on and on. He was a wonderful brother.

I found this quote that I put on his funeral program. “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know; the only ones among you will be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”Albert Schweitzer. Every one in Alpine was always telling us how he had help them out. What a way to be remembered!!

He loved to take pictures this is one of his many.

Visit

2009-06-27T19:38:00.003-07:00

We had a GREAT visit with Robin, Ralph, Rosey and Ryan. They got here Friday afternoon. We visited and ate pizza that night. Saturday enjoyed each other. That evening Robin and Ralph took Gary out to eat for his birthday. We went to the Chuck Wagon in Show Low. Sunday morning Rosey, Ryan and I had a snowball (huge marshmallows) fight. It was a lot of fun when I was cleaning the house I found one that was hiding. After church we came home and had a turkey dinner for father’s day. They left Monday morning when I went to work. Weekends like this go by way to fast. The kids had grown up so much since the last time we saw them. I got to spend time some good quality time with them! What fun!

Rosey setting on grandpa’s lap.

What at a happy kid Ryan is

Stuff

2009-06-21T14:47:00.002-07:00

Just thought I would share a few different things.
The other morning I was on my way to work and this is what I saw. Gary and I knew they were working on the dome we had seen men by the sky lights and hearing them drop things, so now I guess they are ready to put in the new sky light. The old ones have been leaking for a few years.

We have to wear black shirts at work; we can choose what color of embroidery the logo is in. I came home two weeks ago and didn’t change and started cleaning one of the bathrooms. The lid to the toilet bowl cleaner came off and got all over my shirt. So I order one another one with gold lettering and decided I needed something bright so got this green one too.

Don’t you like my new header!!! Robin is here and helped me. Yea!! Will write more later about their visit.

Flying $10 bill

2009-06-07T17:22:00.005-07:00

Sat Gary and I went to the cemeteries to fix the graves and put flowers on them since we did not make it Memorial Day. First we went to Eagar all we had to do was replace the old flowers on Lester, Laverne, Dwain, Maureen, Jeanie, Grandpa and Grandma Wiltbank. Then we went to Alpine. Idonna and Brad met us there. We did not make it last year so had to find the rocks that went around the graves, take care of the weeds. We have four generation there my brother Robbie, Mom & Dad, Grandpa and Grandma Jepson six aunts and one uncle, great grandparents and aunts and uncles and a lot more.

On the way back to town (Eagar) I stopped to take a picture of the rode sign that has Lester and Red name on it. I opened my camera case out side the vehicle. Idonna had given me a $10 bill to pay for some things I had brought for her and I had put it in the camera case. The wind was blowing so bad that it blew away I just watched it go. When I got back inside Gary asked me if that was money I said yes ten dollars he said he watched it and thought he saw where it landed I pulled up a little and he got out and went to it and was able to find it. Talk about lucky!

Memorial Day and Illinois

2009-06-05T18:38:00.005-07:00

Trying to play catch up is not fun.
Gretchen, Steve, Erika, Devin, Devin’s friend Chad and Dylan came up for Memorial Day the boys camped out and we drove back and forth and came home to a bed and shower. Cory and Staci came and ate with us Sunday and also spent time with us Monday. It was cold and rained so wasn’t too much fun. Monday when we were there it started raining that turned into hail. So we started packing up in the rain to come back in and get cleaned up.

Thru May 28 Erika called me to let me know that her Aunt Jane had called and said their grandmother had had a massive stroke. Then we received a call the next morning saying she had passed away. She lived in Illinois. Gretchen, Erika and I started talking how we could go to the funeral. (My x-mother-in-law was one of the best mother-in-laws you could ask for we still talked and was planning on go out in July for her 90th birthday) We checked the air planes fares it was going to cost more that we wanted to pay so decided to rent a car (dodge cougar) and drive the 1500 miles one way. Gretchen and Erika came up sat evening and we got up Sunday morning and left around 9:00AM our time we drove all day and night and got there 7:00AM their time it was a long drive. There was a viewing from 4:00PM to 8:00 that evening. Which was good, I was able to introduce Gretchen and Erika to cousins and one is working on genealogy for the Ladewig side. Tuesday morning was the funeral. We had some good visits in the evening setting around the table and exchanging stories. Thursday morning we got up and started the trip home, before we left Jane gave me so money and told me not to let Ernie (my x) know. I started crying and told her, her mother use to do that all the time. My girls and I had a good time with each other and lots of laughs it was to bad it under the circumstances.

While we were gone Gary was watching the Lakers and Magic game yesterday. He said the electric went off. He went got the generator and hooked it up. The power was off till half time. Yea he got to watch the game!!

Happy & Sad

2009-05-17T19:49:00.004-07:00

Sat started out exciting we had finally made arraignment to do Dwain and Jeannie temple work. We had to be at the temple at 8:30 and went to the 10:00 session. Gary stood proxy for Dwain and Carla was proxy for Jeanie. We also had Dwain and Jeanie sealed to their parents. I also did my aunts’ endowments (Elsie).

Here again I am thankful for the temple and the knowledge that we can be families for eternity. Betty and her husband Ray and daughter Terri was there with us. We went to lunch after wards. It was a very humbling morning when I stopped and thought of the love our father in heaven has for us.

When we go home my sister Idonna called and told me our cousin Jon had called and said his mother our aunt Gladys had passed away, she is the last one of my mother’s siblings. There were nine total. We were given the web site for her obituary I had never read a more beautiful written one.

Gladys Lee Bronson (January 5, 1923 - May 15, 2009)
On May 15, 2009, Gladys Lee Bronson left behind her mortal body - aged and tired - and flew home on wings of light. Never encumbered by things of this world (unless it was an interesting rock, a twisted tree branch, or a sunset) she preferred to travel light. The travel bag under her wing only had room for love…love of the scriptures, for Heavenly Father and the Savior, and love for family, especially for her husband Boyd.
Born January 5, 1923 in Cudahy, Los Angeles, California to Hyrum Doyle Lee and Nellie Hamblin, she is the eighth of nine children. All of her beloved siblings have preceded her in death and have welcomed her home with laughter and tears.
Left behind are her husband, Boyd C. Bronson, daughters, Ann (Flake) Fairbourn, Elaine (Dale) Kemp, Cynthia (Morris) Decker, son, Jonathan Boyd (Renee) Bronson, and daughter Barbara (Kip) Allred and 28 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren, 36 by years end.
Gladys flitted between California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico all before joining the Women’s Air Corp in WWII. Alighting in Logan in the fall of 1946, she attended Utah State University on the GI bill, where she and Boyd met and courted. They were married July 21, 1948, in the St. George LDS Temple. Their homes have been nestled in the Salt Lake Valley the majority of the time: Salt Lake, Murray, and Sandy. After their children left the nest, Boyd and Gladys spread their wings and flew to the Philippines for six years from 1984 to 1990 where they helped the Philippine government build a steel mill. Active in the LDS church and still soaring, they served a mission to Kenya, Nairobi, Africa and Swaziland, South Africa where Gladys’ song took on renewed fervor. Loving and serving each other for over sixty years, they have lived for each other.
Some lines from “Mountain Whippoorwill” by Stephen Vincent Benet, one of Gladys’ favorite poems for some seventy years, seem appropriate.
“Sing till yuh bust the gold in yore throat! Sing on the mountains, little whippoorwill, Sing to the valleys, an' slap 'em with a hill, For I'm struttin' high as an eagle's quill,”
You’ve been Our Mountain Whippoorwill, Mom. You have sung till you’ve “bust the gold in your throat”.
“Whippoorwill, fly home to your nest”.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 23rd at 1:00 p.m. at the Sunrise Ward meeting house, 1850 East 8600 South, Sandy, Utah. Family and friends may call Friday 5 – 7 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy, (10600 So.) and Saturday from 11 – 12:30 pm at the church. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery on Tuesday, May 26th at 11:00 am.

The funeral is next Saturday in Sandy Ut it looks like we will not be able to go. She has had Alzheimer’s and then in a care center for the last little while. Uncle Boyd loved her so much he was there every day and spent all day there. My mothers family was a fun loving people they loved to tell stories, sing, and joke so I can only imagine the reunion that look place. Then I thought about the reunion that we had help take place that morning! Isn’t life wonderful!!

Mothers Day

2009-05-10T17:38:00.004-07:00

A lot of thoughts are going through my mind. Thinking about my mom, her birthday was May 8 and also her anniversary. She passed away 1974 at the age of 58. So she has been gone a long time. Of course there are a lot of things I would asker her now. I received flowers for mother’s day they are so beautiful and smell good! I am very blessed to have daughters that are my best friends! Happy Mothers day to all!!!!

I had Gary helping me wash windows sat. Spraying the siding off. Doing some yard work, I love spring and being able to be out side.

Our lesson in Relief society today was given by Lisa Wilkins it was based on a quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley “Rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know how. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass.” What a fitting thing to learn on mothers’ day.

I found another quote I like “forget the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey instead! (this was on dove candy) good thought with yummy stuff.

Valley

2009-05-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

We went to the valley and enjoyed the warm weather, and all the flowers in bloom!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Week

2009-04-26T18:31:00.003-07:00

I just finished reading “Finding the Angel Within” by Pamela H. Hansen. I also read her first book “Running with the Angels”. This book helps me realize more about how to have a spiritual approach in developing a healthy body. She said President James Faust described self-esteem as “what we think of ourselves, how we relate to what others think of us, and the value of what we accomplished.” She said he didn’t write what others think of us; rather how we relate to what others think of us. A great concept. There were a lot of good quotes from general authorities.

We had WIND this week, and it wasn’t to warm either. Sat I got Gary up out of his chair and we cleaned up the garage it has been a catch all during the winter here is the picture before and then after. It looked a lot better, as Gary said we can walk in and not trip over any thing.

Things

2009-04-19T19:46:00.005-07:00

Nothing exciting happened this week. Work, visiting teaching etc. Our stake had a women conference sat. The theme was “Feed my sheep” I got to sit my favorite sister-in-law Carla and her daughter Betty. We made plans to go to the temple in May to do Jeannie and Dwain’s work. I am excited to get this done I will also do my aunts work that day. I am thankful that we live close enough to the temple and have knowledge of temple work.

I found a quote this week that really hit home for me, it is from Sheri Dew’s new book “Simple, Stunning, Sobering truths”. “On those days when we’re not ready to stop bring offended, not ready to forgive, still determined to dish out the silent treatment, what we’re actually saying is, “Thanks. But I don’t want to become more like the Savior today, Maybe tomorrow, but not today.” Guess what I am working on this week!

Saturday afternoon the weather was nice for a change so I cleaned out my flower garden in front of the house. Now just waiting fir the weather to get warm to plant flowers. We usually do that the end of May.

Have a great week!!!!

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-12T20:47:00.002-07:00

Hope all had an enjoyable day!! I love this day and the special meaning it is. I spent last night reading talks about the atonement. There is so much to learn. I need to practices forgiveness a lot more and use the atonement in my live to improve it. I am so thankful for a savior, older brother that loved us so much that he died for us that we might be resurrected and then work towards eternal life.
I love my family one daughter called first thing this morning then was able to talk to two more. We had Donella her friend and kids over for Easter dinner. It was a nice day!

Last week at work I was trainings a new girl to help me. The old one is moving.

We have a lot of Aprils birthdays five grandchildren, a daughter, brother in law and lots of nieces and nephews. Happy birthday to all!!!!

Bug

2009-04-05T18:07:00.002-07:00

I have the genealogy bug! Last Sunday our 5th Sunday lesson was on the new family search program. I went home and signed up and spent the rest of the evening looking up family. My aunt hasn’t had her temple work done so signed up to do it (after checking with my sisters). Today I have been looking for the Ladewig side. It gets exciting when you find some information. I have been telling Gary that we need to do his brother and sister work. Hopefully soon.
After listening to conference there were a lot of talks about temples. I need to be more committed and attend the temple a lot more. I did enjoy all of the talks; you get regenerated to do better!
Love to you all!!!

SNOW!!!

2009-03-26T19:42:00.004-07:00

When I left work today at 4:40 it was starting to rain/snow the wind was blowing HARD. I had to stop at Safeway and wished I didn't have to get out in the cold. Then in that short amount of time it turned to snow. As I was walking into the house I was thinking I hate snow I hate the cold, but had to turn it around. I Love the snow because I love the green grass, flowers that can happen because of the moisture we receive. I am thankful that we have water to drink, and much more!!! This how much we received in three hours. Robin beware it will be coming your way!

Spring!

2009-03-21T19:32:00.004-07:00

I love SPRING!!! We have had some exciting sign that spring is coming. When I leave for work in the morning there are birds sing. I can hear three different kinds. I saw a robin the other day. The days are longer! I saw a daffodil , then I found this pansy hiding in our flower bed. The weather hasn’t been too bad it is still in the mid 20’s when I leave for work, but in the 50’s when I come home.

I have the neatest husband he watched “27 dresses” with me last night. It isn't every husband that will watch a girly film with their wife.

We filled out the NCAA brackets at work and of course I had Gary help me. We did ok on the first round, but the team we picked to win it all lost it's first game and is out. So we will see how it goes. I told Gary I’m not sure about this before I didn’t care who won but when you put down on paper you are watching checking on line and cheering.

A week in action

2009-03-14T17:29:00.006-07:00

What I did this week:
Monday: Worked left there at 5:20, the time I should get off is 4:30. When we have something easy for dinner Gary cooks it, since he gets home before I do. Did book work for the business paid bills.
Tuesday: Worked went visiting teaching after work. On the way home I saw this beautiful full moon.

Wednesday: Worked taught a temple class that evening.
Thursday: Worked had home teachers come after work
Friday: Worked left at 4:30 the first time this week. Gary and go out to eat on Friday evening we went to Coyote Creek and had ribs. Came home and cut Gary’s hair.
Saturday: Cleaned. Fixed the family pictures on the wall, put all of the kids in 5x7 frames. Cut Idonna’s hair. Went grocery shopping. Had a busy day and week.

Please remember Kendra in your prayers. She had to fire her attorney and get another one in the middle of all of this. There having mediation this coming Friday regarding the children. Her old attorney never told her she needed to set this up and just about missed the dead line and a lot more.

Visit

2009-03-09T20:39:00.003-07:00

Gary and I were serenade by Andy Bingham yesterday. Andy is home visiting he had told us that he has taught him self the guitar and composing songs, he came over and played a couple of songs for us. They weren't to bad. Andy use to live at our house. Cory and him were really good friends he would go every where with us. I always plan on him for dinner. One mother's day he showed up with a gift for me. He is just a kind considered guy. The only picture I could find was this one taken in 1997. Cory and him were in Devin's pool. It is nice to be remembered!!

THANKFUL

2009-03-07T06:46:00.004-07:00

As I laid in bed this morning thinking back on the week and what had happened. I decided it wasn’t a week to write about so decided to write a THANK YOU blog.
First I am thankful for my FAMILY. My husband and his quite caring ways, he lets me rant and rave and then I am ok. For my parents and that they raised me in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The things they gave me it wasn’t always material things but I knew they loved me. For my ancestors that they joined the church even with times that were hard they set an example for me. For my daughters that listen to me, always there when I need someone to talk to. My sisters as different as they are; are both a strength to me. My nieces and nephews for their love

For my TESTIMONY of the Church of Jesus Christ that is was restored on the earth today. That we have a prophet that leads and guides us. For the scriptures that we have for answers. For temples that through ordinances performed there we can be a family forever. For Gary’s and mine calling, to serve the Lord and teach the temple prep class. For an older brother that died for us that we might repent and return to live with our father. For the priesthood that has been restored and my husband does hold it. That prayers are answered, sometimes not in our time frame.

For HEALTH that I am able to get out of bed go to work and do the things I need and enjoy doing.

For MATERIAL THINGS like a home, transportation, all the modern convences that we enjoy like a washer ,dryer, computer, cameras, microwave, telephones and many many more. I can’t forget a good bed that I can go to and get a good night sleep. A job as stressful as it is.

For a COUNTRY and the freedoms that we enjoy. That the founding fathers were guided as they drafted the constitution.

I could go on and on but I am a VERY BLESSED PERSON that has her trials like any one else.

Time

2009-03-02T20:32:00.004-07:00

Sat 2/28/2009 there was a women conference at St Johns where sister Chicko Okazaki spoke. she is amazing lady! She spoke to us approx 1 hr. She is approx 83 years old and spoke with very few notes. Sister Burgess from Snowflake spoke first about her life growing up in Germany at the end of world war II. She was very interesting!

Last week was a very trying one there was 29 patients scheduled Friday and I didn't schedule then all. I had help. We were ALL stressed out when Gary picked me up for lunch I told him I felted like calling in sick and not going back, but my conscious wouldn't let me. Rosie was off today, Monday 3-2-09 and Friday so I did her stuff and not mine.

Gretchen's mother-in-law is in the hospital she has tumors on her hip, esophagus and ribs. There are going to put a rod in her hip/leg they said if she fell it would shatter. Up date she had the surgery 3-3. They had her up walking today, but she is running a fever. Remember her in your prayers. The doctor told her last Friday that she couldn't work any more, so Steve took this week off to watch Dylan, then next week a lady from the ward will watch him, Gretchen took the next week.

A great weekend!!!

2009-02-23T19:52:00.017-07:00

Gary & I left Friday afternoon to go to the valley. We had a full agenda Devin turning 16 Sunday and being ordained a priest was the reason we went but fit in a lot of other things. Saturday Gary and Steve went to the NHRA race while we went shopping Costco etc. Devin was our driver. That night we went to Texas Road House to eat. Cory, Staci , Pat and one of Devin's friends came with us, a total of 11 people. Sunday morning Gary and I got up early went to visit Gary's sister Myrna. She is in a care center in Phoenix she was asleep when we got there, but had a good visit. Then got back to Gretchen's went to church, after the block Devin was ordained a priest. I can't believe where the time has gone. Here are pictures of him as a deacon, teacher then priest.

Sunday evening we Bar- B- Que . Cory Staci and Pat came over for it. We ate and play scattergories.

Monday I took off work and had a doctor appointment regarding my knee. It has hurt me for a long time. I had a MRI done in 2006 and was told I had a baker cyst. The doctor took x-ray's today and told me I have severe arthritis, bone on bone I opt for a cortisone shot today if that doesn't work there are lubricating shots and then a knee replacement. I hope that is a long time away. Devin is now a legal driver he passed his driver test. Gary and I got home around 6:00pm. I am tired guess I'll to go to work to rest ha ha

Family

2009-02-15T18:18:00.006-07:00

I love being in the temple with my family!!!! On Sat Kendra received her endowment!!! There were nine of our family there. A small glimpse what eternity is going to be like.

Gary and I celebrated valentine Fri evening. He is such a neat guy!!

We have had cold weather this week between 4 and 9 degrees when I left for work. I am ready for summer!!!

Valentine

2009-02-14T17:23:00.003-07:00

I found some quotes about love I would like to share.

Love isn't blind, it just only sees what matters

It takes 3 seconds to say 'I Love You' but a lifetime to prove it.

In a survey of 4-8 year olds, kids share their views on love.But what do little kids know about love?
Read on and be surprised that despite their young and innocent minds,kids already have a simple but deep grasp of that four-letter word.
"Love is that first feeling you feel before all the bad stuff gets in the way."
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
"When someone loves you, the way she says your name is different. You know that your name is safe in her mouth."
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your french fries without making them give you any of theirs."
"Love is when someone hurts you. And you get so mad but you don't yell at him because you know it would hurt his feelings."
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My mommy and daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss but they look happy and sometimes they dance in the kitchen while kissing."
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate."
"Love is hugging. Love is kissing. Love is saying no."

Hope every one had a great VALENTINE DAY!!

A GREAT day

2009-02-08T19:43:00.003-07:00

Sat Gary and I had a great day. We went to the temple when the Bigelow's were sealed. I feel so blessed to live near a temple to have the blessings of the temple. It is neat to see young couples doing what is right. I am also thankful for the opportunity that Gary and I have to teach the temple prep classes. We started teaching two more people today. It is so exciting to see people grow including Gary and I.

After we went to the temple I got to help Kendra get her temple clothes, she will be going next sat to receive here endowments. I am happy for her. This will be a great help in her life.

I am thankful for telephones and that I get to talk to my daughters, all of them are a great help and influence in my life!!! Thank you for your love!!!

This is a sunset from last night. I love sun rises and sun sets. They are all so different.

Another week

2009-02-01T18:11:00.003-07:00

I have been trying to think of something to write about what has had happened this pass week, only it was un-eventful I worked every day busy there. Fri a new program was put on my computer re finance so now I have to enter all the data for the personal trainer, wellness program. This will be a challenge since I am just treading water with every thing else I have to do.

A good thing the first couple we taught the temple classes to will be going this coming sat (Feb 7)to be sealed and for her to get her endowments. When I called Thur to make a reservation for Gary & I the session was already full, so we will go to the sealing.

I did go to enrichment Tues evening. It was about taking time for your husband, friends, family and your self. One interesting thing I learned was a family that has dinner together the children will do better in life.

The weather has been nice nothing to complain about.

"Come what may, and love it"

2009-01-25T19:27:00.003-07:00

Today our lesson in relief society was Elder Wirthin talk "Come what may, and love it". I love this saying. He said he thought his mother meant that every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result. We can do this by Learning to laugh, Seek for the eternal, The principle of compensation and the Trust in the father and the son. It was a good lesson and one that I needed.

Also today a lady shared that she had been in the valley and attended a stake conference and Elder Bednar was there he told them that we live in perilously times and it is going to get worse. That we need to study Helman because it goes hand in hand with our time.

I attended the last two class of Pacific Institute this week. The one thought I got from it this week was the beautiful thing about goals is they release energy. Also death occurs when we do not have a goal and your subconscious knows it. so we need to be working on something!

Robin wanted to see pictures of my office so here they are. I was told this week that it is the same square footage of my (closet) last office but least this is square and has windows.

God's beauty

2009-01-23T18:49:00.006-07:00

I was kind of blah this morning on my way to work, tired etc ,etc when I came down the hill from Eagar into Springerville there was flog which gave a mystic look, I stopped and took pictures. I starting thinking I don't care if I am late for work I am going to enjoy what is around me. Then when I turn into work there was a beautiful sunrise, and took another picture. It made me feel much better to enjoy God creations. Oh and I wasn't late!!

Yes there are Miracles

2009-01-18T15:22:00.005-07:00

We had a miracle this week. My niece Kendra has been going through some tuff times. Thur she was in court at Las Vegas where the judge had ordered her to move back to Vegas by Sunday (yes today). The judge had figured out visitation for the two boys and etc etc....(You have to remember they are separated not divorced) Then it was brought to the judges attention that there was a order of protection and the boys are listed on it; she took a recess to call the judge here where the order of protection was put in place. Our family had been praying for her but when the judge took the recess Chris left the court room and called his mother to sent out the call to start praying we started calling every one it was 12:30 here. When the judge returned to the court room she said Judge Gunnels was out until Tues. So she adjourned until Wed. after she has had time to speak with Judge Gunnels. Kendra felt that was a miracle that the judge was finally listening before that she was giving Wayne every thing he had asked for and that she is not moving back today. We fasted today that the judges involved will listen, and much more.

Another miracles this week I was leaving work and who know why but I fell out the front door and hit my head real hard on the railing. I instantly got a good size goose egg. It hurt quite bad, but I didn'tbreak any thing. My head is still quite sore, but I am fine.

Dec first we moved into our new facility. We have had new equipment sense July and finally had them put together Wed so here are some pictures of where I work.

This is 10 mobile homes put together and was brought from New Jersey. I was hoping for a bigger office but didn't happen.

Funny is during the Cardinal game Gary said I even wore my game day shirt and I said I started to say something about it at lunch but you have on the coyotes not cardinals (they are both red)!!!!

Another Week Jan 4 to 10

2009-01-11T17:50:00.005-07:00

This week at work I had to attend a class Tues and Wed it was put on by The Pacific Institute. I mention I wanted to be more positive well this class is about the way we think. There were words like "efficacy"(means to cause, to bring about, or to make happen) "scotomas" is Greek for blindness or blind spots. Scotomas are where reality actually exists but you cannot see it or perceive it. It also talked about "change the way you think and you change the way you way you run your life. So now I have home work until I go to the next classes Jan 19 and 20th.

Happiness this week is when your 2 1/2 old grandson sing you the ABC's.

Funny is when your two year old grandson was asked if he cut his hair and he said "no ma mo does" this is after he had already cut a piece.

Warm is when you receive the Christmas present that Gary had ordered for him and I and it came in a "snuggle blanket" Here is Gary with his on. It has arms so you can read and use your arms and still keep warm.

Nice is attending a Cherika's birthday party. She turned 11 in Dec but waited to have the party Sat.

Reflections

2009-01-04T17:12:00.006-07:00

Part of a new year is trying to be more positive. Last year was a year that I don't want to repeat. I found a saying that I gave away a lot this Christmas. "Life is not waiting for the storms to past..... It is about learning to dance in the rain" So I am going to learn to dance in the rain and look for something good every day. We had a very good Sacrament meeting a lot of testimonies re the love of our savior.

Yesterday Saturday I cleaned a corner of our bedroom, where I like to spend part of my Sundays reading, writing in my journal, and of course napping.

Thur I was off work so Gary and I took down Christmas decorating and put them away. He has been watching a lot of football for the past few days. He was happy that the Cardinals won yesterday.

Brand New

2008-12-31T20:32:00.002-07:00

Part of my new years resolutions is to start something new, so here goes my new?? blog.(of course I needed Robin's help) I might even get brave and do something else in my life this year. We will just have to wait and see.