WE'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR DIAGNOSIS???
“Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience.
Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.”
Hal Borland
Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.”
Hal Borland
You know how I have a foot fetish?
Well,you should know that my Builder has a lawn fetish!!
Here's how I know:
1. He owns three lawn mowers. 2 for the front lawn. 1 for the grass in the back.
2. Those of us that wish to pitch in and help mow the front lawn needs to expect to be critiqued. And also expect to cut it twice. (thats not EXACTLY true...its cut once and then 'blown off' the second time.)
*we really dont mind too much anymore-one of the mowers is a riding mower.
3. We spends some bucks watering the turf.
4. We spend a few lesser bucks feeding the turf.
5. We understand that the lawn will be mowed on a certain day at a certain time!
Please know that all this does have its benefits. We enjoy a BEAUTIFUL lawn in the summer months. It feels and looks like a rich carpet!!
Well,you should know that my Builder has a lawn fetish!!
Here's how I know:
1. He owns three lawn mowers. 2 for the front lawn. 1 for the grass in the back.
2. Those of us that wish to pitch in and help mow the front lawn needs to expect to be critiqued. And also expect to cut it twice. (thats not EXACTLY true...its cut once and then 'blown off' the second time.)
*we really dont mind too much anymore-one of the mowers is a riding mower.
3. We spends some bucks watering the turf.
4. We spend a few lesser bucks feeding the turf.
5. We understand that the lawn will be mowed on a certain day at a certain time!
Please know that all this does have its benefits. We enjoy a BEAUTIFUL lawn in the summer months. It feels and looks like a rich carpet!!
AND NOW WE HAVE THIS!!!
...and, believe it or not, it doesnt cause my Builder apoplexy!! He's become accustomed to this look come autumn time.
What could be causing this?
Any ideas??
DINNER PARTY #7
Last night we had 2 couples from the ward over for dinner. (I love that I have this new goal-its really making me reach out, and DO more!!) I did have 'selfish' motives-in a way-for inviting these particular couples. These couples are some of the most creative people I know...they may snicker under their breath about my silly bats..but probably not, they are too kind. Anyway....I have an elaborate Christmas party for the church coming up, and I need help and ideas!! Thus...Jeff and Marlo and Malissa and Keith are welcome at our table!! Wish us luck!!!!
"L's" Book of the Week
"Look at it this way," said Owl. "There are many kinds
of light in the world. You should be mighty proud of yours..."
A Firefly Name Torchy
by- Bernard Waber
Why do so many mothers-mine included- carry around a LOT of guilt and a cart loads of regret???? I am going to once again attempt to plead with my own dear mother--to please, please let these go!!! Push them away!!! Drop the burden!!! Living with this remorse is not worth it and it most definitely isnt warranted!! I know my sweet mother doesnt believe that we, her own flesh and blood, have turned out poorly-so wheres the justification for her guilt and regret? I know she is proud of us and our families. Why does knowing this STILL not make a difference in our preceptions?
My mother is an incredible lady!! She is a really good mom and grandmother!!
This random post that started off as just my weekly book with "L," has now taken on a life of its own. Posting about this fun book has caused me to reflect again on my childhood. This delighful book is one the many, many books that I vividly remember reading over and over again as a kid. As a matter of fact, every single time I go to the library and peruse the shelves of the kids section, I have cause to reflect on how blessed I was and am to be so familiar with so many titles and authors. SO ...to my dear mother, I want to say that here is yet another item to add to a LONG list of things that you did right-really right in raising me. YOU instilled this love of reading in me, along with dads help and example. YOU must have taken us to the library all the time. There were always piles of books in our home.
I have tried and tried to share this love of books with my own kids-some of them took to books-most did not (at least not yet.)
I am so grateful to my mother for this gift. For the books you introduced me to and your careful guidance truly have been a gift in my life. I fully intend to do my best to pass on this love of books to my grandkids-which are my mothers great-grandkids!! So the light will shine on!!!
Thank my dear mother, once again for all the many, many things you did RIGHT in raising me. May you realize, sooner than later, that the list is forever growing with the BEST things you have given me!!!
There is no way Im going to be able to get any pictures any cuter than these that Chelsea took of L. !!
I know its not Halloween yet either...but these are from the Ward Halloween party!!
Now that this sweet family has moved out of here...Im going to post more pictures when I can. It might help me not miss them so much.??? NOT!!!
I know its not Halloween yet either...but these are from the Ward Halloween party!! 
Now that this sweet family has moved out of here...Im going to post more pictures when I can. It might help me not miss them so much.??? NOT!!!
MONDAY MONDAY, SO GOOD TO ME,
MONDAY MONDAY, IT WAS ALL I HOPED IT WOULD BE.
I have a new love!!! And I'd like to introduce you. There's a 'walk' at the Ridge that we fondly call the Stop Sign hike. For many a month now I've been complaining -under my breath- about our Monday routine at Fitness Ridge. In years past, at the crack of dawn on Mondays, we would have initial introductions of the hiking guides to the new batch of guests that had arrived the night before. After the introductions, we'd load 'em up into the van and drive on out to Snow Canyon State Park for their first hike!! Gone are the days where we'd tumble forth from the club van, onto the Hidden Pinion parking lot and immediately head for the rocky, red trails laced with sand.(ie-coral dust) Gone is that first days feeling of unity that naturally occurs to our hikers as they stumble and grumble through the park together. Keep in mind that there are guests with us that have NEVER hiked before. The idea was to never give them TIME to think that they couldnt do it. We always worked on the assumption that ANyBodY could hike-as longs as they'd try, and, as long as a guide would stick close by and cheer them on!! Thats why we're paid the big bucks!! (wink wink) Oh how I have been missing those Mondays!! I've bemoaned their loss.
BUT...I've had an epiphany!!! My bosses are wise and strong and know much more than I about this business. (thats why they get the REALLY big bucks!) Gone now are my days of grumbling about hoofing it on the pavement each and every Monday morning. The list is a long one with all the splendid reasons why its a good idea to put our guests on the paved bicycle path on their very first morning in the program. Now I too am a convert. I look forward to Mondays!! I look forward to the challenge of the Stop Sign Hill. (sometimes also referred to as Heartbreak Hill-aptly named I may add.) Please understand that this hike has us climbing 1000 ft in elevation and it's accomplished in 4.3 miles. UP, UP, UP!!
There is nothing better on a brisk Monday morning, to come to the base of that hill and look it in the eye and decide that its NOT going to get the best of you!! To look at that hill and decide that each and every time you climb it, plod it, jog it, traipse it or even drag your hinney up that hill, you're going to shave off a few minutes from the last time you tried!! What a gas to compete with ones self!! duh!!
Sometimes I can climb by myself- stopping along the way to encourage our guests with confidence that yes indeed, that hill can be conquered!! Sometimes I pick a guest that's out ahead of me already on their way up, and decide that I'll push myself to 'catch-up' to them and walk with them. Other times you stick with a guest from the very beginning, and shuffle with them to the top,or as close to the top as they can possibily go. Sometimes, due to rare timing, I find myself on the hill alone-knowing that there is someone already at the top-already having had their victory picture taken at the actual stop sign- that wouldnt mind some company on the walk back down the hill. So up I go-pushing, pushing, sweating, sweating, panting, panting, until I finally reach the top. Oh the glorious sight of the gate house! What a welcomed sight for us all. What a relief, what a thrill!!
I have also discovered another great motivator for the hill. MUSIC!! Its no surprise to realize the great power that music has on ones psyche. Guests plug in all the time-ipods, mp3 players and even the antiquated disc players are strapped to the arms or hips of many a hiker. They 'plug-in' and tune out the world and the cars and other quests and put their noses to the concrete and will themselves up the hill!! Many dont want pesky guides or over talkative guests bothering them, they just want the music to help them climb the slope. And it works wonders!! I can now whole-heartily attest to this fact !! Hairspray, Michael Jackson, Carrie Underwood, and Elton John and many others have a part in seeing that I succeed at getting up to that distant finish line. (you should see me when Rascal Flats'-Life is a Highway plays on my mp3-- my kids would DIE of embarrassment!!)
If you were a beetle on the road or a snake in the grass or a raven on the wing, you might also be able to catch a glimpse of me danc'in and sing'in my way back down the hill!! Its that time in a workout when the endorphins really do kick in-when you're past the 'wall' of exhaustion-when you get to feeling really, really good; when you know what John Denver was singing about with his 'Natural High'!! I am guilty of swaying, pirouetting, skipping like a child, and boogieing down the hill. This is also when-if you could read my mind-I'd be guilty of sending up my greatest thanks to heaven for my life, my health, my job, my blessings. I might not be the fittest, finest looking, most coordinated woman on the hill, but I feel like I may be the happiest and the most grateful hiking guide there is!! (You know that scene with Mary Tyler Moore,where shes throwing her hat in the air due to her extreme delight in life???? That'd be ME!!!!!!!!!!) Yep-they even pay me for this!!
MONDAY MONDAY, IT WAS ALL I HOPED IT WOULD BE.
"Cap'n," he said, nodding fondly in the
direction of the engine, "it's just this
way; I got a glory."
direction of the engine, "it's just this
way; I got a glory."
I GOT A GLORY
by Archibald Rutledge
I have a new love!!! And I'd like to introduce you. There's a 'walk' at the Ridge that we fondly call the Stop Sign hike. For many a month now I've been complaining -under my breath- about our Monday routine at Fitness Ridge. In years past, at the crack of dawn on Mondays, we would have initial introductions of the hiking guides to the new batch of guests that had arrived the night before. After the introductions, we'd load 'em up into the van and drive on out to Snow Canyon State Park for their first hike!! Gone are the days where we'd tumble forth from the club van, onto the Hidden Pinion parking lot and immediately head for the rocky, red trails laced with sand.(ie-coral dust) Gone is that first days feeling of unity that naturally occurs to our hikers as they stumble and grumble through the park together. Keep in mind that there are guests with us that have NEVER hiked before. The idea was to never give them TIME to think that they couldnt do it. We always worked on the assumption that ANyBodY could hike-as longs as they'd try, and, as long as a guide would stick close by and cheer them on!! Thats why we're paid the big bucks!! (wink wink) Oh how I have been missing those Mondays!! I've bemoaned their loss.
BUT...I've had an epiphany!!! My bosses are wise and strong and know much more than I about this business. (thats why they get the REALLY big bucks!) Gone now are my days of grumbling about hoofing it on the pavement each and every Monday morning. The list is a long one with all the splendid reasons why its a good idea to put our guests on the paved bicycle path on their very first morning in the program. Now I too am a convert. I look forward to Mondays!! I look forward to the challenge of the Stop Sign Hill. (sometimes also referred to as Heartbreak Hill-aptly named I may add.) Please understand that this hike has us climbing 1000 ft in elevation and it's accomplished in 4.3 miles. UP, UP, UP!!
There is nothing better on a brisk Monday morning, to come to the base of that hill and look it in the eye and decide that its NOT going to get the best of you!! To look at that hill and decide that each and every time you climb it, plod it, jog it, traipse it or even drag your hinney up that hill, you're going to shave off a few minutes from the last time you tried!! What a gas to compete with ones self!! duh!!
Sometimes I can climb by myself- stopping along the way to encourage our guests with confidence that yes indeed, that hill can be conquered!! Sometimes I pick a guest that's out ahead of me already on their way up, and decide that I'll push myself to 'catch-up' to them and walk with them. Other times you stick with a guest from the very beginning, and shuffle with them to the top,or as close to the top as they can possibily go. Sometimes, due to rare timing, I find myself on the hill alone-knowing that there is someone already at the top-already having had their victory picture taken at the actual stop sign- that wouldnt mind some company on the walk back down the hill. So up I go-pushing, pushing, sweating, sweating, panting, panting, until I finally reach the top. Oh the glorious sight of the gate house! What a welcomed sight for us all. What a relief, what a thrill!!
I have also discovered another great motivator for the hill. MUSIC!! Its no surprise to realize the great power that music has on ones psyche. Guests plug in all the time-ipods, mp3 players and even the antiquated disc players are strapped to the arms or hips of many a hiker. They 'plug-in' and tune out the world and the cars and other quests and put their noses to the concrete and will themselves up the hill!! Many dont want pesky guides or over talkative guests bothering them, they just want the music to help them climb the slope. And it works wonders!! I can now whole-heartily attest to this fact !! Hairspray, Michael Jackson, Carrie Underwood, and Elton John and many others have a part in seeing that I succeed at getting up to that distant finish line. (you should see me when Rascal Flats'-Life is a Highway plays on my mp3-- my kids would DIE of embarrassment!!)
If you were a beetle on the road or a snake in the grass or a raven on the wing, you might also be able to catch a glimpse of me danc'in and sing'in my way back down the hill!! Its that time in a workout when the endorphins really do kick in-when you're past the 'wall' of exhaustion-when you get to feeling really, really good; when you know what John Denver was singing about with his 'Natural High'!! I am guilty of swaying, pirouetting, skipping like a child, and boogieing down the hill. This is also when-if you could read my mind-I'd be guilty of sending up my greatest thanks to heaven for my life, my health, my job, my blessings. I might not be the fittest, finest looking, most coordinated woman on the hill, but I feel like I may be the happiest and the most grateful hiking guide there is!! (You know that scene with Mary Tyler Moore,where shes throwing her hat in the air due to her extreme delight in life???? That'd be ME!!!!!!!!!!) Yep-they even pay me for this!!
THE COMING OF CHRISTIANITY TO ENGLAND, 627 A.D.
words spoken to Edwin, King of Nothumbria
words spoken to Edwin, King of Nothumbria
The present life of men upon earth, O King, appears to me, in comparison with that which is unknown to us, like to the swift flight of a sparrow through your hall, where you, with your *ealdormen and thanes, sit by the fire, at supper, in winter. The hall is warmed; without are storms of wind and rain and winter's snow. The sparrow passes swiftly in at one door and out at another, gaining awhile a short safety from the wintry blast; but soon after a little calm he flies once more into the unknown, passing from winter to winter again. So this life of ours appears for a moment, but whence or whither we are wending we know not. If, therefore, this new faith can teach us aught more sure, it seems truly to deserve to be followed.
*eal·dor·man (ôl'dər-mən)
n. The chief magistrate of a district in Anglo-Saxon England
image from flickr
Fun Tag Idea
This is how is works...
Find the fourth file of photos in your computer and choose the fourth photo in the file! Post about it, whatever it is!
Ahhhh...Glorious Lake Powell!! Looking at this picture makes me a little sad, realizing the stark reality that summer is over and gone. It was a quiet summer, and Lake Powell was definitley the highlight. Lake Powell is always a highlight!! Brian catching big fish was just a bonus!! Thanks again P & C, for inviting us along!!
PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW
The Time
There is a time for some things,
And a time for all things;
A time for great things
And a time for small things.
-Cervantes
There is a time for some things,
And a time for all things;
A time for great things
And a time for small things.
-Cervantes
So, they are mov'in out!
I have no right to be sad...but Im sad anyway!!!
I've grown used to the patter of little feet on our tile.
I've grown accustomed to his good morning smiles and his kisses goodnight.
I've enjoyed the company of my beautiful, talented D.I.L.
I've been enjoying the razing that Rob dishes out to his dear ol mom.
It's been wonderful having a partner in crime to watch movies with and to blog with.
I'll miss snuggling under under the covers with "L" and reading books together.
I've learned sign language with the smartest boy in town. There will no advancing for grandma without him.
Soup-the turtle- will miss "L's" oogling eyes.
Who will Grandpa eat nuts with?
The basketball will soon be lonely and still.
They are only moving across town. Not to Siberia!!! I know Im really blessed that they are going to only be a stones throw away.
Sunday dinners will be all the sweeter! Visits will be all the more precious!! We've been spoiled beyond imagination, and have relished the spoiling to the point of ecstasy! Im so very grateful we shared this time together. So grateful!
Its been fun and we wish them all the happiness that having your own space brings.
Bryce Canyon
"If I were to name the three most precious
resources of life, I should say books, friends,
and nature; and the greatest of these, at least
the most constant and always at hand, is nature.
Nature we have always with us, an inexhaustible
storehouse of that which moves the heart, appeals
to the mind, and fires the imagination,--health
to the body, a stimulus to the intellect, and
joy to the soul.'
John Burroughs
From: The Art of Seeing Things
resources of life, I should say books, friends,
and nature; and the greatest of these, at least
the most constant and always at hand, is nature.
Nature we have always with us, an inexhaustible
storehouse of that which moves the heart, appeals
to the mind, and fires the imagination,--health
to the body, a stimulus to the intellect, and
joy to the soul.'
John Burroughs
From: The Art of Seeing Things
The sky was the bluest I've ever beheld-honestly I think it was morphing into an azure!
English was NOT the common language in the Park.
Winter temperatures were threatening-but held at bay. I was grateful for my layers, but it was delightful to strip them off as the day warmed up.
Tourist shops were battening down their hatches, closing shop and readying for a long, cold winter. We picked the perfect weekend to visit. Next weekend it may resemble a ghost town.
The trails we hiked were beyond description in their beauty.
The company was the best-though I do admit that Im not used to hiking with boisterous kids.
The rooms were clean, and the mattress was good.
The fall colors were all but gone, but who needs fall colors when you have colors such as these!?!
Memory cards in cameras were being filled by the dozens.
Trail maps were utilized to their fullest.
Swimming and bike riding were included.
Petrified wood was the novelty-(if you dont count the hoodoo of course!!)But you cant take a hoodoo home with you !!
There was a strange void where Anna and Clark and Steph and Ben and Carly used to be... (I missed them so!!)
But Bri and Becca stepped right in and did a great job of filling the space. With Ali and Mikele found quickly on their heels. Cousins rock!!
The deer and the antelope were playing.
The sound of the wind through the pines caused the familiar longing to my Builders soul. Its a peaceful ache.
The chipmunks didnt fail to entertain.
Im going to sum up the weekend with some silly generalities.
When one is among tourists:
I see-
*The Europeans smoke-and dont smile much.
*The Americans eat.
*The Asians come in numbers.
But one and all cant help but appreciate all that they see in Bryce!!
We will return to this glorious landscape again!! But not until the summer heat returns as well!!
Happy Birthday Joe!!
What greater ornament...to a father (and mother) than
a son's honorable conduct?
a son's honorable conduct?
-Sophocles
Another year has sailed on by!! I believe Joe would say that its been a great year indeed!!Their hearts desire has been fulfilled. Joe and Nat are giddy with joy and gratitude and excitement about becoming parents. I know Joe rests well with confidence and comfort in his heart, knowing his beautiful wife has been blessed with great abilities and aptitude in being an outstanding mother. What more may a man ask?
I realize that one worldly aspiration has slipped away for him this summer...(temporally we pray) but another opportunity has taken its place. (they must be paying their tithing)
THis next year will bring you more joy than you can now even possibly imagine. And....only after they lay little Logan in your arms will you fully realize how very, very much you are loved by me and your dad. This thing we call 'life on earth' is a glorious thing!!! You have always added to its sweetness Joe!
If I had grundles and grundles of money my love--
I'd buy you..
*a Lexus (dont you want one as badly as I?)
*a new watch or watches
*new sunglasses
*BlueRay technology
*plane tickets to somewhere warm and sandy
*a bigger clothes closet
*movies
*music
*remote control contraptions
But...since I dont have bushels of money...how about dinner at our place!!??
(I love that Joes 'Love Language' is gifts. Just spend some money on him and hes sooo..happy!!)
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!!
"She said the autumn never failed to amaze her; to elate.
‘It is glory’ she said ‘and can’t be remembered
so it always comes as a surprise’."
John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck
Travels With Charlie
Im fairly excited!!
We are headed out today for a little get-away!!
We're going north (ugh-where its bound to be colder!) to BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK.
We will meet family there, and get caught up on some visiting, do some relaxing, and hit some trails. I have Navajo Loop on my list of hikes I'd like to do.
I pray it wont snow.
I hope there's a hot tub.
I hope my Builder will be ok without his computer.
Im glad he'll have his brother and sister to distract him.
I'll take lots of pictures that I hope will be worthy to share when we return.
Ta, ta all!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!
"That buzzing-noise means something.
You dont get a buzzing-noise like that,
just buzzing and buzzing, without its
meaning something. If there's a buzzing-
noise, somebody's making a buzzing-noise...."
WINNIE-THE-POOH
A.A. Milne
You dont get a buzzing-noise like that,
just buzzing and buzzing, without its
meaning something. If there's a buzzing-
noise, somebody's making a buzzing-noise...."
WINNIE-THE-POOH
A.A. Milne
Maybe you're in as much disbelief as I am about it being a whole year since I was introduced to the wonderful world of blogging. My sweet daughter in law is the guilty one for introducing us!!!
I have done a LOT of buzzing in the last year, havent I?
And I have enjoyed every moment of it.
I blog to keep in touch with family and friends. I blog because its a hip way to journal. I've been counseled to journal. I mostly try to do as Im counseled. Someday my words and thoughts and activities might interest my family.
I am sure that I have absolutely no impact on society. And---whew--thats a good thing!!!
I have heard someone say "blogging is like giving everyone a printing press--and NOT everyone deserves a printing press!!!" In some sense this may be true, but I also am of the mind-set that everyone DOES need a printing press--but--thank heavens we get to decide whether or not to read what is written.
Maybe my family and friends think Im a bit narcissistic??
Truly I think that would be a stretch. Though I do enjoy having a 'voice,' no matter how small.
My one and only wish for my blog...would be that I could somehow inspire more 'conversation' with some of my posts.
I also admit that I am at times more reserved than I sometimes feel! This is because of my audience. I have my parents and in-laws and young nieces and nephews reading!! I suppose this is a good thing!! They keep me in check.
I enjoy writing, and improving my 'skills.' Though a thoroughly honest English teacher would probably claim that the improvements are negligible.
There really isnt anything special about blogging. It doesnt require any special talent or abilities. If I can do it--anyone can!!!!
Could it be considered a mass hobby? Nobody really knows just how many blogs there are in the world.
I do know that I really love being part of a community-the blogging community.
A small percent of people do blog for money,(very small) and some blog to promote their business. (a slightly larger percent)I blog strictly for pleasure. Which I believe is why most people blog.
WHAT ELSE I KNOW:
Blogging is no different than we all feel. We all want to be loved, accepted and appreciated. Bloggers just like to also write about!!
Also-- Im looking forward to what this next year will bring!! Thanks for the love and support!!
We Have 2 Birthdays in the Family!!!
1992A person with a vast heart is happy.
Such a person lives each day with a broad and embracing spirit.
A person with a strong will is happy.
Such a person can confidently enjoy life, never defeated by suffering.
A person with a profound spirit is happy.
Such a person can savor life's depths
while creating meaning and value that will last for eternity.
A person with a pure mind is happy.
Such a person is always surrounded by refreshing breezes of joy.
Daisaku Ikeda
Such a person lives each day with a broad and embracing spirit.
A person with a strong will is happy.
Such a person can confidently enjoy life, never defeated by suffering.
A person with a profound spirit is happy.
Such a person can savor life's depths
while creating meaning and value that will last for eternity.
A person with a pure mind is happy.
Such a person is always surrounded by refreshing breezes of joy.
Daisaku Ikeda
My dear sister- in- law is the most thoughtful, wise and and generous woman I know. Whenever I am fortunate enough to spend some time with her, I feel as though I'll never be able to tap the vast wealth of information, on many subjects, that this dear 'sister' of mine knows!! I always come away from our time together knowing that Debbie has a firm grasp on whats important in life, and what is not!! I love her for this, and for so much more!!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE!!
(p.s.-I have also discovered that Debbie AVOIDS the camera. My collection of pics of her is really quite pathetic!! but fun too!)
Birthday #2
The rose is a rose,
And was always a rose.
But the theory now goes
That the apples's a rose,
And the pear is, and so's
The plum, I suppose.
The dear only knows
What will next prove a rose.
YOU, of course, are a rose--
But were always a rose.
Robert Frost
Happy Birthday dear Lexi!!
We love you, and truly believe you are a rose, and a peach, and a beautiful young lady too.
Keep on being a joy and delight to your family and friends.
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