The Weather - It is a Changin'!

Turn off that A/C!

Open up them windows!

Kick the kids outside to play! And you go with them!

Take a walk.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Keep a sweater handy - just in case.

You can even drive around with windows rolled down - if you want to.

Go explore.

Don't worry about parking next to the only tree in the parking lot to catch a bit of shade.

Put a leash on that dog and have him/her take you for a drag around the block.

Find a park with swings. You know what to do next.

Make plans to visit the State Fair. And keep them.

Visit the Arboretem.

Shop at your local farmer's market. And let the kids pick out something new. Or their favorite.

Kick some leaves around.

Find a new recipe for soup and cook it all day long in the slow cooker. So nice to come home to!

Make you family plans for Thanksgiving (it'll be here sooner than you think!).

Got your costume ready? (And, no, you can't wear a robe over your PJs and call it "Ready for bed." That's MY gag. Has been for years. You'll have to get creative all on your own!)

Go to a football game. No - not pro. HS or MS. Root! Root! Root! for the home team!

But don't put your flip flops away just yet. Still got some good wearin' time left before "real" shoes are a necessity.

Be grateful for fall, y'all!

It only lasts for a few moments - and then poof! It's gone!

Wise Words of Wisdom and Hope

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.

And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

I don't know how but we have a responsibility to ourselves and to our God to try."

A poignant thought and scripture.

One of the most difficult commandments is that we are to forgive one another.

Harsh words. Unkind thoughts. Turning our back on someone when they need us. Speaking out in haste. Ignoring silent pleas for help. Hurting someone on purpose and think that it will have no consequence. Failing to ask for forgiveness. Or asking for forgiveness but not giving it in return.

There are so many ways to hurt each other. Intentioned or not.

Be kind to one another. Pay it forward. Give back. Say "please" and "thank you". Don't threaten to "never" forgive someone, because you should. You will. You must. For peace of mind, healing of hearts, and quieting the rebellious soul.

In D&C 18: 15, we are told:

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"

Could we be that one soul?

It's a harsh world. Let's work at softening the edges and bringing joy to others - and to ourselves by doing so. Because there are so many out there that are more than willing and happy to tear us down. We need to lift each other up.

Be kind.

Be loving.

Be forgiving.

Just be.

Is it time yet?

SO ready for summer to be over. I'm already excited about the change in weather and it can't get here soon enough. Of course, those cooler temps will be followed by colder/wetter temps - and that will start my "So ready for winter to be over" complaints. You just can't make this girl happy, I guess.

If only the fall would last longer than 15 minutes. Same thing with spring. Just when I get used to sweaters, falling leaves, pumpkins, turning off the AC & not needing to turn the heat on "just yet" - suddenly - there it is. Winter.

Trying to dig out coats, gloves, hats, long johns, extra blankets, etc. I actually have to wear shoes when it turns cold. Well, at least out in public. For some reason flip flops are not a good idea when it's really breezy!

If summer makes me complain about a certain level of discomfort then I'm absolutely terrible when it gets really cold - and WET - right around February. Makes me shiver just thinking about it!

But for now I'll be happy to window shop all the cool seasonal crafts, avoid the candles that smell like a fireplace, put off baking cookies, forget about putting bales of hay on the front porch, keep my hands to myself when I spot a cute anything made out of courdaroy, and put off buying any Halloween candy.

I can wait.

Patiently.

(Insert drumming of fingers here. Repeatedly.)

Is it time yet?

I Got Skills!

Napoleon Dynamite would be so proud! Last Friday was parents’ night for South Grand Prairie High School’s marching band. Jim & I, of course, attended because Eric was performing. (You can certainly tell where Eric is in the tuba line because of the sudden drop in height of one of the players. Yup, that would be him.) Eric called Friday afternoon and told me to make sure I was wearing comfortable shoes. Why? Because the parking lot was a lot further away than they expected so I should be prepared. Kind of odd, but okay. So we get to the stadium, parking where we usually park and stroll in to the stadium and take our seats on the bleachers. After the kids lined, all in their spaces with bright, shiny, sweaty faces, they performed a really short routine. Just a teaser for the upcoming games. The band director introduced all the board members, student teacher, flag corp, etc. And reminded us all of the ongoing fund raiser. You know – ward business kind of stuff. Then THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! “Parents, please raise your hand so that your student will know where you’re sitting.” I look to my right and neither one of his parents are raising their hands. Jim’s not raising his and neither was I just figured that he knew exactly where they were sitting and he was headed their way. That is until I spy Eric running across the field, looking straight at me, with the biggest grin on his face. Dunt, dunt, duuuuuuh! He was coming for me!!! Slowly he turned. Step by step. Inch by inch. Oh, wait. Wrong story. That would be Abbott & Costello, not Eric & Mimi. Sorry. So I met him at the edge of the field and he took me on to my spot. Right on the 40 yard line “cash mark”. I looked around and couldn’t see anybody ready to offer but then he explained it was actually “hash mark”. Oh. Big difference. He very quickly ran me through the two sets (24 and 25 if anyone’s interested) that I was supposed to learn in 5 minutes. Sure seemed like a lot less. I asked him to slow down, show me how to do the moves, but he told me (with an even bigger grin) that he wasn’t allowed to do that. Just talk me through it. Great. So I learned how to stand, where to find my mark, how to hold my arms and hands in place (EYE LEVEL, MIMI!), and how to take (mother, may I?) 9 steps backwards. Not big ones. Sort of ¾ size ones. Not on the balls of my feet but more on the middle of my feet. Huh? About the time I was sorta kinda almost got it, the band director called for all kids to leave the field. Whaaaaaaat? The drum line started doing their thing to give us a beat to move to. I found out where Eric was standing (his smile was now at the excessive wattage point and he could have lit up all of South GP with that grin) and mouthed to him that was SOOOOOO grounded. I actually tried the moves. Held my hands at eye level, arms held high, bingo arms flying in the wind, shuffled my feet, moved to the left, took a couple of steps backwards. Ta da! My proudest move? That I didn’t fall down. Or pass out. Eric was kind enough to escort me back off the field, laughing all the way. He was so danged proud of himself and how he pulled one over on his Mimi. But that’s okay. I know where he sleeps. Oh, and before I climbed back up the bleachers I did the classic raising my arms over my head and gave everyone the classic victory pose. The one that most folks call the “horn” sign. I prefer the “I love you” sign – but with more oomph! Eric’s in trouble because he’s created a monster. SUPUH STAR!!!!

A Bad Meltdown Does Not a Good Mother Make

The meltdown I had last night was not her fault. I walked in from work to be greeted by my darling husband with an invitation from our youngest adopted Gdaughter to visit with them for family home evening. Her big sister is leaving for BYU in a few days and this would be the last time that we'd get to spend with her before her trip. Of course when the littest one calls her Poppy, his heart melts and he always says yes. Me? Oh, glad to go, but I was really looking forward to changing into PJs, having a homecooked meal (by him - not me), plopping down in my chair and have critters run to my side in anxious anticipation because Mom was home. Nope. Not happening. So out the door we went. Oh, don't get me wrong. I was glad to go. But it was taking a while for my brain to shift gears. (A happy compromise might have been for me to go in my PJs but I don't think any of my boys would have appreciated it.) On the road - and the phone rings. Could we pick up one of the Gsons from his dad's house in Irving and take him to his mom's house in Hurst? Any other evening would have been fine. But we were going to south Arlington (past I-20). We live in south Irving. She lives in Hurst (NE corner of Tarrant County - Ft. Worth-I-love-yew country. Quite a haul. And a tank of gas. So bickering in my brain. My heart shrinking one size smaller a la Grinch. And I just lost it. Why couldn't she pick him up? Why do we have to be inconvenienced? Blah, blah, blah. The more I thought, the more frazzled I made myself. Things came to a head after we left early from FHE. I called my daughter and let loose on her. Which I never should have done. My foul mood was just oozing all over the place. With my older daughter when we left. And now on the phone with my younger daughter. Things are tough all over right now for our clan. Everybody's going through hard times right now. And that affected my mood, as well. (Our bank account is to the point that moths are starting to hover over the numbers. Not looking very fiscally swell right about now.) So I let the worries about using the gas, taking time away from one part of the family to take care of another part of the family, when I should have changed my heart's vision slightly to the right and change my attitude. The other family members would have understood if I had explained the situation to them. I wouldn't have transferred my ugly feelings & thoughts to my other daughter which put the damper on her fun for the evening. And I would have remembered that as a mother I have rare opportunities to continue to serve my children - as in "what would Jesus do". I wasn't a very good disciple last night. Not a good example to anyone. Especially not to my younger daughter. I made her cry. I hurt her heart. And caused her more stress - which she certainly doesn't need at this point. So today I get to make amends to both my kids. Apologies are needed all the way around. And get my head and my heart back where they're supposed to be. An apology and a fervent "I love you" will make me a better mother. And remember my calling as a "mother in Zion". At least I hope so.

Time's flies when you're having fun.

Or at least that's what I've been told all my life.  And, fortunately or  unfortunately, it's all too true.

Summer time and the living isn't so easy.  Seems that the whole country is suffering from higher temps than usual.  Brown outs.  A whole community on the east coast without water services (eeewww!).  Not enough rain to refill the lakes from this ongoing drought we've had.

This past week we did have a cool front come through.  So instead of close to being 100 with high humidity we had a couple of days of 80s and wonderfully cool nights.  AC turned off.  Windows thrown open.  Nice little breeze blowing through the house.  Such a nice break from the sufferings of summer.  But, alas and alack, the "real" Texas summer returned all too soon.

So summer is passing too quickly.  Haven't been able to spend a lot of time with any of the Gkids.  We did manage to get down to Eric's Scout camp to check him out for a few hours on a couple of weekends.  We visited "the" Walmart and "the" movie theatre (four tiny auditoriums) in Athens. 

He got to come home earlier than planned.  My SIL made him an offer he couldn't refuse - a high adventure outing with their Scouts down to the Texas coast (sounds mighty high falutin', doesn't it?).  Thankfully Eric got to visit with the camp leaders, explaining the situation, and they let him go with their blessing.  AND he'll be able to return next summer to work since he left under good circumstances.

The kid is a hard worker.  A good example to others and does what is asked of him. Plus good attitude and terrific sense of humor.  Which helps when you're working in 90+ weather, in high humidity, around stinking smelly boys, etc.

Gorgeous country down there.  Almost wouldn't mind moving there.  But then we'd have to figure out how to build a portal so that Gkids and kids can zip in & out anytime.

Although it's only the middle of summer the dreaded school supplies and uniforms are already populating aisles and aisles at local stores everywhere.  I can feel a disturbance in the universe as kids & their parents are trying to grab and hold on to every last second of summer.

Time for a trip to DQ for a Blizzard, another trip to the frozen yogurt store, or a visit to my local snow cone stand.  That's how I get to celebrate summer this year.  That and thank the inventors of air conditioning!!!

Good Times

Just got a call from my dear, sweet, talented, TALENTED friend Lynn.  She just invited Jim & me to be with at her being sealed to her husband Mert.  They were only together for a short time here.  But after our trip to the temple, she'll get to be with him for all eternity THERE!  And that's what counts.  She's an amazing woman.  And if Mert had enough good sense to marry her - then he was an amazing man.  Anybody who has John Wayne as his hero is all right in my book!  This is a real honor for us.  And a dream come true for her.  And we're grateful that we got to be at both wedding ceremonies.  For time.  And now for all eternity.

Got to spend last weekend with my Gson Eric.  What a blast we had!  Movie out, movies in, eating out (Thai, Vietnamese, and Sweet Tomatoes), cooking in, checking out boots & cowboy hats at a local western wear shop, laughing, hugs, errand running, visiting the DFW National Cemetary to honor heros and to give him a history lesson, church, decorating the front yard with American flags in honor of Memorial Day & his hero Poppy, more laughing, and finally ending with his learning how to make his favorite meal from his Mimi (Buttermilk Chicken, if you must ask).  Yes, his mother has the recipe.  And, yes, she does cook it & has learned an ever better way to make it (what did we do before slow cookers?).  He was so proud of himself.  And I bet his mom will let him cook it himself from time to time.

His parents were very gracious in letting me have him for the long weekend.  They were going out of town to celebrate their anniversary and one lucky soul (well, really two lucky souls) was (were?) going to have 24/7 access to him.  Jim & I were the winners!!!  Eric leaves in short bit to staff Scout camp for two months.  So I got extra time with him before he leaves.  So I guess this means when he goes on his mission I'll get him for a month before he goes?  No?  Darn.

I'm grateful than all my Gkids live close.  If any of them ever decide to move outside of the DFW area - we're in trouble.  And the boys?  Well, when they have kids there just going to have to figure out how to make a living here!

I've joked for years that I'd love to have a compound (no, not like the wackos in Waco) where everyone could have their own house and we could have access to all Gkids all the time.  My kids were lucky in that their Meemaw lived a short drive to Oak Cliff and so got to visit her often.  Lucky Meemaw.  Luckier them.

Summer's coming soon.  I've declared it so by having my toenails painted the brightest cobalt blue.  That's my official declaration for summer arriving.  And with the summer, HOPEFULLY, more time with the other three Gkids.  Geography/schedules have not always been in our favor in getting to play with them.  I've got stuff planned. 

Attention K-mart shoppers, I mean, Gkids!  I'm going to get you!  You parents have been warned and if have to alert the media I will.  "Mimi kidnaps Gkids.  Again . . . "

And we'll have fun building memories.  Laugh a little.  Hug a little.  Go on some adventures. You have been notified.  Save some time for me this summer.

Time passes all too quickly.  My time with you is too precious.  Worth more than all the riches in the world.  I want good memories, enough to last through the eternities. 

The happiest thing you could ever say to one another would be, "Do you remember the time that Mimi did (insert crazy stunt here)?" 

Or "Can you believe that she danced in the (car, church, Kroger's, Half Price Books - take your pick from a LONG list) and didn't care if anyone was looking?"

I pulled some stuff on my kids - but with my Gkids, it seems that at times I don't have a filter.  But I'm fine with that

Let the good times roll!



 

I'm Still Here!

So much has gone on over the last month. 

Spring break - that just about sums it up. 

Our boys came in from Arizona (oldest) and SJ, CA (youngest).  My sweet daughter-in-law wasn't supposed to be coming (new job, not enough $$, etc.) but lo! and behold!  There walking right next to my oldest was his lovely bride.  I didn't see her at first - but when I did I almost knocked her down.  We do so love this girl! 

Eveyone kept it a secret from me - and from the Divine Mz. B.  She and my DIL are "twins".  In the past it's been wherever my DIL was - Mz. B was not too far behind.  Oldest has been threatened - you better do right by her.  She's a keeper and we like her better than him.  Of course that's nonsense . . .  Hmmm. 

And then youngest brought a girl home, too.  She's divine!  She funny.  Jumped right in to help with anything that needed to be done.  Made us laugh.  She put up with our hilarity ("easily amused" continues to carry on!) and we didn't even scare her.  Not one whit.  (Darn.  We did it wrong!)  We hope she gets to come back.  She just fit right in.  That's the kind of girl (young lady, woman, whatever) we really like.  She and youngest look good together - and act good together as well.  Plus (and this is a big one) all the Gkids adore her.  I can't think of any better recommendation!

I asked Oldest how I should behave - proper, quiet, shy, etc.  He gave me the best advice, "Just fly your freak flag, Mom."  So I did!

It was fun to watch Youngest and +1 as they went through a box full of awards, certificates, and yearbooks.  He had left a closet full of boy toys and had asked why did I keep them after all this time?  They weren't mine to give, but when he gave us the green light - out the door they went.  To a very excited 13 year old Star Wars fan.  And I'm sure his parents are very grateful for that 4' long light saber.  Tee. Hee.

All four of our guests got introduced to the extended family at a special dinner at Older's house.  LOTS of people.  Didn't seem to phase any of them.  Everyone just rocked on as if we'd all been together for years.  (We don't intentionally try to run off those that are dating our boys, but it's happened.  Well, not really our fault but we were rooting for the boys.  This time?  Tables have turned!!)

We got to celebrate Older Gson's Eagle Court of Honor.  What a spectacular celebrationt!  Youngest got to sit in the Eagles' Nest.  That was an awesome sight.  His nephew was so pleased that his Uncle Taylor got to be there.  And I think maybe his Uncle Taylor was just as thrilled.

Our visit with all of them was way too short.  Not enough hours in the day.  Too much food to eat.  Too many restaurants we wanted to visit.  (I think we all gained about 10 lbs. each!!)  So hard trying to fit in everything/everybody that they wanted to visit.  Sadly Younger was the one who had the shortest visit with them.  Her working hours were ruining her seeing them.  But she had a new job and couldn't take off the time.

I'm so grateful we had the time to spend.  Sometimes it's hard to realize that they're all "growed up" with lives of their own, schooling, jobs, their own circle of friends, totally different likes and dislikes than when they were kids. 

Sometimes their growing older is the pits. How did this happen?!?  If I could figure out how to slow down time just a little teensey bit - I'd be happy.  Especially when we all get together.  I like to sit in a corner and just watch them interact.  Seems like they haven't skipped a beat.

I'm SO grateful that we got to spend time together and strengthen the ties that bind us together.

Time's fun when you're having flies

Or so I've been told . . .

Things are moving along at a rapid pace at our house.  Trying to get ready for the boys +1 homecoming.  But the tasks at hand are not easy ones.  My poor house looks like that - a poor house.  We have so many things that need painted, tossed, scrubbed, realigned, moved, hung, taken down, removed, dusted, washed.  I'm already worn out just from reading what needs to be done! Plus I'm running out of verbs.

For instance - I got beat up by my house on Saturday.  Scrubbing, dragging, pushing, pulling, tossing, more scrubbing, twisting, turning.  If anything falls on the floor it will just have to stay there until I can bend over or squat without pains and/or muscle cramps to pick it up.  It even hurts to sit!  And I get to continue doing all this until I've had enough - or the house surrenders!

I just know that my kids will appreciate all my efforts when they walk in the house, go straight to the stove and say, “Wow, Mom!  Good job!!!”

My BFF told me that now that it’s all sparkly and pretty that I can’t cook.  Okay. Fine by me.  On most days that's a deal that I'm happy to live with. 

To help move the work along - I asked Sara if she’d lcome over and help me out.  She's really good at organizing, tossing, etc. - skills that I'm sorely lacking in.  I also asked her to bring the kids over so that they could earn some $ to spend during spring break.   

About two minutes after their arrival - it went downhill from there. 

I asked them to clean up the yard (pickup sticks & various tree parts, sweep the walk, pick up trash, etc. so that it would be done for Poppy.  One of the neighborhood kids came over and promptly dropped a couple of F-bombs while conversing with the kids.  Sara was livid.  Ashley said in a VERY loud voice – “What did you just say?!?!”  Of course he didn’t repeat it but Sara jumped on him. 

I went out & told him basically that my house was a rated “PG” house and that kind of language wasn’t allowed.  He apologized (though did look a little puzzled over the fuss).  And then the kids started visiting - and playing. 

Toby was dug up part of the yard.  Then got stuck up a tree.  Ashley came in to get her fishing rod.  After trying her hand at casting the hook got caught up in another tree. The kids dropped orange peels in the front yard.  Yeah – pretty much downhill.

I paid them because they did do some good work.  But as they were all leaving - I saw what a mess they made in the process.  Particularly after they’d picked up a lot of tree parts and Jonathan ended up emptying the whole bag in the middle of the front yard.  It took me a while to figure why he did that. 

He had taken the trash can to the curb because his mom told him to do so.  He didn't know that she meant just the trash big. 

After she got on to him for that - she tells him to empty the bag.  Which he did - right in the middle of the front yard..  I think his mom was giving him too many directions at once without a whole lot of explanation.  Poor guy . . .

I had a little meeting with them afterwards.  Told them that this was supposed to be helping Jim (“Poppy”).  But that they did a shoddy job.  I told them that Poppy works hard for his money, I did, their Mom did and that they should work just as hard as we do.  I even asked them how they felt about the work they did.  “Not good.”

When Jim gets a closer look at the front lawn he’ll probably find that they weren’t as helpful as I’d hoped.  Note to self:  do NOT let Toby walk around the yard with any kind of tool and/or yard work implement or his knees will get ripped off and stapled to the back of his legs . . . .

I asked Sara how the kids were on the way home and she said that she yelled at them all the way home (would have loved to been a bug in that car!).  They felt bad and gave her the $$ that I paid them.  I think they got the point of the conversation.  Well, probably Jonathan & Ashley got it.  With Toby – not so much.  Sara volunteered to come back over w/ Ashley and they’d both help me.  We’ll see.  Hopefully I’ll pretty much have it all under control by Saturday afternoon.

Wait – who am I kidding?

A little guilt is a good thing at times. 

 

God Bless Texas!

March is Texas History Month here in the great Lone Star State. And March 2 commemorates the anniversary of Texas' independence.  Celebrations and reenactments will be happening all over our fair state.  Some kids will be lucky enought to study everything Texas this month.  Why?  Because kids who live here gotta know their stuff and start working on those bragging rights at an early age!

We have an adopted Gdaughter who is attending BYU.  One of her teachers asked a loaded question – “Why is Texas so great.”  Our Gdaughter was more than happy to oblige.

But then the question started me thinking – why do I think Texas is the next best thing since sliced cornbread?  Well – here are more than a few of my thoughts.

Bluebonnets. Dr. Pepper. The Alamo.  The River Walk.  BBQ.  Babe's.  Tex Mex.  Frito pie.  Citrus from the Rio Grande Valley.  1015 onions.  Native pecans.  Fried pies.  Smoked brisket.  Chili – with or without beans (this will cause a heated debate, I’m sure).  Peach cobbler.  Steaks on the grill.  Kolaches from West.  German food from New Braunfels.  Mud bugs. 

Palo Duro Canyon. Galveston (as tacky as it is - I still love it). Piney Woods. Padre Island (minus drunk college kids). Central Texas and the Hill Country. Bats flying out from under the Washington Street bridge in Austin. Texas A&M vs. TU. The Texas/OU game. Oil derricks pumping away to a beat that only they can hear. Jefferson. Granbury. North Park Mall. Kilgore Rangerettes. Possum Kingdom Lake.  A horizon that goes on forever as you drive through west Texas.  Fort Worth.  Heck. I'll even throw in Houston just for the fun of it.

Football (especially in Midland/Odessa where they do high school football right!).  Soccer (hey! It’s a new age, folks.)  T-ball.  Hockey.  Basketball.  Baseball.  Hockey.  Little league.

Whole Foods.  HEB.  Minyard's.  Brookshire's. 7-11.  Titche-Goettinger.  Sanger Harris.  Foley's.  K-Mart.  Sears.  Montgomery Ward's.  Skillern's.  A&P.  Mott's.  Ben Franklin.  Ice houses and corner stores.

The State Fair of Texas.  Big Tex.  Fair food (heavy on the batter, deep on the fried).  Rodeos.  4^th of July parades.  Drive in movies (we still have a few).  Dive in movies at the water parks. The Paluxy River, complete with dinosaur footprints. The Brazos River.  Gruene.  Paris.  Italy.  Athens.  Nacogdoches. Waxhachie.  Marfa.  Boerne.  Waco.  Mexia.

Folks who wave at you as you drive by in small towns (no - not THAT kind of wave!!).  Cowboys tipping their hats.  A 200 mile long funeral procession that ran from Dallas all the way to Austin. “Bless your heart”.  Texas twang.  The chicken dance.  Western swing.  Willie Nelson's picnic.  Janice Joplin.  Van Cliburn (Bless his heart – in a very good way.).

Folks pulling over to the side of the road when a funeral procession passes. Thunderstorms. The Texas flag.  Remembering to say “please” and “thank you”.  Addressing any female over the legal age ‘Ma’am”.  (And – no – it’s not a sexist thing or an ageism thing.  It’s a sign of respect.)  “Yes, sir” and “no, sir” – also signs of respect.

Front porches.  Dogs in the yard.  Screen doors.  Swing sets.  Neighborhood parks and pools.  Skinny dippin’.  Cow tippin’.  TP-ing someone’s house (usually a sign of affection – or at least it used to be).  Camping in your own backyard.

Texas A&M.  University of Texas.  TCU.  Baylor.  University of Houston.  Stephen F. Austin.  UNT.  TWU (go, Maggies!).  Texas Tech.  Sul Ross.  SMU.  Paul Quinn.  And lots of junior colleges spread all across the state. 

As you can tell - I am not one bit proud of being a Texas.

When some folks are asked if they’re an American first – or a Texan, they’ve answered proudly, “I’m a Texan.” 

Amen!

This is My Story

Shana is speaking in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday about becoming converted to the Gospel.  She's asked for our stories of how we were converted. I'm not sure what she's asking for - of if the following will help her at all.

It’s not much of a story – but here goes.

After my parents divorced when I was 12, my mother became engaged to a young LDS man that had recently moved to this area from Idaho.  As they talked about their marriage plans the subject of religion came up.  I was raised in the Baptist church.  Mother attended the same church but she never became a member (she was raised in the Methodist church and she felt more comfortable there).  And after the divorce we did visit the Methodist Church but that only lasted for a little while.

After much discussion arrangements were made for missionaries to come to our house to teach us the lessons.  Our missionaries were a couple of dear, sweet elderly sister missionaries from Wyoming.  But I have no memory of when we were baptized or by whom or where. 

After our baptism, we went from a lovely little church not too far from our house in Irving to a run-down condemned church in Grand Prairie (what an adventure that was!).  And after the Grand Prairie ward was split we ended up having to drive from Irving to Oak Cliff to meet in the Stake Center  After doing that for a while we rented a building from another faith to use while our chapel was being finished.  And then finally we had a building of our own.

When I was baptized it was to make my mother happy.  Lee and I were told that we were being baptized – no questions asked. So my conversion story doesn’t start at the beginning of my time in the Church but more in middle. 

My conversion has never happened all at once.  I’ve found that it’s happened over time.  Like the song says, “Line upon line, precept on precept.”

I’ve never experienced any earth shattering moments when I’ve known that certain concepts were true.  Instead of a “burning bosom” I’ve received a wonderful feeling of peace.  After praying over something, studying my scriptures, or having a discussion with someone who knows far more than I do concerning a specific topic sometimes I’ll feel like a light has gone off over my head (light bulb!) whenever I’ve “discovered” that a certain something is true.  How did I know it was true?  Because of the influence of the Holy Ghost.  And it makes sense to me. The Lord’s Church does make sense.  Perfect sense. 

I have had some extremely spiritual moments. 

Kneeling across the altar and being sealed for time and all eternity to my sweetheart and his telling me that we could now “start making plans for the future.”

Or holding each of my babies in my arms for the first time and then looking into your father’s eyes while we’re both thinking that THIS is for all time and eternity. 

Getting to speak at Ashley’s baptism and understanding the reason for our needing to be baptized.  And the blessings that we receive when we do as the Savior has instructed us.

Watching your father giving a blessing and my being in absolute amazement at the things that he’s prompted to say because of the power of the Priesthood.  And his being an honorable, worthy Priesthood holder who is acting on the Lord’s behalf.

There have been times when I’ve felt my breathe taken away because of the truth that I was experiencing at that very moment.  I don’t know how many times I’ve looked at a sunset, watched a leaf fall in in slow graceful movements to its final resting place on the ground, listening to a thunderstorm, watching fog roll in over a mountain, seeing a strawberry growing wild in the middle of a beautiful garden. And knowing that all life on this earth is connected because of Heavenly Father’s guidance and direction to have this world created just so.  And to know that the beauty of the earth was created for me.  For me!  And for mine.  And for all that I know and love. 

I’ve heard the whispers of the Spirit as I’ve listened to hymns, testifying of the truthfulness of the Gospel.  I’ve read posts on blogs that provide witness to those things that I need to understand.  And I’ve had little ones in my lap who look in my eyes while we sing “I am a Child of God” and I’ll realize that I am a daughter of God – even though I’m hardly a child anymore.  But I’m still His child.  And will always be so.

And I've felt a guiding hand at that moment and known those little bits of the gospel to be true.

We’re told in the scriptures that we are to have joy in our lives.  Heavenly Father truly wants us to be happy.  And to return to Him.  And I know that this feeling of joy I feel occurs when I’m converted to the Gospel.  Joy.  Happiness.  Peace. Knowing that my Heavenly Father truly loves me.  And watches over me.

I’m still discovering, connecting and being converted to the Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I’m not a very good witness because I don’t have all the knowledge and/or understanding that others have.  This is a journey that I’ll be on the rest of my life.  And to be honest I think that I’ve done alright.  I have a much better understanding now of my spiritual journey.  I am not as impatient as I once was.  It's not for me to know all things at all times.  That’s not meant for me.

Baby steps.  That’s what I’m taking now is baby steps. 

And hopefully - before my turn on this earth is through - I’ll be able to lengthen my stride as I learn more and be able to witness more strongly and assuredly than before - that yes - I know that the Gospel is true.

 

Do it Now. Don't wait . . .

I’ve lost one of my heroes – Alonzo Shelley.  He was my bishop when I was a teenager. He and his family lived down the street and around the corner from me.  I got to babysit some of their kids before I went to college.  And after we had a family of our own - one of their sons was friends with my oldest and their youngest child was a friend to my older daughter.  Sort of a cross-generational thing. 

He was a good bishop.  And great father figure.  And he taught me a lot by example.  But the one that gained the most from our friendship was my husband Jim.

When we first met Jim wasn’t a member.  I was – but not a very good one.  I didn’t set the best example of the Church and/or its teachings.  However, somewhere, somehow, my beliefs intrigued him.  And he met with the missionaries.  Imagine their delight when they’d finish a discussion, ask “When can you meet with you again?” and his answer was, “What about now?”  Talk about “golden!”

JIm was baptized soon after that.  It broke his parents’ hearts.  His father was a deacon in their congregation and his grandfather was a part-time minister.  So this sudden change of religion did not sit well with them.  We had already decided to get married – hard enough on his mom as he was her only boy.  And now this.  I’m sure that they blamed the whole thing on me.  And it was hard on him, too.  He loved his parents.  And he wanted to do them proud, but they were certain that this wasn’t the way to earn that pride and respect.  They turned their hearts from him.  But only for a while.  

Before he left for basic training and whenever Jim would come home for visits, my then fiancée met with my former (by that time) bishop, Bishop Shelley.  On his front porch, with no one else around.  Just the two of them.  And “my” bishop was giving him a “personal priesthood interview.”  Asking if he was worthy.  Did he study his scriptures, tithe, say his prayers and honor his priesthood.  Did he attend his meetings?  Did he keep his covenants that he made at baptism?  Did he love me?  Did he honor me? 

And then Bishop Shelley would share words of wisdom, guidance and love.  I was, after all, one of “his girls.”  You have no idea what sort of impact this had on my husband-to-be.

So the years passed.  We got married and then moved with Jim’s assignments in the military and school but eventually moved back home.  Bishop Shelley and his family were still in the area.  And those bonds were renewed.  Jim & I both were busy with work, callings, family responsibilities, etc. so didn’t get to spend any real time with them.  But we got to interact with them during church and at ward functions and visits to the temple.  And Jim and I continued to learn from them.  Not so much by the words they said but by the way they treated each other and how they treated the other members of the ward.  With pure love.  The pure love of Christ.

Then Bishop Shelley got sick.  And sicker.  His illness took a terrible toll on him, his loving wife and their family.  And we all knew that the end was near.  And then?  He was gone.

I’ll miss him, but I’m so glad he’s no longer in pain.  And that Sister Shelley now has some relief, too. She was his primary care giver and it was hard on her to watch him as his health failed, the medicines taking away his strength and personality, and make it hard to help him.  But the Lord knew it was time for him to “return with honor” and he did just that.

I’m especially grateful that he had such a positive impact on my husband and on me.  I’m grateful that the good influence that he had on us has been visited on our children.  His words were taken by heart by a good man who did indeed become better and who followed Bishop Shelley’s example when he was called to be bishop. 

Although my heart is filled with gratitude I’m also sad.  But not for the reasons you’d think.

I should have told him, “Thank you”.  Over and over again.  I didn’t tell him that I loved him often enough and that I was glad that he loved me, too.  I’m grateful that he was always such a good example of choosing the right, but I never told him.  And I never told him how his “interviews” and moments with Jim were so appreciated.  And how he influenced a good bishop who in turn influenced so many others.

Is there someone like that in your life?  Someone that you owe a debt of gratitude?  That you need to thank and share with them what they’ve done for you and yours?  If so, tell them.  And thank them.  Before they’re gone, too.  And you have a hole in your heart because you didn’t share your words and thoughts with them.

Our lives on this earth are so short when compared with the eternities that are ahead of us.  And our lives are hard, too. Some harder than others. 

Soften hearts.  Renew ties.  Share love and kindness.  Forgive.  Repent.  Speak kind words from the heart.  And thank them.  Tell them how much they mean to you.  What they’ve done for you when they didn’t even know it.

You won’t regret it if you do, but you will regret it if you don’t.

Bishop Shelley – I love you.  And I will, always and forever, be your Robin Hood.  And you will always be “my bishop”.

How do you frisk a cat?

Carefully.

My cat Mister is such a treasure.  Right up front I want everyone to know that. He's not the brightest. But he loves me.  And has been finding extra special ways to prove it.

We have rabbits in the hood.  They come from a street over.  They're just sharing their little hairry love.  Mister avoids them.  Can't figure them out. I figured they were safe from them.  I mean - he won't mess with the 2 lb. Chihuahua from next door, so I guess something "mid-size" would more fit his purpose.

At first the neighbors thought they were cute.  But after folks started finding little pot holes in their yard some weren't so sure anymore.  I am not one of them.  I think they're cute.  And I like watching them playing in the front yard while carefully filling in their freshly dug holes.I try to sneak up on them but I'm kind of hard to miss, if you know what I mean.

Last weekend was wonderful & spirit filled.  We went to the funeral of a friend's dear husband (mentioned in an earlier post).  Beautiful music.  Great talks & rememberances.  Lots of laughs.  It was a true celebration of his life.

Then we went to the Temple that evening with kids and a Gdaughter. Afterwards we helped close down a Spring Creek BBQ.  Now - that's a rowdy crowd I am proud to hang with! We had good food, better company and just have the best ol' time!

But then?  A surprise was waiting for us when we pulled into our driveway late Saturday night.

We pulled into the driveway and saw that there were no bunnies visiting our front yard.  Mister was racing across the yard and I asked him where were the bunnies?  Then we got to the porch and discovered that he had killed a baby bunny and brought to us as a tribute.  He was so proud.  Wanted me to see it first thing.  Showing off his hunting skills.  Whatever.  Jim had to take care of it for me.  I talked to Mister and told him no more baby bunnies.

But I guess he thought he had a good thing going.

Wednesday night Jim was picking up a piece of trash, walked to the trash can muttering to himself (which considering our household is not all that unusual), and tossed something in.  But then he covered it up with more trash.  Now I was a little curious. He told me that I had better start frisking Mister whenever he came into the house. Why would I need to do that?  Because he'd brought in a present for us (not the literal us - he meant the "me" us.) and dropped it on the floor in the den.  This baby was black so it would have been hard to see it when Mister had it in his mouth.

Then to add insult to injury - he jumped up on the arm of my recliner, all proud of himself knowing that he had brought the best present EVER to the mom he adored.  But only after he'd rolled all over it to mark his territory and make it his own.

Oh. My. Heck.  You've not lived till you've had a 30 lb. furry paper weight that smells of rancid dead bunny rabbit and he's proudly rubbing all over you and the arm of the chair.

What a monster I've raised.  Tonight - a bit of a bath for the cat.  This should be fun.

I've got bandaids, 1st aid cream and towels close at hand. No, silly, not for Mister, but for me.

Sigh.

The Holidays Just “Flu” Right By Me

Note:  Yes, I know this is not a timely subject.  I'm running on Mormon Standard Time.  I've been trying to play catch-up since the holidays and not doing a very good job of it.  Heck.  I just now took down my Christmas decorations at work!  Better late than never?

I hate to admit it but the holiday season of 2012-2103 was pretty danged dismal.

The week before Christmas – felt a little puny.  But that’s nothing new.  I drive myself (and those around me) crazy with all the holiday traditions.  And end up getting sick.

But this year I did so much better – or so I thought.  Made little stops here and there picking up gift cards and/or goodies.  Didn’t spend too much –at least not as bad as in previous years.  Decided to do my last run to WM & Kohl’s the weekend before Christmas.  Heck! I even made plans to wrap presents vs. my just handing them their stuff in Target sacks (a cherished family tradition).  But it was not to be.

On the Friday before Christmas I went downhill faster than an Olympic skier (or, since this is Texas, faster than a kid on an ice block barreling down a steep hill).  At 8:00 AM I as fine.  9:30 – maybe a little sniffley.  11:20 – I was out the door, on my way home.  I knew I was sick when I passed on by WM and Kohl’s.  I didn’t care how much more shopping I had to do.  I was sick.

We were invited to my department party that evening.  Early in the day I told my manager that yes, indeedy, Jim & I would be there.  So our evening plans changed pretty fast, too.  No party.  No shopping.  No stopping for treats on the way home.  Just a straight shot to my driveway and then to my couch.

My usual holiday time, rundown, tired, not eating right sickness usually lasted only last two days at the longest.  But not this year.  Nope.  This just kept on and on and on.  I didn’t realize that I had the flu, until I heard all the news about the flu on the TV.  Oh - that explained it!

If had known I had the flu, I would have taken some precautions and not have exposed others.  I feel like I was Typhoid Mary.  And if I did infect anybody else?  I'm SO sorry. 

I did get Christmas together for everyone (quick trips to WM where I got to practice speed shopping).  And I did get presents wrapped (staying up to 2:00 AM on Christmas day).  I was existing on not-so-healthy food and ice chips.  Nothing cures the flu faster than a handful of Pepperidge Farms cookies and some ice chips.  I managed to get some warms soups down me – but I was much more satisfied with the ice. 

We did go through the temple when I was much better.  We got to go through with one of our Gdaughters – going on a mission to Rome in the spring.  Their parents were there.  The adopted parents were, too.  And several folks from her ward.  That was truly awesome.

But we didn’t do our usual movie run.  No one was in the mood or most were cash poor.  The Gkids had other things going on, too.  So all-in-all it was a much quieter Christmas than usual.  But Christmas this year will (hopefully) be much livelier.  We’ll all be well.  Won’t overspend (ha!).  Those that can be home will be.  And we will all share some time together in the true Spirit of the Season.  And remember the reason for the Season.

Better start my list! Because I'm going to have to check it more than twice!!!

Our Loss. Heaven's Gain.

A loss today in my extended family.

My BFF from my childbirthing era lost her husband this morning. She's a wonderful, brave woman who will weather this loss with grace, faith and dignity. She & her Beloved got to be married for only a year, but what a year it was. They lived their life together with humor, compassion, tears and love. And they had fun. Even knowing that their time together in this earthly sphere would be short, they enjoyed their marriage with gusto.

Kudos to their kids from both sides of the aisle that have come together to support each other.

This is a time for joy, not sorrow. We will celebrate that they had a great year of love, fun and laughter, jam making, good food, hugs, fishing and football. They were so blessed. They had more in one short year that some people ever have in their lifetime. And soon a much anticipated sealing for time and all eternity.  

Even their time was short, they lived life large.  You can't get much better than that.

I love this woman.  She's been such a good example to me and mine for years - and she continues to do so.  And I'm so grateful that she found someone to love.  And most importantly someone to love her, too.  She deserved and needed it.

Thank you, Mert, for loving and cherishing my friend.

Lynn, keep on dancin'.  He wouldn't want it any other way.