New Year's "Attributes"

For the record, I do not believe in making New Year's resolutions. Mostly because I can never keep them but also because I don't think you should have to "resolve" to start or stop something that you should or shouldn't have been doing all along.

With that being said, I am going to try to work hard this year on a few "attributes" that I would like to have. These came as a result of a lesson that I taught in church today.

1. Faith - specifically for me, Faith in my Savior.
2. Hope
3. Charity and Love
4. Virtue
5. Knowledge
6. Patience
7. Humility
8. Diligence
9. Obedience

Happy New Year!

What is most important...

Lately I have been feeling bad that I have not kept my blog up-to-date. I felt like my life hasn't been exciting enough to but anything down in black and white (or black and tan as the case may be).

This weekend my guilt and bad feelings are gone. My life is exciting. I have four wonderful little boys to play with, do homework with, take to basketball and put up Christmas decorations with. I have a husband who I can spend time with talking about whatever it is that we feel like talking about. We go to church meetings together, watch movies together, we play with the boys together.

So, although I enjoy the blogging and facebooking world, I have come to realize that my priorities are a little out of wack and that I have greater interestest elsewhere. For now, I will commit to blogging when the urge comes but until then, I will enjoy my life with my family.

For my posterity

This past weekend I had the opportunity to teach Sunday School at church. The lesson was on Family History work. Of course they say that the one who gains the most from the lesson taught is the teacher themselves. This was no different. Preparing and teaching this lesson made me realize how little I know about my parents and grandparents lives before I came around. It made me really stop to think about how important it is to keep a journal of some kind.

When I first started this blog I honestly had the intention of using it as my "electronic journal" and recording in it as much as possible about my days, my kids, my family. I have failed miserably at this task. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure those of you who are kind enough to read my dribble would want to hear about all of this.

This once again brought me back to keeping a handwritten journal for my posterity to read when I have moved on from this life.

When I was attending college I diligently wrote in a journal nightly detailing the days events. As I read back now, my life really wasn't any more exciting then as it is now. After college I wrote here and there but never really carried it on as I had done.

Thinking back, I wish I would have realized in my youth what I do now and kept a journal of my experiences. I don't remember very much at all. I wish I would have written down the details of my last birthday party at our home on Wilson Lane in Ogden before we moved to Washington State. Or the time I was buried alive from my neck down by our neighbor boy and my dad had to dig me out (I can still see his face and feel the end of the shovel as it barely touched my stomach).

This life goes by so fast. I realized this weekend that I need to take time for my children's and grandchildren's sake to write this stuff down. Help them to know me and who I am.

So, my commitment to myself is to write in my journal. It may not be every day but I am hoping for at least twice a week to share my thoughts, feelings and experience with my posterity.

If you don't currently keep a journal, will you join me?

One of my favorite hymns

I will never forget when I saw this performance of one of my favorite hymns. I have heard many versions and seen many performances of this hymn but this will always be my favorite performance.

Enjoy.

Balance

I attended a meeting this week where the topic was Balancing Stress in Your Life. One of the handouts given listed several suggestions for accomplishing balance in your life. One suggestion was "Don't fret about things you can not control". I leaned over to my friend sitting next to me and pointed out that suggestion letting her know that this was something that I needed to work on. She told me that it is liberating when you do. She said that she has recently been able to do this and it has made a difference in her life. Of course I had to ask how she did it.

I must admit, her response surprised me. She said that I needed to get in touch with my spirituality. She realized from reading a passage that if she continued to fret about things that were out of her control then that meant that she didn't trust that God could handle it.

Wow!!! I didn't know what to say. Here I am a 39 year old woman who was raised in a religious family and have tried to allow God to be a part of my life. I will admit, I haven't been very successful the past few years. The thought that I didn't trust that God could handle things never, ever crossed my mind. I get it though.

So with this blog I challenge myself and anyone else who is reading and would like to take the challenge. Don't fret about things that you can not control! Trust that the Lord will not give you more than you can handle. Trust that the Lord is going to help you along the way if you allow Him to do so. Trust that the Lord knows you.

Thank you to my dear friend for opening my eyes.

Happy To Be A Mom

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to raise four beautiful little boys. Today however, my heart is bursting. It has been a typically Saturday in our home with the exception that I have had the house to my self for about 2 1/2 hours. As as organized some photos that were recently taken of the boys I can't help but feel grateful for each of them. I hope you don't mind but I have posted photos below.

Soccer Boys

If it is meant to be...

This past week I had the opportunity to apply for a new position at work. This application was at the reluctant encouragement from my Manager. I submitted this application with the attitude of "if it is meant to be, it will be". I really enjoy my current position and the Manager that I have. This was the difficult decision that I mentioned in my previous post.

As it turns out, at this time they have chosen not to fill the position that I applied for. I have to admit, I am kind of happy about that. Not that I wouldn't have appreciated the opportunity, I'm glad to be staying where I am, for now.

At A Crossroads...

I've never really thought about using the expression "at a crossroads in my life" until this week. I came face to face with a opportunity that was presented to me by someone I admire and respect. I spent the better part of five days going back and forth weighing the pros and cons trying to decide whether or not I should take advantage of this opportunity.

Today I did it. Regardless of whether it works out or not I am so grateful that I made this decision to pursue it.

Thank you to my friends and family who have encouraged me along the way. I appreciate, more than you know, your words of kindness.

I'll keep you posted...

Mrs. Proctor

"Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country."

Does this phrase sound familiar? If you took any kind of typing class in school it should. I heard this phrase in a radio commercial on my way home from work today. It immediately brought back memories of Mrs. Kathy Proctor. She was my Business teacher in High School.

I spent the majority of my three years of high school in Mrs. Proctor's class typing on electric typewriters, taking dictation in shorthand and working on some of the first computers in the school. Most students didn't care for Mrs. Proctor. She was considered "harsh" to put it politely. Mrs. Proctor was all about work. I liked her. She was my favorite teacher. I wanted to be like her. I even thought at one time in my life that I wanted to teach business to High School students. I came to my senses though and realized that I just don't have the patience for it.

I can honestly say, I think I have some of her work ethic. I love what I do for a living and I owe a lot of that to Mrs. Proctor.

So as I sat "air typing" at every stop light tonight and as I sit here typing this blog, I must say "Thank You" Mrs. Proctor.

Z & A's First Concert

Wish I knew what was going through his head...

He doesn't get his moves from him momma.

Pictures

Mommy's favorite (Trace Adkins)

Daddy helping A get a better look

Toby Keith

Z's turn for a better look

It was fun but it was a very long night for two little boys.

New Image...

This past weekend I decided to highlight my hair. I used to do it all of the time but have not had the time or money for the past several years. I finally decided that I needed a change. So, I added to the color of my hair and, as you can tell, I also added to the look of this blog.

I'm not sure if I am done playing around, with the blog that is.

I hope you enjoy it.

Friends

A Friend
by Sir Shotgun

A friend is the one who tells you the truth
regardless of the cost,
A friend will help you find the thing's
you'd given up as lost

A friend will never put you down
or make you feel alone,
He'll smile and try to comfort you
'cause together you have grown

A friend is the one who picks you up
when you've fallen on the ground,
A friend is the one whose voice at night
is a welcome, warming sound

So when you think you're on your own
and wish you had a helping hand,
Remember, a friend is the one who,
when you cry, will always understand

Because the world is full of people
who will laughingly pretend,
But, when it's said and done
you're lucky if you've got a friend ...

I'm not a fan...

Yesterday the kids and I watched a video of them when they were younger. Can I just say, I don't know that I am a fan of this growing older thing. As my mom always says, they older I get, the older she gets. It's not that I'm opposed to getting older, I just miss the cute things that the kids used to say. Now all I hear is back talk and fighting. I'm not a fan!

Why do they grow up so fast? I'M DEFINITELY NOT A FAN!!!

THANK YOU

For the past several days I have been rolling around in my head what thoughts I wanted to share on my blog. My goal, when I started blogging, was to post something weekly. Now, I will settle for monthly.

My thought today is to say "Thank You". I have spent some time this evening reading different blogs written by friends, acquaintances and those who I only know through blogging. These blogs have made me laugh out loud, ponder deeply, and shed tears that I didn't really know I needed to shed until that moment came.

To each of you I say "Thank you for...

filling my life with joy and peace

helping me to grow as a person

teaching me

showing me the wonderful opportunities this life can give

helping me become a better wife and mother

helping me find patience

helping me see how blessed I am

and

helping me become closer to my Heavenly Father

THANK YOU!!

Hurry Home

I really don't like it when my husband is gone for more than a couple of days. It has been four nights since he left and I don't think I have slept more than 4-5 hours each night. At the rate that I am going, when he does finally come home, I will have had a total of 32-35 hours of sleep in 7 nights.

With that said, this is a fair warning and an apology, in advance, to all those who I will come in contact with until the day he arrives home. I probably won't be the most pleasant person.

Hurry home sweetie!

Bug's day

On Monday my sweet little Bug had his tonsils and adenoids taken out. He also had a tube removed from his right ear that was lodge in his ear canal. He was such a brave little man.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:45 am. After registration and check-in they gave him some medicine to help make him drowsy so that he would not have anxiety going back to the operating room. The medicine didn't work. He was fully conscious and aware when he was wheeled back on the bed. He was very nervous and apprehensive.

All went well with the surgery. The doctor indicated that his tonsils were big but the adenoids were huge. This was a good thing for him.

Unfortunately, after the surgery wasn't so great.

Bug woke up from the surgery just fine and not complaining of any pain. We moved him to an open area that was simply divided by curtains. After about an hour he was able to eat some slushy and a Popsicle. We had the IV taken out and were putting his clothes on when...up came the slushy, Popsicle and a bunch of blood.

He laid back down and took a little nap. Shortly he was vomiting blood again. By 2:00 pm and a few more vomiting episodes it was determined that we needed to put the IV back in so he could receive floods and anti-nausea medicine through it. Since he was asleep for the first IV he had no idea what to expect. Thank goodness for those wonderful individuals who have been working with children for so long and are able to make the process as quick as possible. It was over in a few seconds and he only felt a pinch like he does when he receives his immunizations.

To make a long story short, after three nurses and one very long day we were able to leave the hospital at 6:15 pm. Bug just kept saying that he wanted to go home and be with his dad. I felt so bad and did my best not to let him see my cry.

I think one of the most troublesome things about this experience besides the obvious concern I had for my son was the other patience in the room and their experiences.

One that was most upsetting to Bug was the little girl across from us. I am not sure what procedure she had done but she was only happy when her grandmother was holding her. When her grandmother felt it more important to go out for a "smoke" than to hold her granddaughter during this trying experience the sweet little one screamed the whole time she was gone. Her mother, who was holding her, was frustrated and kept telling this little girl to "shut up" and "calm down". Like she had any control over it.

Once again, the great staff at the hospital stepped it and tried to help in anyway possible. Bless them all!

Thank you to all of you marvelous people who work at Primary Children's Medical Center. Thank you for making the horrifying experiences for these children as unhorrifying as possible.

Unselfish Service

I have been asked to teach the lesson in Relief Society at church this Sunday. The lesson is entitlted Unselfish Service. When I first began studying this lesson over a month ago I read it as just another conference talk. Now, the words are words of wisdom.

Over the past month service has been very prevalent in my family's life. We have been recipients of countless acts of service. Acts which have come at times when we least expected them but it is now evident that we needed.

I would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" and "Bless You" to all of those who have served my family. I truly know you are all blessings and I thank my Father in Heaven for each of you.

To quote Paul Cardall "...life is temporary but how we choose to act in this life is eternal."

May I strive to follow your great examples and serve others more each day of my life.

Thank you!

I will SURVIVE!

This explains it all...

Worst Week

This has not by any means been a typically week for me. On Monday I flew from Salt Lake City to Boise for a one day trip with my boss. I am your typically nervous flier. I take at least one, sometimes even two dramamine tablets before I board the plane. The flight to Boise wasn't too bad but coming back to Salt Lake that evening was not so great.

Up until that day I had never experienced flying in a thunder storm. Not recommended by this passenger. I was fine until the descent to Salt Lake. By the time we were actually on the ground I had the shade pulled over the window and the barf bag in hand. I didn't lose anything but I'll tell ya, I sure thought I was going to a couple of times.

With that over I came home to a house full of very happy boys, except for one. My little bug (the oldest) was shivering and said his throat and head hurt. Yep, fever and swollen tonsils. So, Tuesday I stayed home and took him to the pediatrician. Sure enough, strep. This is the third time in six months this guy has had strep. Needless-to-say we will be seeing the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist in a couple of weeks.

Wednesday wasn't so bad. Work was hectic but that is always good as far as I am concerned. The busier you are the less trouble you seem to get into.

Now it is Thursday...

Just in case you aren't able to make out the huge hole in my window, it is about dead center of the blinds on the right hand side. So now I am home waiting for the insurance guy and the window guys.

Friday has to be better, right?

Day at the Zoo

This week I had the privilege of attending my first field trip as an adult. My oldest child is eight years old and I have not been able to go on one field trip until now. I went to the zoo with my first grader. I've been to this zoo a couple of times before (many, many years ago) but I must say, I was quite disappointed with this trip.

I remember seeing in my previous visits a flock of flamingos (my favorite) but there were none this time. The only birds we saw were the ducks, swans, geese, and varieties of parrots. The wild turkeys and peacocks were roaming around the zoo their own.

There were no lions, no koala bears, no polar bears. The tiger was no where to be seen. The "Great Apes" were in hiding. The Cheetah is in such a grassy area we had a very difficult time finding him. My son was excited to see the penguins but that exhibit along with the seals was closed for construction. The elephants and rhinos were there but I felt that the enclosures they are in are much smaller and it seemed more difficult to seem them.

The giraffes were there in the exact same spot as I remember them. As always, they were majestic. I love the giraffes.

Of course, the monkeys were there. The cute Capuchin Monkey just like the one that steals the keys from Ben Stiller in Night At The Museum.

There was also a Howler Monkey that had some serious howling issues that you could hear throughout the whole zoo.

One of the best looking monkeys was the Colobus Monkey. The tail on this monkey is really long and bushy.

We arrived at the zoo at 9:30 am with the plan to meet back at the bus at 12:45 pm. At 11:30 am the kids were done and had seen everything that was available to see.

There just didn't seem to be as much as I remember. Maybe because I am older and things are not as large as they were when I was a kid but the zoo seems to have gotten smaller over the years. There seems to be more food stands, and gift shops and less animals.

The greatest attraction for the kids was the snakes, spiders and crocodiles. We visited that exhibit twice. The second time around the porcupine that was at this exhibit was scratching on the glass wall as if he was trying to escape.

The kids did enjoy the playground that has been installed. They have placed tarps over the toys to keep them cool but it seemed that they forgot to do the same for the benches where parents typically sit to watch the kids play.

I really don't mean to seem negative about my experience, it was fun watching the kids. However, I'm sad to say that I just don't think it would be worth my money to pay for entrance. For a field trip it is sufficient.

What I think however doesn't mean much. The most important thing on this day was that the kids all had fun.

Easy

I truly LOVE my job and those that I work with!

Dad's Surprise

Over the Memorial Day weekend I was able to spend time with all of my siblings. Sunday was my father's birthday. With each year it becomes more difficult to find a gift for my parents. My brother thought is would be a great surprise if we all got together this year for dad's birthday. So, my two brothers JG & JA as well as JG's wife and four girls climbed into a Ford Explorer and drove from San Diego, CA to Brigham City, UT Thursday night. They arrived at mom and dad's around 8:00 Friday morning. My sister GL and her daughter flew in from Sacramento Thursday morning. Unfortunately, her husband and two boys had to stay behind. Me, my husband and four boys drove up early Saturday morning.

Dad truly was surprised! He beamed in church Sunday when from the pulpit they welcomed our family who had arrived as a suprise birthday gift for our father. He grinned as he played with his nine grandchildren. He stood proudly as he watched his boys simply move the dryer vent for mom from the garage to the front of the house.

Dad's health hasn't been so great lately and it's been some time since I have seen him smile as much as he did over those three short days we were together as a family once again. There is no doubt that it meant so much for him to have his kids together.

Before this weekend it had been three years since we all were together. I hope we don't wait as long next time.

Dad, we love you and look forward to many, many more smiles.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...TO ME

Tomorrow I will 39 years old. Sure seems like time flies. For Mother's Day my two youngest boys each gave me a little poem where they filled in some blanks (with a little help from their teacher).

One said that I have blue hair and black eyes and was 70 years old. The other said I had brown hair and blue eyes and was 4 years old. That makes 74. A co-worker told me to average it. Sure, that makes 37 (close enough).

I've never really been one who has wanted to make a big deal out of a birthday. I work with a few people who absolutely LOVE their birthdays and celebrate it accordingly. To them I say, "good for you." To me it's just another day with a few fringe benefits.

Being A Mom...

Growing up my mom was (and still is) a great role model to me. She was always there when I needed her (and sometimes when I didn't). Our house was always spotless. I joke about not needing to set my alarm clock because I would be awakened by the sound of the vacuum cleaner upstairs when it rolled over the heating vents. I love and admire my mother, I'm not sure how she did it all.

I sit today looking around my house thinking to myself, I really, really, really dislike housework. I know I'm not alone in my misery. Today I just seem to be having an especially difficult time motivating myself.

I am fortunate to have a husband who doesn't mind doing the dishes, or the laundry. He will even put most of the laundry away it is just those dreaded socks that we both try to avoid as long as possible.

Thank you dear for being so willing to help.

With children it seems to kitchen floor always needs to be swept and mopped. Another chore I'm not particularily fond of. The wet weather hasn't help much. The dog must go out and when he does he tracks in the mud. I know, I know if I would just take care of it as soon as it needs to be done then I wouldn't have to worry about mopping the floor on the weekends. Some day that may happen.

So as Mother's Day approaches I sit hear listening to my children screaming and fighting and look at the chores that need be to done, I pray "Lord, please grant me more strength and patience."

I also realize how grateful I am to be a mom and how I truly take it for granted. I love my four boys more than life itself. I'm grateful for a mother who has raised me well and is a great example to me. It's the little things that make life wonderful.

This is a little poem that I received from my boys a couple of years ago.

I have a friend!

She has warm smiles

And soothing hands,

And whenever I can't

Be brave enough

She understands.

I have a friend!

She makes me glad

Like the morning sun,

So whenever I have

A joy to share,

She's the one

I have friend!

She makes me cookies

Presses my clothes,

And whatever I need that

Is good for me,

She knows

I have a friend!

She's special -

Like no other,

'Cause she loves me

And I love her.

She's my mother

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Hymns

I have always loved the Hymns and feel peace when I listen to or sing them. Today has been a marvelous day.

Wishing you a peaceful Sabbath.

Green Day

I know what you are all thinking, Green Day, we just had Earth Day. Well, I am talking about a different type of Green Day.

My eight year old son has a system in his 2nd grade class for tracking their behavior each day. Green means you have had a great day. Yellow means that you misbehaved (didn't do what you were told, were playing around in class, etc.) Red means you had a really, really, really bad behavior day (hitting another classmate is a good example). The goal is to have green days for the entire month so that you can be a Super Star. Being a Super Star means that your name is placed on the board at the front of the class room with the big star. You also get to leave the room without a hall pass. I'm sure there are other benefits but my dear son isn't great with the information.

My son was having a great month (all green) until yesterday. Here is how the conversation went this morning:

Son: Um Mom, I'm sorry I was in yellow yesterday.
Mom: Why did you have a yellow day yesterday son? And why didn't you tell me yesterday?
Son: Because I was playing around in class. (no answer to second question)

Conversation as soon as he walked in the door from school today:

Son: MOM!!! I HAD A GREEN DAY TODAY!!
Mom: I'm proud of you son!

Wouldn't it be great if we all could have a system like this? I have been thinking about this quite a bit since this morning's conversation and I wonder what color of day I would have every day. Would I be a Super Star at the end of the month? Maybe the "powers that be" at work could use this system for employees. I was thinking about tracking my own green days but I probably should come up with some guidelines and then ask someone else to rate my days.

How many GREEN DAYS would you have?

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!!!

For as long as I can remember I have loved sports. During my younger years, baseball and softball were my choice. I played softball for many, many years. I loved it. As I grew older I played some basketball and volleyball. After high school that was the end of my participation in sports with the exception of the occasional church volleyball game.

Since meeting my husband I have found a new love for more sporting events. With him I experienced my first NHL hockey game. How can you not love hockey? I must admit though, after eight years, I am still trying to understand some of the rules.

I am not a big fan of professional sports. I prefer collegiate sports. There just seems to more to it when the players are not being paid millions of dollars. It makes it more fun.

With that said, I always have been and forever will be an Atlanta Braves fan. I grew up watching Dale Murphy, Terry Pendleton, Phil Niekro, Chris Chambliss, Glenn Hubbard, the list goes on and on. I am so glad baseball season is back.

Welcome back boys of summer!!!

New Neighbors

A few months ago someone actually bought the house next door. I didn't think it would ever sell. The last tenants (it used to be a rental) who lived there told me that there we bugs in the shagg carpet and the house reeked of animal urine. They only lived there for a couple of months. I had only been in that house a couple of times prior to the former owner's passing. I don't remember much about it.

Anyway, when I saw the For Sale sign down I couldn't help but be just a little anxious and excited for our new neighbors. I envisioned a family with children close by our boy's ages. Children they could play with, go to school with and become good friends with. A family who we could have back yard BBQ's with. A man that KD could do "guy" things with and a woman that I could do "girl" things with.

Over the course of several weeks I saw various repair trucks in the driveway and sports utility vehicles with trailers behind them full of furnishings. I just knew we would be seeing this family soon.

All was quite until one night...the most obnoxious, horrifically loud noise came from the house next door. How fun for us, the new neighbors liked really loud music. I sometimes get taken up in the moment and turn our stereo up a little too loud so I could understand. Besides, they were probably fixing up the house and unpacking so they wanted/needed music to make it a little easier. The music stopped right around 9:30 pm.

The next night as I was tucking the boys in for the night when they asked me what that "pounding sound was". Not only was there pounding (base) but this time there seemed to be some yelling (singing) with it. I went out on the back porch to see if I could tell if this "music" was coming from inside or outside the home. It was from inside and I could literally feel the ground shake under my feet. Drums, guitar, singing, this was no stereo it was a real live punk rock band. Complete with, I later found out, band members with colorful mohawk hairdos, a pirates flag (skull and crossbones) hanging in their living room and all black clothing.

The band members purchased the house and use the large back room as their practice space. They are very courteous...they do not play after 10:00 each night. This happens to be, according to the city ordinance, the beginning of "quite time".

Heaven help me, it is going to be a very long, long summer. I have nothing against the type of music they play, I just would prefer not to have to listen to it. Especially when I am trying to catch some zzzzzzz's.

April Fool's Gifts

This is the view of my desk I had as I walked into the office after taking April 1st off to take my boys to the eye doctor. When they told me the only time that they could get all three of my boys in on the same day was April 1st I hesitated...and hesitated...and hesitated. You see, my boss LOVES April Fool's Day. By not being in the office on this day I just knew I was going to come in on April 2nd to something pretty good. And boy, did I ever.

Last year my van was seran wrapped. I was running late for a doctor appointment and rather than go back into the office to retrieve my scissor, I thought it would be faster to just use my keys to cut the stuff off. I should have just cancelled the appointment. I wish I had a picture to share of that experience.

This year I received gifts. I'm not sure if they were gifts for being out of the office or gifts for coming back. Literally everything on and under my desk was wrapped including my little fridge and the Dr. Pepper cans inside of it. Even my plant was subjected.

I am sure that most of the day on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 was spent in joyous antics in my office to celebrate the day of the Fools. I have never been a real fan of the day (with the exception of my second son being born on that day). I have experienced some pretty unethical and down right mean jokes in my time. But the great people I work with are turning my attitude around.

Thank you to my co-workers for thinking of me.

I LOVE MY JOB!!!

Memory loss...

My memory hasn't been so great lately. My sweet boys have learned to humor me and answer to whatever name I say, even if it includes the dog, Tyson. My husband has just given in to it and accepts the fact that I probably won't remember tomorrow what he is telling me today. If I can't finish a sentence right now, he knows to just give me a bit, I will.

This problem doesn't affect just my home life. Work is just as bad. Today I turned around, walked into the office directly behind me and forgot what I was going to tell a co-worker. After standing there for a few minutes and staring blankly at a piece of paper it came to me.

I have never really remembered very much about my childhood but now it is getting so I really don't remember much about my adulthood, even if it happened just last week.

What on earth is causing this? I really do want to remember things. I want to be able to remember at what age each of the my children started to walk or talk. Just the other day the boys were asking at what time of day they were each born. I had to look at their birth certificates. I'm only 38 (going to be 39 in May) years old. I shouldn't have this problem, right?

So I did a little research. It would appear that my memory loss could be associated with fatigue, weight and/or high blood sugar levels. Hmm. So basically, I need to eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest/sleep. Do these people who come up with this stuff have kids?

"Plenty of rest/sleep" really hasn't been much of an option since the year 2000. I still have to lose the "baby weight" from number 1...2...3...and of course, number 4. Blood sugar, well, it really isn't that bad but I'm sure it could be better.

So my goal is to really work on getting my memory back (and the rest of my health). In the meantime, I am once again so thankful for this blog that can act as a journal for me so I can remember the important things that happen.

Thank you for letting me share them with you.

Back to the beginning

I have found myself lately thinking on the things of the world right now. I know there are so many people who claim to be the experts on the happenings around us these days. However I feel the true expert is the One who created us. I am grateful to be able to say I am firm in my faith. I know many don't share my beliefs and that's perfectly fine. I just want to say to my friends and family who are dealing with loss of loved ones, loss of employment, or any other trial, You are truly in my prayers and I hope you know I am here for you in whatever capacity I need to be.

The very first blog I wrote was about being Blessed beyond comprehension. Today I find myself back at the beginning as I ponder the blessings I have been given. I am so very grateful for my family, my health, to be gainfully employed, for my friends, but most especially for my faith.

Thank you to my parents for not simply raising me but teaching me. Thank you for your constant support and encouragement.

Thank you to my husband who endures me most days. You inspire me every day. I love you!

Thank you to my four beautiful and energetic boys for keeping me on my toes and for helping me remember that sometimes it is so much fun not to be a grown up. I love you each with all my heart.

Thank you to my friends (even those who are my co-workers). You inspire me every day.

Most importantly, Thank you to my Father in Heaven for my wonderful life!

Temper My Temper

Work is needed on my part in this field. Especially when it comes to my children. I love my boys dearly but I often (more often than not lately) find myself short fused and frustrated with them. One goal I have set for myself is to learn to have more patience and to "temper my temper". I'm trying boys (and sweetheart), I promise.

"We Serve"

"We Serve" is the motto of The International Association of Lions Clubs or Lions Club International.

I recently became a member of the Lions Club International. My dear husband invited me to attend one of his meetings in October of last year and I became hooked. Hearing about the work/service that they were doing drew me in.

I am so PROUD to be a Lion. I look forward to the many opportunities that I will have being a part of this great organization.

"Lions club members are men and women who strive to make a difference in their local community as well as in communities worldwide. Their volunteer efforts go beyond the support of vision care, to addressing unmet health and education needs worldwide. "

VISION STATEMENT

TO BE THE GLOBAL LEADER in community and humanitarian service.

MISSION STATEMENT

TO EMPOWER volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.

CODE OF ETHICS

TO SHOW my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by
industrious application to the end that I may merit a
reputation for quality of service.

TO SEEK success and to demand all fair remuneration or
profit as my just due, but to accept no profit or success at the
price of my own self-respect lost because of unfair advantage
taken or because of questionable acts on my part.

TO REMEMBER that in building up my business it is not
necessary to tear down another’s; to be loyal to my clients or
customers and true to myself.

WHENEVER a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my
position or action towards others, to resolve such doubt
against myself.

TO HOLD friendship as an end and not a means. To hold that
true friendship exists not on account of the service performed
by one to another, but that true friendship demands nothing
but accepts service in the spirit in which it is given.

ALWAYS to bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my
nation, my state and my community, and to give them my
unswerving loyalty in word, act and deed. To give them freely
of my time, labor, and means.

TO AID others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my
aid to the weak, and my substance to the needy.

TO BE CAREFUL with my criticism and liberal with my
praise; to build up and not destroy.

"I am a loyal Lion, God help me to do my duty as such."

March for Independence

For the past several years my sweet husband has attended the National Convention for the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). At the last two conventions he has participated in the March for Independence.

What is the March for Independence you ask...

Atlanta, GA - July 2007

"The March for Independence -- A Walk for Opportunity, is a 5K walk-a-thon fundraising event and celebration demonstrating the independent spirit of the nation's organized blind, their friends, family, and supporters. The event relies on volunteers to register and participate in a 5K walk and to raise donations for walking. The donations raised, support the National Federation of the Blind's Imagination Fund. The Imagination Fund supports local and state outreach efforts benefiting blind people in your local community. Blind children, teens, youth, college students, adults, and seniors losing their vision as well as the programs and initiatives of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Jernigan Institute."

Dallas, TX - July 2008

This year I am planning to attend the convention with Kevin. We are headed to the Motor City (Detroit, MI). I am looking forward to meeting and "networking" with many different individuals from around the world. Most especially, I am anxious to speak to those who share my challenges with schooling my children.

If you would like to read more about or would be interested in sponsoring KD for the March for Independence you can visit KD's Personal Page.

*****************************************

I have always been very proud of my dear husband and his passion/desire for equality. One of the many things that I love about Kevin is is ability to write. One of the first creations that I was able to read was an article entitled My Undiscovered Future that was featured in the February 1998 issue of the Braille Monitor.

Here is a note from the Editor regarding this article:

"Before the state rehabilitation agency serving the blind of Missouri decided it would no longer send Missouri residents to the Colorado Center for the Blind for rehabilitation training in the skills of blindness, Kevin Ledford requested to be sent to Denver for job and skills training. (See the July, 1997, issue of the Braille Monitor.) By his own account he had been completely unsuccessful in keeping jobs and had little faith in himself. The following is his story of what happened when he was able to benefit from an NFB adult training center's unique blend of hope, high expectations, and hard work. Kevin Ledford is a living reminder that anything is possible when a determined blind person is offered real opportunity. It's tragic that Missouri has closed the door on those in the state who would like to follow Kevin's example.

As you will find, we are both very passionate individuals and, as any parents would, we will do all that we can to ensure our children have all that they need to succeed. This is just the beginning of a challenge we will be able to conquer together.

"Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion"

~Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

Valentine's for my boys

K, Z, K, A & B enjoyed their Valentine's Eve...

Backwards Bob

Monster Trakker

And the winner...

Blue Thunder!!!

Yes, I took the pictures (I was there)

My Valentine's

My Heart Is Full

I was listening to my iPod this evening (I have it set to shuffle through the songs) when the song below came on. I have the version that was performed by Kenneth Cope. My emotions are high and my heart is full today.

If you would like to hear the song, it is listed on my playlist. There is also an amazing video on YouTube. Just follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq7IwPj2-kY

Thank you for such a beautiful song.

Come To Jesus

Weak and wounded sinner,
Lost and left to die,
O, raise your head for love is passing by,

Come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus and live.

Now your burden's lifted,
And carried far away,
And precious blood has washed away the stain... so

Sing to Jesus,
Sing to Jesus,
Sing to Jesus and live.

And like a newborn baby,
Don't be afraid to crawl,
And remember when you walk sometimes we fall... so

Fall on Jesus,
Fall on Jesus,
Fall on Jesus and live.

Sometimes the way is lonely,
And steep and filled with pain,
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain... then

Cry to Jesus,
Cry to Jesus,
Cry to Jesus and live.

O, and when the love spills over,
And music fills the night,
And when you can't contain your joy inside... then

Dance for Jesus,
Dance for Jesus,
Dance for Jesus and live.

And with your final heartbeat,
Kiss the world goodbye,
Then go in peace, and laugh on glory's side... and

Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus and live,

Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus and live.

-Lyrics by Chris Rice

Where Do I Go From Here?

Patience is not one of my virtues. I've seem to have lost more of my patience since I have had children. Not necessarily because of my boys but because of those who are teaching my children.

When my oldest son entered the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind (USDB) the first year of preschool was rough. His second year of preschool and then kindergarten were pretty good. We finally found a teacher that we liked and seemed to actually take teaching visiually impaired children seriously. By first grade he was mainstreamed our of USDB and in regular school. All has gone well, so far.

My third son entered USBD last year. This is his second year of preschool. His teacher last year was pretty good. At the end of the year when we had his IEP (Individual Education Plan) my husband and I felt that we were being pushed out of USDB because our son was too smart for the school. Oh, they told us it was because it would be difficult to develope his social skills with the students in his upcoming preschool class.

We decided to have him stay at USDB. I'm not so sure that was a great decision. He has been through, I think, three teachers since beginning in September 2008. His current teacher, I can't say too much about because I haven't met her. Yes, I need to go to the school and spend some time however, she also seems to avoiding my requests for a new IEP for Aaron.

My baby will be three years old in March. He is suppose to start preschool at USDB. Needless-to-say, I am reluctant. I want my boys to be educated in Braille and white cane use and I want it to be an education they receive on a daily or every other day basis. If they are placed in a regular school, that won't happen. This is why I chose USDB for my boys for their first couple of years of school.

I write this because I am frustrated. I'm not sure where to go from here. I've become a little involved with Utah Parents of Blind Children but there are never any meetings, that I know of. I attended one meeting that was open to the public to hear and express concerns/opinions about USDB, the future of the school and the future education of our children. I expressed my concerns in the open forum as many others, am frustrated by the whole thing.

That's it!

My sweet husband has invited me to attend the National Federation of the Blind convention this year. I am going to try to get some answers. I'm going to try to find something better for my boys.

Until then, I'm not sure where to go from here.