Christmas Folow up

So the picture above is of my father and his wife Kathy.  I shot a photo of our Christmas dinner table setting...I used dishes my wonderful sister sent up from Vegas and in the larger one was the best roast EVER!!! Above is the tree before demolition, and thanks to some mystery elves the girls had a much nicer christmas!! How grateful we were, such generosity!! And now to the right is; Carolyn [step sister], Me ugh!! My sister Kaisa, who lives in Wyoming and Kim who is a half sister.  It was a great sister shot.  I have a step sister in Vegas who is my Step Dad's.  We are only 6 months apart and have become great friends!! This is her family at her oldest daughters graduation.

                                   I have a huge varied family and love them all!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas!! Wow I can't believe it is CHristmas morning 2009 . . .  2010 is right around the corner!  Mind boggling.  I am working, again, and updating.  I have listened to Christmas music most of the 24th and through the shift here at the hospital.  What beautiful sentiments and peace.  Maybe this year I will listen to it year round, to keep the thoughts of Christmas alive all year.  How sad it is that we are so mankind oriented this time of year and it seems to get lost somewhere in the Spring. 

The other night Melissa performed the Hannah Montana Hoedown Throwdown.  She has bee practicing it for Dana and I's birthdays.  It was so cute!! I used her phone to video tape it, but am challenged that I have no idea how to upload it here.  I may try to do that when I get home.  Anyway it was so cute and she was so proud!! 

****Oh and can I just say the TexasRoad House has the absolutely BEST food around???? The steak was to DIE for!!!!! *** First date since ~ well I can't remember.  How sad is that?
                                     :(
It will be a different and has been a different Christmas this year.  With both boys gone it has seemed empty.  Dana told me yesterday he just 'hasn't felt it this year'.  I know that feeling, but it has been other years.  I simply didn't care and went through the motion.  But well we are all allowed these moments.

Our Christmas Eve consisted of our traditional "Teach the Children" story with props, but we skipped the light viewing, no one really wanted to go.  But the girls are still excited for Santa.. none of us should out grow this wonderful reminder of family, love, unity and brotherly love!  
I hope to hear from James today, as he will be leaving the country soon, I pray his holiday has been special.  Matt spent it alone, his choice I guess.  Didn't want to intrude on his mates' family time.  So like his father he is.  

And to leave this update for more to come with pictures ~ For unto us a child is given, unto us a child is born!!  From the Messaih my absolute favorite music for this season!  

YAY Nails!

Okay so I completely know that being excited to have nails on is vain and soooo girly, but well I love them!!  They are a gift form my Nephew and his girl-friend. Chrishel Harris did them [that's the girl friend]  I love her to death!! I wish one of my boys would've found her . . . yet neither one of them is ready so it is what it is!! hahahaha.
The Christmas season has been very downplayed this year.  With both boys gone, a new area and jobs.  We of course have not been able to do much.  With the help of some great people it has been made very special. 
I get to work Christmas Eve, but will be home Christmas Day for 'the MTC call' !!!! YAY!  It will be welcome yet very hard.  His letters are wonderful and he has worked so hard in the mTC and will be heading south in about 17 days providing the VISA comes through.  I bet he is anxious, nervous and just wanting to move forward. 
Matt also is heading into some changes, one being ~ being done with the NAVY.  He will be done FEbruary 18th 2010.  Now that is weird to type !  He is excited, I doubt if nervous at all, just excited!!  We are too!!
I believe I have Christmas locked up, now to wrap. Oh and a few candy treats!

 Again it is small but really what is the season about?
The Savior,   HIS gift to us,   Love and family. 
Everything else could be considered overkill.

Tomorrow is the Casterline side Christmas party... I am excited to go and see all the family.. I will take photos to share there are 7 children all married with 3 of the grandkids married. And lots of cousins . . . It gets very crazy!! Then we plan to go to Temple square to see the lights!!  I am excited it has been a long while since we have done that.

WORK

So as a young child I knew work would be a part of life.  It didn't mean i liked it only accepted it.  I absolutely HATED Saturdays as my mother wasn't working out of the house, but in it.  I never knew it took two whole entire hours to clean a bathroom ! ! What kind of a person does this ? ?  The only reprieve was when my grandparents might visit . . . I loved these visits as I loved my Grandmother!! And of course mom mysteriously cheered up!  My grandmother was a bundle of energy and fun, always quick with a little jingle or yodle.  She had the softest cheeks and a heartwarming smile.  And made the absolutely best  pumpkin pie, potato salad, yams and steamed carrot cake! YUMMY YUMMY... oh digress sorry anyway; I am here at work.  Waiting for the phone to ring at Logan Regional Hospital.  And I am pondering work.  There is all kinds of work, some you HAVE to do, some you want to do, some you love to do . .  well you get the picture.  I have put in several hours in the last few days here and I don't mind really as it helps us pay those nasty bills, but I wonder do I like this work? Do I fit in this work ?  How lucky you are if you can say you love your job.  When people ask me what i do my immediate response is either 'paper pusher' or 'mother of 4' .  I think I enjoy the mother part far more than the paper pusher part.  I know I didn't enjoy my little ones near as much as I could've as we were ALWAYS worried about bille and if we'd make it.  As we literally live from paycheck to paycheck, if there is any extra at all it just doesn't seem to cover those things you put off until you can afford them.  We still literally live paycheck to paycheck.  So I work these hours to help out.  My wonderful husband works so hard and I think he doesn't enjoy his work so much as he is good at it and competent.  We could've over the years worke extra jobs, both of us, but have CHOSEN our family over the  'extra'.  As I sit here in the quiet I am grateful for the jobs we have, especially as I was without one for so long.  But even more grateful for the choice of living paycheck to paycheck to have our family as close as we are.  They are why and I WORK , but hopfully know I live for them.  Much love to you guys mema ;p

Hip hip Horray for Christmas Lights and Snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yahoo!

Yahoo!

? pErFeCtLy gRaTeFuL ?

So my wonderful friend Amanda got me initially hooked on this blogging stuff.  And by default I now 'stalk blog' . . . what is that you ask? Well from friends I know who blog, I check out who they follow.  This has led me on an interesting journey.  I discovered that people of all walks of life have the same problems i do. . . who would've thought? !?!  And it has led me to many of my new friends, I get to see how much their lives are like and unlike mine.  So many LOVE being mothers.  I wonder did or do I?  I'd like to think so.  It seems my 'younger' years were taken up just muddling through.  Was I excited to spend time with them?  Watch them play?  Cook for them?  Sadly I didn't journal then and no there wasn't 'blogging' then.  Ans no dinosaurs did not roam the earth then either. ;)  I wish I had some of those times down somewhere . . . better late than never! 
I also spent this morning between a gajillion calls at work perusing a blog by Stephanie.  She blogged and then was in a plaine crash and now has rezumed her blogging.  What a woman!! Her strength and honesty. . . I love it.  Again I wonder would I have the courage she does?   The will to move forward or would I sink into one place and disappear?  I pray to God I never have to know. 
Well my Navy boy has about 71 more days to go!!! Woot Woot!  It is coming so fast and I wish it faster.  For him and I eventhough he will move on to Arizona for school.  That is the plan.  But a few months before he will be ours once again.  My Missionary is great and a District Leader in the MTC now.  Still worried about the language.  But he has faith and God on his side.  What a wonderful time for him and those he is blessed to serve!   Melissa, hmm is Melissa ~ she continues to volunteer two hours a day if I don't work day hours, at teh day care.  Listens to music and is obsessed by Facebook and those she can chat to.  It has opened her life a bit.  Whitney is a 17 year old adult.  I love her to pieces and count my friend as well as daughter.  We can talk and look at guys . . .shhhhh. .  . and hang out doing nothing.  Those are great times for me!  Even when I am tired I love having her there watching tv.  She hates school, wants to be done with it and the stupid people.  Honey the world is filled with stupid people. . . sadly. And at times we all could be classified as stupid even if we don't admit it.   My husband is an angel walking the Earth.  god broke tha mold with him.  He cares for us all, is tender yet tough and carries the priesthood proudly.  He has worked the same type of job for over 30 years ! ! ! OMG not many can say that and he deals with me, we all know this is a fulltime job.  And I love him more today than I did 25 years ago. Imagine that! 
So am i grateful YES YES YES!!! Do I show it? Probably need more practice . . . which one day will make it PERFECT~

Christmas Lights!!!

YAY for Christmas Lights!!  Dana [not necessarily willingly] and I put up the outside lights!  James has done them the last few years as we both were Grinches, but once we both got out there Dana thawed and it looks great!  As usual I didn't get pictures of them going up as the camera seems to stay safe in its case more often than not. But I will add them, when it is dark, and I can get a good shot.  I am really looking forward to a white Christmas.  Palm trees just don't say Christmas, even if that is how it was when our Savior was born.  Remember we are all wise men/women that should be seeking him always!!!

HaPpY ThAnKsGiViNg!!!

It is early Friday mornig . . I imagine the smart people are snuggled warm in their beds.  The really really crazy ones are anxiously awaiting the ding of the alarm waking them for the day of 'combat shopping'.  Now really is there anything worth getting up at 3 in the morning, freeze your patoot off and brave the 'crowds' for?? I vote no!! Even a Hell No!.!.  Now I realize there are some die hards that would argue, but I will alow them their opinion . . . such as it is.  ;p 

Thursday was a wonderful day!  The thyme and lemon turkey was perfect as was the pies and all accompanying good food!  Our guests consisted of Granda and Grandpa Poeker, my 'oldest' sister Kaisa and her hubby Richard, Whitney, Melissa, Dana and I.  It was a very calm visit.  My sister and I haven't had Thanksgiving together in many years so that was a treat in it's self.  We both had cameras ready ~ but neither of us 'thought' to get them out DUH!!!  She pulled it out and got about 3 shots of her and I and mom.  I didn't even get one of the table with the amazingly BUSY table cloth I purchased on sale even!  But the cute cute place cards were a hit.  I did them on my cricket, which I need to utilize more as it cost a bundle, but is sooooo fun.  We did a quick 9x13 name engraving for Kaisa even.  Again no picture.  I need to get in the habit as this will be the place it all gets 'remembered'.  Thank Heaven for Facebook and Blogs . . . crazy what we lean on these days.

I could now start to list what I and Thankful for ~ but won't as the list is long.  There is just so much!!  On the low side I truly missed my boys today.  They are safe and were cared for, but not by me.... I guess now we gear up for Christmas!! My absolutely FaVoRiTe HoLiDaY!

I have added pictures of the things I could***

A thankful heart

It is the day before Thanksgiving, and with all the changes in my life this year I have much to be thankful for. 
 A loving husband, strong children both in spirit and physical strength. 
I am so grateful for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 
I feel my Saviors love all around me and in every part of my life, He truly knows who I am, my name and my needs.  He hears my pleas. . .  

I have a great home with people inside who I love and love me. It keeps us warm and protected from the outside world in many ways. 

I am grateful for my crazy family tree and ALL the extended people it includes, those people are the ones who have made me who I am today.  I have much to accomplish yet, but have accomplished much beacause of them. 
I am grateful for prayer, the scriptures that were written so so many years ago; yet still have true meaning in todays world.  The caos that surrounds us makes sense through study and prayer. 

As this holiday season gets rolling I want to share my love to all I meet, and hope that I can convey in some small way, that to you.  I hope we all can remember the great and small things that are ours and to bless others as we have been blessed.

Mishmash of thought . . . .

So again I am at work, this seems to be the time to put things on the blog.  Maybe it's the quiet hum of the air vents that gets my brain to rolling. . . regardless here is the latest.   James has been gone two weeks now.  I have adjusted pretty well.  My nephew moved into the room 3 days after he left, but with work and a girlfriend we rarely see him.  Go figure.  Ah to be young ~ NOT! hahaha  His Chrishel is a sweetheart and he is lucky to have found her.  All of the letters and emails from James indicate he is loving the mission so far.  He is enjoying the spirit he feels and absolutly LOVES the Provo temple.  I am glad, I never really cared for the looks of it.  i don't know why, it is just like the Odgen and I never cared for it either.  I prefer the 'old' style I guess.   Of course they are all beautiful inside.  And unique in their own right.  Anyway, I am not to worried about him.  He will do great!  Now when he leaves the country? 

That is another hurdle I think . . .  He sent some great pictures and I of course don't have them with me so I will add them later.
Melissa is doing well with his absence.  I was concerned since the girls haven't really gotten along EVER!  But they both seem to have stepped up to the plate and actually talk more and nicely! Bonus!!  She has taken residence up downstairs on the big TV instead of in her room.  She likes the big screen she said.  And she still takes her walks and has her constant ipod comapnion.  Thank heaven for that!  When it was cd's she literally hammered the crud out of them. 
Whitney is doing well.  I have accepted the fact that she is like Matthew.  Very selective of her friends and doesn't want any drama.  She watches so much on TV I worried a lot about that.  However she just told me that it shows her how nice her life is and how screwed up some people can get.  Pretty mature for her age.   "If they would just talk" she says... so maybe her father and I have taught the children something ? !  I'm going with that thought!  Her and I still get along so great!  I love to hang with her.  She's fun to talk to and tease, but I callit 'character buliding' and body does she have character! ;p  We are going to the New Moon movie in the morning.  It will be great and hopefully I will be awake and be able to enjoy it.  She is so inlove with Jacob.  He is great eye candy that's for sure. 
Dana has ben in Irvine, CA this last week for school.  He has done well, it is frustrating he said because he doesn't retain like he used to and blames it on age.  He has been missed.  But I love having the KING bed all to myself!! Well and two tiny dogs who sleep like two year olds, who knew thay coud take up so much room?  We have talked daily, and it reminds me how much I love his voice, his chuckle and wisdom.  I haven't missed FOX though.  I guess I need to suck it up as He comes  home tomorrow. 
I have been working quit a bit, which is nice for the paycheck!  I don't mind really either.  I have worked several day shift and that sure teaches you more than at night when you might hit 7 calls.  I feel a bit more confident.  I have felt so great the last few days. I don't know if it's the new medicine I have or what, but it is nice!  I actually feel like doing things.  I have been tatting wreaths and angels for our Christmas cards and started to cut out the cards today.  I need more paper before I can finish though.

 I got some excellent news from Matthew this week.  His terminal leave was approved and will be done with the NAVY on February 18, 2010!!!! Then he will be home!  I can't wait it makes me feel like a kid at Christmastime.  I know he wants to go to school in AZ.  But to have him back closer is wonderful!!  He will mis James' departure by only days, he wasn't happy about that, but what do you do?    I am addicted to  Dr. Pepper again and a silly game on Facebook, which by the way I LOVE!! The game is Bejewled - it is crazy I can play for literally hours!!  Whitney calls it my mistress . . . I am sure that isn't good but I choose to ignore it. :)  Whew this is long.  I better get on more often I guess no one wants to read all this! Maybe that will be a better goal than beating 200,000 on the game ? ?  We'll see how that works.  .  . 

Mission

This morning as I sit here at work I am reflecting on this past weeks events.  The biggest being I sent my third born on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  What a wonderful yet bittersweet day that was.  He has worked so hard just to go.  Since April 2009 he has lost 70 pounds!  He was over the limit for his height by 50; yet he went the extra 20.  There were so many times that he could've just decided not to go.  Some leaders weren't that supportive to him, working out is difficult, watching everything you eat and the list goes on.  But as I watched him and we prepared his stuff to go a wonderful thing happened to our family.  His actions of rising to the occasion boosted us to rise to the occasion.  Not that we're hethens per se', just meeting the bar as he did.  We have gained an understanding of how important God is in our lives and how much he knows about us, our needs and desires.  He knows our names.  As mind boggling as that is, we found this to be true.  On the night of him being set apart he was blessed with so many wonderful things, strengths that will get him through the tough times.  We were all comforted that night, as our hearts and minds were filled with love for our maker.  And of course for my son!!  He will be laboring in the Cordoba, Argentina mission.  At first I was very worried about him going to a third world country. As any mother would be I think; yet those are the people he will love and teach.  I know this.  As I watched him over the past four months to prepare ~ he is ready to serve them, learn the language and teach how much our Heavenly Father loves them.  
So as I contemplate this past week I am happy, comforted and content. 

Now that my focus is nolonger on moving, mission preparations or finding a job, I am at a loss as to where to focus my energy.  Don't get me wrong there is plenty of projects and things to be done, but don't you find the 'mood has to strike'? ?  So where the mood will take me is unknown right now, but I am sure it won't take long for something to grab me! 

Good Morning all!  I think my body is used to this night

stuff; however, my day stuff suffers, but becuase I have a wonderful family who cares about each other they have all pitched in and helped out!  The laundry was done while I slept Saturday.  I didn't even get dressed.  I have been very tired, i am wondering if I need more vitamin B. . .   As soo as insurance kicks in I will get to a Dr. and be checked.

I officially have been stressing about my baby James leaving.  I know with all my heart he is ready, chomping at the bit really to get out and start working for the Lord.  He is a true example to me.  Funny how much we learn from those we raise.  Probably more than they from us. 

I believe I am officially addicted to Dr. Pepper AGAIN!! Argh!!! and Bejewled! That game just sucks you in, I think I played for almost two hours the other day.  Good thing the kids are pretty much self sufficient.  Although I did have a whole week of homemade meals about 2 week ago. . . sad to report, they have REALLY tapered off. Although I did make a food storage soup yesterday, I added chicken bullion, chicken and corn, and all ate it but Melissa who opted for cold cereal. No surprise, she definately has amind of her own.

I lost a very dear friend this last summer, out of the blue Heavenly Father calledd her home and left three beautiful daughters and husband behind.  I have had the blessed oportunity to get to know them a bit better and my oh my they are wonderful.  I know they muct have very hard times, but their spirit is so strong!! So much like their mother, who helped me through a child development trial [Melissa] and just life.  We would take the kids to the wasde parks and hand out and we sang together in a group in Rock Springs.  I miss her terrible.  She was the friend you could call two years apart and feel like it was just yesterday and just fine . . .  Of all the people I know she is a TRUE Angel in Heaven.  Love you Barb!

Sunday 11, 2009

So. . . last Sunday October 11, 2009 was James' farewell. He doesn't leave until the 4th of November. But due to the size and missionary activity in our ward this was the closest we could get for him. He was very nervous! More for his talk, which is ironic since he does a wonderful job.

Then he was concerned about the time. . . .as they gave him 10 minutes. The final time was 8 and half! I assured him no one would sit there with a stop watch!! He did a terrific job and his father teared up only two sentences in. I told him he better buck up as I had no tissues. Stupid me as I was going to need them! ! I know how hard this young man has worked to get just this far. He has lost 67 pounds since April! And he is tired of 'waiting' he wants to get on with it. I have no doubt that he will go and love the people, the teaching, and all it entails. After he spoke the youth of our ward sang 'As sisters in Zion/Helamans Warriors' . Coincidently it is his favorite song and the group is large and the spirit was very strong.

After we did the 'traditional' family feast! I got a great meat/cheese from Lee's; at the suggestion of Amanda THANK YOU!! it was huge and great!! We had a BBQ beef sandwich, chips, and pies.

I forgot to put out the tomatoes until most were done eating as well as the chips and forgot to put peas in the broccoli salad! Oh and napkins so we used the ever popular and super absorbant paper towel!

Of course no one could've cared less except the hostess. . . We worry about the strangest things. I have included some random pictures but since I spaced so much I totally spaced family group shots. Don't you hate that?? Then you think next time and someones always missing and it is interesting those that FREAK at the sight of a camera. . . kinda funny! ;p

I was so appreciative of those who made their way north to support James. My mother, Bernd, my father and Kathy, Loren, Amy, Brad, Chrishel, Kim, Jason, Lexi, Logan, Megan, Richard, Debbie, Jacob and Danny! And my crew!! We had great visits and this was my first family event in the 24 years my husband and I have been married!! We have always lived away and traveled to what we could but never really held one as most couldn't travel to us.

I was in bed by 6ish as I had been up since 11 am the previous day with a brief nap in between. I worked Saturday night, then just stayed up to get things ready! I never could've done it without the hlp of my Angel hubby Dana!!! He certainly has earned his wings!!!

October 2, 2009

Good Morning!!!
I am currently trying to stay focused, I am at work and about done in 1 hour 45 minutes. . . it is 4:43 am. So I just checked Facebook and my eldest is 'drinking and jammin' I know how hard the Navy has been for him, but it has been so hard on him. How do i reconcile my beliefs with his choices? I know I love him unconditionally, but want to beat the crud out of him for his choices. It must be how Heavenly Father feels about us when we make some of the choices we do I guess. I hope and pray when he leaves that atmosphere he is able to return to his 'roots'. James has complete faith that he will. He told me one day we all will be in the temple together. I pray he is right, he says he knows his brother. It was a very touching moment. It is something to attend that most sacred of places with your child. Such peace and comfort!

On to funner things, I made two cute magnetic tic tac toe boards today for gifts! I may keep one. LOL I also have made several tatted wreaths for Christmas! Can you believe it is right around the corner??? I cannot. Of course Halloween, Thanksgiving first, but I think this is the earliest I have EVER started even thinking about it. So kudos to me! :)

Dana is doing well in his job, he worries if he will be able to keep up with the technology with copiers now days. Did you know they have bluetooth in them now?? Well they do! He has to go to Pocotello today to get his van fixed. It is an hour and 45 minutes away, kinda like going to Sandy to my Mothers, but he really doesn't want to drive it. I don't blame him. He is going to ride with one of the other techs to get some OJT. It will be good.

This week were Whitney's 17 birthday and Melissa's 22nd!!! I am astounded. . . Whitney has been sick all week, what a way to celebrate and Melissa felt jipped because her bike earlier last month was her gift. I can't win for loosen that is for sure. I hope to make it up to them both, but who remembers birthday celebrations; unless you go ALL out and I mean ALL out??? Sorry girls your folks are simple folks. . . .

I am enjoying being home with them in the daytime, but it is hard to get the sleep I need. I have applied elswhere, but jobs just aren't plentiful. I am considering going back to school, but that takes money. It is that Catch 22 thing! With James going out and upcoming health insurance things will be tight! I guess it is comforting to know we all are in the same boat. At least I hope we are??? Sounds bad but company would be nice in this boat.

Well to my friends and family bless you all for the presence you are in my life! I am who I am because of you and I feel very blessed indeed!!! Have a wonderful October 2009!!

September 25, 2009

Good Evening!! I have spent this day with my son, dogs and daughter. Melissa has a cold and has been home for two days. She seems to be feeling better. James wanted cookies, pulled the 'Come on I won't be here much longer to do this' card - MEN! And took a nap. I kinda know how a cats life is. Until I start work tomorrow night. . . haha
Not to many followers as of yet, but it wil come. I found out I have two friends coming to tah in the next month!! I am so happy!!! One just an 45 minnutes away and one about 5 hours! But what great moves forthem and their families! I know the situations and this will make them happy. I believe I am driving to my mother tomorrow to go to a gem fair, it will be a surprise for her . . . so hopefully no heartattack!!! She isn't frail, but one never knows LOL. I have a new puppy. She is Snickerdiidles a chiuaua, so cute and smart! rose the poodle really has her nose up in the air about it. Old fart that she is. Next weekend is UEA I think, so Whitney has a four day weekend. It will be nice for 17th birthday. 17 man my baby is 17????? I hope Dana and I still love each other when the 'kids are gone'??? ;P No worries I am ure we will and still do!!
So I have been thinking about going back to school . . . a lot. I can't seem to decide. One with a missionary we won't have the funds for me only him, time isn't an issue, really. Scared? Maybe I just don't know what to do?? Something productive yes - but what? Anyon who knows me, any suggestions?? Regular college or a tech or on line??? So many choices these days.
I went to a big Relief Society event last night. So much fun, lots of crafts, food and visiting! Great ideas and people! I was impressed with the turn out and the spirit. All were so willing to try and do. I didn't feel alone or strange for a change~ wow that rhymes. scary ~~~~
Well my family is hungry and thinks its my job to feed them . . . imagine the nerve!! :) Thanks for joining me again! Please add your thoughts or leave a tag for your blog.

Hmmm, well I have never blogged before. So it will be interesting. There are so many ways to keep in touch with people or vent or whatever now, kinda cool! So I am trying this to see . . .

It is VERY VERY early 4:20am on Monday morning September 21, 2009. I am manning my post at Logan Regional Hospital. I answer the phones and route calls, monitor the alarms and security cameras. Of course I work graves hence the early part!! I have learned how to do tatting the past couple of night, it is very interesting and fun, keeps my hands busy when reading or music puts me to sleep [haha] just kiddin'. The phones are pretty quiet this time of night, but sleeping isn't an option!

It is getting chilly in the mornings here. 50* when I came in at midnight. I am looking forward to fall colors and even the snow!! Yes I say that now. . . I can now wear sweaters and sweatshirts my favorite winter attire.

I enjoyed my Sunday, slept most of it. The body just gives out with the crazy hours! You don't really get it until you work 'em! The ward choir sang, the missionaries spoke on service/friendship/missionary work [of course]. It was a nice meeting. I seem to enjoy them a bit more nowdays. Age? Feeling better? Kids birthdays making me feel old? James leaving to serve for two years? Matt coming home in six months? Could be any number of things. Whatever the reason I am grateful. It is sad to say that this doesn't happen until you are 'mature' so to speak, I could have used this interest as a young adult! Why is that? What makes us that way? We are indestructable at that age and know everything, then we get here and realize we don't have it all together?? Kinda bites!!!! ;p

So I will do more next time and from home to personalize this page. Thanks for checking in!!

HAPPY WEEK!!!!!!!