Fly Above the Trees

Today President Johnson gave the lesson in Sunday School.  The subject was Pornography - he told us we should "Fly Above the Trees."  Meaning stay above the danger.  I am not really too worried right now in my life about Pornography personally.  I don't have any desire to involve myself in anything that would take away from the spirit.  As we talked about it however I realized that I need to be concerned about my grandchildren and the choices they make.  They are surrounded by so much evil.  I realize that I need to do all that I can to encourage these children to stay away from the evils of this day.  Pres. Johnson reminded us of the cycle that moves from abhor, tolerate, and on to embrace (there are two I am forgetting) but the point is taken - we cannot let these children be exposed to anything that will keep them from the blessings of the gospel and the spirit.

I hope their parents and we grandparents can be aware of what is going on in their lives.  Make sure that they don't participate in anything that will drag them down including TV, computer, I-pads, Iphones, videos, written materials, and whatever else that might hurt them.  I need to encourage them to "fly above the trees and stay safe and out of range of anything that might pull them down or get in their way.)

Three things:
1.  Jim taught part of the lesson today on Desire to do right... he did an excellent Job - I love to hear him teach (he always teaches me something and I always laugh while he is doing it).
2.  Went through the house again and liked it even more (the owners are going to leave the washer and dryer and the refrigerator!  Yeah...
3.  I am so amazed at all of these blessings... I hope I don't forget the "coincidence" of all these blessings this last while.  The Lord is blessing us beyond what I can imagine.

Tithing Blessings

I guess some people would call it a coincidence but I keep seeing so many blessings from paying our tithing this year... money for Jim, offer for Amy to take a salon, possible purchase of house and etc.  I do not know why these things are happening right now but I do know that we paid our tithing in December when we had to make a choice to pay or not and we did.  Now we are seeing direct blessings and I am grateful.

Today was our first no money day at the shop.  Yesterday we made $10 and the day before $2.  Obviously January is not the best month for making money.  We are working on some ideas for the coming months - I hope they work.  Next year I think we will take a vacation during January... might as well.

Went to Red Lobster tonight and had some shrimp... lots of shrimp.  Jim brought most of his home but I ate every bite and enjoyed it all.  I told Jim that I think I had as much shrimp tonight as the night in Mtn. Springs house when I counted over 30 little tails on my plate... this time I had Shrimp cocktail, shrimp appetizer, about 20 skewered shrimp and two of Jim's coconut shrimp.  That adds up to about 32... embarrassing - but good.

3 things:
1.  Grateful for shrimp - I love them
2.  Read parts of the Church handbook today - good information
3.  Got new garments at the Distribution Center tonight - can't wait to wear them tomorrow!

I Want to Be Like You When I Grow UP

I just read John's post for tonight.  He mentioned that during scripture study Jack leaned over and whispered in his ear "John, I want to be like you when I grow up."

How sweet is that.  I had a lady come into my shop today and tell me how much she loved all the Jay Fontano grandkids but she also wanted me to know that her favorite of all is Jack.  I guess he came into Sara's house one day when Paula was there and put his hands on her face and hair and told her that he liked her hair (which was all curly I guess).  That is Jack alright.

So I wish I could be like Jack when I grow up.  He tells it like it is.  He also is sometimes so sweet and says the sweetest things.  He loves dogs and visits with anyone who has a dog.  He loves people and I have often seen him sit down with an adult and just visit away.

I wish I had those qualities of just telling people what I like about them, of touching them, of chatting with people I don't even know.  What a guy.

My three things for tonight are:
1.  I always take my showers in the morning but tonight I dyed my hair so I took my shower tonight (at midnight) and it felt so good.  I smell good too!  so good I can't seem to sleep.
2.  Today was a beautiful day outside and I noticed it!  I was inside of course but I had an hour for lunch that I turned in to 1 1/2 hours and I enjoyed being outside some of that time.
3.  I got excited about quilting today which is the first time in many moons.  I love to put fabrics together and I hope I can do some picture quilts (put quilt squares in frames).  It would be fun.
4.  Oh, I don't want to forget my great idea about LBH in the Park.  I hope this works... we would invite our consignors and other family members to make things and we'll take them with some of our items to a booth that we set up for various activities during the summer.  I think it would be soooo great and we should make some money from it too!

Esther

July 28th, 2010 |  Author: admin

This is the picture of Esther I want to use for my RS Meeting in February.  I hope I can size it correctly and I'll have to make sure I can reproduce it because of copyright laws.  

Home Teachers - yeah

Sunday morning we had our monthly Leadership meeting.  Amy actually was a apart of the presentation on Visiting Teaching.  They showed the movie about the Lambs that I so like and related it to Visiting Teaching.  Several of us mentioned that we didn't have visiting teachers and hadn't for some time.  A part of that has to do with our own callings in the YSA stake.  Even so, it is sad that anyone would not know that they have a visiting teacher that they could call.  In guess I was whining a bit about it and then this afternoon home teachers showed up at our door.  Brother Mosdell and Christensen were very nice and I look forward to visiting with them again.  I really do hope they will come monthly.  I have hope for them anyway and guess I could make an issue with the RS president - I don't even know who she is in the ward we are in right  now.  She knows I am here and perhaps out of my own rudeness I am wondering where the heck she is... last ward also - no one showed up including the presidents.  I am fine and haven't needed any help lately.  If I did, I am sure I could make an issue of contacting the RS President and asking for help but I wonder about how many other sisters haven't been visited in these wards... I know there are always sisters in need and people tend to think if your active, you are okay.  I know that isn't true -
I mentioned this at our meeting with the YSA Presidencies on Sunday.  Everyone needs VT'rs.  Hopefully I can make an effort to visit when I am called to do so again.
Today we went to see a home in Greenslake ward.  I loved it.  It has been for sale for 150 days and has been lowered in price almost $40k.  It is perfect for us as far as being on one level, easy yard, living and family room plus three bedrooms, shower in the master, indoor washer/dryer, large kitchen with lots of closets, very clean, shed, back yard with patio - front patio with place for my patio furniture... we are hoping the people might want to do a lease to purchase.  We'll see what goes... oh did I mention the whole house has bright green carpet (that is the one down side... a rather large one).  I already looked up chair covers and found out that I can get them in compatible colors so maybe we are better than I thought.  We'll see what goes.

3 things:
1.  last day of Celexa today - now the test, can I be nice on no meds?
2.  second day of no sweets or carbs - feeling good
3.  read both the NT and BofM this morning - great way to start the day

A day off

Today I took a day off.  It was great - not in the sense that I didn't do any work because I did.  I vacuumed, washed clothes, organized some closets, hung pictures and John's shelf.  It was a great time to be at home doing "homey" things.

3 things:

1. I am so grateful for the chance to just spend a day by myself.  
2. I am committing myself to vegetables and meat - no bread, no sugar for the next 2 weeks!
3. I like reading JA Jance ... everytime

2 talks in one day...

Today is Sunday and I gave two talks in two different wards.  They were on Eternal Perspective and I think they went pretty well.  I didn't let myself read too much and felt I had a good rapport with the congregation.  Glad I took the challenge to give the second talk.  I was glad for the things I learned while I listened to the others talk about the same subject.

Tomorrow I plan to start again on yet another diet - rather I want to try the sugar free eating and see if I can get this blood sugar down.  Perhaps if I have to report about it every night I can do better.  I know when I am feeling motivated I can do well with trying to watch what I eat but other times it is just so hard.  I hope I can make this a commitment because I really need to.

Three things:
1.  glad for my calling and the way it challenges me.
2.  glad to feel my mind clearing as I get off Celexa.  
3.  glad for a quote I heard today:  Remember who you are and who you have been

Three Things

It is midnight and I need to go to bed.  I am watching Pushing Daisies - it is hilarious but I am so tired and I know I will be worse tomorrow.  Lately I am having a hard time because I am working through my change of medications.
So I will just take the time to write my 3 good things of today:
1.  I like sesame sticks and I have a bag of them
2.  I made a couple of baskets and a cute floral today plus I added green leaves to a wreath that is hanging on a window and I like that.  Creating these things gives me such pleasure.
3.  I am feeling good about our scripture reading and morning prayers.  I feel like we are getting our lives in order again.
4.  I want to work on getting off on Saturdays so I can have time to organize.  That would give me Sats, Sun and Mon off and that would be excellent.  (I guess I wrote 4 things).

Judy and Dale come to town...

Judy and Dale came today... I just had Laura deliver packages to their house (a little belated Christmas) and then they show up at our place and so the packages are sitting on their front porch.  I don't have the heart to send Laura over there again - she said she would have Carrie get them.  Isn't it amazing - we don't see them for months and months and then they show up on the day I send something to them.  It was good to see them - we are all getting older for sure!

The shop did good today - I was glad I had some baskets on hand, a lady came in and bought two.  One was already made and Amy made another one while I was home taking a much needed power nap.

I am working on things for baskets for Valentines day.  I also came up with a basket (wooden box) with three bags of nuts in it.  I think it might be a hit if people  want something other than candy.

Three things I am grateful for today:
1.  Living close enough to the shop to come home and take a much needed nap.
2.  My blood pressure this morning started at 178/80 but by tonight I was at 129/70 - hooray
3.  I found sesame treats today at the health food store - I love them and they are made with wheat flour and not a lot of salt... yeah

Christmas dinner a little late

Every year we celebrate Christmas with the Jensens... they cook!  It is always delicious and beautiful.  Susan is such a good cook and she sets the table for Christmas and it is lovely.  After  we ate we of course played Hearts and in the last round I did a run and so rather than being last which I had been the whole game I came in second... amazing.

We got Netflix on the TV today and all we have to do is turn on the Wii and then push Netflix station and pick our movie.  I am excited.

Not much else to say tonight except my three blessings:
1.  Grateful for good friends like the Jensens who we can be totally ourselves with
2.  Recognize the Lord's hand in getting the materials and speakers together for Feb 16th RS Program
3.  Appreciate that Jim brought me a sandwich today for lunch with out being asked even... awesome!

Perspective: Do I feel sick because I should or because I have been told I should?

Do I feel sick because I really do feel bad or is it in my mind?  I always worry about this because I think that what someone tells me really affects me.  "You look tired"  all of a sudden I am tired.  "You look like you don't feel well"  and now I don't.  Today I went to the doctor and he told me my blood sugar is still high and blood pressure is high.  I know my blood pressure is high but if I don't think about it I don't worry about it.  The fact is my blood sugar is sky high and all of a sudden every little ache or pain is evidence of that to me... I don't really want to think about this... I just want to eat bon-bons and forget the rest of my responsibilities to be healthy.  Not going to work any more I guess.  I can't find where I put my blood pressure cuff - otherwise I would take it right now.  I don't think it will be low but perhaps low for my usual.  In the mean time I think the sugar has got to go... and you know how it is when something has to go - YOU WANT IT!

I guess this attitude deals with Perspective.  This Sunday I have to speak on Perspective from a Gospel standpoint.  I decided to write my talk here and transfer it...

Years ago we had a house in Carson City Nevada that was a fixer upper.  We tore up the floors, painted the walls, re-did the windows, and even added a room in the garage.  The yard was in a mess and so we re-sodded the lawn, built a deck, and gathered river rock.  I think to this day my kids don't see river rock without remembering all of the rock we literally gathered from a river bed and trucked home to put in the yard... over and over again.  Consequently they hate river rock and probably hate me more because of it!

We had completed most of our work on this house except for a section in the back yard.  I personally am compulsive when it comes to such things and have a real need to finish the job as soon as possible.  Well  I would look at this one undone section of the yard and it would get me upset.  It was a mess.  It didn't matter that if I looked at the other section of the yard, or at the front of the house, or at the inside of the house, all looked good to me.  I was dwelling on the negative side and it was driving me crazy.

One day, while looking out my kitchen window, I decided to focus on the good side and it made all the difference.  Rather than looking at the weeds, I chose to embrace the flowers!  It was then that I realized how much my life was affected by the things I allowed to affect it when all I really had to do was turn my head.  

As I talk about Perspective today, I want to talk about Eternal Perspective vs. worldly perspective.  Let's focus on the heavenly joys that can be ours vs. the worldly weeds that can cause us pain and upset us.  The key to this I believe is that Heavenly Father knows what we need to find out and that is what really is best for us, what challenges we need to face to help us grow and His eternal plans for us need to be lived so that we can find Eternal Joy...

To further explain:  We all face challenges in life but if we work to solve our problems with a perspective of what we stand to learn from the struggle, how the problem or temptation will affect us eternally, and commit ourselves to following the gospel plan and turning our head from worldly ways we will find joy.  Simply, we turn our heads from that which takes us in the wrong direction and will ultimately bring us pain to the direction that we know will bring us peace and happiness - the gospel plan.

The apostle Paul worte "all things work together for  good to them that love God."  He knew as we should know that Heavenly Father permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more and more Christlike.  Our trials come in many forms but will allow us to become more like the Savior as we recognize the good that comes from each experience.  As we understand this doctrine we gain greater assurance of our Father's love and we develop a greater bond with Him.

We may never know in this life why we face certain trials, but we can be assured that as we trust in the Lord, as we focus on him in facing adversity, we can in fact  be confident we will learn from the experience.

When I was a young mother we were facing some financial difficulties.  We had sold a store to someone who decided half way through the payments for the shop that he was not going to pay any more and we could sue him if we wanted but that was it.  A variety of emotions flooded me and I remember praying that the Lord would take the many problems that came from this away.  I prayed and prayed but things were not coming the way that I felt they needed to.  I look back on that time today and can see many lessons that I learned. 

#1:  I see myself praying for the wrong thing and when I changed my perspective and prayed instead that the Lord would help me endure through this time, then I felt the weight of the problem lifted.  (Interestingly, such problems have happened a number of times to our family and each time I remember kneeling at my bed so forlorn.  As I visualize that I am reminded that I need to pray for r help and guidance rather than for the removal of the problem... a great lesson learned from changing my perspective.)

#2:  I needed to forgive in that instance... the Eternal lesson of forgiveness had to come to me through trusting in the Lord's plan - it could not have come if the problem had just disappeared.

#3:  I had to learn patience  and I needed to experience prayer and faith.  When we face challenges we seek greater help from God and he becomes our strength and by doing so we can gain greater faith.  As we feel his help in easing our burdens our testimonies and our gratitude ncrease.

#4:  I needed to experience first hand that Life is not always fair and I needed to learn not to murmur.  Often questions at such times are :Why me, What did I do to deserve this but if we turn our head to the flower patch we learn to ask:  "What am I to do"  "What am I to learn"  "What am I to change?"

#4.  I needed to develop trust in the Lord.  The Savior's life was never easy and yet his example is one of always remaining committed to his sacred mission.  The Savior understood that Heavenly Father knows the end from the beginning.  We can trust that as we have faith in him, he will guide us and teach us.

Many more things came as a result of that very hard trial and I know that it was an exercise in eternal perspective.  If I had faith, if I trusted in the Lord, if I lived with forgiveness, if I remained positive ... the things that I learned would far out weigh any worldly compensation.  

In review:  if we look for an Eternal Perspective and turn our heads to the view of eternal life, we will be able to get through our personal challenges and find greater faith in the Lord and in his plan for us.  

All things will grow together for our good as we experience life... and our Eternal perspective will be strengthened and will will be stronger so that we can face our next challenges.

Harmony Farm(s)

We went up to Salt Lake yesterday after church.  Laura and NIgel treated us to a wonderful meal of pad-thai and flank steak and broccoli with peanut sauce.  All was delicious including the cake Laura made for Jim's 61st birthday.
We stayed overnight at the Hampton Inn and that was fun.  It was a very nice place.  It is on Redwood Road and right  near the church distribution center.  We got some great frames there and I was able to find a picture of Esther that I am going to blow up and then cut down as well so that I can put them in frames and have ready for our February 16th meeting on Esther. and the subject "For Such a Time as This."  It will be a great evening if we get Sister Carol something...can't remember now but I will by the time she comes.
After the distribution center we went to meet Laura and family and then headed for Costco by way of a cute shop called Emilie Janes where I have been before.  I got some cute mugs there and a table.  Also some great ideas for marketing.  It seems to be a very successful shop and it has my mind working...
Next we hit Costco where Laura and Nigel paid for $200 worth of candy and goodies for the shop.  It will be a big help to us.  After Costco we went to Taiwan imports and then the Wood Connection and again got some cute things and great ideas.  Then on to Ikea where we all had dinner and that meal applied to our bill there that was if we spent over $100 they subtracted the cost of our meal.  The meal was $45 dollars so our bill went from $147 to $102 for the shelves and several other things we bought.  What a great deal.
We headed home after Ikea and when we passed the Red Barn going south my mind started to work and I shared some thoughts with Jim who took everything a step further.
We are in the middle of making some decisions at the LBH about putting in a kitchen and making our own treats and fudge etc.
When I saw the Barn it made me remember that whenever we have been in there, even though they don't have a lot to offer, they always seem to be busy.  After talking about it, I asked if there was a place off the freeway where we could attract more visitors.  Jim mentioned the Real Estate office off of exit 42... I think it is empty right now since Harley died.  Wow, wouldn't that be great!  Through a process of elimination we came up with the name "Harmony Farm."  Also the idea to put a kitchen in, pain the place and then eventually make it look like a farmhouse and add a barn.  also sell candies in barrels, fudge of course, crackers and jellies etc., furniture, and even maybe sandwiches:  simple like 5 favorite sandwiches including:  pulled turkey, pulled pork, mufallata, pastrami, and grilled 3 cheese with apple slices... maybe also crab and/or chicken salad with avocado.
We would have the one store supplement the other and vice-versa.  Harmony Farms fudge and Little Brick House baskets etc...  so we'll see what goes with it.  Jim thinks Hal Torgerson owns the building.  We think we would also do a craft and/or antique mall and encourage people like susan and Richard to rent a space and display their stuff.  We would keep the LBH more with antiques.
I am excited to see if we could make it work.
We'll see what goes.  For now it is way late and I need to get up for a doctor visit in the morning.
Before I go, Donnie is laughing now and trying hard to always sit up and look out.  Shey is happy as ever and made us several cards.  We are soooo lucky.

61 and counting

In twenty minutes it will be January 16, 2011... Jim's 61st birthday.  We had a bit of a surprise dinner for him tonight at Milts and then came back and played some Phase 10 with Jay and Sara and Amy.  It was fun.  We haven't played games with them for a while - just us and them and we enjoyed ourselves.  A little less stressful than when the kids are all there.  So I think Jay and Sara were a bit relaxed too and enjoying the peace.

I gave Jim a coupon for $150 of his Ipad that I know he wants ... with small letters that said (when you can afford it).  I hope soon he will be able to afford it.

We sold the serpentine dresser today.  I think Jim felt about that the same way I feel about my old coffee table and baker's table ... not to mention the Secretary.  All of these have now sold and it is sad to let them go but I must say they have gone to good homes and I can think of them fondly.  I pout about that but at the same time I have had so much fun with this business that I have to say I think the trade is worth it.  I put together some things yesterday and today that just give me sheer pleasure.  I doubt that I could have done much else in my life besides being a mom and gramma that make me happier.  I have always loved the little creative things - the valentine cookies, the gifts bags for grandkids, the quilts - especially the little ones, the handouts for Relief Society or Young Womens - all of these things that just make me happy.  Now I get to do them everyday and I meet some many people that come in and just enjoy them too.  It makes it great.

Headed for bed right now.  Last night I dreamed about snakes and 30 people sleeping in a bed and running from some one.  It wore me out.  I hope I can sleep peacefully tonight.  Perhaps it isn't totally bad because all of that fear and running wears me out and I seem to sleep all night.  So there is some positive in all of this crazy dreaming.

Green Hornet

Went to see the Green Hornet tonight - wouldn't recommend it.  Not much else going on today except that we sold a number of kitchen utensils to a young girl who will decorate her kitchen with them when she gets married in a couple of months.  It is fun to see these young women embrace the past and enjoy antiques.  I have always enjoyed collecting old things - I grew up with it in my life and appreciate the character of old items.

I made some cute florals today that are in hanging baskets.  I also made a cute window with a star hanging in it.  It was fun and I hope it sells.  It is really fun for me to create these different items.

Three things:
1.  Enjoyed visiting with Barbara at Aunt B's treasures.  She is a nice lady and I hope I can help her with some friendship.  She recently lost her husband and she still has teenagers at home so things I hard for her.
2.  Noticed the energy at the Catholic Thrift store.  Lot of people having a good time which made it fun for the others of us.
3.  Saw Semeeta Cowley today and her cute younger kids.  They were so excited when I gave them each a gumball.  It made me happy to share with them.  Her little boy, Dawson, reminds me of Jeremy.

Espanol

I went to the temple tonight with the YSA from Jim's ward.  I didn't actually do baptisms, nor did I go through a session with any of the single adults but I sat next to Taylor Iono who is married to Abbel for a Spanish session.  It was a surprise to both of us but it was good too.  We had to wear a microphone/translator thing around our neck and earphones and then put on our temple clothes over that.  It made me feel a bit handicapped but at the same time I enjoyed being the one that was in the minority and had to experience what many of these people experience living here in the US who can't speak the language very well.

I picked out some words that were familiar and a zillion that were not.  But I did hear preguntas (ask) and hermanos y hermanas and several others that I haven't thought about in many years but when I heard them I knew what they meant.  It was fun.

After the temple (Jim was helping with baptisms) we went to Jack in the Box for our favorites:  tacoes and Sourdough Jack.  We both feel like neither of the items were what they used to be.  I wonder if it is that they aren't as good or we remember them as better or we are just tired of them.  Who knows and yet when I go to Caspers - it is always as good or to Fisherman's Wharf the shrimp is always as unbelievable.  So who knows.  Coming home the conversation went that direction and we both feel like we need to take a trip to the bay area and hit all of our favorite places:  Dirty Dells for breakfast, Lucas for sandwiches, Caspers, Fisherman's wharf, Hambricks 1/4 Pounder, the Alcapulco (which I know isn't there anymore), Bancheros,  Jack London Square and so on.

So it is time to hit the hay.  Grateful for a good night at the temple.  The spirit was strong and I felt great peace as I was able to just enjoy a beautiful session.  Glad for the opportunity.

3 things:
1.  glad for the temple time I spent today
2.  glad to take the name Aatsji Hooman to the temple - one of Maria Oostveen's names
3.  glad for the ride up and back with Jim and that he shared his pastrami sandwich with me!

Working?

I went to the doctor today.  My blood pressure was good or at least pretty good even with 1/2 dose of medication - yeah.  I feel like I am going to make some progress and even take control of my health.  I hope this will work.  I feel good about taking this more natural approach.

I finished Jim's book today and got it ordered.  I hope he enjoys it.  It was so fun to do.  Now I will work on the next one and eventually I hope each child will be done...  A good memory for me and for them.

Not really much went on today.  We made $1.53 at the LBH... don't know if that was with or without the 25% off sale price!  I just got the paper tonight so maybe more people will be in tomorrow to take advantage of the sale.

I brought in our carpet from the kitchen today and put it in the "kitchen" room.  Then after the doctor I went to Home Depot and found a carpet for the "fireplace" room.  It reminds me of patterns in carpet from the "old" days - when I was a kid.  the carpets will help take care of the floors... everyone tracks in water and salt and it is hurting the floors.

Three good things for today:
1.  Feeling happy and excited about each day with work and play...
2.  Don't seem to be forgetting as much as I was
3.  So glad we paid our tithing in December - I think it is giving me confidence about money situations finally starting to work for us.
4.  One more thing: when we went to see Jack and give him his hat I had fixed he answered the door and said "Grandma, Grandpa - not again!"  gotta love that boy.

Season of the Witch

Tonight we went to see the movie "Season of the Witch".  Jim said it was my story... perhaps but I don't think I am as cute as she was.  Not my favorite movie;  full of darkness and wolves, demons, sword fighting, priests reciting latin etc.  Anyway, the popcorn was good and so that counts for something.

Trying to remember what was good about today.  Dave came over tonight and we visited for awhile.  It is fun to have him just stop in anytime and chat.  Amy and I went to Dr. Holcomb and she bought HCG meds for John.  I got my blood pressure taken and even with the cut in medication to less than half the dose I was taking plus the natural carditone I was at 133/67 which is amazing for me.  Yahoo!  Hoping that if he takes my blood sugar tomorrow it is much lower as well.

Not much more to say.  Sold the Secretary today and it hurt my heart a little bit.  The Secretary was about the first large piece of antique furniture we bought about 5 years ago.  I remember that my sister-in-law had one and I loved it and always wanted one.  Now it has passed on to new hands.  Actually Diane Delport who bought my favorite antique coffee table bout it - so I guess if I want to see my favorite pieces I can go to her house for a visit!  In trade, she brought in some Park Design dish towels that I loved for consignment so I  bought them for myself.  Good deal.

I think I set a goal to say 3 good things about each day:
1.  Love my book from Country Living
2.  Love my new picture book for 2010 from Pete's kids
3.  Love the new friends that I make at the LBH
4.  Grateful that the Lord watches out for me... when we paid our tithing in December I just knew that Heavenly Father would help us with our business if we continued by paying on time each month... two things today that have been tender mercies and I consider tithing related are that we sold the Secretary and also that we found about 3 new clients at JMA who need to pay this month - and more for next month - Yea!

A Day Off

Today I had a day off.  I didn't sleep in, I didn't sit around and do nothing but I did enjoy myself.  I cleaned house this morning and I put up a few pictures.  I moved some decorations around.  I ate cocoa and sourdough toast and I listened to church hymns.  I read in my Country Living book and loved the opportunity to enjoy the pictures yet again.  I think it is my favorite book ever and I got it from the dollar store.  How it was at the dollar store, sitting right in front of my face, I will never know.  It is perfect for what I am doing at the shop right now and it is teaching me all kinds of things about collections and different kinds of antiques.

I was supposed to go to the doctor to have my blood pressure checked but I didn't look up at the clock until 15 to 12:00 noon and so  being that I was still in my pajamas and needed a shower, I didn't get there.  Jay and Sara met us for lunch at the Garden House (with Anna and Tommy) and we had soup and monte Cristo sandwiches (except for Jay who had a burger).  This was a particularly nice Christmas Present and we enjoyed it mucho.

After the lunch I went shopping.  Got some great 75% off items at the store by Bulloch drug.  Good Christmas items for next year.  Went to see what they had at the new antique mall by the old theater but it was not up and going yet.  Also went to Aunt B's antiques and got a few things.  I met the owner and her partner and it was very fun to talk to them.  Seems like we all know we'll never make any money at this but we all love doing it anyway.

So anyway, the day off has come and gone and it was great.  I still ended up at the store for an hour and that was fine.  I am grateful to have a chance to run this shop.  It is good fun and it keeps me busy.  It is interesting how it has all fallen in to place so nicely and I consider it a blessing.  Like something I have always wanted to do and the Lord made it all possible.

So thats it for tonight.

39 and Counting!

Today is the 39th anniversary of my first baby's birth.  Wow, it seems like yesterday.  I still remember driving to Kaiser in the middle of the night.  We had been to the movies and had hot fudge sundaes the night before.  Went home and about midnight my water broke.  I don't remember what time we got to the hospital but I did have Jim early that morning like about 7am or so.  I remember the doctor trying to joke with me and saying "welcome to St. Rose Hospital" - I thought he was an idiot.  Actually any Obstetric doctor that would say something stupid to a woman in labor is an idiot!

So after some more labor and a quick delivery Jim entered my life.  I have been grateful for that ever since. I was so taken with him.  I remember just holding him and marveling at all of his beauty.  He looked like Mr. Magoo and I thought probably he would leave this world in 80 or so years from then looking like Mr. Magoo again.  Four days in the hospital... amazing.  I was in great shape and very rested by the time we left.  Had Macdonalds Big Mac for lunch in Jim's mom's kitchen.  It was a great time and I still remember so many parts of it even 39 years later.  What a joy and a blessing he has been to me and to his dad these many years.  What a great example he has been to his siblings.  What a great father, husband, leader and member of the church he is.  I thank my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be Jim's mother... it has been an honor and a blessing.

Get Crackin'

Just read John's post "Get Crackin'" all about pistachios.  It was so clever.  Also liked his post about his hair cut which I have personally witnessed and hope I don't see again.  He looked familiarly like he did when he was a baby and Grandma Vi would get a hold of him (and his brothers) and do her swoop thing in the middle of his head.  Even Jim had the swoop thing when he was a baby and I have a great picture with Amy's swoop.  Anyway, John can cut off his Mohawk anytime and Jack and I will be happy.

Went to the Doctor yesterday and found out that my blood sugar is out of hand.  Like Jim said 329 is halfway to comatose... perhaps it is only 239 (I have a dislexic memory these days).  Whether one or the other it has me feeling sick today.  I keep thinking of each pain as being caused by my blood sugar or my high blood pressure (which incidentally though high, was lower than usual when I haven't had pills or I am at the doctors - 141/87).  Any way, Dr. Holcomb, is going to fix me up.  He is a naturopath and so will use more natural means to get me in better shape.  I am hoping it all works... I hate being on Toprol, Lisinoprin, and Celexa ... and the more I read about them, the worse I feel.

So I got an I-V filled with great stuff and I watched Zorro while the IV pumped away.  The nurse brought me a delicious herbal tea and some toast.  I felt very well taken care of and the Doctor was incredibly nice and interested.  He took about 45 minutes to talk to me and work through some of my "problems."

Well I need to get to work.  I keep showing up late and Jim has to open the store.  I doubt that he appreciates it much, but I do like to get a little house cleaning done and things like this blog in the morning before I go to work and come back tired.

Off to a good start...

Jim and I are getting up and reading our scriptures for two days in a row.  It is a good start.  I am glad for it.  I feel like we are starting the day off right and I have a good attitude about the day.  That reminds me of how Amy told her dad tonight he has a baditude.  I can't say that I am in favor of having a "baditude" but at the same time I like the word.

I made several baskets today and cut quite a bit of fudge.  We didn't make much money but I did have two people come in who knew just what they wanted and came looking for it... cool enough.  Laurie Zwang is getting married in March and she came in and bought Grandma Vi's marble rolling pin.  She makes fondant for cake decorating and said it was going to be perfect.  I am glad it went to someone we knew.  I personally would never use it is all good.

Just took down all the Christmas and things look pretty bare.  I am not sure where a couple of boxes are with my house decorations... I'll have to check the shed.  It is funny to me how much we think we need things and then after a couple of weeks I can't even remember what I had where.  I put all the blue ray DVD's on the shelf above the TV and then unpacked the Cow Parade and realized that is where they go.  I am thinking I might put the Cow Parade on the new shelf John made me for Christmas.  Could be fun.  Hope I remember that is what I intend to do by the time we get the shelf up.

A lady came in today and bought Laura's tile that said:  You are the joy in my journey.  Cool Laura!  She also bought three sets of signs that say "Smile, Dream, Imagine" and had me wrap them for her.  I thought it was a neat idea to put them all in a cellophane bag with a bow.  I might think of doing that with a few others...

I remember once writing down 5 things every day I was grateful for.  I think I might challenge myself right now with that for as long as I can - let's do 3 things:
1.  Grateful for family
2.  Grateful for pictures I have of the Savior
3.  Grateful for morning scripture study...

Well until tomorrow.

2011 day 2

Well, it is already day 2 of 2011 - amazing.  I have made three resolutions for the new year - about the same 3 I make every year.

1. Tomorrow morning and every morning hence Jim and I will get up early enough to read scriptures (he is selecting either the D&C or the NT) and have family prayer.
2. Tomorrow I will start a new diet - looks like a pretty easy one but I don't know how much I will lose because it doesn't promise anything.  The key to it is healthy eating and that is what I need as much as anything.
3. I plan to write in my blog journal at least 4-5 times a week.  I would like to set the standard of every day and perhaps I can.  In the meantime I don't really want to set myself up to fail.  I find that I enjoy John's blog so much that I would like to try that too.
4. One more... pay tithing on time every month.  I have had a hard time with this the last two years, mainly because against my better judgement I have been juggling money around and will think I'll get it paid the next month.  For several months I haven't had any extra... I know better than that and I think this year I'll stay with the program.  It is a struggle no matter how many years go by.

Had a great season with the kids here and tonight seems pretty quiet.  I will try to get all the Christmas down tomorrow.  I am working on some new ideas for the shop and hope I can pull some things together that will keep it interesting.  We got some antique pillars yesterday and hope to connect them for some candle stands or something.  Also got some Coke bottles including one from the 2002 Olympics.  I think that might make a fun display.  This is Snowman month at the shop... have some cute pictures hanging and looking for more icy delights.