Open Season - Elliot sings/Cherish's

Cherish –
A term used when describing how one who doesn’t know the words, still sings like crazy and with feeling. This word was invented one day when the song “cherish” came on the radio and my mother sang loud and strong even though the word "CHERISH" was the only word she knew. Here’s an example:

Cherish –
A term used when describing how one who doesn’t know the words, still sings like crazy and with feeling. This word was invented one day when the song “cherish” came on the radio and my mother sang loud and strong even though the word "CHERISH" was the only word she knew. Here’s an example:

Did she really just yell that?

Lindsey and I stopped to grab a diet coke half way through our errands today and got quite an earful from a group of four ladies next to us.  They all looked like  were  in their early thirties and were wearing matching uniforms so we assumed they were on a lunch break. 


Because we were sitting only an arms length away we couldn't help but hear the discussion taking place next to us.  They were talking about how things could get "out of hand" on a date and a cute Blonde girl was getting a bit loud.  I think she was challenging the opinion of her brunette friend because all of a sudden she yelled "FORNICATION LEADS TO FERTILIZATION!!" 
Lindsey and I started laughing and had to leave.  It was a memorable diet coke moment!

Lindsey and I stopped to grab a diet coke half way through our errands today and got quite an earful from a group of four ladies next to us.  They all looked like  were  in their early thirties and were wearing matching uniforms so we assumed they were on a lunch break. 


Because we were sitting only an arms length away we couldn't help but hear the discussion taking place next to us.  They were talking about how things could get "out of hand" on a date and a cute Blonde girl was getting a bit loud.  I think she was challenging the opinion of her brunette friend because all of a sudden she yelled "FORNICATION LEADS TO FERTILIZATION!!" 
Lindsey and I started laughing and had to leave.  It was a memorable diet coke moment!

A sigh of Relief

I have to add how thankful I am that my sister didn't get the terrible news we all thought she would get from the doctor today.  Just the thought of her going through that kind of a health issue sent me into a panic attack.  I've lost enough family members.  I don't want to lose another.  So thank you, thank you and thanks again for all the prayers. 

I have to add how thankful I am that my sister didn't get the terrible news we all thought she would get from the doctor today.  Just the thought of her going through that kind of a health issue sent me into a panic attack.  I've lost enough family members.  I don't want to lose another.  So thank you, thank you and thanks again for all the prayers. 

What I am thankful for this week....

1. 

I have to start with how sincerely grateful I am that our friends and loved ones in Christchurch, New Zealand were not hurt in the earthquake that hit NZ on Tuesday.  It puts things in perspective real fast when you see something like this happen.  Life can be turned upside down in an instant so I want my days on this earth to matter.  I don't want to lose someone without them knowing they mattered to me.

2.

I am really sick of winter but in my efforts to find the silver lining in everything, I have thought of a reason I am thankful for the cold snowy weather. 

I'm so grateful I can wear big bulky sweatshirts that hide the extra pounds I'm working on losing.  If it were summer I would be putting on jeans & a t-shirt and asking myself what to do with the oh-so-attractive roll siting on top my jeans.  Do I tuck it in?  Push it to the back?  Leave it out?  Push it up and say its part of my chest?  Or just name it?!  

3. 

Because I am tired,  I will refer to a previous post and say:  I am grateful that top button held.  I bet all those ladies were grateful as well.  http://simplyjunehaskell.blogspot.com/2011/02/scandal-at-relief-society.html

1. 

I have to start with how sincerely grateful I am that our friends and loved ones in Christchurch, New Zealand were not hurt in the earthquake that hit NZ on Tuesday.  It puts things in perspective real fast when you see something like this happen.  Life can be turned upside down in an instant so I want my days on this earth to matter.  I don't want to lose someone without them knowing they mattered to me.

2.

I am really sick of winter but in my efforts to find the silver lining in everything, I have thought of a reason I am thankful for the cold snowy weather. 

I'm so grateful I can wear big bulky sweatshirts that hide the extra pounds I'm working on losing.  If it were summer I would be putting on jeans & a t-shirt and asking myself what to do with the oh-so-attractive roll siting on top my jeans.  Do I tuck it in?  Push it to the back?  Leave it out?  Push it up and say its part of my chest?  Or just name it?!  

3. 

Because I am tired,  I will refer to a previous post and say:  I am grateful that top button held.  I bet all those ladies were grateful as well.  http://simplyjunehaskell.blogspot.com/2011/02/scandal-at-relief-society.html

Scandal at Relief Society

About a year after I had my son Joshua, I had finally lost all the weight I gained while being pregnant.  To celebrate that last 10 pounds, I went shopping.  The following Sunday I pulled out the new skirt I had purchased and I smiled as I put it on. 


After years of living with my grandma,  I had her speech about wearing slips under your skirts or dresses burned in my brain.  She told us many times how it was unacceptable not to wear one so I smiled because the skirt bought was lined with a nice silky type material.  It was a built-in slip!  Grandma would be so proud!

This was 1990 and my skirt was the new style I had seen on the mannequin in the store window.  It had buttons from the top of the skirt all the way to the bottom.  I left for church the following Sunday feeling pretty cute in my new skirt. 

After sacrament meeting I walked into Relief Society and found a seat on the back row.  This was a great place to sit because Josh had learned to walk and the row in front of me was  far enough away to give him room to roam. 

There was a song, a prayer and then we began the lesson.  It wasn't long after the lesson began that Josh started to wave and smile at the ladies while walking up the aisle.  This is about the time my friend next to me whispered to me how cute he was.  What i didn't know was that while we began to chat a bit Josh had made his way to the front and began dancing next to the teacher.  I looked up when I heard laughing and hurried to the front of the room to get him. 

As I bent down to pick him up, instead of laughing I heard gasps.  Something had obviously happen and I had missed it.  Dang! 
 I took my seat in the back with Josh on my lap and this time when my friend whispered in my ear she said "All your buttons are undone except the one at the top....Why weren't you wearing a slip?!"   I didn't quite understand until a few seconds later she whispered;  "Honey, you just mooned the entire Relief Society"  and started laughing.   I never wore that dang skirt again.  Obviously.

About a year after I had my son Joshua, I had finally lost all the weight I gained while being pregnant.  To celebrate that last 10 pounds, I went shopping.  The following Sunday I pulled out the new skirt I had purchased and I smiled as I put it on. 


After years of living with my grandma,  I had her speech about wearing slips under your skirts or dresses burned in my brain.  She told us many times how it was unacceptable not to wear one so I smiled because the skirt bought was lined with a nice silky type material.  It was a built-in slip!  Grandma would be so proud!

This was 1990 and my skirt was the new style I had seen on the mannequin in the store window.  It had buttons from the top of the skirt all the way to the bottom.  I left for church the following Sunday feeling pretty cute in my new skirt. 

After sacrament meeting I walked into Relief Society and found a seat on the back row.  This was a great place to sit because Josh had learned to walk and the row in front of me was  far enough away to give him room to roam. 

There was a song, a prayer and then we began the lesson.  It wasn't long after the lesson began that Josh started to wave and smile at the ladies while walking up the aisle.  This is about the time my friend next to me whispered to me how cute he was.  What i didn't know was that while we began to chat a bit Josh had made his way to the front and began dancing next to the teacher.  I looked up when I heard laughing and hurried to the front of the room to get him. 

As I bent down to pick him up, instead of laughing I heard gasps.  Something had obviously happen and I had missed it.  Dang! 
 I took my seat in the back with Josh on my lap and this time when my friend whispered in my ear she said "All your buttons are undone except the one at the top....Why weren't you wearing a slip?!"   I didn't quite understand until a few seconds later she whispered;  "Honey, you just mooned the entire Relief Society"  and started laughing.   I never wore that dang skirt again.  Obviously.

Beautiful

Pretty may be something you're born with.

 But Beautiful,

that's an equal opportunity adjective.

Pretty may be something you're born with.

 But Beautiful,

that's an equal opportunity adjective.

Punctuation

An English professor wrote the words:

"A WOMAN WITHOUT HER MAN IS NOTHING" on the chalkboard and asked his students to punctuate it correctly.

All of the males in the class wrote:

"A WOMAN,  WITHOUT HER  MAN,  IS NOTHING."

All of the females in the class wrote:

"A WOMAN;  WITHOUT HER,  MAN  IS  NOTHING."

Punctuation is powerful.

An English professor wrote the words:

"A WOMAN WITHOUT HER MAN IS NOTHING" on the chalkboard and asked his students to punctuate it correctly.

All of the males in the class wrote:

"A WOMAN,  WITHOUT HER  MAN,  IS NOTHING."

All of the females in the class wrote:

"A WOMAN;  WITHOUT HER,  MAN  IS  NOTHING."

Punctuation is powerful.

Winter makes me miss New Zealand

Beautiful New Zealand.  If you aren't sure why winter would make me miss New Zealand, just take a look at where we lived for 5 years!  Doesn't this look better than snow?!

The first day in NZ we stopped at McDonald's and I ordered a sausage biscuit with egg.  The young girl who took my order looked confused and a bit disgusted.  She could not understand why I wanted a cookie, made out of sausage, with an egg on top.  I didn't understand either.  Yuck.

I've certainly got some funny looks from Kiwi's that don't understand what the heck is coming outta my mouth!! I was oblivious of the way different countries use certain words for meaning.  Here's a few examples:

Lollies - Candy
Holiday - Vacation
Biscuit - Cookie
Sausage - Hot Dog
Trim milk - Skim milk
Presents - Gifts
BBQ - Grill out
Tea - evening meal
Fizzy drink - Soda
Sweet - cool or awesome
Sweet as - same as sweet
Ta - thanks
Mate - A Friend
Bro - also a friend
Togs - swimwear

Day two, the kids and I went with Brian to church for the first time.  We already knew how fun, kind and welcoming the ward members were because Brian had moved over a few months before us.  You know how at every ward party there is one table that is having WAY more fun than anyone else?  Well, I had just moved into a country full of the people sitting at that table. I still miss it.  So I was ready for all the hugs and kisses from people who didn't know us.  Greetings from women AND men were a kiss on the cheek. Aside from the men kissing me, it was like walking into a family reunion! 

After being so warmly greeted, we took our seat in the chapel and a few minutes later we sang the opening song.  I remember thinking "These guys are awesome!  I'm going to be so chilled out here!" (this thought was reinforced later when the entire Relief Society stopped to make sure I knew that living in NZ meant I never had to wear pantyhose to church ever again. I took them off in the car after church and didn't wear them again for 5 years.)

So here I am feeling "chilled out" when the bishop stands up to announce a few items of business and who will be speaking.  He announced how happy they all were to have Brother Haskell's family finally with him.  And then I thought I heard him say something about speaker, or June, or something.  As the bishop sat down I leaned over and whispered in Brian's ear "I thought maybe he had said June Haskell is our first speaker!  Haaa haaa".  The look Brian gave me, I will never forget.  EVER.  The room went dead silent as in slow motion I hear Brian say "HE DID SAY THAT".  This is the point where my personality trait of laughing when I'm nervous kicks in.  Now, not only am I the only one laughing in a quiet room, I am laughing in a quiet room while everyone else sits wondering why Brother Haskell married someone with tourette's syndrome. 

It seemed like an eternity but it was most likely only a minute or two.  Then I stood up and walked to the pulpit.  Let's just assume my "talk" was awesome.  I have no idea.  I think I just blocked it out.  The best part of that day hadn't even happen yet! 

After church, we were talking to the bishopric in the foyer and I gave another apology for the confusion about my "talk".  Then the bishop said "SWEET AS" which I heard as "SWEET Ass".   Wow.  What do you say to that?  You too Bishop?!  Ugh..... So my nervous laugh kicked in and I said THANK YOU!  Then, one of the counselors said "SWEET AS" to Brian!  These New Zealanders were not only nice but also very flattering! 

We got in the car to drive home and I said to Brian; "I cant believe in New Zealand it's okay for the bishopric to compliment not just my behind but yours as well?!"  And then my dear husband said, "I think you may still be in shock from the impromptu talk in church.  They said AS.  It just sounds like ass with the accent.  The day its okay for anyone at church  to compliment MY  behind we need to rethink our religion."

True that Brian,  True that. 

I have five years of stories like this...stay tuned!

Beautiful New Zealand.  If you aren't sure why winter would make me miss New Zealand, just take a look at where we lived for 5 years!  Doesn't this look better than snow?!

The first day in NZ we stopped at McDonald's and I ordered a sausage biscuit with egg.  The young girl who took my order looked confused and a bit disgusted.  She could not understand why I wanted a cookie, made out of sausage, with an egg on top.  I didn't understand either.  Yuck.

I've certainly got some funny looks from Kiwi's that don't understand what the heck is coming outta my mouth!! I was oblivious of the way different countries use certain words for meaning.  Here's a few examples:

Lollies - Candy
Holiday - Vacation
Biscuit - Cookie
Sausage - Hot Dog
Trim milk - Skim milk
Presents - Gifts
BBQ - Grill out
Tea - evening meal
Fizzy drink - Soda
Sweet - cool or awesome
Sweet as - same as sweet
Ta - thanks
Mate - A Friend
Bro - also a friend
Togs - swimwear

Day two, the kids and I went with Brian to church for the first time.  We already knew how fun, kind and welcoming the ward members were because Brian had moved over a few months before us.  You know how at every ward party there is one table that is having WAY more fun than anyone else?  Well, I had just moved into a country full of the people sitting at that table. I still miss it.  So I was ready for all the hugs and kisses from people who didn't know us.  Greetings from women AND men were a kiss on the cheek. Aside from the men kissing me, it was like walking into a family reunion! 

After being so warmly greeted, we took our seat in the chapel and a few minutes later we sang the opening song.  I remember thinking "These guys are awesome!  I'm going to be so chilled out here!" (this thought was reinforced later when the entire Relief Society stopped to make sure I knew that living in NZ meant I never had to wear pantyhose to church ever again. I took them off in the car after church and didn't wear them again for 5 years.)

So here I am feeling "chilled out" when the bishop stands up to announce a few items of business and who will be speaking.  He announced how happy they all were to have Brother Haskell's family finally with him.  And then I thought I heard him say something about speaker, or June, or something.  As the bishop sat down I leaned over and whispered in Brian's ear "I thought maybe he had said June Haskell is our first speaker!  Haaa haaa".  The look Brian gave me, I will never forget.  EVER.  The room went dead silent as in slow motion I hear Brian say "HE DID SAY THAT".  This is the point where my personality trait of laughing when I'm nervous kicks in.  Now, not only am I the only one laughing in a quiet room, I am laughing in a quiet room while everyone else sits wondering why Brother Haskell married someone with tourette's syndrome. 

It seemed like an eternity but it was most likely only a minute or two.  Then I stood up and walked to the pulpit.  Let's just assume my "talk" was awesome.  I have no idea.  I think I just blocked it out.  The best part of that day hadn't even happen yet! 

After church, we were talking to the bishopric in the foyer and I gave another apology for the confusion about my "talk".  Then the bishop said "SWEET AS" which I heard as "SWEET Ass".   Wow.  What do you say to that?  You too Bishop?!  Ugh..... So my nervous laugh kicked in and I said THANK YOU!  Then, one of the counselors said "SWEET AS" to Brian!  These New Zealanders were not only nice but also very flattering! 

We got in the car to drive home and I said to Brian; "I cant believe in New Zealand it's okay for the bishopric to compliment not just my behind but yours as well?!"  And then my dear husband said, "I think you may still be in shock from the impromptu talk in church.  They said AS.  It just sounds like ass with the accent.  The day its okay for anyone at church  to compliment MY  behind we need to rethink our religion."

True that Brian,  True that. 

I have five years of stories like this...stay tuned!

It is better for a girl to sleep a hundred years and be kissed and awakened by the right prince,

than to stay awake and be kissed a hundred times by the wrong frog.

It is better for a girl to sleep a hundred years and be kissed and awakened by the right prince,

than to stay awake and be kissed a hundred times by the wrong frog.

Give Thanks Daily

 One of my goals for 2011 is to think of something every single day I am thankful for.  I have a file full of my favorite quotes and these are a few I wanted to share about being thankful.

Did you know that it’s impossible to be
stressed out while you’re giving thanks???

We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.  ~Author Unknown

Here’s what I know… People who feel genuinely
thankful for what shows up in their lives
attract more success and abundance!

 I am going to try and blog at least 3 different things I am grateful for each week. 

Here goes week number one!



I’m thankful for so many good memories of family and loved ones. 

Weather it is by death, distance or by choice that they exit your life, those memories keep them alive in your heart.  Some of those loved ones are already gone so  it’s those good memories I cling to.

 I am grateful for Visiting Teaching.  Let me first begin by saying it’s not because I am a super, amazing visiting teacher.   Because I’m not.  I am the reason a pair of awesome women end up with an “Alternate” companion.  No, really.  Anyone who knows me, knows there is usually  some sort of craziness going on in my life which results in me moving Visiting Teaching to the bottom of my to do list.  And yet, somehow I have been blessed to have sisters assigned to me that I admire and whom inspire me to be a better person.  I wont list them all now but here is  the one I picked for this week.

Cindy –

Yes, she is a nice as she looks.  She didn’t get mad after I made plans to walk with her early in the morning and then slept through her knocking on the door.  Twice.  She took me to lunch the other day.  She sends me texts and emails to see how I am doing.   And she isn’t even my visiting teacher….. I’m hers.

I’m thankful my sister is now on AT&T so we can talk for free whenever we want for FREE!!

 



 One of my goals for 2011 is to think of something every single day I am thankful for.  I have a file full of my favorite quotes and these are a few I wanted to share about being thankful.

Did you know that it’s impossible to be
stressed out while you’re giving thanks???

We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.  ~Author Unknown

Here’s what I know… People who feel genuinely
thankful for what shows up in their lives
attract more success and abundance!

 I am going to try and blog at least 3 different things I am grateful for each week. 

Here goes week number one!



I’m thankful for so many good memories of family and loved ones. 

Weather it is by death, distance or by choice that they exit your life, those memories keep them alive in your heart.  Some of those loved ones are already gone so  it’s those good memories I cling to.

 I am grateful for Visiting Teaching.  Let me first begin by saying it’s not because I am a super, amazing visiting teacher.   Because I’m not.  I am the reason a pair of awesome women end up with an “Alternate” companion.  No, really.  Anyone who knows me, knows there is usually  some sort of craziness going on in my life which results in me moving Visiting Teaching to the bottom of my to do list.  And yet, somehow I have been blessed to have sisters assigned to me that I admire and whom inspire me to be a better person.  I wont list them all now but here is  the one I picked for this week.

Cindy –

Yes, she is a nice as she looks.  She didn’t get mad after I made plans to walk with her early in the morning and then slept through her knocking on the door.  Twice.  She took me to lunch the other day.  She sends me texts and emails to see how I am doing.   And she isn’t even my visiting teacher….. I’m hers.

I’m thankful my sister is now on AT&T so we can talk for free whenever we want for FREE!!

 



Valentines Day 2011

I have thing for good quotes.  In honor of Valentines Day I am sharing a few of my favorites about LOVE.

A life filled with love must have some thorns, but a life empty of love will have no roses.

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything.
~Katherine Hepburn


There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer, no disease that enough love will not heal, no door that enough love will not bridge, no wall that enough love will not throw down, no sin that enough love will not redeem... It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble, how hopeless the outlook, how muddled the tangle, how great the mistake. A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all. If only you could love enough, you could be the happiest and most powerful being in the world...     ~Emmet Fox

 

There is no more lovely, friendly, charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.
~Martin Luther

Love may not make the world go round, but I must admit that it makes the ride worthwhile.

People think they have to find their soul mate to have a good marriage.   You're not going to "find" your soul mate.  Anyone you meet already has soul mates - their mother. Their father. Their lifelong friends. You get married, and after 20 years of loving, bearing and raising kids, meeting challenges - then you'll "create" your soul mate.

I have thing for good quotes.  In honor of Valentines Day I am sharing a few of my favorites about LOVE.

A life filled with love must have some thorns, but a life empty of love will have no roses.

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything.
~Katherine Hepburn


There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer, no disease that enough love will not heal, no door that enough love will not bridge, no wall that enough love will not throw down, no sin that enough love will not redeem... It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble, how hopeless the outlook, how muddled the tangle, how great the mistake. A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all. If only you could love enough, you could be the happiest and most powerful being in the world...     ~Emmet Fox

 

There is no more lovely, friendly, charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.
~Martin Luther

Love may not make the world go round, but I must admit that it makes the ride worthwhile.

People think they have to find their soul mate to have a good marriage.   You're not going to "find" your soul mate.  Anyone you meet already has soul mates - their mother. Their father. Their lifelong friends. You get married, and after 20 years of loving, bearing and raising kids, meeting challenges - then you'll "create" your soul mate.

Who Else Entered?

Coppied from Facebook yesterday:

 June Haskell to Rachel Evernden

Hey Gorgeous! We got your wedding invitation today. I'm so so soooo happy for you!!! I was telling Brian and Jordan about getting it in the mail today and here's how that conversation went....

June - "Check out Rachel's wedding announcement! "

Jordan - "Who else entered?"

June - "What?!"

Jordan - "Who else entered?"

June - "It's not a raffle! This isnt a sweepstakes!"

I can just picture it now..... It's like THE PRICE IS RIGHT! "Alright ladies and gentleman, the closes bid without going over is............. COUSIN BOB!!! No, wait! We have a silent bidder......UH, OH!! Bob's bid wasnt enough!! A come from behind win goes to DALLIN! (cheering) and none of us are happier than Bob's wife Mildred!

Jordan - "Oh yeah, I meant invited. Who else was invited."

June - "I have no idea" lol

Coppied from Facebook yesterday:

 June Haskell to Rachel Evernden

Hey Gorgeous! We got your wedding invitation today. I'm so so soooo happy for you!!! I was telling Brian and Jordan about getting it in the mail today and here's how that conversation went....

June - "Check out Rachel's wedding announcement! "

Jordan - "Who else entered?"

June - "What?!"

Jordan - "Who else entered?"

June - "It's not a raffle! This isnt a sweepstakes!"

I can just picture it now..... It's like THE PRICE IS RIGHT! "Alright ladies and gentleman, the closes bid without going over is............. COUSIN BOB!!! No, wait! We have a silent bidder......UH, OH!! Bob's bid wasnt enough!! A come from behind win goes to DALLIN! (cheering) and none of us are happier than Bob's wife Mildred!

Jordan - "Oh yeah, I meant invited. Who else was invited."

June - "I have no idea" lol

A few ways to Keep Life Simple

1.   Be Decisive. Is it yes or no?  Remove maybe.

2.  Less is more. Replace “Could I do more?” with “Would I like to do more?”.

3.  Set time limits — when the timer dings, stop and move on.

4. Brainstorm 60 different ways to do X. Mix and match. Divide and blend. Then, choose one way. Ditch the rest.

5. Instead of Multi-tasking, Uni-task.

6. Aim for imperfection.

7. Choose to start. Avoidance feeds complexity.

8. Edit everything — remove the unnecessary words, tasks, projects, numbers, cash, links, and stuff. Cleanse and breathe a sigh of relief.

9. Value quality over quantity.

10.  Set a goal. Divide the goal in half. Aim for early success to fuel momentum. Slow and steady wins the race.

11 Be specific. Use dates — always.

12. Recycle. Don’t fix what’s not broken. Reuse what’s worked before.

13. Trust your intuition and the still small voice within. Resist second guessing.


- Simplicity requires intention. You must own what you do. -

1.   Be Decisive. Is it yes or no?  Remove maybe.

2.  Less is more. Replace “Could I do more?” with “Would I like to do more?”.

3.  Set time limits — when the timer dings, stop and move on.

4. Brainstorm 60 different ways to do X. Mix and match. Divide and blend. Then, choose one way. Ditch the rest.

5. Instead of Multi-tasking, Uni-task.

6. Aim for imperfection.

7. Choose to start. Avoidance feeds complexity.

8. Edit everything — remove the unnecessary words, tasks, projects, numbers, cash, links, and stuff. Cleanse and breathe a sigh of relief.

9. Value quality over quantity.

10.  Set a goal. Divide the goal in half. Aim for early success to fuel momentum. Slow and steady wins the race.

11 Be specific. Use dates — always.

12. Recycle. Don’t fix what’s not broken. Reuse what’s worked before.

13. Trust your intuition and the still small voice within. Resist second guessing.


- Simplicity requires intention. You must own what you do. -

King Of Anything - Sara Bareilles

I still do and I still would

After lots of discussion, and being laughed at, I'll just say it. 

Carrie, June & Lisa

Fine.  I admit it.  If I got a call saying my sister Carrie wanted to meet with me and talk, I would go.  Yep, I would. Even though I would most likely end up hurt.  It drives me crazy to hear how much she hates me.  Especially since I was accused of doing so many things I didn't do.  It's almost become something to tease me about.  "June would talk to her if she could!  Baaa haa ahaa!"  No one can understand why I feel any desire to ever have anything to do with them.  My family are just tired of watching me be hurt.  I know how much love and support I have in friends and family, and it means the world to me. 

I took quite a verbal beating for wanting to make sure Carrie knew about our Grandpa in the hospital.  But the way I see it, Why wouldn't I?  I still love her and wish her only the best.  I refuse to allow another persons actions towards me, to change how I treat others.  I guess I would rather do what I feel is the right thing for me, than what everyone else thinks I should do.  Which means, I end up allowing myself to be vulnerable.  I open that wound up at the hope of being a good person and treating her the way I wish I had been treated.   How does it happen?  How have I been able to be so strong through every other horrible thing I've experienced and yet this one incident has left me a wreck?   I have never felt so weak in my life....and I hate that. 

Maybe I just can't wrap my head around what happen.  Maybe I just need to realize how little I meant to them in the first place.  Maybe it will just take time. Maybe the day will come when it wont make me sad.   Maybe my sweet nieces don't really believe what they have heard.  Maybe someday the truth will matter. Maybe someday I wont care.   Maybe.

After lots of discussion, and being laughed at, I'll just say it. 

Carrie, June & Lisa

Fine.  I admit it.  If I got a call saying my sister Carrie wanted to meet with me and talk, I would go.  Yep, I would. Even though I would most likely end up hurt.  It drives me crazy to hear how much she hates me.  Especially since I was accused of doing so many things I didn't do.  It's almost become something to tease me about.  "June would talk to her if she could!  Baaa haa ahaa!"  No one can understand why I feel any desire to ever have anything to do with them.  My family are just tired of watching me be hurt.  I know how much love and support I have in friends and family, and it means the world to me. 

I took quite a verbal beating for wanting to make sure Carrie knew about our Grandpa in the hospital.  But the way I see it, Why wouldn't I?  I still love her and wish her only the best.  I refuse to allow another persons actions towards me, to change how I treat others.  I guess I would rather do what I feel is the right thing for me, than what everyone else thinks I should do.  Which means, I end up allowing myself to be vulnerable.  I open that wound up at the hope of being a good person and treating her the way I wish I had been treated.   How does it happen?  How have I been able to be so strong through every other horrible thing I've experienced and yet this one incident has left me a wreck?   I have never felt so weak in my life....and I hate that. 

Maybe I just can't wrap my head around what happen.  Maybe I just need to realize how little I meant to them in the first place.  Maybe it will just take time. Maybe the day will come when it wont make me sad.   Maybe my sweet nieces don't really believe what they have heard.  Maybe someday the truth will matter. Maybe someday I wont care.   Maybe.

Mindy Gledhill - Anchor

Baby Talk

On our way back from Salt Lake yesterday, Lindsey and I stop for lunch.  Before we left, I ran into the restrooms. 

There is just one other stall being used and the woman is going on and on saying "Your a big girl" and "Oh, look at you!"  So, I text Lindsey about how its kinda funny that some lady is talking quite loud to her child. 

While washing my hands, I hear her stop talking and open the stall door.  I glance over expecting to see the little one....

That's right.... No Baby.  Not even a purse...Uh, yeah......



On our way back from Salt Lake yesterday, Lindsey and I stop for lunch.  Before we left, I ran into the restrooms. 

There is just one other stall being used and the woman is going on and on saying "Your a big girl" and "Oh, look at you!"  So, I text Lindsey about how its kinda funny that some lady is talking quite loud to her child. 

While washing my hands, I hear her stop talking and open the stall door.  I glance over expecting to see the little one....

That's right.... No Baby.  Not even a purse...Uh, yeah......



Grandpa

My sister Kay and  I went to visit my Grandpa in the hospital last night.  Seeing him in the hospital bed, hooked up to machines, with tubes all over was pretty overwhelming.  He told us how much he loved us and then, as he choked by the tears, told us that my mother sending us away to live here in Utah, was one of his greatest blessings.  I've never seen him cry before. 

After a while, we started talking about the BYU game that day. (BYU won)  I mentioned how funny it was to watch BYU games with Grandma.  She would start out sitting with the rest of us but as soon as BYU started to lose, she'd say "I cant watch!  They are going to lose!  I'm not going to watch this."  and with that, she would go upstairs into the kitchen.  As soon as BYU scored, we would see grandma's head slowly poke around the corner.  Another good play, and she'd be standing at the top of the stairs, watching the game.  As soon as BYU started to fall behind again she would tell us all "I cant watch!  They are going to lose!  I'm not going to watch this." and go back in the kitchen.  This is basically how the rest of the game would go.  It was just to funny, to watch her head poke around the corner over and over again. Grandpa laughed as we talked about Grandma, so I told him one of my favorite memories of grandma.

One day, right after Brian and I got engaged, a visitor came by Grandma's house to talk to me.  I had been staying there a few weeks and Brian was over for lunch.  I opened the door and a guy I had dated walked in.  Let's call him Floyd.  Floyd ask Brian and I to have a seat and then he sat across from us and pulled out a paper.  "I don't think June has given anyone else a fair chance so I have made up a dating schedule.  Brian, I have given you Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  We can alternate weekends."

Seriously?  wow.  My grandma had heard all this so, while Brian tried to kindly turn down his offer, she stood behind Floyd with her fists up like a boxer preparing to enter the ring!  She was scowling at him and motioning to me to kick him out of there.  About this time, Floyd said to Brian, "If you love her, set her free."  And with that, Grandma took her game of Charades to a whole new level.  I started laughing and Floyd thought I was laughing at him so he angrily left. 

I told Grandpa this story last night and he laughed harder than I have ever seen him laugh before!  Kay thought he may actually lose his breath a few times!  We had been there for an hour so we told him how much we loved him and then we left.  I will never forget how great it was to see him laughing and I will always remember his eyes glistening with tears as he told us how much he loved us. 

I don't know if my Grandparents will ever realize how much they did for us when the took us in and became our parents.  We left a home with pain and neglect and began a new life in Utah where love was unconditional.  They saved us in many ways. 

My sister Kay and  I went to visit my Grandpa in the hospital last night.  Seeing him in the hospital bed, hooked up to machines, with tubes all over was pretty overwhelming.  He told us how much he loved us and then, as he choked by the tears, told us that my mother sending us away to live here in Utah, was one of his greatest blessings.  I've never seen him cry before. 

After a while, we started talking about the BYU game that day. (BYU won)  I mentioned how funny it was to watch BYU games with Grandma.  She would start out sitting with the rest of us but as soon as BYU started to lose, she'd say "I cant watch!  They are going to lose!  I'm not going to watch this."  and with that, she would go upstairs into the kitchen.  As soon as BYU scored, we would see grandma's head slowly poke around the corner.  Another good play, and she'd be standing at the top of the stairs, watching the game.  As soon as BYU started to fall behind again she would tell us all "I cant watch!  They are going to lose!  I'm not going to watch this." and go back in the kitchen.  This is basically how the rest of the game would go.  It was just to funny, to watch her head poke around the corner over and over again. Grandpa laughed as we talked about Grandma, so I told him one of my favorite memories of grandma.

One day, right after Brian and I got engaged, a visitor came by Grandma's house to talk to me.  I had been staying there a few weeks and Brian was over for lunch.  I opened the door and a guy I had dated walked in.  Let's call him Floyd.  Floyd ask Brian and I to have a seat and then he sat across from us and pulled out a paper.  "I don't think June has given anyone else a fair chance so I have made up a dating schedule.  Brian, I have given you Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  We can alternate weekends."

Seriously?  wow.  My grandma had heard all this so, while Brian tried to kindly turn down his offer, she stood behind Floyd with her fists up like a boxer preparing to enter the ring!  She was scowling at him and motioning to me to kick him out of there.  About this time, Floyd said to Brian, "If you love her, set her free."  And with that, Grandma took her game of Charades to a whole new level.  I started laughing and Floyd thought I was laughing at him so he angrily left. 

I told Grandpa this story last night and he laughed harder than I have ever seen him laugh before!  Kay thought he may actually lose his breath a few times!  We had been there for an hour so we told him how much we loved him and then we left.  I will never forget how great it was to see him laughing and I will always remember his eyes glistening with tears as he told us how much he loved us. 

I don't know if my Grandparents will ever realize how much they did for us when the took us in and became our parents.  We left a home with pain and neglect and began a new life in Utah where love was unconditional.  They saved us in many ways. 

The June Cord

Many years ago, we went boating with Dan & Holly Dixon and Todd & Yolanda, Keith.  We all had a child or two in the boat, which made me worried at each turn that the boat would tip a child into the water.   Somehow, Dan decided that June needed to drive boat.  So, I started driving around Utah lake slowly and carefully. 

Dan said,

“June, It is impossible for you to tip someone out!  No one is going to get hurt!!” 

So I hit the gas and off we went!  It was lots of fun for about 1 whole minute and then I took a sharp turn.  Suddenly I was on the floor, Dan was now on the other side of the boat, and Todd was yelling “Grab the Wheel”. 

They got the runaway boat turned off and Todd looks down at me and said

“see that red cord over there attached to the key?  You should have wrapped that around your wrist because if you fall, it pulls the key out and stops the boat. It’s a safety cord” 

Then Dan announces, "from now on it’s going to be called “The June Cord”.

Many years ago, we went boating with Dan & Holly Dixon and Todd & Yolanda, Keith.  We all had a child or two in the boat, which made me worried at each turn that the boat would tip a child into the water.   Somehow, Dan decided that June needed to drive boat.  So, I started driving around Utah lake slowly and carefully. 

Dan said,

“June, It is impossible for you to tip someone out!  No one is going to get hurt!!” 

So I hit the gas and off we went!  It was lots of fun for about 1 whole minute and then I took a sharp turn.  Suddenly I was on the floor, Dan was now on the other side of the boat, and Todd was yelling “Grab the Wheel”. 

They got the runaway boat turned off and Todd looks down at me and said

“see that red cord over there attached to the key?  You should have wrapped that around your wrist because if you fall, it pulls the key out and stops the boat. It’s a safety cord” 

Then Dan announces, "from now on it’s going to be called “The June Cord”.

YOU OVERSLEPT & JINGLE BELL

Joshua - We recently found out that to qualify for any federal aide, Josh would have to get a GED instead of just using the diploma from New Zealand.  Josh took and passed his test this week so he can finish the papers now to begin the Police Academy in April.  On Thursday, he was able to go out with an Orem police officer for 4 hours and loved every second!  Fire, accident, a runaway jumping out of a car and going over 100mph with the sirens blaring were some of the highlights.  And last but not least, Josh finally bought a car.

Lindsey - Lindsey has been busy with school and work as usual.  After getting her certification last week in Phlebotomy, she is now looking around for a job in the health care field.  Also this week, we met the guy responsible for the perm-a-smile on Lindsey's face.  He is a  nice guy,  and also  the  first guy that all 3  of her brothers instantly liked. 

Jordan & Jared - I was going to write something different but they have requested I just tell everyone what I did to them this morning.  At 7:20am I rolled over, still half asleep, saw the clock and jumped out of bed!  I hurried into the boys room, flipped on the light and started yelling "You boys over slept!  It's 7:20!  Move it!!"  then I heard a muffled voice coming from Brian...."June, it's Saturday."   Ooops.. 

It reminded me of a Christmas morning about 12 years ago.  Every Christmas Eve Joshua would have the worst time getting to sleep because he was so excited!  The Christmas eve he was 7, we heard him crying his eyes out in bed.  Brian and I ran in to see what was wrong and there he was, sitting on the top bunk, crying with a big smile on his face.  When I ask him why he was crying he said "I'm just so happy!!  It's almost Christmas!"  Unbelievable.  He would get up in the middle of the night and sneak around to see what Santa had left every single year!  Once, he just couldn't stand it and opened a gift and then wrapped it back up.

We made a rule that no one could get up on Christmas day before 6am.  I knew he would most likely break this rule so I found a huge jingle bell and hung it one the kids bedroom door.  The plan was, if anyone opened the door, I would hear the bell. 

About 3am Brian and I were sound asleep when all of a sudden I heard the bell! I jumped up and started yelling for Brian to get up. "Jingle bell!  JINGLE BELL!"  I yelled.  I walked down the hall still yelling for Brian to get up.  I went to find my little sneaky ninja son, who thought he could outwit his mother.  I was looking around the Christmas tree, but there was no Josh to be found.  As I turned around, I saw Brian holding Jordan, and Lindsey smiling with massive bed head.
Josh,  with the imprint of his pj's still on his cheek, who had obviously just been asleep,  folded his arms and said "mom, you woke me up yelling Jingle Bell."  It turns out, I had been dreaming about not hearing the bell in time.

We opened presents that year at 3:10am and the ditched the bell idea.

What happen this week?

Joshua - We recently found out that to qualify for any federal aide, Josh would have to get a GED instead of just using the diploma from New Zealand.  Josh took and passed his test this week so he can finish the papers now to begin the Police Academy in April.  On Thursday, he was able to go out with an Orem police officer for 4 hours and loved every second!  Fire, accident, a runaway jumping out of a car and going over 100mph with the sirens blaring were some of the highlights.  And last but not least, Josh finally bought a car.

Lindsey - Lindsey has been busy with school and work as usual.  After getting her certification last week in Phlebotomy, she is now looking around for a job in the health care field.  Also this week, we met the guy responsible for the perm-a-smile on Lindsey's face.  He is a  nice guy,  and also  the  first guy that all 3  of her brothers instantly liked. 

Jordan & Jared - I was going to write something different but they have requested I just tell everyone what I did to them this morning.  At 7:20am I rolled over, still half asleep, saw the clock and jumped out of bed!  I hurried into the boys room, flipped on the light and started yelling "You boys over slept!  It's 7:20!  Move it!!"  then I heard a muffled voice coming from Brian...."June, it's Saturday."   Ooops.. 

It reminded me of a Christmas morning about 12 years ago.  Every Christmas Eve Joshua would have the worst time getting to sleep because he was so excited!  The Christmas eve he was 7, we heard him crying his eyes out in bed.  Brian and I ran in to see what was wrong and there he was, sitting on the top bunk, crying with a big smile on his face.  When I ask him why he was crying he said "I'm just so happy!!  It's almost Christmas!"  Unbelievable.  He would get up in the middle of the night and sneak around to see what Santa had left every single year!  Once, he just couldn't stand it and opened a gift and then wrapped it back up.

We made a rule that no one could get up on Christmas day before 6am.  I knew he would most likely break this rule so I found a huge jingle bell and hung it one the kids bedroom door.  The plan was, if anyone opened the door, I would hear the bell. 

About 3am Brian and I were sound asleep when all of a sudden I heard the bell! I jumped up and started yelling for Brian to get up. "Jingle bell!  JINGLE BELL!"  I yelled.  I walked down the hall still yelling for Brian to get up.  I went to find my little sneaky ninja son, who thought he could outwit his mother.  I was looking around the Christmas tree, but there was no Josh to be found.  As I turned around, I saw Brian holding Jordan, and Lindsey smiling with massive bed head.
Josh,  with the imprint of his pj's still on his cheek, who had obviously just been asleep,  folded his arms and said "mom, you woke me up yelling Jingle Bell."  It turns out, I had been dreaming about not hearing the bell in time.

We opened presents that year at 3:10am and the ditched the bell idea.

What happen this week?

Cherish

Cherish –  

A term used when describing how one who doesn’t know the words, still sings like crazy and with feeling.    This word was invented one day when the song “cherish” came on the radio and my mother sang loud and strong and got only that word in the lyrics right.   Here’s an example:

There once was a magical elf,

who lived in a rainbow tree.

He lived downstairs from a flatulent dwarf,

who was constantly having to pee.

One day the elf could take no more,

and went and banged on the rude dwarfs door.

And what do you know they suddenly both were

maaaaaaaarried.

Cherish –  

A term used when describing how one who doesn’t know the words, still sings like crazy and with feeling.    This word was invented one day when the song “cherish” came on the radio and my mother sang loud and strong and got only that word in the lyrics right.   Here’s an example:

There once was a magical elf,

who lived in a rainbow tree.

He lived downstairs from a flatulent dwarf,

who was constantly having to pee.

One day the elf could take no more,

and went and banged on the rude dwarfs door.

And what do you know they suddenly both were

maaaaaaaarried.

Grandpa, Lindsey, freezing cold and Rocks

Oprah calls it an "AH-ha" moment, but as for me, this morning at that moment I felt I could finally breathe again.


Tuesday night as Kay, Dave and I were driving back from Salt Lake, we got a call and  found out my Grandpa Stringham had been admitted to the hospital.  None of us knew he had been sick so it was a bit of a shock. Over the last few years, my Grandma has been the one we have all been worried about.  Just the thought of losing him as well, had Kay and I in tears.  These two people saved my life in so many ways.  We were so blessed to have them as parents.   After lots of phone calls, we were able to get the details on his condition.  Grandpa has been doing everything at home so now, we all needed  to be a support to Grandma.


As I was driving back from Salt Lake I felt very strongly that someone needed to tell my youngest sister Carrie.  No matter how she feels about me, or anyone else in the family, he is still her grandfather and I know she loves him.  I know she loves my grandma and I thought she would want to help out, especially since she lives less than a mile away.  I was alone in feeling the way I did.  I decided to call her because I would want someone to let me know.  Honestly, with the way things have gone this last year, I think if no one says anything then it will be "June made everyone keep quiet about my own Grandfather being ill!".  Either way, I decided just because she hates me doesn't mean I stop being her big sister.  If no one else was going to tell her than I will try.  I'm not sure I even had the right number but I left a short message anyway. 


The next morning my Aunt called me to give me an update and ask if it would be possible to organize people to stop in and check on grandma.  Still, no one else had tried to let my sister know.   As Lindsey and I got in the car a bit later she offered to go knock on Carrie's door and just give her the basic information. 

So, as I drove to Provo, I listened to Lindsey talk about how sad she was that Carrie didn't talk to her anymore.  She talked about how much she liked getting to know Carrie.  She really loved her Aunt.  Lindsey was sure it would be no big deal if she was the one at the door instead of myself or my siblings.  Alot of what happen last summer began with Lindsey's feelings being seriously hurt by this Aunt she adored.  As her mother I was so impressed as she instantly forgave and told Carrie how much she loved her and it was okay because she was sure she didn't mean to hurt her.  Lindsey was amazing.  They went on from then as if nothing happen and I was so glad.  We had really loved moving back and having Aunts & Uncles back in our lives.


I pull up to the house.  Lindsey is happy and not worried.  I promise to stay in the car so no one stresses out.  Then I watch my beautiful girl  walk up to the door in the freezing cold, and knock on the door.  No answer.  A minute goes by. Carrie looks out the peephole on the door and then  I watch my sister walk by with 2 of the kids.  Lindsey rings the doorbell.  Another minute. Carrie walks by again. No answer. Another 2 minutes.  Lindsey can hear the baby cry and she knocks again.  No answer.  Carrie walks back by again.  After 6 whole minutes of standing on the porch, at the home where her Aunt and Grandmother live....and are home, she looks back at me and then gives me a sad little smile. 

And then, I watch my girl try and talk through the front door.  A door her Aunt is standing on the other side of.  "It's just me, Lindsey.  We wanted you to know grandpa is in the hospital. He is okay for now.  Grandma could use a visit while he is gone. You have my number if you want to call......well, I tried." 


I watched her for six whole minutes.  Six minutes of freezing.  Five or so, minutes of complete faith that she would be treated differently.  And as she got back in the car I said "I'm sorry honey" and this amazing young lady of mine still had her smile and said to me "You know what, I should probably be really mad but I'm just cold.  I'm cold and I feel really bad for all of them."   WHAT?  I was upset for her!  I wanted to yell at them and say "How dare you!  She has been nothing but kind to you!" 

Instead, I listen as I realize she felt bad for people who were just rude to her when she didn't deserve it.  She told me; "I feel bad because we are an awesome family and it's their loss!  I feel sorry for anyone that must be so angry and  has pushed so many great things out of their life.  And that includes you mom.  So, whatever.  We tried.  It's done.  Now, can we go get some diet cokes?"


I felt this huge weight lift.  It was like an episode I saw of THE BIGGEST LOSER.  Near the end of the series when the contestants have lost quite a bit of weight.  They take them on a hike and every so often the contestants have to put a big rocks in their backpack.  They can barely breathe.  By the time they finish, they are now carrying all the weight they have managed to lose so far.  Every one of them get to the end of the hike and toss off the rocks in the backpack.  They talk about how they didn't realize how much weight they had been carrying until they were able to toss all the rocks off here at the end of the hike.  They say how it's easier to breathe now.

I know it sounds weird, but as I drove to get us diet cokes, all I could think of was those darn contestants at the end of the hike.  That's what I felt.  I felt like all of a sudden, I wasn't angry. I wasn't hurt.  I wasn't frustrated.  I wasn't wanting to fix it and I didn't care what they thought anymore.  I just felt really sorry for them.  I am so incredibly sad for what I know they are all missing.  It's been about a year of my focus, that should have been on other things, on all the drama.  And I didn't realize just how much all this was weighing me down.  Somehow, all it took was me watching my 18 year old as she handled what was an intentionally rude and hurtful moment, with class, dignity and most of all honesty in reminding her mother of the bigger picture.  This family of mine is looking forward to 2011 being a year without all those rocks.

Oprah calls it an "AH-ha" moment, but as for me, this morning at that moment I felt I could finally breathe again.


Tuesday night as Kay, Dave and I were driving back from Salt Lake, we got a call and  found out my Grandpa Stringham had been admitted to the hospital.  None of us knew he had been sick so it was a bit of a shock. Over the last few years, my Grandma has been the one we have all been worried about.  Just the thought of losing him as well, had Kay and I in tears.  These two people saved my life in so many ways.  We were so blessed to have them as parents.   After lots of phone calls, we were able to get the details on his condition.  Grandpa has been doing everything at home so now, we all needed  to be a support to Grandma.


As I was driving back from Salt Lake I felt very strongly that someone needed to tell my youngest sister Carrie.  No matter how she feels about me, or anyone else in the family, he is still her grandfather and I know she loves him.  I know she loves my grandma and I thought she would want to help out, especially since she lives less than a mile away.  I was alone in feeling the way I did.  I decided to call her because I would want someone to let me know.  Honestly, with the way things have gone this last year, I think if no one says anything then it will be "June made everyone keep quiet about my own Grandfather being ill!".  Either way, I decided just because she hates me doesn't mean I stop being her big sister.  If no one else was going to tell her than I will try.  I'm not sure I even had the right number but I left a short message anyway. 


The next morning my Aunt called me to give me an update and ask if it would be possible to organize people to stop in and check on grandma.  Still, no one else had tried to let my sister know.   As Lindsey and I got in the car a bit later she offered to go knock on Carrie's door and just give her the basic information. 

So, as I drove to Provo, I listened to Lindsey talk about how sad she was that Carrie didn't talk to her anymore.  She talked about how much she liked getting to know Carrie.  She really loved her Aunt.  Lindsey was sure it would be no big deal if she was the one at the door instead of myself or my siblings.  Alot of what happen last summer began with Lindsey's feelings being seriously hurt by this Aunt she adored.  As her mother I was so impressed as she instantly forgave and told Carrie how much she loved her and it was okay because she was sure she didn't mean to hurt her.  Lindsey was amazing.  They went on from then as if nothing happen and I was so glad.  We had really loved moving back and having Aunts & Uncles back in our lives.


I pull up to the house.  Lindsey is happy and not worried.  I promise to stay in the car so no one stresses out.  Then I watch my beautiful girl  walk up to the door in the freezing cold, and knock on the door.  No answer.  A minute goes by. Carrie looks out the peephole on the door and then  I watch my sister walk by with 2 of the kids.  Lindsey rings the doorbell.  Another minute. Carrie walks by again. No answer. Another 2 minutes.  Lindsey can hear the baby cry and she knocks again.  No answer.  Carrie walks back by again.  After 6 whole minutes of standing on the porch, at the home where her Aunt and Grandmother live....and are home, she looks back at me and then gives me a sad little smile. 

And then, I watch my girl try and talk through the front door.  A door her Aunt is standing on the other side of.  "It's just me, Lindsey.  We wanted you to know grandpa is in the hospital. He is okay for now.  Grandma could use a visit while he is gone. You have my number if you want to call......well, I tried." 


I watched her for six whole minutes.  Six minutes of freezing.  Five or so, minutes of complete faith that she would be treated differently.  And as she got back in the car I said "I'm sorry honey" and this amazing young lady of mine still had her smile and said to me "You know what, I should probably be really mad but I'm just cold.  I'm cold and I feel really bad for all of them."   WHAT?  I was upset for her!  I wanted to yell at them and say "How dare you!  She has been nothing but kind to you!" 

Instead, I listen as I realize she felt bad for people who were just rude to her when she didn't deserve it.  She told me; "I feel bad because we are an awesome family and it's their loss!  I feel sorry for anyone that must be so angry and  has pushed so many great things out of their life.  And that includes you mom.  So, whatever.  We tried.  It's done.  Now, can we go get some diet cokes?"


I felt this huge weight lift.  It was like an episode I saw of THE BIGGEST LOSER.  Near the end of the series when the contestants have lost quite a bit of weight.  They take them on a hike and every so often the contestants have to put a big rocks in their backpack.  They can barely breathe.  By the time they finish, they are now carrying all the weight they have managed to lose so far.  Every one of them get to the end of the hike and toss off the rocks in the backpack.  They talk about how they didn't realize how much weight they had been carrying until they were able to toss all the rocks off here at the end of the hike.  They say how it's easier to breathe now.

I know it sounds weird, but as I drove to get us diet cokes, all I could think of was those darn contestants at the end of the hike.  That's what I felt.  I felt like all of a sudden, I wasn't angry. I wasn't hurt.  I wasn't frustrated.  I wasn't wanting to fix it and I didn't care what they thought anymore.  I just felt really sorry for them.  I am so incredibly sad for what I know they are all missing.  It's been about a year of my focus, that should have been on other things, on all the drama.  And I didn't realize just how much all this was weighing me down.  Somehow, all it took was me watching my 18 year old as she handled what was an intentionally rude and hurtful moment, with class, dignity and most of all honesty in reminding her mother of the bigger picture.  This family of mine is looking forward to 2011 being a year without all those rocks.

The Year of the TREE



I always put off taking down all the Christmas decorations because once it is all put away, everything seems so bare and less homey.  I really don't like taking down the tree so, this year.... I'm not going to! 

Paper hearts, valentines, ribbon or just red bulbs left from christmas will do the trick, and it's inexpensive way to decorate your tree.

I had such a great time with Lindsey, cutting out hearts and digging around looking for any scrapbook paper we had tucked away.

We did take a quick trip to Robert's, to get netting we used as garland.  And it was on sale for 60% off!

After a much needed trip to the PIRATE section, mixed with the usual search for the perfect pirate BOA, we finished up at Roberts and headed home.

We made a big mess, but we had a great time, as usual!  We already had the lights on the tree, which I love for that soft glow you get at night. 

How awesome is getting a subtle reminder all month, of how we have so many people in our life that love us?!  And not just our family, but also those people in our lives that make us smile when we really dont feel like smiling. 

I hope they all know how much we love them.... and now, I'm going to think of more ways to show it every time I walk past our tree. 



I always put off taking down all the Christmas decorations because once it is all put away, everything seems so bare and less homey.  I really don't like taking down the tree so, this year.... I'm not going to! 

Paper hearts, valentines, ribbon or just red bulbs left from christmas will do the trick, and it's inexpensive way to decorate your tree.

I had such a great time with Lindsey, cutting out hearts and digging around looking for any scrapbook paper we had tucked away.

We did take a quick trip to Robert's, to get netting we used as garland.  And it was on sale for 60% off!

After a much needed trip to the PIRATE section, mixed with the usual search for the perfect pirate BOA, we finished up at Roberts and headed home.

We made a big mess, but we had a great time, as usual!  We already had the lights on the tree, which I love for that soft glow you get at night. 

How awesome is getting a subtle reminder all month, of how we have so many people in our life that love us?!  And not just our family, but also those people in our lives that make us smile when we really dont feel like smiling. 

I hope they all know how much we love them.... and now, I'm going to think of more ways to show it every time I walk past our tree.