Sunday, November 30, 2008

52 Blessing Project - Week Forty-Eight




IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME!!



I'm so grateful for the Christmas season!! I love this time of year!! The lights, the music, the giving, the smells, the secrets, the symbolism all touch my heart. How wonderful it is to to go into a store and instead of hearing obnoxious music, I can hear Christmas music. I have even heard music about the Savior's birth in public places. It just warms my heart. I love Christmas music!!

I reread what gifts I would give to the Savior, last Christmastime. Giving my time more in service was the first one! Some of those unimportant activities that take too much time are gone from my life and it feels totally wonderful. I still have room for improvement though, don't get me wrong. The second was getting my body healthy, to help with the first gift. I'm still working on that one too, but I have made some improvements!!

So, now the pondering starts. What should I give this year?? What will you give to the Savior? How can we keep Christmas in our hearts all year long??


Thursday, November 27, 2008

Today

Today is Katie Rose's birthday. Happy Birthday sweet pregnant daughter!! I hope you have a great non nauseous day. Thanksgiving is NOT a good day to be sick!! At least try to eat some turkey and some pie!! I'm so glad you are my daughter. Thank you for visiting me and sharing Pride and Prejudice with me.
Be of good cheer!!

It has been an fun week. Katie came for a visit for a few days, since she had the week off school. And April and Matteo were in town for a couple of days with sweet little Tommy. That kid is totally adorable. He loves people and just lights up when anyone talks to him. I love his little smile and his sweet coos!!

My computer has a virus. Thus, not many posts this week or visits to other blogs. Why do people do that to other people?? It's so rude to say the least!!!

We are headed to my sister-in-law's house for Thanksgiving dinner! It should be fun!! I can't remember the last time we had Thanksgiving dinner somewhere other than home!!


I have much to be thankful for this day! A wonderful family, a wonderful faith, a great country, a roof over my head, and my needs always met. And last but not least a kind and loving Heavenly Father.

I wish you all a great Thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING


Thanksgiving Proclamation

[New York, 3 October 1789]

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go: Washington

Sunday, November 23, 2008

52 Blessing Project- Week Forty-Seven



Libraries are such wonderful places. I have fond memories as a little girl of spending time reading books in the library, and going to Story Hour. Then of course you have to bring some books home. It's something I made sure I did with my own children too!!
For a while, I had stopped going to library. However, I'm trying to read more, so that means I get to spend time in the library again. The library is a quiet, peaceful place. How wonderful to be to go and check out books for free and read about anything or anyone you want. I love the library!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

8 Is Great Tag

Aprilyn tagged me so I will fill you in on my life in groups of eight.

TV Shows I Like to Watch

1. Music and the Spoken Word
2. Extreme Home Makeover
3. Cash Cab, thanks to Spencer
4. 17 Kids and Counting , they are truly an amazing family
5. House Hunters
6. Ummm, I don't really watch a lot of TV so, I'm stretching here.

8 Things That Happened To Me Yesterday

1. My computer was viciously attacked by Adware!! Viscous is an understandment!!
2. Elder Martinez helped me out, bless his heart.
3. I was able to serve in my calling as a Worldwide Support Missionary for FamilySearch support.
4. Evan helped me cook dinner, we tried something new, a recipe he brought home from school, Sausage and Hot Red Cabbage Salad, it was very yummy!!
5. I paid the contractor who did some work for us. (It's a secret, the kids have to notice when they get here for Christmas)
6. I went to the pharmacy to pick up our refills of meds. I have met my out of pocket for the year and didn't have to pay anything. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.
7. I finished the book I was reading, The Memory Keeper.
8. Read my scriptures and prayed!!

Eight Favorite Places to Eat
1. My house!
2. California Pizza Kitchen, I love their salads! And they are very friendly to the disAbled community.
3. Splash Cafe
4. SoupPlantation
5. Fresh Choice
6.Mama's Meatball
7. Alphy's Broiler
8. McClintocks

Eight Things I'm Looking Forward to

1. Spending time with ALL my children and grandchildren at Christmas
2. The Price Family reunion next year
3. The birth of my next grandbaby
4. Going to the Temple
5. Finding out more information about my great grandmother, Mary Crowley, I'm ready to knock down the brick wall.
6. Going to church every Sunday
7. New FamilySearch being available in Utah! Won't that be fun!!
8. Katie coming to visit on Saturday and April with her family next week!!

Eight Things On My Wish List
1. I wish I could lose 20 pounds
2. I wish there was a cure for spina bifida
3. a cure for diabetes would be nice too
4. and every other illness
5. I wish to go to Italy and walk the streets of my ancestors
6. I wish every building was wheelchair accessible
7. I wish people didn't need wheelchairs, but I'm glad we have them when we need them.
8. I wish to meet my Savior someday. I really do love Him

Tag 8 people
1. You
2. You
3. You
4. You
5. You
6. You
7. You
and last but not least...
8. You

That should take care of everyone who reads this blog. As always only do it if you want too!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Wednesdays Whereabouts!!



OH!! TO BE A LITTLE CHILD AGAIN!!





I COULD RIDE ON A WHALE,




OR HIDE INSIDE AN EGG!




OR CLIMB ON TOP OF TODI!!


Why??

I just have few questions that came to mind during my most recent trip.



1. Why do people walk on the moving walkways at airports? There is plenty of room to walk in the corridor between the two walkways. Don't they know if they just stand, the walkway will move them?








2. Why is it okay to eat ice cream
for breakfast in the airport??












3. Why did I forget my camera so I could take a picture of the sign that said: "Ice Cream for Breakfast. It's what you want??"










4. Why would anyone eat ice cream for breakfast?? I love ice cream, but in the morning,
I want eggs or oatmeal or something to warm me up!!

Monday, November 17, 2008

MONDAY MEMORIES

Several years ago we had a rather delicate situation. It was three o'clock in the morning and everyone was sound asleep!! That is what we are suppose to be doing at that time anyway!! All, of a sudden, we hear a major commotion outside our bedroom window. It's sounds like a major cat fight!! We soon knew what was going on when the most horrid skunk smell you can ever imagine drifted into our bedroom. Apparently, a cat got into a fight with a skunk. It gets worse. The skunk found it's way under our house. (We live on a raised foundation). The smell just permeated the whole house! We could NOT sleep. We could NOT go outside and check things out because it smelled so bad. That was a very long night!! In the morning, it seemed like everything smelled bad. It was horrible. We think the skunk died under our house. If you have a raised foundation, here is a word for the wise. Make sure it's very secure so that no stinky critters can get under your house in the middle of the night!!


Sunday, November 16, 2008

52 Blessing Project Week Fifty-Six

“Be steadfast and immovable,
always abounding in good works”
Mosiah 5:15
I'm grateful for the strong youth within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This Saturday watching the youth of the Kimball Stake in Arizona dance was fun. I was also touched watching them sing at the end of the performance. They sang "Steadfast in You".

I stayed for two whole performance and sat in the middle on the front row each time. There was a tall young man with curly blonde hair who was right in front of me both times. I could tell he had a great time because he danced with lots of energy. Both times when the person said the prayer at the close event, this young man dropped to his knees for the prayer. The rest of the youth stayed standing, there was over three hundred of them. It was such a wonderful visual to me of this young man who reverently and without thought of what others might think, dropped to his knees during a prayer.
Then last night I attended a fireside with Rachel and Joey. It was a testimony meeting for the youth who had participated in the dance festival. It was amazing to hear them talk of love of the Savior, and how the Spirit helps them. I don't know any of the youth in that Stake, not one. However, they certainly touched me and give me faith for the future.




Steadfast In You

We believe and we understand
This great plan we are living
We will rise and we will stand
We can feel your love burning
Within us
And we will be


Steadfast in you
Steady and true
Abounding in the good works
That you sent us here to do
Like a million stars
Lighting up the night
We are your youth
Ever strong
Ever true
Ever steadfast in you


We will be true to you
Fighting with the sword of truth
We set our sights on eternity
‘Til that day when we meet you
In your glory
We will be

Chorus

Like a mighty army
Moves the church of God
Steadfast we are treading
Where the saints have trod

Chorus


Jenny Phillips/Tyler Castleton

Worth It

I flew to Arizona for the weekend to watch Rachel and Joey perform in a Stake youth dance festival. I'm so glad I came, even though I really don't like to fly.


We had a great day yesterday. We attended the Mesa Temple in the morning and had a wonderful uplifting time. Then, while Rachel and Joey were at a dance practice I spent some time at the visitors center and cried watching movies!!

Then last night the dance festival was great!! Most of the performances were youth groups. But, they had a young single adult dance and an adult dance. Of course, the "Moon River" dance was my favorite. Watch below to see why. Rachel and Joey do a cool lift at the end.



I think Rachel and Joey stole the show. But then again, I'm just a biased mom!! Actually, the other dances were great too. It was fun to watch the youth, even though I didn't know any of them! It was worth it just to come and watch Rachel and Joey.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Wednesdays Whereabouts!!

Gooey, Ooey, Sticky and just plain gross!!


Here are a couple of close ups!! It looks like Katie was here!!











This is "Bubble Gum Alley" in downtown San Luis Obispo. You can read more about it here and here!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Thank You


Thank you to all the veterans who have served our country. You are what makes this country truly great.
I would like to share these words from "Music and the Spoken Word".


"Across an ocean, there is a cemetery built for Allied soldiers who died in World War II. It includes a memorial with an inscription that captures the sentiment of those who fought: “For your tomorrow we gave our today.”

Similar words adorn a monument at Arlington National Cemetery, where others of our brave soldiers are laid to rest:

Not for fame or reward

Not for place or for rank

Not lured by ambition

Or goaded by necessity

But in simple

Obedience to duty

As they understood it

These men suffered all

Sacrificed all

Dared all—and died

The love of freedom and country inspires men and women to proudly don military uniforms and put their lives on the line. Brave soldiers representing every region, race, and religion of our diverse melting pot willingly sacrifice for their country. They all know the risk, but they do not let their fear overcome their mission. As former Illinois governor Adlai Stevenson once said, “[Those] who have offered their lives for their country know that patriotism is not the fear of something; it is the love of something.”

In 1938 the U.S. Congress passed a bill that each November 11 should be “dedicated to the cause of world peace and . . . thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’ ” In 1954, when the name was changed to Veterans Day, President Dwight Eisenhower, himself a veteran, called on citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all war veterans and to rededicate ourselves as a nation “to the task of promoting an enduring peace.”

Today we honor such patriots by remembering them and the wars they fought and by cherishing the freedoms they upheld.

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

April's Winter Recipe Contest

My daughter, April, is having a recipe contest. You can read about it here. She is giving away prizes and everything, I'm so impressed!!
There is nothing that says family members are exempt. So, I'm going to give it a go!!

Zippy Pineapple Baked Chicken

2 lbs chicken breast
2 tbs butter or margarine
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Glaze:
3/4 cup drained, crushed pineapple
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons prepared mustard (regular or dijon works too)
1 tsp soy sauce

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In an ungreased 9 inch square baking pan, place chicken pieces. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile mix all ingredients for the glaze, pour over chicken, continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes until done. Serve with rice.



Baked Sweet Potatoes Fries

Cut Sweet Potatoes lengthwise in eights or whatever size you like. Coat in olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and paprika. Sometimes I use Susie Q's Seasoning but it has msg. So skip that if you want too. Spread in single layer on baking sheet and bake about 15 minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom. Turn slices and boke until the bottom is brown and potatoes are tender about 10 minutes more. Serve hot.

Monday, November 10, 2008

MONDAY MEMORIES

The Hair Brush

When Rachel was a little girl she had beautiful long brown hair. Not, dark brown like most of us in the family, but a lovely golden brown. Rachel loved her long hair and I did too. One day, when brushing her hair the hair brush became entangled in her hair. I mean really and truly hopelessly entangled! We tried several different ways for quite some time to get that hair brush out of her hair to no avail. I was beginning to think I would have to use...ummm.... scissors. That would have been devastating because the brush was stuck rather high on her head.

Then we prayed. Just a simple prayer. "Heavenly Father, help us figure a way to get this hair brush out of Rachel's hair. She loves her long hair. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen." In the next minute, I thought of a way to get the hair brush untangled just by taking a few strands of hair at a time and pulling gently upwards.

I know, without a doubt, that I would not have thought of that idea on my own. It was a testimony to me that Heavenly Father cares about even the little things that can happen. While getting an unwanted hair cut to release a stuck hair brush is not really big on the list of challenges people can face in life. It would have been hard for my little girl. And, Heavenly Father knew that. Remembering that helps to strengthen my testimony!!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

52 Blessing Project- Week Forty-Five

One of my greatest blessings are grandchildren!!


Here they are:



Spencer is my first grandchild. He smart and silly and gives great hugs! I love him dearly.



Andrew is a great big brother and just as silly as his own big brother. I love it when he calls me on the phone to play Toontown with him!!

I really miss Spencer and Andrew, they used to live a couple miles away from me, until they moved far, far away!! Boo Hoo!! But, we stay in touch with phone calls and every now and then I just might send them something in the mail.


What is not to love about that face!! This is little Leah my only granddaughter!! I wish, I could read to her, and cuddle her, and just play with her anytime I wanted too!!



And here is little Thomas. He is such a good boy. He is happy and smiley and loves for his Grandma to hold him. Look at those cubby thighs. I wish he lived closer too!!




And last, but of course not least, here is my secret. Katie and Brad are expecting a baby in June!! Woo Hoo!! Another grandbaby to love. I'm so happy for them. It is so fun to see the generations grow. I love to watch my children as parents. I love being a grandma.


Saturday, November 8, 2008

A Quarter of a Century

Why does a quarter of a century sound so much longer than 25 years? Today, my baby girl, Rachel, is 25 years old. You can read more about Rachel here when I featured her on my blog last year.



Happy Birthday, Rachel. I so glad you have a happy life and are doing well!!

Love, Mom.

P.S Remember who you are!!

An Angel

This week in my mission, with Church's Family History Department, there was a big change!! Elder Martinez was released as a missionary leader. He was my very first missionary leader and helped me through training and those first trying attempts at answering e-mails and phone calls. Early in my mission I needed someone who understood the technological ins an outs. I think I have that pretty much down now, thanks to Elder Martinez!! He will still be serving as a missionary but he is moving up in the world and will be assisting with the more technical aspects of FamilySearch Support. He will do great because that is where his strengths lie. But, I will miss his sweet spirit and his testimony.

So, Wednesday night, our whole missionary group, all eight of the Sunny California Missionaries were put in a brand new group with Sister Schilaty.

Thursday is my day to answer phone calls for FamilySearch Support. My very first call of the day was from a patron who was irritated and frustrated. The system WAS working the way it was designed, but that wasn't the way SHE wanted it to work. I had a solution to help her, but she wasn't really listening to me. All of a sudden, I got a message on my private Skype (missionaries use Skype to communicate one with another). It was my brand new missionary leader, Sister Schilaty, giving me encouragement to help with the phone call. It took me a second to realize she was actually on her phone, listening in on the call, (missionary leaders and quality assurance people can do that!) no one had done that since I first started taking calls in April, at least that I was aware.

I was so glad she was there, like a little angel, whispering to me, helping me!! Most of the patrons who call FamilySearch Support are wonderful and patient and happy for our help. This was by far the most rude patron that I ever assisted. But, I stayed calm and she finally listened and we worked out a solution that was workable for her.

Later, on I was talking to Sister Schilaty on the phone. I told her I was glad she was there. She wasn't sure how I would feel that she was listening in on the call. How could I not be happy??
She said she just felt inspired for some reason to listen to the call. I needed the encouragement and I am sure the Lord knew that, and He brought me help!! I know I'm going to enjoy working with Sister Schilaty. She's an angel!!


Friday, November 7, 2008

My Mixed Emotions

My mind has been a swirl of mixed emotions the last few days. I'm just not sure how to blog about my feelings. Do I just not say anything about how the election went and forget it all happened. Or do I try to put my feelings down in writing. I'm not good at putting my feelings down, but I try. So, here goes.

Obama won! The first black president of the United States of America. I hope that his election helps to heal people. In my town, this is the first year the citizens voted for mayor. (Currently, the mayor was chosen by the city council.) And, guess what? We overwhelming voted for a black man, including me. I think he is going to do a great job. We are no longer a racist country. People can achieve their dreams. People of every color and creed.

Still, I have concerns for the country I love. Concerns that we will become more like a socialist state. Concerns that the unborn will not be protected (I know they are not protected now, but I think it will get worse). Concerns that we won't be able to protect our country from terrorist acts. Concerns about the economy. Barark Obama is the president elect and thus we need to give him a chance. We need to pray. Only time will tell.

Prop 8 won! Marriage between a man and a woman is protected in California! The voters have spoken. Why do I NOT feel as joyous as I should? Is it because this issue is NOT going to go away? It makes my heart said to see the protests outside the Temple. It makes my heart sad to read the threats to churchs and people. I have never felt or shown hate to gay people. I just want to take a stand for what I know is right and what I know is right for the preservation of the family. There are people who appreciate what we have done as Latter-Day Saints, check out this: Ruth Youth Proclaim International Mormon Appreciation Day. It warmed my heart, when it needed to warmed.

Life goes on! I will keep doing what I do everyday. Take care of my family, who I love dearly!! Tend to my home and serve my community. Serve my mission, which is a joy in my life!! And, pray!!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Wednesdays Whereabouts!!



The pelicans seem particularly prolific!!



Monday, November 3, 2008

ONLY IN AMERICA

What an evening. Evan and I participated in a "sign wave" on behalf of California's Proposition 8. We meet with many others on a busy street corner with our "Yes, on Prop 8" signs. The" No" people were there too. We stood side by side, waving our signs, proclaiming our free speech rights. The very old and the very young and the inbetweens. We disagreed. We did it respectfully. It was touching to me.


Sunday, November 2, 2008

52 Blessing Project- Week Forty-Four





What blessing it is to be able to vote!!

This week I Am going to the polls.

The issues and candidates have been studied.

My vote counts and your vote counts too!!

We live in a wonderful country, and I don't want to take it for granted!!

I will vote and my voice will be heard!!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

LIFE

Pro-Life to me is the only way to vote. Why, you might wonder when there are so many other important issues out there, including the economy and protecting our country from terrorists etc. It just seems simple to me, when someone values the sanctity of innocent human life, then everything else falls into place. To me, it begins there.





"This video is safe for all ages -- there are no graphic images. The goal here is to give American citizens a solid grasp of where Senators McCain and Obama really stand on the life issue, using their own words. Millions of young lives depend on our election-day decisions. Over 35 years of hard won pro-life battles could be reversed if voters remain uninformed - especially Christian voters who alone could reclaim the rights of the unborn on November 4th." (From the web page America's Choice Now.)


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