Been A While

I realize today as I sit and play Bejeweled that my blog has been ignored.  So here I am to update, more for me than anyone who reads I am usre of it.  Matthew has been home about three weeks.  I realize that he is a man now, not my little blonde boy.  I knoew this would happen to all of my children, but how strange for it to happen without you there.  His experience in the NAVY has been good and bad, but he grew up into a wonderful man!  I love him so very much!  We cooked breakfast today together, and he has become very handy in the kitchen.  Not just bachelor food, but his mates and he traded skills.  Also his musical talent has grown.  Some is the Heavey Metal type, YUCK!!! But when he plays Bob Marley or messes with his acoustic guitar there is such talent and peace.  He has even used the electric piano I bought to learn to play.  You may say to yourself, "I didn't know she played."  Well She doesn't, that is one bee in the bonnet that was squished before flight.  I was even thinking about selling it, but maybe I'll gift it to my son who does.  By the way, he plays by ear. 

James is in Argentina doing a wonderful job with the Lords work.  He had a baptism last week and and we thrilled.  He has seem many times the Lords hand in his mission so far.  His letters are him and yet there is a strength there that is amazing!  His spirit is so missed within the walls of this home, but I am happy to share it with those in South America.  He says his clothes are like tents and no one taylors in Chileanos, I think that is the town he's in.  We miss him daily but yet he is here.  It's hard to explain.  He was very insistant to take pictures when Matthew got home so here is a fammily photo, minus him of course.  So I can't or rather won't change the main photo until we are all together again. But here is what we sent him.

Great and scary news . . . .

I have signed up for a BA in Business at Stevens Henager College.  I an very anxius about the whole thing!

If I have any regrets of my life it is that I never got a degree, I quit to start the family and all that goes with that.  But now after a year and half without work, I find that the desire is here so I latched on!! I start o Monday!!! Yes that's right this Monday.  In 36 short months I will be a college graduate!!  I have a great support system and I know it will only add to my current 'real world' skills.  Something that I found I needed in the last year or so.  I will be more valued. By the employer that is, not to those who love me.  As I know they love me for who I am now.  On that thought, why are we so  hard on ourselves in our younger years?  I had such a low low self esteem, and I do say deal with it still.  But not as bad most days.  Why does the worlds opinion count to us?   I have grown closer to my Father in Heaven in the past few years and I have seem a side of me I am not proud of.  And now know that no matter what those who truly love you are there regardless.  So pishaw on the world and it's opinion!!!!! 

And can I just add I have the best husband in the world?  I do I really do, I feel for those of you who don't have him.  He is my strength and rock.     Even when I am mad with him, I know he is the best ever!!

Matthew

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

DATE!

Last Saturday evening Dana and I went on our first 'date' for quite some time.  We were going to a show.  Thanks to my most excellent friend at the hospital we were able to go out in December with a gift certificate she gave me, that was for our birthdays.  So this was a real thing.  I think we both kinda wanted to opt out, after a long day, a short shift at the hospital and the emotional up and down of having my nephew move out and my son move in fresh from the military, we were ready to chill, but we persisted!  I really really wanted to see BLINDSIDE.  Since we have waited so long it is at the Cinema 5, I think.  Never will we go to that theater! Their ATM was out of order, they do not take cards of anykind and luckly Dana had cash! Which we Never EVer Do!! so in we went.  The theater was full above so we sat right in the front of the above seating, better than it could've been but they seats practically laid us both back flat!  It was kinda funny to us big people sit then go back and be shocked!  It would've been a fun video ro look at in about 20 days.... or more.  The pre-views were going and we settled in, still miffed no popcorn or drinks could be had.  But as the movie began I was drawn in.  I love Sandra Bullock and laughed at The Proposal!! But this was something different...and wow did she pull it and Tim Magraw.  The young man who played Michael was especially gripping.  Such humblness and grace for a big guy.  I thouroughly enjoyed the time.  But wouldn't recommend the theater, maybe an off night??? I don't know but well we never carry cash all by debit.  So I guess we could plan ahead, but do any of you really know me???? Is this a stronge or even remote talent??? Pretty sure you are all shaking your heads no or laughing out loud.  But the date was nice.  I think we can make another few months without one.

Next.  Matthew loves meat! Well food really.  And he wanted to BBQ.  Dana is the best BBQer,, hmm is that a word? Probably not but it works.  So the boys spent Friday together and ran errands.  There is much Matt needs to do to leave the NAVY and be ready for school.  And they checked out Horlackers [sp] I know this isn't correct.  Five steaks one inch thick for $35.00. I thought pretty good. Dana said it didn't smell in there and the woman cut them, seasoned them and said they were tenderized.  When I arrived home at 5 they were very excited about the purchase! But the baked potatoes were still on the counter, washed and wrapped, I told them it takes a good 2 hours to get an excellent tato. No they said it will work.  Dana started the potatoes, 30 minutes later started the steaks.  All the while Whitney is trying to take 25 photos of Matt for her photo class.  I parked myself infront of bejewled.  Time progressed, steaks done, potatoes....needed at the very least 1/2 hour more, so we nuked 'em.  Well as we settled in to watch Couples Retreat for 'pizza and movie night' minus one meal for another, we decided this.  I you REALLY REALLY want a great great wonderful steak??? Horlackers is it!  So much better than anything I have ever had!!! And the tato was passable, add butter and sour cream yum!   We were all sosossoo stuffed! And left overs were just as good Saturday. 

It's an interesting thing how our lives ebb and flow, damn and run.  Mine is at a point I never imagined, but of course that would mean I had thought and planned ahead...again not a sttrong or remote talent I have.  I love and hate this stage all at once.

Oh and thrilled to have a full time position!! Working at Valley Office Systems, with my honey of 25 years!  Things are good. Life is good and God is great! Maybe pictures later???? Don't hold your breath hahah ;p