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
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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!
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.
Monday, January 17, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, January 14, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
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!
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!
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