Brace face

For all of you that wore braces and your parents fussed at you to floss, brush, floss, brush and repeat and repeat, and don't forget all the forbidden foods, well I apologize on their behalf. Big ouch! I've had them on two years and no one will say looks like they'll be off soon. At times they are a little claustrophobic, and knowing they would come off in two years gave me a deadline. They are so sore tonight, new wire and new chain all in one day. Feels like a couple are being slowly pulled out...I know suck it up! Guess that is how I will be eating the next few days..sucking it up. Enough said.

Dirt

When is the right time to clean under the washer and dryer and the refrigerator and the stove? If you are on the same schedule as I am...not too often.

Believe

We often hear this comment during the holidays. I think it is a good one for all the time and about many things. A simple word to encompass....well start believing and you'll figure it out.

Dinner with the stake president

How to have dinner with a stake president and his wife. I have two ways to do this, show up at my daughter's house for dinner when the inlaws are visiting. The second was to show up at Outback for an early dinner. We went to sit on the "wait here" benches. Right next to Pres and sis. After a few minutes of visiting, we were on a double date. Fun right? Yes it was. Old friends and very enjoyable.

charitable or sucker?

The other day I was on my trip to Goodwill to drop off some nice donations. I slowed in the parking lot and a lady ran up to my car. I only rolled my window down an inch. She asked if I had a couple of dollars she had come over here for a job interview and needed money to get home. I'm a sucker! I dig through my purse for a couple of dollars, all in change of course. Who carries cash these days?
I continue with my donations and as I pull out I see she is hitting up everyone in the parking lot.
Does that cheapen my donation? She is just begging for money, that probably is the job she was referring to.
I think I'll find a new place to donate, because I don't feel good about that experience.

Voting

Yes we have the right to vote and should do it every chance we get. However when you go to cast your vote today, take your coat, a bottle of water, and a snack. If you think you can't stand for 3 hours, take a chair, a book, or a craft item to work on. Take this opportunity to get to know your neighbors. You are all in the same boat and you can laugh about it with them.

Being not smart

When I was growing up, I thought shingles were on the roof of the house. I since have come to know that they are also uncomfortable pock marks that appear on your body and cause a high degree of discomfort. I wish I didn't have this first hand knowledge and have it repeatedly. The Rx is so expensive. They have a vaccine that is affordable if you can make it a year without an outbreak. As of this week I'm counting down again. Wish I weren't so smart on this subject.

Help! I'm addicted!

To swim suits that is. I have a bunch waiting and hanging ready to wear but as soon as I hear there are some on clearance I have to go and see what they have. I don't look that great in them, I guess I'm afraid I'll wear them all out in water aerobics class and not be able to go. You know I could even sew one, but the draw is so strong ... humph what to do? Well, go shopping of course!

Baby's names

Have you noticed the names people are naming their babies today? I embroidered a baby blanket today for a....."Gunther". Tell me when you look at the beautiful new little baby does he look like a GUNTHER? I sew for lots of different people and the names I come across...well somebody might read this whose name I would include so...I'm sure you've come across a few yourself. Admit it. One school I went to I couldn't spell one name. I think you are giving your child either a burden or a help by how you choose to identify them.

Walking on the Sunny Side

I was reading an article about raising a child who loves life. I was wondering if some of the same ideas could be used to be a happy adult. In a word, yes. Here are a few things I gleaned from it that I thought might be useful to me. The first and fairly easy to do, is have a strong sense of authentic gratitude and appreciate what the world offers free of charge. Lead the way by simply stopping what you're doing and express thanks for the moment. "Gratefuls" at bedtime, take a moment to reflect on the things you have to be grateful for every night.
Secondly, be a good listener without passing judgement.
Having a routine? I wondered about this with adults we seem to like adventure and variation in routine. However, there is a certain sense of security that comes from knowing things are a certain way and will be that way.
Failure...handling stress or disappointments, admitting mistakes, and changing direction are some of the most crucial skills for living a happy life. So we will not be successful at everything...kind of makes it possible to "Be Happy Without Being Perfect".
Whew, that is good to know cause perfection is not around the corner it is several miles away, but I can be happy and whistling as I stroll down the sunny (or shady) side of the street.

Be Kind, Be Gentle

My girls are familiar with this saying. They grew up with a large picture of Jesus Christ stuck on the refrigerator with this saying next to it "BE KIND, BE GENTLE". Today some special letters were read in RS, from a husband to his wife and family. He counselled then to be kind and to be gentle. Even as his life was in peril he advised his family to be kind and gentle to one another. What a wonderful example of how we should speak and act in our families. Family members pray for, comfort and strengthen one another. It is nice to know that someone else cares about us no matter what is going on around us. "Tongue cannot express the gratitude of my heart, for the warm and true-hearted friendship you have manifested in these things towards me."
Tender and beautiful words of the heart and important lessons for all in relationships. I am grateful for my family relationships and I intend to follow my advise I gave to my children, Be Kind, Be Gentle.

Birthdays

I went to my grandson's birthday party this morning. What fun! Construction party with a bunch of three year olds. :) It was very cute and it looked like they had fun. When do birthdays take on a different tone?

The Roof, The Roof, The Roof is on Fire!

I was reading an article this week. The woman was describing packing to evacuate her home and some of the stupid choices she made in the spur of the moment and not thinking clear. This, of course, started me thinking. So I pose the question, "what five personal items will make it out of danger with you?". No cheating, your children and spouse all are in the safe zone. "What five things are the most important THINGS you want to have with you and you couldn't stand if they were destroyed?"

My roof nor my house is on fire. But if they were, I'd like to think I might have given some thought to the process. So you ask, "what were my five things?" I'm still working on that. Like I said it just started me thinking, it's a process.

Peacegiver

I recently read a book, "The Peacegiver". I learned a lot. It is an excellent book about the atonement of Christ and how it can help us in our human relationships. Remember the person you are sitting next to is a child of God, the person that was rude to you at the store is a child of God, and the person you are mad at is a child of God. They are afforded the same forgiveness and acceptance as you are. If you hold the rod higher for them, then it will be higher for you.

This I think was the book that started the beginning my quest for a smiley attitude. THE QUEST, it is just that a work in progress. Well the book, and of course water aerobics. :)

Gratitude Attitude

Did you thank that person that gave the door a little extra shove for you to get through without getting a door in the face?
Do you thank your spouse for taking out the trash or getting the mail?
Do you thank your brother or sister for calling to check on you?
Do you take time to thank Heavenly Father for all you have? temporally? spiritually?
Do you every reflect on your life now as compared to 5 years ago? 10 years ago?
Have you ever said thank you too much?

I don't believe that can happen. If you look around you, even on bad days there are things to be grateful for. "Even if all you can say is, it could be worse". No matter how bad things look, it could be worse.

Rather than say it could be worse take the positive approach and be grateful for a bed, a roof, a meal, a job you don't care for (at least you have one). How about a tampon...now there is something to be grateful for. Be grateful to someone, anyone that helps you. People need to know they are appreciated, that what they do matters.

Remember life isn't "all about you". It is about your relationahips with others and how you treat them. It is easy to be nice and helpful to wonderful, warm fuzzies. The test comes when the fuzzies turn a little prickly. Can I still love and appreciate a cactus? If you don't what happens to the fuzzy within?

Be grateful, be helpful, be caring, be sharing, be good, be kind, be gentle,be humble, be smart, be prayerful, be like Christ.

Most of all BE GRATEFUL! Things look better from that side.

Be Bold

Be a bold force for good in the world!

When life is tearing you down, wearing you out, and stressing you out, and you are asking yourself what you should do, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

I took a few notes this weekend.

1. Avoid contention.
2. Don't judge others, you don't know their lives and challenges.
3. Be kind, be gentle.
4. Be meek, be loving, be humble.
5. Help the poor and lonely among us, there are many.
6. Be slow to take offense.
7. Have respect for others.
8. Christian courage is sometimes saying nothing.
9. Taking the high ground is safe ground.
10. Forgive those who trespass against us

I repeat be a bold force for good in the world!

Eeyore or Tigger

Are you an Eeyore or Tigger? Cheer Bear or Grumpy Bear? Angry, pessimist or optimist? That's what I'm talkin' about.

I would much rather be happy about things than to be grumpy. Life is so short and challenges are just that, challenges. Even if things are difficult to do or deal with they are much easier faced with a positive attitude and a smile.

Things I've found that help: exercise, fake it til I make it, not being afraid of failure (learning is good through success or failure), and yes even buying me a "treat" once in awhile. In this day of stress and turmoil, we can have inner peace and a Happy day.

Don't worry be happy! A little cliche but good advice.

Eeyore or Tigger

Today while the sunshines

Since it is raining here today, that is a weird topic! Except it isn't the "sunshine" I'm speaking of, this comes from within. I've been trying to be positive and looking for the good in most everything...I say most cause it is a work in progress. Try to not let others impact my day in a negative way, "water off a duck's back". Sometimes it is a smile through gritted teeth (fake it til yo make it). That inner happiness that seems to shine through onto everything. I like it!
Even the bad when it splatters onto my sunshine doesn't seem to be as bleak. Make your own choices and make the ones that make you and yours happy.
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Bridal Shower

The new thing among my friends at least is meeting at a restaurant, eating, opening gifts and visiting. Someone else picks up the tab, that was nice.
What is an appropriate gift for a bridal shower? Towels? Cookbooks? Lingerie? What differentiates between a shower gift and and wedding gift? More $$$$?
What about gift cards? If a couple has been living together for several years and decide to get married, what do you give them?
I was going to give monogrammed towels, my usual. However, today I went to a bridal shower and everyone gave her towels. Not monogrammed, but the useful kind. Does that make the wedding gift any less useful?
The food was good no one has to work except those who are at work already, they also take care of the clean up , etc. The games are gone (:)) Pictures add a nice touch and the stories about the couple.
And for the first time the bride and mother of the brides friends meet..interesting.

Epiphany

What is an epiphany? I guess you know it when you have one. Humph. Then what is the difference between an epiphany and a good idea? Is a good idea carrying a hurricane lamp or candle into a dark room or should you just jump into bed for a little extra r&r? Does the epiphany come into play when you realize you don't have to do anything when the lights go out?
My epiphany was when Saturday came around I didn't have to do work that needed to be done, and that I could take the day off and PLAY. Now there was a new experience!
You ask what did you do to play? I'm not telling. You get to have your own epiphany. Just don't wait until you are my age.
For crying out loud, I'm a Recreation major. I guess I forgot how to have some fun amongst all the work that constantly needs to be done.
After all my travels this summer and this new epiphany, who knows what will happen to me!

World Traveler

Not really but the past month, I've been to Idaho, Oregon, Arizona and back to South Carolina. No matter how much fun I had, it is always great to be home. I like my bed, my refrigerator, my computer (and keyboard)and water aerobics.
I realize that being home means work, work and more work. But hey somebody has to do it.
But during my travels, I have reconnected with my brother and sister and enjoyed the company of many other family members. Speeding down the middle of the river on jet boats and flying over the sand dunes on 4 wheelers....whew, like I said I had a bunch of fun. Even sitting and visiting is quite the treat.
Vacationing is fun! I think I might try some more of it.

Destroy the evidence

My beloved grandmother passed away this past week. As we were sorting through her things, new info about her life was revealed to all in the room. Grandma eloped at age 18. Other sorted details are for family only.

So if you think you may be leaving mortality anytime in the near future and you have secrets. Destroy the evidence now!

Breaking News..Huber Heights Flu hits South Carolina

Share and share alike that's what I say. Of course, unless you are talking about germs that make you puke and .... . It is picking us off one at a time. What does that say about our immune system? We were all exposed at the same time, however we've all gotten it on different days. I will never go there again!

Cleaning or lack of

Does anybody know how to clean a house really good? It has gotten so bad I save the merry maid ad list of tasks they do, so I will know what I need to clean. Life gets in the way of a spotless house. I'm not sure I want to do much about that. Before children everything was cleaned and spotless, life has taken on a different glow or layer of dust I should say. Hope no one is allergic. Got to go make an attempt.

Challenge

Life is full of little frustrations. All of which we can learn from. We can learn to be frustrated and upset or knuckle in and take care of things. Life here on earth is a proving ground. We have the freedom to do with as we will.
I see my young grand children constantly testing the line, so a teaching ground can take place in their homes. Allowing their parents to teach them to pray and to love. It is wonderful to see. Yes, even the challenging days. They're all wonderful to me.
As adults, we are expected to just suck it up. Of course, with a Christ like attitude. I've been doing a lot of reading lately about the temporal experience and dealing with the frustrations of life. I even had opportunity to tell someone the other day, "you can do anything for 3 months, it's going to be over and then on with other things". If that is the case, then all things are for our good and learning and growth.
No matter how long the frustrations of life beat you down you only have to get up one more time. Sometimes that is easier said than done. But the only alternative is not an option.
I've come to know that life is full of challenges and each individual has their own challenges and growth that needs to be done. All in all, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His true church can help us rise above the human experience and face it all with a smile. Sometimes I have to fake it until I make it, but that is OK too.

Tired!

My daughter tells me my blog is tired and needs a face lift. Sounds like I have a lot in common with it. I didn't do this the first time. So...!

Water Aerobics!

The pool is open again and I'm back to water aerobics. I think it is my favorite form of exercise. I can do it and not be sore for days. The moves are simple enough that you can do all the moves and degree of difficulty is only determined by yourself. You can really kick your own butt! If there is a class, I'll be there.

Twirly skirts

Remember the day back in the early 90's I guess when twirly skirts with leggings were all the rage? My youngest daughter had an entire closet/drawer full of "twirly skirts". She "had" to wear them everywhere. I remember this one time when she was 4 or 5 and we were at a swim team banquet and she did not have on a twirly skirt. You say, "so?"
Swim team banquet includes music and dancing after awards are handed out. The music began and all the kids and adults started to dance except "twirly girl" (we will call her). When I tried to encourage her to participate, she told me she couldn't dance. I answered yes you can just try and she insisted she had to have her twirly skirt to dance....
Yes, I went home to get a twirly skirt and guess what she can dance and twirl. She hasn't stopped dancing yet. As she got older she changed her dancing skirts for some blue and white stripes. :)
This same twirly girl came home for some time this summer and I was making her some dresses and yes out of her mouth came, "I want the skirt to be flowy on the bottom." Sounds like she is in the mood for some twirly skirts again.
So twirly skirts for the twirly girl!

Happy Birthday physcokity!

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Happy birthday to you! It's a party , a party coming your way. A once a year occasion. It's a party, a party a birthday celebration...........Happy 25 th! We love you great big bunches. a quarter of a century old. whew!

Hurray for you! Hurray for me! Hurray, it's time to pee!

Have you ever been cheered by a two year old for "peeing in the potty"? Or perhaps promised a treat for having done so? Yesterday Papaw was followed into the back bathroom and watched until he was finished. That was followed by a great big cheer and a job well done. The two year old then promised Papaw a piece of candy for going "peepee on the potty. Good boy Papaw!

More sunshine

Everyone should get to enjoy two, two year old boys trying to potty train and share their favorite toys. It makes me smile.

It is so nice to enjoy grandchildren. They are so sweet. Maybe it's cause grammy has lots of treats.

No, I think they just are my heart.

Sunshine

Sunshine comes in more than one form. The one we feel on our skin when outside, the one we turn our face to to feel the sunshine on our face, the one the weather man talks about, but I had a different form of sunshine this week.

I picked up my granddaughter and drove her to preschool. On the way I asked her what she would like to do after school today (it was 8:30 am). she quickly responded with " I would like to get banana splits" and then proceeded to tell me about her first one on her fifth birthday. While waiting in line to drop her off she told me "Mom lets me sit in the front and listen to the music, so I can move to the music like this." (she rocks from side to side).

When I went back to pick her up, she said " I know the way to Target from preschool" so of course we headed straight there. We found "makeup", lots of glitter included. We found cute shoes, swimsuits and a few other things. Grammy is a sucker for them as well.

We then found our selves in the snack bar with pretzels and icees.

Next on the agenda I was thinking about heading to her house. She wanted to go to Grammy's house. She said the boys are going potty all day. So Grammy's house it was.

Followed by her favorite "Tom and Jerry" cartoons, lots of giggles inserted here with snacks and lounging around like she owned the joint.

I found out she "hates" it when Mom says"what did you do in school today?" I asked her why and she responded with I can't remember everything. So we had a conversation with specific questions to help prompt her memory. That is a fun time. Dress up is her favorite (shocker). We also discussed erosion. Every five year old should have a working knowledge of that.

All in all a very successful day of 5 year old activities. We all could do with a few more of those.

Provident Living...

What does that mean? Well according to webster online it means making provision for the future, prudent, frugal, saving. Today I went to the church cannery and canned dry good for food storage. It was fun. We probably would have been there the whole day but they were out of all the staples: wheat , flour, sugar, and milk. So I ventured my provident living skills in new and interesting directions. The items have the freshness packets put in. Keeps most items fresh for 30+ years, so I've got time to figure out how to use some of them.
Are you really being frugal if you buy things you don't ordinarily use? Are you being prudent saying well we can eat it if we have to? I let someone else take my share of the onions! It was so much fun I think I'll make trips to develop more provident living. There goes the whole frugal part of the plan. Apple slices are Yummy!

Remodeling

The bathroom is done. It's been done for a while, but I'm just now getting to the pictures. My favorite daughter took the pictures and uploaded them for me. She's also going to teach me how to do it... she's the best. We also had the kitchen floor redone...